Fantasy Football managers in every format can take a big sigh of relief heading into Week 8 as there are no byes. With that being said, there are still some important injuries that are negatively affecting fantasy rosters, leaving you in a position where you may have to find a trustworthy spot start. Diving right in, we are going to cover my favorite streamers that can help you work through those tough roster decisions for Week 8.
QB Streamer: Russell Wilson PIT
The Steelers ended up finally giving their long awaited first start to Russell Wilson in a matchup that was thought by many to be a very tough matchup against the stifling New York Jets defense. Wilson played very well, finishing as the QB3 on the week, where he completed 16 out of 29 passes for 264 yards and scored three total touchdowns (two passing, one rushing). A performance like this against a historically strong defense should keep him in the starting job this upcoming week. On Monday night the Steelers will take on the New York Giants, who have allowed 17.4 fantasy points on average to the quarterback position.
Honorable Mention: Marcus Mariota WAS
RB Streamer: Jaylen Warren PIT
Week 8 is a gross one for the running back position in my opinion, and for good reason. The waivers are a wasteland as far as actual starts go, though I believe there are a solid handful of insurance/handcuff players available in plenty of leagues. Jaylen Warren is coming off of his best game of the season where he slightly out snapped Najee Harris in the win. With Warren finally healthy from injury and the Steelers averaging the 2nd most rushing attempts in the NFL, the opportunity is there for Warren to have a good week against the Giants. On top of the rushing opportunities, Russell Wilson had the highest RB target rate last season which bodes well for both Warren and Najee Harris. Expect him to fall between 10-16 PPR points this week.
Honorable Mention: Tyler Allgeier ATL
WR Streamer: Cedric Tillman CLE
This streamer may catch some serious heat considering the way the Cleveland Browns offense has played thus far this season. With that being said, a lot of things are going to look different heading into Week 8, where we will see Jameis Winston running the offense and Ken Dorsey will be calling all the plays. 2023 3rd round pick Cedric Tillman saw a noticeable uptick in volume following the departure of Amari Cooper, seeing 12 targets last week. We know the history of Winston being a slinger of the football, and Tillman is a young player with the capability to be a solid possession receiver. If you are suffering from a few injuries at the WR position, I don’t hate Tillman as a spot flex play this week.
Honorable Mention: Jalen McMillan TB
TE Streamer: Hunter Henry NE
This player really should not be as available as he still is considering the current tight end climate in fantasy this year, but if Hunter Henry of the New England Patriots is on your waivers (rostered in 39% of leagues on ESPN) you should be looking to add him to your squad. Henry has been extremely involved in the Patriots’ passing game and his volume has been terrific, especially with Drake Maye leading the offense. In two games with Maye at the helm, Henry has seen 14 targets, 133 yards and a score, which is just about all you can ask for in a tight end stream. The Patriots are taking on a tough New York Jets defense, where Henry’s number may be called on often to allow for some easy completions for the rookie QB.
Honorable Mention: Noah Fant SEA
K Streamer: Brandon McManus GB
A kicker who just got a new gig last week was Brandon McManus, signing with the Green Bay Packers and immediately slotting in to hit a game-winning 45-yard field goal. The former Denver Bronco and Jacksonville Jaguar also knocked in all three of his PAT attempts and looked very solid. Moving on into Week 8, the Packers are favored against a suspect Jaguars defense, where the game has a 49.5 implied point total. This should be a high scoring game where McManus should see a few opportunities.
Honorable Mention: Anders Carlson SF
D/ST Streamer: Los Angeles Chargers D/ST
The Los Angeles Chargers D/ST is one that I think has a case to be featured in this article for the next three weeks. They are seeing multiple favorable matchups for the Chargers the next handful of weeks (Saints, Browns, Titans). Right now, it is looking like the chances are low for Saints QB Derek Carr to play– and if that’s the case, Spencer Rattler will see his third consecutive start. Likely facing a struggling rookie QB this week and two more lackluster offensive units the following games, the Chargers D/ST seems like a potentially great multi-week stream.
Honorable Mention: Detroit Lions D/ST