Welcome to Week 8, and welcome to Quick Grades, your weekly companion for start/sit clarity. We’ve combined consensus rankings and projections with The Primer’s matchup analysis to assign letter grades for every fantasy-relevant player, then added concise notes to illuminate the reasoning. Treat the grade as your default stance and the note as your context check.
Let’s make your weekly lineup calls easy. In general, A means start with confidence, C is matchup-dependent, and F is a bench. Scroll for every position’s call, plus key notes that explain the “why” behind the grade. Prefer a curated view of only your roster? Sync your team for a personalized My Primer experience.
Week 8 Fantasy Football Rankings & Start/Sit Grades
To keep this fast and scannable, we’re leading with the overall Week 8 rankings. Below that, you’ll find each position (QB, RB, WR, TE, DST, K) broken out with letter grades and quick notes. Use the rankings for a top-down view, then jump to the position sections for the grades behind each call.
Week 8 Start/Sit Rankings
Week 8 Quarterback Start/Sit Grades
Since arriving in Cincy, Joe Flacco has been the QB15 and QB6 in weekly scoring. Over the last two games, among 32 qualifying passers, he ranks fifth in passing yards per game, eighth in adjusted completion rate, tenth in highly accurate throw rate, and 15th in fantasy points per dropback. Flacco could easily flirt with QB1 production again this week. The Jets’ pass defense has been underwhelming this season allowing the 12th-highest yards per attempt, the eighth-most passing touchdowns, and the fourth-highest passer rating. Flacco should have time to operate against a pass rush that has the tenth-lowest pressure rate.
There’s risk to playing Justin Fields this week. He’ll draw the start in Week 8 with Tyrod Taylor ruled out. I’d be insane not to acknowledge the risk that Fields has, but also in the same breath, I’d be ostriching if I didn’t also mention his immense upside. In his six starts this season, Fields has surpassed 25.9 fantasy points and 48 rushing yards three times. Among 41 qualifying passers, Fields ranks 29th in yards per attempt, 19th in highly accurate throw rate, and 11th in fantasy points per dropback. Fields could have another ceiling performance this week. The Bengals’ pass defense has allowed the fifth-highest yards per attempt, the fourth-most passing yards per game, and the second-highest success rate per dropback. Another big factor that could lead to his success is the fact that Cincy has the fifth-lowest pressure rate. It’ll come in handy as Fields operates behind New York’s Swiss cheese offensive line, which has allowed the highest pressure rate.
The Houston offense looks broken. C.J. Stroud has only one week this season in which he has finished higher than QB15 in weekly scoring. He has multiple passing touchdowns in only two games and hasn’t logged a game yet this season with more than 244 passing yards. Among 41 qualifying quarterbacks, Stroud ranks 26th in yards per attempt, 40th in CPOE, 26th in catchable target rate, and he has the fourth-highest off-target rate. The 49ers rank 15th in yards per attempt and CPOE, have given up the 12th-most passing touchdowns (tied), and the 13th-highest success rate per dropback. At best, you’re hoping for decent QB2 numbers this week from Stroud.
Brock Purdy has been ruled out for Week 8. Mac Jones will get another start for San Francisco this week. Jones is the QB23 in fantasy points per game with two QB1 outings under his belt this season (none since Week 5). Jones is just another run-of-the-mill QB2 this week with a horrible matchup. Among 41 qualifying passers, he has played well this season, ranking second in passing yards per game, 18th in yards per attempt, 13th in highly accurate throw rate, and 14th in hero throw rate. Houston has been shutting down quarterbacks, allowing the fifth-fewest yards per attempt, the fewest passing touchdowns, the lowest passer rating, and the fourth-lowest success rate per dropback.
Jaxson Dart…franchise changer. The aura farming rookie swag machine has been the QB4 in fantasy points per game since Week 4. The last time he faced this defense, he was the QB3 in fantasy for the week. After what we all witnessed last week against Denver (QB3 for the week), no one should be counting him out in any matchup. He has averaged 8.8 rushing attempts and 44.5 rushing yards per game with three scores on the ground. Since Week 4, among 38 qualifying passers, Dart ranks 28th in highly accurate throw rate, 14th in catchable target rate, 20th in hero throw rate, and fifth in fantasy points per dropback. He still has a lot of growth as a passer that needs to occur because during this stretch, he also has the sixth-highest turnover-worthy throw rate. Dart can excel again this week, but it won’t be an easy road to travel. Philly has allowed the tenth-fewest yards per attempt and the second-lowest adjusted completion rate while also ranking 17th in success rate per dropback and passing yards per game allowed.
Caleb Williams is the QB13 in fantasy points per game, but his fantasy season is being propped up by two huge games in the opening three weeks of the season and some rushing production, which has fallen off as we moved through the season. He hasn’t rushed for more than 27 yards in a game since Week 1. Williams has three QB1 weekly finishes this season (QB9, QB1, QB10), but has finished as the QB20 or lower in his three other games (QB20, QB24, QB27). Among 41 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranks 16th in yards per attempt, 35th in adjusted completion rate, 34th in highly accurate throw rate, and he has the third-highest off-target rate. Williams couldn’t take advantage of a plus matchup last week against the Saints. Before their bye, the Ravens held Matthew Stafford to 181 passing yards, 6.9 yards per attempt, and 0.6% CPOE. I know it’s a one-game sample, but if Baltimore has figured out some of their defensive struggles, Williams is in trouble. At best, he has another plus matchup this week, but as last week showed, I don’t know if he can take advantage of a plus matchup at this point.
Week 8 Wide Receiver Start/Sit Grades
D.J. Moore opened this week with a DNP (hip). He practiced on a limited basis on Thursday before upgrading to a full session on Friday. He doesn’t have an injury designation entering this week’s game. Moore is the WR48 in fantasy points per game with three red zone and three deep targets this season. He has only one top-36 finish this season in weekly scoring. This isn’t the week to flex Moore. This week, he faces a Baltimore secondary that has utilized single high at the fourth-highest rate in the NFL (61%). Against single high, Moore has disappeared with an 11.2% target share, 0.79 yards per route run, and an 11.8% first-read share. Baltimore has allowed the ninth-fewest PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.
Since Week 5, Jaylen Waddle has been the WR24 in fantasy points per game with a 21% target share, a 48% air-yard share, 73.3 receiving yards per game (2.75 yards per route run), and a 29.2% first-read share. Across the last three games, he has had two red zone targets and five deep targets. This week, he faces an Atlanta secondary that has utilized single high at the highest rate in the NFL (72.6%). Since Week 5, against single high, Waddle has had a 25.5% target share, 2.75 yards per route run, and a 38.2% first-read share. Waddle should see plenty of volume this week, but Atlanta has allowed the seventh-fewest PPR points per target and the second-fewest receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers. Waddle overcoming a tough matchup is one thing, but I worry if he can overcome a tough matchup and Tua Tagovailoa‘s struggles this week.
Chris Olave is the WR16 in fantasy points per game, ranking eighth in red zone targets and 11th in deep targets among wide receivers. Olave has a 28.5% target share with 62.9 receiving yards per game (1.89 yards per route run) and a 33.3% first-read share. This week, he’ll face a Tampa Bay secondary that has utilized single high with 51.1-61.8% of their defensive snaps in four of their seven games this season. Against single high, Olave’s numbers have soared with a 35% target share, 2.64 yards per route run, and a 37.9% first-read share. Also helping Olave this week will be how much the Bucs love to blitz (fourth-highest rate). Against the blitz, Olave has also seen a 36.8% target share with 4.07 yards per route run and a 40% first-read share. Olave should have a nice Week 8 against a secondary that has allowed the 13th-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers and ranks 15th in fantasy points per game. Olave did open this week with a DNP (ankle), so we’ll have to monitor his status this week.
Rashid Shaheed is the WR37 in fantasy points per game, ranking 16th in deep targets and 18th in red zone targets among wide receivers. Overall, he has had an 18.8% target share with 50.9 receiving yards per game (1.63 yards per route run) and a 20.8% first-read share. Shaheed could have a nice week this week if he’s able to capitalize on the Bucs’ single high coverage. This week, he’ll face a Tampa Bay secondary that has utilized single high with 51.1-61.8% of their defensive snaps in four of their seven games this season. Against single high, Shaheed has seen his target share increase to 22.2% with 1.56 yards per route run and a 23% first-read share. The problem that could even things out is that the Bucs also have the fourth-highest blitz rate, and against the blitz, Shaheed’s target share has dipped to 15.8% with 0.98 yards per route run and a 17.8% first-read share. Spencer Rattler has leaned on Chris Olave heavily against both single high and the blitz. This adds some more volatility to Shaheed’s Week 8 projection. Shaheed could easily be a solid flex play this week, just be aware of the downside risk that he carries as well. Tampa Bay has allowed the 13th-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers and ranks 15th in fantasy points per game.
Last week, Tez Johnson had a 74.1% route share with a 14% target share, a 19.3% air-yard share, 58 receiving yards (1.45 yards per route run), and a 17.2% first-read share. He had one red zone target and two deep targets. This week, he’ll face a Saints’ pass defense that has utilized single high at the fifth-highest rate in the NFL (59.7%). Over the last two weeks, against single high, Johnson has had an 18% target per route run rate, 2.06 yards per route run, and a 17.9% first-read share. Johnson will likely be running on the perimeter for most of his snaps this week (52.4-60% out wide over the last three games). He’s a solid flex play with upside this week against a Saints secondary that has allowed the fourth-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.
Sterling Shepard is the WR60 in fantasy points per game with only two top-36 weekly wide receiver finishes this season (WR33, WR32). He does have four red zone targets across his last five games. Shepard has a 13.9% target share with 38.1 receiving yards per game (1.43 yards per route run) and a 10.6% first-read share. This week, he’ll face a Saints’ pass defense that has utilized single high at the fifth-highest rate in the NFL (59.7%). Against single high, Shepard’s target share (15.2%) and first-read share (11.8%) have risen slightly, but his yards per route run have dipped to 1.25. Shepard is a middling PPR flex this week. The Saints have allowed the 13th-fewest PPR points per target to slot receivers (Shepard 54.8% slot last week).
The last time Pittman Jr. faced this secondary, he was the WR13 for the week, securing all six of his targets with 73 receiving yards and a score. He could post a similar box score this week. Pittman Jr. is the WR18 in fantasy points per game, ranking second on the team in deep targets and red zone targets. Overall, he has a 21.2% target share, 1.80 yards per route run, and a 24.9% first-read share. The Titans have the third-highest rate of two high (59.4%). Against two high, Pittman Jr. has been Daneil Jones’ go-to receiver with a 23.5% target share, 2.16 yards per route run, and a 29.2% first-read share. The Titans have allowed the second-highest completion rate and fifth-highest passer rating on downfield targets. Tennessee also can’t cover perimeter wide receivers, allowing the third-highest PPR points per target. Pittman Jr. should eat this week.
Week 8 Running Back Start/Sit Grades
Last week, Tony Pollard took back the passing-down back role for Tennessee as the team’s clear workhorse back. He played 58.8% of the snaps with a 35.9% route share and 17.6% target share. Pollard finished with 12 touches and 61 scoreless yards. Among 57 qualifying backs, he ranks 32nd in missed tackles forced per attempt and 18th in yards after contact per attempt. Pollard is a middling flex play this week, facing an Indy run defense that has held opposing backs to the sixth-fewest rushing yards per game, the third-lowest missed tackle rate, and the seventh-fewest yards after contact per attempt.
Jaylen Warren has played at least 65% of the snaps in two of his last three games while averaging 18.7 touches and 100.6 total yards. I’ll be honest. I never thought this type of season would come for Warren after wanting and hoping the Steelers would turn over the keys to the backfield to Warren. I was so heavily invested in him in previous seasons, only to watch Mike Tomlin run Najee Harris out there, that I gave up hope and invested heavily in Kaleb Johnson this season. I’m so happy that Warren is in the driver’s seat for Pittsburgh this season. He’s a talented player and deserves it. Among 57 qualifying backs, he ranks second in missed tackles forced per attempt and seventh in yards after contact per attempt. Warren will have to overcome a horrible matchup this week with volume. Green Bay has allowed the second-fewest rushing yards per game, the lowest explosive run rate, the ninth-lowest missed tackle rate, and the third-lowest yards after contact per attempt.
Isiah Pacheco continues to be a massive disappointment. Since Week 5, he has averaged 14 touches and 53.7 total yards. Across the last three games, he has had a 64.1% snap rate with weekly scoring finishes as the RB31, RB36, and RB17. He’s basically a flex play, and if he gets into the endzone, maybe you luck box into RB2 production for the week. Pacheco remains an inefficient rusher with a 12% missed tackle rate and 2.21 yards after contact per attempt. Pacheco has another plus matchup this week that he’ll likely disappoint with. Washington has allowed the 12th-most rushing yards per game, the ninth-highest explosive run rate, and the seventh-highest yards after contact per attempt.
Yes, last week Brashard Smith finished with 19 touches and 81 total yards as the RB14 for the week, but much of that production was in garbage time. Smith has juice, but it hasn’t translated into efficiency in the early down department, yet. He has only a 5% missed tackle rate and 1.45 yards after contact per attempt, but that’s with only 22 carries. As a receiving option, he has a 7.3% target share, a 51% target per route run rate, 3.49 yards per route run, and 0.143 first downs per route run. Last week, in the first half, Smith played 26.2% of the snaps with a 27.6% route share and a 16.7% target share (four targets). Smith is a viable flex this week in PPR formats. Washington has allowed the fifth-most receiving yards and the third-highest yards per reception to running backs.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt is the RB32 in fantasy points per game. Since Week 5, he has averaged 16 touches and 83.3 total yards. Across the last three games, his offensive line and game scripts haven’t done him any favors. Since Week 5, Washington’s offensive line has generated the seventh-fewest adjusted yards before contact per attempt. Among 57 qualifying backs, Bill still ranks tenth in explosive run rate and eighth in yards after contact per attempt. Bill appears headed for another down day in Week 8. Kansas City has allowed the 11th-lowest yards after contact per attempt and explosive run rate, and the fifth-lowest missed tackle rate.
Since Week 6, Chase Brown has averaged a 58.2% snap rate with 20 of 33 running back rushing attempts, a 48.4% route share, and a 6.5% target share. He has had four of five red zone rushing attempts in these two games. Over the last two weeks, he has had 12 touches and 74.5 total yards per game. Among 57 qualifying backs, he ranks 16th in missed tackle rate and 17th in yards after contact per attempt. The Cincy offensive line has actually done a fine job over the last two weeks of opening up holes for Brown with the third-best yards before contact per attempt. Brown should have a solid stat line this week against a Jets’ defense that has allowed the tenth-most rushing yards per game, the eighth-highest yards after contact per attempt, and ranks 14th in yards per reception allowed to backs.
Week 8 Tight End Start/Sit Grades
Since Week 4, Mason Taylor has stacked two strong games and two duds. Yes, quarterback play has played a large role in it and will be moving forward. Since Week 4, Taylor has had a 19.4% target share with 41.3 receiving yards per game (1.27 yards per route run), and a 20.6% first-read share. Taylor has two red zone targets in those four games. Taylor should have a nice bounce-back game in Week 8 if his quarterback play complies against a defense that has allowed the most receiving yards and fantasy points per game to tight ends. Taylor popped up on the injury report on Thursday with a quad issue. He didn’t practice Thursday, but he managed a limited session on Friday and has been listed as questionable.
Dalton Kincaid practiced all week in a limited fashion (oblique) and has been listed as questionable. Kincaid missed the Bills’ last game before the bye with this injury. Monitor the news up to kick off this week. Have a backup plan at tight end ready in case he’s ruled out Sunday. Kincaid is the TE5 in fantasy points per game as he has been making the most of his 55.5% route share. Kincaid has drawn a 15.6% target with a 24% target per route run rate, 57.4 receiving yards per game (2.84 yards per route run), and a 16.7% first-read share. The route share isn’t ideal, but when he’s on the field, Kincaid has been heavily utilized, so we can live with it, and considering the tight end landscape, it isn’t a coffin nail. Kincaid has five red zone targets and three deep targets in five games played this season. Since Week 5, Carolina has utilized two high at the 12th-highest rate (52.5%). Kincaid should return strong TE1 production this week against a defense that has allowed the sixth-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game and the fourth-most receiving yards per game to tight ends.
Since Week 4, Theo Johnson has been the TE7 in fantasy points per game. He’s had a 73.3% route share, a 19.2% target share with 35.8 receiving yards per game (1.34 yards per route run) and a 22.5% first-read share. Johnson has five red zone targets and four touchdowns across his last four games. Johnson is a low-end tight end streaming option this week against a defense that has allowed the third-fewest schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to tight ends.
Hunter Henry is the TE13 in fantasy points per game with two TE1 weeks (TE1, TE10) in weekly scoring. Henry has a 16.7% target share, 44.3 receiving yards per game (1.73 yards per route run), and an 18.9% first-read share. Henry leads the team with seven red zone targets and is second with four deep targets. This week, he faces a Cleveland pass defense that has the third-highest rate of single high (61.2%). Against single high, Henry has had a 17.3% target share, 1.99 yards per route run, and a 21.4% first-read share. Henry is a fringe TE1 this week with a bad matchup. Cleveland has allowed the ninth-fewest schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game and the 12th-fewest receiving yards per game to tight ends.
With Dillon Gabriel under center, Fannin Jr. has had a 67.5% route share, an 18.4% target share, 43.3 receiving yards per game (1.65 yards per route run), and a 20% first-read share. In those three games, he has two red zone targets and weekly scoring finishes as the TE15, TE7, and TE23. Fannin Jr. is on the streaming radar this week. The Patriots have allowed the 11th-most receiving yards per game and the 12th-most fantasy points per game to tight ends.
David Njoku opened this week with a limited practice (knee). He practiced in a limited fashion for the rest of the week and has been listed as questionable. Njoku is the TE21 in fantasy points per game with four red zone targets and two deep targets. He has a 13.3% target share, 37.2 receiving yards per game (1.25 yards per route run), and a 16.4% first-read share. Njoku is a viable streaming candidate this week. New England has allowed the 12th-most fantasy points per game and the 11th-most receiving yards per game to tight ends.
Week 8 Defense / Special Teams Start/Sit Grades
Week 8 Kicker Start/Sit Grades
