Week 8 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Advice for Unfavorable Fantasy Football Matchups

Any successful fantasy football campaign starts with the draft. At this point in the NFL season, though, smart roster management has become the most important fantasy factor.

Managers who drafted well should have the freedom to target the most favorable matchups in any given week. They'll have more opportunities to do so in Week 8, as no teams are on bye.

Of course, playing the best matchups isn't an option for everyone. Some managers never had a surplus of depth at key positions, while others have lost it because of injuries.

Sometimes managers simply have to lean into unfavorable matchups and hope that the players are prepared to overcome. Here, you'll find a look at some of the toughest matchups remaining in Week 8, along with a few start-sit recommendations.

All picks and analysis are based on point-per-reception (PPR) scoring.

Start: Rachaad White, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 21: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Running Back Rachaad White (1) carries the ball during the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 21, 2024 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suddenly have a crowded backfield following the emergence of Sean Tucker and rookie Bucky Irving. However, Rachaad White remains relevant because of his PPR floor.

White returned from a foot injury on Monday and finished with six catches, 111 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns.

It should be safe to start White this week, even against a fairly strong Atlanta Falcons defense—one that has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs. White had an underwhelming three receptions and 66 scrimmage yards the last time he faced Atlanta, but the Bucs will need to rely on him more heavily in the rematch.

Receiver Chris Godwin is out for the year with a dislocated ankle, while fellow wideout Mike Evans could miss multiple weeks with a hamstring injury. Tucker and Irving should see plenty of action in the ground game, but White may serve as Baker Mayfield's go-to target this week.

Sit: Tony Pollard, RB, Tennessee Titans

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ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 20: Tony Pollard #20 of the Tennessee Titans warms up prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard also has a fair PPR floor. He's caught at least two passes in every game this season. It's worth noting, though, that Pollard has caught three or more passes in every game that Will Levis has started and finished this season.

Pollard has caught exactly two passes in each game played with Mason Rudolph, who is likely to start in Week 8 because of Levis' shoulder injury. Pollard's upside is entirely touchdown-dependent this week, especially on the road against a terrific Detroit Lions run defense.

The Lions have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs this season.

It's hard to envision Tennessee getting much going offensively against Detroit, especially with wideout DeAndre Hopkins no longer in the fold. A few receptions may prevent Pollard from drawing a complete blank, but starting him is a huge risk with little potential for reward.

Start: Tyler Lockett, WR, Seattle Seahawks

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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 22: Tyler Lockett #16 of the Seattle Seahawks heads to the locker room after warm ups prior to a game against the Miami Dolphins at Lumen Field on September 22, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Rio Giancarlo/Getty Images)

Seattle Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett consistently shares targets with DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, which doesn't make for an ideal fantasy situation. This week, he'll be up against a Buffalo Bills defense that has allowed the eight-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.

However, Lockett may frequently be Geno Smith's first read on Sunday. Metcalf suffered a knee injury in Week 7 and is considered "week to week" with a Grade 1 MCL sprain, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Despite Seattle's tendency to spread the ball around, Lockett has been a very consistent PPR producer. Over the last five weeks, he's caught no fewer than four passes or 40 receiving yards in a game.

Lockett's floor should be in the 8-10 point range, and his ceiling could be more than twice that. With likely out of the lineup, Lockett may see double-digit targets in Week 8.

Sit: Jakobi Meyers, WR, Las Vegas Raiders

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LAS VEGAS, NV - SEPTEMBER 29: Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers #16 of the Las Vegas Raiders gets set during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, at Allegiant Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)

Las Vegas Raiders receiver Jakobi Meyers appears on track to return after missing the last two weeks with an ankle injury. He returned to practice on Wednesday and is listed as questionable against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Of course, this doesn't mean that managers should be scrambling to thrust Meyers back into their lineups.

While Meyers has caught at least three passes in every game in which he's appeared this season, he's now Las Vegas' No. 1 perimeter receiver. Normally, that would be a good thing, but this week, that means he'll likely draw standout Chiefs corner Trent McDuffie in coverage.

The Chiefs, for the record, have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing receiver this season.

And while Meyers may be Las Vegas' No. 1 wideout now, tight end Brock Bowers is their true go-to pass-catcher. That won't change against Chiefs defense that has struggled to contain tight ends. Plus, there's no guarantee that Meyers will be at 100 percent.

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*Fantasy scoring information via FantasyPros.