Every Monday of the NFL regular season, we look at breakout performances from the weekend and analyze their potential for sustained success. We will rank these performances from 1-5 based on whether we believe they are momentary or long-term options for your fantasy teams.
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Fantasy Football Heat Index
Quarterback
Joe Flacco (QB – CIN)
Stats:
- 21-of-34 for 223 Passing Yards
- 2 Passing Touchdowns
- 2 Rushing Attempts
- 14 Rushing Yards
- 1 Rushing Touchdown
Position Rank (pre-MNF): QB6 (24.3 fantasy points)
Analysis: Joe Flacco completed 21-of-34 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns in the Cincinnati Bengals’ 39-38 loss to the New York Jets on Sunday. He added a one-yard rushing score and avoided turning the ball over, showing strong command of the offense while targeting Ja’Marr Chase a staggering 19 times.
From a fantasy football standpoint, Flacco’s volume and talented supporting cast make him a viable short-term option, particularly in Superflex and two-quarterback formats. His growing chemistry with Chase, combined with Cincinnati’s pass-heavy approach and a defense that continues to allow points, suggests continued upside as long as Joe Burrow remains sidelined.
Heat Index: 3
Running Back
RJ Harvey (RB – DEN)
Stats:
- 7 Rushing Attempts
- 46 Rushing Yards
- 2 Rushing Touchdowns
- 1 Reception
- 5 Receiving Yards
- 1 Receiving Touchdown
Position Rank (pre-MNF): RB6 (23.6 fantasy points)
Analysis: RJ Harvey made the most of limited opportunities in the Denver Broncos’ Week 8 win over the Dallas Cowboys, scoring three touchdowns on just eight touches in a breakout performance. The rookie rushed seven times for 46 yards and two scores, then added a five-yard touchdown reception to punctuate Denver’s dominant second half.
While Harvey’s talent is evident, his current role doesn’t support consistent fantasy production. Scoring three times on eight opportunities is wildly efficient but unlikely to repeat, especially with Denver’s backfield still operating as a committee. He should be rostered in all formats, but his ceiling remains limited as long as starter J.K. Dobbins stays healthy and continues to see the bulk of early-down work.
Heat Index: 2
Wide Receiver
Kayshon Boutte (WR – NE)
Stats:
- 3 Receptions
- 75 Receiving Yards
- 1 Touchdown
Position Rank (pre-MNF): WR9 (15 fantasy points)
Analysis: Kayshon Boutte extended his hot streak in Week 8, finishing with three catches for 75 yards and a touchdown in New England’s 32-13 rout of the Cleveland Browns. He hauled in a 39-yard strike from Drake Maye, marking his third straight game with a touchdown and pushing his three-game totals to 223 yards and four scores.
Boutte’s scoring may vary week-to-week, but his big-play upside remains intact with Maye playing at an MVP level and the Patriots leaning into a more aggressive aerial attack. His efficiency and ability to stretch the field have added a spark to New England’s offense, and his role should continue to grow heading into upcoming matchups against the Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets.
Heat Index: 4
Tight End
Mason Taylor (TE – NYJ)
Stats:
- 5 Receptions
- 34 Receiving Yards
- 1 Touchdown
Position Rank (pre-MNF): TE6 (11.9 fantasy points)
Analysis: With No. 1 WR Garrett Wilson sidelined by a knee injury, rookie tight end Mason Taylor stepped up on National Tight Ends Day, delivering a timely performance in the Jets’ first victory of the season. He caught five passes for 34 yards and a touchdown, serving as a steady underneath option for quarterback Justin Fields.
Despite modest yardage in Week 8, Taylor continues to carve out a meaningful role in the Jets’ offense. He ranks second on the team in both receptions and receiving yards and recorded his first career touchdown on a fourth-quarter trick-pass from running back Breece Hall near the goal line.
While Taylor is not yet a locked-in weekly starter, he should be picked up off the waiver wire where available. If his role continues to expand and the Jets can find consistent quarterback play, he could emerge as a viable streaming option over the back-half of the season.
Heat Index: 3
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