Fantasy Football Week Eight: Start ’em, Sit ’em

Guess who’s back? Back again? Ian’s back, tell a friend.

We’re approaching the halfway mark of the 2022 season already, where does the time go? It feels like my fantasy draft was just last week.

Week Seven packed a lot of eyebrow-raising outcomes. The Chiefs routed the 49ers in San Francisco in a Super Bowl 54 rematch, the Panthers stunned the Buccaneers in what was supposed to be a rebound game for Tom Brady, and the Bears picked off the QB carousel in New England three times in their 33-14 victory on Monday night.

Week Eight kicks off with the Bucs hosting the Ravens on TNF, as well as a handful of divisional matchups as we continue to head towards playoffs. Let’s take a look at who should be starting and sitting for what should be another exciting week of football.

Ian’s Record: 36-18

Start ’em

Daniel Jones (QB, Giants) vs. Seahawks

The Giants are 6-1. I’m as surprised as you are.

The acquisition of Brian Daboll as head coach this offseason has been illustrious for Daniel Jones, as he’s currently having a career year in terms of passer rating and QBR. Last week against the Jaguars we saw how capable Jones is of making efficient throws as well as running the ball.

Heading to Seattle this week, I’m expecting Jones to ball out for a consecutive week, as the Seahawks defense is ranked in the bottom half of the league in rushing yards per game, passing yards per game, and points per game.

Kenneth Walker III (RB, Seahawks) vs. Giants

While the Giants at 6-1 is shocking, what’s even more shocking is the Seahawks at the top of the NFC West. Yep, you read that right.

Geno Smith has been nothing short of fun to watch in Seattle as the Seahawks continue riding the trade this offseason that no one thought they won. Walker now has a real chance to hop on as he’s now the featured back since Rashaad Penny is done for the season.

While the Giants have been impressing everyone, their run defense continues to be among the worst in the league. They currently give up a whopping 5.7 yards per carry, tied for dead last. Look for Walker to produce similar numbers from last week, and for Seattle to maintain the lead in the West.

DeVonta Smith (WR, Eagles) vs. Steelers

The game plan here is simple. The Steelers will be physically unable to cover Smith, as well as A.J. Brown.

Even with Brown also on the field, Smith has put up solid WR2 numbers almost every week this season. According to ESPN Fantasy, both Smith and Brown are projected for 94 receptions in what’s been a balanced Philadelphia approach.

Look for Smith to find the endzone again this week, as well as probably Brown.

Mike Gesicki (TE, Dolphins) vs. Lions

Gesicki has been seeing more targets in recent weeks, seeing 14 in weeks six and seven after seeing a combined 12 the five weeks before that. His size and ability to catch just about any ball makes him hard to pass up in this matchup against Detroit.

The Lions have surrendered the fourth-highest points per game to tight ends, according to ESPN Fantasy. His recent volume bodes well in what has a chance to be his last game in a Dolphins uniform.

If that’s the case, I’ll be really upset.

Sit ’em

Justin Fields (QB, Bears) vs. Cowboys

After taking it to the Pats in Gillette Monday night, some may be riding high on Fields and his ability to score points. Against the Cowboys, though? Not so much.

In four of the seven weeks we’ve played so far, Fields has more or the same amount of rushing attempts as he does passing. While it’s good to have a versatile QB like that, that’s not going to work against Dallas’ defense.

Look for Matt Eberflus and Fields to struggle to get any significant offense going in what should be a one-sided affair in Dallas.

Najee Harris (RB, Steelers) vs. Eagles

I had the eighth pick in my fantasy draft. You can probably guess who I drafted.

Najee has been in a season-long slump, failing to achieve over 75 yards rushing through seven weeks. His volume has been there, but the production just hasn’t since he found the endzone on the ground in week three.

Don’t expect that to change against Philadelphia this week, for reasons beyond obvious.

Rondale Moore (WR, Cardinals) vs. Vikings

Moore saw the spotlight for a couple weeks during DeAndre Hopkins’ absence, putting up respectable numbers in weeks five and six. Now that Hopkins is back however, his spotlight has very likely gone out.

It also doesn’t help that the Cardinals now also have Robbie Anderson after he was tossed out of a game by Panthers interim head coach Steve Wilks.

With new toys to play with for Kyler Murray, expect Moore to become a touchdown-or–bust wide receiver.

Dawson Knox (TE, Bills) vs. Packers

While the Packers are in a three-game skid that no one thought imaginable (Giants, Jets, Commanders), their defense has been consistently able to shut down tight ends.

After fighting an injury in week five, Knox caught all three of his targets for 37 yards and a touchdown. Outside of that, his volume and production haven’t been enough to make him fantasy relevant.

The Packers have yet to allow a touchdown to tight ends. The Bills will win, this is the first time in Aaron Rodgers’ career that he is a double-digit underdog, but I don’t see Buffalo needing Knox much anyway.

BYES: Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers