Welcome back, and thanks for joining me as we go through this week’s grades! Because of bye weeks, injuries, and plenty of uncertainty across multiple positions, the grades were harder than ever to wrap my head around. We’ve got plenty of heavy hitters among our most highly-graded players, but there are some surprises at the top and some shakeups in the middle. After an anticlimactic Thursday night matchup between the Falcons and Panthers, it’s time to look ahead to Sunday and Monday. Without further delay, let’s get to it!
Once the season begins, the most difficult part of any fantasy manager’s week is start or sit decisions. These lineup choices can make or break a week, but unfortunately, not everyone has time to sit down and read lengthy fantasy advice articles. That’s where Quick Grades comes in. Each week of the football season, I’ll be providing a condensed and easily digestible chart of grades for over 250 fantasy-relevant players based on the following four criteria:
Fantasy Ability
Despite a tough matchup, Derrick Henry broke through on a long run last week
Expected Volume
Travis Kelce is always heavily targeted as one of Kansas City’s top pass-catching options
Matchup
Tyreek Hill got loose for 200 yards against Cincinnati’s porous secondary
Surrounding Talent
Sam Darnold has one of the weakest receiving corps in the league
Each of those criteria will be graded on a scale of 1-25, with the cumulative total resulting in a final grade (A+ to F) and a recommendation based on that grade. The criteria are weighted differently based on position, so it’s not a direct 1-for-1 conversion. Surrounding talent refers to offensive line for RB, quarterback play for WR and TE, and skill-position talent for QB.
The players are sorted by grade in descending order with the highest grades at the top and the lowest at the bottom. The highest-graded players receive A+ (Must start), and the lowest receive F. However, there are varying degrees of the F grade, and some players with this grade are flex plays, desperation plays, Hail Mary plays, or should remain on your bench, depending on the grade and position.
I’ll also include D/ST grades, and just like the skill-position players, there will be four criteria used for grading on a scale from 1-25, and final grades will be from 1-100. The four criteria for a D/ST grade are: Matchup, Turnovers, Sacks, and Points Allowed.
The charts are screenshots of a spreadsheet, but the link to the original can be found below. Because players are not searchable within the sheets in this article, they’ve been added to the bottom of the page so that they can be searched and referenced quickly. In addition to the player grades, I’ll provide:
- Start of the Week: A player outside of the elite, weekly must-starts who could have a big week
- Stream of the Week: The best player who will likely be available on your waiver wire
- Deep-League Stream of the Week: The best player who is less than 5% rostered in Yahoo leagues
- Fade of the Week: A notable player who could be in for a let-down performance
- Tough Calls: Two similarly valued players who may give fantasy managers difficult decisions
Link to Full Quick Grades Document
It’s easy to see that an ‘A+’ or ‘A’ grade makes a player a must-start, but it might not make sense at first glance why some players are rated ‘C’ or worse and still have ‘Start,’ ‘Strong Start,’ or ‘Flex’ attached to their names. Because of all the different variables that go into a player’s performance in any given week, only those players with the absolute highest potential, best matchup, and strongest talent get ‘A+’ or ‘A’ grades. Therefore, even solid plays will earn grades that may appear sub-optimal on the surface, but it’s all relative from position-to-position. The hard cutoff is 50 for every position, as grades lower than this will earn a ‘Desperation’ or ‘Hail Mary’ tag in every situation.
Now that I’ve covered the basics, let’s get to the grades. Best of luck in all your matchups this week, and if you have any questions, please hit me up on Twitter @ZaktheMonster.
Note: As always, remember to check back on FantasyPros ahead of kickoff to get the latest injury news. I’ll provide “what-if” grades in the event that an injured player doesn’t suit up, but otherwise, these grades assume full health at the time the article is published on Friday morning.
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Running Backs
The best grades of Week 8 feature the triumphant return of Dalvin Cook against the league’s worst run defense, Jonathan Taylor fresh off a bye, Boston Scott against a reeling Dallas team, and Kareem Hunt, who shouldn’t bring any fear or loathing to fantasy managers when his team travels to Las Vegas.
There is no reccomended deep-league stream of the week here, as the running backs who are less than 5% rostered do not have grades higher than ‘F Desperation.’
Start of the Week: Le’Veon Bell
Stream of the Week: DeeJay Dallas
Fade of the Week: Wayne Gallman (or any Giants RB)
Tough Calls: As mentioned above, there are some big names atop the grades this week, and while Kareem Hunt and Derrick Henry approach a perfect 100, Dalvin Cook edges them out slightly due to his supremely tasty matchup. Let Russ cook? Try “Let Dalvin Cook.”
* These grades are calculated with the assumption that Tevin Coleman, Mark Ingram, Devonta Freeman, Miles Sanders, Joe Mixon, Chris Carson, Carlos Hyde, and Aaron Jones are all out for Week 8.
Wide Receivers
After Davante Adams‘ massive performance last week, he returns as the top-graded wideout of Week 8. A pair of Seattle receivers remains in the top-10, and A.J. Brown‘s recent hot streak has him just outside the top-5.
Start of the Week: Brandon Aiyuk
Stream of the Week: Scotty Miller
Deep-League Stream of the Week: Denzel Mims 5% rostered
Fade of the Week: Preston Williams
Tough Calls: It may seem absurd, but Travis Fulgham is actually graded a little higher than Adam Thielen this week. Thielen should still be a great option against Green Bay, but Fulgham’s consistent volume paired with an excellent matchup gives him WR1 appeal in Week 8.
* If Allen Robinson (concussion) is out, Darnell Mooney becomes a ‘D+ Flex’
* With Michael Thomas ruled out, Tre’Quan Smith becomes an ‘F Desperation’
* If Jamison Crowder is ruled out, Denzel Mims becomes a ‘D Desperation,’ while Jeff Smith remain ‘F Hail Mary’ options
* If Tim Patrick is ruled out, KJ Hamler becomes an ‘F Desperation’
Quarterbacks
There are some familiar and not-so-familiar faces among our highest graded quarterbacks this week. Stalwarts Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Russell Wilson are joined by Jimmy G, Derek Carr, and Carson Wentz, who all have great matchups for Week 8.
There is no reccomended deep-league stream of the week here, as the quarterbacks who are less than 5% rostered do not have grades higher than ‘F Desperation.’
Start & Stream of the Week: Jimmy Garoppolo
Deep-League Stream of the Week: Nick Foles 9% rostered
Fade of the Week: Josh Allen
Tight Ends
This is always the least surprising group, as the top tight ends consistently feature Kelce, Waller, Smith, and Kittle. However, we do get a Richard Rodgers (R²) sighting, and Jimmy Graham gets an excellent matchup with what could be a “revenge” game.
Start & Stream of the Week: Richard Rodgers
Deep-League Stream of the Week: Albert Okwuegbunam 1% rostered
Fade of the Week: T.J. Hockenson
Tough Calls: Despite last week’s dud, Jonnu Smith has been as solid and consistent as they come this season. He’s in a great matchup and should bounce back here. Meanwhile, Kittle will face a Seattle team that’s been tough on opposing tight ends. The ‘Hawks will likely focus defensive attention on Kittle, who’s far-and-away the best offensive option the team has, especially with a multitude of injuries piling up.
D/ST
Tampa Bay faces off against a bottom-of-the-barrel Giants offense, Kansas City will take on the Jets at Arrowhead, the Rams’ elite defense will square up against Miami for Tua Tagovailoa‘s first career start, and Philly claims the top grade with a matchup against Ben DiNucci on tap.
Start & Stream of the Week: Green Bay Packers
Fade of the Week: Chicago Bears
Player Search, Find
Running Back
- Dalvin Cook A+ Must Start
- Kareem Hunt A+ Must Start
- Derrick Henry A+ Must Start
- Alvin Kamara A+ Must Start
- Jonathan Taylor A Must Start
- Clyde Edwards-Helaire A Must Start
- Ezekiel Elliott B+ Must Start
- Josh Jacobs B+ Must Start
- Boston Scott B Strong Start
- James Conner C+ Strong Start
- Darrell Henderson C+ Strong Start
- Giovani Bernard C+ Strong Start
- Melvin Gordon C+ Strong Start
- Myles Gaskin C+ Strong Start
- Jamaal Williams C+ Strong Start
- Ronald Jones II C Strong Start
- David Montgomery C Strong Start
- D’Andre Swift C Strong Start
- Leonard Fournette D+ Start
- JaMycal Hasty D+ Start
- Justin Jackson D+ Start
- Le’Veon Bell D+ Start
- Phillip Lindsay D Flex
- Jerick McKinnon D Flex
- Zack Moss D Flex
- Devin Singletary D Flex
- DeeJay Dallas D Flex
- James White D Flex
- Malcolm Brown D Flex
- Damien Harris D Flex
- Nyheim Hines D Flex
- Latavius Murray D Flex
- Lamical Perine D Flex
- Joshua Kelley D Flex
- J.K. Dobbins D Flex
- Rex Burkhead F Desperation
- Alexander Mattison F Desperation
- Wayne Gallman F Desperation
- Gus Edwards F Desperation
- Tony Pollard F Desperation
- Dion Lewis F Desperation
- Frank Gore F Desperation
- Adrian Peterson F Desperation
- Jordan Wilkins F Desperation
- Samaje Perine F Hail Mary
- Royce Freeman F Hail Mary
- Jalen Richard F Hail Mary
- Jeremy McNichols F Hail Mary
- Corey Clement F Hail Mary
- Devontae Booker F Hail Mary
- Matt Breida F Hail Mary
- Kerryon Johnson F Hail Mary
- Ty Johnson F Hail Mary
- Benny Snell Jr. F Hail Mary
Wide Receiver
- Davante Adams A+ Must Start
- Tyreek Hill A Must Start
- Keenan Allen B+ Must Start
- Stefon Diggs B+ Must Start
- Mike Evans B+ Must Start
- A.J. Brown B Must Start
- D.K. Metcalf B Must Start
- Tyler Lockett B Must Start
Michael Thomas B Must Start*Editor’s Note: Michael Thomas was ruled out for week 8- Marquise Brown B Must Start
- Kenny Golladay B Must Start
- Travis Fulgham B Must Start
- Adam Thielen C+ Strong Start
- Allen Robinson II C+ Strong Start
- Cooper Kupp C+ Strong Start
- Brandon Aiyuk C+ Strong Start
- Tyler Boyd C+ Strong Start
- Robert Woods C+ Strong Start
- Justin Jefferson C Strong Start
- Jamison Crowder C Strong Start
- Henry Ruggs III C Strong Start
- Tee Higgins C Strong Start
- A.J. Green C Start
- Amari Cooper C Start
- Diontae Johnson C Start
- Jerry Jeudy C Start
- CeeDee Lamb C Start
- JuJu Smith-Schuster D+ Start
- Cole Beasley D+ Start
- Scotty Miller D+ Start
- Rashard Higgins D+ Start
- Darius Slayton D+ Start
- Nelson Agholor D+ Start
- Jarvis Landry D+ Start
- Chase Claypool D+ Start
- Corey Davis D+ Flex
- John Brown D Flex
- T.Y. Hilton D Flex
- Mike Williams D Flex
- DeVante Parker D Flex
- Marvin Jones Jr. D Flex
- Marquez Valdes-Scantling D Desperation
- Greg Ward D Desperation
- Jalen Reagor D Desperation
- Tim Patrick D Desperation
- Kendrick Bourne D Desperation
- Sterling Shepard F Desperation
- Michael Gallup F Desperation
- Hunter Renfrow F Desperation
- Darnell Mooney F Desperation
- Mecole Hardman F Desperation
- Demarcus Robinson F Desperation
- Denzel Mims F Desperation
- Preston Williams F Hail Mary
Breshad Perriman F Hail Mary*Editor’s Note: Perriman was ruled out for week 8- Damiere Byrd F Hail Mary
- Tre’Quan Smith F Hail Mary
- KJ Hamler F Hail Mary
- Jeff Smith F Hail Mary
Quarterback
- Aaron Rodgers A+ Must Start
- Patrick Mahomes B+ Must Start
- Joe Burrow B+ Must Start
- Russell Wilson B Must Start
- Lamar Jackson B Must Start
- Ryan Tannehill B Must Start
- Jimmy Garoppolo B Strong Start
- Carson Wentz B Strong Start
- Justin Herbert B Strong Start
- Tom Brady B Strong Start
- Derek Carr C+ Start
- Ben Roethlisberger C+ Start
- Baker Mayfield C+ Start
- Nick Foles C+ Start
- Drew Lock C+ Start
- Cam Newton C 2QB/SuperFlex
- Josh Allen C 2QB/SuperFlex
- Jared Goff D+ 2QB/SuperFlex
- Kirk Cousins D+ 2QB/SuperFlex
- Matthew Stafford D 2QB/SuperFlex
- Philip Rivers F Hail Mary
- Drew Brees F Hail Mary
- Tua Tagovailoa F Hail Mary
- Daniel Jones F Hail Mary
- Sam Darnold F Hail Mary
- Ben DiNucci F Hail Mary
Tight End
- Travis Kelce A+ Must Start
- Darren Waller A Must Start
- Jonnu Smith A Must Start
- George Kittle A Must Start
- Jared Cook C Strong Start
- Jimmy Graham C Strong Start
- Richard Rodgers C Strong Start
- Hunter Henry C Strong Start
- Mark Andrews C Strong Start
- Mike Gesicki D+ Start
- Noah Fant D+ Start
- Evan Engram D+ Start
- Rob Gronkowski D+ Start
- Harrison Bryant D+ Start
- Robert Tonyan D Flex
- T.J. Hockenson D Flex
- Dalton Schultz D Flex
- Eric Ebron D Flex
- Tyler Higbee D Flex
- Cole Kmet D Desperation
- Albert Okwuegbunam D Desperation
- Trey Burton F Desperation
- Drew Sample F Desperation
- Greg Olsen F Desperation
- Cameron Brate F Hail Mary
- Irv Smith Jr. F Hail Mary
- Chris Herndon F Hail Mary
- Vance McDonald F Hail Mary
- David Njoku F Hail Mary
- Gerald Everett F Hail Mary
D/ST
- Philadelphia Eagles A Must Start
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers A Must Start
- Los Angeles Chargers A Must Start
- Kansas City Chiefs B+ Must Start
- Los Angeles Rams C+ Must Start
- Buffalo Bills C+ Must Start
- Tennessee Titans C Start
- Green Bay Packers C+ Start
- New Orleans Saints D+ Start
- Pittsburgh Steelers D+ Start
- Seattle Seahawks D Start
- Baltimore Ravens D Start
- Denver Broncos D Start
- Indianapolis Colts F Start
- San Francisco 49ers F Start
- Miami Dolphins F Desperation
- New York Giants F Desperation
- Detroit Lions F Desperation
- Dallas Cowboys F Desperation
- New England Patriots F Desperation
- Las Vegas Raiders F Bench
- Cleveland Browns F Bench
- New York Jets F Bench
- Chicago Bears F Bench
- Cincinnati Bengals F Bench
- Minnesota Vikings F Bench
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Zachary Hanshew is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Zachary, check out his archive and follow him @zakthemonster.