Into week eight of the NFL season we go! For some random reason, the league decided this was a perfect time to have no teams on bye. Weird, but we're not complaining about extra football.
We will complain about this slate though, some real duds on the docket. But, again, football. Let's look into the upcoming action:
Minnesota Vikings (-3.5) at Los Angeles Rams (Thursday 10/24)
Tantalizing Thursday tilt between an angry Vikings team and the increasingly healthier Rams.
Puka Nacua's surprise return will be a big boost for an offense that'd be sputtering a bit of late. It'll be interesting to see how full of a workload he receives. Cooper Kupp will be full go after nearly suiting up last week, giving Matthew Stafford his full arsenal of weapons for the first time since week one. Should be a big day for the QB.
Will Sam Darnold be able to keep pace? The journeyman's starting to tail off a bit after a hot first quarter of the season but should have plenty of opportunity versus an average LA secondary. Aaron Jones should be able to feast on the ground too, helping provide balance and play action to their attack.
Love the over in this game, thinking it should be a fun one. Also thinking the Vikings manage to steal one on the road to get back on track. A rare treat for our Thursday Night Football, 'tis the season I suppose.
Fantasy Starts: Aaron Jones, Cooper Kupp, Matthew Stafford
Fantasy Sits: Tutu Atwell
Sleepers: Josh Oliver
Philadelphia Eagles at Cincinnati Bengals (-2.5)
Who are these teams? Both Philly and Cincy have looked sharper in their last two games, but those were each against the Giants and Browns, so not really a high bar.
Jalen Hurts has been better since the return of his top two wideouts. Seems like Dallas Goedert won't yet be back, but it shouldn't matter much with how he's connected with AJ Brown and Devonta Smith (to a lesser extent). The Bengals don't have a good defense and should be ripe for the throwing. Saquon Barkley's going to have ample room to run on the ground too; a balance that'd only add to the difficulty of stopping them.
But Joe Burrow and company are more than capable of keeping up though. Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins won't struggle to get open, but will Cincy's offensive line give Burrow time to deliver them the ball? Big test for them against Jalen Carter. Chase Brown appears to have solidified himself officially as the RB1 but temper expectations from him in this matchup.
As hard as it is to believe in Nick Sirianni, the Eagles stack nicely compared to the Bengals. Very winnable matchup that we have Philly stealing on the road.
Fantasy Starts: AJ Brown, Saquon Barkley, Tee Higgins
Fantasy Sits: Zack Moss, Erick All Jr.
Sleepers: Jahan Dotson
Baltimore Ravens (-8.5) at Cleveland Browns
Jameis time! Unfortunately for him, it's a doozy of a first assignment. Baltimore's secondary hasn't been superb, so don't be surprised if Winston puts up a decent bit of yardage. The man loves to make mistakes though and there'll be some playmakers out there to force them. Nick Chubb won't have much success against a staunch front seven, but we're glad to see him back out there.
Not thinking they'll be able to keep up with Lamar Jackson. This Cleveland defense isn't who they once were, particularly against the run, which is a big problem against the Ravens. Derrick Henry's going to be eating by the time it's all said and done. #8 should be able to help pace through the air, but not thinking he'll go crazy with Zay Flowers less than 100%.
Would be lying if I ignored these trap game vibes. In the pound, Baltimore riding so high, Cleveland with a little Jameis Juice. Might be leaning toward a Browns cover at home, but the Ravens aren't dropping this one.
Fantasy Starts: Derrick Henry
Fantasy Sits: Nick Chubb
Sleepers: Cedric Tillman, Jameis Winston
Tennessee Titans at Detroit Lions (-11.5)
Bloodbath.
Whoever it is under center for Tennessee isn't going to be productive. Calvin Ridley will have a positive game script, which is nothing new, but he'll also be the only target out there. Could translate into some PPR points. Tony Pollard's going to be stonewalled by this elite run stopping group.
Jared Goff's on a historic run, but don't overlook this underrated Titans secondary. The Lions best method of attack will be on the ground, helping build up some play action shots-- which is exactly their specialty.
Detroit will roll and likely cover.
Fantasy Starts: Jahmyr Gibbs, Calvin Ridley
Fantasy Sits: Tony Pollard, Jameson Williams
Sleepers: Mason Rudolph
Arizona Cardinals at Miami Dolphins (-3.5)
The return of Tua, with plenty of trepidation in tow. Seems irresponsible but the man sees risk a little differently than we do. Can't hate the competitive spirit.
Tyreek Hill was allegedly tearing up upon seeing his quarterback on the practice field, after weeks suffering at the hands of Tim Boyle and Tyler Huntley. Feels like he's ripe for an explosion, as should Jaylen Waddle to a lesser extent. The Cards have a generous pass defense that Tua should be able to dice. Jonnu Smith will probably fall far down the pecking order, while Devon Achane and Raheem Mostert actually have room to run again.
Time for the weekly question of which Arizona team we're going to get. Sometimes they can play offense, sometimes they can man up on D, yet rarely both simultaneously. Both will struggle in Miami, particularly Kyler and Co. against the league's best pass defense. Marvin Harrison Jr. is going to get a taste of Jalen Ramsey, while Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch fade into obscurity. James Conner will be an X factor, as he was last week in their upset victory over the Chargers.
Alas, the Cardinals haven't won back to back games since December 5, 2021. With Tua coming back and the energy that should provide, not thinking there's anyway that changes today. Dolphins take it and flirt with the over.
Fantasy Starts: Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Devon Achane
Fantasy Sits: Marvin Harrison Jr., Jonnu Smith
Sleepers: Miami Defense
New York Jets (-7.5) at New England Patriots
Rookie QB Drake Maye's looked more than competent the small sampling he's provided us these last two weeks. We're going to learn a lot about the kid here. Despite the general disarray of the Jets, their secondary is still great-- if you ignore the George Pickens' circus performance. The Patriots don't have any receivers with that dog skillset. No fly zone. Rhamondre Stevenson should be able to work on the ground though, helping New England hang for a little.
The Jets can't lose forever, right? And surely not versus a team smoked 24-3 in week two. Trevor Lawrence just got right against the Pats last Sunday, which is exactly what Aaron Rodgers should do. Breece Hall will rumble through a soft front seven, opening up throwing lanes for Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams.
With each squad coming off embarrassing losses, urgency is high to get things straight. New York simply has more talent to work with in that regard and should walk away winners. That spread's a little rich though with a Drake Maye boost-- not Jacoby Brissett under center anymore!
Fantasy Starts: Breece Hall, Rhamondre Stevenson, Davante Adams
Fantasy Sits: Demario Douglas
Sleepers: Kendrick Bourne
Atlanta Falcons (-2.5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Second meeting between these two NFC South rivals that's going to unfortunately look a lot different than their previous 36-30 barn burner. The absence of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin is going to be hard for Tampa to overcome, no matter how decent Baker Mayfield's actually been.
Seems like the fantasy community has higher opinions of Trey Palmer and Jalen McMillan than the reality. They'll contribute some, because somebody has to, but there won't be game changing numbers. Rachaad White and Bucky Irving should eat though, especially after seeing Atlanta get carved up by Kenneth Walker II.
Kirk Cousins' only strong passing performance came in that win 6 point overtime win, struggling for much of the rest of the season to get any type of rhythm going. Hard to put all of our eggs into his basket just yet, which subsequently trickles down to his pass catchers. Bijan Robinson's coming off a nice showing too and surely took note of how Derrick Henry carved up this strong Tampa front six days ago.
Ugly game that should cash the under. Bucs will be trying to control the clock and prevent any big plays while the Falcons finally just try to look like a normal football team consistently-- which is exactly what they're going to do.
Fantasy Starts: Rachaad White, Bijan Robinson, Drake London
Fantasy Sits: Baker Mayfield
Sleepers: KhaDarel Hodge
Green Bay Packers (-4.5) at Jacksonville Jaguars
Sitting here salivating over Jordan Love prop bets. 77 degrees and sunny in Florida versus a pathetic pass defense that's traveling home from 2 weeks overseas and just got lit up by Drake Maye and his second string receivers. Take the yards, take the scores, take the Packers points and hope Josh Jacobs can make up some difference in garbage time.
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| Photo: David Dermer/ AP Photo |
Can Trevor Lawrence keep up? The former #1 pick has been iffy at best through seven weeks, despite upgrades to his weapons and offensive line. Rookie Brian Thomas Jr. has been incredible, while Gabe Davis has found himself involved of late. If only Christian Kirk could say the same... tough group of corners for them to work against.
Not too tough a front seven though, as newly earned RB1 Tank Bigsby should be able to expose. His backup D'Ernest Johnson's also played really well with his extended look, which'll continue later on today.
Green Bay should be too much for the Jags though. Trevor will make one big mistake that'll likely end up being the difference. Hammer the over and love on some Love.
Fantasy Starts: Jordan Love, Romeo Doubs, Brian Thomas Jr.
Fantasy Sits: Josh Jacobs, Christian Kirk
Sleepers: Packers Defense, D'Ernest Johnson
Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans (-5.5)
If Joe Flacco was starting, there'd be some real confidence behind picking Indy to pull the upset. For better or worse, we're going to be getting AR-15 at the helm, but he put up some big numbers on Houston in week one so we can't totally sleep on him. The Texans are banged up on defense right now and Jonathan Taylor will be back in the mix, providing the Colts with a huge weapon on the ground.
On top of the defensive issues, CJ Stroud's been off his game. Many are blaming the offensive line issues, but Joe Mixon's had no trouble popping off. Others are saying he's a Nico Collins-savant, which would be a surprising development given how talented he appears at times. Prime opportunity for both Stroud and Mixon here to put up big numbers.
Love the over here, should be a fun game with some wonkiness to it. Riding with the dogs here as well! Thinking Richardson gives the Texans front seven some fits and helps open up room through the air and for JT. Questions abound in H-Town!
Fantasy Starts: Jonathan Taylor, Joe Mixon
Fantasy Sits: N/A
Sleepers: Anthony Richardson, Dalton Schultz
New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Chargers (-7.5)
Gross. Favorite under of the week, somehow rising to 41.5.
Spencer Rattler's going to get worked, despite Chris Olave being back out there. The Chargers are going to run the ball a lot. Clock will run. Points, and excitement, will be hard to come by.
Better games on during this block. Under and Chargers-- don't overthink it.
Fantasy Starts: Chargers Defense, JK Dobbins
Fantasy Sits: Chris Olave
Sleepers: Kendre Miller, Kimani Vidal
Carolina Panthers at Denver Broncos (-10.5)
Another dud! Real shutout alert here, as Bryce Young resumes the QB1 role against one of the top tier secondaries in the league. And Patrick Surtain II is back.
Woof. Broncos win with ease at home, running all over a hapless Panthers unit.
Fantasy Starts: Javonte Williams, Broncos Defense
Fantasy Sits: Diontae Johnson
Sleepers: Devaughn Vele
Buffalo Bills (-3.5) at Seattle Seahawks
Real shame that DK Metcalf won't be suiting up for this marquee matchup; big shoes to fill for Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The way Geno's been slinging it though, they just need to get a little space and he'll make it work.
Huge game ahead for Kenneth Walker III. The Bills run D is a generous one and the Seahawks love to ride their star back. He should get plenty of volume with room to operate, helping open up a few deep shots in the play action game.
Buffalo's offense looked rejuvenated after the first quarter of last week's game, clearly benefiting from a true WR1's presence in Amari Cooper. Won't be as easy for him and Josh Allen to connect here, as Seattle's secondary is healthy and elite. Plus they can't stop the run, so James Cook and Allen should rack up yards with their legs.
Despite the absence of DK, something tells me Mike MacDonald gets himself a signature win. They really stuck it to Atlanta last week and should have some momentum rolling into this one. Leaning over too.
Fantasy Starts: Kenneth Walker III, James Cook
Fantasy Sits: Khalil Shakir
Sleepers: Jake Bobo
Kansas City Chiefs (-10.5) at Las Vegas Raiders
One, final beatdown of the week.
Patrick Mahomes is 10-2 against the Raiders in his career, averaging 297 yards per game while throwing for 30 touchdowns and just 4 interceptions. He just got Deandre Hopkins to throw it up to also. Plus the Chiefs have a top 10 defense to pit against Gardner Minshew. No need to say more.
KC all the way.
Fantasy Starts: Patrick Mahomes, Kareem Hunt
Fantasy Sits: Alexander Mattison
Sleepers: Tre Tucker
Chicago Bears (-1.5) at Washington Commanders
Caleb Williams versus Jayden Daniels! What a showdown, and an unlikely one as Daniels was cleared to play late Saturday night. The second overall pick is dealing with a rib injury, so it'll be interesting to see how comfortable he looks throwing the ball-- or taking hits in the pocket. Hoping the Commanders aren't rushing him back too soon, especially against this top tier defense.
Chicago's offense has been rounding into form under their #1 pick, averaging just under 32 points a game over their last three. Washington's secondary isn't good, meaning the Bears should get after that number again here. DJ Moore and Keenan Allen will be the busiest, with Rome Odunze possibly providing a splash play. D'Andre Swift and Cole Kmet will also be involved, rounding out this dangerous group in the Windy City.
This game was a stone cold lock with Marcus Mariota under center, but it gets a little testier now with Daniels in the mix. Still leaning toward the Bears, but now also thinking the over plays. Regardless, should be a classic between these two future stars-- the first of many.
Fantasy Starts: Caleb Williams, DJ Moore, Zach Ertz
Fantasy Sits: Brian Robinson Jr.
Sleepers: Chicago Defense
Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers (-4.5)
A Sunday Night battle between two thoroughly disappointing squads. They've each got some injuries that're hampering them, but the end result is what it is: average. Will this game reflect that?
Shockingly, Dallas has only managed to win on the road this season, going winless while playing in Jerry World. They're also coming off a bye and should be as rested and prepared as possible. Will it matter? They can't run the ball which has put a burden on Dak that he's incapable of handling. CeeDee Lamb and Jake Ferguson have been productive, while Jalen Tolbert slowly emerges at the WR2. The Cowboys need all three to be big if they want to pull the upset.
Deebo is seemingly going to play for San Francisco, a huge development given the status of their receiver room. He'll be a go to for Brock Purdy, as will George Kittle. However, Jordan Mason's going to be the focal point of the offense, toting the rock early and often against this bottom five run stopping group.
Going against whatever logic I tried to provide here and rolling with Dallas. They're going to be a little fresher and should be motivated after having their names dragged through the media during their bye week. A late Brandon Aubrey field goal lifts them to the W, but they cover regardless.
Fantasy Starts: Jordan Mason
Fantasy Sits: Rico Dowdle
Sleepers: Jacob Cowing
New York Giants at Pittsburgh Steelers (-6.5)
Wrapping up Monday with a bit of a stinker: G-Men rolling into the Steel City. New York's offensive line has been increasingly banged up, making a tall task even taller versus a talented front seven. Tough sledding for Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary. Daniel Jones won't have much time in the pocket, but he'll be chucking it up to Malik Nabers every opportunity he gets.
Tough matchup for Russell Wilson too. The Giants have a really loaded defense, being wasted weekly by their anemic offense. Russ got away with chucking it up to George Pickens in his 2024 debut, but that won't work every* time. Have to avoid the turnovers in this one. Najee Harris has been really solid on the ground of late and will help pace them up and down the field.
Mike Tomlin isn't going to lose this one in the lime light, completing his sweep of teams that play in East Rutherford. Not an exciting way to finish the week, but it's what we've got to work with!
Fantasy Starts: Pittsburgh Defense, Malik Nabers, Najee Harris
Fantasy Sits: Wan'Dale Robinson, Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Sleepers: Jaylen Warren
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@Choppinglines
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