10 Things to Know for Week 8 #FantasyFootball

Rob Gronkowski is questionable for a Monday night game.

Gronk was a surprise inactive last week after he had back spasms Saturday night. He is expected to play this week, but this is a Monday night game. There is no clear replacement on the Patriots that you can fill in with so you might be better off finding a better option on Sunday. You can even wait to find out on Monday if he is playing and scoop up Charles Clay last minute if you need to, but be prepared.

Raheem Mostert led the 49ers in carries last week.

It may seem Matt Breida is finally going to take a week off with his many injuries. If he does, in fact, sit Mostert becomes a very sneaky start. The Niners play the Cardinals this week who are the worst team against fantasy running backs. Mostert had an 8.4 yards-per-carry this past week and has looked fast. Even if Breida plays Mostert can still be started in deeper leagues just because Breida likely won’t be able to play a ton of snaps.

Jalen Richard led the Raiders in receptions in their last game before the bye.

Amari Cooper was traded to the Cowboys this week and Marshawn Lynch was placed on injured reserve. Before you fall in love with the Doug Martin hype once again don’t forget about Richard. Richard was already becoming flex-worthy before this week, but now he is RB2 worthy. When Cooper was knocked out with a concussion in Week 6, Richard led the team in receptions with seven. The combination of a bad defense, Derek Carr’s short passing tendencies, and more carries opening up are all great signs for Richard’s fantasy value.

Tre’Quan Smith could see his breakout game of the season in Week 8.

Smith filled into the Ted Ginn role nicely this past week. However, the Ravens simply don’t give up big plays. The Vikings were known for giving up big plays earlier in the season. While the Vikings’ defense has played better of late they could be without stud cornerback Xavier Rhodes. Even if Rhodes plays he will likely shadow Michael Thomas. This should be a higher scoring forcing the Saints to rely more on their passing game than running game.

The Broncos ran for 159 yards the last time they played the Chiefs.

The Chiefs have not been a good defense this year even after a great game against the Bengals this past week. I would argue that was more so because of the Bengals struggling in prime time games than the Chiefs defense finally finding their footing. Royce Freeman might be out for this week’s game following an injury in Week 7. Philip Lindsay is a must-start in Week 8.

Marlon Mack is somewhat game script dependent but that’s okay in Week 8.

Mack had himself a breakout game in a blowout with the Bills this past week. However, the week before he only played 34 percent of the snaps when the Colts were trailing. Nyheim Hines will continue to be the Colts preferred pass catching back when they are down. In Week 8 this isn’t a concern. The Colts face the Raiders who have overhauled their offense this week with Marshawn Lynch hitting the injured reserve and Amari Cooper being traded. The Raiders struggle against the run and on defense as a whole. Mack is a great play in Week 8.

Kareem Hunt is averaging over four targets per game since averaging three per game in the first three weeks.

Hunt fantasy owners were disappointed early in the season with all the points the Chiefs were scoring and Hunt’s small fantasy output. Hunt has been revitalized by being more incorporating to the passing game. Maybe opposing defenses are being more cautious of Patrick Mahomes big arm forcing him to check it down more often. Hunt may be overachieving a bit from touchdown standpoint, but as long as the Chiefs are putting up points he should be a top-tier running back for fantasy.

Jarvis Landry is going through the best part of his schedule of the season.

Landry started out the season slow with Tyrod Taylor at the helm. Then Baker Mayfield took over leading to hope for fantasy owners. However, the fantasy output still wasn’t there despite leading the team in targets. Finally, against the Buccaneers, Landry posted 10 receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown. Up next is the Steelers who have given up one touchdown to the opposing slot receiver each of the past three weeks. After this week the Browns get the Chiefs, Falcons, and Bengals who are all great matchups.

Kerryon Johnson is breaking out, but the coaching staff likely won’t change.

Johnson was one of the most hyped rookies for fantasy coming into the season. There is no denying his talent on the field, but the Lions seem committed to their other backs. Blount still stole a goal-line touchdown last week, and Theo Riddick will return from injury soon if not this week. Johnson is developing a safe floor, but his ceiling is capped unless the coaching staff chooses to make him their feature back. If you can sell high on him it wouldn’t be the worst idea, however, he is a safe start as an RB2 for now.

There are SIX teams on bye during Week 9 so prepare during Week 8.

The biggest bye week of the season is coming up next week. The Jaguars, Cardinals, Eagles, Giants, Bengals, and Colts are all on bye. If you have a burner spot it is best to prepare now with an extra defense, quarterback, or other positional player if you need it in Week 9. This is crunch time for the fantasy playoffs and looking a week ahead can give you an advantage over your opponent.

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