Week 8 Start Sit Advice (Part 1) | MUST-Start Players & Big Names to AVOID (10/29 Fantasy Football Podcast)

AJ Brown is ranked top 20 but just barely in Week 8 against Miami. The source is not thrilled with starting him despite being a number two receiver, citing that Miami's third-best defense against receivers is skewed by only two wide receivers having more than six targets against them, and noting that AJ Brown has been terrible.

AJ Brown appeared on the injury report with a knee injury on top of an existing ankle injury. The source noted that AJ Brown had a knee injury when he did his physical this offseason, suggesting a recurring or lingering issue.

AJ Brown has a knee injury on top of a pre-existing ankle injury; he had a knee injury during his physical this offseason. The source notes he's been terrible this season, which is one reason they're not thrilled with starting him.

Missed practice heading into Week 8; source notes this was expected and calls him day-to-day.

Rodgers did not throw to his wide receivers last week, instead throwing to his running backs a ton. This raises questions about receiver involvement going forward and affects the outlook for his receiver group.

The source notes that Adonai Mitchell still gets open in Geno Smith's offense but didn't matter last week, suggesting limited target volume despite his ability to create separation.

Bernard is a flex option in Cleveland at Pittsburgh game.

The source expresses skepticism about Amari Cooper, saying 'I see Cooper and I'm just like, what?' indicating doubt about his fantasy viability.

Braylon Allen is ranked significantly higher than the source's preference, appearing in rankings alongside Brees Hall. The source noted it wouldn't surprise him if Braylon Allen were better than Brees Hall if Hall were out, suggesting conditional upside depending on Hall's availability.

Limited in practice heading into Week 8; injury status and availability unclear.

Braylon Allen is ranked significantly higher than Breece Hall in the source's rankings, reflecting a disagreement between analysts on the Jets running back hierarchy; one the source ranked Breece Hall while another did not, resulting in Braylon Allen being positioned higher in the rankings.

The source would start both Josh Jacobs and Chuba Hubbard over Breece Hall in Week 8, and would start AJ Brown over Braylon Allen, but noted it wouldn't surprise him if Braylon Allen were better if Breece Hall were out.

Breece Hall was in concussion protocol and limited in practice Monday; the source approached ranking him based on his proximity to playing, though the team generally does not rank players in concussion protocol. The source expressed confidence in ranking him despite the protocol status.

Limited in practice heading into Week 8; source expresses concern about Hall's status, having tried to trade him away and noting 'you're really worried about Breece Hall' in league context.

Identified as a sleeper play worth monitoring in the Jets running back situation; recommended as a start if he receives significant workload.

If Breece Hall plays, he's in consideration over Ollie Gordon. In full PPR, Hall is probably close to Gordon; in non-PPR, Gordon is easily preferred. The source indicates Hall is a viable option if he's healthy.

If Breece Hall plays, he is ranked as a start over Quinshawn Judkins, Jalen Warren, and Bejal Tootin, indicating the source views him as the preferred running back option in the Jets offense.

The source recommends starting Brenton Strange against the Colts, noting he had the same number of targets as Parker Washington in the last three Jacksonville games (7-8 targets per game). The source believes Jacksonville will beat Indianapolis easily but still throw enough passes to support Strange. The Colts rank 19th against tight ends.

Expected to have a showcase game against the Colts; the source believes Thomas will get the ball and benefit from the matchup, which should also help Trevor Lawrence's passing stats.

Mentioned alongside Lamar Jackson and Jordan Love in Week 8 start/sit decision context; no specific stance provided.

Ranked just behind the top-tier QBs (Cousins, Geno Smith, Goff, Brissett) in Week 8 QB rankings.

Mispracticed with a shoulder injury.

Missed practice with shoulder injury heading into Week 8; availability unclear.

Chuba Hubbard is ranked ahead of Breece Hall in Week 8, per the source's preference.

Missed practice; only walkthrough was held, not official practice.

Practiced and source is very hopeful Moore will play; wore non-contact jersey on Friday but this is a positive sign at the start of the week, as his previous two-week absence pattern showed non-contact jersey on Friday followed by rule-out, suggesting earlier-week practice is encouraging.

Practiced and source is 'very hopeful' he will play in Week 8; however, practicing in non-contact jersey suggests some lingering concern about full availability.

Mentioned in context of target distribution comparison; one the source expects Davante Adams to receive more targets than Omar Cooper Jr. in a particular league matchup.

Source says 'yes' to liking wide receivers in Cleveland at Pittsburgh game; DK is a clear start.

Treat DK Metcalf as a number two receiver; the run game was dominant, so targets may not be as plentiful as in previous weeks. Hope that targets continue to be there for him.

Metcalf is a must-start receiver and has been very steady. His best game was against Cleveland in terms of performance and production. Prior to the Saints game, he had 15 targets and 11 catches with better fantasy production. The source expects similar production against Cleveland, noting the Browns secondary has not played lights out. Treat Metcalf as a number two receiver and hope targets continue.

Mentioned in comparison to Trey Tucker and Jeremy Bernard; very close in tier ranking, though some analysts trust Tucker more.

Missed practice; only walkthrough was held, not official practice.

Drake May is an obvious start in Week 8 against Miami, per the source's recommendation.

Sampson mispracticed Wednesday while playing in his first game after a knee injury, raising questions about potential hiccups in his return. The source suspects it's probably just maintenance but flags it as something to monitor. Sampson's presence has reduced Judkins' route participation rate and eating into his first and second down passing role.

Source bid for Mitchell in waiver wire; Mitchell was elevated from practice squad but then placed back on practice squad, suggesting unclear role or depth chart status heading into Week 8.

The source identifies Jarrett Wilson as obviously awesome in Geno Smith's receiving corps, part of the rationale for starting Smith against the Raiders. Wilson is positioned as a key pass catcher in an improved offensive arsenal.

Confirmed as a must-start wide receiver in Week 8; recent narrative suggests strong connection with quarterback after locker room conversation.

The source recommends starting Geno Smith against the Raiders, who have given up the sixth most points to opposing quarterbacks this season. While noting it's a revenge game, the source's primary rationale is the Raiders' poor pass defense and Smith's improved receiving corps including Jarrett Wilson, Omar Cooper, and two tight ends. Smith is ranked top 14 across the panel (11th for Dave, 11th for Heath, 14th for Jamie), ahead of Caleb Williams in the source's preference.

Ranked 14th by Jamie and 11th by Heath in Week 8 QB rankings; Heath prefers Geno Smith over Cousins in this matchup against the Jets, who rank 17th in pass defense.

Harold Fannin Jr. is ranked 14th (Jamie) or 15th (Heath) depending on the source, with Dave ranking him 10th. The Steelers have not allowed a touchdown to a tight end in the last three games; Fannin scored against them in week four.

Listed as a must-start player for Week 8; the source references making 'personal Hunter Henry history,' suggesting strong confidence in his upcoming performance.

Hunter Henry is ranked top eight for all analysts in Week 8 against Miami; the source and team like him a lot this week. The Dolphins have allowed 15.8 or more PPR fantasy points to a running back in every game, creating favorable matchup conditions.

Scored double-digit PPR fantasy points in four straight games, a streak he has never extended to five straight games; source believes he will make history by extending the streak; playing against Miami Dolphins, ranked number three in most fantasy points allowed to tight ends; coming off 7-for-70 game last week with two touchdowns in last three outings; ranked top five tight end.

Hunter Henry is ranked in the start/sit discussion alongside Ramondre Stevenson, Ollie Gordon, and AJ Brown for Week 8, indicating he's in consideration for starting lineups.

Mispracticed but source is assuming he's fine.

Ranked in the same tier as Cousins and Geno Smith in Week 8 QB rankings, placing him in the top-14 range for the week.

Mispracticed with a chest injury and is legitimately questionable; source notes 'We may not have Waddle this week' though he is hopeful.

Warren is a must-start running back; easily preferred over Judkins as the lead option.

Jalen Warren is presented as a strong option in a direct comparison with Basil Tootin, with the source indicating Warren is the preferred choice between the two running backs.

Limited in practice heading into Week 8 matchup against Dallas; injury status unclear but limited designation suggests availability concern.

Mentioned alongside Lamar Jackson and Bryce Young in Week 8 start/sit decision context; no specific stance provided.

Wants a trade; source rates him as just a desperation flex despite Jaguars giving up fifth most fantasy points to wide receivers, citing uncertainty around his trade request status.

Josh Downs is mentioned as a receiver the source wishes they had more faith in; the phrasing 'not quite there' indicates hesitation about his fantasy viability despite being on the Colts.

The source recommends starting Josh Jacobs with reckless abandon against the Panthers, who are giving up over five yards per carry this season and have been run on successfully by Bucky Irving, Kenneth Gainwell, and Sean Tucker recently. The source frames this as a coming-out party for Jacobs despite not loving him as much as others.

Expected to have a major game against Panthers, who are the worst run defense in the league, giving up over five yards per carry; Packers run offense has struggled all season but Panthers matchup is described as 'perfect cure'; recent backs Bucky Irving, Kenneth Gainwell, and Sean Tucker all had strong performances against Carolina; source is moving Jacobs up in rankings despite not loving him as much as others, calling it a 'coming out party' for him.

Josh Jacobs is ranked ahead of Breece Hall in Week 8, per the source's preference.

Source rates as high end number three wide receiver in Colts at Jaguars game; Jaguars give up fifth most fantasy points to wide receivers.

Keenan Allen is classified as a number three wide receiver for the Colts, with the source expressing less faith in him compared to other options; he is included in the 'sit' recommendation for the Colts offense.

Missed practice heading into Week 8; injury status and availability unclear.

The source notes that Kenneth Walker has already run wild on the Broncos' defense, which is described as much better against the pass than the run, supporting the case for avoiding pass-dependent plays in the Chiefs-Broncos game.

Ranked 10th by Jamie and 13th by Heath in Week 8 QB rankings; Jamie prefers Cousins over Geno Smith in this matchup against the Jets, who rank 17th in pass defense.

Ranked just barely behind Geno Smith in Week 8 QB rankings, placing him in the lower end of the top-14 range.

Expected to play in Week 8; source confirms availability for start/sit decision.

Mason Taylor has been playing much better with six targets in each of the last two games coming off a two touchdown game; the Raiders are terrible against tight ends, ranking in the top five in most fantasy points allowed to the position.

Questionable for Thursday night; status uncertain but the source is hopeful he will play. Injury update pending confirmation.

Listed as questionable but there is optimism he will play; Green Bay is expecting him to play according to NFL on-prime insider James Palmer; Carolina has been preparing for him on short week, indicating expectation of his availability.

Michael Mayer gets back involved against a much different defense than the Rams; Mayer is the traditional tight end for the offense and prior to last week averaged 12.2 PPR points or more in three of his previous four games, suggesting he could be more involved and productive.

Limited with injured ribs.

Limited in practice with injured ribs heading into Week 8; availability and role unclear.

Allie Gordon runs 60% of routes, which is great for receiving opportunity, but he doesn't catch the ball much. The source notes that part of this is because the Dolphins have been competitive, but if they fall behind, Gordon could see three or four catches since he runs such a high route rate. Malik Willis hasn't really been throwing to his running backs except with A-Chan, who was middle of the pack in running back target rate.

Ollie Gordon has been excellent since getting his role; he has a touchdown in four straight games. Despite the Patriots' run defense being above average, the source ranks Gordon highly and notes that every team has tried to stop him but he runs through them. The source calls Gordon one of their biggest misses this season for not being more aggressive on the waiver wire pickup.

The source's ranking of Ollie Gordon is pretty much identical across the panel. Gordon is ranked ahead of Ramondre Stevenson (who is ranked 18th or 19th at RB). In non-PPR, Gordon is easily preferred over Breece Hall if Hall plays; in full PPR, Hall is probably close but Gordon is still the lean.

The source identifies Omar Cooper as emerging in the battle for second-best rookie wide receiver this season and definitely in contention for that distinction. Cooper has been awesome the last two weeks in Geno Smith's offense.

Ranked ahead of Jeremy Bernard but right behind Trey Tucker in Week 8 receiver rankings; described as a headache for one the source in start/sit decisions.

Omar Cooper has only played three games and averaged 19.1 yards per target, which is unsustainably elite; while he's been awesome with 12 targets over the last two games, the source is cautious about expecting continued high target volume given Garrett Wilson's presence in the offense and historical patterns of rookie receivers falling off after a couple of games.

The source notes that Parker Washington had the same number of targets as Brenton Strange in the last three Jacksonville games, indicating concentrated target distribution in the Jaguars' pass offense.

Parker Washington has scored four touchdowns with high degree-of-difficulty plays; the source watched the film and noted each touchdown was impressive and not fluky, suggesting sustainable target volume despite dropping a key pass against the Texans. The source is not concerned about unsustainability because Washington is consistently getting opportunities.

The source recommends avoiding Patrick Mahomes this week, citing a bad performance last week against Seattle and noting he hasn't been throwing the ball a lot. The Broncos' defense is described as much better against the pass than the run, and Kenneth Walker has already run wild on them.

Judkins is ranked inside the top 24 and likely to be started, but the source is not super optimistic about his outlook. The key concern is Dylan Sampson's role as the pass-catching back; if Sampson is consistently the pass-catcher, that limits Judkins' upside. Route participation rate went way down last week with Sampson back, and Sampson ate into Judkins' first and second down passing role. Judkins has only one target all year on third down. However, if Sampson is unavailable (he mispracticed Wednesday after a knee injury), Judkins should be great. In the last meeting between these teams, Judkins had a huge game catching the ball with four to five catches on five to six targets.

Limited in practice; playing at Denver; source notes he has already basically said he doesn't want to start.

Ramondre Stevenson had only six carries last week. The source's biggest fear is that the game turns into a blowout, which could result in fourth-quarter Corey Kiner usage again, limiting Stevenson's opportunities.

Ramondre Stevenson has a better matchup than Ollie Gordon and has been as productive as Gordon while being more involved in the passing game. The source would lean Stevenson over Gordon based on matchup advantage and passing game involvement.

Rico Dowdle ran really well last week and has involvement in the passing game; he has nine catches in his last two games. Not yet a start over the wide receivers discussed, but something to keep an eye on. The source is really close to starting him over Boston.

Missed practice heading into Week 8; source expresses skepticism about his availability, stating 'I can't sit here and just take Saquon Barkley at his word that he's going to play right now' after Monday night performance, and notes 'there's no guarantee he's going to make it through the game' even if he does play.

Mispracticed but expected to practice today.

In a Judkins vs. Pollard start-sit decision, Pollard is preferred, likely due to backup running back status or role considerations.

The source notes that Pollard's backup is Spears, who missed the game last week, providing context for backup running back availability.

Limited in practice.

Identified as the second-best receiver in the Jets offense; ranked ahead of Jeremy Bernard and Omar Cooper Jr., though very close to DK Metcalf in tier.

Start of the week against the Colts; coming off bye week with 35.3 fantasy points against Houston and 25.7 points in three of his last four games. Has strong historical matchup against Colts with 23.1+ points in each of his last three meetings. Colts have allowed three quarterbacks this season to go over 26 fantasy points. Concern is the Jaguars may not need to push hard against the inept Colts offense, but Brian Thomas showcase game should help Lawrence's stats.

Ranked fifth by Jamie and third by Heath among quarterbacks for Week 8 start-sit analysis, indicating strong recommendation as a must-start player.

Trevor Lawrence is ranked as a top five quarterback for the week, indicating strong fantasy production expectations against the Colts.

Limited in practice; plays Sunday night against the Eagles.

Limited in practice; source says 'That's good to see.'

Tyler Warren is positioned as a must-start tight end for the Colts matchup; the source explicitly states 'if Tyler Warren plays' in the context of sitting the Colts, indicating Warren is the exception and a priority start.