About this video

• Video Title: Week 8: Starts of the Week 👀 + Injury Report | Fantasy Focus 🏈
• Channel: NFL on ESPN
• Speakers: Daniel Do, Field Yates, Mike Clay
• Duration: 01:02:15

Overview

This video from Fantasy Focus discusses Week 8 NFL matchups, focusing on "starts of the week" for fantasy football. The hosts recap the Thursday Night Football game between the Chargers and Vikings, provide a detailed injury report, and offer their predictions for key players and matchups. They also touch upon player performance trends and potential trade targets.

Key takeaways

• Thursday Night Recap: The Chargers vs. Vikings game saw unexpected performances from players like Joshua Palmer and a surprising lack of targets for Quentin Johnston. The emergence of tight end Arondis Gats is highlighted as a priority waiver add.
• Week 8 Preview & Injury Report: The show covers several key matchups and provides updates on injured players, including Lamar Jackson, AJ Brown, and Nico Collins, discussing their potential impact on fantasy lineups.
• Player Performance Analysis: The hosts delve into the performance of players like Stefon Diggs, James Cook, and Romeo Doubs, analyzing their usage, potential, and matchup advantages/disadvantages.
• "Starts of the Week" Recommendations: The panel provides their specific recommendations for players to start in Week 8 across quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end positions, offering justifications for their choices.
• Buy/Sell and Trade Advice: Discussions around players like Stefon Diggs suggest potential trade targets for the latter half of the season, emphasizing the need to consider player usage and potential upside.

Here are the key metrics by player name, extracted from the transcript:

Chargers:

• LaDainian Tomlinson (Lad Makanki):
  • 24 routes run
  • 10 targets
  • 88 receiving yards
  • 1 touchdown
• AronDae Gats:
  • 23 routes run
  • 5 targets
  • 77 receiving yards
  • 1 touchdown (all in the first half)
  • Rostered in 68% of leagues (and rising)
  • Considered a priority add
• Quentin Johnston:
  • 22 routes run
  • 0 targets
  • 0 catches
  • Considered "phased out" of the offense
• Keenan Allen:
  • 14 routes run
  • 4 catches
  • 44 receiving yards
  • Played more of a third-down situational role

Vikings:

• Aaron Jones:
  • Started, had involvement in the passing game.
  • Out-snapped Mason.
  • Expected to be the "1A" in the backfield.
• Jordan Mason:
  • Expected to lead the team in carries going forward.
  • Considered a "1B" in the backfield.
  • Considered a flex option.
• Justin Jefferson:
  • First half: 6 catches, 72 receiving yards
  • Second half: 1 catch
  • 14.4 fantasy points total for the game
• Jordan Addison:
  • 11.6 fantasy points total for the game
  • Scored a touchdown in the third quarter (which sparked debate about "garbage time").

Bills:

• James Cook:
  • 0 targets in the last two games.
  • 0 catches in the last two games.
  • Had 3+ targets and 3+ catches in 3 of his first 4 games.
  • 87 rushing yards against the Falcons (despite zero passing game utilization).
  • Expected to tote the rock 18 times for 112 yards and a TD.

Eagles:

• Devonta Smith:
  • Ranked in the top 15-20 range against the Giants.
  • Could move up to top 12 if AJ Brown is out.
• AJ Brown:
  • Questionable (did not practice Wed/Thu).
  • Ranked as WR6 if he plays.
  • Potential for return to practice on Thursday.

Texans:

• Brock Purdy:
  • Status for Week 8 is uncertain (limited practice).
  • Expected to be out by some, with Case Keenum getting another start.
  • Ranked 18th against Houston.
• Case Keenum:
  • Likely to start if Purdy is out.
  • Ranked outside the top 25 by one host.
• Nico Collins:
  • Questionable (did not practice Wed/Thu with a concussion).
  • Feels more like "doubtful."
• Xavier Hutchinson:
  • A potential Texans WR start if Collins is out.
  • Low output in career, doesn't turn targets into yardage.
• Jalen Noel (Jaylen Null):
  • A potential Texans WR start if Collins is out.
  • Had 77 receiving yards last week.
  • Considered by some as the most viable option.
• Dalton Schultz:
  • Top 12 option at TE.
  • Had targets not turning into anything until recently.
  • Expected 6 catches for 55 yards and 2 TDs (tempered expectation).

Bills Backfield:

• Raheem Mostert:
  • Snaps have been terrific.
  • Averaging 6.2 fantasy points per game over the last month (excluding two "easiest matchup" games).
  • No passing game involvement in the last month.
  • Playing the Browns who allow the fewest yards/points to RBs.
  • Potentially a bust candidate.
• Quion (Quentin) Judkins:
  • 0 targets in two straight games.
  • 0 or 1 target in four of his last five games.
  • Playing the Patriots, who allow the 6th fewest fantasy points to RBs.
  • Considered a slight lean over Chase Brown.

Commanders:

• Marcus Mariota:
  • Averaged 19.6, 26, 20.3, and 16.2 fantasy points in his last four significant snap games.
  • 2 passing TDs in 3 of those 4 games.
  • Averaging 22 pass attempts per game (182 passing yards per game).
  • Facing the Chiefs' strong defense.
• Terry McLaurin:
  • Practiced in full yesterday.
  • Startable against the Chiefs.
• Jahan Dotson:
  • Likely not a starter against the Chiefs.

Jets:

• Breece Hall:
  • Limited in both practices.
  • Confidence is a "strong word" for starting him.
• Garrett Wilson:
  • Did not practice Wed or Thu.
  • Feeling like he "might not go."
• Josh Reynolds:
  • Sharp this week.
  • 9 targets last week.
  • A potential start if pressed into service due to injuries.

Jaguars:

• Calvin Ridley:
  • Did not practice Wed or Thu.
  • Seems likely to be out.
  • Not recommended to start any Titans pass catchers.

Other Players Mentioned with Metrics:

• Patrick Mahomes:
  • Chiefs defense is "terrific" and bottom 7 in fantasy points allowed to all positions.
• Drake Maye:
  • Completing 74.5% of passes.
  • 8.6 yards per attempt.
  • Considered "in Fuego" (on fire).
• Jared Goff:
  • Mentioned in comparison to Drake May's completion percentage.
• Amon-Ra St. Brown:
  • Mentioned as a slot receiver who is "in motion all the time."
• Romeo Doubs:
  • Three straight top 30 fantasy weeks.
  • Hit 8+ targets in 3 consecutive games (a new trend for him).
  • Ranked 23rd by one host.
• Rasheed Shaheed:
  • Saw 5-6 targets in five straight games.
  • Matched a season-high 9 targets last week.
  • Held under 55 yards for the sixth time in seven games.
  • At least 4 catches in all 7 games, but only 2 games with 15+ points (when he scored TDs).
  • Considered a "sneaky bet for a huge game."
• Jaylen Warren:
  • Mentioned as a player with decreased expectations.
• Derrick Henry:
  • In a good spot against the Bears run defense.
• Zay Flowers:
  • 12+ fantasy points in 4 of his 6 games.
  • Had 12 fantasy points in the one game without Lamar Jackson (vs. Texans).
  • 29% target share (next closest is Mark Andrews at 17%).
  • Top 10 option with Lamar playing.
  • Ranked top 20-25 even if Lamar is out.
• Tyrod Taylor:
  • If he plays: 197 yards and 2 TDs, ran a lot in Week 3.
  • Averaged 274 passing yards per game in his 4 full games with the Giants in 2023.
  • Deep league streaming option.
• Dalton Kincaid:
  • Top 15 TE option.
  • Considered a "lottery ticket" play.
  • 6 catches for 55 yards and 2 TDs (tempered expectation).
• Cole Kmet:
  • Did not practice Wed or Thu.
  • Colston Lovelin is expected to be an option.
• Colston Lovelin:
  • Inside the top 15 at TE.
  • Worth adding if you need a TE.
  • Should get full-time TE duties.
• Aaron Rodgers:
  • Two games with 4+ TDs this season (Week 7 vs. CIN, Week 1 vs. NYJ).
  • Playing Green Bay, who has dropped off defensively.
  • Considered a startable QB in a "revenge spot."
• Darnold Mooney:
  • 68 yards and 5 targets last week.
  • Playing Miami, which allows lower volume to receivers.
  • A risky play.
• C.J. Stroud:
  • Lowest time to sack in the NFL.
  • Considered QB35.
  • Expected to have shorter developing plays.
• Chase Brown:
  • Playing Monday Night Football against the Jets.
  • Expected to get passes from Joe Flacco.
  • Considered a "real deal player of the week" connection.
  • A slight lean under Judkins by one host.
• Troy Franklin:
  • Playing against the Dallas Cowboys.
  • Considered a risky play.
• Dalton Concincaid:
  • 6 catches for 55 yards and 2 TDs (tempered expectation).
  • Considered a "lottery ticket" play for upside.
• JuJu Smith-Schuster:
  • Mentioned as having low volume.
• Xavier Legette:
  • Threw 5 passes to him last week.
  • Random big game.
  • Not ready to be bought into yet.

Here are the key metrics by team name, extracted from the transcript:

Los Angeles Chargers:

• Offense:
  • Had success throwing the football.
  • High pass-catching volume for some players (Lad Makanki, AronDae Gats).
  • Quentin Johnston surprisingly had zero targets and zero catches despite running routes.
• Players:
  • Lad Makanki: 24 routes run, 10 targets, 88 receiving yards, 1 TD.
  • AronDae Gats: 23 routes run, 5 targets, 77 receiving yards, 1 TD (all in 1st half). High snap percentage (96% of dropbacks). Rostered in 68% of leagues. Priority add.
  • Quentin Johnston: 22 routes run, 0 targets, 0 catches. "Phased out."
  • Keenan Allen: 14 routes run, 4 catches, 44 receiving yards. More of a situational/third-down role.
  • Austin Ekeler: Not specifically mentioned with metrics, but implied to be part of the target distribution.
  • Isaiah Pacheco: Season-high 16 touches last week. Snaps are rising. Playing against Washington.
  • Kamani Vidal: 23 rushing attempts, 117 rushing yards, 1 TD. Expected to have value for at least two more weeks due to Joshua Kelley's injury status.

Minnesota Vikings:

• Offense:
  • Struggled to run the ball effectively.
  • Game script involved trailing by a lot.
  • Justin Jefferson had a big first half but was limited in the second.
  • Offense is generally not considered as good as last year.
• Players:
  • Aaron Jones: Started, got some passing game involvement. Out-snapped Mason. Expected to be 1A back.
  • Jordan Mason: 1B back. Expected to lead in carries. Flex option.
  • Justin Jefferson: 1st Half: 6 catches, 72 yards. 2nd Half: 1 catch. Total: 14.4 fantasy points.
  • Jordan Addison: 11.6 fantasy points. Scored a TD in the 3rd quarter.
  • Jaren Hall: The starting QB, who struggled.
  • Joshua Dobbs: Mentioned as being the starting QB.
  • Carson Wentz: Mentioned as being injured.
  • K.J. Osborn: Mentioned as being available.

Buffalo Bills:

• Offense:
  • Has been trailing or playing in competitive games recently, impacting James Cook's pass-catching involvement.
  • Need to control the game against the Panthers.
  • Offensive line is "so good."
• Players:
  • James Cook: 0 targets and 0 catches in the last two games. Had 3+ targets/catches in 3 of first 4 games. Rushed for 87 yards vs. Falcons. Expected to see 18 carries for 112 yards and a TD. Potential touchdown scorer.
  • Ty Johnson: Mentioned as the third-down back.
• Defense:
  • Ranked as a "measuring stick game" against the Panthers.

Philadelphia Eagles:

• Offense:
  • Considered a better team than the Giants.
  • Lost to the Giants two weeks prior.
  • Potential Super Bowl contender status is in question if they lose to the Giants again.
• Players:
  • A.J. Brown: Questionable (missed practice Wed/Thu). Ranked WR6 if he plays. Potential for return to practice. If out, Devonta Smith moves up.
  • DeVonta Smith: Ranked top 15-20 vs. Giants. Could move to top 12 if Brown is out. Must-start.
  • Jalen Hurts: Mentioned as QB1.
  • Dallas Goedert: Top 5 TE option. Must-start.
• Defense:
  • Will play the Giants.
  • Matchup against the Giants is a "measuring stick game."

Kansas City Chiefs:

• Offense:
  • Rolling offensively.
  • Isaiah Pacheco seeing increased touches and snaps.
  • Playing against Washington, who is struggling against RBs.
  • Monday Night Football game against the Jets.
• Defense:
  • "Never left." Terrific defense.
  • Bottom 7 in fantasy points allowed to all positions.
• Players:
  • Patrick Mahomes: Mentioned in context of the Chiefs' rolling offense.
  • Isaiah Pacheco: Season-high 16 touches last week. Snaps rising. Playing Washington.
  • Rashee Rice: Mentioned in relation to Jaylen Waddle.
  • Travis Kelce: Mentioned in context of the Chiefs offense.

Washington Commanders:

• Offense:
  • Marcus Mariota is stepping in at QB.
  • Averaging 22 pass attempts per game (182 passing yards).
  • Has had decent fantasy output (16.2-26 points).
  • Playing the Chiefs, who have a very strong defense.
• Players:
  • Marcus Mariota: Averaged 19.6, 26, 20.3, 16.2 fantasy points in recent starts. 2 passing TDs in 3 of 4 games. Tough matchup vs. Chiefs.
  • Terry McLaurin: Practiced in full, startable against Chiefs.
  • Jahan Dotson: Likely not a starter against Chiefs.
  • J.D. McKissic: Mentioned as a pass-catching option.
  • Curtis Samuel: Mentioned as a pass-catching option.
• Defense:
  • Struggling against running backs lately.

New York Jets:

• Offense:
  • Playing the Chiefs on Monday Night Football.
  • Joe Flacco is the QB.
  • Breece Hall limited in practice.
  • Garrett Wilson missed practice.
• Players:
  • Breece Hall: Limited in both practices. Confidence to start is low.
  • Garrett Wilson: Did not practice Wed/Thu, potentially out.
  • Allen Lazard: Mentioned as a potential target if Wilson is out.
  • Xavier Gipson: Mentioned as a potential target if Wilson is out.
  • Jason Brownlee: Mentioned as a potential target if Wilson is out.
  • Quinn Cook: Mentioned by name.
  • Joe Flacco: Starting QB.
• Defense:
  • Matchup against the Chiefs' strong defense.

Green Bay Packers:

• Defense:
  • Has "really dropped off" lately.
  • Allowed 18+ fantasy points to opposing QBs in 3 straight games (vs. Las Vegas, Denver, Minnesota).
• Players:
  • Jordan Love: Mentioned as facing Aaron Rodgers.
  • Aaron Rodgers: Coming off a revenge game narrative. Has had two 4+ TD games this season. Facing the Packers' declining defense.

New England Patriots:

• Offense:
  • Ran a decent number of sets with two receivers.
  • Playing the Bills in a competitive game.
  • Raheem Mostert's two best games were against Miami and Tennessee.
• Defense:
  • Allowing the 6th fewest fantasy points to RBs.
  • Allowing 3.2 yards per carry (second lowest in NFL).
  • Have only allowed 3 TDs to RBs.
• Players:
  • Mac Jones: Mentioned as the starting QB.
  • Raheem Mostert: Snaps have been good. Averaging 6.2 fantasy points/game recently. Best games vs. Miami and Tennessee. Playing Cleveland. Potential bust.
  • Rhamondre Stevenson: Snaps have been good. Averaging 6.2 fantasy points per game recently. Best games vs. Miami and Tennessee. Playing Cleveland. Potential bust.
  • Demario Douglas: Mentioned as a receiver.
  • Ezekiel Elliott: Mentioned as a potential option.

Carolina Panthers:

• Offense:
  • Playing the Bills.
  • Andy Dalton is stepping in for Bryce Young.
  • Dalton has averaged 225 passing yards and 9 TDs (multiple in 4 of 6 games) with Carolina.
  • Potential connection with D.J. Chark.
• Players:
  • Bryce Young: Out.
  • Andy Dalton: Stepping in. Averaged 225 passing yards, 9 TDs (4+ games with multiple TDs) in 6 games with Carolina. Good for D.J. Chark.
  • D.J. Chark: Mentioned as potentially benefiting from Dalton.
  • Adam Thielen: Mentioned as a receiver.
  • Chuba Hubbard: Mentioned as a running back.
  • Miles Sanders: Mentioned as a running back.

Houston Texans:

• Offense:
  • Offense has "underwhelmed."
  • Nico Collins is their best offensive player.
  • Brock Purdy potentially returning, but Case Keenum likely to start.
• Defense:
  • "Downright nasty" against opposing quarterbacks.
  • Allowed low fantasy points to QBs: 13.3, 19.9 (Baker Mayfield), 7.8, 4.5, 1.16, 9.6 (Sam Darnold).
• Players:
  • Brock Purdy: Status uncertain. Expected to be out by some. Ranked 18th.
  • Case Keenum: Likely to start if Purdy is out. Ranked outside top 25.
  • Nico Collins: Questionable (concussion), feels doubtful.
  • Dalton Schultz: Top 12 TE. Had targets not turning into production until recently. Expected 6 catches, 55 yards, 2 TDs.
  • Tank Dell: Mentioned as a player.
  • Dameon Pierce: Mentioned as a player.

San Francisco 49ers:

• Offense:
  • Brock Purdy's status is uncertain.
  • Ricky Pearsall is still out.
  • Jauan Jennings saw increased usage (85% snaps, 29% target share) but low output (31 yards, 4 catches).
• Players:
  • Brock Purdy: Status uncertain (limited practice). Most likely out.
  • Jauan Jennings: Played 85% snaps, had a 29% target share. Season high 31 yards, 4 catches. Upside in Week 2. Ranked 38th.
  • Christian McCaffrey: Mentioned as being on bye.
  • Brandon Aiyuk: Mentioned as being on bye.
  • Deebo Samuel: Practiced in full, startable.

Indianapolis Colts:

• Offense:
  • Jauan Jennings is a target.
  • Ricky Pearsall still out.
  • Gardner Minshew is the QB.
• Defense:
  • Allowed the most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.
• Players:
  • Gardner Minshew: Mentioned as the QB.
  • Jonathan Taylor: Mentioned as being on bye.
  • J.J. Watt: Mentioned as being on bye.
  • Michael Pittman Jr.: Mentioned as being on bye.
  • Josh Downs: Considered a player to "cut loose."
  • D.J. Chark: Mentioned as potentially benefiting from Andy Dalton.
  • Alec Pierce: Mentioned as being on bye.
  • Zack Moss: Mentioned as a potential option.
  • Adonai Mitchell: Mentioned as a player.
  • Kylen Granson: Mentioned as a player.
  • Mo Alie-Cox: Mentioned as a player.

New Orleans Saints:

• Defense:
  • Will face Tampa Bay.
  • Considered a tough matchup for pass catchers.

Chicago Bears:

• Defense:
  • Giving up the 9th most fantasy points to WRs.
  • Allowed at least 13.6 fantasy points to a WR in every game this season.
• Offense:
  • Derrick Henry faces their run defense.

Cincinnati Bengals:

• Defense:
  • Have the worst defensive EPA.
  • Struggled significantly.
  • Allow the most fantasy points to RBs and TEs.
• Players:
  • Jake Browning: Mentioned as the QB.

Miami Dolphins:

• Offense:
  • Playing the Jets.
  • Jaylen Waddle is a key player.
  • Tyreek Hill is a key player.
• Players:
  • Jaylen Waddle: High snap share. Good game vs. Philly. Good game last week. Ranked 19th by one host, 20th by another. Considered a toss-up with JuJu Smith-Schuster. Waddle is the lean.
  • Tyreek Hill: Mentioned as a key player.

Denver Broncos:

• Offense:
  • Came back from a deficit against the Giants last week.

Atlanta Falcons:

• Defense:
  • Mentioned as a "tough matchup" for Jaylen Waddle.

Baltimore Ravens:

• Offense:
  • Lamar Jackson's status is uncertain (limited practice).
  • If Jackson is out, expect Snoop Huntley or Tyler Huntley to start.
  • Zay Flowers has a high target share and is a top option.
• Players:
  • Lamar Jackson: Limited in practice (Wed/Thu). Lean is "out" for the game. If he plays, he's a start. If he's out, Zay Flowers is still a top 20-25 option.
  • Zay Flowers: 12+ points in 4/6 games. 29% target share (next closest is Mark Andrews at 17%). Top 10 option if Lamar plays. Still a top 20-25 option if Lamar is out. Bears give up a lot to WRs.
  • Mark Andrews: 17% target share.
  • Justice Hill: Under 15% target share.
  • Tyler Huntley (Snoop Huntley): Potential QB starter if Lamar Jackson is out.
  • Derrick Henry: Mentioned as a player.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

• Offense:
  • Bucky Irving is out.
  • Rachaad White is back and ranked RB6.
  • Chris Godwin is out.
  • Aca'Ibuka is limited but expected to play.
  • T.J. Hockenson is ranked WR outside top 35-40.
  • Mike Evans is a player.
  • Chris Godwin is a player.
• Players:
  • Bucky Irving: Still out, did not practice. Week 9 bye. Potential Week 10 return.
  • Rachaad White: Back, ranked RB6 vs. Saints.
  • Chris Godwin: Officially out, did not practice.
  • Aca'Ibuka (Mike Evans): Limited Thursday, expected to play. Top 5 option.
  • T.J. Hockenson: Ranked outside top 35-40 by some.
  • Mike Evans: Mentioned as a player.
  • Deven "Devon" Singletary: Mentioned by name.

Dallas Cowboys:

• Offense:
  • Zack Kuntz is less likely to start.
  • Dak Prescott is mentioned.
• Defense:
  • Given up the most passing yards and second most passing TDs to opposing teams.
• Players:
  • Dak Prescott: Mentioned as a fantasy star.
  • CeeDee Lamb: Mentioned as a player.
  • Tony Pollard: Mentioned as a player.
  • Michael Gallup: Mentioned as a player.
  • Brandin Cooks: Mentioned as a player.
  • Jake Ferguson: Mentioned as a player.
  • Dalton Kincaid: Mentioned as a player.

Pittsburgh Steelers:

• Defense:
  • Allow the most catches and yards to wide receivers this season.
• Players:
  • Jaylen Warren: Mentioned as a player with decreased expectations.
  • Diontae Johnson: Mentioned as a player.
  • Pat Freiermuth: Mentioned as a player.
  • George Pickens: Mentioned as a player.

Tennessee Titans:

• Offense:
  • Calvin Ridley is likely out.
  • Not recommended to start any Titans pass catchers.
• Players:
  • Calvin Ridley: Did not practice Wed/Thu, likely out.
  • DeAndre Hopkins: Mentioned as a player.
  • Tyjae Spears: Mentioned as a player.

Detroit Lions:

• Offense:
  • Playing the Vikings next week.
  • Offense is not as good this year.
• Defense:
  • Will face the Vikings next week.

Cleveland Browns:

• Defense:
  • Allow the fewest yards and fantasy points to running backs.
  • Only one RB has reached 13.1 fantasy points against them (Jahmyr Gibbs in Week 4).

Los Angeles Rams:

• Offense:
  • Playing the Giants.
  • Puka Nacua is mentioned as a player.
  • Cooper Kupp is mentioned as a player.
• Players:
  • Puka Nacua: Mentioned as a player.
  • Cooper Kupp: Mentioned as a player.
  • Matthew Stafford: Mentioned as a player.

New York Giants:

• Offense:
  • Beat the Eagles two weeks prior.
  • Playing the Eagles.
• Players:
  • Saquon Barkley: Mentioned as a player.
  • Daniel Jones: Mentioned as a player.
  • Darren Waller: Mentioned as a player.
  • Sterling Shepard: Mentioned as a player.
  • Parris Campbell: Mentioned as a player.

Washington Commanders (continued from earlier):

• Offense:
  • Jauan Jennings played 85% of snaps with 29% target share.
• Defense:
  • Against the Chiefs.
• Players:
  • Jauan Jennings: Played 85% snaps, 29% target share. Low output. Ranked 38th.
  • Brock Purdy: Mentioned as returning soon.
  • Christian McCaffrey: Mentioned as a player.
  • Deebo Samuel: Mentioned as a player.
  • Brandon Aiyuk: Mentioned as a player.
  • George Kittle: Mentioned as a player.