Fantasy Flex: Start/Sit Advice for Week Eight

The bye weeks continue as the Rams, 49ers, Ravens Dolphins, Steelers, and Giants are all unavailable to your fantasy lineups this weekend. Week Eight also presents some tough matchups and will be a difficult round for a lot of fantasy owners. Let’s take a look at the best bets to start and sit in your lineup this week.

Texans’ Fantasy Start of the Week:

Last week was a big disappointment for the Texans’ fantasy stars as their offensive struggles continued against the dominant Denver defense. This week, Houston will catch a break as they face the lackluster Detroit defensive front at NRG Stadium.

Houston’s offensive issues are cause for concern for fantasy owners down the stretch, as they continue to end drives with field goals instead of touchdowns. But this week, the offense should be able to get going against the Lions’ defense, making DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller and Lamar Miller top tier fantasy options once again.

Start Em’/Sit Em’ Around the League:

Start

Russell Wilson (QB - SEA) vs New Orleans: Wilson gets a nice matchup against the Saints’ defense this week (one that could potentially turn in to a shootout), and should bounce back from his recent low-scoring matchups. The Seattle QB hasn’t had a great fantasy game since Week Four when he amassed over 300 yards and three TDs against the Jets. Wilson should have a big game against New Orleans and is a solid bet for your fantasy lineup, especially in a week that has six QBs on bye.

Devontae Booker (RB - DEN) vs San Diego: Booker had a solid performance last week in the wake of C.J. Anderson’s injury, and will be a huge fantasy asset going forward as Anderson is headed to IR and likely done for the season. The young RB takes on San Diego this week, and has immense value based on his newly acquired workload alone.

Jack Doyle (TE - IND) vs Kansas City: The Colts’ tight end has had an impressive emergence as one of Andrew Luck’s new favorite target. Doyle has touchdowns in both of his last contests, along with at least 50 yards. He should continue his success this weekend as Luck continues to favor the tight end position.

Brandon Marshall (WR - NYJ) vs Cleveland: Marshall has had a largely up and down season, but will get to take advantage of the flailing Browns’ defense this week. Marshall is in line for a big game against Cleveland and is a solid starting option for your lineup in Week Eight.

Keep an eye on:

Dwayne Washington (RB - DET) vs Houston: With his status for Week Eight still up in the air, Washington is no safe bet. But if he makes his return against the mediocre Texans’ run defense this week, he could be a decent option to fill in for the bevy of running backs enjoying their byes.

Chris Thompson (RB - WAS) vs Cincinnati: Thompson is on the Waiver Watch list for this week, but I don’t think he’s a starting option quite yet. He does however have the potential to start stealing carries away from the fumble-happy Matt Jones, and this week should give us a little more insight into how this backfield is playing out.

Sit

Jordan Howard (RB - CHI) vs Minnesota: In a week with so many teams on bye, it’s hard to recommend sitting any running back, especially one that has done relatively well this season. But Howard has to face a daunting Vikings’ defense, and it’s worth looking at your other options if you have them.

Matt Jones (RB - WAS) vs Cincinnati: With Thompson in the “watch” column for this week, Jones logically falls into the “sit” section. He’s fumbled too often and is in danger of losing the majority of carries to Thompson. Until the backfield in Washington is more clear, steer clear of Jones if at all possible.

Alshon Jeffrey (WR - CHI) vs Minnesota: Jeffrey is in this column for the same reason as Howard: he’s facing an extremely tough defense this week. He had a subpar performance last week against Green Bay, and will likely fare no better against Minnesota. Keep him on your bench if you have better options.

Zach Ertz (TE - PHI) vs Dallas: Ertz has had a hugely disappointing season so far. Outside of a 58 yard performance in Week One, Ertz has yet to score more than five fantasy points this year. He should stay on your bench for now if you have another option.

Week Eight presents a huge challenge to fantasy owners as we struggle to compensate for six teams on bye weeks. Do you have any advise for your fellow fantasy enthusiasts? You can use the comments section to ask questions, make predictions and discuss anything and everything fantasy football. You can also check out Waiver Watch for streaming options and advice about players still available on the waiver wire.