Fantasy Football Week 8: Top 20 Touchdown Targets You Must Play
As we enter Week 8 of the fantasy football season, the intensity of the matchups begins to slowly rise. With each passing week, the season creeps slowly into the playoffs and points begin to matter more and more.
And with points mattering more and more, touchdowns become one of the most valuable fantasy commodities there are. After all, a guy can have a big day rushing or receiving, but you won't have one of those kinds of games without the six points for a touchdown run or catch.
These 20 players are the most likely candidates to find the painted rectangle this week. In some cases, they seem to have a nose for the end zone, others just have extremely favorable matchups, and still more are some combination of the two.
Let's get rolling.
20. Randy Moss, WR, Minnesota Vikings
1 of 20
Why He's a Touchdown Machine: This season has not gone according to plan for Moss owners, but he's still managed to find the end zone five times on the year, and he's capable of pulling off a huge game at any time.
Who's the Matchup: New England's secondary struggles against teams who can throw the ball downfield, and if you think Moss won't be extra motivated to go get passes against his former team, you're kidding yourself.
Likelihood of a Touchdown: 6.5 out of 10. If Brett Favre plays, Moss won't be able to catch many deep balls, because Brett's too banged up to throw them right now. But if Tarvaris Jackson starts, expect Moss to get fed a steady diet of bombs in an effort to exploit New England's weak secondary. Even with Favre in the game, look for Moss to snag a touchdown inside the red zone from the battered passer.
19. Zach Miller, TE, Oakland Raiders
2 of 20
Why He's a Touchdown Machine: Miller has quietly put together a stellar 2010 for the Raiders, scoring touchdowns in four of his last five games. It doesn't matter to him whether Jason Campbell or Bruce Gradkowski is throwing him the football, he finds the painted rectangle no matter what.
Who's the Matchup: Seattle's defense ranks seventh in the NFL against opposing tight ends, but they're a completely different team away from Qwest Field.
Likelihood of a Touchdown: Seven out of 10. Miller's always a prime candidate to find the end zone, and he's been one of the best tight ends in football this season. Expect that trend to continue this week.
18. Dwayne Bowe, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
3 of 20
Why He's a Touchdown Machine: Bowe has exploited a pair of favorable matchups the last two weeks, putting up epic numbers in the process. He's got another fairly soft matchup in Week 8, and he's just the guy to exploit it.
Who's the Matchup: Buffalo's secondary has been torched with regularity by just about every team it's played in 2010. With a speedy wideout like Bowe around, you can expect the Bills to have another long game.
Likelihood of a Touchdown: Seven out of 10. Bowe's always a risk for a howler, particularly given his early season struggles. But the former LSU standout has the talent to exploit another favorable matchup for a big game.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
17. Ryan Torain, RB, Washington Redskins
4 of 20
Why He's a Touchdown Machine: Since taking over for the injured Clinton Portis, Torain has been running the ball with aplomb. He's explosive, powerful and has scored three times in the four games since taking over the job.
Who's the Matchup: Detroit and its 32nd-ranked rush defense plays host to the Redskins this week. Look for Torain to take full advantage of that weakness.
Likelihood of a Touchdown: Seven out of 10. Torain had a huge game on Sunday but didn't find the end zone, so it is a possibility it happens again this week. But against a defense as soft as Detroit's, it doesn't seem terribly likely.
16. Steve Johnson, WR, Buffalo Bills
5 of 20
Why He's a Touchdown Machine: Johnson has been a waiver-wire gem in 2010, rising from obscurity to become one of the most potent wideouts in all of football. He's scored a touchdown in each of the last four games and has seen his stock soar since Ryan Fitzpatrick took the starting quarterback spot in Buffalo.
Who's the Matchup: Kansas City ranks seventh against opposing wideouts, but stingy defenses haven't been able to slow the suddenly explosive Bills offense since Fitzpatrick took the helm.
Likelihood of a Touchdown: Seven out of 10. It's possible Johnson's streak ends this week, but I wouldn't bet on it. Look for Ryan Fitzpatrick to try and spread the field with Johnson early, and set the tempo for the rest of the game.
15. Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
6 of 20
Why He's a Touchdown Machine: Charles might not be the starter in Kansas City, but he's definitely the big play back, racking up 71 yards and a touchdown on just 15 carries last week. He's supremely talented and fully capable of scoring from anywhere on the field.
Who's the Matchup: Buffalo's defense can't stop anyone, running or passing the ball. Charles should dice them like a Cuisinart this week.
Likelihood of a Touchdown: Seven out of 10. Charles could lose goal line looks to starter/ power back Thomas Jones. But with his ability to score from anywhere, it shouldn't matter.
14. Kenny Britt, WR, Tennessee Titans
7 of 20
Why He's a Touchdown Machine: Until Week 7, Britt hadn't gotten many yards, but he'd scored in four straight games. He's a big, rangy wideout whose hands have come on in recent weeks. Even when Vince Young isn't throwing the ball well, Britt has the skills to haul in a touchdown grab.
Who's the Matchup: The San Diego Chargers rank second in the NFL against opposing wideouts, but Britt has found the end zone against stingy defenses before.
Likelihood of a Touchdown: Seven out of 10. Britt could get locked down this week, since he can expect some time with the top corner on the opposition from here on out. But it shouldn't stop him from having a big game against San Diego.
13. Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco 49ers
8 of 20
Why He's a Touchdown Machine: Davis has matured into one of the NFL's premier tight ends. His combination of size, speed and hands make him a logical red zone target, regardless of who's throwing the ball for San Francisco.
Who's the Matchup: Denver ranks 24th against opposing tight ends but has allowed just two touchdowns to the position in 2010.
Likelihood of a Touchdown: Seven out of 10. Davis' chances are hurt if David Carr is under center, but the big tight end should be able to haul in a score regardless.
12. Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans
9 of 20
Why He's a Touchdown Machine: Johnson has been excellent in 2010, racking up seven touchdowns in seven games for the Titans. He's scored two touchdowns three times this season and is the most explosive back in the NFL.
Who's the Matchup: San Diego ranks 10th against runners in the NFL, but it has given up touchdowns four times in seven games.
Likelihood of a Touchdown: Seven out of 10. We saw last week that it's not a foregone conclusion for Johnson to find the end zone. But you can expect him to get into the painted rectangle against the Chargers.
11. Greg Jennings, WR, Green Bay Packers
10 of 20
Why He's a Touchdown Machine: Jennings has been labeled a disappointment in 2010, but he's scored five touchdowns in seven games this season. He's become the most reliable end zone target in Green Bay and is waking up from a big play standpoint.
Who's The Matchup: The Jets are ranked 30th against opposing wideouts and Jennings is just the kind of player to exploit their weakness against the deep ball.
Likelihood of a Touchdown: Seven out of 10. It's possible Jennings gets shut down this week against New York. But given his nose for the end zone, it's unlikely they can keep him out.
10. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
11 of 20
Why He's a Touchdown Machine: Jones-Drew hasn't found the end zone much in 2010, rushing for just one touchdown and catching just two passes for scores. But his running style is conducive to short yardage touchdowns and he should get back on track soon.
Who's the Matchup: Dallas has been blown up by three straight opponents and has allowed touchdowns to each of their running backs.
Likelihood of a Touchdown: 7.5 out of 10. MJD should score this week, especially if Todd Bouman is under center again.
9. Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams
12 of 20
Why He's a Touchdown Machine: Jackson has been one of the NFL's best backs since he came into the league. He's only scored twice in 2010, but he's capable of putting a touchdown or three on the board any time, especially against weaker defenses.
Who's the Matchup: Carolina is vulnerable against the run and the Panthers have allowed four rushing touchdowns in six games this season.
Likelihood of a Touchdown: 7.5 out of 10. Jackson's a little banged up, but he says he should play. And if he does, he should find the end zone at least once.
8. Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions
13 of 20
Why He's a Touchdown Machine: Calvin Johnson sees almost constant double teams, but still manages to make plays and find the end zone. It doesn't matter if Matt Stafford, Shaun Hill, or Drew Stanton is throwing the ball, Megatron seems to be capable of scoring no matter what.
Who's the Matchup: Washington ranks 27th against opposing wideouts and has given up seven receiving touchdowns in as many games.
Likelihood of a Touchdown: Eight out of 10. Johnson should get himself a score this week, regardless of the quarterback throwing the ball to him.
7. Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders
14 of 20
Why He's a Touchdown Machine: McFadden has found the end zone on a regular basis in 2010, racking up four rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns thus far.
Who's the Matchup: Seattle ranks 11th against the run, but they've looked pretty bad on the road in 2010.
Likelihood of a Touchdown: Eight out of 10. McFadden proved what he can do last week, and unless Michael Bush poaches carries from him, he should find the end zone again this week.
6. Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts
15 of 20
Why He's a Touchdown Machine: He's the most talented wideout in Indianapolis, with size, speed and hands. He's also the healthiest receiver Peyton Manning has right now.
Who's the Matchup: Houston's defense has been flat-out awful against the pass in 2010. Remember Week 1 when the Colts played the Texans? Exactly.
Likelihood of a Touchdown: Eight out of 10. Wayne is the only healthy target who can catch the ball that Peyton Manning has right now. He should get plenty of chances to score himself a touchdown, even with the heavy coverage he's sure to receive.
5. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings
16 of 20
Why He's a Touchdown Machine: Peterson is the best running back in the NFL this season. He's running consistently. He's scored five touchdowns in six games and has scored in three of his last four.
Who's the Matchup: New England ranks 18th against the run and has allowed just two rushing touchdowns this season.
Likelihood of a Touchdown: 8.5 out of 10. Peterson will be getting the brunt of the workload with Brett Favre banged up in Minnesota. Expect him to make the most of it.
4. Andre Johnson, WR, Houston Texans
17 of 20
Why He's a Touchdown Machine: When he's healthy, there's not a wideout in the NFL who comes close to matching Johnson's potential. He's bigger than everyone, faster than most, and has excellent hands. Now that he's over the ankle injury that plagued him for several weeks, he can return to his dominant, touchdown-scoring form.
Who's the Matchup: The Colts rank 11th against the pass but they don't have corners big enough to stop a wideout like Johnson from finding pay dirt.
Likelihood of a Touchdown: 8.5 out of 10. Now that he's fully healthy, Johnson should return to his big scoring ways.
3. Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers
18 of 20
Why He's a Touchdown Machine: Frank Gore has been the most consistent player in San Francisco for years now. He's a powerful runner and he's perfectly designed for goal-line situations.
Who's the Matchup: Denver's run defense has completely and utterly collapsed in recent weeks, with opposing running backs scoring 10 touchdowns in the last three weeks.
Likelihood of a Score: Nine out of 10. Gore should have little trouble finding the end zone in this one.
2. Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego Chargers
19 of 20
Why He's a Touchdown Machine: Gates is the best tight end in the NFL in 2010. He has scored eight touchdowns in seven games and has looked downright unstoppable all season long.
Who's the Matchup: Gates takes on the Tennessee Titans, which rank fifth against opposing tight ends. Even so, expect Antonio to have a big game.
Likelihood of a Touchdown: 9.5 out of 10. If Gates plays, it's almost a foregone conclusion that he'll score.
1. Arian Foster, RB, Houston Texans
20 of 20
Why He's a Touchdown Machine: Foster has been fabulous this season for the Texans. He's scored six times in as many games and scores touchdowns in bunches.
Who's the Matchup: That would be the Colts, the team Foster lit up for 231 yards and three touchdowns in Week 1.
Likelihood of a Touchdown: 10 out of 10. Unless Indianapolis figured out how to stop the run in its bye week, Foster will find the end zone again.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Post-June 1 Trade Candidates ☎️")
.JPG?w=600 "TO Talks Cowboys Relationship")
.jpg?w=600 "Taylor Heinicke Retiring")
.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")