Week 8 Start/Sit: Who To Play, Who To Bench!

Hey guys! Week 8 is upon us, and that means it's time to make some tough decisions for your fantasy lineups. Don't sweat it, though; I'm here to help you navigate the tricky waters of start/sit decisions and hopefully lead you to fantasy glory this week. This week presents a unique set of challenges with injuries, bye weeks, and unpredictable matchups all playing a role. Making the right calls can be the difference between a win and a loss, so let's dive into some players you should consider starting and some you might want to think about benching. — Rams Vs. Jaguars: Key Matchups, Predictions & How To Watch

Quarterbacks: Start 'Em and Sit 'Em

Start:

• Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins): Tua is looking like a solid start this week. He's got a juicy matchup against a defense that struggles against the pass, and his connection with his receivers is only getting stronger. The Dolphins' offense is firing on all cylinders, and Tua is the engine. He has shown great improvement in his decision-making and accuracy, making him a reliable option for your fantasy team. Plus, the potential for a high-scoring game script only adds to his appeal. Fire him up with confidence! His ability to extend plays and find open targets downfield makes him a constant threat to put up big numbers. Fantasy football is a game of calculated risks, and starting Tua this week feels like a well-informed and advantageous move. He is poised to deliver a strong performance and help you secure a crucial win in your fantasy league.

Sit:

• Russell Wilson (Denver Broncos): It pains me to say it, but Russ has been struggling. The Broncos' offense looks disjointed, and he's not producing the numbers we expect. The matchup is tough, and there are better options on the waiver wire. Wilson's struggles this season have been well-documented, and his fantasy output has been far from stellar. The lack of chemistry with his receivers and the offensive line's inability to provide consistent protection have hindered his performance. While he possesses the talent to turn things around, starting him this week carries significant risk. Consider exploring other quarterbacks who offer a higher floor and a more favorable matchup. Sometimes, the most challenging decisions are the ones that require us to bench a player we believe in, but in this case, it seems like the prudent move. Monitor his performance closely in the coming weeks, but for now, keep him on the sidelines.

Running Backs: Start 'Em and Sit 'Em

Start:

• D'Andre Swift (Detroit Lions): If Swift is healthy, you start him. Period. He's a game-changer with his receiving ability and explosiveness. He has the potential to be a top-5 RB any given week. Swift's versatility as a runner and receiver makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His ability to break tackles and make defenders miss in the open field allows him to turn short passes into long gains. The Lions' offense has shown a willingness to feature him prominently in their game plan, and his involvement in the passing game provides a consistent floor for his fantasy production. When healthy, Swift is an elite fantasy option, and his presence in your lineup significantly increases your chances of success. The Lions will rely heavily on Swift to carry their offense, making him a focal point of their attack and a valuable asset to your fantasy team. Expect a big performance from Swift as he aims to dominate the ground and air against a vulnerable defense.

Sit:

• Antonio Gibson (Washington Commanders): The Washington backfield is a mess, and Gibson's role is shrinking. He's not getting enough touches to warrant a start. The emergence of other running backs in the Commanders' offense has diminished Gibson's value, and his inconsistent performance has made him a risky play for fantasy managers. The uncertainty surrounding his usage and the lack of opportunities in the red zone make it difficult to rely on him as a reliable source of points. While he possesses the talent to be a productive player, the current situation in Washington limits his potential. Until there is more clarity about his role in the offense, it is best to keep him on your bench and explore other running back options with more favorable outlooks. The Commanders' coaching staff seems to be experimenting with different approaches in the running game, further complicating Gibson's fantasy outlook.

Wide Receivers: Start 'Em and Sit 'Em

Start:

• Chris Olave (New Orleans Saints): Olave has emerged as the Saints' top receiver, and he's seeing a ton of targets. He's a must-start in most formats, especially with his ability to make contested catches. Olave's route-running prowess and his knack for getting open downfield have made him a favorite target of his quarterback. The Saints' offense has been actively seeking ways to get him involved, and his target share has consistently increased in recent weeks. His ability to stretch the field and make difficult catches in traffic makes him a valuable asset for fantasy managers. Olave's combination of talent, opportunity, and favorable matchup make him a solid WR2 with WR1 upside. Expect a high-volume performance from Olave as he aims to exploit the defense and provide a spark for the Saints' passing attack. He is poised to deliver a strong outing and reward fantasy managers who have the confidence to start him.

Sit:

• Allen Lazard (Green Bay Packers): Lazard's production has been inconsistent, and the Packers' passing game is struggling. There are better, more reliable options on the waiver wire. The Packers' offense has struggled to find consistency this season, and Lazard's fantasy output has mirrored the team's struggles. The lack of chemistry between him and his quarterback, coupled with the emergence of other receiving options, has limited his opportunities. While he has shown flashes of potential, his inconsistent performance makes him a risky play for fantasy managers. Until the Packers' offense finds its rhythm, it is best to keep Lazard on your bench and explore other wide receiver options with more favorable outlooks. The Packers' coaching staff is still trying to figure out the best way to utilize their receiving corps, which adds uncertainty to Lazard's fantasy value.

Tight Ends: Start 'Em and Sit 'Em

Start:

• Evan Engram (Jacksonville Jaguars): Engram is finally looking like a reliable target in the Jaguars' offense. He's seeing consistent targets and has the potential for a big game. Engram's athleticism and ability to create mismatches make him a valuable asset in the Jaguars' passing game. His connection with his quarterback has grown stronger, and he is consistently finding ways to get open. The Jaguars' offense has been actively seeking ways to get him involved, and his target share has steadily increased in recent weeks. Engram's combination of talent, opportunity, and favorable matchup make him a solid TE1 option. Expect a high-volume performance from Engram as he aims to exploit the defense and provide a spark for the Jaguars' passing attack. He is poised to deliver a strong outing and reward fantasy managers who have the confidence to start him.

Sit:

• Tyler Higbee (Los Angeles Rams): Higbee's production has been underwhelming, and the Rams' offense is a mess. He's not a reliable option at tight end. The Rams' offense has struggled to find consistency this season, and Higbee's fantasy output has mirrored the team's struggles. The lack of explosive plays and the limited opportunities in the red zone have hindered his ability to produce meaningful fantasy numbers. While he possesses the talent to be a productive player, the current situation in Los Angeles limits his potential. Until the Rams' offense finds its rhythm, it is best to keep Higbee on your bench and explore other tight end options with more favorable outlooks. The Rams' coaching staff is still trying to figure out the best way to utilize their offensive weapons, which adds uncertainty to Higbee's fantasy value.

Disclaimer: Fantasy football is unpredictable. These are just my recommendations based on the information available at the time of writing. Good luck this week! Remember to check for any late-breaking news or injury updates before setting your lineup. May the odds be ever in your favor! — Showing Esteem Crossword Clue: Find The Answer Here!