In week eight, eight of the 13 games hit the over, with 648 total points scored compared to the projected 591.5. Many of these games were very one-sided, with three teams failing to score double-digit points and nine teams failing to hit their implied totals.
This is the year of the calf. No, not the baby cow, though lots of double entendres have been made on social media. More and more players have popped up with calf injuries this season than in recent memory. Some have limited players for multiple weeks, and some have been very minor and simply managed between games. As you will see later, we have a couple more to monitor heading into week nine.
The most noteworthy injury of week eight is losing our sweet, sweet prince Cam Skattebo to a gruesome ankle dislocation. His spirit will live on in East Rutherford this season as he scoots around the facilities, inexplicably head-butting everything in sight. Rest up, Skat, we will see you next year.
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. As we're about half way through the season, the points allowed metric is becoming more reliable for predicting future performances. 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 nine matchups!
Teams on Bye: Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
A quick recap on my favorite picks of last week. It was a mixed bag, but let’s see how we did (using standard ESPN scoring for QB and PPR scoring for RB/WR/TE):
Bo Nix: QB7 (Ranked QB6)
Jordan Love: QB1 (Ranked QB12)
D’Andre Swift: RB16 (Ranked RB17)
Isiah Pacheco: RB38 (Ranked RB20)
Tee Higgins: WR33 (Ranked WR20)
Wan’Dale Robinson: WR49 (Ranked WR22)
Mason Taylor: TE7 (Ranked TE11)
Evan Engram: TE17 (Ranked TE17)
Overall, quarterback and tight end faired pretty well, but the others fell short of my expectations. Let’s see if we can do better this week! Reminder that these picks are not necessarily in the top-tier rankings at their position, but I believe they offer some upside based on their matchup or opportunity.
Quarterback
Kyler Murray (QB9) – This should be fairly obvious as the Cowboys are fantasy catnip for quarterbacks, allowing the most passing yards, the most passing touchdowns, and the most rushing yards to quarterbacks. If Murray is active (still a question as of Friday morning), you start him with confidence.
The concern, of course, is that this is a Monday game and you likely don’t have the luxury of waiting, though Jacoby Brissett has put up pretty good numbers in Murray’s absence, so it wouldn’t be a horrible pivot if you needed to pick up and start Brissett instead.
Sam Darnold (QB16) – Ranked a bit outside of the top-12 this week, Darnold was the QB8 during the four weeks leading up to the Seahawks' week eight bye. He now faces the Commanders, who have given up the fifth-most points to quarterbacks over the past three weeks. He is a great streaming option, and certainly one you can lean on if your starter is on a bye.
Running Back
TreVeyon Henerson (RB38) – This may seem crazy based on his recent usage and production, but the Patriots are about to face the Falcons, who have given up the most PPR points to running backs over the past three weeks. Add to that, Rhamondre Stevenson has been ruled out this week with a toe injury. The strength of Atlanta’s defense is the secondary, so maybe this is the week the Patriots look to unleash Henderson, especially in the short passing game, where he can get the ball in space.
Tyjae Spears (RB30) – Since his return, Spears has been more efficient than Tony Pollard, especially last week, where he out-produced him by 15 yards on two fewer carries, and had a receiving touchdown on three receptions. As the Titans continue to look for answers on offense, Spears is giving them an element that Pollard has not been able to, and he could benefit this week, going against the Chargers, who have allowed the fifth-most PPR points to running backs over the past three weeks.
Wide Receiver
Jameson Williams (WR37) – It hasn’t been great for Jamo this season as he has failed to meet some of the lofty expectations hoisted upon him by many in the fantasy community. But the coaching, from Dan Campbell to John Morton to wide receivers coach Scottie Montgomery, acknowledged after their week eight bye, that they need to get Williams more opportunities. The Vikings have allowed the most PPR points to wide receivers over the past three weeks, and Williams has the more advantageous cornerback matchup.
Jordan Addison (WR31) – It is unseen how Addison will mesh with J.J. McCarthy, as we haven’t seen the two play together, so this is a leap of faith. The Lions' secondary isn’t very good, and they have allowed the fifth most PPR points to wide receivers over the past three weeks. I like Addison to score a touchdown in this game and return WR2-level production.
Tight End
Zach Ertz (TE13) – The Seahawks have a solid defense, but the one position they haven’t been as strong against is tight end, allowing the seventh most PPR points to the position this season. With Terry McLaurin out, Jayden Daniels should look Ertz’s way often in this game.
Colston Loveland (TE12) – He has moved up the rankings throughout the week and now finds himself just inside the TE1 conversation. Pretty much every pass catcher for the Bears has been limited this week, other than Loveland. If one or more of them sit or remain limited during their week nine matchup against the Bengals, who have allowed the most PPR points to tight ends this season, we may finally get the Loveland breakout game.
Atlanta Falcons @ New England Patriots
Sunday, November 2nd, 1:00 PM EST
Spread NE -5.5
Over/Under 44.5
Start’em: Drake Maye, Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Stefon Diggs, Kyle Pitts Sr., Patriots DST
The Falcons’ offense struggled without Michael Penix Jr. last week, but he should return this week. They go on the road against a better-than-expected Patriots defense, but your typical Falcons starters are in your lineup.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: TreVeyon Henderson, Tyler Allgeier, Kayshon Boutte, Darnell Mooney, Hunter Henry
The Patriots’ backfield has been a complete mess so far, and now reports suggest they are targeting another running back ahead of the trade deadline. Long term, this does not bode well for either Stevenson or Henderson. Short-term, Stevenson has already been ruled out of this contest with a toe injury.
With Stevenson out, the Patriots may be forced to lean into giving Henderson a larger workload than they have previously. This may not vault him into must-start territory given the team’s hesitancy to use him thus far in the season, but it would make him a very strong flex option.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Everyone Else
Carolina Panthers @ Green Bay Packers
Sunday, November 2nd, 1:00 PM EST
Spread GB -12.5
Over/Under 44.5
Start’em: Jordan Love, Josh Jacobs, Tetairoa McMillan, Tucker Kraft, Packers DST
The Green Bay defense will make it tough on the Panthers, so despite likely playing from behind, you may not get the same level of garbage-time production you would hope for, limiting your solid starting Panthers options to McMillan and nobody else.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Rico Dowdle, Chuba Hubbard, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson
Despite the way things have shaken out the last couple of weeks since Hubbard’s return, rankers are still wishcasting RB2-level production from Dowdle. I don’t expect much from either Panthers running back, with the Packers allowing the third fewest PPR points to the position.
With Watson’s return to the lineup, the wide receiver room got even messier, and no wide receiver had more than six targets. Watson out-targeted Matthew Golden. Malik Heath had as many targets as Golden. This is not great for anyone outside of Love and the Packers’ overall success. You are playing with fire trusting any of these wide receivers, but one of them will likely produce.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Matthew Golden, Emanuel Wilson
He had his chance while Watson was out (and with Jayden Reed still out), but couldn’t take advantage. He can no longer even be trusted as a flex unless something significant changes.
Chicago Bears @ Cincinnati Bengals
Sunday, November 2nd, 1:00 PM EST
Spread CHI -2.5
Over/Under 51.5
Start’em: Caleb Williams, Joe Flacco (Shoulder), Kyle Monangai, Chase Brown, Ja’Marr Chase, Rome Odunze
This one could change a bit if Flacco doesn’t play, you will need to be monitored the situation closely. Flacco reportedly wants to play, so we will see how he progresses throughout the week. If he doesn’t play, it would move Brown down a bit for me, from a high-end RB2 to a low-end RB2, but still a solid start nonetheless.
With D’Andre Swift out this week (as well as Roschon Johnson), Monangai jumps into must start territory against a Bengals defense allowing the most PPR points to running backs.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Samaje Perine, Tee Higgins, DJ Moore, Colston Loveland
Perine deserves some attention as he has turned into more than just a third-down breather back, taking on a more involved role recently. Also, this would be the week to take a chance on Loveland if you have been waiting; the Bengals allow the most PPR points to tight ends, and Loveland could finally see the breakout we have been hoping for.
For Higgins, my main concern is that he’s a higher ADOT player compared to Chase, as he does most of his work down the field. Deeper throws require a bit more rotation and arm angle height, which is problematic with AC joint injuries. I would expect things to be kept closer to the line of scrimmage, potentially limiting Higgins’s upside, making him a flex play, which is lower than his WR20 ranking indicates.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Everyone Else
Denver Broncos @ Houston Texans
Sunday, November 2nd, 1:00 PM EST
Spread HOU -1.5
Over/Under 40.5
Start’em: J.K. Dobbins, Courtland Sutton, Nico Collins, Broncos DST, Texans DST, Ka’imi Fairbairn
Sutton had a down week, and it may not get much easier this week as he faces Player Profiler’s second-ranked cornerback Derek Stingley. That said, Sutton has had some of his most productive games against good corners (Donte Jackson, Quinyon Mitchell). When (and if) Bo Nix needs to get things going, he often looks for Sutton regardless of the matchup, so Sutton remains a low-end WR2 for me.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: RJ Harvey, Woody Marks (Calf), Troy Franklin, Evan Engram
Harvey has gotten more involved over the past couple of weeks, despite only having a sub-30% snap share. They are using him when he is out there, though, which may be needed again this week in a pass-catching capacity.
Marks popped up on the Thursday injury report as limited with a calf. You never like to see late-week additions, but the fact that he was limited is more encouraging than a DNP. Watch this one heading into the weekend.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Nick Chubb
The Texans came out of the bye giving Marks a much larger snap share in week seven compared to Chubb (63% versus 25%) and then a much more even split last week (40% versus 44%). Chubb has simply been inefficient with his opportunities, so despite his RB39 ranking this week, he’s on my bench. Despite being a pretty good run defense, the Broncos are allowing the 11th most receiving yards to the running back, and that is more of Marks’s strength.
Indianapolis Colts @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Sunday, November 2nd, 1:00 PM EST
Spread IND -3.5
Over/Under 50.5
Start’em: Daniel Jones, Jonathan Taylor, Jaylen Warren, Michael Pittman Jr., DK Metcalf, Tyler Warren, Chris Boswell, Michael Badgley
The Colts are a wagon, and they are carrying their fantasy managers to glory. Start your Colts.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Kenneth Gainwell, Josh Downs, Alec Pierce
Just a few ancillary options worthy of flex consideration this week. Both Pierce and Downs have been productive at times, and both have decent cornerback matchups this week against the 50th and 65th-ranked cornerbacks, according to Player Profiler. A high over/under with a fairly tight spread makes this a potential shootout, giving both flex appeal.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Everyone Else
Los Angeles Chargers @ Tennessee Titans
Sunday, November 2nd, 1:00 PM EST
Spread LAC -9.5
Over/Under 43.5
Start’em: Justin Herbert, Kimani Vidal, Ladd McConkey (Calf), Keenan Allen, Oronde Gadsden II, Chargers DST, Cameron Dicker
Vidal seems to have locked up his role in Omarion Hampton’s absence. Gadsden II has exploded over the past couple of games, relegating Quentin Johnston to flex-territory.
McConkey’s status is in question, as he popped up on the injury report on Wednesday with a calf injury. If McConkey doesn’t go this week, this would elevate Johnston into WR2 territory.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, Quentin Johnston, Chimere Dike
Dike has earned 12 targets over the past two weeks, turning that into 11 catches for 163 yards and a touchdown. With Calvin Ridley out over the past couple of weeks, Cam Ward has looked Dike’s way as frequently as he has fellow rookie wideout Elic Ayomanor, but Dike has been much more productive.
If the projected cornerback matchups materialize, Dike will have a much more favorable one against Player Profiler’s 58th-ranked Tarheeb Still. If you are in need of a flex, Dike could continue his recent streak of strong performances.
I gave my Spears pitch above and he is my preferred option over Pollard this week, with both being flex-worthy.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Everyone Else
Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions
Sunday, November 2nd, 1:00 PM EST
Spread DET -9.5
Over/Under 48.5
Start’em: Jahmyr Gibbs, Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, Lions DST, Jake Bates
Normally, I would start home Jared Goff, but there are stronger options available this week (though, if Flacco and/or Kyler Murray don’t play, Goff sneaks closer to being start-worthy).
Addison is only WR31 this week, but he has scored double-digit fantasy points in every game since his return from suspension. I’m not afraid of this Lions secondary, though J.J. McCarthy instead of Carson Wentz does concern me a bit. Nonetheless, I would hope that JJM has learned a few things during his “injury” absence, and sees that he has weapons in addition to Jefferson he can lean on.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: David Montgomery, Jordan Mason, Aaron Jones Sr., Jameson Williams
Montgomery is ranked as RB22 this week, but I prefer some plays ranked behind him I a little bit more, making him a flex option rather than an RB2 for me.
Jones Sr. returned to the lineup and immediately received the most snaps amongst the running backs (53%) and earned four targets to Mason’s one and Zavier Scott’s two. Neither did much last week, though, but both offer flex-level potential. If I had to pick one, it would be Jones Sr., who offers much more as a pass-catcher than Mason.
You saw my narrative on Williams above. We will see if the coaching staff practices what they preached this week. I think they will.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Everyone Else
San Francisco 49ers @ New York Giants
Sunday, November 2nd, 1:00 PM EST
Spread SF -2.5
Over/Under 47.5
Start’em: Jaxson Dart, Christian McCaffrey, Tyrone Tracy Jr., George Kittle, 49ers DST, Eddy Pineiro
Both of these teams should light some candles at midfield and manifest better health. Both are missing key offensive weapons, though the 49ers are expecting a couple of theirs to return at some point, whereas the Giants have lost theirs for the season.
A once stout defense, the 49ers have allowed the 10th most PPR points to running backs over the past three weeks, making Tracy Jr. a strong RB2 option this week.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Devin Singletary, Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, Wan’Dale Robinson
Several decent flex-options here, and I think even Singletary, despite the RB49 ranking this week, is worth a look at flex as we don’t really know how this backfield will shake out in Skattebo’s absence. If Ricky Pearsall is out again, that keeps both Jennings and Bourne in flex consideration. If Pearsall happens to return, I would put him and Jennings in flex territory, and Bourne would become a fade for me.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Kendrick Bourne (If Pearsall Plays)
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Las Vegas Raiders
Sunday, November 2nd, 4:05 PM EST
Spread JAX -2.5
Over/Under 44.5
Start’em: Ashton Jeanty, Travis Etienne Jr., Brian Thomas Jr. (Shoulder), Brock Bowers, Jaguars DST, Cam Little
Let’s see what the Raiders have cooked up out of the bye. Bowers is practicing at full speed this week, so they would be wise to get back to utilizing him as they did during week one if they have any chance of staying competitive in this one.
There has been lots of talk about Etienne Jr.’s declining efficiency over the past few weeks, though he has earned his RB2 status coming out of the bye until the Jaguars show they favor another option (perhaps a healthy Bhayshul Tuten gets more work).
We found out Friday morning that the Jaguars have placed Travis Hunter on IR with a knee injury, and he will now miss at least four games. I was always skeptical of Hunter’s durability, and this now places even more pressure on Thomas Jr. to step up and be the true #1 we saw last season.
Whether that happens or not is to be seen, but Liam Coen had some praise for BTJ this week, so let’s hope that they figured some things out coming off their week eight bye to get him back on track.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker
Though I don’t expect it to happen before Sunday, the Meyers trade rumors are heating up. Several teams have reportedly expressed interest, so if this smoke is an indication of a real fire, it might be wise to sit Meyers as the Raiders would also likely sit Meyers to preserve his health ahead of a trade. This would make Tucker a strong high-floor flex play. If it is all systems go for Meyers, I think he is a decent high-floor flex play.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Everyone Else
New Orleans Saints @ Los Angeles Rams
Sunday, November 2nd, 4:05 PM EST
Spread LAR -14.5
Over/Under 43.5
Start’em: Matthew Stafford, Kyren Williams, Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Chris Olave, Rams DST, Joshua Karty
Nacua is returning this week, making Stafford and the rest of the usual suspects solid starting options this week.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Alvin Kamara, Blake Corum, Rashid Shaheed
Kamra is ranked as RB23 this week, making him a borderline RB2. The Rams have allowed the second-fewest PPR points to running backs this season and zero rushing touchdowns. This is also the first full week of Tyler Shough starting, so this offense is a huge question mark. It should also be noted that Kamara was not targeted once out of Shough’s 30 pass attempts.
Corum may get some decent mop-up usage as the Rams are big favorites in this game.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Everyone Else
Kansas City Chiefs @ Buffalo Bills
Sunday, November 2nd, 4:25 PM EST
Spread KC -1.5
Over/Under 52.5
Start’em: Patrick Mahomes II, Josh Allen, James Cook III, Kareem Hunt, Rashee Rice, Travis Kelce, Dalton Kincaid, Harrison Butker
The game of the week, and the one with the second-largest over/under point total. The Allen versus Mahomes II battles have been must-see TV recently, and I expect this one to be the same.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Brashard Smith, Xavier Worthy, Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman
I am so proud of the FantasyPros community for finally ranking Worthy where he should be (not WR2 territory). Shakir is justifiably ranked ahead of him this week and is a very nice flex start. I also like Coleman, who is ranked as WR51, but I think he could be a boom/bust flex with touchdown upside.
Maybe Smith gets increased usage this week behind Hunt with Isiah Pacheco out. Plenty of points should be put up in this one making him a viable flex option.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Everyone Else
Seattle Seahawks @ Washington Commanders
Sunday, November 2nd, 8:20 PM EST
Spread SEA -2.5
Over/Under 48.5
Start’em: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Deebo Samuel Sr., Zach Ertz, Seahawks DST
Coming off a bye and heading on the road to face the Commanders, Sam Darnold and the Seahawks have been playing well with a two-game win streak heading into their bye. They face a Commanders team giving up the sixth-most points to quarterbacks, the 10th-most PPR points to wide receivers, and the 15th-most PPR points to running backs (seventh most over the past three weeks).
Darnold is dangerously close to being a strong start this week if you find yourself without a better option, but he is a nice streaming option. With Terry McLaurin already being ruled out after re-injuring his quad, Samuel Sr. is a must-start despite his current ranking of WR31 (I expect this to correct later in the week).
Ertz is TE14 this week, but I think McLaurin’s absence makes him a strong start this week. The Seahawks have given up the seventh most PPR points to tight ends this season, and this should be another high-passing-volume game for the Commanders, which looks like it will be led by Jayden Daniels returning from his hamstring injury.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Kenneth Walker III, Zach Charbonnet, Bill Croskey-Merritt, Cooper Kupp
The Croskey-Merritt hype was short and sweet, but he has been bottled up over the past three weeks, including two games against defenses that are bottom-eight in PPR points allowed to running backs. The story isn’t fully written yet, but the Seahawks are upper-third against running backs.
Walker III is ranked as RB22 this week, while Charbonnet is RB28. Recent production and Seahawks usage suggest these should be flipped; Charbonnet has out-snapped Walker III in each of the three weeks heading into their bye. Either way, I cannot keep Walker in the RB2 conversation; both are high-floor flex starts for me, with Charbonnet showing to have a higher touchdown upside.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Jayden Daniels
Daniels has steamed up to QB11 as of this article, but I don’t love the matchup. I would look elsewhere this week if I have the option; I might consider guys like Goff or Darnold over Daniels until we see him fully return and give us a healthy, solid performance. You've had find answers without him for several games this season already, I'd do so again if you can afford to.
Arizona Cardinals @ Dallas Cowboys
Monday, November 3rd, 8:15 PM EST
Spread DAL -3.5
Over/Under 53.5
Start’em: Kyler Murray (Foot), Dak Prescott, Javonte Williams, Marvin Harrison Jr., CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Trey McBride, Jake Ferguson, Brandon Aubrey, Chad Ryland
The highest over/under total on the week says more about the Cowboys’ horrendous defense than it does about the Cardinals' offensive prowess.
Murray has the potential to return, and if he does, this is the get-right game he and this Cardinals offense need. They have scored 20 or more points in four of the five losses heading into their week eight bye, so the potential is certainly there to score if everything is on track. Other than their backfield, they should be mostly healthy heading into this projected shootout.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Zonovan Knight
Knight is ranked as the RB15 this week. I get it. The Cardinals recently released Michael Carter, and the Cowboys are the second-most-friendly defense to running backs. But I really don’t want to fall for the “opportunity is king” logic on this one (though sometimes this is true). I would prefer to flex him IF NEEDED, rather than rely on him as an RB2 on my roster this week.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Everyone Else