It’s mid-season? Are you kidding me? I swear I was just setting up my draft board and now we are already halfway through the best time of year. So far, It’s been a great year, unpredictable and just the way we like it. The great thing is that unless your fantasy team is looking like the Panthers you should still have a shot at the playoffs. Now let’s set those lineups and buckle up, cuz it's crunch time!
Starts
QB - Bo Nix - Denver Broncos (Car)
While rookie quarterbacks rarely make the fantasy start list, Denver QB Bo Nix stands out after being the last of six taken in the first round of the NFL draft. He has established himself as the Broncos' future signal caller, throwing for over 200 yards in four of his starts and recording at least one touchdown in all but one game on the year. Though not a dominant passer, his rushing ability enhances his fantasy value—he's amassed 136 yards on 16 carries in his last two outings, along with three rushing touchdowns. With Nix available in about 80% of leagues and facing a Panthers team that has allowed over 30 points in four consecutive games, he makes for an ideal streaming option for Week 8.
RB- Najee Harris - Pittsburgh Steelers (NYG)
Steelers RB Najee Harris is quietly having an impressive season, currently ranking as a top-20 running back. Despite some owners not seeing him as a lineup lock, his performance tells a different story. With back-to-back 100-yard games for only the second time in his career, Harris has solidified his status as a legitimate RB2. Additionally, he consistently receives over 15 touches per game without having any performances under six fantasy points, thereby giving him a high fantasy floor. While his ceiling is limited (only two touchdowns thus far), in Week 8 he faces a Giants defense that allows 138 rushing yards per game. It's time to stop leaving him on the bench and give Harris the playing time he deserves.
WR- Romeo Doubs - Green Bay Packers (@Jax)
The Green Bay Packers' wide receiver corps may not feature big names, but they offer intriguing options for your lineup. Romeo Doubs, available in about 60% of leagues, is a solid flex play for Week 8, boasting a notable target share (22 targets over the last three games). With QB Jordan Love having thrown 13 TDs in the last four games, Doubs and his fellow receivers are poised to benefit. This week, the matchup is particularly favorable, as the Jags have allowed the second most passing yards of any team in the NFL. Start Doubs with confidence.
TE - Hunter Henry - New England Patriots (NYJ)
Despite a disappointing Week 7 loss, the Patriots' offense has found new life with their rookie QB Drake Maye. TE Hunter Henry has thrived in the young QB's first two starts, catching 11 of 14 targets for 133 yards and a touchdown. If those numbers came from a big-name tight end, they’d be among the league's best. With a solid 39 targets over his last seven games, Henry's value is likely to increase as Maye continues to develop. For those still seeking a consistent tight end, Henry could be the solution you need. Don't be afraid to start him in Week 8.
Defense - Arizona Cardinals (@Mia)
This season has seen a lack of dominant defenses, leading to frequent streaming options. My top pick this week is the Cardinals, who, despite a tough year, have a favorable matchup ahead. So far they’ve managed only one double-digit fantasy performance after shutting down the Rams in Week 2, but this week presents another opportunity against a struggling Dolphins team. With QB Tua Tagovailoa out, Miami’s offense has been abysmal, averaging just 11.7 points with under 200 passing yards per game. It's been so bad that even stars like WR Tyreek Hill are struggling, as evidenced by his one-catch game last week. As long as Tua is sidelined, start any defense going up against Miami with confidence. ***(Editor's Note: There is a possibility that Tua will return from the IR this week & start, thereby potentially capping this Arizona squad's potential. However, they should still have a decent fantasy day)***.
Sits
QB- Anthony Richardson - Indianapolis Colts (@Hou)
Many are likely discussing QB Anthony Richardson this week, and it’s clear he’s having a tough sophomore season. In his last three home starts, he’s thrown for just 367 yards with zero touchdowns and three turnovers. Surprisingly, he remains on rosters in nearly 80% of leagues, despite the disappointing stats to date. Additionally, while his rushing ability was expected to be a strength, he’s averaging under 40 rushing yards per game across his five starts. Sadly that isn't nearly enough production to make up for his abysmal passing stats. Given that he’s facing a Houston defense allowing fewer than 170 passing yards per game, he should not be in any lineups this week.
RB - Tony Pollard - Tennessee Titans (@Det)
If the Titans were performing better, RB Tony Pollard would likely be a must-start every week. Unfortunately, they rank 31st in yards per game and dead last in passing, prompting defenses to stack the box against him. While Pollard has been productive (averaging over 18 touches in five of six games), he struggles against strong defenses. This week’s matchup against the Lions (who are one of five teams limiting opponents to under 100 rushing yards per game), doesn’t bode well for him. I anticipate Pollard may end up with around 17 touches for just 45 yards. Instead, it’s wise to look for a more favorable matchup for Week 8.
WR - Josh Downs - Indianapolis Colts (@Hou)
I initially considered Detroit WR Jameson Williams for this spot due to his boom-or-bust potential, but with his suspension, let’s turn to another player in the same category: Josh Downs. While he has shown flashes of talent with two games over 60 yards and a touchdown, he has also recorded two games with fewer than 25 yards. With QB Anthony Richardson back under center, this passing offense remains unreliable. In Week 8 the Colts face a Texans defense that has been formidable, allowing just 168 passing yards per game. Given these factors, I don't trust Downs and neither should you.
TE - Colby Parkinson - Los Angeles Rams (Min)
This week was surprisingly strong for tight ends, with nearly a dozen players scoring double-digit points (a significant improvement for a position that has frustrated owners for years). However, Colby Parkinson is trending in the opposite direction. After combining for 20 targets in Weeks 4 and 5, his performance has dropped off dramatically. Coming off a bye, Parkinson managed only two catches on two targets in Week 7 and has surpassed 50 yards just once on the year. With no touchdowns to his name, Parkinson's floor and ceiling are both low compared to other tight ends who have a much larger target share. It's wise to explore other options for Week 8.
Defense - Chicago Bears (@Wsh)
The Chicago Bears are coming off a bye as one of the best fantasy defenses, having allowed 21 points or fewer in all six of their games. However, this matchup feels like a potential trap. Washington's offense is not what it used to be (contrary to popular belief), and put up 40 points in Week 7 despite the injury to rookie QB Jayden Daniels. Currently, they lead the league with an average of 31 points per game, ranking second in rushing and top ten in passing. Additionally, with only three turnovers on the year, Washington's efficiency makes them a daunting opponent. While the Bears have performed well, I wouldn't recommend starting any defense right now against this formidable offensive attack.
