As we approach the midpoint of the NFL’s regular season, making daring choices in fantasy football can lead to favorable outcomes. Here are some recommended players to sit or start for Week 8, along with a few players you might want to steer clear of.
**Quarterback Recommendations**
**Start:** Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins vs. Cardinals
Tagovailoa has been rehabilitating for over a month after suffering a concussion during the encounter with the Bills in Week 2. The Miami offense has faltered in his absence, but if there are no setbacks, he is poised for a comeback in Week 8. The Dolphins will be squaring off against the Cardinals, making for a prime matchup for quarterbacks, as Arizona has been struggling defensively.
**Other Notable Starts:**
– Caleb Williams at Commanders
– Sam Darnold at Rams
– Joe Burrow vs. Eagles
– Jordan Love at Jaguars
**Avoid:** Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs at Raiders
It’s surprising that the most successful team this season has a quarterback, Mahomes, who has yet to hit 17 fantasy points in standard leagues. While he has skillfully guided his team to six victories, he has only managed six touchdown passes against eight interceptions. Though he maintains a decent weekly baseline, his ceiling is limited by the Chiefs’ playing style, and that trend isn’t likely to change this week.
**Running Back Recommendations**
**Start:** James Conner, Cardinals vs. Dolphins
Conner has been performing well, gaining over 100 all-purpose yards in three of the last four games, including a standout 150+ yard game against the Chargers in Week 7. With an average of 19 touches in those games, he is an essential component of the Cardinals’ offense. This week, he faces a favorable matchup against the Dolphins.
**Other Notable Starts:**
– JK Dobbins vs. Saints
– Kareem Hunt vs. Raiders
– Kenneth Walker III vs. Bills
– Tank Bigsby vs. Packers
**Avoid:** Devin Singletary, Giants at Steelers
Singletary is nursing a groin injury and is also sharing playing time with rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr., which complicates his value. Even if he does see significant playing time, he had only six touches in Week 7 and faces a tough Pittsburgh run defense. Therefore, it’s advisable to keep him on your bench this week.
**Wide Receiver Recommendations**
**Start:** Cedric Tillman, Browns vs. Ravens
While not widely recognized, Tillman has recently garnered attention by receiving 12 targets in Week 7. Despite the expectation that Jerry Jeudy would emerge as the leading receiver after Amari Cooper’s trade, he managed only one catch. In contrast, Tillman capitalized on his targets, securing eight receptions for 81 yards. Regardless of Cleveland’s quarterback situation, Tillman stands to be a key target against the Ravens’ secondary.
**Other Notable Starts:**
– Tyreek Hill vs. Cardinals
– Drake London at Buccaneers
– Stefon Diggs vs. Colts
– Tee Higgins vs. Eagles
**Avoid:** Terry McLaurin, Commanders vs. Bears
McLaurin has been impressive with rookie Jayden Daniels, consistently scoring or exceeding 100 yards in four of his last five outings. However, there are a couple of factors that could limit his productivity this week. Daniels may sit out due to a rib injury sustained in Week 7, potentially replacing him with Marcus Mariota. Another concern is Jaylon Johnson from the Bears, who could shadow McLaurin for the entire game.
**Tight End Recommendations**
**Start:** Cade Otton, Buccaneers vs. Falcons
Otton is on an impressive streak, having either scored or surpassed 50 receiving yards in three of his last four games. He excelled in Week 7 with eight catches for 100 yards against Baltimore. With an average of over seven targets in the past five games, Otton is becoming an integral part of Tampa Bay’s offensive structure and should continue to thrive in Week 8.
**Other Notable Starts:**
– Cole Kmet at Commanders
– Kyle Pitts at Buccaneers
– Zach Ertz vs. Bears
– David Njoku vs. Ravens
**Avoid:** Colby Parkinson, Rams vs. Vikings
Parkinson has struggled to find a steady role within the Rams’ offense, despite the absence of key players like Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua for much of the season. He’s managed to surpass 50 yards only once and has yet to score a touchdown. With Kupp potentially returning this week, Parkinson’s roles and prospects for fantasy points could diminish further.
These insights provide guidance for the upcoming fantasy football matchups, allowing players to make informed decisions as the NFL season rolls on.