Fantasy Football Week 8: Key Decisions and Insights

Fantasy football managers tend to overthink every little detail, often stressing about lineups, trades, and even what snacks to bring to the tailgate party. In this frantic landscape of weekly matchups, it’s essential to take a step back, breathe, and approach your decisions with a clear mind. Remember, it’s just fantasy football. Practical choices based on data and insights can lead to better outcomes, and the goal is to enjoy the ride, even when it gets bumpy.

Don’t Expect Tua Tagovailoa to Save Your Fantasy Team

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has generated a lot of buzz since his return to practice, with wide receiver Tyreek Hill expressing deep emotional relief. While his presence is undoubtedly good for the Miami Dolphins and has implications for fantasy football, it may not be as significant as some managers hope.

Tagovailoa led the NFL last season with 4,624 passing yards and was among the leaders with 29 touchdown passes. However, his lack of running production—only 172 rushing yards and no touchdowns in his last 32 games—limits his value as a consistent QB1. Despite playing all 17 games last season and finishing 11th among quarterbacks in total fantasy points, his average of 15.9 points per game placed him only 21st in the position rankings. This should serve as a reminder: Tagovailoa is not an automatic start this week.

What makes Tagovailoa valuable in fantasy is how his performance influences the players around him. For instance, Tyreek Hill thrived under Tagovailoa’s guidance, finishing last season as fantasy’s No. 2 wide receiver. However, since Tagovailoa’s absence, Hill’s production has dropped significantly. In Week 1 with Tagovailoa, Hill recorded 130 receiving yards and a touchdown. In the subsequent five games without him, Hill has managed only 164 receiving yards and zero touchdowns.

If Tagovailoa plays competently in Week 8, Hill should return to being a trusted WR1. The Dolphins are under pressure to ensure Tagovailoa remains healthy, especially after he suffered a concussion earlier this season. As the Dolphins face a Cardinals defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, the stage is set for potential success. Additionally, running back Raheem Mostert, who has struggled to find the end zone this season, may also benefit from Tagovailoa’s return. Mostert has seen increased usage since returning from injury, and with Tagovailoa back, he could be a flex option worth considering.

Appreciate the Underappreciated: Najee Harris

Steelers running back Najee Harris had a phenomenal rookie season in 2021, rushing for over 1,200 yards and catching 74 passes for another 467 yards. He was a staple of fantasy rosters, but his performance has dipped since then. Fantasy managers should refrain from comparing his current form to that of his rookie year.

Heading into Week 8 against the Giants, Harris is coming off two consecutive 100-yard rushing games, each featuring a rushing touchdown. Despite a slow start to the season, where he averaged just 10 PPR points per game in the first four weeks, he has since rebounded with an average of 18.2 points over the last two games. This improvement puts him back on track for his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season. His durability and steady production make him a valuable asset, even if he may not win you a championship.

The Steelers’ offense has struggled to utilize Harris in the passing game. After catching 74 passes as a rookie, he only managed 70 combined receptions in the following two seasons. While it would be ideal for the Steelers to increase their passing plays to Harris, this seems unlikely as his role continues to diminish in that area. Nevertheless, he remains a reliable option for fantasy managers.

Don’t Play Colts WRs When Anthony Richardson Starts

The performance of Colts wide receivers under quarterback Anthony Richardson has been disappointing. In games where Richardson started and finished, he averaged just 178 passing yards and failed to complete more than 50% of his passes. This poor performance has affected the output of wide receivers like Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs significantly.

Pittman averaged a meager 7.2 PPR points in Richardson’s starts compared to 14.8 points when Joe Flacco stepped in. Similarly, Downs managed just 3.3 points with Richardson but soared to 19.2 points when Flacco was at the helm. The stark contrast in production illustrates the struggles Indianapolis receivers face with Richardson as their starting quarterback.

With Richardson being the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, there was hope for a breakout season. However, his struggles have led many fantasy managers to bench or even cut him from their rosters. This lack of depth at wide receiver has made it particularly challenging for managers looking to start Pittman and Downs consistently.

Expect the 49ers and Buccaneers to Keep Throwing

Injuries have struck both the 49ers and the Buccaneers, with their top two wide receivers sidelined. Despite these challenges, both teams are expected to continue emphasizing their passing games. The 49ers are still determining the status of Deebo Samuel, while Brandon Aiyuk and Chris Godwin are confirmed out for the season.

Even with their top targets unavailable, quarterbacks Brock Purdy and Baker Mayfield are still productive. Purdy is currently ranked eighth among quarterbacks in fantasy points, while Mayfield holds the second position for the season. Both QBs can adapt and find new targets, and their productivity shouldn’t diminish significantly despite the injuries.

With potential fill-in receivers like Jauan Jennings for the 49ers and Jalen McMillan for the Buccaneers, there are opportunities for fantasy managers to explore. Jennings has the highest fantasy points of any player this season, and McMillan has shown promise as a solid fill-in option. Fantasy managers should consider adding these players while keeping an eye on trade opportunities to acquire more established producers.

As we gear up for Week 8 of the fantasy football season, it’s vital to approach decision-making with a clear mind. Don’t let the overwhelming noise distract you from practical choices based on data and insights. Embrace the unpredictability of the game, appreciate the underappreciated players like Najee Harris, and be cautious about starting players in situations like the Colts’ receiving corps with Anthony Richardson at quarterback. Ultimately, the goal is to enjoy the ride and make informed decisions that lead to success in your fantasy football league.