Week 8 Fantasy Football Rankings And Tiers. Breece Hall Moves Into Matchup-Proof Territory.
It is time to make those tough lineup decisions for Week 8 of the fantasy football season.
Below, you’ll find positional rankings, player analysis, team totals and spreads for every game on the slate.
Notes:
- Players are now tiered across all positions (RB, WR and TE) to help with flex decisions in larger formats. Because of this, TEs might not have a player deserving of Tier 1 compared to RBs and WRs.
- Defensive yards and TDs allowed exclude overtime play.
- All references to defensive ranks are for this week (bye Week teams excluded).
Last updated: 3:30 p.m. Oct. 26. Please refer to our Rankings page for updates!
Quarterback Rankings & Tiers - Week 8
| Rank | Tier | Player | Team | Pos | Opp | Team Total | Spread | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Patrick Mahomes | KC | QB | DEN | 26.50 | -7.0 | 22.3 |
| 2 | 1 | Jalen Hurts | PHI | QB | WAS | 25.00 | -6.5 | 23.5 |
| 3 | 1 | Josh Allen | BUF | QB | TB | 26.25 | -9.0 | 23.6 |
| 4 | 1 | Lamar Jackson | BAL | QB | ARI | 26.00 | -8.0 | 22.7 |
| 5 | 2 | Justin Herbert | LAC | QB | CHI | 27.50 | -8.5 | 21.3 |
| 6 | 2 | Tua Tagovailoa | MIA | QB | NE | 28.00 | -9.5 | 19.9 |
| 7 | 2 | Joe Burrow | CIN | QB | SF | 20.00 | 3.5 | 12.4 |
| 8 | 3 | Jared Goff | DET | QB | LV | 27.25 | -8.0 | 18.5 |
| 9 | 3 | C.J. Stroud | HOU | QB | CAR | 23.25 | -3.0 | 18.0 |
| 10 | 3 | Kirk Cousins | MIN | QB | GB | 21.50 | -1.0 | 20.4 |
| 11 | 3 | Trevor Lawrence | JAX | QB | PIT | 22.25 | -2.5 | 16.5 |
| 12 | 3 | Dak Prescott | DAL | QB | LAR | 25.75 | -6.0 | 14.6 |
| 13 | 4 | Jordan Love | GB | QB | MIN | 20.50 | 1.0 | 18.3 |
| 14 | 4 | Matthew Stafford | LAR | QB | DAL | 19.75 | 6.0 | 14.9 |
| 15 | 4 | Geno Smith | SEA | QB | CLE | 21.00 | -4.0 | 14.3 |
| 16 | 5 | Russell Wilson | DEN | QB | KC | 19.50 | 7.0 | 17.8 |
| 17 | 5 | Derek Carr | NO | QB | IND | 22.25 | -1.0 | 12.3 |
| 18 | 5 | Sam Howell | WAS | QB | PHI | 18.50 | 6.5 | 16.7 |
| 19 | 6 | Tyrod Taylor | NYG | QB | NYJ | 16.75 | 3.0 | 6.2 |
| 20 | 6 | Desmond Ridder | ATL | QB | TEN | 19.00 | -2.5 | 16.1 |
| 21 | 6 | Gardner Minshew | IND | QB | NO | 21.25 | 1.0 | 13.2 |
| 22 | 6 | Baker Mayfield | TB | QB | BUF | 17.25 | 9.0 | 15.4 |
| 23 | 7 | Bryce Young | CAR | QB | HOU | 20.25 | 3.0 | 13.0 |
| 24 | 7 | Jimmy Garoppolo | LV | QB | DET | 19.25 | 8.0 | 13.2 |
| 25 | 7 | Sam Darnold | SF | QB | CIN | 23.50 | -3.5 | - |
| 26 | 7 | Mac Jones | NE | QB | MIA | 18.50 | 9.5 | 12.5 |
| 27 | 7 | Kenny Pickett | PIT | QB | JAX | 19.75 | 2.5 | 12.2 |
| 28 | 7 | Joshua Dobbs | ARI | QB | BAL | 18 | 8 | 15.8 |
| 29 | 7 | Zach Wilson | NYJ | QB | NYG | 19.75 | -3 | 10.8 |
| 30 | 8 | Tyson Bagent | CHI | QB | LAC | 19 | 8.5 | 10.8 |
| 31 | 8 | P.J. Walker | CLE | QB | SEA | 17 | 4 | 5.7 |
| 32 | 8 | Will Levis | TEN | QB | ATL | 16.5 | 2.5 | - |
Running Back Rankings & Tiers - Week 8
| Rank | Tier | Player | Team | Pos | Opp | Team Total | Spread | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Christian McCaffrey | SF | RB | CIN | 23.50 | -3.5 | 22.2 |
| 2 | 1 | Travis Etienne Jr. | JAC | RB | PIT | 22.25 | 0.0 | 17.7 |
| 3 | 1 | Austin Ekeler | LAC | RB | CHI | 27.50 | -8.5 | 12.6 |
| 4 | 2 | Alvin Kamara | NO | RB | IND | 22.25 | -1.0 | 16.8 |
| 5 | 2 | Raheem Mostert | MIA | RB | NE | 28.00 | -9.5 | 19.7 |
| 6 | 2 | Breece Hall | NYJ | RB | NYG | 19.75 | -3.0 | 12.1 |
| 7 | 2 | Jahmyr Gibbs | DET | RB | LV | 27.25 | -8.0 | 11.0 |
| 8 | 2 | Kenneth Walker III | SEA | RB | CLE | 21.00 | -4.0 | 16.4 |
| 9 | 2 | Saquon Barkley | NYG | RB | NYJ | 16.75 | 3.0 | 15.8 |
| 10 | 2 | Tony Pollard | DAL | RB | LAR | 25.75 | -6.0 | 13.2 |
| 11 | 2 | Isiah Pacheco | KC | RB | DEN | 26.50 | -7.0 | 13.2 |
| 12 | 2 | D'Andre Swift | PHI | RB | WAS | 25.00 | -6.5 | 13.6 |
| 13 | 2 | Bijan Robinson | ATL | RB | TEN | 19.00 | -2.5 | 12.0 |
| 14 | 3 | Josh Jacobs | LV | RB | DET | 19.25 | 8.0 | 11.6 |
| 15 | 3 | Derrick Henry | TEN | RB | ATL | 16.50 | 2.5 | 13.6 |
| 16 | 3 | Jonathan Taylor | IND | RB | NO | 21.25 | 1.0 | 10.8 |
| 17 | 3 | Joe Mixon | CIN | RB | SF | 20.00 | 3.5 | 10.2 |
| 18 | 3 | James Cook | BUF | RB | TB | 26.25 | -9.0 | 11.6 |
| 19 | 3 | Rhamondre Stevenson | NE | RB | MIA | 18.50 | 9.5 | 9.5 |
| 20 | 3 | Aaron Jones | GB | RB | MIN | 20.50 | 1.0 | 11.6 |
| 21 | 4 | Rachaad White | TB | RB | BUF | 17.25 | 9.0 | 10.0 |
| 22 | 4 | Darrell Henderson | LAR | RB | DAL | 19.75 | 6.0 | 13.1 |
| 23 | 4 | Kareem Hunt | CLE | RB | SEA | 17.00 | 4.0 | 8.9 |
| 24 | 4 | Miles Sanders | CAR | RB | HOU | 20.25 | 3.0 | 8.1 |
| 25 | 5 | D'Onta Foreman | CHI | RB | LAC | 19.00 | 8.5 | 14.2 |
| 26 | 5 | Roschon Johnson | CHI | RB | LAC | 19.00 | 8.5 | 5.9 |
| 27 | 5 | Javonte Williams | DEN | RB | KC | 19.50 | 7.0 | 6.8 |
| 28 | 5 | Gus Edwards | BAL | RB | ARI | 26.00 | -8.0 | 8.3 |
| 29 | 5 | Alexander Mattison | MIN | RB | GB | 21.50 | -1.0 | 9.8 |
| 30 | 5 | Dameon Pierce | HOU | RB | CAR | 23.25 | -3.0 | 7.8 |
| 31 | 5 | Najee Harris | PIT | RB | JAX | 19.75 | 2.5 | 7.5 |
| 32 | 5 | Brian Robinson Jr. | WAS | RB | PHI | 18.50 | 6.5 | 13.0 |
| 33 | 5 | Zack Moss | IND | RB | NO | 21.25 | 1.0 | 16.9 |
| 34 | 5 | Emari Demercado | ARI | RB | BAL | 18.00 | 8.0 | 4.2 |
| 35 | 5 | Jaylen Warren | PIT | RB | JAX | 19.75 | 2.5 | 8.2 |
| 36 | 6 | Tyler Allgeier | ATL | RB | TEN | 19.00 | -2.5 | 7.9 |
| 37 | 6 | Devin Singletary | HOU | RB | CAR | 23.25 | -3.0 | 4.2 |
| 38 | 6 | AJ Dillon | GB | RB | MIN | 20.50 | 1.0 | 6.7 |
| 39 | 6 | Chuba Hubbard | CAR | RB | HOU | 20.25 | 3.0 | 7.1 |
| 40 | 6 | Tyjae Spears | TEN | RB | ATL | 16.50 | 2.5 | 7.0 |
| 41 | 6 | Jaleel McLaughlin | DEN | RB | KC | 19.50 | 7.0 | 7.5 |
| 42 | 6 | Justice Hill | BAL | RB | ARI | 26.00 | -8.0 | 7.6 |
| 43 | 6 | Ezekiel Elliott | NE | RB | MIA | 18.50 | 9.5 | 6.7 |
| 44 | 7 | Pierre Strong Jr. | CLE | RB | SEA | 17.00 | 4.0 | 4.1 |
| 45 | 7 | Royce Freeman | LAR | RB | DAL | 19.75 | 6.0 | 6.6 |
| 46 | 7 | Craig Reynolds | DET | RB | LV | 27.25 | -8.0 | 3.7 |
| 47 | 7 | Cam Akers | MIN | RB | GB | 21.50 | -1.0 | 5.4 |
| 48 | 7 | Latavius Murray | BUF | RB | TB | 26.25 | -9.0 | 5.3 |
| 49 | 8 | Jerick McKinnon | KC | RB | DEN | 26.50 | -7.0 | 4.7 |
| 50 | 8 | Jeff Wilson Jr. | MIA | RB | NE | 28.00 | -9.5 | 0.9 |
| 51 | 8 | Antonio Gibson | WAS | RB | PHI | 18.50 | 6.5 | 5.3 |
| 52 | 8 | Joshua Kelley | LAC | RB | CHI | 27.50 | -8.5 | 7.0 |
| 53 | 8 | Elijah Mitchell | SF | RB | CIN | 23.50 | -3.5 | 1.6 |
| 54 | 8 | Jamaal Williams | NO | RB | IND | 22.25 | -1.0 | 3.5 |
| 55 | 8 | Kenneth Gainwell | PHI | RB | WAS | 25.00 | -6.5 | 5.1 |
| 56 | 8 | Rico Dowdle | DAL | RB | LAR | 25.75 | -6.0 | 4.0 |
| 57 | 8 | Samaje Perine | DEN | RB | KC | 19.50 | 7.0 | 5.8 |
| 58 | 8 | Zach Charbonnet | SEA | RB | CLE | 21.00 | -4.0 | 3.5 |
| 59 | 8 | Dalvin Cook | NYJ | RB | NYG | 19.75 | -3.0 | 3.3 |
| 60 | 8 | Cordarrelle Patterson | ATL | RB | TEN | 19.00 | -2.5 | 2.0 |
| 61 | 9 | Clyde Edwards-Helaire | KC | RB | DEN | 26.50 | -7.0 | 3.3 |
| 62 | 9 | Damien Williams | ARI | RB | BAL | 18.00 | 8.0 | 2.6 |
| 63 | 9 | Chris Rodriguez Jr. | WAS | RB | PHI | 18.50 | 6.5 | 1.5 |
| 64 | 9 | Salvon Ahmed | MIA | RB | NE | 28.00 | -9.5 | 3.7 |
| 65 | 9 | Jordan Mason | SF | RB | CIN | 23.50 | -3.5 | 6.4 |
| 66 | 9 | Michael Carter | NYJ | RB | NYG | 19.75 | -3.0 | 2.1 |
| 67 | 9 | Ke'Shawn Vaughn | TB | RB | BUF | 17.25 | 9.0 | 1.3 |
| 68 | 9 | Tank Bigsby | JAC | RB | PIT | 22.25 | 0 | 2.5 |
| 69 | 9 | Matt Breida | NYG | RB | NYJ | 16.75 | 3 | 3.8 |
| 70 | 9 | DeeJay Dallas | SEA | RB | CLE | 21 | -4 | 0.8 |
| 71 | 9 | Darrynton Evans | CHI | RB | LAC | 19 | 8.5 | 4.9 |
| 72 | 9 | Keaontay Ingram | ARI | RB | BAL | 18 | 8 | 2.2 |
| 73 | 9 | Zamir White | LV | RB | DET | 19.25 | 8 | 1.9 |
| 74 | 9 | Myles Gaskin | LAR | RB | DAL | 19.75 | 6 | 0.0 |
| 75 | 9 | Kendre Miller | NO | RB | IND | 22.25 | -1 | 3.6 |
| 76 | 9 | Zach Evans | LAR | RB | DAL | 19.75 | 6 | 1.0 |
Tier 1 – Travis Etienne
Etienne’s 80% snap share ranks No. 1 among all running backs this season. His role insulates him from all game scripts, helping him average 22 opportunities (attempts plus targets) per game.
While he has shown more toughness running between the tackles, the big plays haven’t been there yet for the third-year back. Only 8% of his attempts have gone for 10-plus yards after averaging 12% last season. Etienne ranks 28th out of 36 RBs with at least 50 totes. However, his missed tackles forced rate of 25% ranks No. 7, and his 3.1 average yards after contact is above the league average.
Historically, explosive rush rate is sticky year-over-year for backs still in their prime, making Etienne a candidate for positive regression. The Steelers' run defense might be just what the doctor ordered. Pittsburgh allows the fifth-most rushing yards per game at 142.
Etienne is my RB2 this weekend and is a SMASH play.
Tier 2 – Breece Hall
Hall started the season slowly, recovering from his 2022 ACL injury, but has taken over the lead role. In Week 6, he registered a season-high 68% snap share, leading the team in rushing attempts and route participation.
If Hall’s enhanced role in the passing game from Week 6 sticks, he will move into matchup-proof territory. In leading game scripts, he will load up on attempts. In trailing game scripts, he will catch more check-down passes in catchup mode.
Over the last two games, the second-year RB has averaged 21 opportunities (attempts plus targets). With back-to-back top-four performances, Hall looks like a difference-maker for the second half of the fantasy season, and the Week 8 matchup is a juicy one.
Oct 15, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) runs with the ball against Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zach Cunningham (52) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Jets are slight favorites versus the Giants, who allow the sixth-most rushing yards (137) and the fourth-most TDs (1.3) per game on the ground. With Hall’s ability to take any touch to the end zone, he has RB1 overall upside in this sort of matchup.
Hall is a SMASH play as my RB6 and No. 14 player overall in Week 8.
Tier 3 – Josh Jacobs
Jacobs is a utilization king, but bad fantasy performances continue to pile up. In Week 6, he saw 28 opportunities but finished as the RB21. In Week 7, he saw 15 opportunities but was the RB37.
It appears the clock has struck midnight on last year’s RB Cinderella story, with Jacobs struggling in the efficiency department. Jacobs ranks poorly in all categories out of 36 RBs with at least 50 carries.
- 10-plus yard rushing attempts: 3.4% (36th out of 36)
- Average yards after contact: 2.0 (35th)
- Missed tackles forced per attempt: 10% (32nd)
While Jacobs also ranks poorly in yards before contact (32nd), we can’t put all of the blame on the offensive line. The Raiders offensive line has the No. 13 run-blocking grade per PFF, so the veteran RB has ownership in the before-contact woes.
This week, Jacobs faces a Lions defense that gives up the second-fewest yards per game on the ground (77.9), and the Raiders are eight-point dogs on the road. Jacobs has come through in the passing game in bad game scripts, but he might not have the 10-target ceiling we saw in Week 4 with the recent emergence of Michael Mayer as a third option behind target hogs Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers.
The veteran could get lucky, but this is a bad spot in a game where the Raiders carry a bottom-eight team total, leading to a DOWNGRADE to mid-range RB2 status.
Tier 5 – Gus Edwards
Edwards averages 12.8 attempts per game since the injury to J.K. Dobbins, which is low-end RB3 to RB4 material. However, the Ravens are eight-point favorites against a poor run defense this weekend, which bodes well for Edwards.
The Cardinals allow the eighth-most rushing yards (131) and the fifth-most fantasy points per game on the ground (20.4). With the Ravens carrying the sixth-highest team total (26) on the slate, Edwards should get a chance to capitalize on his role as the lead short yardage back on the Ravens.
Edwards UPGRADES to a mid-range RB3, making him a viable flex option as a top-75 play.
Wide Receiver Rankings & Tiers - Week 8
| Rank | Tier | Player | Team | Pos | Opp | Team Total | Spread | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Tyreek Hill | MIA | WR | NE | 28.00 | -9.5 | 22.9 |
| 2 | 1 | Stefon Diggs | BUF | WR | TB | 26.25 | -9.0 | 18.8 |
| 3 | 1 | A.J. Brown | PHI | WR | WAS | 25.00 | -6.5 | 17.8 |
| 4 | 1 | Keenan Allen | LAC | WR | CHI | 27.50 | -8.5 | 18.5 |
| 5 | 1 | Cooper Kupp | LAR | WR | DAL | 19.75 | 6.0 | 14.7 |
| 6 | 2 | Ja'Marr Chase | CIN | WR | SF | 20.00 | 3.5 | 16.5 |
| 7 | 2 | Amon-Ra St. Brown | DET | WR | LV | 27.25 | -8.0 | 16.6 |
| 8 | 2 | Puka Nacua | LAR | WR | DAL | 19.75 | 6.0 | 16.7 |
| 9 | 2 | Adam Thielen | CAR | WR | HOU | 20.25 | 3.0 | 16.7 |
| 10 | 2 | Davante Adams | LV | WR | DET | 19.25 | 8.0 | 13.4 |
| 11 | 2 | CeeDee Lamb | DAL | WR | LAR | 25.75 | -6.0 | 12.1 |
| 12 | 2 | Brandon Aiyuk | SF | WR | CIN | 23.50 | -3.5 | 13.0 |
| 13 | 2 | Mike Evans | TB | WR | BUF | 17.25 | 9.0 | 14.3 |
| 14 | 2 | Jakobi Meyers | LV | WR | DET | 19.25 | 8.0 | 14.5 |
| 15 | 3 | Jaylen Waddle | MIA | WR | NE | 28.00 | -9.5 | 10.5 |
| 16 | 3 | Christian Kirk | JAC | WR | PIT | 22.25 | 0.0 | 12.2 |
| 17 | 3 | Chris Olave | NO | WR | IND | 22.25 | -1.0 | 10.4 |
| 18 | 3 | DeVonta Smith | PHI | WR | WAS | 25.00 | -6.5 | 9.5 |
| 19 | 3 | Jordan Addison | MIN | WR | GB | 21.50 | -1.0 | 12.9 |
| 20 | 3 | Zay Flowers | BAL | WR | ARI | 26.00 | -8.0 | 10.1 |
| 21 | 3 | Nico Collins | HOU | WR | CAR | 23.25 | -3.0 | 14.5 |
| 22 | 3 | DJ Moore | CHI | WR | LAC | 19.00 | 8.5 | 16.2 |
| 23 | 3 | George Pickens | PIT | WR | JAX | 19.75 | 2.5 | 12.9 |
| 24 | 4 | DK Metcalf | SEA | WR | CLE | 21.00 | -4.0 | 11.3 |
| 25 | 3 | Garrett Wilson | NYJ | WR | NYG | 19.75 | -3.0 | 10.8 |
| 26 | 3 | Chris Godwin | TB | WR | BUF | 17.25 | 9.0 | 9.4 |
| 27 | 3 | Tee Higgins | CIN | WR | SF | 20.00 | 3.5 | 6.8 |
| 28 | 4 | Diontae Johnson | PIT | WR | JAX | 19.75 | 2.5 | 8.4 |
| 29 | 4 | Calvin Ridley | JAC | WR | PIT | 22.25 | 0.0 | 9.0 |
| 30 | 4 | Michael Pittman Jr. | IND | WR | NO | 21.25 | 1.0 | 11.7 |
| 31 | 4 | Drake London | ATL | WR | TEN | 19.00 | -2.5 | 9.6 |
| 32 | 4 | Marquise Brown | ARI | WR | BAL | 18.00 | 8.0 | 10.7 |
| 33 | 4 | Joshua Palmer | LAC | WR | CHI | 27.50 | -8.5 | 8.6 |
| 34 | 4 | Tyler Lockett | SEA | WR | CLE | 21.00 | -4.0 | 9.1 |
| 35 | 4 | Courtland Sutton | DEN | WR | KC | 19.50 | 7.0 | 11.5 |
| 36 | 4 | Amari Cooper | CLE | WR | SEA | 17.00 | 4.0 | 9.5 |
| 37 | 4 | Josh Downs | IND | WR | NO | 21.25 | 1.0 | 9.8 |
| 38 | 4 | Christian Watson | GB | WR | MIN | 20.50 | 1.0 | 7.9 |
| 39 | 4 | Tank Dell | HOU | WR | CAR | 23.25 | -3.0 | 11.0 |
| 40 | 5 | Terry McLaurin | WAS | WR | PHI | 18.50 | 6.5 | 9.7 |
| 41 | 5 | Gabe Davis | BUF | WR | TB | 26.25 | -9.0 | 9.9 |
| 42 | 5 | Michael Thomas | NO | WR | IND | 22.25 | -1.0 | 8.6 |
| 43 | 5 | Kendrick Bourne | NE | WR | MIA | 18.50 | 9.5 | 10.3 |
| 44 | 5 | DeAndre Hopkins | TEN | WR | ATL | 16.50 | 2.5 | 8.5 |
| 45 | 5 | Romeo Doubs | GB | WR | MIN | 20.50 | 1.0 | 10.2 |
| 46 | 5 | Jerry Jeudy | DEN | WR | KC | 19.50 | 7.0 | 6.9 |
| 47 | 5 | Jaxon Smith-Njigba | SEA | WR | CLE | 21.00 | -4.0 | 5.6 |
| 48 | 5 | Rashee Rice | KC | WR | DEN | 26.50 | -7.0 | 8.7 |
| 49 | 5 | Curtis Samuel | WAS | WR | PHI | 18.50 | 6.5 | 9.5 |
| 50 | 6 | K.J. Osborn | MIN | WR | GB | 21.50 | -1.0 | 7.0 |
| 51 | 6 | Michael Gallup | DAL | WR | LAR | 25.75 | -6.0 | 4.9 |
| 52 | 6 | Wan'Dale Robinson | NYG | WR | NYJ | 16.75 | 3.0 | 5.7 |
| 53 | 6 | Josh Reynolds | DET | WR | LV | 27.25 | -8.0 | 9.6 |
| 54 | 6 | Brandin Cooks | DAL | WR | LAR | 25.75 | -6.0 | 5.1 |
| 55 | 6 | Elijah Moore | CLE | WR | SEA | 17.00 | 4.0 | 6.0 |
| 56 | 6 | Rashid Shaheed | NO | WR | IND | 22.25 | -1.0 | 8.3 |
| 57 | 6 | Jayden Reed | GB | WR | MIN | 20.50 | 1.0 | 8.2 |
| 58 | 6 | DJ Chark Jr. | CAR | WR | HOU | 20.25 | 3.0 | 7.6 |
| 59 | 6 | Jahan Dotson | WAS | WR | PHI | 18.50 | 6.5 | 5.0 |
| 60 | 6 | Odell Beckham Jr. | BAL | WR | ARI | 26.00 | -8.0 | 4.6 |
| 61 | 7 | Rondale Moore | ARI | WR | BAL | 18.00 | 8.0 | 5.6 |
| 62 | 7 | Jalin Hyatt | NYG | WR | NYJ | 16.75 | 3.0 | 3.4 |
| 63 | 7 | Tutu Atwell | LAR | WR | DAL | 19.75 | 6.0 | 9.7 |
| 64 | 7 | Allen Lazard | NYJ | WR | NYG | 19.75 | -3.0 | 5.7 |
| 65 | 7 | Tyler Boyd | CIN | WR | SF | 20.00 | 3.5 | 6.9 |
| 66 | 7 | Michael Wilson | ARI | WR | BAL | 18.00 | 8.0 | 8.1 |
| 67 | 7 | Marquez Valdes-Scantling | KC | WR | DEN | 26.50 | -7.0 | 4.4 |
| 68 | 7 | Jameson Williams | DET | WR | LV | 27.25 | -8.0 | 4.5 |
| 69 | 7 | Treylon Burks | TEN | WR | ATL | 16.50 | 2.5 | 4.6 |
| 70 | 7 | Marvin Mims Jr. | DEN | WR | KC | 19.50 | 7.0 | 5.1 |
| 71 | 7 | Darnell Mooney | CHI | WR | LAC | 19.00 | 8.5 | 4.5 |
| 72 | 7 | Jonathan Mingo | CAR | WR | HOU | 20.25 | 3.0 | 4.2 |
| 73 | 7 | Darius Slayton | NYG | WR | NYJ | 16.75 | 3.0 | 5.0 |
| 74 | 7 | Demario Douglas | NE | WR | MIA | 18.50 | 9.5 | 4.9 |
| 75 | 7 | Brandon Powell | MIN | WR | GB | 21.50 | -1.0 | 4.1 |
| 76 | 8 | Kadarius Toney | KC | WR | DEN | 26.50 | -7.0 | 3.6 |
| 77 | 8 | Quentin Johnston | LAC | WR | CHI | 27.50 | -8.5 | 1.7 |
| 78 | 8 | Nelson Agholor | BAL | WR | ARI | 26.00 | -8.0 | 6.1 |
| 79 | 8 | Skyy Moore | KC | WR | DEN | 26.50 | -7.0 | 4.4 |
| 80 | 8 | Jauan Jennings | SF | WR | CIN | 23.50 | -3.5 | 4.0 |
| 81 | 8 | Rashod Bateman | BAL | WR | ARI | 26.00 | -8.0 | 3.0 |
| 82 | 8 | Braxton Berrios | MIA | WR | NE | 28.00 | -9.5 | 5.0 |
| 83 | 8 | Trey Palmer | TB | WR | BUF | 17.25 | 9.0 | 4.3 |
| 84 | 8 | Alec Pierce | IND | WR | NO | 21.25 | 1.0 | 3.9 |
| 85 | 8 | Robert Woods | HOU | WR | CAR | 23.25 | -3.0 | 6.6 |
| 86 | 8 | DeVante Parker | NE | WR | MIA | 18.50 | 9.5 | 3.6 |
| 87 | 8 | Donovan Peoples-Jones | CLE | WR | SEA | 17.00 | 4.0 | 2.3 |
| 88 | 8 | Kalif Raymond | DET | WR | LV | 27.25 | -8.0 | 5.7 |
| 89 | 8 | Mecole Hardman Jr. | KC | WR | DEN | 26.50 | -7.0 | 0.4 |
| 90 | 8 | Allen Robinson II | PIT | WR | JAX | 19.75 | 2.5 | 3.9 |
| 91 | 9 | Jake Bobo | SEA | WR | CLE | 21.00 | -4.0 | 4.5 |
| 92 | 9 | Nick Westbrook-Ikhine | TEN | WR | ATL | 16.50 | 2.5 | 6.1 |
| 93 | 9 | Tre Tucker | LV | WR | DET | 19.25 | 8.0 | 2.5 |
| 94 | 9 | Khalil Shakir | BUF | WR | TB | 26.25 | -9.0 | 2.5 |
| 95 | 9 | Van Jefferson | ATL | WR | TEN | 19.00 | -2.5 | 2.3 |
| 96 | 9 | Ray-Ray McCloud III | SF | WR | CIN | 23.50 | -3.5 | 1.4 |
| 97 | 9 | Tyler Scott | CHI | WR | LAC | 19.00 | 8.5 | 1.7 |
| 98 | 9 | Deonte Harty | BUF | WR | TB | 26.25 | -9.0 | 3.4 |
| 99 | 9 | Calvin Austin III | PIT | WR | JAX | 19.75 | 2.5 | 4.5 |
| 100 | 9 | Olamide Zaccheaus | PHI | WR | WAS | 25.00 | -6.5 | 2.2 |
| 101 | 9 | Cedrick Wilson Jr. | MIA | WR | NE | 28.00 | -9.5 | 3.0 |
| 102 | 9 | Isaiah Hodgins | NYG | WR | NYJ | 16.75 | 3.0 | 3.4 |
| 103 | 9 | JuJu Smith-Schuster | NE | WR | MIA | 18.50 | 9.5 | 3.1 |
| 104 | 9 | Mack Hollins | ATL | WR | TEN | 19.00 | -2.5 | 3.5 |
| 105 | 9 | Randall Cobb | NYJ | WR | NYG | 19.75 | -3.0 | 0.6 |
| 106 | 9 | Brandon Johnson | DEN | WR | KC | 19.50 | 7.0 | 4.9 |
| 107 | 9 | Deven Thompkins | TB | WR | BUF | 17.25 | 9.0 | 3.8 |
| 108 | 9 | Noah Brown | HOU | WR | CAR | 23.25 | -3.0 | 4.1 |
| 109 | 9 | Derius Davis | LAC | WR | CHI | 27.50 | -8.5 | 2.2 |
| 110 | 9 | Tyquan Thornton | NE | WR | MIA | 18.50 | 9.5 | 0.9 |
| 111 | 9 | Jamal Agnew | JAC | WR | PIT | 22.3 | 0 | 2.3 |
| 112 | 9 | Terrace Marshall Jr. | CAR | WR | HOU | 20.3 | 3 | 3.8 |
| 113 | 9 | Dyami Brown | WAS | WR | PHI | 18.5 | 6.5 | 1.7 |
| 114 | 9 | Julio Jones | PHI | WR | WAS | 25.0 | -6.5 | 0.8 |
Tier 2 – Davante Adams
Adams has recently come up small in the fantasy box score with WR38, WR56 and WR22 finishes. However, in one of those games (Week 5), he was battling a shoulder injury where he was questionable to play. Last weekend, after also publicly commenting about usage in the offense, he registered a 27% target share.
While the recent production has been annoying, even the best players can go through small slumps. When we zoom out, Adams still ranks eighth in the NFL in target share (31%) and is sixth (29%) in TPRR for WRs with at least 100 routes.
This weekend, we could see a funnel approach against the Lions, who are the No. 2 run defense but allow the seventh-most fantasy points per game receiving (32.2). Look for the Raiders to target Adams early and often.
Adams is a low-end WR1 that still offers high-end WR1 upside (and yes, I love Jakobi Meyers this weekend too.)
You can target Adams in Pick'em contests on Underdog Fantasy, where you can get a 100% deposit match of up to $500 when you sign up with promo code LIFE below!
Tier 3 – Chris Olave
Olave only has one top-12 finish on the season, but the second-year WR has a 26% target share and averages a whopping 9.6 targets per game. He has also accounted for 40% of the Saints air yards and 29% of their end zone targets.
Based on data over the last 12 seasons, Olave’s comparison group averaged 17.1 points per game with an average finish of WR11. Some of you are tired of hearing it, but this man is due.
I also don’t think we need a QB change to unlock Olave — he is getting plenty of air yards with Derek Carr, and deep target accuracy is highly volatile. Carr’s 63.9% completion rate is slightly above expectation per Next Gen Stats, and he has been an accurate passer historically. The most logical outcome is that with more attempts, we see the kinks in the Carr-to-Olave connection regress positively.
The Colts are a slightly below-average pass defense, allowing 253 passing yards per game. That in and of itself isn’t a huge advantage — it is the fact that they are the most zone-heavy team in the league. Olave boasts a 26% target share versus zone — a considerable advantage over Michael Thomas (15%) and Rashid Shaheed (11%) this season. Against zone, it turns into the Olave and Alvin Kamara show for the Saints.
Olave is a mid-range WR2 with WR1 upside in Week 8.
Tier 3 – Zay Flowers
Sticking with the trend of players due for a huge game — Flowers is a centerpiece (27% target share) in a Ravens passing attack exhibiting pass-heavy tendencies based on dropback rate over expectation (DBOE) data over the last two games.
Baltimore hinted at a more pass-heavy this offseason with the addition of new offensive coordinator Todd Monken and the drafting of Flowers. They continued to pass the ball less than expected over the first four games — but with everyone practicing and healthy, we might be witnessing a shift.
The Ravens are eight-point favorites against the Cardinals this weekend, but based on how they approached their domination of the Lions, we could see them still drop back enough to support high-end passing production.
Arizona allows the sixth-most fantasy points per game (32.8) to opposing pass catchers despite their -55 margin of victory. While teams have built leads against the Cardinals, it hasn’t held down receiving production.
Flowers is my WR20 and is a SMASH play as a top 50 option in Week 8.
Tight End Rankings & Tiers - Week 8
| Rank | Tier | Player | Team | Pos | Opp | Team Total | Spread | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Travis Kelce | KC | TE | DEN | 26.5 | -7.0 | 16.8 |
| 2 | 3 | Mark Andrews | BAL | TE | ARI | 26.0 | -8.0 | 13.3 |
| 3 | 3 | T.J. Hockenson | MIN | TE | GB | 21.5 | -1.0 | 10.6 |
| 4 | 4 | Sam LaPorta | DET | TE | LV | 27.3 | -8.0 | 10.5 |
| 5 | 4 | George Kittle | SF | TE | CIN | 23.5 | -3.5 | 8.4 |
| 6 | 5 | Darren Waller | NYG | TE | NYJ | 16.8 | 3.0 | 8.8 |
| 7 | 5 | Evan Engram | JAC | TE | PIT | 22.3 | 0.0 | 7.9 |
| 8 | 5 | Dallas Goedert | PHI | TE | WAS | 25.0 | -6.5 | 8.6 |
| 9 | 5 | Dalton Kincaid | BUF | TE | TB | 26.3 | -9.0 | 5.3 |
| 10 | 5 | Kyle Pitts | ATL | TE | TEN | 19.0 | -2.5 | 6.8 |
| 11 | 6 | Dalton Schultz | HOU | TE | CAR | 23.3 | -3.0 | 8.3 |
| 12 | 6 | Jake Ferguson | DAL | TE | LAR | 25.8 | -6.0 | 5.9 |
| 13 | 6 | Trey McBride | ARI | TE | BAL | 18.0 | 8.0 | 3.5 |
| 14 | 6 | Taysom Hill | NO | TE | IND | 22.3 | -1.0 | 5.7 |
| 15 | 7 | Michael Mayer | LV | TE | DET | 19.3 | 8.0 | 2.6 |
| 16 | 7 | Logan Thomas | WAS | TE | PHI | 18.5 | 6.5 | 7.9 |
| 17 | 7 | Jonnu Smith | ATL | TE | TEN | 19.0 | -2.5 | 7.3 |
| 18 | 7 | Cole Kmet | CHI | TE | LAC | 19.0 | 8.5 | 7.8 |
| 19 | 7 | David Njoku | CLE | TE | SEA | 17.0 | 4.0 | 5.6 |
| 20 | 8 | Luke Musgrave | GB | TE | MIN | 20.5 | 1.0 | 5.0 |
| 21 | 8 | Tyler Conklin | NYJ | TE | NYG | 19.8 | -3.0 | 5.5 |
| 22 | 8 | Tyler Higbee | LAR | TE | DAL | 19.8 | 6.0 | 4.9 |
| 23 | 8 | Hunter Henry | NE | TE | MIA | 18.5 | 9.5 | 6.1 |
| 24 | 8 | Gerald Everett | LAC | TE | CHI | 27.5 | -8.5 | 6.1 |
| 25 | 8 | Chigoziem Okonkwo | TEN | TE | ATL | 16.5 | 2.5 | 3.5 |
| 26 | 8 | Cade Otton | TB | TE | BUF | 17.3 | 9.0 | 5.0 |
| 27 | 8 | Irv Smith Jr. | CIN | TE | SF | 20.0 | 3.5 | 1.6 |
| 28 | 8 | Noah Fant | SEA | TE | CLE | 21.0 | -4.0 | 4.2 |
| 29 | 8 | Mike Gesicki | NE | TE | MIA | 18.5 | 9.5 | 4.2 |
| 30 | 9 | Donald Parham Jr. | LAC | TE | CHI | 27.5 | -8.5 | 4.8 |
| 31 | 9 | Juwan Johnson | NO | TE | IND | 22.3 | -1.0 | 3.2 |
| 32 | 9 | Adam Trautman | DEN | TE | KC | 19.5 | 7.0 | 2.6 |
| 33 | 9 | Durham Smythe | MIA | TE | NE | 28.0 | -9.5 | 2.5 |
| 34 | 9 | Noah Gray | KC | TE | DEN | 26.5 | -7.0 | 4.0 |
| 35 | 9 | Hayden Hurst | CAR | TE | HOU | 20.3 | 3.0 | 4.1 |
| 36 | 9 | Connor Heyward | PIT | TE | JAX | 19.8 | 2.5 | 1.7 |
Reminder: I have leveled my tiers across RB, WR and TE to help with flex lineup decisions. Travis Kelce is my highest-rated TE in Week 6, and he is in Tier 2 due to the change in process based on feedback (thanks!).
Tier 5 – Dalton Kincaid
The Bills won’t have Dawson Knox this week due to wrist surgery, and backup TE Quintin Morris is also out. That means we could see Kincaid will be in a full-time role.
Last week, the rookie delivered a season-high 16 fantasy points to finish as the TE7. He saw his second-highest number of routes since Week 1 — something that should climb even higher against the Buccaneers on Thursday night.
The rookie TE has a shot at 35-40 routes this week, putting him in the same range as elite TEs like Travis Kelce. Of course, Kincaid still has to do his part by earning targets. He hasn’t been great this year, with a 16% TPRR, but there are reasons for optimism.
- He has a 21% target share without Dawson Knox on the field
- He had his highest TPRR performance (28%) in Week 8
- The Bills still don’t have an answer behind Stefon Diggs – they need a No. 2
The Buccaneers are stout against the run (assuming Vita Vea plays) and are beatable through the air, allowing the sixth-most passing yards per game (263). Three out of four Tampa Bay interior defenders have been liabilities in pass coverage, meaning Kincaid will see his fair share of mismatches. Look for the Round 1 NFL Draft pick to be a significant component of the Bills game plan.
Kincaid UPGRADES to high-end TE status as my No. 9 option despite zero teams on bye. I am starting him over names like Kyle Pitts, Dalton Schultz, Trey McBride and Jake Ferguson.
Tier 6 – Jake Ferguson
Ferguson’s route participation has been on an upward trajectory since Week 4. He also sports a 20% TPRR, historically good enough for top-12 production.
The fantasy box scores haven’t followed the increased utilization, which can happen over small data samples. However, since 2011, tight ends with usage similar to Ferguson have been low-end to mid-range TE1s.
The Cowboys face off against the Rams, who allow the 10th-fewest passing yards (221) per game. However, the name of the game for TEs is often TDs once we are beyond the top three options, and Dallas offers the seventh-best team total (25.75) on the slate.
Ferguson UPGRADES to low-end TE1 status as my No. 12 option.
