As Week 8 approaches, fantasy managers are tracking several injury returns and adjustments after a Week 7 slate that saw more players return to action than get hurt. Lamar Jackson is expected back against the Bills and is viewed as a must-start quarterback, while uncertainties surround wide receivers Ladd McConkey, Emeka Egbuka, and DJ Moore, who remain questionable as of Monday evening. At running back, potential returns for Breece Hall and Kyle Monangai could create backfield committees, while Aaron Jones, Jaylen Waddle, and Jaylin Noel are not projected to play in Week 8.
Quarterback and Running Back Risers
Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars stands out as a major riser, ranking as the QB3 in early projections while his team holds a high implied total of 27.5 against the Indianapolis Colts. Geno Smith of the New York Jets also enters favorable territory for a revenge game against the Las Vegas Raiders, supported by a rising pass offense and the emergence of Omar Cooper Jr., making him the top streaming option for the week.
In the backfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving continues to show game-script independence and stands as a top 8 running back for Week 8 and a top 12 option moving forward. Packers running back Josh Jacobs should benefit from a matchup against a struggling Panthers run defense on a short week, with expectations of 16 to 20 touches. Meanwhile, Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason enters line-up consideration as a bell cow against Detroit if Aaron Jones misses time due to an aggravated knee injury.
Wide Receiver Risers and Fallers
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker is a must-start option in leagues starting three pass-catchers after securing 19 targets over his last two games. Cleveland Browns rookie KC Concepcion also climbs after turning high target shares into production in Week 7 with an increased average depth of target.
On the downside, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers falls out of streaming favor with a matchup against a tough Browns pass defense. Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins drops in value as Jonah Coleman’s return turns the backfield into a full-blown committee, especially ahead of a difficult matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington faces a shrinking target share and a tough Patriots defense, while Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee becomes unstartable amid a crowded and unpredictable tight end rotation.
The full Week 8 positional projections for quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends will continue to update throughout the week as new information becomes available.
