The theme for fantasy football owners in Week 8 is to constantly check player injury status reports. There are a plethora of game-time decisions that depending on health can drastically alter a roster. We’ll also be missing a lot of star power as the Cardinals, Texans, Jaguars, and Washington are all on their bye.
As always, hit me up with any fantasy questions on Twitter @AndyMc81 using #AskAndy.
Richard Rodgers — TE — Eagles
Yahoo! League ownership: 39 per cent
Draft Kings salary: $5,600
Tracking the status of Dallas Goedert is vital as we head into the Sunday slate of games. Goedert’s been designated to return from injured reserve so if he does suit up then fade on Richard Rodgers. However, if he is still absent then Rodgers is in a phenomenal spot versus a disastrous Dallas defence that’s giving up the ninth most fantasy points to tight ends.
Last week the 28-year-old snagged six balls for 85-yards and there’s no reason to think that Carson Wentz won’t continue to look his way. For DFS contests a Wentz/Rodgers stack would be a terrific play.
A.J. Green — WR — Bengals
Yahoo! League ownership: 73 per cent
Draft Kings salary: $4,500
It seems that A.J. Green finally realized that if he wants a shot at a future big contract he has to actually perform well. In the past two games, Green’s come to life with 15 total receptions and 24 targets while averaging around 16-FPTs. It helps that quarterback Joe Burrow has the second-most pass attempts in the NFL and is fourth in passing yards, which means there’s enough pigskin for all the Bengals receivers.
Cincinnati battles a solid Titans defence, but one that’s ranked 29th when it comes to fantasy points allowed to wideouts. There’s a strong likelihood that Tennessee builds a sizeable lead, which of course could lead to some sweet garbage time points for Green and others.
DeeJay Dallas — RB — Seahawks
Yahoo! League ownership: 15 per cent
Draft Kings salary: $4,000
We’ll likely have to wait until 90-minutes before kickoff to find out what the status of Seattle’s walking wounded backfield will look like. Rookie DeeJay Dallas is the only running back without an injury designation. However, there’s still a possibility that one or more of Chris Carson, Carlos Hyde and Travis Homer dress.
If Carson or Hyde suit up then scratch Dallas from your lineup. If it’s only Homer then there’s still a good chance at the rookie being a contributor. The other wrinkle is that San Francisco is ninth in fewest average rushing yards allowed per game and has given up the least FPTs to running backs.
I really liked Dallas as a sleeper PPR fantasy draft pick stash for dynasty leagues as a talented athlete who was a high school quarterback and began his college career as a wide receiver. I hope he gets a chance to showcase some of that ability on Sunday afternoon against the 49ers.
Derek Carr — QB — Raiders
Yahoo! League ownership: 41 per cent
Draft Kings salary: $5,500
Especially when it comes to bye week help, I love Derek Carr against the Browns. Even though the weather in Cleveland is expected to be wet and cold, there’s a key similarity that benefits fantasy players between these opponents. Both offences can score in bunches and each defence surrenders a ton of points. No matter what the conditions, the Raiders have the seventh-best aerial attack and should be able to rack up the stats on the Browns’ third-worst passing ‘D’.
Carr’s found recent chemistry with Nelson Agholor (who you should also stream) as well as Darren Waller, speedy deep threat Henry Ruggs III and Hunter Renfrow. The veteran QB is quietly on pace for his most successful statistical season and has had 20.26-FPTs or more over Las Vegas’ last three outings.
Jonnu Smith — TE — Titans
Yahoo! League ownership: 90%
Draft Kings salary: $4,100
Have people forgotten how amazing Jonnu Smith has been in 2020? Alright, so his previous two showings were duds, but in Weeks 1-4, Smith amassed five touchdowns and averaged 17.53-FPTs. Even with A.J. Brown and Corey Davis eating up target share, the six-foot-three Florida native can still exploit a Swiss cheese Bengals defence.
Cincinnati allowed three touchdowns to Browns tight ends last weekend and are giving up the second-most fantasy points to the position group. While Smith may not be on many waiver wires, he’s a steal in DFS contests with a $4,000 salary.
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