Start ’em, Sit ’em Fantasy Football Week 8 – All Positions
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Welcome to week 8 of the NFL season. Fun little note about this week is that there are NO teams on their bye. So, for better or worse, you’ll have your entire roster to deal when deciding who to start and who to sit.
As for last week, another mixed bag. We hit on starting Tank Bigsby, Cade Otton, Aaron Rodgers, Brandon Aiyuk, and the Bills defense. But Tank Dell was a complete whiff along with Tucker Kraft (a confusing player, for sure). The biggest surprise (and another place where I was wrong) were the Bucs’ running backs. I didn’t know what to do with them but surely didn’t think Rachaad White would go for nearly 30 points and Bucky Irving 17!!
Anyways, take a look below on who to start/sit, and as always let me know what you think…
***Disclaimer*** I give this statement every week but it’s important to remember there are players you’re basically starting or sitting each week. I tend to try and pick some of the more 50/50 players and write about them. You’ll see that trend as you go.
Quarterbacks
Start ’em – Russell Wilson
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Russell Wilson – I can’t believe I’m actually proposing to start Russell Wilson at QB in fantasy football in the year 2024. I just can’t believe it, but alas, here we are. After taking a half to settle in on his first game back, Russ was pretty dangerous in the second half enroute to scoring 24.8 fantasy points against the Jets. And now here come the floundering New York Giants into Pittsburgh. The Giants season is over. Plus, they allowed 28 points last week to the Eagles and their offense is so bad I’m predicting plenty of ball control for the Steelers on Sunday night. Ultimately, I think Russ pops a couple runs, throws for over 250 yards, and a couple TD.
Sit ’em – Geno Smith
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Geno Smith – I’m guessing there are fantasy mangers wondering how long to ride the Geno train. He’s set to throw for career-highs this season, but he’s also had some down weeks…especially the last two weeks. Against the Niners and Falcons he averaged just 15.1 fantasy points, 3 TD and 2 INT. Combine this with a tough Bills team coming to town and DK Metcalf being injured and I’m considering Geno more of a “sit” this game.
Running Backs
Start’ em – Joe Mixon
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Joe Mixon – By now this should be an obvious weekly start. In fact, it’s probably the last time I’ll include him on my list. My general rule is if it’s obvious we don’t need to discuss it. But when Mixon has played, he’s been fantastic. The last two weeks without Nico Collins in the lineup Mixon averaged 26.8 fantasy points, and next up is the porous Colts run defense. Last time Mixon faced the Colts was week 1 and he exploded for 159 yards and a TD.
Sit ’em – Tyron Tracy Jr.
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Tyrone Tracy Jr. – We can be quick with this one…it’s about the team and not the player. The Giants offense is a complete mess which included seeing Daniel Jones benched last week against the Eagles. Tracy did touch the ball 9 times but it’s important to remember that Devin Singletary also saw some time as well. And they’re on the road in Pittsburgh. As much as I’ve loved him the past couple weeks it’s time to stash him on the bench and see what happens down the road.
Wide Receiver
Start ’em – George Pickens
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George Pickens – Who is ready to ride the Pickens wave? For one, I am at least for another week. Coming off a 22-point performance against the Jets, Pittsburgh hosts the Giants who have given up the 6th most points to WR this season. Plus, he’ll see a lot of CB Deonte Banks. According to ESPN, Banks has been burned for nearly 17 fantasy points per game this season.
Sit ’em – Marvin Harrison Jr.
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Marvin Harrison Jr. – I’d consider Harrison Jr. as having one of the more roller coaster fantasy seasons as anyone. He’s been great once, above average two more times, and a complete no-show in four others. Seriously, it seems like you’re getting WR 1/2 performance or nothing at all from the rookie (10.7 total fantasy points last 3 weeks, did have a concussion two weeks ago). So, what about this week? Per SI.com, the Dolphins have allowed just 1 TD on the perimeter this season and are top 10 against the pass. Depending on your roster, the best Harrison is this week is in the Flex.
Tight End
Start ’em – Cade Otton
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Cade Otton – Maybe I’m lazy or maybe I just want to be right but I’m rolling with Otton again this week. Seriously, who is Baker Mayfield going to throw to? Unless you’re living under a rock, stud WR’s Mike Evans and Chris Godwin both got injured last week against the Ravens. Evans is set to miss at least three weeks, and Godwin is out for the season. Our guy Otto is rostered in just 50% of ESPN leagues despite catching 8 passes for 100 yards and a TD last week. I’d be disappointed if he didn’t have 15+ fantasy points this Sunday against the Falcons.
Sit ’em – Sam LaPorta
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Sam LaPorta – I don’t mind saying it, LaPorta is where I was most wrong this entire fantasy season. What a bust. And it’s crazy considering he’s on an elite offense and playing with league MVP candidate Jared Goff. LaPorta has hit double digit points just once (12.2 points in week 5 at Dallas) this season and has only two catches the last two weeks. I know this could be a rebound week given they’re playing the Titans, but I feel like there are several better available options.
Defense
Start ’em – Kansas City Chiefs
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Chiefs – This one seems easy, but the Chiefs defense is still available in over 30% of ESPN leagues. While they may be lacking a high ceiling, their floor is also high, and I think this week they get to double digit points. KC is visiting the Raiders and Vegas looks to be spiraling. Their offense has turned it over a league-high 16 times and has consistently been a top matchup for fantasy defenses. I could see Chiefs defensive TD and a few more sacks this week against Gardner Minshew.
Sit ’em – Washington Commanders
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Commanders – Washington is just too streaky for me to believe them against anyone other than Carolina. Last week against the Panthers they tallied 18 fantasy points! Unfortunately, they’ve had three other weeks where they’ve been in the negative. They’re just hard to figure out. And now into town comes Caleb Williams and the hot Chicago Bears. Caleb has had a 28-point day and a 23-point day in back-to-back weeks. I’d find another streaming option.
