Week 8 of the 2021 NFL season is in the books. For the majority of the league, Tuesday morning brings a whole new week of football and preparing for their next game. However, a handful of players might not want to leave Week 8 so soon. Here’s a look at who impressed and who underachieved this week.
All point totals are based on PPR scoring. Find Pickard’s Week 9 waiver wire adds and drops here.
Quarterback
Winner: Mike White (32.1 FPTS)
Josh Allen might have finished as the QB1, but it’s more fun to hop on the Mike White hype train after he turned heads in his first NFL start. The Jets’ signal-caller ultimately racked up 405 yards and three touchdowns while being picked off twice. It’s too early to snatch him up in single-QB leagues, but he represents a great short-term solution in superflex formats.
Loser: Matt Ryan (8.14 FPTS)
The allure ran out for Ryan, who had averaged 24.8 fantasy points per week over his last five games. This time around, the veteran was without Calvin Ridley and essentially without Kyle Pitts, too, after the rookie was shut down by Stephon Gilmore. In the end, Ryan finished with 146 yards, one touchdown, and two picks. He’s not worth starting against the Saints next week.
Running Back
Winner: Michael Carter (32.2 FPTS)
Go, Carter, go. The Jets’ rookie went crazy against the Bengals, rushing 15 times for 77 yards and a score while also catching nine passes for an additional 95 yards through the air. He’s now averaging 21.1 fantasy points per game over his last three contests and falls squarely into the RB2 conversation going forward. Fantasy managers should absolutely start him against the Colts next week.
Loser: Kenneth Gainwell (2.7 FPTS)
Yours truly cautioned against starting Gainwell this week, but many people did not listen. As such, he was a letdown on Sunday, racking up 27 yards on the ground (with most of it coming in garbage time) while going untargeted through the air. Meanwhile, Boston Scott and Jordan Howard combined for four touchdowns. It’s tempting to start him against the Chargers next week, but it’s not worth falling into that trap again.
Wide Receiver
Winner: A.J. Brown (31.5 FPTS)
For the third week in a row, A.J. Brown proved that he’s back. The third-year wideout had his best game of the season on Sunday, catching 10 passes for 155 yards and a touchdown. He’s averaging 126 yards, 0.7 touchdowns, and 25 fantasy points over his last three games and should be started in 100 percent of leagues. He’s back in the WR1 territory and will only see an increase in usage with Derrick Henry (foot) expected to miss at least two months.
Loser: Justin Jefferson (4.1 FPTS)
There were a few good candidates for this title, but the Vikings’ second-year receiver was the best fit after his dud on Sunday Night Football. In the end, Jefferson totaled turned four targets into just two catches for 21 yards. He should bounce back against the Ravens next week, but his Week 8 showing was a disappointment nonetheless.
Tight End
Winner: T.J. Hockenson (18.9 FPTS)
The Lions looked horrendous on Sunday, but their tight end still managed to turn in a strong game. Hockenson finished the day with 11 catches and 89 yards, giving him a double-digit points total for the third week in a row. He’s on bye in Week 9 but remains a must-start weapon going forward.
Loser: Travis Kelce (4.7 FPTS)
Whenever Kelce posts a dud, it’s disappointing but not concerning. He hauled in just four passes for 27 yards on Sunday night and fumbled once but remains the No. 1 tight end in fantasy football going forward. Look for the veteran to bounce back against the Packers next week.
Defense
Winner: Philadelphia Eagles (20.0 FPTS)
The Eagles looked fantastic against the Lions on Sunday, allowing just six points while adding six points of their own on a fumble recovery touchdown. The unit also recorded a season-high six sacks after failing to record a single sack over the last two weeks. Things get tougher for Philadelphia as they oppose the Chargers in Week 9.
Loser: Houston Texans (-7.0 FPTS)
The Texans’ defense was porous on Sunday, giving up 38 points to the Rams. They were unable to force a turnover and sacked Matthew Stafford just once along the way. They’ll have an easier matchup against the Dolphins next week, but the unit still belongs on the waiver wire in 100 percent of leagues.
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