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.
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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?
Jaylin Noel (WR – HOU)
“Jaylin Noel is currently ranked way outside the top-100. With Nico Collins likely to miss, his role should increase. This team looked to him on Monday when Nico went down, and that should continue. He showed up big with a career-high 77 yards, catching four of his seven targets. Most of this came after Nico went down.”
– David Heilman (Sports Gambling Podcast Network)
“Nico Collins is currently in the concussion protocol after a hard hit to the turf. If he misses any period of time, another wide receiver needs to step up. That receiver will be rookie Jaylin Noel. He had been unproductive this season until the Monday night game against Seattle, where he was given more snaps due to Christian Kirk‘s injury and Collins’s aforementioned concussion. He ended the game with four receptions for 77 yards. With the uncertainty at wide receiver in Houston, Noel could step into a prominent role for a team and, when Collins returns, serve as a flexible WR2 for the Texans and C.J. Stroud.”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)
Garrett Wilson (WR – NYJ)
“Garrett Wilson is this week’s ultimate sleeper pick, and yes, this is a bit of a cheat code answer. His fantasy value has tanked outside the top-100 flex rankings because of a knee injury that forced him to miss Week 7. If he suits up this week, you’re getting a massive advantage: a bona fide Top 40 producer where it appears that he will actually have a competent QB throwing to him. The likely switch to veteran Tyrod Taylor is a massive benefit, as seen by Wilson’s previous success with Taylor; this includes a game where he had 10 catches, 84 yards, and a touchdown. If Wilson plays, expect elite target volume and a high-end WR1 performance (I’d go as far as to rank him as a top 5 WR this week, IF he plays AND Taylor gets the QB job).”
– Luke Renton (The Franchise Tag UK)
Chimere Dike (WR – TEN)
“Chimere Dike was the Titans’ best wide receiver last week against the New England Patriots. The rookie caught all four targets for 70 receiving yards, a touchdown, and 16.9 PPR fantasy points, setting career highs in receptions, yards, touchdowns, and fantasy points. Tennessee might be without Calvin Ridley for the second consecutive week because of a hamstring injury. More importantly, Dike has seen an increase in playing time lately, playing at least 56% of the snaps in back-to-back games. Meanwhile, he faces an Indianapolis Colts defense that has surrendered 40.9 fantasy points per game to wide receivers this year, the most in the NFL. They have given up 213.5 receiving yards, 1.5 touchdowns, and 47.8 fantasy points per game to wide receivers since their last matchup against the Titans. Dike is a solid high-upside flex option if Ridley misses his second consecutive game.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
“Welcome to bye-mageddon, folks, glad to have you here. After last week’s impressive outing, Chimere Dike could be an interesting start this week as the Titans face the Colts at home. Dike hauled in all four of his targets for seventy yards and a score last week versus New England, and now faces a Colts team that is conceding the most points to the WR position heading into Week 8. If Calvin Ridley remains out of the lineup, Dike could be worth consideration for this week despite the Titans, and we will avoid using how Cam Ward described the Titans, overall ineptitudes.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
Jalen Nailor (WR – MIN)
“He’s a risky option, but I like the floor that Jalen Nailor has given managers so far this season. While Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison will continue to receive the bulk of the targets, Nailor has four or more targets in five straight games. While his ceiling is low and incredibly dependent on touchdowns, I like the floor he brings against a Los Angeles Chargers team that can struggle at times defending the pass.”
– Trevor Land (FlurrySports)
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 QB Cam Ward. Over the last two games, he’s tied with Elic Ayomanor for 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 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, Smith’s existence doesn’t help). Tight ends have racked up 50 receptions, including five touchdowns, against the Packers.”
– Mike Harmon (Swollen Dome)
Noah Fant (TE – CIN)
“I’m looking forward to seeing what Noah Fant does in Week 8. He’s currently ranked at 112 overall, TE22, but he’s seen 4 or more targets in all but one game this year. Now that Mike Gesicki has been placed on IR, and Joe Flacco is settling into the Bengals’ offense, I think Fant should step up. He scored a touchdown last week and finished as TE10 in PPR scoring. I think this is the start of the norm, and not a fluke event, so I’m starting him in the flex in a few places myself.”
– Andrew Hall (FantasyPros)
Colston Loveland (TE – CHI)
“Colston Loveland – Cole Kmet left the Bears Week 7 game with a back injury and is considered week-to-week, giving him slim chances of suiting up vs the Ravens in Week 8. Loveland, whose start to the season was derailed by a hip injury, saw his season-high in snap share last week (67%). The upcoming Ravens @ Bears game has an O/U of 50 points, which only trails the Cowboys @ Broncos (50.5). Between potential increased volume and a chance at a TD, Loveland has a couple of paths to a relevant fantasy day. It was clear the Bears had a plan for Loveland when they drafted him 10th overall this past April – the stars may be aligning for it to be unveiled. Loveland is still a longshot play, but one you can squint and see the path towards success if you’re in a pinch.”
– Charlie Sisian (The Fantasy DC)
“Rookie Colston Loveland has been sharing snaps and targets with veteran TE Cole Kmet, but Kmet left last week’s game with a back injury and isn’t likely to play in Week 8. Loveland was talented enough to be a top-10 draft pick. He hasn’t seen more than four targets in any game this season, but Loveland could see a target spike this week in a game where the Bears are 6.5 road underdogs against the Ravens. Baltimore is giving up the eighth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
Jonnu Smith (TE – PIT)
“Jonnu Smith, tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is a good fantasy football sleeper start this week. If you’re in a deep league or need a “boom” flex play (hoping for upside rather than safe floor), then yes — Jonnu Smith is worth considering. The matchup is good, his usage is creeping up, and fantasy managers could exploit a scenario where he finds the end zone. However, in a typical league (10-12 teams, one TE start, safe floor preferred) I’d treat him as a low-floor, moderate-upside option — someone you’d start only if your usual tight-end is injured, on a bye week, or you’re chasing upside.”
– Jeff Boggis (Fantasy Football Empire)
Brashard Smith (RB – KC)
“Brashard Smith is taking over the Jerrick McKinnon role in Kansas City. In 2022, we saw McKinnon legitimately win people’s leagues off of waivers with two RB1 overall finishes down the stretch, with one of them in the first week of the fantasy playoffs. Smith did get most of his opportunities in garbage time this week. However, another one could easily be on the way against the Commanders. The Chiefs are 10.5-point favorites against the Commanders team in a game Jayden Daniels will likely miss. I like Smith this week as a bye week fill-in flex play.”
– Ryan Prosick (Fantrax)
Terrell Jennings (RB – NE)
“This week, with all of the players missing due to injuries and byes, I struggled to find a sleeper outside the top 100. The player pool just isn’t that deep this week. Instead of forcing a player in the top 150 who I wasn’t particularly fond of, I opted to go way off board and select New England Patriots running back Terrell Jennings. I know, that’s a deep sleeper, right? In fact, he is so deep that he isn’t even listed on the Patriots RB depth chart on Sleeper. Last week against the Tennessee Titans, he saw his first game action and rushed the ball 5 times for a pedestrian 18 yards. I know that doesn’t sound like much, but considering he out-touched highly-touted rookie TreVeyon Henderson, it’s a positive sign. Add in the fact that the Patriots’ coaching staff was raving about him after the game and discussing how he would be more involved, and it’s a deep sleeper I’m willing to take a shot on this week, even in a rough matchup with the Browns. If you are desperate, add him now. I guarantee he is available in your league.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)
Duds
Which player inside the top 40 in the FantasyPros Flex rankings is likely to disappoint fantasy managers this week?
A.J. Brown (WR – PHI)
“A.J. Brown will be a big disappointment this week. The divisional matchup against the Giants feels super risky. It was only a fortnight ago that Brown was kept relatively in check with a modest six catches for 80 yards and no scores. That’s a slight warning! But here’s the biggest concern for me: Is Jalen Hurts‘ incredible Week 7 in the passing game finally here to stay, or are we about to see the Eagles’ mediocre offense of the first six weeks again? Far too many question marks this week for Brown.”
– Luke Renton (The Franchise Tag UK)
Jaylen Waddle (WR – MIA)
“Jaylen Waddle is currently in the top 40 flex rankings. Waddle has a history of being inconsistent as it is, but the Dolphins are a mess. He is also a name that is floating out there in trade rumors. Between Tua and the trade rumors, he is going to be a risky play.”
– David Heilman (Sports Gambling Podcast Network)
“Here are several reasons why Jaylen Waddle (WR, Miami Dolphins) looks like a fantasy bust this week — meaning he’s riskier than usual, not that he can’t ever be useful. Here’s why you might sit him or at least temper your expectations: He has a tough matchup and will be playing in an unfavorable environment this week at Atlanta. Even when healthy, Jaylen Waddle’s key metrics, such as target share, yards per route, and his involvement in tight-window throws, have dropped. If you must start him, do so with tempered expectations: maybe expect 5-7 catches, ~50-70 yards rather than boom numbers. The Miami offense and over team is a mess and will continue to be exploited on the road this week at Atlanta.”
– Jeff Boggis (Fantasy Football Empire)
Chase Brown (RB – CIN)
“Last week, Chase Brown finished as the RB19, scoring 12 PPR fantasy points, totaling 11 rushing attempts for 108 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Unfortunately, the 12 fantasy points were his highest total since having 13.1 in Week 1 with Joe Burrow under center. He has averaged 9.6 fantasy points per game since Week 1, scoring single-digits in half the contests. More importantly, Brown’s role in the passing game has disappeared, totaling only four receptions for -1 receiving yard with Joe Flacco under center. Meanwhile, he faces a New York Jets defense that has slowed down opposing rushing attacks lately. The Jets have held running backs to 97.2 rushing yards, 0.6 touchdowns, and 18.6 fantasy points per game over the past five weeks, allowing 18.1 or fewer in all but one contest. There is no way I’m trusting Brown as a top-20 running back this week, despite six teams being on bye.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
“Chase Brown gave reason for optimism in Week 7’s game vs Pittsburgh, gaining 108 rushing yards on 11 carries (with a long of 37). The issue, however, was his continued lack of volume – he is averaging 10 carries and three targets since Flacco’s arrival in Cincinnati, which is only slightly more than Samaje Perine (6.5 carries, 1.5 targets). This week, he faces a Jets defense that FantasyPoints ranks 4th against RBs in fantasy points vs expectation. The offensive improvements under Flacco are encouraging, but if you have other options, I would likely wait to see a little more from Brown before putting him back into my starting lineup.”
– Charlie Sisian (The Fantasy DC)
Zay Flowers (WR – BAL)
“I think Zay Flowers could disappoint fantasy managers this week. I think he’s a great player, but his inconsistency for fantasy is problematic. While he has ten or more targets in two games, he also has five or fewer targets in two games. He’s a solid WR3, but his lack of consistency and his inability to find the end zone as of late with a decent Chicago Bears defense on deck is scaring me away from him this week.”
– Trevor Land (FlurrySports)
Jordan Mason (RB – MIN)
“My pick to bust this week is Vikings running back Jordan Mason. Mason has been the definition of consistency through seven weeks, finishing as an RB2 in four of six matchups with a bye week mixed in. In three of those four matchups, he managed to produce an overall average stat line but managed to crack the top 24 on the strength of a rushing touchdown. This week, Minnesota faces a strong Chargers team, and the game script is unlikely to be in their favour, which could limit their upside. Add in the potential return of starter Aaron Jones, and this has the makings of a disappointing week for Mason. This could be the end of his run of fantasy relevance for the year. I hope you enjoyed his production while you got it. Even if it was mediocre.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)
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 RBs, and we all know Rodgers loves his TEs. 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 Ends Day.”
– Kyle Zeigler (Fantasy In Frames)
CeeDee Lamb (WR – DAL)
“The epic one-on-one battle between CeeDee Lamb and Patrick Surtain II that will be on the marquee. I am under no delusion that Surtain II can create an “operation shutdown” situation, but I expect more from Jake Ferguson, George Pickens, and Javonte Williams out of the backfield.”
– Mike Harmon (Swollen Dome)
Tetairoa McMillan (WR – CAR)
“I’m fading Tetairoa McMillan this week. The Panthers appear prepared to start Andy Dalton this week, which is leading many managers to boost McMillan, but I’m not so sure. Buffalo’s defense isn’t great, but the Panthers as a whole just look rudderless. It’s hard to predict who will do anything on this offense right now, so I’m fading McMillan, who is 38th overall and WR17 this week. I just don’t trust it and would rather bench him and see him go off before risking him in my lineup.”
– Andrew Hall (FantasyPros)
Alvin Kamara (RB – NO)
“Alvin Kamara was once a fantasy must-start, and for a few years was drafted by some owners at the first overall pick. Unfortunately, this year has not been kind to him. He is 30 years old, which is a steep plateau for all running backs, but the most challenging part to his production is that the Saints are not a very good team, and often play from behind. He has only eclipsed 45 yards rushing in two games, and his receiving total, which was his bread and butter, is way down, with only one game over 28 yards receiving. He is currently ranked as the #32 player in half PPR, which will disappoint owners during this week and going forward.”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)
“It’s Alvin Kamara, and it stings to say it, but man, oh man, has it been stinky. The offensive line is beat up, the offense as a whole doesn’t do enough consistently, and it isn’t like Kamara was an in-between-the-tackles beast to begin with. It is a great matchup this week versus a Tampa defense who were just torched by Jahmyr Gibbs, and now Kamara finds himself without Kendre Miller, who is out for the year. The Saints may look to integrate rookie Devin Neal more into the offense, which would certainly hurt Kamara. It stings, but until he has a big one, Kamara can’t be relied upon.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
Quentin Johnston (WR – LAC)
“I don’t know if he’s *likely* to disappoint fantasy managers, but Quentin Johnston’s range of potential outcomes includes possible disappointment. QJ has to share targets with Ladd McConkey and Keenan Allen, and now rookie TE Oronde Gadsden II is becoming a prominent weapon in the Chargers’ passing attack. With the Chargers in chase mode last week against the Colts, QB Justin Herbert had 55 pass attempts, and yet Johnston was targeted only six times and had two catches for 30 yards and a touchdown that prevented his fantasy performance from being a washout. It’s getting increasingly difficult to start Johnston with confidence.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
Cam Skattebo (RB – NYG)
“Cam Skattebo draws the Eagles yet again, a matchup that many managers will be eager to hear about. Considering Skattebo scored three times against the Eagles just two weeks ago. However, that was without Jalen Carter on the field, as he missed that game with a heel injury. The Eagles’ rush defense is significantly better with him on the season. Temper expectations for Skattebo as the Eagles just held Jordan Mason to a relatively lackluster showing, where he had 15 carries for 57 yards, but saved fantasy managers with a touchdown.”
– Ryan Prosick (Fantrax)
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