Sports

Fantasy Football Fix: Week 8

Michael Giorgianni, Staff Writer|October 28, 2021

Boom or Bust

Predicting the players who will break out–or fail–to meet expectations

Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals-Boom: Coming off a huge performance against the Ravens, Burrow plays the lowly Jets. Expect him to have another high scoring outing this week.

Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings-Boom: Jefferson has been a top target all year for Kirk Cousins and the Vikings. This week, they play the Cowboys who have been vulnerable to passing attacks this season.

Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts-Bust: Taylor has scored 20+ points four weeks in a row. However, his second lowest game this season came against this week’s opponent, the Titans. Look for the Titans to slow him down like they did in their week 3 matchup.

Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers-Bust: The Chargers take on the Patriots this week who have played great defense for most of the season. Scoring should be a challenge for Herbert and the Chargers.

Start or Bench

Deciding the best players to play this week

Tyler Boyd, WR, Cincinnati Bengals-Start: Boyd has had a relatively quiet start to the season so far, but looks for a higher scoring performance this week against the Jets. This matchup makes Boyd a solid option at flex.

Zach Ertz, TE, Arizona Cardinals-Start: Ertz has hit the double digit mark in four of his past five games including 16 points last week in his first game as a Cardinal. He should be among the top tight ends again this week against the Packers.

Miles Gaskin, RB, Miami Dolphins-Bench: Gaskin plays a tough Bills’ defense this week. With a large deficit likely, the Dolphins will be passing more, limiting his touches. These factors plus his inconsistent play all season make him someone to avoid.

Antonio Gibson, RB, Washington Football Team-Bench: Gibson has had a rough stretch recently of low-scoring games. His up and down season to this point makes him a risky play this week against the Broncos.

Best Pickups

Finding players on the waiver wire to best impact your team

Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Philadelphia Eagles: Miles Sanders is questionable for this week’s game against the Lions. Gainwell, alongside Boston Scott, looks to carry the load at running back for the Eagles if Sanders doesn’t play. Gainwell saw more action in the receiving game for the Eagles making him a solid option in PPR leagues. 43.1% owned in ESPN leagues.

Boston Scott, RB, Philadelphia Eagles: For similar reasons to Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott is a good pickup this week and looks to fill the shoes of Miles Sanders while he is out. Scott got more carries than Gainwell last week and should continue this week. 3.1% owned in ESPN leagues.

Samaje Perine, RB, Cincinnati Bengals: In the last two games he played, Perine has scored in the double digits. Last week he got similar touches to Joe Mixon making him a decent option to pick up as a bench running back. 11.6% owned in ESPN leagues.

Injury News

Staying up-to-date on the latest injuries in the NFL

Jerry Jeudy, WR, Denver Broncos: Jeudy comes back this week after being on IR since week 1 with an ankle sprain. He may be rusty to start, but this is still great news for owners who have waited for his return.

Davante Adams, WR, Green Bay Packers: Adams was placed on the COVID-19 list earlier this week and has been ruled out for their Thursday night game against the Cardinals.

Antonio Brown, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brown missed last week with an ankle injury and is doubtful to play again this week. He is unlikely to play this week and will probably use next week’s bye to get fully healthy.

Fantasy Football Around Our School

Checking up with the standings at the halfway point in the fantasy football leagues at Greater Latrobe Senior High School

Bobby Fetter’s League