We have all 32 teams available this week, so there’s no need to be scared about your starting lineup. Instead, let’s dive into the Week 8 fantasy football rankings and also rank the best Halloween candy of the year! That’s right, it’s time for some heated debates about everyone’s favorite bite-sized treats. Don’t forget to stay updated with the latest news by checking out our Week 8 Waivers and Week 8 SOS Ranks (THU).
Are you new to fantasy football? Check out our Fantasy Football 101 guide for everything you need to know about weather conditions, setting up your lineups, making trades, and more. And if you’re looking for some expert insights and analysis, be sure to listen to our All in Football Podcast.
Now, let’s preview the exciting matchups for Week 8!
Buccaneers at Bills, TNF
The Buccaneers defense has allowed the highest percentage of first downs on third down (48.9%), while the Browns have the lowest (27.5%). Rachaad White has had a few games with decent rushing yards (56 and 73), but he has yet to surpass 100 total yards. Mike Evans is performing well this season, ranking in the top 20 for yards per reception, touchdowns per target, reception percentage of 20+ yards, and team air yards percentage among all receivers with 10 or more receptions. With Dawson Knox sidelined, Dalton Kincaid has a chance to shine and fulfill the dreams of fantasy managers who have been waiting for a TE1 option.
Rams at Cowboys, 1 p.m.
The Cowboys boast the highest pressure rate in the league (50.2%), with the Browns and Jets following closely behind at 42.9% and 41.5%, respectively. The Cowboys also allow the second-fewest plays per game (54.8), just behind the Browns (57.8). Cooper Kupp had a disappointing Week 7 performance, scoring only 3.9 fantasy points, his first single-digit score since Week 4 of the 2021 season. However, since Kupp’s return, Puka Nacua has been a reliable option, ranking fifth in team target percentage (36.6%) and 13th in fantasy points per game (13.5) among all wideouts.
Vikings at Packers, 1 p.m.
The Vikings are still waiting for their first rushing touchdown of the season, while teams like the Bengals, Broncos, Buccaneers, and Texans have only managed to score one. The Vikings are also among the seven teams (ATL, NO, NYG, PIT, TB, TEN) that have only had one game go over the total points line. Jordan Love has struggled since taking over as the Packers’ starting quarterback, ranking near the bottom in various passing metrics such as yards per attempt, yards per completion, touchdown-to-interception ratio, and expected points added per dropback.
Falcons at Titans, 1 p.m.
The Falcons defense has become a tough matchup for opposing rushers, leading the league in Expected Points Added (EPA) per rush. On the other hand, the Titans have the fewest passing touchdowns this season (3). Drake London has emerged as a reliable option for fantasy managers, ranking 20th in fantasy points per game among wideouts and accumulating the 13th-most receiving yards. Meanwhile, Derrick Henry has had a solid fantasy production in games where he has received at least 75% of the running back touches, scoring between 12.9 and 23.9 fantasy points.
Saints at Colts, 1 p.m.
The Colts defense allows the most plays per game (70.0), with the Jets and Steelers close behind (68.7). Since his return from injury, Alvin Kamara has been heavily involved in the passing game, leading all running backs in targets and receptions. Jonathan Taylor’s workload has been somewhat inconsistent, fluctuating between 50% and 52.5% of the running back touches in recent weeks. Among the top 10 receivers in targets, Chris Olave has the lowest reception percentage, followed by Michael Pittman in second place.
Patriots at Dolphins, 1 p.m.
Only three running backs have a touchdown rate above 50% on goal line rushes (Raheem Mostert, Kyren Williams, and Christian McCaffrey). The Dolphins lead the league in explosive plays percentage, with the next-closest team being the 49ers. Raheem Mostert ranks fifth in yards per carry, while the Patriots boast the league’s lowest yards per carry allowed, tied with the Bears.
Jets at Giants, 1 p.m.
The Jets have the third-highest quarterback pressure rate in the league, and Tyrod Taylor has the second-highest completion percentage under pressure, with Daniel Jones ranking 10th. Taylor also has a higher yards per attempt and yards per completion compared to Jones. The Jets have the lowest conversion rate on third downs, while the Giants have the lowest percentage of plays resulting in a touchdown.
Jaguars at Steelers, 1 p.m.
Teams attempt the most pass plays per game against the Jaguars, while the Browns, Panthers, and Cowboys allow the fewest. Joey Porter Jr. of the Steelers has the lowest catch rate allowed among all corners with at least 10 targets. Calvin Ridley spends most of his time lined up wide, which could make for an interesting matchup against Porter. Najee Harris remains the lead back for the Steelers, with Jaylen Warren not causing a shift in the pecking order.
Eagles at Commanders, 1 p.m.
The Eagles defense is vulnerable against the pass, especially against tight ends. They also lead the league in rushing attempts per game, with the Browns and 49ers tied for second. The Commanders have a high distance to gain for first downs on third downs, but their conversion rate is one of the lowest in the league. A.J. Brown has a high First Read percentage, trailing only Garrett Wilson.
Texans at Panthers, 1 p.m.
The Panthers defense has the most favorable RushEPA in the league, with the Raiders coming in second. They also create the least amount of pressure, ranking just above the Cardinals. The Texans attempt a high number of plays downfield, while the Broncos and Bears attempt the fewest. The Panthers throw the ball more than any other team, and the Commanders are the second-closest behind them.
Browns at Seahawks, 4 p.m.
Despite facing some big plays and touchdowns against the Colts, the Browns defense has the highest forced 3-and-Out rate. They also have the most plays per game, just slightly ahead of the Eagles and Saints. The Seahawks have a high percentage of goal-line drives resulting in touchdowns, with the Browns leading the league in that category. Martin Emerson of the Browns has allowed the most yards per reception among all corners with 10 or more targets. DK Metcalf could have a big game in his return against this defense.
Chiefs at Broncos, 4 p.m.
The Broncos have the highest percentage of drives ending in a touchdown, while their defense forces the fewest 3-and-Outs. Jerry Jeudy has not been heavily targeted in the red zone, with Courtland Sutton receiving most of the attention. Isiah Pacheco has been productive since Week 3, ranking 10th in fantasy points per game and eighth in rushing yards. The Broncos defense has struggled against the run, leading the league in rushing yards allowed per game and yards per carry.
Ravens at Cardinals, 4 p.m.
The Ravens defense has the lowest percentage of drives ending in a touchdown, followed by the Saints. They have also been successful at keeping opponents out of the end zone on goal-line drives. Lamar Jackson excels in yards per completion, with Matthew Stafford and Patrick Mahomes close behind him. The Cardinals are effective at converting downs into first downs or touchdowns. With Zach Ertz on injured reserve, Trey McBride could be a top streaming option at tight end starting next week.
Bengals at 49ers, 4 p.m.
Joe Mixon sees a high percentage of the Bengals’ running back touches but has not translated that into high fantasy production. The Bengals have struggled to generate explosive plays, with the Panthers being the only team with a lower percentage. Joe Burrow has the lowest yards per completion among qualifying quarterbacks.
That’s it for the Week 8 fantasy football previews. Make sure to check the link-age for the complete rankings and enjoy the games!
