First and foremost I’d like to give a shout out to Joe Thomas on a terrific career. It’s incredible to think that a guy can play 10+ seasons without missing a snap in this day and age. The fact that he’s spent all that time with the Cleveland Browns no less makes it even more miraculous. Whether Thomas chooses to hang it up after sustaining a torn triceps this past weekend remains to be seen, but he’s had a marvelous career to this point.
Philadelphia’s Jason Peters was another big offensive tackle lost for the season as a result of a torn ACL suffered Monday night. In a year full of injuries, this was the week for offensive linemen. It doesn’t appear that any of the top fantasy players suffered any setbacks themselves despite the previously announced injuries, but losing top linemen can have a major impact on their production. Here’s this week’s suggestions of DraftKings GPP plays for Week 8.
The Gamefly DraftKings GPP Plays for Week 8
Quarterbacks 
Carson Wentz (PHI) vs. SF $7,200
You’ve probably figured out by now that this Carson Wentz guy is pretty good. He’ll be without his standout left tackle the rest of the way, but that’s not likely to slow him and the Eagles down. On Monday, Wentz threw for four touchdown passes, the second time he’s done so in the past three games. Throw in his ability as a runner, and the 49ers terrible defense, Wentz is in line for another big day.
Cam Newton (CAR) @ TB $6,600
I know that Cam has struggled this season (on and off the field), but he gets a terrific matchup against the Bucs this week that makes him a viable fantasy option. The Bucs were supposed to be playoff contenders this season, but their defense has been dreadful. They rank at the bottom against both quarterbacks and running backs so I’m expecting Cam to excel in both areas on Sunday.
Other Notables: Deshaun Watson (HOU) @ SEA $6,400, Kirk Cousins (WAS) vs. DAL $6,400
Running Backs
Wendell Smallwood (PHI) vs. SF $4,900
It looks like a tough slate for running backs this week so it may be best to spend big on some of the top names. If you’re looking for value, however, I’d suggest going down the line for the receiving backs in plus matchups. Continuing to roll on against the 49ers, Wendell Smallwood is likely to see more touches in this highly favorable matchup than he did on Monday. LeGarrette Blount is sure to get his as well, and will be counted on against the league’s worst rushing attack, but I like Smallwood’s appeal more in a PPR format.
Joe Mixon (CIN) vs. IND $4,700
Mixon has been a disappointment for his fantasy owners as a rookie, but he gets a very nice matchup this week at home against the Colts. Indianapolis is struggling on all cylinders, especially against opposing backs. Mixon made mention on Monday that the Bengals should be running more so expect Mixon to get an uptick in touches this week as well.
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Other Notables: Chris Thompson (WAS) vs. DAL $5,800, Dion Lewis (NE) vs. LAC $4,600
Wide Receivers
Brandin Cooks (NE) vs. LAC $6,800
Cooks has not been the dominant WR1 we all expected him to be when he was traded to the Patriots. He has, however, had a pivotal impact on the team’s success. Still averaging 15.1 FPPG, Cooks and the Patriots get a home date with the Chargers. Fresh off of their shutout victory against the Broncos, and winners of three straight, the Chargers may get struck with a dose of reality when they visit New England. Cooks could be the X factor here, and has the chance for his best production since Week 3 when he caught five passes for 131 yards and two scores.
Pierre Garcon (SF) @ PHI $6,100
Still winless, there haven’t been many bright spots for the 49ers this year. With a visit to Philadelphia, who hold the best record in the league right now, they’re not likely to find any this week either. The good news is that Garcon has been San Francisco’s most consistent receiver all season, and has been targeted 63 times over a six-game span. He has not yet scored this year, however, but he could benefit significantly if the 49ers fall behind early. The Eagles may be 6-1, but they’re not exactly known for their defense, and Garcon could potentially feast if there’s garbage time.
Will Fuller V (HOU) @ SEA $5,300
Will Fuller has appeared in just three games this year, but already has five touchdowns off of just eight receptions. The Texans draw the tough Seahawks secondary, which may stray people away from Fuller and other Texans, but Fuller could benefit with DeAndre Hopkins receiving all of the attention.
Other Notables: Amari Cooper (OAK) @ BUF $6,600, Nelson Agholor (PHI) vs. SF $5,500
Tight Ends
Travis Kelce (KC) vs. DEN $6,800
Kelce has maintained his spot as one of the elite tight ends in fantasy football, but his production has been up and down at times this season. I think on Monday, however, that we could see a heavy dose of Kelce. The Broncos defense is at their weakest against tight ends, and you can expect Alex Smith to look his way more than often. It’s a heftier price than I like for a tight end, but my instincts tell me that Kelce will deliver in a huge way.
Other Notables: Hunter Henry (LAC) @ NE $4,800, Jared Cook (OAK) @ BUF $3,900
Defense
Cincinnati vs. IND $3,600
The Colts are struggling, and look to be getting worse every week. They continue to be an offense that I’m targeting, and with signs pointing to Andrew Luck probably not playing this season, that’s not likely to change. Jacoby Brissett has been a nice addition for them, but with an offensive line that still hasn’t been addressed, mixed with bad coaching and injuries, there’s not much he can really do. The Bengals are a respectable defense, although not always the greatest for fantasy. Opportunities for sacks and turnovers will be there, however, making them a nice option for the week.
Other Notables: Kansas City vs. DEN $3,500
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