Fantasy Football Start/Sit: Van Jefferson, Pat Freiermuth, Jaylen Warren

Week 8 brings the chaos every fantasy football manager dreads: Bye-mageddon. Six teams are on bye, benches are bare, and you’re debating whether starting a backup tight end with one career touchdown is a good idea. Don’t panic — our Featured Pros are here to help you navigate the carnage. From sneaky upside plays to avoid-at-all-cost duds, they’ve got the insight you need to survive the bye-week apocalypse and keep your fantasy season afloat.

Fantasy Football Week 8 Start/Sit Advice

Sleepers

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?

Van Jefferson (WR – TEN)

“With six teams on bye, finding a sleeper this week feels like throwing darts. Van Jefferson of the Tennessee Titans, though, deserves a look. He caught all four of his targets for 41 yards in Week 7. If Calvin Ridley misses more time with his hamstring injury, Jefferson could see an expanded role. He also had four catches for 75 yards against the Raiders in Week 6, showing solid chemistry with Cam Ward. Over the last two games, he’s tied with Elic Ayomanor for the team leads in targets and receptions. Jefferson also tops the Titans with 116 receiving yards and the highest air yard share. You could do a lot worse in your Flex this week.”
– Kyle Zeigler (Fantasy In Frames)

Pat Freiermuth (TE – PIT)

“Double down with Pat Freiermuth in Aaron Rodgers’ battle against the Packers on Sunday night. He had a huge game against the Bengals in Week 6, and now faces a Packers defense that has been generous to tight ends (yes, SJonnu mith’s existence doesn’t help). Tight ends have racked up 50 receptions, including five touchdowns, against the Packers.”
– Mike Harmon (Swollen Dome)

Duds

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

Jaylen Warren (RB – PIT)

“I’m buying into the revenge game narrative for Aaron Rodgers against the Green Bay Packers. That could mean Jaylen Warren disappoints as Rodgers looks to prove he can still sling it. Add in that Green Bay allows the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs, and we all know Rodgers loves his tight ends. Sure enough, the Packers give up the second-most fantasy points to the position. It’s a match made in heaven for him, quite fitting on National Tight End Day.”
– Kyle Zeigler (Fantasy In Frames)