Which under-the-radar players might be able to give your fantasy team a lift? Which chalky players might not be as safe as they seem? Our featured analysts name some potential sleepers and underachievers along with start/sit advice for Week 8.

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Fantasy Football Week 8 Start/Sit Advice

Q. Which player outside of the top 100 in the FantasyPros flex rankings is a good sleeper start and why do you think he has upside this week?

Odell Beckham Jr. (WR – BAL)

“Odell Beckham Jr. has been quiet this season and has yet to reach a double-digit fantasy point total even in PPR formats. In a Week 8 matchup against the Cardinals, we could see that change as they’ve allowed three WRs to reach 148+ yards over the last four weeks, including six TDs.”
– Matt De Lima (The Game Day)

“God help me, but I’m going down with the ship when it comes to Odell Beckham Jr. If Odell is healthy, he’s simply too talented not to scorch the fantasy earth versus a struggling defense like the Cardinals. The Ravens’ offense is starting to hit its stride under new offensive coordinator, Todd Monken. The conditions for the vertical passing attack will be much better this week in the controlled weather settings in the dome compared to last week, where wind played a factor. Arizona seems ripe for the picking in a “get right game” for Beckham.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)

Devin Singletary (RB – HOU)

“Devin Singletary outperformed Dameon Pierce in the Texans’ last game in Week 6. He had 12 rushing attempts for 58 yards compared to 13 attempts for 34 yards for the second-year player. According to Fantasy Points Data, Singletary had a better yards before and after contact average than Piece. Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers have given up the most rushing touchdowns (11) and the second-most half-point PPR fantasy points per game (31.5) to running backs, giving up two more touchdowns in all but one game. Both players can have a strong fantasy performance, making Singletary undervalued as the RB45 in the rankings.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)

“After weeks of mediocrity from Dameon Pierce (with 2.9 YPC), the Texans finally gave Devin Singletary an opportunity to take over the Texans backfield. The former Bill didn’t disappoint, as he totally outplayed Pierce in Week 6. The Texans next play the Panthers, who have allowed the second most fantasy points to opposing running backs. Coming out of their bye week, Singletary could have a huge game if given the opportunity, and given his recent usage, that’s very possible.”
– Ben Wasley (The Fantasy First Down)

“Devin Singletary might have a case to become the back to roster for the Houston Texans. Dameon Pierce has been ineffective at best this season, averaging under 3.5 yards per carry in every game thus far. Prior to the Texans’ Week 7 bye, Singletary was involved in a dead touch split with Pierce at 13 touches a piece. This week, the Texans get the Panthers who have conceded at least two rushing TDs per game in every game this year, bar one (Week 4 versus Minnesota). However, this is a situation to watch, considering the matchup is very nice. I would be interested in sneaking Singletary into lineups this week. ”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)

Taysom Hill (TE – NO)

“Taysom Hill is sneaking back into our fantasy hearts. He is the best gadget player in recent years because he can get your points receiving, rushing, and passing. AND, oh yeah, he is a TIGHT END, which is a desolate wasteland at times. In week 7, he had 4 receptions for 50 yards and 5 rushes for 18 yards and a TD, not too shabby for a tight end. He should be a waiver wire darling this week and ready to be your tight end starter for the foreseeable future (for sure while Juwan Johnson is out).”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)

Michael Mayer (TE – LV)

“If you’re streaming tight ends, look to the rookie Michael Mayer this week. Mayer has played at least two-thirds of the snaps over the past three games, and he has seen 13 targets over this span. He faces the Detroit Lions, who surrender the fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing TEs. The favorable matchup, increased workload, and improved quarterback play, assuming Jimmy Garoppolo is back, make Mayer an interesting sleeper start this week. ”
– Zach Brunner (FlurrySports)

Dalton Kincaid (TE – BUF)

“Dalton Kincaid is my Week 8 sleeper. In Week 7, he saw a career-high with 8 receptions for 75 receiving yards. Add in teammate Dawson Knox being placed on IR as well as a meeting with a porous Buccaneers pass defense, and this week is going to be his official rookie breakout game.”
– Aaron St Denis (The League Winners)

Wan’Dale Robinson (WR – NYG)

“Robinson’s primary slot role will keep him away from CB Sauce Gardner. Prior to a down Week 6, the second-year WR recorded 5+ catches in three straight.”
– Kevin English (Draft Sharks)

Justice Hill (RB – BAL)

“Justice Hill brings sneaky upside into Week 8. Last week, the 15-5 touch split between Gus Edwards and Hill obscured an even playing-time split. Edwards continues to work clearly ahead as a runner, but Hill ran 14 more routes against Detroit. He also collected 11 touches in each of the previous two games: a closer victory and a loss at Pittsburgh. As the third-largest favorite of Week 8, the Ravens should find enough opportunities for both backs against an Arizona defense ranked 29th in rush DVOA and 25th in coverage against RBs.”
– Matt Schauf (Draft Sharks)

Demario Douglas (WR – NE)

“Why not take a chance and hope Douglas continues to increase his snap count? He had six targets against the Bills and may be the Patriots’ best receiving option in terms of ability to separate. They’ll need points against the Dolphins, so expect more passes from Mac Jones in the direction of Douglas.”
– Adam Zdroik (RotoWire)

Nelson Agholor (WR – BAL)

“Amidst injury and inconsistency from Ravens receivers not named Zay Flowers, Nelson Agholor has made the most of his opportunities. Week 8 presents another great opportunity for Agholor against a vulnerable Cardinals defense. Many fantasy managers are lacking options at their WR3 or flex spots with injuries and bye weeks mounting. For flex-worthy players outside the top-100, Agholor IS a premium dart-throw with TD-upside in Week 8.”
– Chew Russell (Going For 2)

Jake Ferguson (TE – DAL)

“Jake Ferguson is sitting outside of the top 100 Flex ranks this week, but he is going up against a Los Angeles Rams Defense that is 7th easiest matchup for TE’s, making him my sleeper start of the week. The rookie has been a bit of a disappointment so far (STD: TE17 25 fpts; HALF: TE18 35.5 fpts; PPR: TE18 46 fpts), with 68% SNAP% (19th among TE’s) and 15.18% TGT% (17th among TE’s), but he has a league-leading (TEs) 10 Red Zone targets (6 REC). With CeeDee Lamb absorbing a team-high 21.99% TGT% & 25.00% REC%, Ferguson is tied for 3rd for TGT% with Tony Pollard (15.18%) and he is also 3rd in REC% (15.44%), with Pollard being 2nd (18.38%). LAR is a difficult matchup for WRs and RBs (4th & 10th toughest respectively), and the opposite is true for TEs, which has Ferguson set up for a productive matchup this week with a mid-tier TE1 finish.”
– Brian Barker (Barker’s Fantasy Football Analysis)

Brandin Cooks (WR – DAL)

“Call it a gut feeling, but Dallas signed him to be their No. 2 WR, and the opportunity is still there. He caught his first TD pass as a Cowboy in Week 6, and the Dallas coaches likely spent the bye week finding ways to get him more regularly involved in the flow of the passing game.”
– Scott Engel (RotoBaller)

Christian Watson (WR – GB)

“This might be a cop-out, but Christian Watson should not be WR60 (Flex118) this week. If you believe that’s the case, let me also make the call that he’s a top 20 WR this week. After practicing in full, all it will take is one half-decent pass from Love for Watson to make your week. Even with Jordan Love being one of the worst passers on attempts 10+ yards downfield, the matchup is perfect. The Vikings are allowing the 4th most fantasy points to the position, allowing nearly 240 yards and two scores each week to WRs. If Kirk Cousins continues to play like he has, the game script and matchup could give Watson the opportunity we have been waiting for.”
– Ellis Johnson (RotoBaller)

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Q. Which player inside the top 40 in the FantasyPros flex rankings is likely to disappoint fantasy managers this week?

Brian Robinson Jr. (RB – WAS)

“It’ll be tough sledding for Brian Robinson Jr. in a home matchup against the Eagles. Philadelphia hasn’t allowed a running back to rush for more than 53 yards, and they’re only giving up 14.8 PPR points total to the position per game.”
– Matt De Lima (The Game Day)

“Brian Robinson split carries with rookie Chris Rodriguez in Week 6. Now, he faces a Philly run D that’s allowed only 3.3 YPC and 2 RB scores this year. Washington’s also implied for 18.5 points on the road.”
– Kevin English (Draft Sharks)

Josh Jacobs (RB – LV)

“After a slow start, Josh Jacobs looked like the top-five running back we saw last season. However, he has struggled over the past two weeks, averaging 3.1 rushing yards per attempt and 56 yards per game. Furthermore, Jacobs has been the RB27 over the past two weeks, averaging only 7.5 fantasy points per game, scoring 10.3 or fewer in both contests. Unfortunately, he has an awful matchup this week against the Detroit Lions. They have held running backs to the third-fewest fantasy points per game (13.2) and only three touchdowns. According to Fantasy Points Data, the Lions have the fourth-lowest explosive run rate allowed this season.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)

Jaylen Waddle (WR – MIA)

“Jaylen Waddle has averaged 5 receptions and under 60 yards per game this season. Against the Patriots, it’s possible the Dolphins don’t need to throw often, which badly limits Waddle’s upside. He’s primed to disappoint again in Week 8.”
– Ben Wasley (The Fantasy First Down)

Joe Mixon (RB – CIN)

“Joe Mixon has only eclipsed 67 yards one time this year. He is a perfect running back for the Bengals as a real NFL team, but he is not a sure thing for fantasy players, who, if he is on their roster, must play him. The Bengals have been a letdown this year, and this week, they will go to San Francisco to play a team coming off two losses with something to prove and a great defense! Yards will be hard to come by this week; owners of Joe Mixon will have to hope for a short touchdown to salvage a rough week.”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)

“Joe Mixon is set up for a tough day at the office this week. Impressively, Mixon is 11th in RB attempts (even after his bye) and is the only back with 100% of their team’s red zone rushes. Although I think this team will return to being one of the league’s best offenses, this is not a week for the ground game. A healthy Joe Burrow and the Bengals are facing the 49ers for their first real test on whether they are true Super Bowl contenders. Not only are the 49ers coming off back-to-back losses, but they are allowing under 40 rushing yards per game to the position. In fact, teams elect to not run on them, averaging only 10.3 RB attempts per game. This pass-happy Bengals offense will gladly keep the ball in the air, making this week’s ECR RB18 a very scary start.”
– Ellis Johnson (RotoBaller)

Gus Edwards (RB – BAL)

“Gus Edwards is what he is. The Ravens’ RB is an efficient runner who will continue to do just that. However, the big receiving touchdown last week was a fluke, and we cannot trust him to get a rushing touchdown as well. Without finding pay dirt, Gus Edwards isn’t worth a starting nod for your fantasy team. Nothing this season has given us a reason to trust he is the one scoring the touchdown this week.”
– Zach Brunner (FlurrySports)

Saquon Barkley (RB – NYG)

“The Giants’ offense has struggled all year. Their line is banged up. Their starting QB might miss another game. And, as if that weren’t enough, this week, they take on one of the best defenses in the NFL, the Jets, for bragging rights of The Big Apple. Saquon is awesome, but the matchup is terrible, at least for Mark Ringo. In my best Donnie Brasco New York accent, ‘Fuhgeddaboudit.'”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)

D’Onta Foreman (RB – CHI)

“I cannot trust D’Onta Foreman after one blowup game. Week 7 saw him total 89 rushing yards and 3 total touchdowns, but I can’t bank on that level of touchdown luck to produce consistently. It’s also possible that rookie Roschon Johnson will return from a two-week absence and significantly cut into his workload. Even in a good matchup against a bad Chargers run defense, I won’t rely on him to score multiple touchdowns again.”
– Aaron St Denis (The League Winners)

Aaron Jones (RB – GB)

“The situation Aaron Jones finds himself in right now in this Packers offense is really, really, stinky. For one, he hasn’t been healthy this entire year as he struggles with an ongoing hamstring issue. On another, the Packers seem to want to have him split work with AJ Dillon, who has also been ineffective at best. Looking at this matchup against the Vikings may seem like a great play, but do not be fooled. As porous as the Vikings’ defense has been, especially against the pass, they have been stout against running backs this year. Minnesota has allowed one 100+ yard performance against the running back position, and have only conceded three touchdowns to the position. If you can afford it, I would consider sitting Aaron Jones this week. ”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)

Alexander Mattison (RB – MIN)

“I’d be trying pretty hard to not play Alexander Mattison this week. His 53% snap share against the 49ers marked his second-lowest of the season, trailing only the 51% of two weeks prior. Both games included Cam Akers playing at least 29%, and he climbed to a season-high 39% in Week 7. Ty Chandler also got on the field for the first time in four games. Mattison has garnered just 10 touches in two of his past three outings. He sandwiched 25 opportunities against Chicago between them, but he also ran for a season-low 2.4 yards per carry in that game. Not the kind of performance that commands more opportunities. He’s trending the wrong way.”
– Matt Schauf (Draft Sharks)

“Despite being handed the keys to the Vikings backfield after Dalvin Cook‘s release, Alexander Mattison sits at RB-21 on the year. Upon the arrival of Cam Akers, Mattison has yet to finish inside the Top 15 despite ample opportunity. Don’t let the juicy matchup in Week 8 against the Packers’ bottom-third fantasy run defense to RBs fool you. Mattison is poised to disappoint in Week 8 despite a top-40 FantasyPros flex ranking.”
– Chew Russell (Going For 2)

Davante Adams (WR – LV)

“At what point do we give up on Adams being a top-10 fantasy wide receiver? Sure, he’s a great talent, but that doesn’t matter in this Raiders offense. It’s a bounce-back spot for the Lions at home, and with Jimmy Garoppolo unlikely to play, it doesn’t make sense that Adams is being rated as a top-10 WR.”
– Adam Zdroik (RotoWire)

Chris Olave (WR – NO)

“I hate to say it, but Chris Olave is on my Dud list this week. This has been a very disappointing start to the season for Olave and to make matters worse for him, Carr has turned into the check-down king with Kamara back. The Saints face a Colts defense that has only given up an average of 24 REC, 258.67 REC YDS, 0.33 REC TDs per game over the last 3 weeks (TEN, JAC, CLE) to all positions. Over the same period (NE, HOU, JAC), Olave has only averaged 5.33 REC, 55 REC YDS, and 0.33 REC TDs per week, with average weekly WR finishes of WR29.67 (STD), WR27 (HALF), and WR28 (PPR). When you throw away Olave’s name and draft (WR12 ADP) bias, we are left with a WR3 as of late and a low WR2/high WR3 this week.”
– Brian Barker (Barker’s Fantasy Football Analysis)

Derrick Henry (RB – TEN)

“The underrated Atlanta defense has not allowed a rushing TD this season. Will Levis making his first NFL start won’t help keep the defense honest against the passing game, either, so Derrick Henry will be swarmed for much of the day.”
– Scott Engel (RotoBaller)

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