Week 8 Fantasy Recap

Faraz Siddiqi
Oct 26
5 min read

Jets vs. Bengals — Jets Find a Way to Win

The Bengals defense continues to be a gift for fantasy managers. The Jets racked up 502 total yards of offense without Garrett Wilson or Josh Reynolds. Breece Hall took full advantage, totaling 147 yards from scrimmage on 20 toucheswith two rushing touchdowns and even threw a game-winning passing TD. Justin Fields added 244 yards and a score through the air while rushing 11 times for 31 yards.

The Jets head into a bye before tough rushing matchups against Cleveland and New England.

Joe and Ja’Marr Love Affair: Joe Flacco continues to feed Ja’Marr Chase at a historic rate — 19 targets (56% share) resulting in a 12/91 line. Tee Higgins’ only catch was a 44-yard touchdown. Chase’s massive volume makes him a weekly WR1 with no tough matchups ahead.

Chase Brown Coming Alive: Brown logged 15 touches for 105 yards and 2 TDs, his second straight 100+ yard outing. He’s averaging 7.0 yards per carry over the last three games with Flacco, compared to 2.5 YPC in the first five weeks. However, Samaje Perine’s recent involvement caps Brown’s floor — he’ll remain efficiency-dependent but well-positioned with a friendly schedule ahead.

Bears vs. Ravens — Odunze Rebounds

Kyle Monangai continues to rotate with D’Andre Swift, nearly splitting snaps (31 to 29). Swift went 11/45/1 on the ground with two catches for 26 yards.

Rome Odunze bounced back big, leading the Bears with a 7/114/0 line on 10 targets (26% share). After two weather-affected games, Odunze reminded us he’s the clear WR1. The Bears face a soft Cincinnati defense next week.

Derrick Henry added 71 yards and two TDs for Baltimore, his second multi-score outing of the season.

Dolphins vs. Falcons — Miami Passing Game Rebounds

After a quiet showing in bad weather, Jaylen Waddle reminded everyone he’s a must-start fantasy WR. He’s now posted 6/110/1, 6/95, and 5/99/1 over his last three non-weather games with a 23% target share. Tua Tagovailoa shredded the number 1 DVOA pass defense, and Malik Washington stepped up with Darren Waller out (76% route participation, 24% target share).

The Falcons offense, however, was lifeless. Without Michael Penix Jr., Kirk Cousins struggled badly, Bijan Robinson saw only 9 carries, and Darnell Mooney managed 1 catch on 4 targets. The lone bright spot: Kyle Pitts, who caught all 9 targets for 59 yards. The team desperately needs Penix and Drake London back.

Bills vs. Panthers — James Cook’s Monster Day

After two down weeks, James Cook exploded for a career-best 19/216/2 line. He now ranks 2nd in the NFL in rushing yards and is firmly a Top-5 fantasy RB rest of season.

Khalil Shakir led all Bills WRs (6/88/1 on 7 targets), extending his run of strong underlying usage — he’s averaged a 26% target share over the last month.

The Panthers continue their frustrating backfield rotation: Chuba Hubbard (12/34/1) and Rico Dowdle (8/54) split by series, with Hubbard getting more volume due to longer drives. Both remain fringe flex plays. Rookie Jalen Coker is trending up with 76% route participation, finishing second in targets behind Tet McMillan.

49ers vs. Texans — Woody Marks Rising, Jaylin Noel Breakout Watch

Woody Marks remains a key part of the 49ers’ passing game, posting 4/49 receiving and averaging 14 touches per game across his last four. He split snaps evenly with Nick Chubb in Week 8 after dominating in Week 7’s negative game script. Marks remains a steady RB3/FLEX with pass-game upside.

With Nico Collins out, C.J. Stroud delivered 300+ passing yards and 2 TDs. Xavier Hutchinson (5/69/1) and Jayden Higgins (4/34/1) both scored, but Jaylin Noel stood out again (5/63 on 45% routes). Noel has a 28% targets per route run rate over the past three games — he’s this week’s top waiver add from Houston.

Giants vs. Eagles — Saquon Soars, Skattebo Falls

Tragedy struck as Cam Skattebo suffered a season-ending dislocated ankle. Tyrone Tracy immediately took over, playing 78% of snaps — he’s the number 1 waiver wire pickup this week.

Saquon Barkley finally broke out with 184 total yards and 2 TDs, but tweaked his groin. The team expects him back after their Week 9 bye. Rookie Tank Bigsby replaced him effectively (9/104), clearly ahead of Will Shipley.

Dallas Goedert continues to dominate red zone usage (7 total TDs) despite modest yardage totals. With A.J. Brown sidelined, DeVonta Smith (6/84, 45% target share) operated as the clear WR1.

Browns vs. Patriots — Judkins Hurt, Sampson Next Up

Quinshon Judkins left early with a shoulder injury, opening the door for Dylan Sampson, who played 73% of snaps. Sampson’s 30% TPRR rate leads all RBs with 100+ snaps this year. If Judkins misses time (Browns are on bye next week), Sampson will be a plug-and-play RB2.

Cleveland’s tight ends once again led the team in receiving — David Njoku (4/37/1) and Jordan Akins (6/62/1) both scored.

For New England, TreVeyon Henderson flashed (10/75) but remains behind Rhamondre Stevenson, who dominated snaps 50-14 and routes 24-3. Henderson’s fumble didn’t help his cause.

Bucs vs. Saints — Rookie Reality Check

Emeka Egbuka posted a massive 38% target share (9 targets) but caught just 3 for 35 yards. Fellow rookie Tez Johnson led the team in catches (5/43). Expect variance, but Egbuka’s underlying usage still signals buy-low opportunity.

Chargers vs. Vikings — McConkey Surging

The Chargers’ WR hierarchy has shifted: Ladd McConkey (6/88/1 on 10 targets) is now the WR19 on the season and WR6 on a per-game basis over the last month. Rookie TE Oronde Gadsden (5/77/1) continues to ascend with route participation climbing to 91%.

Over the last three weeks, the Chargers' target share has been:

McConkey: 28%
Keenan Allen: 23%
Gadsden: 20%

Meanwhile, Quentin Johnston has cratered to 7% after leading early in the year. McConkey and Gadsden are both every-week starters; Johnston is bench material.

Titans vs. Colts — Jonathan Taylor Is Unstoppable

Taylor logged 12/153/2 rushing and 2/21/1 receiving, giving him three games with 3+ TDs in his last four. He’s reclaiming elite RB1 form.

Chimere Dike (7/93, 91% routes) is quietly breaking out with back-to-back strong games.

Cowboys vs. Broncos — Bo Nix Lights It Up

Bo Nix threw four touchdowns for the second straight game as Denver routed Dallas. RJ Harvey turned just 8 touches into 3 TDs, while J.K. Dobbins went over 100 yards (15/111). Troy Franklin (6/89/2) led receivers after Courtland Sutton dropped a would-be TD. Denver’s offense is rolling.

Packers vs. Steelers — Tucker Kraft’s Emergence

Tucker Kraft delivered a 7/143/2 explosion, making him the TE1 in fantasy points per game heading into Week 9. He’s a must-start against Carolina’s soft TE defense next week.

Christian Watson also flashed (4/85 on 65% routes), reclaiming a 28% target share while pushing Romeo Doubs and Matthew Golden down the pecking order. If Watson maintains this role, Golden’s rookie breakout may be on pause.