Week 8 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Advice on Fantasy Football Stars to Play or Bench

The 2024 fantasy football landscape continues to evolve, due in no small part to the trade market. On Wednesday, the Kansas City Chiefs agreed to acquire wideout DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport.

With roster changing, star players injured and others unexpectedly struggling, finding true "must-starts" in fantasy remains a challenge. The good news is that all 32 teams will be in action for Week 8, giving fantasy managers a few extra options.

Of course, that doesn't make for easy decisions where difficult matchups are involved.

Here, you'll find a look at some of the tougher matchups of Week 8, along with a few start-sit recommendations. All picks and analysis are based on point-per-reception (PPR) scoring.

Start: RB Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 17: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints looks on against the Denver Broncos at Caesars Superdome on October 17, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Gus Stark/Getty Images)

The New Orleans Saints are in trouble offensively. Taysom Hill and Chris Olave could be back this week, but Rashid Shaeed (knee) is out for the year, and quarterback Derek Carr (obliques) remains iffy.

"Do I think he's going to be ready for the Charger game? I'm not sure," head coach Dennis Allen said, per Matthew Paras of NOLA.com.

The Saints are likely to rely on some combination of Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener again this week. That should mean a heavy dose of running back Alvin Kamara, both in the running and passing games.

While the matchup for Kamara isn't ideal—the Los Angeles Chargers have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs—his PPR floor makes him a reliable fantasy option.

Kamara caught six passes against a good Denver Broncos defense last Thursday, though he only produced 24 scrimmage yards. He should fair a bit better against L.A., which surrendered 152 scrimmage yards to Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner on Monday night.

Sit: RB Zack Moss, Cincinnati Bengals

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 13: Zack Moss #31 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on October 13, 2024 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

The Week 8 outlook is far worse for Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss. The Bengals are set to face a solid-and-improving Philadelphia Eagles defense that is finally beginning to stop the run.

The Eagles have allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.

Moss has also started to see a reduced workload in Cincinnati. While he has started five of seven games and still leads the team in rushing attempts, Moss has effectively been overtaken by second-year back Chase Brown.

Brown outpaced Moss in Week 7, logging 17 touches to Moss' nine. While Moss did secure three receptions, it's clear that he's no longer the top option in the Bengals' backfield.

Not only can managers comfortably sit Moss in Week 8, but they can also consider cutting him outright. His floor is extremely low moving forward, and Cincinnati's ground game isn't potent enough to justify keeping Moss as a handcuff.

Start: WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 13: Amon-Ra St. Brown #14 of the Detroit Lions walks off of the field after an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is about as close as managers are going to find to a must-start at receiver. However, he hasn't produced stellar results in every single game this season.

Against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1, St. Brown caught just three passes for 13 yards.

Managers might be concerned about the 24-year-old's matchup with the Tennessee Titans this week. The Titans have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers in 2024.

However, St. Brown can be started with relative confidence. Even if his yardage total isn't ultimately eye-popping, he should have a high PPR floor against Tennessee. This is largely because Detroit's No. 2 receiver, Jameson Williams, may be unavailable.

According to ESPN's Eric Woodyard, Williams is facing a two-game suspension for a PED violation.

St. Brown has seen no fewer than four targets in a game this season, and he's likely to double that number against the Titans.

Sit: WR Diontae Johnson, Carolina Panthers

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 13: Diontae Johnson #5 of the Carolina Panthers looks on during the second quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images)

Carolina Panthers receiver Diontae Johnson is another high-volume receiver who has been reliable more often than not over the past month, though he's coming off of an extremely disappointing outing.

Against a so-so Washington Commanders defense, Johnson caught only one of three targets for 17 yards. The 28-year-old was not thrilled with Carolina's performance—though, not necessarily his own.

"Frustrated, but I can't play every position on the field," Johnson said, per The Athletic's Joe Person.

Johnson and his fantasy managers are likely in store for another frustrating day. The Panthers will visit the Denver Broncos on Sunday, and Denver has been a massive challenge for opposing wide receivers.

Only the Miami Dolphins have surrendered fewer fantasy points to the position this season than Denver. Managers would be wise to consider other WR options, and with no teams on bye, they should have several of them.

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*Fantasy scoring information from FantasyPros.