Fake Teams - Everything You Need for NFL Week 8The Key Source For Incisive Fantasy Sports Analysishttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50153/fake-fav.png2021-10-31T11:49:33-04:00http://www.faketeams.com/rss/stream/225198312021-10-31T11:49:33-04:002021-10-31T11:49:33-04:00TE Rankings for Week 8
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<img alt="Buffalo Bills Off-Season Workout" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lFl4jvqeHmx7ckc6TVRbONBoQyY=/0x0:6750x4500/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70070810/1233234670.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Heath ranks the safety blankets.</p> <p id="IFMoFJ">Here’s the lowdown on tight ends: it’s Travis Kelce, a massive chasm, 5-7 guys we sort of trust, and then a bunch of dart-throwing.</p>
<h3 id="Oih3gk">Notes for Week 8</h3>
<p id="fNewoH">Calvin Ridley’s surprise inactive means Kyle Pitts is firmly in my No. 2 slot. T.J. Hockenson is 100% off the injury report and averaging 10 targets a game over his last two weeks.</p>
<p id="J92aJk">Noah Fant’s outlook takes a dent with the returns of Jerry Jeudy and backup tight end Albert O. (you can’t spell it either). Fant remains a top 10 option, though.</p>
<p id="05ieOB">Baker Mayfield’s return means taking a dart on the Cleveland tight end of your choice as a TE2 is less disheartening.</p>
<p id="4emLtT">Dawson Knox’s inactive means Tommy Sweeney is a top 20 play...it’s rough out here in these streets.</p>
<p id="3vMq5J">Dak Prescott’s questionable status for Sunday night means you may need to temper expectations for your favorite Cowboys tight end...</p>
<p id="zl7Gzu">As always, haggle away in the comments if you see anything egregious.</p>
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https://www.faketeams.com/2021/10/31/22755645/2021-fantasy-football-tight-ends-for-week-8Heath Capps2021-10-31T09:00:00-04:002021-10-31T09:00:00-04:005 Bold Predictions for NFL Week 8
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<img alt="Carolina Panthers v New York Giants" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8J3k9yU58E96GXfGPp9jlXQrV9s=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70070314/1348669557.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Sam Darnold will have a bounce-back week.</p> <p id="vsjx1O">We wrap up another week of <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/fantasy-football">fantasy football</a> content with some bold predictions by our own Mark Abell. Argue with him below!</p>
<h3 id="lc8ZjD">1.) Sam Darnold is a top 10 quarterback.</h3>
<p id="AE8yzy"><strong>Justification:</strong> After starting out this season like an elite QB1, Sam has significantly cooled (as have the Panthers) since the first three games. He hit a low of 112 yards, 0 TDs and 1 INT last week, as he was benched. He had time to think about it and comes in with a chip to prove himself against one of the most favorable teams (Atlanta) who have allowed a combined 7 TDs and just 3 INTs over the last three games. The last time this season Sam had 0 TDs he rebounded the next week with a 2 Rush TDs, 2 Pass TDs and 301 yards in Week 4. </p>
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<img alt="Cincinnati Bengals v Baltimore Ravens" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BQEsos3owSbS0fTzwENcjjR4WyM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22972309/1348818687.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images</cite>
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<h3 id="cNFxLV">2.) Ja’Marr Chase finishes outside the top 15 wide receivers.</h3>
<p id="y8ZnIu"><strong>Justification:</strong> This is NOT a knock on Ja’Marr, he is an absolute stud and a force to be reckoned with. This is an acceptance of a few items – first, he had 201 yards and a TD last week. The last two times he exceeded 100 yards this season he had an okay performance the next week but fell just outside the top 20 each time. Second, he is facing the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> this week. The Jets have allowed three TOTAL receiving TDs this season to star WRs and no 100-yard games.</p>
<h3 id="Gmg2af">3.) Tyler Conklin (20% owned) is a top 10 tight end.</h3>
<p id="fLwtEY"><strong>Justification</strong>: Kirk Cousins seems to like Conklin as an option. Tyler has become a top 25 tight end across the last four weeks in targets and receiving yards. The only knock is he doesn’t have any receiving touchdowns to match this output. There is a chance that snaps this week as Dallas has allowed four receiving scores to opposing tight ends (fifth most in NFL). They have also allowed four tight ends 50+ receiving yards across that time—just about the only two tight ends who didn’t thrive were Jared Cook (LAC) and Ian Thomas (CAR).</p>
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<img alt="Miami Dolphins v Jacksonville Jaguars" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vI1RoI0fWDaw3vLZdzWXXhdMptE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22972323/1347101563.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images</cite>
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<h3 id="tW70EO">4.) James Robinson is a top 7 RB this week.</h3>
<p id="Mr1XdX"><strong>Justification</strong>: Four straight games of 70+ yards and at least one rushing score for James, as he’s running as good as anyone over this time span. He faces Seattle this week who is one of the most generous defenses for a runner to play against. The string of 70 yds and 1 TD won’t last forever, but I jumped on it two weeks ago and will continue to ride it out until it dries up.</p>
<h3 id="kCrFX3">5.) The <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a> are listed as 3.5 point favorites, but give me the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> by three.</h3>
<p id="wpKKH5"><strong>Justification:</strong> If the taste of losing in the playoffs to a rival wasn’t enough for Pittsburgh last season, the notion of how important this is to their playoff chances this early in a season has to add an edge to it. As 3-3 vs. a 4-3 team, this is an important game that could count for tie breakers down the stretch (every team in the AFC North is .500 or greater). Add to all of this the number of injuries Cleveland has amassed so far, and the Steelers should prevail here.</p>
<h3 id="9DAmJE">YTD Grades:</h3>
<p id="yiaPrz">A: 7<br>B: 5<br>C: 3<br>D: 14</p>
https://www.faketeams.com/2021/10/31/22751898/fantasy-football-5-bold-predictions-for-week-7-sam-darnoldMark Abell2021-10-31T07:49:45-04:002021-10-31T07:49:45-04:00WR/CB Matchups for Week 8
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<figcaption>Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Identifying the best and worst NFL DFS plays at the WR position based on CB matchups for Week 8</p> <p id="Facr90">When it comes to season-long leagues, your lineup will always feature your top wideouts. You just have to go with your best players no matter what. In <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/">DFS</a> contests, though, you better keep an eye on some of the upcoming WR/CB matchups if you want to really identify the best and worst plays of the upcoming slate of games.</p>
<p id="7ENpWI">With wide receivers being the second-highest scoring position only behind quarterbacks, it’s critical to pick the best possible players at the position if you want to rack up big-time points every week. One important point to consider that most people forget about: different wideouts face different cornerbacks, and different cornerbacks have wildly varying defensive levels.</p>
<p id="U7KvBq">I’m here to highlight some of the best WR/CB matchups to target, and some of the worst WR/CB matchups to avoid for this weekend slate of games.</p>
<h2 id="GiAhzN">Top WR/CB Matchups To Target</h2>
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<img alt="Tennessee Titans v Jacksonville Jaguars" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mrcwOq4Br9jl8ySY2DplhAIbWNM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22972280/1346281934.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images</cite>
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<h3 id="jCInt0">Marvin Jones Jr. (JAX) vs. Sidney Jones (SEA)</h3>
<p id="hymt9y">Let’s be clear for a minute. Jones was far from great in back-to-back games in Weeks 4 and 5 even though he played 93% of all offensive snaps by the Jaguars. He went on to put up scores of just 5.4 and 3.5 PPR points, just imagine. But that contrasts <em>a lot</em> with Jones’ other four games played this season: 17.9 FPPG and an average 9-6-73 (with nearly one touchdown per game; three in four outings) receiving line isn’t anything to laugh at. Best of all: Jones is coming off his best game of the season (WR9 overall and 23 PPR points with a 10-7-100-1 neatly rounded line) and is expected to have one of the easiest matchups of the week.</p>
<p id="sJE9H9">Sorry about that last sentence, Sidney. Cold world, mate. Sidney Jones has played all seven games this season, but the results have been dismal for him on coverage when on the field. Although he’s “only” covered 125 routes by WRs to this date, Sidney has averaged a ridiculously high 0.34 FP/Route. Just in case you need context: only seven other CBs with 125+ routes covered have allowed more points per route. Sidney has been targeted 26 times, has allowed 17 completions for a high 100.5 Passing Rating from opposing QBs, and has been scored on once while not intercepting a single rock. The 194 yards-against he’s afforded to rival WRs rank fourth-highest among CBs with no more than 125 routes defended.</p>
<h3 id="bl7Ug9">Adam Thielen (MIN) vs. Anthony Brown (DAL)</h3>
<p id="39o6ag">You are going to play Thielen no matter what in re-draft and season-long leagues because <em>studs gonna stud</em> and that’s it. But in DFS, if you had doubts about this play, definitely ditch them and throw some shares of Adam into your lineups. Thielen and MJJr. (read above) have had very similar seasons; clones, you could even say. Both stunk in the W4-W5 span, but other than that they’ve been as good as advertised. Thielen has four top-30 finishes on the season, three top-20, and two top-4 including his Week 6 outing (before going on a Bye) in which he put up a ridiculous 13-11-126-1 line going for 29.8 PPR points on the day.</p>
<p id="H8BfiO">Anthony Brown, even coming with all of the Cowboys Hype as Dallas D has put together a sound defensive season through seven weeks of play, hasn’t quite been the star of the unit. Brown is one of only 46 CBs with at least 250 routes covered. He’s out there following receivers weekly at a massive rate... only to allow them to rack up the third-most (min. 250 routes defended) PPR points per route run (0.32). Ugh. Brown has been targeted a sky-high 49 times, has seen 30 of those throws end in completions, and has given up <em>436 receiving yards</em>, which is the fourth-largest yardage among CBs/Ss this year. He’s intercepted two balls, sure, but he’s also getting scored on twice, so there’s the balance.</p>
<h2 id="XQhgP7">Top WR/CB Matchups To Avoid</h2>
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<img alt="Tennessee Titans v New York Jets" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fv9KfbG7E1Irjr2i1O051XKVLmY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22972279/1344635182.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images</cite>
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<h3 id="i4OeEt">Tee Higgins (CIN) vs. Bryce Hall (NYJ)</h3>
<p id="GjgxB5">I don’t think I need to bring Ja’Marr Chase to the conversion at this point. Chase has been a freaking performer so far this season, has turned as the clear go-to guy in the Bengals offense, and has left both Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins in the mud more often than not. Tee came back in Week 5 after missing the W3-W4 span, and some fantasy GMs will look at his last outcome (13.2 to the tune of a 15-7-62 line) and think about seriously putting him in their lineups. That’s not bad, and the upside is definitely there, but with Hall on the other end of the field covering Higgins most of the game (as PFF has charted the WR/CB projections) doesn't sound too good for Higgins truthers.</p>
<p id="6KGrkJ">Bryce Hall is a member of the New York Jets. LOL. No, seriously, he is a member of the New York Jets but he’s been definitely not as bad as the team that pays him his bread. That, I know for sure. Hall has been a staple of this D in that he’s already covered 254 routes in six games. Only 22 corners have played to such volume on defense entering Week 8. That’s already a good omen for him talking this matchup. But his actual defensive numbers are what really pops off the page: Hall is giving up a measly 0.21 FP/Route (tied for fifth-fewest among those 22 players), has allowed 60% of his 35 targets to end on the hands of WRs. He has yet to pick a pass, sure, but he’s also just surrendered one touchdown on the year while limiting opposing WRs to fewer than 6 targets per game. Good luck, Tee.</p>
<h3 id="JFzaoO">Jaylen Waddle (MIA) vs. Taron Johnson (BUF)</h3>
<p id="5JyfJt">Tua Tagovailoa—as I’m writing this—is still a Miami Dolphin and the starter of this Sunday’s affair with Buffalo. This might be the last time Tua has to showcase himself before Miami tries to move him prior to this upcoming week’s deadline, raising his value while at it. Waddle has been Miami’s WR1 and he will get most of the looks. Now, again, Miami is facing Buffalo this weekend and Taron Johnson is expected to be the CB tasked with limiting Waddle on the gridiron. Waddle has been a little bit up-and-down but the truth is that his last two outings were promising with back-to-back 15+ PPR points including a 29-PPR explosion to the tune of a 13-10-70-2 line against Jacksonville.</p>
<p id="eBQMVP">Too bad for the rookie, though, is the fact that Taron Johnson is an absolute wall at the position and is building a true DPOY campaign—if only among CBs. Taron has covered 214 routes so far in five games played, and perhaps the only blemish in his season resume is the zero interceptions he’s gotten through Week 7. Other than that, check the stats: 32 targets, 17 completions (53.1%), a measly 148 yards-against, and <em>no touchdowns scored on passes targeted his way</em>. The Passer Rating he’s allowed opposing quarterbacks sits at a silly 65.6 , and the 4.6 Yds/Tgt are the sixth-fewest among CBs with 200+ routes covered. Only Jamel Dean has allowed fewer FP/Tgt than Johnson’s 0.99, with no other CB below the 1.05 mark. Tough day ahead for Waddle.</p>
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https://www.faketeams.com/2021/10/31/22747119/week-8-wr-cb-matchups-who-to-target-and-avoid-in-nfl-dfs-lineupschapulana2021-10-30T09:45:31-04:002021-10-30T09:45:31-04:00NFL DFS: Best Stacks for DraftKings Week 8 Main Slate
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<figcaption>Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Just continue rolling with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase against the Jets in Week 8.</p> <p id="G97afr">Don’t worry everyone, the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com">Kansas City Chiefs</a> aren’t on the Main slate in Week 8, so they can’t hurt us this week. I never thought I’d live to see the day where I muttered those words. For full transparency, I had a decent week in Week 7, but my lineups with Chiefs stacks went down the drain rather quickly. Even without Kansas City, we still have plenty of stacks to choose from this week, especially since we don’t have six teams on a bye week like last Sunday. The only teams on a bye week this week are the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> and the <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/">Las Vegas Raiders</a>. </p>
<p id="sg6Qgr">In Week 7, my choice to go heavy on the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> and the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> paid off. I also had secondary stacks of the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, leading me to a profitable week. We’re hoping to be in the green again this week. With plenty of offenses to choose from, here are my favorite stacks and bring-back options in Week 8.</p>
<h3 id="VhQVTC">Favorite Stacks</h3>
<h4 id="X4efvf">LAR: Matthew Stafford ($7,600), Darrell Henderson ($6,500), Cooper Kupp ($9,000), Robert Woods ($6,300), Tyler Higbee ($4,500), Van Jefferson ($3,900)</h4>
<p id="7drMRd">Just a week after we got the Rams against the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> with the highest projected team total, we have the Rams versus the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> with the second-highest projected team total. Matthew Stafford continues to perform well in Los Angeles, and Cooper Kupp remains his favorite target. Kupp is a true league-winner in <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/fantasy-football">fantasy football</a> this season as he’s on track to surpass Calvin Johnson’s single-season receiving record. While I’ll never say no to Kupp, this feels like a Robert Woods week again like we had in Week 5 against the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a>. Tyler Higbee has been quiet in recent weeks, but the Texans have given up five receiving touchdowns to TEs in the past four weeks. Van Jefferson has emerged as the No. 3 wideout, and with a 79.4% route participation, he’s viable at $3,900 on DraftKings.</p>
<p id="V5ETP2"><em>Bring-back options: David Johnson ($4,200), Brandin Cooks ($5,700)</em></p>
<p id="0RxnJF">If you elect not to have a bring-back player from the Texans, I don’t blame you. There aren’t any trustworthy options, though, if Tyrod Taylor returns, the skill players in Houston do receive a boost. With the trade of Mark Ingram, David Johnson and Phillip Lindsay are in line to share the backfield workload. Seeing that I believe the Texans will be playing from behind, I’d rather go with Johnson due to him being the preferred receiving option at running back. Both Johnson and Brandin Cooks are potential trade candidates, so Houston could either limit their snaps, or they could increase their usage to up their value ahead of the trade deadline. Once again, I wouldn’t force a bring-back player from the Texans this week if you’re stacking the Rams.</p>
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<img alt="Washington Football Team v Buffalo Bills" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Q4N-xJX5jHSlS_r2KNNLtzH4dHU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22969110/1343344254.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images</cite>
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<h4 id="OB2iZQ">BUF: Josh Allen ($8,100), Stefon Diggs ($8,100), Emmanuel Sanders ($5,400), Cole Beasley ($4,900), Tommy Sweeney ($2,900)</h4>
<p id="53wTBo">While the Rams possess the second-highest projected team total at 31.25 points in Week 8, the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> have the highest projected team total at 31.5 points. Josh Allen and the Bills are coming off of their bye week to face the Miami Dolphins in Week 8. Allen has scored 32+ points on DraftKings in three out of the past four games for Buffalo. Stefon Diggs had his best game of the season in Week 6 versus the <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a>, and he gets a Dolphins team that is giving up the third-most points per week to WRs on DraftKings. Emmanuel Sanders and Cole Beasley are also priced nicely, so it isn’t hard to stack the Bills this week. While I don’t expect Tommy Sweeney to have the same role as Dawson Knox, he is a threat in the red zone to score a touchdown at only $2,900.</p>
<p id="j3HNgT"><em>Bring-back options: Jaylen Waddle ($5,600), DeVante Parker ($4,900), Mike Gesicki ($5,000)</em></p>
<p id="uTKhE1">With Tua Tagovailoa back for the Dolphins, Miami’s pass-catchers have received a major boost in recent weeks. Jaylen Waddle and Mike Gesicki are the two clear options on the Dolphins if you are using a bring-back player when using the Bills. DeVante Parker is questionable to return in Week 8 as he’s now missed three consecutive games. I’d still rather have Waddle and Gesicki even if Parker can make his way back to the field this Sunday.</p>
<h4 id="dtQ4V1">CIN: Joe Burrow ($7,100), Ja’Marr Chase ($7,500), Tee Higgins ($5,200), Tyler Boyd ($4,800), C.J. Uzomah ($3,700)</h4>
<p id="kXItQh">It was impressive to see Joe Burrow and the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> carve up the defense of the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7. After facing the Ravens, Burrow gets to take on the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> in Week 8, who just surrendered 25.2 DraftKings points to Mac Jones. Ja’Marr Chase continues to be one of the best wideouts in fantasy football, and he feels underpriced at $7,500. While Chase produced 201 yards and a touchdown last week, it masked the fact that Tee Higgins saw a career-high 15 targets. Higgins is poised to explode one of these weeks while Tyler Boyd has seen his production decline since Higgins returned to the offense. C.J. Uzomah has found the end zone five times in the past four games, so he’s worth a flier at $3,700.</p>
<p id="CQVpeW"><em>Bring-back options: Michael Carter ($4,900), Corey Davis ($5,200), Jamison Crowder ($4,800), Elijah Moore ($3,900)</em></p>
<p id="Y7bAcn">Michael Carter has finally become the No. 1 running back for the Jets, and he responded by scoring a season-high 17.4 points on DraftKings versus the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> in Week 7. With Mike White slated to start in place of rookie Zach Wilson, Carter could see plenty of targets again after hauling in eight passes for 67 yards last Sunday. Corey Davis remains the true No. 1 wideout on the Jets. Davis did appear on the injury report on Thursday, so we’ll need to monitor his status ahead of Sunday. If Davis is ruled out, then Jamison Crowder and Elijah Moore would see boosts in their usage. Even with White under center, the Jets could be a source of value one-offs in Week 8.</p>
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<img alt="Philadelphia Eagles v Las Vegas Raiders" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3JNkEWhzdgQ8GhlsLVn8yTdKx-k=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22969115/1349163627.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images</cite>
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<h4 id="6Cpmoe">PHI: Jalen Hurts ($7,200), Kenneth Gainwell ($5,000), DeVonta Smith ($5,500), Dallas Goedert ($4,700), Jalen Reagor ($4,100)</h4>
<p id="fHUXsa">With Mahomes laying an egg in Week 7, Jalen Hurts is now the lone remaining quarterback in the NFL that has scored 20+ points on DraftKings in each week thus far. Even though Hurts hasn’t looked like a franchise quarterback in real life, he provides us one of the safest floors with his rushing production. And with the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> being heavy favorites against the Detroit Lions, we could get a ceiling week from Hurts. Kenneth Gainwell is listed here because I believe he’s an easy choice on DraftKings at $5,000 due to Miles Sanders being sidelined and he’s a superior receiver than his backfield mate. DeVonta Smith could also have one of the best games of his rookie season at only $5,500. Dallas Goedert will continue to see a firm share of targets with Zach Ertz gone and Jalen Reagor is a high-risk, high-reward option if he’s able to connect on a couple of deep plays with Hurts.</p>
<p id="tAWu00"><em>Bring-back options: D’Andre Swift ($7,100), T.J. Hockenson ($5,400), Kalif Raymond ($5,300), Amon-Ra St. Brown ($3,900)</em></p>
<p id="DHfBZA">Just use D’Andre Swift if you’re using a bring-back option from the Lions and be done with it. Swift remains Detroit’s best offensive weapon in an offense void of talent. T.J. Hockenson would be my second choice as a bring-back from the Lions, but once again, just insert Swift into your lineups. Kalif Raymond finished as the leading wideout for the Lions in Week 7, but it’s tough to trust any of Detroit’s wide receivers every week. It feels disgusting paying over $5,000 in salary on a wide receiver from the Lions, so I’d likely be cautious of using Raymond. If you are adamant about using a wideout from Detroit, I’d rather use Amon-Ra St. Brown, even after he received zero targets last week.</p>
<h4 id="xF4etv">TB: Tom Brady ($7,400), Mike Evans ($7,000), Chris Godwin ($6,400), Rob Gronkowski ($4,600), Tyler Johnson ($3,100)</h4>
<p id="s5z4av">I was torn between the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a>, the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as my final stack. And then I asked myself, why wouldn’t I just use Tom Brady? Brady has been tearing apart opposing defenses to the tune of 27.1 DraftKings points per week. Some people may be wary of using Brady this week as the Buccaneers travel to square off with the apparent stingy defense of the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a>. While the Saints have shut down opposing passing attacks this season, the last five quarterbacks they’ve faced have been Geno Smith, Taylor Heinicke, Daniel Jones, Mac Jones, and Sam Darnold. Also, with Antonio Brown doubtful, targets are condensed for Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Evans will probably see Marshon Lattimore in coverage, so Godwin will garner more ownership. Rob Gronkowski is set to return for the Buccaneers, and after struggling in both games versus the Saints in 2020, Brady is primed to carve up New Orleans in Week 8.</p>
<p id="CB4DaI"><em>Bring-back options: Alvin Kamara ($8,700), Marquez Callaway ($5,400), Tre’Quan Smith ($3,900) </em></p>
<p id="vkzswG">Can we just get the Alvin Kamara we saw on Monday Night Football in Week 7 every week, please? The Saints had failed to consistently get Kamara involved in the passing game until Week 7, where he finished with 10 receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown. Being that Tampa Bay boasts a stout run defense, Kamara could be busy again with short passes from Jameis Winston as an extension of the run game. Marquez Callaway is capable of making big plays down the field and Tre’Quan Smith is primed for more usage in Week 8 after making his season debut in Week 7.</p>
https://www.faketeams.com/2021/10/30/22751456/nfl-dfs-best-stacks-for-draftkings-week-8-main-slateSkyler Carlin2021-10-29T12:01:00-04:002021-10-29T12:01:00-04:00Riskiest and safest plays for Week 8
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<img alt="Indianapolis Colts v San Francisco 49ers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/E76HkL6MSwV-ZR8fO_Xy98vzTbI=/0x0:3488x2325/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70063009/1349098649.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Antonio gives you the most (and least) volatile players so far this season to help you with your Week 8 start and sit gambles.</p> <p id="7dV6yN">Either you are a risk-averse fantasy owner, or a risk-tolerant one. There is not a unique, written-on-stone way of winning at <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/fantasy-football">fantasy football</a>, nor a dominant personality of owner that always get the “W.” So no matter which side of the coin you fall on, here are some players that fit the risk range of outcomes to different extents so you can put them in your lineups fully knowing what you’re getting into!</p>
<h2 id="3tbXjI">How does the season look so far (a little primer on volatility)?</h2>
<p id="NYtjsz">To measure how risky a player is, I did something very simple. I calculated the fantasy points per game each player has scored through all of the games he has played and then calculated the standard deviation of his different scores through his games. This way not only do I get his average points per game, but also I get to know how his scores vary between games (how “volatile” they are).</p>
<p id="29dwFl">Having those two numbers, it is easy to see who is putting on good performances constantly, who is having boom-or-bust games, etc. <strong>Through the seventh week of the 2021 season, there are 486 players with two games played in fantasy football.</strong> Here is how they are spread in a graph that includes their fantasy points per game and their standard deviation (we’ll call it <em>Volatility </em>from this point on) from their mean values:</p>
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<p id="ATdHc7">Now, that is a goddamn mess. At the top of the chart, you have the best players by points per game. At the left, you can find those who—almost—always score the same points, and at the right those who have wide variations between different games.</p>
<p id="u7V4pV">That chart is fine and all, but it’s much better to break it down and separate players into different categories so you can make decisions easily come lineup-locking time. Let’s get it poppin’!</p>
<h2 id="JMtKmg">Week 8 ultra-volatile players</h2>
<p id="uwySFi"><em>These players have standard deviations from their averages of 10-plus fantasy points. They are as capable of putting on a monster, record-books performance as easily as they can lay a goose egg on any given day. You’re playing with fire here, boy.</em></p>
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<h3 id="q2W5op">QB Justin Herbert (<a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a>)</h3>
<p id="gkfoGk">Six games for Herbert, who is coming off the Chargers 2021 bye week, and an absolute mess of outcomes for him entering the second half of L.A.’s schedule. You won’t believe me, but J-Herb has been a freaking shotgun out there with fantasy cores ranging from 12 to 42.8... and that’s just what he’s done in the <em>past two </em>weeks. LOL. Herbert was a completion machine in the first two games of the season (back-to-back 31 completions) though he got intercepted <em>three times</em> in that two-game span. Then, he decided to lower his amount of attempts and thus completions (he’s topped at 36 in all last four matches), limited interceptions to just one (Week 6), and turned into a touchdown-crazy thrower hitting 4-3-4 in three games between Week 3 and Week 5 only to have a 39-22-195-1-1 performance against the Ravens the last time we watched him on a gridiron. That happened, again, just one week after he threw for <em>398 yards and 4 TDs </em>facing the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a>. You can bet on Herbert and get a QB1 good for 50 FP on his brightest of days... or a 12-FP player if the opposing D finds a way to limit him as Baltimore already proved is truly possible.</p>
<h2 id="ATD6nn">Week 8 moderately-risky plays</h2>
<p id="w6sihV"><em>These players have standard deviations from their averages between 7 and 10 fantasy points. We’re starting to get into the meat of the player pool, and decisions start to get tougher here.</em></p>
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<h3 id="OqP5MO">WR Deebo Samuel (<a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a>)</h3>
<p id="JrUPpd">Deebo started the season with a 31.9-PPR-point bang, then sucked. No, that’s not true, but you know where I come from. Samuel has had finishes of WR2, WR3, WR7, WR21, WR26, and WR6 (!) this year in his six games played. And not precisely in that order, but rather alternating great outings with much lower ones. Samuel went from those 31.9 points to 16, 10, then back to 35, 16, 21. The targets keep coming in bunches (8+ each game, 10+ in four of them), but the actual production has been all across the board with the receptions falling as low as to three in W5, and reaching nine in that awesome W1 game. The usage alone makes Deebo a sure thing to at least rack opportunities up, but when it comes to actually delivering goodies things don’t look <em>that </em>great on a weekly basis.</p>
<h2 id="vtsiiU">Week 8 relatively-safe plays</h2>
<p id="u0lVkF"><em>These players have standard deviations from their averages between 4 and 7 fantasy points. This is where most of the rostered players and those that are part of your weekly lineup fall. They can have up and downs in their outcomes, but they mostly produce to their true talent.</em></p>
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<h3 id="Q868M6">TE Travis Kelce (<a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com">Kansas City Chiefs</a>)</h3>
<p id="I9lwFx">Let’s take a minute of silence for the dead Chiefs offense. RIP. Nah, not so fast, folks. Yes, Patrick Mahomes is throwing interceptions like Jameis Winston in his best days out there, but it’s also true that when he hits his pass-catchers, they often are either WR Tyreek Hill or TE Travis Kelce. And it is not that those connections don’t occur on a fairly high basis. Kelce has been targeted 65 times already, catching 45 of those looks for 533 yards and 4 TDs on the first half of the season. Say or believe what you want, but that makes Kelce the first TE in total PPR points, FPPG (min. 4 games), yards, touchdowns, receptions, and targets. I mean, he’s No. 1 <em>at everything</em>. Kelce has finished six of seven games with 13.5+ PPR points, and five of seven with 17.4. The only time he wasn’t a TE1 was back in Week 4 and he still finished in the TE2 realm with a 4-6-23 line.</p>
<h2 id="wDl7bQ">Week 8 ultra-risk-averse plays</h2>
<p id="sy9zwJ"><em>These players have standard deviations from their averages between 0 and 4 fantasy points. Most players fall inside this group as most players either are good, or bad. You know what you’re getting from these players, as they operate as robots on the field putting on heavily consistent performances weekly.</em></p>
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<h3 id="dWVhIF">RB Javonte Williams (<a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a>)</h3>
<p id="ul8ezH">You know how this usually goes: the less volatility a player carries, the lower the upside, and thus the lower weekly fantasy points he tends to score. That’s a pretty nice summary of rookie Javonte Williams’ first season as a pro playing for the Rocky Broncos. Williams hasn’t been <em>bad, </em>far from it, but he’s found himself “stuck” into a committee featuring veteran Melvin Gordon and that has limited his touches a bit, more than anything in terms of ball carries. BUT. Javonte has been a staple on Denver’s pass game with at least three targets in all five last games and is coming off his best outing at that after putting up a 7-6-32-1 receiving line just a week ago at Cleveland. From Week 2 (included) on, Williams has averaged 11.5 FPPG while always scoring in the 8.4-to-13.2 clip with the exception of Week 7 season-high 17.2 PPR points (he also rushed the ball four times for 20 yards on the ground). Can’t get much steadier than Javonte’s outcomes, making him a fantastic last-open-slot filler this (or <em>any</em>, for that matter) weekend.</p>
https://www.faketeams.com/2021/10/29/22747126/fantasy-football-volatility-index-the-riskiest-and-safest-plays-for-nfl-week-8chapulana2021-10-28T15:31:00-04:002021-10-28T15:31:00-04:00QB Rankings for Week 8
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<img alt="Philadelphia Eagles v Las Vegas Raiders" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/d2qxCE558gGkC4XRC6seLhcwzMc=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70058814/1349013346.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Heath ranks the gunslingers.</p> <p id="5DZb2o">Last week, having six NFL teams on a bye was unfortunate for yours truly—I managed to win only one of my three “important” <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/fantasy-football">fantasy football</a> leagues. Thankfully, this week we are reduced to only the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> and <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/">Las Vegas Raiders</a> on bye, so no Lamar Jackson or Derek Carr. Other than that, it’s just injuries to decipher. You can find more information in the notes to follow.</p>
<p id="lKWPgo">I’m going out on a little limb with the Jalen Hurts love this week. I don’t feel like it’s a huge one. This is a great matchup for Hurts, and unlike Kyler Murray, we don’t have to worry about Hurts taking off to run. I love the ceiling for Hurts in Week 8.</p>
<p id="IdtmZz">Who are you loving or hating a bit more than normal?</p>
<div id="QZ4yrm"><div data-anthem-component="table:10833188"></div></div>
https://www.faketeams.com/2021/10/28/22746585/2021-fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-8Heath Capps2021-10-28T11:07:20-04:002021-10-28T11:07:20-04:00NFL DFS: Showdown picks for GB at ARI
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<img alt="Houston Texans v Arizona Cardinals" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eDkHxlbqzS_D6Tgw2uPC9bCnGu8=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70057163/1349302589.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Value is going to be abundant on DraftKings given Green Bay’s wide receiver situation.</p> <p id="qHfCfi">It almost seemed as if we were finally going to get a normal, highly-anticipated game on Thursday Night Football to kick off Week 8. But because we can’t have nice things, Davante Adams and Allen Lazard (who has already been ruled out) are trending toward being sidelined for the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> when they square off with the undefeated <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>. Also, Marquez Valdes-Scantling is traveling with the team, but he will be a game-time decision as he has yet to be activated from injured reserve. Even amid all of the injury and COVID-19 news, the show(down) must go on over at DraftKings. Without further ado, here are my captain and flex picks for Thursday night’s contest between the Packers and the Cardinals.</p>
<h3 id="rkYHcA">Captain Spot Considerations</h3>
<h4 id="BJkdY0">Kyler Murray ($18,000)</h4>
<p id="EzGoWS">I tend to stray away from most quarterbacks in my captain spot due to running backs and wide receivers being in the optimal lineups more often than quarterbacks. The exceptions to the rule are quarterbacks like Kyler Murray, who can give us production with his legs. While Murray hasn’t run nearly as often as previous seasons, the Packers have allowed the second-most rushing yards to quarterbacks this season, including 95 yards to Taylor Heinicke in Week 7. If the Cardinals are going to win, it will likely be due to Murray being able to have success through the air. Along with his passing numbers, though, if we can get 30-40 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown, he could easily end the night as the leading scorer on DraftKings. Given the number of value plays there could be, I’m not against inserting Murray as your captain this week.</p>
<h4 id="Z429Pt">DeAndre Hopkins ($15,900)</h4>
<p id="xZt1pG">Yes, DeAndre Hopkins isn’t dominating the lion’s share of the targets on the Cardinals this season. But in the past three weeks, he’s garnered nine targets twice, and he’s combined for four touchdowns. Hopkins is questionable for Thursday night, and despite not logging a single practice this week, he’s expected to suit up in Week 8 against the Packers. No. 1 wide receivers have torched Green Bay’s secondary since Jaire Alexander went down with an injury. Diontae Johnson posted a 9/92/1 stat line, Ja’Marr Chase had 6/159/1, and Terry McLaurin had 7/122/1 just last week. While Hopkins hasn’t gotten his usual target share, he does have a 100% route participation, and he’s received 11 red-zone targets (fourth-most among wide receivers). Pair Murray with Hopkins if you have the All-Pro wideout as your captain as Murray will likely be having a stellar game if Hopkins is going off.</p>
<h4 id="ZCNyTN">Aaron Jones ($13,500)</h4>
<p id="bWtDDn">With Adams and Lazard likely out for the Packers, it could be a busy day for Aaron Jones out of the backfield. The Cardinals have been the sixth-best defense in limiting running backs on DraftKings, giving up only 19.16 points per week on the green site. However, Arizona has surrendered the sixth-most receptions (25) to running backs in the past four weeks. If the Packers are playing from behind, which could easily happen with a shorthanded receiving corps, then Jones could see plenty of action in the passing game on a site that rewards one full point for each reception. Plus, Jones is always a candidate to score multiple touchdowns for Green Bay, as he’s had the second-most multi-touchdown games at running back since 2019. The only running back that has more multi-touchdown games in that span is Derrick Henry.</p>
<h3 id="hy8mZH">Flex Spot Considerations</h3>
<h4 id="wXzE8v">Christian Kirk ($7,200)</h4>
<p id="xd6dVr">As of this moment, Hopkins is questionable for the Cardinals, but he is expected to suit up despite not logging a single practice ahead of Thursday. With the amount of value that could be open on this slate, I wouldn't fault anyone for fitting in Hopkins, especially with the Packers sans Alexander. However, if you want to gain some leverage on people that have Hopkins, then you could use Christian Kirk, especially if you believe Hopkins is limited in any fashion. Hopkins is no longer getting an insane target share like in previous years, largely due to guys like Kirk, A.J. Green, and Rondale Moore stepping up for Arizona. Kirk is 10th in the NFL in yards per target and is capable of hitting a splash play with an aggressive quarterback like Murray.</p>
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<img alt="Washington Football Team v Green Bay Packers" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6tuUUJJPfy_DwBzvtthBQv4ee50=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22963056/1349051485.jpg">
<cite>Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h4 id="Gdz4Mi">Randall Cobb ($3,600)</h4>
<p id="VisPso">Under the assumption that Valdes-Scantling is unable to go, Randall Cobb would become the de facto No. 1 wideout for the Packers. If Valdes-Scantling is activated on Thursday, then I might move Cobb slightly down my rankings for Thursday night. With Adams and Lazard out, that is a ton of vacated targets, especially with Adams’ massive 33.8% target share (second-highest in the NFL). In the event that Cobb is the No. 1 wide receiver on Thursday night against the Cardinals, he’s a cheap flex player at only $3,600. Rodgers has a long history with Cobb and he’s the only wideout remaining (if Adams, Lazard, and Valdes-Scantling are out) that has much experience with the All-Pro quarterback. If Valdes-Scantling returns from injured reserve and is prepared to handle a full workload, then I’d consider using both Cobb and Valdes-Scantling in different lineups if you are running multiple entries.</p>
<h4 id="XyLVF7">AJ Dillon ($1,400)</h4>
<p id="gFkhix">AJ Dillon saw his smallest workload of the season in Week 7 versus the <a href="https://www.hogshaven.com/">Washington Football Team</a>. Dillon fumbled the ball twice, losing one of them, which didn’t help his case to remain on the field. Even though he lost touches to Kylin Hill a week ago, the Packers could need Dillon to handle an increased role given their dire wide receiver situation. The second-year back has shown an ability to catch passes and he could find the end zone in an offense that gets in the red zone often. At the price of $1,400 on DraftKings, we don’t need Dillon to do much to pay off his price tag.</p>
<h4 id="fF3lP7">Equanimeous St. Brown/Amari Rodgers ($600/$400)</h4>
<p id="bBLmhc">With question marks surrounding the wide receiver position for the Packers, guys like Equanimeous St. Brown and Amari Rodgers could be thrust into the starting offense on Thursday. St. Brown has more experience in the offense, so I’d expect him to get the first crack with the starters. Once again, St. Brown and Rodgers may see less playing time if Valdes-Scantling makes his return to the field. When you are chasing the big money on showdown slates, you need to be different somewhere. So to be contrarian, I like the idea of being able to spend under $1,000 in salary on either St. Brown or Rodgers in a game where the Packers could be playing from behind.</p>
https://www.faketeams.com/2021/10/28/22749868/nfl-dfs-draftkings-showdown-picks-for-packers-at-cardinalsSkyler Carlin2021-10-27T11:00:00-04:002021-10-27T11:00:00-04:00RB Rankings for Week 8
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<img alt="Detroit Lions v Los Angeles Rams" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/x8u5c1wmfSxKqKrwbzNfmx8JhOM=/35x0:2854x1879/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70051999/1348762349.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Houston should be favorable for Darrell Henderson.</p> <p id="HFRqdz">In the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Bob Hayes set a world record for the 100-meter dash and then turned around and won the 4x100 meter relay. Oh, did I mention Bob Hayes was a football player? Specifically, a wide receiver for the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a>. The week after Derrick Henry clocked the fastest ball carry of 2021—21.8 MPH per Next Gen Stats—he had a respectable 86 yards rushing versus the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com">Kansas City Chiefs</a>. This was just the second game this year that Henry did NOT register 100 yards rushing. The only reason he’s not No. 1 in the rankings this week is the favorable matchup that Dalvin Cook has.</p>
<h3 id="S2YU9b">A few notes for Week 8</h3>
<ul>
<li id="AAv1zg">Minnesota vs. Dallas looks like it could showcase a lot of running.</li>
<li id="x2H7vF">Keep an eye on injuries to Nick Chubb, Miles Sanders, and Saquon Barkley.</li>
<li id="Jykl3C">My gut feeling tells me, Detroit, Cleveland, and Jacksonville go run-heavy this week.</li>
<li id="N56Akx">We should see some tandem work with Mike Davis/Cordarrelle Patterson, Chase Edmonds/James Conner, Zach Moss/Devin Singletary, and Javonte Williams/Melvin Gordon III</li>
</ul>
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<p id="AMVHew"></p>
https://www.faketeams.com/2021/10/27/22747347/2021-fantasy-football-rankings-running-back-for-week-8-darrell-hendersonMark Abell