Week seven showed out better than week six from an offensive standpoint, with nine of 15 games hitting the over and 679 total points scored compared to the projection of 672.5. Seven of the eight lowest projected point total games went over, with only two of the other seven hitting the over. We had four games that hit 62+ points, including the Giants/Broncos game I suggested would be more of a shootout than the 40.5 point total indicated.
We saw breakout performances from rookies Travis Hunter and Oronde Gadsden II (potentially signs of things to come), and continued strong performances from other rookies like Quinshon Judkins and Jaxson Dart. Right around the halfway point of the season is where we start to see rookies start to emerge a bit more, so fantasy managers are still holding out hope for guys like TreVeyon Henderson, Colston Loveland, Luther Burden III, and RJ Harvey.
We now enter week eight; many call it Bye-Mageddon, some call it the Bye-Pocolypse. With six teams on bye this week, several of which have one or more high-end fantasy options, weeks like this challenge our sanity, our roster management, and make us question why we even play this stupid fake football game.
But fear not, it is also National Tight Ends Week, so be prepared for some explosion games from the most maligned position in fantasy football (other than kickers).
In our start/sit series this season, we will use FantasyPros weekly consensus rankings for point per reception (PPR) scoring as a reference. I will go game by game, identifying the start’em players, those worthy of a matchup consideration or flex plays in deeper leagues, and the fantasy fades/concerns whose matchup or recent performance should give fantasy managers pause.
I will also be using FFtoday as a reference for points allowed metrics at each position. These should be taken with a grain of salt as a reference this early in the season, though they will get more relevant as we get further in the season. Spreads and over/unders are from ESPN and are accurate as of the writing of this article.
Recommendations will be based on 12-team leagues, so start recommendations will often be reflected within the top-12 quarterback and tight end rankings and the top-24 running back and wide receiver rankings on FantasyPros at the time of this article’s writing. Obviously, your roster construction may dictate that players who are listed as matchup considerations or flex plays are actually your best available RB1/2 or WR1/2.
Players ranked outside the top-12 for quarterback, tight end, DST, and kicker, and outside the top-24 for running back and wide receiver, who I am listing as starting options, will be underlined, and I will spend the most time discussing them. Likewise, if they are within these top rankings and I have them as matchups/flex or fades, I will also underline their names and discuss them.
Without further ado, let's dive into those week eight matchups!
Week Eight Byes: Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars
Before jumping into the game-by-game matchups, let me give some of my favorite options this week at each position that aren’t necessarily ranked among the top-tier:
Quarterback
Bo Nix (QB6) – The quarterback on the home team that is favored to win the matchup with the largest over/under of the week against the team allowing the most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Nix was the QB1 overall last week, having to fight from behind against the Giants, and the Cowboys certainly pose a stronger offensive threat than the Giants. Maybe Sean Payton abandons the conservative approach early and lets Bo cook.
Jordan Love (QB12) – Love is about to face a Steelers team allowing the fourth most fantasy points to quarterbacks, though they have been better over the past three weeks. Love’s weapons are getting healthier, with Christian Watson expected back this week.
Running Back
D’Andre Swift (RB17) – Swift has quietly turned in an RB1 season so far this season in total points, and that’s with having had his bye week already. The Ravens have been porous against the run, allowing the second-most PPR points to running backs this season.
Isiah Pacheco (RB20) – Pacheco’s role seems to be increasing weekly, and now Kareem Hunt is dealing with a knee injury. The Chiefs are HUGE home favorites this week against a Commanders team that is once again missing their star quarterback. Pacheco could be leaned on to ice this game, earning additional opportunities on the ground.
Wide Receiver
Tee Higgins (WR20) – Despite allowing the 11th fewest PPR points to wide receivers this season and the seventh fewest in the past three weeks, much of that was due to star cornerback Sauce Gardner locking down his side. With Gardner now in concussion protocol and likely to miss Sunday’s game, things open up a bit in the passing game for the Bengals. Joe Flacco’s performance last week has breathed new life into this Bengals offense, including their fantasy assets.
Wan’Dale Robinson (WR22) – Just a few short weeks ago in this same matchup, Robinson led the Giants in receiving and had a touchdown. If Darius Slayton remains out this week, this helps Robinson maintain his role as the primary passing option for the Giants.
Tight End
With this being National Tight End Week, you should probably just plan on filling all of your flex spots with as many tight ends as you can possibly roster... (insert notice of sarcasm for clarity here).
Mason Taylor (Quad – TE11) – If Taylor suits up this week, he has a great matchup against the Bengals, who have allowed the most PPR points to tight ends the last three weeks, bolstered by the multi-tight-end performance by the Steelers last week. Regardless, Tucker Kraft, Sam LaPorta, and T.J. Hockenson have seen success, and with Taylor among the top pass-catching options for the Jets, I would expect plenty of targets.
Evan Engram (TE17) – Engram is tied for second in targets among tight ends since he returned from injury in week four. His varied usage makes him more of a hybrid than a traditional tight end. Given the coverage woes of the Cowboys, all Broncos receiving options are on the table this week.
Buffalo Bills @ Carolina Panthers
Sunday, October 26th, 1:00 PM EST
Spread BUF -7.5
Over/Under 45.5
Start’Em: Josh Allen, James Cook, Rico Dowdle, Tetairoa McMillian, Dalton Kincaid, Bills DST, Matt Prater (Tyler Bass)
A handful of top options here with Buffalo fresh off a bye, heading to Carolina to take on the Panthers, who are winners of three straight. The spread suggests that the streak is in danger, and Carolina will likely be without starting quarterback Bryce Young. He hasn’t been horrible, but he has failed to throw for 200 yards in six of seven games.
Dowdle is ranked inside the top-20 at FantasyPros, which, given the bye week situation, I can understand, but I don’t love it. Yes, he received the majority of the carries in the backfield and was the more efficient running back, but going forward, this will continue to be an annoying backfield split with both probably being flex-worthy rather than worthy of RB1/2 status. It should be noted that Chuba Hubbard out-snapped Dowdle 54% to 46%.
Prater has filled in well for Bass so far this season, but Bass is expected to come off of IR any day now. Keep an eye on this one, and I would start whoever is kicking for the Bills.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Chuba Hubbard, Kahlil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Xavier Legette
Jalen Coker’s much-anticipated return was much ado about nothing. He was only targeted twice and had no catches. He only played 37% of the snaps, which was third most among wide receivers on the team, and had a 47% route participation. Those should ramp up, but Legette could benefit until then with Coker taking some coverage away and opening things up in the meantime.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Everyone Else
Chicago Bears @ Baltimore Ravens
Sunday, October 26th, 1:00 PM EST
Spread BAL -6.5
Over/Under 49.5
Start’Em: Lamar Jackson (Hamstring), Caleb Williams, Derrick Henry, D’Andre Swift (Groin), Rome Odunze, Zay Flowers, Tyler Loop, Jake Moody
If Jackson is active, you are playing him. The hope is that the bye allowed his hamstring to heal up and helped the Ravens hit the reset button after struggling with four straight losses heading into their bye week.
Williams has struggled out of the Bears’ bye, not what you were hoping for. He has a chance to get back on track this week, though, as the Ravens allow the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Confidence is waning on him, as he has a borderline QB1 ranking on FantasyPros this week, but I think you roll him out in this matchup.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Kyle Monangai, Justice Hill, DJ Moore
Monangai played 45% of the snaps last week and was pretty efficient with them, earning 13 carries and turning that into 81 rushing yards and a touchdown. He was also involved in the passing game, earning three targets. If the Bears continue to deploy Monangai in this capacity, he could remain a flex-worthy option even as Swift continues to put up borderline RB1 production.
I have recommended fading him most of the year, but Moore seems destined for five targets again this week, as that is exactly what he has earned in six out of seven games this season. With Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland taking a little extra time to get acclimated, Moore will probably still see moderate usage, which could result in a moderate floor-level flex play.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Everyone Else
Cleveland Browns @ New England Patriots
Sunday, October 26th, 1:00 PM EST
Spread NE -7.5
Over/Under 40.5
Start’Em: Drake Maye, Stefon Diggs (Chest), Quinshon Judkins, Harold Fannin Jr., Hunter Henry, Patriots DST
Maye has been cooking recently as the QB6 over the past four weeks and QB4 over the past two weeks. He gets a tougher test this week with the Browns defense that is allowing the third fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this season.
However, Lamar Jackson put up nearly 29 fantasy points on them in week two, and an immobile Aaron Rodgers put up nearly 20 fantasy points in week six. Being at home might be an advantage here, and his rushing abilities should provide some floor to go along with the passing upside he has shown as of late.
I love Fannin Jr. this week if David Njoku is out, but if Njoku is active, Fannin Jr. probably drops just outside of the TE1 rankings for me.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Rhamondre Stevenson, Kayshon Boutte, Jerry Jeudy (Knee)
The Patriots continue to trust Stevenson, and so should we. Ranked as RB22 this week, I can see how many might be forced to start him, but I prefer him more as a flex option, as the Browns allow the fewest PPR points to running backs.
They are only slightly worse against wide receivers, though, allowing the ninth fewest PPR points to the position. However, if there is a way to attack this Browns defense, it is through the air, and Boutte has been a nice complement to Diggs this season and could be a boom/bust flex with touchdown upside.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: TreVeyon Henderson
As the Patriots continue to lean on Stevenson, the opposite is true of Henderson, as his workload continues to go down week after week, earning a season low 14% snap share with only two carries and zero targets. Ranked as RB38 this week, there is no way Henderson is sniffing my lineup until things change dramatically.
Miami Dolphins @ Atlanta Falcons
Sunday, October 26th, 1:00 PM EST
Spread ATL -7.5
Over/Under 44.5
Start’Em: De’Von Achane, Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts Sr., Falcons DST
Outside of Achane, the Dolphins offer little more to be relied upon. Luckily for Mike McDaniel, it’s only a 9-1/2 drive from Atlanta back to Miami, so if the team decides to leave him there after the game, he can be back home to pack his stuff by Monday morning.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Jaylen Waddle (Hamstring), Tyler Allgeier, Darnell Mooney
Waddle has been limited in practice with a hamstring injury, so that needs to be monitored. Regardless, the Falcons have been very tough against wide receivers, allowing the fewest PPR points to the position over the past three weeks. Despite his WR19 ranking this week, I don’t like him among a lot of the WR2 options this week, and I even prefer several of the WR3s better.
With Mooney back healthy, he earned five targets in a low-scoring outing against the 49ers last week. Allgeier saw one of his lowest volume games of the season last week, playing only 23% of the snaps and receiving four carries, as Atlanta leaned on Robinson.
I would expect him to get a slightly larger share this week, though, with the Falcons being heavy home favorites and plenty of mop-up duty likely available.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Everyone Else
New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles
Sunday, October 26th, 1:00 PM EST
Spread PHI -7.5
Over/Under 43.5
Start’Em: Jaxson Dart, Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, Cam Skattebo, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Wan’Dale Robinson, Dallas Goedert, Eagles DST
A very top-heavy matchup with most of the production coming from a decent number of players, all of which should be in your main positional spots in your lineup.
FantasyPros consensus has Dart just outside of QB1 range this week, but I watched what he just did to the Broncos, on the road, against a defense allowing the fourth fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. He faces a slightly friendlier defense this week as the Eagles allow the 15th fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Though this is an interdivisional rivalry matchup on the road, Dart has shown the ability to make things happen on the ground and through the air, and this is another one (like the Giants/Broncos last week) where I expect the over to hit as Dart and the Giants fight from behind.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Darius Slayton (Hamstring)
If Slayton returns from his hamstring injury and is active, I would consider starting him. He offers a deep-threat option for Dart that complements what Robinson does well.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Tyron Tracy Jr.
Bye week desperation has propelled Tracy Jr. up to RB37 this week, which puts him in flex consideration for some. Stop. Yes, he had a nice touchdown run last week and received nine carries, but I would not bank on that usage moving forward. This is Skattebo’s world; everyone else is just living in it.
New York Jets @ Cincinnati Bengals
Sunday, October 26th, 1:00 PM EST
Spread CIN -6.5
Over/Under 44.5
Start’Em: Breece Hall, Chase Brown, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Mason Taylor (Quad), Bengals DST, Evan McPherson
The vibes are bad in Florham Park, New Jersey, right now. Jets owner Woody Johnson isn’t holding back punches when talking about the quarterback play, which is obviously an issue for the entire offensive ecosystem.
Hall and Taylor are the only redeeming qualities left for the Jets, and both have an opportunity here to be leaned on early and often. The Bengals' defense allows the most PPR points to both running backs and tight ends. Taylor popped up on the injury report earlier in the week with a quad injury, so this should be monitored.
On the flip side, the Jets allow the third-most points to DSTs this year, so the Bengals DST is still in play as a top-12 option if they can force some turnovers and sacks.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Isaiah Davis
Davis’ snap share continues to go up each week, reaching a season high of 48% last week. He is seeing most of his work in the passing game, earning four targets last week compared to only two carries.
He could return flex-level production, spelling Hall in a game that may go to garbage time quickly, which could see the Jets preserving Hall’s health and avoiding injury if things get out of hand.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Everyone Else
San Francisco 49ers @ Houston Texans
Sunday, October 26th, 1:00 PM EST
Spread HOU -2.5
Over/Under 41.5
Start’Em: Christian McCaffrey, Nico Collins (Concussion), George Kittle, Dalton Schultz, Texans DST, Eddy Pineiro, Ka’imi Fairbairn
The Texans' offense looked rough on Monday night against the Seahawks, though credit to the Seahawks defense for applying pressure and getting to C.J. Stroud three times and forcing an interception. Add to that, Collins left the game with a concussion.
Unfortunately, with the game being on Monday, that is one less day available for Collins to progress through the concussion protocol, so his status is very much up in the air. If he plays, you start him. If he doesn’t, this Texans offense could be in for another long day.
Kittle’s return was, well, not great. But when he is healthy and active, you aren’t sitting him. Schultz was the leading receiver for the Texans on Monday, earning 10 targets and converting nine of those into 98 yards receiving. They may need to lean on him again this week if both Collins and Christian Kirk are out again.
Last week, I highlighted Kyle Pitts Sr. as a strong play against the 49ers with Fred Warner out for the season, and he was one of the few pieces of the passing game that worked for the Falcons. Schultz could see similar success again this week.
When I started this article mid-week, Schultz was ranked as TE19, and I had him much higher than consensus. Since then, he has moved up to TE12, which is about where I would have him this week.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Woody Marks, Nick Chubb, Xavier Hutchinson, Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel, Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne
This backfield is similar to the Panthers, with two capable backs splitting time and one who has shown to be more explosive and dynamic than the other this season. Marks did out snap Chubb for the third straight week, earning 10 carries to Chubb’s five, and five targets to Chubb’s three.
Marks was very inefficient on the ground, though, producing only 15 yards on those 10 carries, though he was able to score a receiving touchdown. The Seahawks are a better run defense than the 49ers, so both Marks and Chubb could find a bit more success this week, making both of them strong flex options.
If Collins is out, you can take a chance on one of the ancillary wide receiver options in Hutchinson, Higgins, or Noel. The Texans haven’t done much to give me confidence in projecting one over the others, but if I had to choose one, based on their most recent usage, I would choose Noel, as he would likely have the most favorable cornerback matchup.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Everyone Else
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New Orleans Saints
Sunday, October 26th, 4:05 PM EST
Spread TB -4.5
Over/Under 46.5
Start’Em: Baker Mayfield, Rachaad White, Alvin Kamara, Emeka Egbuka, Chris Olave, Cade Otton, Buccaneers DST, Chase McLaughlin
Mayfield had his worst performance of the season on Monday night, passing for only 228 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also got nothing on the ground for the first time this season. His only touchdown pass was a designed tunnel screen pass for Tez Johnson, where he used all of the buttons in Madden to reach the end zone.
The Lions seemed to have a great game plan dialed up to slow down the Bucs, not to mention they lost star wide receiver Mike Evans early in the game to a concussion and broken collarbone. Egbuka was also easing his way back from a mild hamstring injury, where he played his lowest snap share since early in the season and just over an 80% route share.
All this is to say, I expect a bounce back for the Buccaneers, as the Saints are a middle-of-the-pack defense in fantasy points allowed to most positions, though they are most susceptible on the ground, where they allow the 10th most PPR points to running backs, making White a strong play.
The Saints lost backup running back Kendre Miller for the season, which presumes the load should get even larger for Kamara. Kamara played his second-highest snap share of the season last week, yet still let fantasy managers down with a poor game on the ground and only three targets.
If the Saints have a prayer of getting things going, they would be wise to use Kamara a lot more than they are, especially in the passing game.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Tez Johsnon, Sterling Shepard, Rashid Shaheed
You might be surprised to see an MVP candidate listed as only a flex option, but here we are… On a serious note, Johnson can provide some spark to this passing game with Evans gone, and while Chris Godwin is still sidelined. Get the ball in his hands and watch what happens.
Shepard is probably a safer floor play at flex if you need it, whereas Johnson offers a higher ceiling play.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Everyone Else
Dallas Cowboys @ Denver Broncos
Sunday, October 26th, 4:25 PM EST
Spread DEN -3.5
Over/Under 50.5
Start’Em: Dak Prescott, Bo Nix, Javonte Williams, J.K. Dobbins, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Courtland Sutton, Jake Ferguson, Broncos DST, Brandon Aubrey, Wil Lutz
This is the highest over/under of the week and should be a fun one at Mile High. Most of the Cowboys' offense will flow through their four main options (and Aubrey), whereas the Broncos will likely be a bit more spread out, leaving Dobbins and Sutton as your only must-starts.
Nix’s fantasy numbers from last week were amazing; he was the QB1 in most formats. That doesn’t tell the whole story, though. If you didn’t watch the game, believe me when I tell you the first three quarters were not pretty. The Broncos trailed 19-0 entering the fourth quarter. And then Bodacious turned it on.
A couple of lucky plays and a strong effort from Nix on the ground, they fought back and scored 33 points in the fourth quarter. As one of the biggest Nix fans out there, I give this back story to say that it has not been a stellar season from Nix so far, but he faces a VERY friendly matchup against the Cowboys, who allow the most fantasy points to quarterbacks, which includes the most rushing yards and the second most rushing touchdowns to them as well.
If Sean Payton just lets fourth-quarter Nix play like that all game, this offense could look a lot different. Hopefully, they learned something from that performance and can use the film from that comeback effort to influence how they game plan moving forward.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: RJ Harvey, Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims Jr., Evan Engram
As mentioned above, the Broncos like to spread things out a bit after taking care of Dobbins and Sutton. Franklin tied Sutton with 10 targets last week, yet only converted three of those into catches, including the crazy deflection for a touchdown. Mims Jr. wasn’t far behind, turning in a much more efficient day with six receptions on seven targets for 85 yards, adding one rushing attempt for 13 yards.
Harvey continues to be a disappointment, though you do see some concerted efforts throughout the game to get something going with him. He converted one short catch into a touchdown, but was held in check on the ground. This matchup could help open things up for him, though, with the Cowboys giving up the third-most PPR points to running backs.
As mentioned previously, Engram is tied for second in the league for tight end targets since he returned from injury in week four. He is being used in a variety of ways and becoming a weapon that Nix is leaning upon. His TE17 ranking for the week suggests he may not be a primary option in your lineup, but if you are struggling with injuries and/or byes, he could be a decent flex option.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Everyone Else
Tennessee Titans @ Indianapolis Colts
Sunday, October 26th, 4:25 PM EST
Spread IND -14.5
Over/Under 47.5
Start’Em: Daniel Jones, Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr., Tyler Warren, Colts DST, Michael Badgley
I was wrong about Warren entering the season. I did not think the Colts offense would look this good, and I did not think that their other weapons (Josh Downs among them) would fade into the background. But here we are, seven weeks later, and Warren is TE3 on the year in PPR leagues. Fire up your usual suspects from the Colts.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, Elic Ayomanor, Alec Pierce
The only options you should be considering from the Titans are flex options at best. Pollard and Spears are splitting snaps fairly evenly, but neither is doing much with them. Surprisingly, Pollard was the more productive receiving option last week, though both offer that upside.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Josh Downs (Concussion)
Downs has been out with a concussion but should be back this week. He is WR46 for the week, which may be in the range of where you are looking for a desperation flex. There are more appealing options this week.
Green Bay Packers @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Sunday, October 26th, 8:20 PM EST
Spread GB -2.5
Over/Under 45.5
Start’Em: Jordan Love, Josh Jacobs, Jaylen Warren, DK Metcalf, Tucker Kraft, Packers DST, Chris Boswell
Jacobs performed well last week, entering the game as questionable with a calf injury and an illness. He seemed to escape that game without further aggravating the calf and should be good to go this week.
Warren had his best game of the season last week, rushing for 127 yards on 16 attempts while adding four receptions for 31 yards. He did so while only having a 65% snap share, though that was his second-highest of the season.
The Packers are a tough defense to run on, allowing the third fewest PPR points to running backs and the sixth fewest receiving yards to the position. Warren will likely need decent usage on both the ground and through the air to return his potential value, but he is their main guy and should be in all lineups this week.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Romeo Doubs, Matthew Golden
With Christian Watson is rumored to be back this week, Doubs and Golden will continue to be flex-level starts. Doubs remains Love’s preferred target behind Kraft, and there seems to be a concerted effort to get Golden the ball early in games, which fades away later in the game.
We are still waiting for the Golden breakout, and the Steelers allow the fifth most PPR points to wide receivers. Given his volume, you are praying for a touchdown to make his week as a ceiling play. Doubs is a safer floor-level play.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Everyone Else
Washington Commanders @ Kansas City Chiefs
Monday, October 27th, 8:15 PM EST
Spread KC -11.5
Over/Under 47.5
Start’Em: Patrick Mahomes II, Bill Croskey-Merritt, Isiah Pacheco, Rashee Rice, Deebo Samuel Sr., Travis Kelce, Chiefs DST, Harrison Butker
Don’t look now, but the Chiefs are back at full strength and appear to be clicking on all cylinders. Rice certainly wasn’t eased back into the offense and immediately earned 10 targets, turning that into seven receptions for 42 yards and two touchdowns. Bigger yardage days are ahead of him, but it was nice to see the usage right away.
For the Commanders, they are once again going to be without Jayden Daniels, which could stunt their offense. Croskey-Merritt sneaks in the RB2 conversation, though the Chiefs have been stout against the run as of late, allowing the second fewest PPR points to running backs over the past three weeks.
Croskey-Merritt dominated the running back share last week, receiving 13 of the 18 total carries and two of the five targets. I think the Commanders could lean on him a bit more to provide some explosive plays.
Pacheco is finally getting a decent amount of the backfield share, earning 12 and 15 carries over the last two games, respectively, adding three and two targets as well. With Kareem Hunt seeming to be phased out (and nursing an injury), Pacheco should continue to return low-end RB2 production.
If Samuel Sr. is back, and it seems he is trending in the right direction, he should be in your lineups.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Brashard Smith, Xavier Worthy, Terry McLaurin, Zach Ertz
The Smith buzz from a few weeks ago finally picked up some steam last week, as he only trailed Pacheco in carries with 14, and added five receptions for 42 yards. The talk was that Smith could take on the Jerrick McKinnon role from a couple of years ago, which was very valuable for fantasy.
There is reason to be cautious of this, given that a lot of his work last week was during a blowout win over the Raiders. But, if this usage continues, Smith will be an every-week flex play with contingent injury upside if Pacheco were to go down. With Hunt’s injury, Smith could see more snaps regardless, making him an interesting flex play.
I continue to be lower on Worthy than the market; FantasyPros consensus rankings have him as WR23. I just can’t get behind a WR2 ranking for him; he is a gadget player who, when everyone around him is healthy, becomes the fourth or fifth option on this Chiefs team.
He logged the highest snap share of all wide receivers on the team at 59%, but that didn’t result in much production. You are probably starting him if you have him, so calling him a flex versus a WR2 option is splitting hairs, but I feel it is worth pointing out that I think the market is too high on him overall.
You may not have the ability to wait on McLaurin to see if he is healthy, depending on what his status is heading into Sunday's matchups. If you have a backup flex option also playing on Monday that you feel comfortable with, you can wait. Otherwise, I would understand benching him this week to see what happens.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Hollywood Brown
He had a nice run while Rice was away, but Brown will be no more than an extremely boom/bust WR4/5 option moving forward. Thank you for your services, Hollywood.