Fantasy Football Week 8: Matt Camp's Week 8 Big Board

Matt CampOct 26, 2016

Week 8 brings us close to the halfway point of the NFL regular season, but for most, we’re already well into the second half of the fantasy football regular season. Your playoff push should be starting soon.

That means you’re either doing everything possible to remain in the playoff hunt or preparing an already-strong fantasy roster for the playoff weeks. A seven-week sample size should be enough to assess everything you need to know, like weak defenses to match up with late in the season.

Six teams are off in Week 8, including the Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers. Losing Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown, Todd Gurley, Odell Beckham and Jay Ajayi all in the same week is rough, but remember, it’s only one week. At least Mike Evans should be ready for another big game against the Oakland Raiders.

This is the first look at my points-per-reception (PPR) rankings for Week 8. These will change throughout the week and up to Sunday’s action as we get more information about injuries and limitations, so make sure to bookmark this page.

Also, don’t forget that the Washington Redskins take on the Cincinnati Bengals in London on Sunday morning, so be sure to take care of any lineup decisions featuring players from those teams before that early kickoff. Hopefully, we’ll know more about Jordan Reed’s concussion issues and his status for the game before Sunday morning.

Top 100

1 of 7

The Post-Crescent-USA TODAY Sports

Can the Packers build on last week's strong offensive performance?

I present my top 100 players (minus quarterbacks) for the week as a way to help determine your flex spots. You may favor a certain position or player over another based on his role and/or your scoring rules.

As an additional tiebreaker, here are the teams I like as a whole this week based on their matchups:

Green Bay Packers (at Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons (vs. Green Bay Packers)
Arizona Cardinals (at Carolina Panthers)
Seattle Seahawks (at New Orleans Saints)

#	Player (team)	Matchup	Pos	ECR™	vs. ECR
1	Julio Jones (ATL)	vs. GB	WR1	1	0
2	Mike Evans (TB)	vs. OAK	WR2	2	0
3	David Johnson (ARI)	at CAR	RB1	3	0
4	A.J. Green (CIN)	vs. WAS	WR3	4	0
5	Ezekiel Elliott (DAL)	vs. PHI	RB2	5	0
6	T.Y. Hilton (IND)	vs. KC	WR4	7	+1
7	Brandon Marshall (NYJ)	at CLE	WR5	6	-1
8	Spencer Ware (KC)	at IND	RB3	9	+1
9	Amari Cooper (OAK)	at TB	WR6	12	+3
10	DeMarco Murray (TEN)	vs. JAC	RB4	8	-2
11	Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)	at CAR	WR7	11	0
12	Michael Crabtree (OAK)	at TB	WR8	18	+6
13	Devonta Freeman (ATL)	vs. GB	RB5	13	0
14	Randall Cobb (GB)	at ATL	WR9	17	+3
15	Christine Michael (SEA)	at NO	RB6	14	-1
16	Marvin Jones (DET)	at HOU	WR10	21	+5
17	Jacquizz Rodgers (TB)	vs. OAK	RB7	20	+3
18	Emmanuel Sanders (DEN)	vs. SD	WR11	22	+4
19	Rob Gronkowski (NE)	at BUF	TE1	15	-4
20	Matt Forte (NYJ)	at CLE	RB8	23	+3
21	Demaryius Thomas (DEN)	vs. SD	WR12	24	+3
22	Lamar Miller (HOU)	vs. DET	RB9	19	-3
23	Davante Adams (GB)	at ATL	WR13	52	+29
24	DeAndre Hopkins (HOU)	vs. DET	WR14	10	-14
25	Ty Montgomery (GB)	at ATL	WR15	28	+3
26	Doug Baldwin (SEA)	at NO	WR16	16	-10
27	Melvin Gordon (SD)	at DEN	RB10	30	+3
28	Dez Bryant (DAL)	vs. PHI	WR17	31	+3
29	Brandin Cooks (NO)	vs. SEA	WR18	29	0
30	C.J. Anderson (DEN)	vs. SD	RB11	36	+6
31	Jimmy Graham (SEA)	at NO	TE2	27	-4
32	Kelvin Benjamin (CAR)	vs. ARI	WR19	37	+5
33	Golden Tate (DET)	at HOU	WR20	34	+1
34	Alshon Jeffery (CHI)	vs. MIN	WR21	39	+5
35	Jamison Crowder (WAS)	at CIN	WR22	48	+13
36	Jordy Nelson (GB)	at ATL	WR23	25	-11
37	LeGarrette Blount (NE)	at BUF	RB12	44	+7
38	Frank Gore (IND)	vs. KC	RB13	38	0
39	Terrelle Pryor (CLE)	vs. NYJ	WR24	35	-4
40	Greg Olsen (CAR)	vs. ARI	TE3	41	+1
41	Stefon Diggs (MIN)	at CHI	WR25	43	+2
42	Michael Thomas (NO)	vs. SEA	WR26	53	+11
43	Mark Ingram (NO)	vs. SEA	RB14	42	-1
44	Delanie Walker (TEN)	vs. JAC	TE4	45	+1
45	Will Fuller (HOU)	vs. DET	WR27	47	+2
46	Allen Robinson (JAC)	at TEN	WR28	26	-20
47	Giovani Bernard (CIN)	vs. WAS	RB15	40	-7
48	Devontae Booker (DEN)	vs. SD	RB16	70	+22
49	Julian Edelman (NE)	at BUF	WR29	32	-17
50	C.J. Fiedorowicz (HOU)	vs. DET	TE5	75	+25
51	Jeremy Maclin (KC)	at IND	WR30	46	-5
52	James White (NE)	at BUF	RB17	33	-19
53	Willie Snead (NO)	vs. SEA	WR31	51	-2
54	Jeremy Hill (CIN)	vs. WAS	RB18	55	+1
55	Jordan Matthews (PHI)	at DAL	WR32	49	-6
56	Travis Kelce (KC)	at IND	TE6	50	-6
57	Jonathan Stewart (CAR)	vs. ARI	RB19	61	+4
58	Matt Asiata (MIN)	at CHI	RB20	54	-4
59	Cole Beasley (DAL)	vs. PHI	WR33	64	+5
60	Kyle Rudolph (MIN)	at CHI	TE7	56	-4
61	Mike Gillislee (BUF)	vs. NE	RB21	65	+4
62	John Brown (ARI)	at CAR	WR34	111	+49
63	Quincy Enunwa (NYJ)	at CLE	WR35	60	-3
64	Donte Moncrief (IND)	vs. KC	WR36	137	+73
65	Isaiah Crowell (CLE)	vs. NYJ	RB22	68	+3
66	Chris Thompson (WAS)	at CIN	RB23	59	-7
67	Tyrell Williams (SD)	at DEN	WR37	67	0
68	Theo Riddick (DET)	at HOU	RB24	103	+35
69	Tyler Eifert (CIN)	vs. WAS	TE8	90	+21
70	Brandon LaFell (CIN)	vs. WAS	WR38	66	-4
71	Martellus Bennett (NE)	at BUF	TE9	77	+6
72	Latavius Murray (OAK)	at TB	RB25	58	-14
73	Michael Floyd (ARI)	at CAR	WR39	73	0
74	Darren Sproles (PHI)	at DAL	RB26	71	-3
75	Cordarrelle Patterson (MIN)	at CHI	WR40	96	+21
76	Jordan Howard (CHI)	vs. MIN	RB27	85	+9
77	Bilal Powell (NYJ)	at CLE	RB28	86	+9
78	Gary Barnidge (CLE)	vs. NYJ	TE10	80	+2
79	Cameron Meredith (CHI)	vs. MIN	WR41	57	-22
80	Alfred Blue (HOU)	vs. DET	RB29	139	+59
81	DeSean Jackson (WAS)	at CIN	WR42	62	-19
82	Travis Benjamin (SD)	at DEN	WR43	79	-3
83	Cameron Brate (TB)	vs. OAK	TE11	97	+14
84	Anquan Boldin (DET)	at HOU	WR44	69	-15
85	Jack Doyle (IND)	vs. KC	TE12	63	-22
86	Chris Hogan (NE)	at BUF	WR45	83	-3
87	Mohamed Sanu (ATL)	vs. GB	WR46	78	-9
88	Ryan Mathews (PHI)	at DAL	RB30	76	-12
89	Matt Jones (WAS)	at CIN	RB31	74	-15
90	Tyler Lockett (SEA)	at NO	WR47	91	+1
91	Robert Kelley (WAS)	at CIN	RB32	131	+40
92	Julius Thomas (JAC)	at TEN	TE13	81	-11
93	Jerick McKinnon (MIN)	at CHI	RB33	82	-11
94	Pierre Garcon (WAS)	at CIN	WR48	89	-5
95	Allen Hurns (JAC)	at TEN	WR49	87	-8
96	Marqise Lee (JAC)	at TEN	WR50	84	-12
97	Vernon Davis (WAS)	at CIN	TE14	93	-4
98	Ka'Deem Carey (CHI)	vs. MIN	RB34	112	+14
99	Adam Humphries (TB)	vs. OAK	WR51	95	-4
100	Wendell Smallwood (PHI)	at DAL	RB35	151	+51

2016 Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyPros

ECR - Expert Consensus Rankings

Quarterbacks

2 of 7

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Ryan could find himself in a shootout against the Packers.

Better than Usual

Carson Palmer, ARI (at CAR)

Trusting Palmer might seem difficult coming into this week, but he’ll have a much easier matchup against the Panthers than last week’s rough one with the Seahawks. It took four quarters and all of overtime, but Palmer managed to throw for a season-high 342 yards on 29-of-49 passing without a touchdown or an interception. That was only the second time Palmer has eclipsed 300 yards this season.

He’ll have a better chance of hitting three bills Sunday against a beatable Panthers secondary. No team has given up more fantasy points to QBs in the last month (three games) thanks to almost 396 yards and three TDs per game during that span. Carolina might be coming off a bye, but there’s no miracle fix for its poor defense. If Palmer takes to the air, he’ll have success.

Week 8 Projection: 290-300 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception

Concerns

Dak Prescott, DAL (vs. PHI)

The Cowboys come out of their bye week with Dez Bryant (knee) expected to return to the lineup, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. That would give Prescott a big boost in the receiving corps. He’s played just three games with Bryant, but hasn’t missed him in the three games without him. Coming into Week 8, Prescott has a 68.7 completion percentage with seven touchdowns to one interception. He’s yet to throw for 250 more than once and has attempted 35 passes one time.

Prescott gets his toughest test to date Sunday night at home against the visiting Eagles. Over the last month, the Eagles have the 10th-best defense against fantasy QBs, giving up just 667 yards in their last three games. No QB has thrown for more than 263 yards against them in a game this season. Last week, they sacked Sam Bradford six times and held him to 224 yards with a TD and an interception.

If you’ve been rolling with Prescott, just know it won’t be easy for him against one of the better defenses in the league. Hopefully, the return of Bryant will provide needed help in this crucial NFC East matchup.

Week 8 Projection: 235-245 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, 12 rushing yards

Avoid

Philip Rivers, SD (at DEN)

Rivers and the Chargers went into Atlanta last week and came out victorious to keep their season alive. The veteran QB completed 27 of 44 pass attempts for 371 yards with a TD and an interception. It was his fourth 300-yard effort in the last five weeks, but that one off week in between should still be fresh in his head.

That’s because Rivers has the unfortunate task of facing the Broncos defense twice in three weeks. Back in Week 6, it held him to just 178 yards and a touchdown. Over the last four weeks, Denver’s held QBs to the third-fewest fantasy points in matchups with the Houston Texans, Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Rivers in Week 6. This time around, Rivers comes to Denver. That only makes it worse.

Week 8 Projection: 190-200 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions

Sleepers

Sam Bradford, MIN (at CHI)

If you can ignore Bradford’s worst game of the season against the Eagles in Week 7 and focus on a much better matchup with the Chicago Bears in Week 8, you might have one of the best QB streamers this week.

Even after completing just 24 of 41 pass attempts for 224 yards with a TD and an interception in Philadelphia last week, Bradford is still hitting more than 67 percent of his passes with seven scores and just one interception.

On Monday Night Football, Bradford and the Vikings head to Chicago to face a defense that’s been average over the last month, although they may have put the Packers back on track last Thursday by allowing a struggling Aaron Rodgers to get them for 326 yards and three TDs.

Bradford’s averaging more than 33 attempts per game and may need to throw more if Jerick McKinnon can’t go or is limited by the ankle injury he suffered last week. Look for Bradford to rebound with a solid performance in Week 8.

Week 8 Projection: 265-275 yards, 2 touchdowns

#	Player (team)	Matchup	ECR™	vs. ECR
1	Matt Ryan (ATL)	vs. GB	2	+1
2	Tom Brady (NE)	at BUF	1	-1
3	Aaron Rodgers (GB)	at ATL	3	0
4	Andrew Luck (IND)	vs. KC	4	0
5	Drew Brees (NO)	vs. SEA	6	+1
6	Cam Newton (CAR)	vs. ARI	7	+1
7	Derek Carr (OAK)	at TB	8	+1
8	Russell Wilson (SEA)	at NO	5	-3
9	Matthew Stafford (DET)	at HOU	11	+2
10	Andy Dalton (CIN)	vs. WAS	10	0
11	Carson Palmer (ARI)	at CAR	12	+1
12	Jameis Winston (TB)	vs. OAK	9	-3
13	Kirk Cousins (WAS)	at CIN	13	0
14	Sam Bradford (MIN)	at CHI	24	+10
15	Alex Smith (KC)	at IND	16	+1
16	Marcus Mariota (TEN)	vs. JAC	14	-2
17	Dak Prescott (DAL)	vs. PHI	15	-2
18	Ryan Fitzpatrick (NYJ)	at CLE	17	-1
19	Carson Wentz (PHI)	at DAL	22	+3
20	Tyrod Taylor (BUF)	vs. NE	18	-2
21	Trevor Siemian (DEN)	vs. SD	23	+2
22	Philip Rivers (SD)	at DEN	19	-3
23	Brock Osweiler (HOU)	vs. DET	20	-3
24	Kevin Hogan (CLE)	vs. NYJ	26	+2
25	Jay Cutler (CHI)	vs. MIN	25	0
26	Blake Bortles (JAC)	at TEN	21	-5

Running Backs

3 of 7

Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

You better believe in Spencer Ware.

Better than Usual

Matt Forte, NYJ (at CLE)

I’ve said all season that Forte needs volume to have fantasy value, and that’s what he got last week against the Ravens. For the second time this season, Forte ran 30 times for 100 yards and a TD and caught all four of his targets for 54 yards and a TD. It was easily his best fantasy game since Week 2 and one of three useful fantasy performances he’s had this season.

Forte’s still averaging just 3.5 yards per carry and his five scores came in two games, so you can’t call him a consistently reliable fantasy option. However, he should have a good chance to follow up last week’s strong performance with another against the Cleveland Browns in Week 8. Over the last month, Cleveland’s defense has given up the second-most fantasy points to RBs.

With Ryan Fitzpatrick back under center, the Jets should lean on Forte to carry their offense more in a favorable matchup. He should get his much-needed volume to succeed.

Week 8 Projection: 24 carries, 85 rushing yards, 1 touchdown, 3 receptions, 21 receiving yards

Concerns

Jordan Howard, CHI (vs. MIN)

If you enjoyed those two strong weeks from Howard, you’re probably wondering how it went so bad, so quickly. Howard was fortunate enough to draw great matchups with the Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts in Weeks 4 and 5, but then he was up against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Packers, both of which are two of the better run defenses in the last month.

With Howard struggling the last two games (22 carries, 56 yards, one TD), the Bears have turned to Ka’Deem Carey to help pick up the slack, which he’s done with 19 carries for 98 yards. Carey out-snapped Howard 54-46 percent in Week 7. This backfield may get crowded in Week 8 with Jeremy Langford (ankle) back at practice, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

Week 8 Projection: 11 carries, 35 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 14 receiving yards

Avoid

Ryan Mathews, PHI (at DAL)

Is it the beginning of the end for Mathews’ run on top of the Eagles depth chart? For the second time in three weeks, Mathews lost a late-game fumble, and now head coach Doug Pederson is questioning whether Mathews should be out there in such important spots, according to Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Mathews tied Darren Sproles with 45 percent of the snaps, but he hasn’t been over 50 percent all season and trails Sproles by 59 total snaps through seven weeks. He’s averaging just 3.9 yards per carry and has only three games with double-digit carries. This could be an ugly committee with a bad matchup against the Cowboys on Sunday night. Over the last four weeks, they held RBs to the third-fewest fantasy points.

Week 8 Projection: 11 carries, 38 yards

LeSean McCoy, BUF (vs. NE)

The Bills foolishly pushed McCoy to play through a hamstring injury in Week 7, and he ended up leaving in the third quarter with just 11 yards on eight carries. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, McCoy will be in a similar situation heading into Week 8, meaning his status could be in question all the way up until Sunday’s kickoff.

Unless McCoy’s status changes drastically between now and then, you can’t consider him a reliable option this weekend if he is active. Mike Gillislee would be an OK play against a solid Patriots run defense, but only if McCoy is ruled out.

Week 8 Projection: To be determined based on status

Sleepers

Chris Thompson, WAS (at CIN)

After Matt Jones fumbled again last week, Thompson may be the only Redskins running back you can use with confidence in your fantasy lineup. Thompson led the way with 59 percent of the snaps, rushing for 73 yards on 12 carries and hauling in seven receptions on seven targets for 40 yards.

In the last four weeks, the Bengals have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to RBs. During that span, they gave up more than five yards per carry, four touchdowns and an average of more than six receptions per game. Thompson may not carry the entire workload, but he’s prepared to do so if needed, at least for this week.

Week 8 Projection: 11 carries, 50 rushing yards, 5 receptions, 38 receiving yards

#	Player (team)	Matchup	ECR™	vs. ECR
1	David Johnson (ARI)	at CAR	1	0
2	Ezekiel Elliott (DAL)	vs. PHI	2	0
3	Spencer Ware (KC)	at IND	4	+1
4	DeMarco Murray (TEN)	vs. JAC	3	-1
5	Devonta Freeman (ATL)	vs. GB	5	0
6	Christine Michael (SEA)	at NO	6	0
7	Jacquizz Rodgers (TB)	vs. OAK	8	+1
8	Matt Forte (NYJ)	at CLE	9	+1
9	Lamar Miller (HOU)	vs. DET	7	-2
10	Melvin Gordon (SD)	at DEN	10	0
11	C.J. Anderson (DEN)	vs. SD	12	+1
12	LeGarrette Blount (NE)	at BUF	15	+3
13	Frank Gore (IND)	vs. KC	13	0
14	Mark Ingram (NO)	vs. SEA	16	+2
15	Giovani Bernard (CIN)	vs. WAS	14	-1
16	Devontae Booker (DEN)	vs. SD	25	+9
17	James White (NE)	at BUF	11	-6
18	Jeremy Hill (CIN)	vs. WAS	18	0
19	Jonathan Stewart (CAR)	vs. ARI	21	+2
20	Matt Asiata (MIN)	at CHI	17	-3
21	Mike Gillislee (BUF)	vs. NE	22	+1
22	Isaiah Crowell (CLE)	vs. NYJ	24	+2
23	Chris Thompson (WAS)	at CIN	20	-3
24	Theo Riddick (DET)	at HOU	38	+14
25	Latavius Murray (OAK)	at TB	19	-6
26	Darren Sproles (PHI)	at DAL	26	0
27	Jordan Howard (CHI)	vs. MIN	29	+2
28	Bilal Powell (NYJ)	at CLE	31	+3
29	Alfred Blue (HOU)	vs. DET	50	+21
30	Ryan Mathews (PHI)	at DAL	28	-2
31	Matt Jones (WAS)	at CIN	27	-4
32	Robert Kelley (WAS)	at CIN	44	+12
33	Jerick McKinnon (MIN)	at CHI	30	-3
34	Ka'Deem Carey (CHI)	vs. MIN	39	+5
35	Wendell Smallwood (PHI)	at DAL	55	+20
36	Duke Johnson (CLE)	vs. NYJ	23	-13
37	Chris Ivory (JAC)	at TEN	33	-4
38	T.J. Yeldon (JAC)	at TEN	32	-6
39	Jamaal Charles (KC)	at IND	37	-2
40	LeSean McCoy (BUF)	vs. NE	42	+2
41	DeAndre Washington (OAK)	at TB	34	-7
42	Zach Zenner (DET)	at HOU	35	-7
43	Dwayne Washington (DET)	at HOU	54	+11
44	Justin Forsett (DET)	at HOU	43	-1
45	Peyton Barber (TB)	vs. OAK	59	+14
46	Derrick Henry (TEN)	vs. JAC	41	-5
47	Jalen Richard (OAK)	at TB	53	+6
48	Knile Davis (GB)	at ATL	36	-12
49	Don Jackson (GB)	at ATL	70	+21
50	Alfred Morris (DAL)	vs. PHI	58	+8
51	Fozzy Whittaker (CAR)	vs. ARI	40	-11
52	Charcandrick West (KC)	at IND	45	-7
53	Reggie Bush (BUF)	vs. NE	49	-4
54	C.J. Prosise (SEA)	at NO	52	-2
55	Travaris Cadet (NO)	vs. SEA	48	-7
56	Robert Turbin (IND)	vs. KC	46	-10
57	Terron Ward (ATL)	vs. GB	56	-1
58	Tim Hightower (NO)	vs. SEA	62	+4
59	Ronnie Hillman (MIN)	at CHI	65	+6
60	Antone Smith (TB)	vs. OAK	67	+7
61	Jonathan Williams (BUF)	vs. NE	66	+5
62	Jeremy Langford (CHI)	vs. MIN	60	-2
63	Aaron Ripkowski (GB)	at ATL	63	0
64	Andre Ellington (ARI)	at CAR	57	-7
65	Lance Dunbar (DAL)	vs. PHI	51	-14
66	Alex Collins (SEA)	at NO	68	+2
67	C.J. Spiller (SEA)	at NO	61	-6
68	Josh Ferguson (IND)	vs. KC	64	-4
69	Jamize Olawale (OAK)	at TB	69	0
70	Kenjon Barner (PHI)	at DAL	72	+2
71	Dexter McCluster (SD)	at DEN	71	0
72	John Kuhn (NO)	vs. SEA	75	+3
73	Kenneth Farrow (SD)	at DEN	74	+1
74	Tyler Ervin (HOU)	vs. DET	78	+4

TOP NEWS

Bleacher Report7h

Bleacher Report19h

Wide Receivers

4 of 7

Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Look for A.J. Green to stay hot against the Redskins.

Better than Usual

DeAndre Hopkins, HOU (vs. DET)

Is this the week Hopkins breaks out of his funk? It would help if Brock Osweiler played better, but for now, at least the matchup is better than the tough one Hopkins faced in Week 7 at Denver. He was held to just five receptions for 36 yards on 12 targets. Hopkins hasn’t hit 75 yards since posting 113 in Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Detroit’s defense might be the unit that helps the entire Houston passing attack get on track. Last week, it had trouble slowing down Jamison Crowder, and Washington’s WRs finished with 15 receptions for 170 yards. Kenny Britt and the Rams WRs gave it trouble in Week 6 with 16 receptions for 234 yards and two TDs. If Hopkins doesn’t break out this week, hope may be lost.

Week 8 Projection: 7 receptions, 82 yards

Concerns

Kelvin Benjamin, CAR (vs. ARI)

The Panthers return from their Week 7 bye trying to get back on track after a poor start to the season. Benjamin’s been somewhat underwhelming with 29 receptions for 394 yards and four touchdowns on 52 targets. He’s been the secondary option behind Greg Olsen all season and now faces the Cardinals in Carolina.

In their last four games, Arizona is the eighth-best defense against fantasy WRs with an average of 11.5 receptions, 154.4 yards and less than a TD per game. Benjamin will likely see a lot of Patrick Peterson in this matchup, so he could be in for a rough afternoon. Adjust your expectations accordingly.

Week 8 Projection: 5 receptions, 65 yards

Avoid

Tyrell Williams, SD (at DEN)

Last week, Williams had a favorable matchup in Atlanta and came through with his best game of the season across the board. He caught seven of 10 targets for 140 yards. Following up that performance will be much more difficult on Sunday in Denver.

Over the last four weeks, the Broncos have the toughest defense against fantasy WRs. They've allowed an average of eight receptions, 74.3 yards and no touchdowns. Last week, they held DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller to a combined nine receptions for 58 yards on 19 targets. Williams felt the power of this defense back in Week 6 when he had just three receptions for 28 yards on three targets. If you can, stay away from him this week.

Week 8 Projection: 3 receptions, 31 yards

Cameron Meredith, CHI (vs. MIN)

It took just one bad game and one bad injury for Meredith to lose the faith of fantasy players. In last week’s loss to the Packers, Meredith caught just one of two targets for 12 yards. Failing to take advantage of such a good matchup wasn’t Meredith’s fault, though. The Bears turned to Matt Barkley when Brian Hoyer left the game with an arm injury.

As we learned, Hoyer suffered a broken arm and was placed on injured reserve. The Bears will now turn back to Jay Cutler, as he was just cleared to play after five weeks on the sidelines with a thumb injury. Cutler’s more familiar with Alshon Jeffery and could lean on him more than Meredith, especially in his first game back in a brutal matchup with the Vikings. Minnesota has the second-best defense against fantasy WRs in the last four weeks.

Week 8 Projection: 4 receptions, 45 yards

Sleepers

John Brown, ARI (at CAR)

Brown missed last week with a hamstring injury that was identified as an issue connected to a sickle cell trait. However, according to Tom Pelissero of USA Today, head coach Bruce Arians expects Brown to return this week against the Panthers.

That’s great timing because the Panthers have allowed the most fantasy points to WRs in the last four weeks. Both Brown and Michael Floyd have been hit-or-miss this season, but Brown’s been the better option based on his numbers, plus Floyd has a hamstring injury. Hopefully, Brown can find the end zone for the first time this season in Carolina.

Week 8 Projection: 6 receptions, 78 yards

#	Player (team)	Matchup	ECR™	vs. ECR
1	Julio Jones (ATL)	vs. GB	1	0
2	Mike Evans (TB)	vs. OAK	2	0
3	A.J. Green (CIN)	vs. WAS	3	0
4	T.Y. Hilton (IND)	vs. KC	4	0
5	Brandon Marshall (NYJ)	at CLE	5	0
6	Amari Cooper (OAK)	at TB	8	+2
7	Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)	at CAR	7	0
8	Michael Crabtree (OAK)	at TB	11	+3
9	Randall Cobb (GB)	at ATL	10	+1
10	Marvin Jones (DET)	at HOU	12	+2
11	Emmanuel Sanders (DEN)	vs. SD	13	+2
12	Demaryius Thomas (DEN)	vs. SD	15	+3
13	Davante Adams (GB)	at ATL	32	+19
14	DeAndre Hopkins (HOU)	vs. DET	6	-8
15	Ty Montgomery (GB)	at ATL	17	+2
16	Doug Baldwin (SEA)	at NO	9	-7
17	Dez Bryant (DAL)	vs. PHI	20	+3
18	Brandin Cooks (NO)	vs. SEA	18	0
19	Kelvin Benjamin (CAR)	vs. ARI	23	+4
20	Golden Tate (DET)	at HOU	21	+1
21	Alshon Jeffery (CHI)	vs. MIN	24	+3
22	Jamison Crowder (WAS)	at CIN	31	+9
23	Jordy Nelson (GB)	at ATL	14	-9
24	Terrelle Pryor (CLE)	vs. NYJ	22	-2
25	Stefon Diggs (MIN)	at CHI	28	+3
26	Michael Thomas (NO)	vs. SEA	30	+4
27	Will Fuller (HOU)	vs. DET	26	-1
28	Allen Robinson (JAC)	at TEN	16	-12
29	Julian Edelman (NE)	at BUF	19	-10
30	Jeremy Maclin (KC)	at IND	27	-3
31	Willie Snead (NO)	vs. SEA	25	-6
32	Jordan Matthews (PHI)	at DAL	29	-3
33	Cole Beasley (DAL)	vs. PHI	36	+3
34	John Brown (ARI)	at CAR	51	+17
35	Quincy Enunwa (NYJ)	at CLE	35	0
36	Donte Moncrief (IND)	vs. KC	63	+27
37	Tyrell Williams (SD)	at DEN	38	+1
38	Brandon LaFell (CIN)	vs. WAS	39	+1
39	Michael Floyd (ARI)	at CAR	40	+1
40	Cordarrelle Patterson (MIN)	at CHI	48	+8
41	Cameron Meredith (CHI)	vs. MIN	33	-8
42	DeSean Jackson (WAS)	at CIN	34	-8
43	Travis Benjamin (SD)	at DEN	41	-2
44	Anquan Boldin (DET)	at HOU	37	-7
45	Chris Hogan (NE)	at BUF	43	-2
46	Mohamed Sanu (ATL)	vs. GB	42	-4
47	Tyler Lockett (SEA)	at NO	46	-1
48	Pierre Garcon (WAS)	at CIN	47	-1
49	Allen Hurns (JAC)	at TEN	45	-4
50	Marqise Lee (JAC)	at TEN	44	-6
51	Adam Humphries (TB)	vs. OAK	49	-2
52	Russell Shepard (TB)	vs. OAK	55	+3
53	Rishard Matthews (TEN)	vs. JAC	52	-1
54	Kendall Wright (TEN)	vs. JAC	50	-4
55	Justin Hunter (BUF)	vs. NE	57	+2
56	Dorial Green-Beckham (PHI)	at DAL	58	+2
57	J.J. Nelson (ARI)	at CAR	60	+3
58	Seth Roberts (OAK)	at TB	56	-2
59	Terrance Williams (DAL)	vs. PHI	59	0
60	Adam Thielen (MIN)	at CHI	54	-6
61	Tyler Boyd (CIN)	vs. WAS	66	+5
62	Robert Woods (BUF)	vs. NE	61	-1
63	Devin Funchess (CAR)	vs. ARI	73	+10
64	Ted Ginn (CAR)	vs. ARI	68	+4
65	Jermaine Kearse (SEA)	at NO	69	+4
66	Tajae Sharpe (TEN)	vs. JAC	62	-4
67	Chris Conley (KC)	at IND	64	-3
68	Dontrelle Inman (SD)	at DEN	71	+3
69	Brice Butler (DAL)	vs. PHI	79	+10
70	Eddie Royal (CHI)	vs. MIN	65	-5
71	Tyreek Hill (KC)	at IND	70	-1
72	Andrew Hawkins (CLE)	vs. NYJ	76	+4
73	Andre Johnson (TEN)	vs. JAC	72	-1
74	Nelson Agholor (PHI)	at DAL	74	0
75	Chester Rogers (IND)	vs. KC	67	-8
76	Brandon Coleman (NO)	vs. SEA	93	+17
77	Braxton Miller (HOU)	vs. DET	86	+9
78	Danny Amendola (NE)	at BUF	75	-3
79	Jaelen Strong (HOU)	vs. DET	88	+9
80	Cecil Shorts (TB)	vs. OAK	89	+9

Tight Ends

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Harry How/Getty Images

Jimmy Graham should light up the Saints in his return to New Orleans.

Better than Usual

Travis Kelce, KC (at IND)

If Kelce frustrates you, then you have every right to be disappointed based on his numbers in the first seven weeks. After opening the season with 22 receptions in the first four games, Kelce has just five receptions for 56 yards on six targets in favorable matchups with the Raiders and Saints. So why does he have a chance to bounce back this week?

The Colts are a bottom-five defense against fantasy tight ends in the last four weeks. They've allowed at least seven receptions and 73 yards in each of their last three games. In Week 7, Delanie Walker got them for seven receptions, 84 yards and a TD. If Kelce can’t take advantage of this matchup, you can forget about any chance of him being a regular starter.

Week 8 Projection: 6 receptions, 73 yards, 1 touchdown

Concerns

Jack Doyle, IND (vs. KC)

If you rolled with Doyle against the Titans in Week 7, he rewarded you with nine receptions on 10 targets for 78 yards and a TD. He’s second only to T.Y. Hilton for the team lead in targets, receptions and yards, but it might be hard for him to keep it up with Donte Moncrief (shoulder) expected to practice this week, according to Kevin Bowen of Colts.com.

Doyle faces a Chiefs defense that’s given up just 10 receptions, 151 yards and a TD to TEs in the last four weeks (three games). A potential Moncrief return and tough matchup should have you thinking twice about using him in Week 9.

Week 8 Projection: 4 receptions, 48 yards

Avoid

None of note.

Sleepers

C.J. Fiedorowicz, HOU (vs. DET)

For as bad as Brock Osweiler’s played this season, at least he’s getting Fiedorowicz into the mix on a regular basis. In last week’s loss to the Broncos, he caught five of seven targets for 35 yards. After a slow start to the season, he’s come through with 19 receptions for 229 yards and a pair of TDs on 31 targets.

Why am I giving him a chance to keep it up in Week 8? Well, his matchup against the Lions is one of the better ones for TEs. They've allowed seven TDs in seven games, and that number was nearly eight but Vernon Davis got knocked out of bounds just short of the goal line. Davis finished with six receptions on six targets for 79 yards. Because Fiedorowicz has stayed involved and the matchup is a good one, he has some upside potential.

Week 8 Projection: 6 receptions, 69 yards

#	Player (team)	Matchup	ECR™	vs. ECR
1	Rob Gronkowski (NE)	at BUF	1	0
2	Jimmy Graham (SEA)	at NO	2	0
3	Greg Olsen (CAR)	vs. ARI	3	0
4	Delanie Walker (TEN)	vs. JAC	4	0
5	C.J. Fiedorowicz (HOU)	vs. DET	9	+4
6	Travis Kelce (KC)	at IND	5	-1
7	Kyle Rudolph (MIN)	at CHI	6	-1
8	Tyler Eifert (CIN)	vs. WAS	12	+4
9	Martellus Bennett (NE)	at BUF	8	-1
10	Gary Barnidge (CLE)	vs. NYJ	10	0
11	Cameron Brate (TB)	vs. OAK	15	+4
12	Jack Doyle (IND)	vs. KC	7	-5
13	Julius Thomas (JAC)	at TEN	11	-2
14	Vernon Davis (WAS)	at CIN	14	0
15	Coby Fleener (NO)	vs. SEA	13	-2
16	Charles Clay (BUF)	vs. NE	19	+3
17	Jason Witten (DAL)	vs. PHI	17	0
18	Zach Miller (CHI)	vs. MIN	20	+2
19	Zach Ertz (PHI)	at DAL	18	-1
20	Antonio Gates (SD)	at DEN	21	+1
21	Jacob Tamme (ATL)	vs. GB	23	+2
22	Richard Rodgers (GB)	at ATL	26	+4
23	Virgil Green (DEN)	vs. SD	27	+4
24	Clive Walford (OAK)	at TB	30	+6
25	C.J. Uzomah (CIN)	vs. WAS	34	+9
26	Austin Seferian-Jenkins (NYJ)	at CLE	35	+9
27	Erik Swoope (IND)	vs. KC	24	-3
28	Eric Ebron (DET)	at HOU	25	-3
29	Jordan Reed (WAS)	at CIN	22	-7
30	Hunter Henry (SD)	at DEN	16	-14

Defenses

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Rich Schultz/Getty Images

The Vikings defense gets a glorious matchup against the returning Jay Cutler.

Best Options Based on Matchups

Minnesota Vikings (at CHI)

The Vikings get one of the most desirable matchups of the week when they face Jay Cutler and the Bears on Monday night. Cutler hasn’t played since Week 2 because of a thumb injury, but received clearance to return this week after the team lost Brian Hoyer to a broken arm. In two games against the Vikings last season, Cutler threw for a total of 442 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. He was sacked six times in two games.

Week 8 Projection: 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 14-17 points allowed

Denver Broncos (vs. SD)

Back in Week 6, the Broncos held the Chargers to 19 points and racked up a pair of sacks and two fumble recoveries. Over the last four weeks, which includes that game against Denver, San Diego ranks third in fantasy points allowed to opposing defenses. They've given up 11 sacks, four interceptions and lost seven fumbles. Denver’s a must-start every week, but a little boost from the matchup always helps.

Week 8 Projection: 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 18-20 points allowed

#	Player (team)	Matchup	ECR™	vs. ECR
1	Minnesota Vikings (MIN)	at CHI	1	0
2	Denver Broncos (DEN)	vs. SD	2	0
3	New England Patriots (NE)	at BUF	3	0
4	New York Jets (NYJ)	at CLE	5	+1
5	Tennessee Titans (TEN)	vs. JAC	4	-1
6	Kansas City Chiefs (KC)	at IND	7	+1
7	Arizona Cardinals (ARI)	at CAR	6	-1
8	Seattle Seahawks (SEA)	at NO	9	+1
9	Philadelphia Eagles (PHI)	at DAL	10	+1
10	Cincinnati Bengals (CIN)	vs. WAS	8	-2
11	Houston Texans (HOU)	vs. DET	11	0
12	Detroit Lions (DET)	at HOU	13	+1
13	Dallas Cowboys (DAL)	vs. PHI	14	+1
14	Jacksonville Jaguars (JAC)	at TEN	17	+3
15	Carolina Panthers (CAR)	vs. ARI	12	-3
16	Cleveland Browns (CLE)	vs. NYJ	19	+3
17	Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TB)	vs. OAK	15	-2
18	Oakland Raiders (OAK)	at TB	16	-2
19	Washington Redskins (WAS)	at CIN	18	-1
20	Green Bay Packers (GB)	at ATL	20	0

Kickers

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Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Things have been looking up for Caleb Sturgis.

Best Options Widely Available on the Waiver Wire

Caleb Sturgis, PHI (at DAL)

Sturgis is perfect since coming out of the Week 4 bye. He's hit seven field-goal attempts and five extra-point tries. Of his 15 total field-goal attempts, you have to go back to Week 1 to find his only miss. Sturgis is a reliable kicker in an Eagles offense that should do well against the Cowboys. Plus, a kicker on your fantasy team might be enough reason to tune into this prime-time matchup Sunday night.

#	Player (team)	Matchup	ECR™	vs. ECR
1	Adam Vinatieri (IND)	vs. KC	1	0
2	Mason Crosby (GB)	at ATL	4	+2
3	Matt Bryant (ATL)	vs. GB	5	+2
4	Stephen Hauschka (SEA)	at NO	3	-1
5	Dan Bailey (DAL)	vs. PHI	7	+2
6	Cairo Santos (KC)	at IND	6	0
7	Brandon McManus (DEN)	vs. SD	8	+1
8	Stephen Gostkowski (NE)	at BUF	2	-6
9	Caleb Sturgis (PHI)	at DAL	19	+10
10	Sebastian Janikowski (OAK)	at TB	9	-1
11	Blair Walsh (MIN)	at CHI	13	+2
12	Chandler Catanzaro (ARI)	at CAR	10	-2
13	Mike Nugent (CIN)	vs. WAS	12	-1
14	Matt Prater (DET)	at HOU	11	-3
15	Wil Lutz (NO)	vs. SEA	17	+2
16	Graham Gano (CAR)	vs. ARI	14	-2
17	Josh Lambo (SD)	at DEN	15	-2
18	Dustin Hopkins (WAS)	at CIN	16	-2
19	Nick Novak (HOU)	vs. DET	18	-1
20	Nick Folk (NYJ)	at CLE	20	0