The best part about fantasy football is winning. The second best part is the draft. However, the draft has come and gone, and fantasy owners struggle with who to start, who to sit, and who to target as a sleeper each week. Thankfully, four of our writers (Mike Fanelli, Joshua Abbe, Mason Thompson, and MJ Hurley) offer up their takes on who fantasy owners should start, sit, and play as a sleeper this week. Be sure to follow all of them on Twitter and reach out with any fantasy football questions you may have. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Quarterbacks
Starts
Justin Herbert at Denver Broncos
Herbert is on the verge of being a must-start each week. He has scored 22 or more fantasy points in all but one of his games this season. Furthermore, Herbert has 11 touchdowns compared to only one interception over his last three games. This week, he faces a Broncos team that is giving up an average of 20.4 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Furthermore, they have given up at least 18 or more fantasy points in every game this season. Start Herbert with confidence tomorrow. – Mike
Tom Brady at New York Giants
Brady has been stellar as of late. He has finished a top-10 quarterback three times this season and in two of his last four produced nearly 32 fantasy points. With the Giants allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks for 2020, Brady could have a nice game with the way Bruce Arians has been airing it out lately. – Joshua
Carson Wentz vs Dallas Cowboys
Wentz has worked his way back up to the QB8 7 on the year after a horrendous start. He will continue his success against the Cowboys defense that is allowing the 11th-most points to the quarterback position. Wentz will look to expose a secondary that is very young and has struggled in coverage all year. – Mason
Aaron Rodgers vs Minnesota Vikings
In Week 1 against the Vikings, Rodgers threw for 364 yards and four touchdowns. The Minnesota secondary is depleted compared to their first meeting, which does not bode well for the Minnesota defense. With Danielle Hunter out for the year and Yannick Ngakoue now in Baltimore, the Vikings have little pass rush to disrupt Rodgers. – MJ
Sits
Jared Goff at Miami Dolphins
Over the last two weeks, Goff has struggled, throwing only four touchdowns and averaging 15.9 fantasy points per game. The Rams are focused on running the ball and should have no trouble doing that against the Dolphins tomorrow. However, the Dolphins have done a great job against quarterbacks over the last four weeks. In three of those four games, the Dolphins have held quarterbacks under 10 fantasy points. Furthermore, since Week 2, the Dolphins have given up only three passing touchdowns. – Mike
Drew Brees at Chicago Bears
Brees has been just above average this season, averaging under 19 fantasy points a game. The Bears have played great defense this year. They have allowed the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks the season, just six touchdown passes this season. Look for a low scoring affair come Sunday. – Joshua
Cam Newton at Buffalo Bills
Newton was awful last week against San Francisco. He had negative points and will struggle again this week against a Buffalo defense. Newton is the QB27 the last two weeks, and the Buffalo defense will make life rough for Newton on Sunday. – Mason
Matthew Stafford vs Indianapolis Colts
Stafford has not looked like himself this season. With the emergence of the running game and a lack of receiving weapons, the Lions have not been the same offense that they were earlier in Stafford’s career. Facing the stout Colts defense in Week 8, expect limited fantasy production from Stafford as Swift’s role in the offense continues to grow. – MJ
Sleepers
Nick Foles vs New Orleans Saints
Yes, Foles is coming off his worst game of the season, scoring only 6.4 fantasy points against the Rams. However, he should bounce back this week against a poor Saints defense, regardless if he has all his weapons or not. The Saints have given up the fourth-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, giving up 22.6 per game. Furthermore, they have given up at least two passing touchdowns in every game this season. If you need a bye week filler, Foles is a good option. – Mike
Joe Burrow vs Tennessee Titans
Burrow has a real potential for top-10 numbers this week. He has managed to throw 300-plus passing yards in five of his last six games and scored a rushing touchdown in two straight games. Now gets a Titans defense dealing with injuries and has allowed the seventh-most passing yards to quarterbacks this season. Also, don’t forget the amount of times Burrow continues to throw the ball a game, which is over 40 times a game. – Joshua
Derek Carr at Cleveland Browns
Carr has posted an average of over 19 points per game in his six games this year. He has a very favorable matchup on Sunday against the Browns, who are allowing the eighth-most points to the quarterback position this year. Cleveland’s defense has allowed 16 passing touchdowns, which is in the bottom-five in the league. This game will likely be a shootout, and Carr will look to keep pace with Cleveland’s dynamic offense. – Mason
Ryan Tannehill at Cincinnati Bengals
Outside of a lackluster outing against the Vikings in Week 3, Tannehill has been one of the top fantasy quarterbacks in the league. With his increased comfort escaping the pocket, Tannehill has become a threat to score on the ground. The Bengals have allowed the eight-most yards per game in the NFL and the 5th most passing yards, which bodes well for Tannehill. – MJ
Running Backs
Starts
Ronald Jones at New York Giants
Not many people expect Jones to be an RB1 heading into the second half of the season, but that’s exactly where we are at. Jones has scored 10 or more fantasy points in every game. Furthermore, he has three rushing touchdowns over his last two games. Meanwhile, the Giants are giving up an average of 25.5 fantasy points per game to running backs. Over their last six games, the Giants have given up at least 22.5 fantasy points to the position five times. With Chris Godwin out, expect the Buccaneers to lean on Jones and Leonard Fournette on Monday night. – Mike
Kareem Hunt vs Las Vegas Raiders
Hunt has been great all by himself with Nick Chubb out. He has scored at least 18 fantasy points in three of his last four games. Now with a great matchup on tap, the Raiders have allowed the second-most fantasy points to running backs for the season and the second-most rushing touchdowns this season as well with nine. Start him with confidence this week. – Joshua
Jonathan Taylor at Detroit Lions
When Marlon Mack went down in Week 1, many thought Taylor would become an elite RB1 for the rest of the year. That hasn’t come to fruition yet, and some are even frustrated with his play thus far. He’s the RB20 on the year and has a fantastic chance to have a breakout game against the Lions, who are allowing the fifth-most points to the running back position this year. – Mason
D’Andre Swift vs Indianapolis Colts
With Stafford struggling, Swift has benefited with increased production as he becomes more comfortable in the offense. Swift is consistently involved in both the passing and rushing game, which bodes well against a tough Colts defense. – MJ
Sits
Any Seahawks Running Back vs San Francisco 49ers
If by, some chance, Chris Carson plays, he is the only Seahawk running back you should start this week. Carlos Hyde is dealing with a hamstring and might not play. If he and Carson miss the game, DeeJay Dallas would be the starter. However, the 49ers will shut him down. They have given up the second-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs, giving up 16.8 per game. Furthermore, the 49ers have given up only one rushing touchdown since Week 1. – Mike
Justin Jackson at Denver Broncos
Jackson continues to deal with uphill climbs for fantasy purposes. He was out-snapped by fellow running back Joshua Kelley and continues to deal with a lingering injury. Most likely, the Chargers are giving him a snap count due to the knee issues. The Broncos have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. Also, they have allowed the eighth-fewest scrimmage yards a game. Look elsewhere this week. – Joshua
Darrell Henderson at Miami Dolphins
Henderson has played his way into a ton of snaps for the Rams explosive offense. Last week though, he barely out carried Malcolm Brown, and Brown was the one to get the touchdown. Henderson is a good FLEX option but will likely be splitting time with Brown this week with Brown getting most of the goal-line work, while Cam Akers factors in a little here and there. – Mason
David Montgomery vs New Orleans Saints
Although the Saints have not always been touted as a top defensive team, New Orleans has only allowed 89.7 yards per game rushing in 2020, which is 4th best in the NFL. Matt Nagy has seemingly refused to use Montgomery in goal line situations. Additionally, Montgomery has only topped 20 total touches in one game this season, which does not bode well for his RB1 or RB2 statuses in most leagues. Against a good run defense with questionable play-calling, Montgomery is a sit this week. – MJ
Sleepers
Alexander Mattison at Green Bay Packers
Even though Dalvin Cook expected to play, the Vikings should run the ball enough to make Mattison a FLEX option this week, especially in non PPR. While Mattison only scored four fantasy points in the one game Cook missed, the Vikings were down early and had to abandon the running game. However, the Packers have given up the most fantasy points per game to running backs, giving up 33.3 per game. Furthermore, in their Week 1 matchup, Mattison scored 12 fantasy points without scoring a touchdown. If you need a last-minute replacement at running back, Mattison is a good option. – Mike
Melvin Gordon vs Los Angeles Chargers
If you believe in the revenge game narrative, here you go! With Phillip Lindsay in concussion protocol, Gordon should have an expanded role this week. He had been good for the Broncos, averaging more than 15 points per game. He has scored through at least 12 fantasy points in four of five games. The Chargers also are giving up plenty of receptions to running backs, seven per game. – Joshua
JaMycal Hasty at Seattle Seahawks
With plenty of injuries in the San Francisco backfield, Hasty could be next in line for a lead role. He had 56 yards on the ground last week. With Jeff Wilson not playing this week, he could have the majority of the backfield snaps with Jerick McKinnon recovering from an injury. Hasty is a FLEX play this week. – Mason
Giovani Bernard vs Tennessee Titans
Bernard has not been utilized much, with Joe Mixon taking the majority of the snaps at running back for the Bengals. However, with Mixon out in Week 7, Bernard showed why he was the starting running back for so long in Cincinnati. Mixon will be out again this week, giving Bernard the chance to finish the week as an RB1. – MJ
Wide Receivers
Starts
A.J. Green vs Tennessee Titans
After a slow start to the season, Green has turned it around over the last two weeks. He has caught 15 of 24 targets for 178 yards and 32.8 fantasy points. Meanwhile, the Titans are giving up an average of 46.9 fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Furthermore, over their last two games, the Bengals have given up almost 400 yards, five touchdowns, and 107.3 to wide receivers. With rumors swirling about Green getting traded Tuesday, expect him to have his third straight game with 15 or more fantasy points against the Titans tomorrow. – Mike
Tyler Boyd vs Tennessee Titans
I will continue to ride the Boyd train, and so should you. The Titans have allowed the most fantasy points to wide receivers over the past three weeks. Except for Weeks 1 and 5, Boyd was targeted eight or more times. Last week he had 13 targets thrown his direction. Burrow continues to have trust in Boyd, which is a good thing considering his quarterback throws for over 40 times a game. Who does not like those numbers? – Joshua
Travis Fulgham vs Dallas Cowboys
Since Week 4, Fulgham is the WR2. He is averaging over 13 points per game and has another great matchup against the horrendous Dallas secondary. He is being targeted at least 10 times per game and will have plenty of opportunities as Philadelphia looks to continue their string of success – Mason
Justin Jefferson at Green Bay Packers
As the weeks have gone by, Jefferson’s role in the Vikings offense has increased to the point where he is the leading receiver. Jefferson will benefit from Kevin King likely being out or limited against the Vikings on Sunday, and Jaire Alexander drawing the assignment of Adam Thielen. The Vikings scored 34 points on the Packers in Week 1, and the division rival matchup should produce a shootout that favors the young first-round pick. – MJ
Sits
Darius Slayton vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Slayton has been very boom or bust this season. He has scored 20 or more fantasy points in two games but under eight fantasy points in four games this season. Last week, despite the good matchup, Slayton had only two catches for 23 yards. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers are giving up only 33 fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Furthermore, they have given up only one touchdown to the position over their last three games. – Mike
Marvin Jones vs Indianapolis Colts
Jones has had anything but a good season in 2020. He is the WR35 this season and has yet to break out. Fantasy owners shouldn’t expect it to happen this week either. The Colts are one of the toughest defenses league, and even though we await a breakout game for the year where he scores three touchdowns, doubtful this weekend. – Joshua
Allen Robinson vs New Orleans Saints
Robinson hasn’t had more than nine points in a game for the last three weeks. He is the WR40 since Week 5 and has a tough task ahead as the Bears go against New Orleans this week. Robinson is also dealing with a concussion and may not even play this week. – Mason
Marquez Valdes-Scantling vs Minnesota Vikings
After expecting to be one of Rodgers’ main targets this season, Valdes-Scantling has not been the consistent target that the Packers had hoped. MVS doesn’t have a game this season with more than four catches. Until that changes, he shouldn’t be anywhere near your starting lineup. – MJ
Sleepers
Hunter Renfrow at Cleveland Browns
While Renfrow isn’t the most exciting player to put into your fantasy lineup, he is a great waiver wire add for this week. Renfrow has six or more targets in three of his last four games, averaging 11.1 fantasy points per game during that span. Meanwhile, the Browns have given up the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers, giving up 48.7 per game. Furthermore, the Browns have given up 69 or more fantasy points to wide receivers in two of their last four games. – Mike
Brandon Aiyuk vs Seattle Seahawks
Seattle has allowed the most fantasy points and yards per game to wide receivers this year. With Deebo Samuel out this week, George Kittle is the only 49er standing in Aiyuk’s way for a big game. He is a solid flex play this weekend. – Joshua
Rashard Higgins vs Las Vegas Raiders
Higgins has posted over seven points in three-straight games. With Odell Beckham Jr. out for the season, the biggest benefactor is Higgins. This game will likely be a high-scoring affair with both teams looking to outproduce the other offense. Higgins is one of Baker Mayfield‘s favorite targets and should have a big game in your lineups. – Mason
Stefon Diggs vs New England Patriots
With Josh Allen as his starting quarterback, Diggs has thrived. While Allen and the Bills’ offense has struggled lately, Diggs still belongs in your lineup. Furthermore, Stephon Gilmore may miss this game, allowing Diggs to bounce back this week. – MJ
Tight Ends
Starts
Mike Gesicki vs Los Angeles Rams
The last time we saw Gesicki, he put up a zero against the awful Jets. However, before that, Gesicki scored 14.1 fantasy points against the 49ers. This week, Tua Tagovailoa takes over as the starting quarterback for the Dolphins. What do rookie quarterbacks go to when they are under pressure? Throw to their tight ends. Furthermore, the Rams have given up at least 11.5 fantasy points to the tight end position in five of their last six games. With Aaron Donald getting pressure on Tua, expect him to target Gesicki early and often. – Mike
Noah Fant vs Los Angeles Chargers
While Fant has been noticeably quiet for this year, he has been putting up consistent fantasy numbers through seven weeks. Averaging 12 points per game in 2020, Fant is good enough for TE6. Now he has a nice matchup against the Chargers, who have struggled against tight ends as of late, allowing a top-seven tight end in two of their last three games. – Joshua
Jonnu Smith at Cincinnati Bengals
Smith has had two down weeks back-to-back. Thankfully, he gets a chance to right the ship against the Bengals, who are allowing the third-most points to the tight end position. This game could turn into a high-scoring, close game, and Smith has turned into one of Tannehill’s favorite targets. – Mason
Darren Waller at Cleveland Browns
The Browns have allowed 31.6 points per game and the third-most passing yards in the NFL. Carr and Waller have connected consistently. Waller is averaging more than six receptions per game and has three touchdowns so far in 2020. Against a struggling Browns secondary, Waller should produce well again in Week 8. – MJ
Sits
T.J. Hockenson vs Indianapolis Colts
Hockenson was the star of the Lions comeback win last week, catching the game-winning touchdown. However, in his previous two games, Hockenson had a total of four catches for 26 yards. This week, he faces a Colts defense that gives up the fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends, giving up only 5.1 per game. Furthermore, the Colts have allowed tight ends to score nine or more fantasy points only once this season. To make things worst for Hockenson, the Colts haven’t given up a touchdown to a tight end this season, and that shouldn’t change tomorrow. – Mike
Irv Smith at Green Bay Packers
Smith’s career so far has been more hope than production. He continues to play second fiddle to the other weapons in the passing game, including Thielen and Jefferson. Despite his recent play, he should be on your bench this week as the Packers are allowing the eighth-fewest points to the position. – Joshua
David Njoku vs Las Vegas Raiders
Even with Austin Hooper being out last week, Njoku didn’t produce. While he had a touchdown, he was targeted last than the other tight end, Harrison Bryant. Bryant is a far better option this week after scoring twice last week. Njoku could be traded before the trade deadline and could become a hot waiver pickup in the right spot. – Mason
Evan Engram vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The game losing drop against the Eagles last week shows how Engram’s season has been going. The young tight end was supposed to be one of the top fantasy performers this season. However, Engram only has 223 yards, and no touchdown catches through seven games. With the high-speed defensive unit of the Buccaneers, Engram will likely have another poor performance in Week 8. – MJ
Sleepers
Drew Sample vs Tennessee Titans
After his so-called breakout game against the Browns in Week 2, Sample has one game with more than eight fantasy points. However, Sample should bounce back this week against the Titans. So far this season, the Titans are giving up an average of 15.4 fantasy points per game. Furthermore, they have allowed tight ends to score 20 or more fantasy points in half of their games this season. With the Bengals forced to match the Titans’ offense, expect a big game from Sample. – Mike
Jimmy Graham vs New Orleans Saints
Here we go with another revenge game narrative. The Saints have allowed the most points to tight ends this season. Meanwhile, Graham has 10 red zone targets this season, with ranks second amongst tight ends. After a rough outing against the Rams last week, Graham should be a key target in getting the Bears back on track. Need a bye week fill-in, plug Graham in. – Joshua
Richard Rodgers vs Dallas Cowboys
If you haven’t sensed a trend yet, it’s to start your Eagles players against the Cowboys. With Dallas Goedert and Zach Ertz out, Rodgers stepped up last week and will look to again on Sunday night. He finished as the TE6 last week, and that could very well be his floor this week. – Mason
Robert Tonyan vs Minnesota Vikings
Tonyan burst onto the scene against the Falcons with Davante Adams and Allen Lazard out. Although Lazard is back at practice, Tonyan took advantage of a depleted Falcons secondary, and he could have a similar performance against the Vikings in Week 8. With Adams getting the majority of the defensive attention, Tonyan will look to regain his consistent goal line targets. – MJ
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