In this article, I’ll be breaking down all eleven matchups* from Week 8, sharing my thoughts on player prices** and stacking opportunities. As you read, please note that the player names in bold are what I consider my “core” players or guys that I’m sliding into a large percentage of my lineups. Oh, and if you’re new to DFS, you should check out my DFS Tips and Tricks article here.
*At the time of this writing, there are still a number of injury situations that have yet to be resolved.
**All player prices referenced are from FanDuel.
Vikings @ Packers (51 O/U)
Aaron Rodgers ($8,400) has thrown for 4 TDs in three different games already this season. With a high ceiling and floor, he’s a great tournament or cash QB in this soft matchup. Of course, if you play Rodgers, you should be looking to stack Davante Adams ($9,100), who always accounts for a high percentage of Rodgers’ yards and TDs. If Aaron Jones ($8,500) returns to the lineup, you could choose to play him instead. Minnesota’s run defense has been middle-of-the-pack, but Jones always has the potential to post a 30-point performance. Jamaal Williams ($7,000) will fill in again if Jones remains sidelined.
Dalvin Cook ($9,200) is expected to return after a one-game absence, and he’s in a great spot against the Packers, who have allowed the most PPG to opposing RBs. However, my favorite run back for any Aaron Rodgers stack is Justin Jefferson ($6,600). The rookie has been absolutely sensational, posting 100 yards in three of his last four outings. He’s cheaper than Adam Thielen ($7,700), and he draws a much softer CB matchup.
Titans @ Bengals (53.5 O/U)
There are a ton of interesting pieces in this matchup, but Derrick Henry ($9,500) is by far the most expensive. He’s certainly viable in tournaments, but I think I prefer AJ Brown ($7,500) and Jonnu Smith ($6,100) at their respective prices. You can stack them with Ryan Tannehill ($7,500), who already has a few huge performances under his belt.
You can also stack Joe Burrow ($7,600) and the Bengals, who are expected to trail in this game. Burrow is leading the league in pass attempts, and we saw in Week 7 that he’s capable of posting massive numbers. You can mix and match Burrow with Tyler Boyd ($6,400), Tee Higgins ($6,000), and AJ Green ($5,800). I don’t love Joe Mixon ($7,400) at his price, but Giovani Bernard ($5,900) is cheap enough to garner some consideration if Mixon is ruled out for a second-straight game.
Jets @ Chiefs (49 O/U)
The Chiefs are favored by nearly 20 points against the Jets, so Patrick Mahomes ($9,200) might be riding the bench in the 4th quarter. Of course, he could have 5 TDs by then, so you can still play him in tournaments along with Tyreek Hill ($8,100), Travis Kelce ($7,900), or even Demarcus Robinson ($5,300). Personally, I prefer the running backs in this one. Clyde Edwards-Helaire ($7,500) should handle most of the work, but Le’Veon Bell ($6,000) is cheap enough to warrant some consideration in this revenge game.
It’s hard to get excited about the Jets’ offense in this contest (or any contest), but I am intrigued by WR Denzel Mims ($4,900) and RB La’Mical Perine ($5,300). These cheap rookies will be asked to shoulder the load for New York in what will certainly be a negative game script. Remember, points accumulated in garbage time still count.
Colts @ Lions (50 O/U)
This isn’t a game I’m looking to heavily stack, but there are some interesting pieces on both sides. Priced as the WR6 on the slate, I really like Kenny Golladay ($7,600). He’s the clear alpha for Detroit, and he’s recorded either 100 yards or a TD in every game this season. You can also play D’Andre Swift ($6,000), who just keeps making big plays despite his low opportunity share. The matchup on the ground is tough, but Swift can contribute as a receiver as well.
For the Colts, Jonathan Taylor ($7,300) is in a prime spot. If he can finally seize full control of the backfield, he could explode against this Lions team that ranks 28th against RBs. For a cheap dart throw, you can also play Marcus Johnson ($4,500). He emerged as the team’s deep threat in Week 6, racking up 108 receiving yards on 8 targets. He can pay off his price tag with one big play.
Patriots @ Bills (41.5 O/U)
Josh Allen ($8,200) and Cam Newton ($7,400) have both been held under 20 fantasy points in three consecutive games, but both are still viable options in tournaments due to their rushing upside. Allen is easy to stack with Stefon Diggs ($7,100), but Newton is a bit trickier. Julian Edelman and N’Keal Harry are both expected to miss Sunday’s game, so Damiere Byrd ($4,900) should operate as the team’s primary receiver. I also like the Buffalo D/ST ($4,500) in this one.
Raiders @ Browns (51 O/U)
Derek Carr ($7,300) is a great QB to stack this week. This game projects to be a shootout, and the Raiders’ pass-catchers are cheap enough to give you flexibility at other positions. While Darren Waller ($6,800) is the safest option to pair with Carr, I really like Henry Ruggs ($5,700) and Nelson Agholor ($5,000) as well.
Kareem Hunt ($8,200) is the perfect run back for your Raiders’ stacks. He handled a whopping 88% of the RB opportunities against the Bengals in Week 7, and he’s got a great matchup against the Raiders’ run defense, which is currently ranked 30th. With Austin Hooper set to miss another game, you can also turn to Harrison Bryant ($5,000). The rookie TE scored 2 TDs last week in his first start, and he’s just too cheap in this spot.
Rams @ Dolphins (46 O/U)
This matchup features two average offenses and two underrated defenses. As such, I’m not trying to get a ton of exposure here. Of the Rams’ pass-catchers, I prefer Cooper Kupp ($7,300). He’s got the most TD upside, and he should be able to avoid Xavien Howard and Byron Jones in the slot. Darrell Henderson ($6,100) is in play as well, though he’s a risky option in that crowded backfield.
For the Dolphins, I’m only looking at Myles Gaskin ($5,700). The 2nd-year back has averaged 21 opportunities per game over the past four weeks, yet he’s priced around part-time players like Justin Jackson and Damien Harris.
Steelers @ Ravens (46.5 O/U)
Despite the strong defenses in this matchup, I think we could see some points here. At his low price, it’s easy to stack Lamar Jackson ($8,300) this week. The Steelers have been generous to opposing WRs and stingy against TEs, so I prefer Marquise Brown ($5,900) to Mark Andrews ($7,000) in this spot.
On the other side of the ball, we’ve got three similarly-priced pass-catchers to sort through. Diontae Johnson ($6,200) has been the most consistent producer of the three, while Chase Claypool ($6,000) has produced big plays on minimal volume. JuJu Smith-Schuster ($6,500) has failed to meet expectations thus far, but he did post season-highs in receptions and yards in Week 7. If you want to stack the Steelers, pair two players with Ben Roethlisberger ($7,100) and run it back with Hollywood Brown. Or just play James Conner ($6,900) and hope that he finds the end zone a couple times.
Chargers @ Broncos (44.5 O/U)
Justin Herbert ($7,700) may finally come back down to earth in this tough matchup, but I’m still eager to play his top pass-catcher Keenan Allen ($7,400). Allen is commanding a target share north of 30%, and he’s recorded at least 7 receptions in each of his last four healthy games. Mike Williams ($5,900) was disappointing in Week 7, but he’s still a big-play threat viable in tournaments.
With Tim Patrick expected to miss Sunday’s game, the remaining Broncos’ receivers should see a bump in volume. Jerry Jeudy ($5,600) is my favorite of the bunch, though tight ends Noah Fant ($5,700) and Albert Okwuegbunam ($4,700) could be strong plays as well. You can also stack Melvin Gordon ($6,700) with the Broncos D/ST ($3,900) and count on Justin Herbert making a few rookie mistakes.
49ers @ Seahawks (54 O/U)
Jimmy Garoppolo ($6,600) is cash viable this week with a great matchup, but I’m not eager to play him in tournaments. He’s a pocket passer on a run-first team with a depleted receiving corps. If the Seahawks get out to a lead, he’ll have to attempt more passes, but I don’t think 300 yards and 4 TDs is a likely outcome. All that being said, I’m happy to play George Kittle ($7,700) and Brandon Aiyuk ($5,900) in this spot.
For the Seahawks, it’s all the usual suspects. Russell Wilson ($8,700) is a great play regardless of matchup, though stacking him with either DK Metcalf ($7,800) or Tyler Lockett ($7,200) is becoming more expensive by the week. DeeJay Dallas ($4,600) is an under-the-radar name to monitor. If Chris Carson and Carlos Hyde are forced to miss the game, Dallas could step into a starting role.
Saints @ Bears (43.5 O/U)
The last matchup on the slate is an ugly one. The Saints will be without Michael Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, and Marquez Callaway on Sunday, which means Tre’Quan Smith ($5,300) will operate as the top receiver. You can take a shot on him or Jared Cook ($5,800), but I’m staying far away from Drew Brees in this tough matchup. Of course, Alvin Kamara ($9,000) is the best option, and he should soak up some extra targets with all those pass-catchers out.
If Allen Robinson ($6,800) clears the concussion protocol, which seems unlikely at this point, I’m fine with him at his cost. However, if Robinson misses the game, Darnell Mooney ($5,200) is a great flyer for tournaments.
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