The NFL’s seventh week showcased memorable performances, including a stunning fourth-quarter comeback by the Denver Broncos against the New York Giants. Quarterback Bo Nix amassed an impressive 39.96 points in point-per-reception (PPR) formats, primarily during the final quarter. Alongside him, the Indianapolis Colts’ running back Jonathan Taylor added three touchdowns, while two wide receivers from the Philadelphia Eagles combined for 304 receiving yards and 61.4 PPR points. As fantasy managers approach “bye-mageddon” in Week 8, clarity is needed regarding the status of Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels due to a hamstring injury.
Each week, fantasy experts identify players available in at least 50% of ESPN standard leagues who could make an impact. This strategy is crucial as player roles and valuations in the NFL can shift dramatically on a weekly basis.
Key Quarterback Options
Among the notable quarterback pickups, J.J. McCarthy of the Minnesota Vikings stands out at 28.2% rostered. Following a loss to the Eagles, McCarthy, who has not played since Week 2 due to an ankle injury, is expected to start against the Los Angeles Chargers if he is fit. Despite the Chargers’ robust defense against quarterbacks, his value in SuperFlex formats warrants attention.
In a surprising resurgence, Joe Flacco of the Cincinnati Bengals is available in 4.9% of leagues. After a stellar performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns, Flacco is poised to maintain his momentum against the New York Jets in Week 8.
With Daniels likely sidelined, Marcus Mariota of the Commanders (1.8% rostered) could become a viable option. He previously scored 36.52 PPR points in his starts earlier in the season, although upcoming matchups against the Kansas City Chiefs present challenges.
For deeper leagues, rookie Jaxson Dart of the Giants (43.3%) continues to attract attention. Dart previously scored 23.6 PPR points against the Eagles and is worth monitoring as the Giants face off against Philadelphia again.
Potential Running Back Contributions
The running back landscape is less forgiving, but Kyle Monangai of the Chicago Bears (4.1%) is emerging as a candidate after a strong showing against the New Orleans Saints. Monangai scored 17.4 PPR points with 81 rushing yards and a touchdown, making him a potential asset in upcoming games against the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens.
Another name to watch is Tyjae Spears of the Tennessee Titans (29.9%), who has shown flashes of potential despite a recent lackluster performance against the New England Patriots. With the Titans possibly looking to increase his role, Spears could be a valuable addition.
For deeper leagues, Brashard Smith of the Kansas City Chiefs (2.7%) is gaining traction. He scored 13.1 PPR points in a recent game, although his role may be limited depending on the game’s competitiveness.
Wide Receiver Prospects
At wide receiver, Rashod Bateman of the Baltimore Ravens (16.2%) is expected to benefit from the return of quarterback Lamar Jackson. Bateman’s previous season saw him accumulate 756 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, making him a potential sleeper as the Ravens gear up for their Week 8 matchup.
Similarly, Xavier Legette of the Carolina Panthers (23.8%) had a breakout game against the Jets, catching nine of eleven targets for 92 yards and a touchdown. His performance could signal a turning point in his season, especially with the Panthers looking for offensive consistency.
Another emerging name is Chimere Dike of the Titans (1%), who capitalized on increased opportunities due to injuries. After scoring a touchdown last week, Dike could see more targets if he continues to perform.
The bye weeks will heavily impact roster decisions. Teams such as the Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, and Jacksonville Jaguars will be off, leaving many fantasy managers to make tough decisions about their lineups.
The upcoming week presents a critical juncture for fantasy football enthusiasts. The need to adapt quickly to injuries and bye weeks emphasizes the importance of staying informed about player performances and potential pickups. As teams shift their strategies, those who act decisively may find themselves in a stronger position as the season progresses.
