Fantasy Football Week 8 Start ’Em Sit ’Em: Players to Trust and Avoid

After a week’s hiatus, we’re back with more players who could make or break your fantasy matchup. This week’s slate features plenty of intriguing games, including Bears–Ravens and Packers–Steelers. Will Lamar return? Is this Rodgers’ revenge game? Let’s dive in.

Start ’Em

Tez Johnson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Johnson has found the end zone in back-to-back weeks and continues to gain Baker Mayfield’s trust. With Mike Evans and Chris Godwin both sidelined, Johnson has a chance to step up as Tampa’s top option. Fellow rookie Emeka Egbuka has been the team’s most consistent playmaker, but this week’s matchup against the Saints gives Johnson a great opportunity to shine. New Orleans’ defense ranks near the bottom of the league, allowing close to 350 yards per game.

AJ Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

It feels strange to even consider benching Brown, one of the NFL’s elite wideouts, but his recent usage had dipped until last week’s rebound performance. Brown looked fully re-engaged and is once again a focal point in the passing game. He draws a favorable matchup against a depleted Giants secondary, and if Jalen Hurts gets enough time in the pocket, Brown should see a heavy target share and big production.

Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears

Williams had an off day last week, throwing for just 172 yards and no touchdowns, but a bounce-back performance could be coming. The rookie faces a struggling Baltimore defense that ranks near the bottom of most major categories. Chicago’s offense has shown flashes, and this matchup could finally spark a breakout game for Williams.

Sit ’Em

Kenneth Walker, RB, Seattle Seahawks

Walker opened the season as a solid RB1, but his workload has steadily declined. The Seahawks are now splitting carries evenly with Zach Charbonnet, who has taken over most of the red zone opportunities. Walker hasn’t scored since Week 3 and has played fewer than half the offensive snaps in every game since Week 4. Expect that trend to continue as Charbonnet’s role expands.

Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins

Like the rest of Miami’s offense last week, Waddle struggled. Poor weather didn’t help, but his chemistry with Tua Tagovailoa has been off since Tyreek Hill’s injury. The Dolphins face a Falcons defense that has been surprisingly stingy, and Miami’s offense looks disjointed. Waddle’s ceiling remains high, but the floor this week is too low to trust.

Ladd McConkey, WR, Los Angeles Chargers

McConkey’s promising rookie campaign has given way to a quiet start this season. Quentin Johnston is finally emerging, Keenan Allen is once again Justin Herbert’s go-to target, and protection issues have limited Herbert’s time to throw. Against a blitz-heavy Vikings defense, McConkey is unlikely to see enough volume to make an impact.

Want more Sandman? Come connect with us here at sandmansports.com/onestopshop