It is time to set our fantasy lineups for Week 8, and with that in mind, let's follow the data to analyze some of the biggest risers and fallers in the ranks to help you make those critical start-sit decisions.

Risers in the Week 8 Fantasy Football Rankings

Sam Darnold | QB | Vikings

Darnold didn't boom in a juicy matchup against the Lions last week but gets another bite at the apple against the Rams in Week 8. Darnold ranks 11th in fantasy points per game (17.1) despite leading by nine or more points on a league-high 46% of plays.

Minnesota carries the fourth-highest team total on the slate, and the return of Cooper Kupp could help the Rams turn this one into a shootout.

Darnold is only in 31% of Yahoo lineups, but that number should be higher. He UPGRADES to mid-range QB1 status.

Joe Mixon | RB | Texans

In three healthy games, Mixon has finished as the RB2, RB2, and RB4, averaging 26.8 points. Last week, his workload resembled Week 1, bogarting 86% of the rushing attempts and posting a 41% route participation. Mixon has hogged 100% (six) of the attempts inside the five-yard line when healthy.

Not that you even need another reason for Mixon's ascension up the ranks, but he also gets a choice matchup against the Colts. Indianapolis has consented to 160 rushing yards per contest–the second-most in the NFL. After adjusting for their opponents, the Colts still look bad versus the RB position, licensing the third-highest rushing yardage boost at 25 yards per game.

The Texans own the fifth-highest team total on the slate. This matchup could empower Mixon to 100-plus yards and multiple TDs.

Mixon UPGRADES to top-three RB status and is a SMASH PLAY in Week 8.

Aaron Jones | RB | Vikings

Over his last three healthy games, Jones has left Ty Chandler in the rearview mirror, commanding 76% of the rushing attempts with a 54% route participation rate. His average Utilization Score over those games is a mouth-watering 9.0. That is a mid-range RB1, y'all!

The fun part about Jones is it isn't just a volume-induced fantasy play. He is still good at the game. Out of 42 backs with at least 50 carries, Jones is holding his own across multiple efficiency metrics.

  • Yards per attempt: 5.2 (9th)
  • Average yards after contact: (10th)
  • Missed tackles forced per attempt: 24% (14th)
  • 10-plus yard attempts: 14% (13th)
  • Targets per route run: 25% (2nd)

Jones UPGRADES to mid-range RB1 territory against the Rams.

Kareem Hunt | RB | Chiefs

I was skeptical about Hunt's role after a couple of games, but he held a similar role for the third straight week, and the team opted to leave Clyde Edwards-Helaire inactive despite his availability. Over the last two games, Hunt has taken control of the Chiefs' backfield with a 62% snap share and a zesty 8.0 Utilization Score.

 

While the veteran RB's play has been anything but zesty, as outlined in this week's Utilization Report, volume is king at this position in fantasyland. Hunt has averaged 24.5 attempts and 1.5 targets since Week 5.

The Chiefs are 10-point favorites over a Raiders defense, allowing 136 yards and 1.1 rushing TDs per contest. Hunt has a shot at 100 yards and multiple TDs in a Kansas City offense leaning heavily into the run game with a -5% DBOE since they lost Rashee Rice. They added DeAndre Hopkins via trade this week, so that could slowly change, but I think we can plan on another run-centric attack in Week 8.

Hunt UPGRADES to low-end RB1 status.

Nerd Note: Heavy Zone Coverage Teams = Good for RBs

If you have read my content over the years, you know how much I love digging into zone and man coverage. However, I haven't mentioned it much this season because we didn't have enough data. But now that every team has played six games, we can be more confident about which teams are outliers regarding zone and man coverage.

While I believe that man and zone coverage data is often overhyped in fantasy football, there is one overarching actionable takeaway that I have found to be true: Targets consolidate to the top pass catchers against man coverage and spread out against zone coverage.

That last part is essential because RBs and TEs often receive increased targets against zone-heavy defenses. This weekend, we have three RBs who could benefit in the target department:

  • Bijan Robinson | Falcons: The Falcons face the most zone-heavy team in Buccaneers. Robinson has an 8% target share against man and a 13% target share against zone.
     
  • Kenneth Walker | Seahawks: The Seahawks face the seventh-most zone-heavy team in the Bills. Walker has a 1% target share against man, but it surges to 14% versus zone.
     
  • Kyren Williams | Rams: The Rams face the fifth-most zone-heavy team in the Vikings. Williams has a 4% target share against man but improves to 11% versus zone.

You are starting all of these guys in fantasy, but these are some areas I like to consider when considering player props.

On the flip side, Tony Pollard (vs. DET), Chuba Hubbard (vs. DEN), and Justice Hill (vs. CLE) all face man-heavy units this weekend, which could limit their target-earning potential. Hill has a 6% target share versus man–an 11 percentage point drop from his 17% against zone.

RB Rapid Fire: Upgrades & Pending News

  • Javonte Williams | Broncos: Williams was a positive regression candidate coming into Week 7 based on his Utilization Score, and he came through with 26.1 fantasy points against the Saints. Williams and his RB2-worthy Utilization Score take on a Panthers team, green-lighting the biggest fantasy boost (8.3) to the RB position. Williams UPGRADES to mid-range RB2 status.
     
  • Tank Bigsby: We could see the return of Travis Etienne (hamstring), but Bigsby was already beating out the former first-round pick in the rushing attempt department before Etienne's injury. The Jaguars are five-point dogs against the Packers, so this game script could go south for Bigsby. However, if Jacksonville can keep it close, Bigsby has the talent to erupt in any game. Bigsby UPGRADES to high-end RB3 territory as a boom-bust option if you need upside.

Tyreek Hill | WR | Dolphins

We should have Tua Tagovailoa back under center this weekend, which would provide a massive boost up the ranks to Hill. In Week 1 with Tagovailoa, Hill did his usual thing with 26 fantasy points, but since then, he has averaged only 7.4 with finishes of WR46, WR48, WR46, WR26, and WR66.

Oddsmakers are also on board with a quick bounceback–Miami has the fifth-highest team total (26 points). From a Pick'em perspective, Hill's receiving yardage is 87.5 yards on Underdog in a quality matchup against a Cardinals' defense, allowing the fifth-most receiving yards per game (247).

Hill UPGRADES to high-end WR1 status if Tagovailoa plays. I have Hill No. 3 in my WR ranks.

Cooper Kupp | WR | Rams

We only saw Kupp for ~1.5 games before a high-ankle sprain knocked him out of action. However, in that small sample, he looked as Cooper Kupp as ever, with a blistering 36% target share and 41% air yards share. In Week 1, he had a near-perfect 9.9 Utilization Score!

Like Hill, Kupp wastes zero time zooming back up the rankings. However, we need a little more caution, given it is his first game back from injury. The Rams could limit his workload as part of a ramp-up plan, and/or Kupp might not be as effective if he isn't 100% yet.

Of course, we also have some trade rumors swirling around the uber-productive slot WR. If the Rams are serious about a trade, that could be another excuse for not fully unleashing Kupp. While those factors keep me from pushing Kupp as high as Hill in the ranks, it is almost impossible to keep him out of the top 10.

The Vikings allow the sixth-most passing yards per game. While some of that is due to their leading game scripts, Minnesota doesn't have a shutdown defender they can depend on to lock up Kupp. Even if they did, Kupp is the most matchup-proof WR in the NFL. Sean McVay knows how to protect his No. 1 target with motion at the snap and favorable alignments.

Note: Puka Nacua is listed as questionable for Thursday night.

Kupp UPGRADES to mid-range WR1 status.

Stefon Diggs | WR | Texans

Many fantasy managers have a sour taste in their mouths after a letdown game (7.3 points) from Diggs in a smash spot against the Packers last weekend. However, Diggs has a 30% target share and 43% air yards share in two games without Nico Collins.

The Colts have a solid coverage unit, ranking eighth in PFF coverage grade (73.8). However, Stroud posted 234 yards and two TDs in Week 1. Additionally, multiple questionable passing units have lit Indianapolis up through the air.

The ceiling for the Texans' passing attack is massive this weekend.

Diggs UPGRADES to low-end WR1 territory as my WR10.

Bonus: Tank Dell UPGRADES to low-end WR2 status despite his zero fantasy points last weekend.

Marvin Harrison Jr. | WR | Cardinals

Putting Harrison on your bench might feel tempting after his last three fantasy outings.

  • Week 5: 5.6 points
  • Week 6: 0 points (concussion)
  • Week 7: 5.1 points

Recency bias is a helluva drug, and those three boxscores are enough to make even the most strong-minded queasy. However, Harrison's underlying data tells us that he is still a WR2 who could blossom into a WR1 the rest of the way with better QB play.

Harrison in healthy games:

  • Target: 26% (WR1 level)
  • Targets vs. man: 35% (alpha level)
  • Air yards: 41% (WR1 level)

Kyler Murray's performance hasn't helped Harrison. Only 55% of Harrison's targets have been catchable. That ranks 62nd out of 66 WRs with at least 150 routes this year. While some of that ties to Harrison's fairly deep average depth of target (14.1), Murray has often waited too long to get the ball to the rookie when open, leading to throws into coverage. We need more than 190 passing yards per game from this offense, but Harrison is due for a big game.

On paper, the Dolphins look like a tough matchup. They allow only 141 passing yards per game, but most of that is due to blowout losses. The Dolphins have trailed by nine or more points on a whopping 40% of plays this year. That should change this weekend with Tagovailoa back under center.

Harrison is a boom-bust WR2 who still offers WR1 upside. He is due for a strong performance.

WR Rapid Fire: Upgrades & Pending News

  • Jaylen Waddle | Dolphins: Waddle moves back up the ranks with the return of Tagovailoa. Waddle has WR35, WR51, WR50, WR38, and WR67 finishes without the starting QB. However, last season, with Tagovailoa, Waddle averaged 15.5 points in healthy games. Waddle UPGRADES to borderline WR2 status.
     
  • Chris Olave | Saints: With Rashid Shaheed out for the season, Olave is set for a more significant workload. Over the last three years, the former Ohio State standout has demonstrated that he is a high-end target earner, likely making him the primary beneficiary of Shaheed's vacated looks. We won't get Derek Carr back under center, which makes Olave a little tricky this weekend. Olave is a mid-range WR3, with Spencer Rattler expected to start.
     
  • Jauan Jennings & Ricky Pearsall | 49ers: With Brandon Aiyuk (ACL) out for the season and Deebo Samuel battling pneumonia, this duo has a massive opportunity. Jennings is the favorite to take an immediate step forward but is dealing with a hip issue of his own. Pearsall, the team's first-round pick, would be the WR1 this weekend should Jennings be unable to go. Jennings UPGRADES to high-end WR3 territory if he suits up and Samuel is out. Pearsall is a WR4 if Jennings plays and Samuel is out. If Jennings can't go, Pearsall UPGRADES to borderline WR3 territory.

TE Rapid Fire: Upgrades & Pending News

  • Sam LaPorta | Lions: With Jameson Williams out due to a two-game suspension, the target competition will lessen in Detroit. Last season, with only Amon-Ra St. Brown as his primary competition, LaPorta boasted a 22% target share and averaged 14 fantasy points per game. LaPorta UPGRADES to mid-range TE1 status if Williams is out.
     
  • Zach Ertz | Commanders: Ertz ranks eighth in Utilization Score (6.9) and target share (17%). He has been especially successful against zone coverage, where targets are spread out to the secondary pass catchers. The Bears utilize zone coverage the sixth most and have the outside corners to shut down opposing WRs. Ertz has a 10% target share versus man coverage, but that climbs to 21% against zone. That trend has been with Jayden Daniels at the helm. Ertz UPGRADES to borderline TE1 status if Daniels plays. Without Daniels, he is a mid-range TE2.

Fallers In The Week 8 Fantasy Football Rankings

Brock Purdy | QB | 49ers

Purdy averages 17.8 points per game as the QB13, but he could be without multiple weapons this weekend.

Purdy gets a neutral matchup against a Cowboys defense that could be missing their best pass rusher in Micah Parsons. However, Dallas has been bad against the run, and the 49ers could opt to feed Jordan Mason in this matchup. The Cowboys have allowed the fifth-most rushing yards per game (143).

Purdy DOWNGRADES to mid-range QB2 territory if Samuel and Kittle can't go.

Alvin Kamara | RB | Saints

Kamara registered his lowest Utilization Score (6.8) of the season last week against the Broncos. He had a 58% snap share and only handled 39% of the rushing attempts, with Kendre Miller soaking up 33%. The issue wasn't quarantined to late-game snaps, either. Kamara accounted for only 55% of the rushing attempts in the first half after averaging 70% over the previous five contests.

Kamara isn't going away, but Miller could help lighten the load, and that is enough to move him down the ranks with a tough matchup against the Chargers on tap. The Bolts have allowed only 95 yards per game on the ground. On a positive note, they play the second-most zone coverage, which could lead to more looks in the passing game.

The Saints carry the second-lowest team total (15.8) on the slate.

Kamara DOWNGRADES to mid-range RB2 status.

Rapid Fire Downgrades

  • Baker Mayfield | Buccaneers: Mayfield won't have Chris Godwin or Mike Evans, leaving the veteran QB to depend on primarily unproven options. Mayfield DOWNGRADES to mid-range QB2 status.
     
  • Diontae Johnson | Panthers: Andy Dalton suffered a sprained thumb in a car accident, so Bryce Young will start. If that wasn't enough to make you uneasy, the Panthers play against the Broncos. Denver has allowed the lowest fantasy boost to the WR position at -7.6 points per game. Johnson DOWNGRADES to low-end WR3 territory.
     
  • Josh Downs | Colts: Downs averaged 19.5 points in a three-game stretch with Joe Flacco under center. Flacco drastically boosted the team's passing attempts per game and completion percentage, making Indianapolis a WR-friendly offense. However, last week, we saw the return of Anthony Richardson's return and his 49% completion rate, and the passing game was ground to a halt. Downs' catchable target rate plummeted from 81% to 50%. Downs DOWNGRADES to mid-range WR4 status.

Sicko Starts of the Week for Fantasy Football Week 8

I want to throw in a few names for all my fellow fantasy managers that are in a SICKO league. If you are in a 12-team league with three starting WRs and two flexes, these are for you! Or you are in a more typical setup but need a name to help get you through injuries; these are for you!

Week 1: Sam Darnold (hit), J.K. Dobbins (hit), Jalen McMillan (hit), Zach Ertz (miss)

Week 2: Daniel Jones (hit), Zack Moss (miss), Adonai Mitchell (miss), Zach Ertz (hit)

Week 3: Aaron Rodgers (hit), D'Andre Swift (miss), Jordan Whittington (miss), Tyler Conklin (hit)

Week 4: Caleb Williams (miss), Jerome Ford (hit), Darnell Mooney (miss - But the PROCESS WAS RIGHT, he screamed … as his wife and children walked out of his life forever)

Week 5: Deshaun Watson (miss), Trey Sermon (hit), Tutu Atwell (hit)

Week 6: Daniel Jones (miss), Tyjae Spears (null-injured), Jalen Tolbert (miss), Zack Ertz (hit)

Week 7: Sam Darnold (miss), Tank Bigsby (hit), Jordan Addison (miss), Dalton Schultz (miss)

Season: 12 of 25

Let's go, you sickos.

Caleb Williams | QB | Bears

Williams is only in 21% of lineups and is available in 23% of leagues.

The rookie got off to a rough start with QB33 and QB28 performances but has notched QB11, QB22, QB6, and QB1 finishes over the last four games. The Commanders' defense has played better as of late, but none of their cornerbacks rank higher than 50th in PFF coverage grade, and the Bears will trot out a healthy trio of DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze.

Williams ranks inside the top 12 for all five of the Fantasy Life rankers and should be in more lineups. I would start him over Dak Prescott, Anthony Richardson, Brock Purdy, and Patrick Mahomes.

Raheem Mostert | RB | Dolphins 

Mostert is starting in 28% of lineups and is available on waivers 20% of the time.

This play is admittedly thin, but that is what sickos starts are all about, and the pickings were pretty slim this week. The expected return of Tagovailoa has boosted the Dolphins' stock in the eyes of oddsmakers (26-point team total), which could be enough for Mostert to come through despite a mediocre workload.

Last weekend, Mostert handled 31% of the attempts and posted a 28% route participation. That puts him in line for 10 to 14 opportunities against a Cardinals defense, allowing the sixth-most rushing yards per game (139).

Last year, in games with 10 to 14 opportunities, Mostert posted RB18, RB31, RB11, RB34, RB20, RB13, RB18, RB21 and RB26 finishes. 

Mostert is an RB3 but could scratch out an RB2 finish in a good matchup if Tagovailoa is back.

Dontayvion Wicks | WR | Packers 

Wicks is starting in less than 10% of leagues and is available on waivers 68% of the time.

Wicks popped off for 13.8 points in the fantasy boxscore last weekend despite battling a shoulder injury and a lowly 46% route share. Wicks accomplished that production by leading the team with a 35% TPRR. He has now led or tied for the team lead in that department in each of the last four games.

This weekend, the Packers face the second-worst pass defense in the NFL, which also happens to use man coverage the fourth most. Wicks leads all Packers WRs by a large margin in target share versus man coverage at 26%.

Wicks UPGRADES to the boom-bust WR4 conversation.

Cade Otton | TE | Buccaneers

Otton is in 27% of starting lineups and is a free agent in 47% of leagues.

With Chris Godwin (ankle) out for the season and Mike Evans (hamstring) out for Week 8, Otton will be one of the top options for Baker Mayfield. Otton was already enjoying a breakout season with a career-high target share (17%) and Utilization Score (6.7).

Otton UPGRADES to low-end TE1 status against the Falcons.

Brass Balls Bench of the Week

I don't necessarily fully endorse these plays, but if you are willing to make big calls, these players could find their way to your bench if you are loaded with other options.

Week 1: Joe Burrow (hit), Josh Jacobs (miss), Brandon Aiyuk (hit)

Week 2: Travis Etienne (null-Bigsby injured), George Pickens (hit)

Week 3: J.K. Dobbins (hit), Jaylen Waddle (hit)

Week 4: Anthony Richardson (null-injured)

Week 5: Sam Darnold (hit)

Week 6: Brian Robinson (null-injured)

Week 7: Patrick Mahomes (hit)

Season: 7 of 8

Nick Chubb | RB | Browns

This was another tough call this week. There weren't any obvious choices for players in most starting lineups, so we will pivot to Nick Chubb. We all love a good comeback story, which makes it tempting to give Chubb a spin in our lineups.

However, waiting another week is advisable. As he returns to form, the team could manage Chubb's reps for the next few weeks. This weekend is a particularly tough spot against a Ravens defense, allowing the fewest rushing yards per game (68), and Cleveland is an 11-point dog.

Chubb remains mid-range RB3 material and is best left on fantasy benches for at least one more game.