With the world series now concluded and the weather beginning to turn outside, fantasy playoff races are in full swing. Week eight of the NFL season is already upon us, and just ten games remain for managers to make a late push at capturing their league’s title. Back with another edition of our weekly fantasy sleepers article, week eight provides intriguing players to add to your roster all across the board. Wasting no time, here are this week’s picks.
Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers
Expected to be down a few weapons this week with Deebo Samuel, Raheem Mostert, and Tevin Coleman all out for the game, Garoppolo’s value is too good to pass up at his current QB16 ranking. Heading into a matchup with a Seahawks defense that has struggled to slow down opposing offenses all season long, expect Kyle Shanahan and company to move the ball at will during this one. Currently ranked 32nd in the league in passing yards against, Seattle has just nine sacks all season. Beginning to play better after a 43-17 loss at the hands of the Miami Dolphins in Week 5, Garoppolo has passed for over 250 yards in both of San Francisco’s last two games, leading to 33 fantasy points combined. A great option for owners in need of a quarterback for the week, start Garoppolo as a high-end QB2.
Scott Miller, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
With star receiver Chris Godwin ruled out for the game with a broken finger, roll with Miller as a low-end WR3 this week. A favorite of quarterback Tom Brady, Miller, has recorded at least 70 receiving yards in four of Tampa Bay’s seven games this season. Fresh off a 6-109-1 performance in the Buccaneers win over the Raiders last Sunday, look for him to have an expanded role in the offense. In a favorable matchup with a Giants pass defense that allows over 250 passing yards per game on average, look for Brady and company to dominate in this one against an undermanned New York defense.
Lamical Perine, New York Jets
Beginning to receive an expanded role in the Jets offense with head coach Adam Gase no longer calling plays, Perine is fresh off a season-high 11 carry performance in week 7. With a week eight matchup on tap against the defending world champion Kansas City Chiefs, expect the Jets to run the football on early downs to keep Patrick Mahomes and the high-powered Chiefs offense on the sidelines. Struggling against the run at times through seven weeks, Steve Spagnuolo’s group has allowed 4.9 YPC with seven runs of over 20 yards. With Perine offering a higher upside as a pass-catcher over longtime running back Frank Gore, stream the former Florida Gator as a low-end RB2/high end RB3 this week.
Irv Smith, Jr., Minnesota Vikings
Racking up eight receptions for 199 receiving yards in the Vikings two games before their bye week, Smith Jr is beginning to become a larger part of the offense. On the field for over 76% of the teams snaps in their week 6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, play him as high-end TE2 this week. Unable to slow down opposing tight ends when targeted, the Packers have allowed a 77% completion rate and over 10 yards per target. Undermanned on defense with three of Minnesota’s starting cornerbacks all not expected to suit up this week, look for Cousins to throw the ball over 35 times in this one. This makes Smith Jr one of the most appealing options for the week at his current TE24 rank.
Greg Ward, Philadelphia Eagles
With Desean Jackson and Zack Ertz on the injured reserve list, and with Alshon Jefferey expected to miss the game for the Eagles once again, look for Greg Ward to continue to be one of the focal points for the Philadelphia passing attack. With three games of over eight fantasy points already this season, Ward has been a sneaky contributor for Doug Pederson’s offense. In a matchup against a Dallas Cowboys defense that has been historically bad through the early part of the season, ranking nearly dead last in every major defensive category, Ward should have a five target floor for this week. Offering up top 24 finishes to Jarvis Landry, Tyler Lockett, and Russell Gage already this year, play Ward as a WR4 this week, including an added bonus to those owners in PPR formats
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