Smashing starts and breaking hearts, we do one of those two things in this article. Every week, we select five players who are in great matchups to out-produce their projections. Last week, we selected Davante Adams (WR5), Quinshon Judkins (RB4), Mike Evans (injured), Caleb Williams (QB28) and Mason Taylor (TE26). We also called both Adams and Judkins to score multiple touchdowns, which was a nice bonus. However, with two massive hits and two tough misses, we turn the page to Week 8.
With Arizona, Detroit, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles Rams and Seattle all on bye, our selection of players is severely limited. Still, many players in great matchups could have great fantasy football performances. My name is Ellis Johnson, and this is your weekly smash starts article.
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Fantasy Football Smash Starts: Week 8
Tee Higgins (WR – CIN)
Joe Flacco may be the savior in Cincinnati. Last week in primetime, Flacco led the Bengals to their sixth win over their last 10 games against the Steelers. Highlighted by hyper-targeting Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the two combined for 22 receptions on 33 targets.
This week, the Bengals face the Jets, who have allowed No. 2 WRs to have big games all season. This is largely because of Sauce Gardner, who, as good as he is, can only shut down one player at a time. However, Gardner may miss this week with a concussion he suffered last week. If that is the case, both Chase and Higgins should feast once again.
This is one of the few games this season where the Bengals enter as the favourites. Last week, Chase Brown surpassed 100 rushing yards, which was his first time topping 50 rushing yards this season. There is a chance the Bengals get the lead early and lean on their run game; however, they will likely need both receivers to get the lead in the first place. Start Higgins as a high upside WR2 in all formats.
Bijan Robinson (RB – ATL) & Tyler Allgeier (RB – ATL)
I know, calling Bijan Robinson a smash start is punching down. However, it didn’t feel right to only discuss Tyler Allgeier when both backs should have massive days. Miami has been searching for a defense all season, and over the last three weeks, its run defense is nowhere to be found. On the season, they are allowing an incredible 159.4 rushing yards per game. Over their last three weeks, Rico Dowdle rushed for over 200 yards, Kimani Vidal rushed for 124 yards and Quinshon Judkins scored a touchdown hat-trick on the ground.
The Falcons have been a very inconsistent good team all season. With their defense taking a step forward, their offense has left more to be desired. We have seen games where their offense has looked unstoppable, and others (like last week) where they are outmatched. This week, the entire offense should bounce back, starting with the success it will have on the ground.
Robinson and Allgeier getting big chunks of yards will set up the passing game and open the field for Drake London, Darnell Mooney and Kyle Pitts. With their defense likely making quick work of Tua Tagovailoa and company, both backs will be leaned on heavily to close this game out. If Robinson doesn’t hit 100 yards on the ground and find the end zone, I’ll call this a missed call. Going into the week, Robinson is ranked as the RB1 this week, and Allgeier is a worthy Flex play with six teams on bye.
Alec Pierce (WR – IND)
In his second season, Alec Pierce made a name for himself by catching multiple deep shots. His 824 yards on 37 receptions last year broke most analytics. This year, he has developed a more consistent game but has yet to have a massive week. I think that changes this week against the Titans.
On the season, Pierce has been fairly consistent. Of his five games, he went for over 65 yards in three of them, and the other two were over 35 yards. Last week, his five receptions on 10 targets for 98 yards were season highs in all three categories. This week, the Colts take on the Titans, who are allowing the eighth-highest passer rating to opposing quarterbacks. Pierce is a high upside WR3 this week and will find the end zone for the first time this season.
Baker Mayfield (QB – TB)
We now know Baker Mayfield is human. Just like Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, Mayfield lives in the danger zone and more often than not, he gets away with it. He wasn’t so lucky last week against the Lions and was inaccurate all game. This was likely a result of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin both being injured, as well as a great game plan by the Lions’ defense. Although Evans and Godwin won’t be there again in Week 8, the matchup couldn’t be better.
The Buccaneers take on a feisty Saints team that probably deserves a better record than 1-6. However, the Saints’ defense has not been able to stop any offenses, allowing the sixth-most points against. On the season, they have allowed two passing touchdowns per game and the fourth-most rushing attempts to opposing quarterbacks. As a result, I expect Mayfield will be moving the chains with his legs and finding both rookie wideouts Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson for a few scores this Sunday.
Dallas Goedert (TE – PHI)
It is National Tight End Day on Sunday, so we know there will be plenty of tight ends who will have big fantasy days. For whatever reason, out of all the weeks, National Tight End Day has come with big touchdown weeks each of the last two years. If we are looking for touchdowns, Dallas Goedert might be the most likely tight end to score.
With the Eagles struggling to run the ball (still feels weird to say), Goedert has been used in the short game near the goal line. His five touchdowns on the season are second only to Jake Ferguson at the position. Last time he played the Giants, Goedert went for 110 yards and a score. As the Eagles look to redeem that loss, Goedert is as good a bet as anyone to find pay dirt.
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