Fantasy Football Start/Sit Week 8: Who to Start and Sit This Week

Fantasy football start/sit decisions become increasingly important as the season moves along, and NFL Week 8 presents another challenging slate with injuries and bye weeks affecting lineups.

Rather than focusing on obvious fantasy stars who belong in lineups every week, our Week 8 fantasy football start/sit advice targets players who could realistically be on the bubble for fantasy managers. Recent usage, matchup quality, and changing offensive roles can help separate the players worth trusting from those who may be better left on the bench.

Using our fantasy football projections as a guide, let’s get you prepped for this week’s fantasy football decisions.

This article is geared toward 12-team, half-PPR scoring formats with only one starting quarterback -- though the general advice can be loosely applied to most formats. Injury information may change after this article is published. You can stay up to date with this week’s injury news via our NFL player news page.

All betting references refer to the NFL odds at FanDuel Sportsbook. All statistics via NFL Next Gen Stats and Pro Football Focus unless otherwise stated.

This Week’s Fantasy Football Start/Sit Advice (Week 8)

Fantasy Football Starts for Week 8

Start: Jaylen Warren, RB, Steelers

Even with Rico Dowdle back, Jaylen Warren continues to give fantasy managers plenty to like in the Pittsburgh Steelers' backfield.

Warren turned 18 carries into 101 rushing yards last week while adding another 36 yards on three receptions. He's now topped 100 scrimmage yards in four of his last five games, and his passing-game involvement gives him a useful floor even when he doesn't find the end zone.

The matchup with the Cleveland Browns isn't necessarily an easy one, but Warren already produced 126 scrimmage yards against them earlier this season. He's handled at least 14 carries in five consecutive games, so the volume is there to keep treating him as a quality RB2 in Week 8.

Start: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Jets

The breakout of Omar Cooper Jr. has quickly made him an intriguing fantasy option for the New York Jets.

Cooper has produced consecutive strong performances since returning to the lineup, including a 115-yard, one-touchdown showing last week. Over his last two games, he has hauled in 11 of 12 targets while showing the ability to generate chunk plays downfield.

Now he draws a Las Vegas Raiders defense that has been one of the more favorable matchups for opposing wide receivers. Cooper's target volume still carries some uncertainty, but he's doing enough with his opportunities to warrant WR3 or flex consideration in Week 8.

Start: Cade Otton, TE, Buccaneers

At a thin fantasy position, Cade Otton is worth trusting this week.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have dealt with significant turnover among their pass-catchers, which has helped keep Otton involved in the passing game. His underlying role is especially appealing for a tight end because he's consistently on the field and running routes rather than relying too much on touchdown variance.

For fantasy managers streaming tight end or dealing with a bye, Otton offers enough route participation and target potential to be a viable Week 8 starter in his clash with the Falcons.

Start: Blake Corum, RB, Rams

It's becoming increasingly difficult to treat Blake Corum as merely a handcuff.

The Los Angeles Rams have continued to expand his role, and Corum has now delivered at least 14 fantasy points in three consecutive games. Last week was particularly encouraging as he received 17 carries and turned them into 93 yards and a touchdown.

The biggest concern is that he's still sharing the backfield, so his weekly floor won't resemble that of a true workhorse. But the rushing volume is substantial enough to make him an RB2/flex option, particularly against a struggling Los Angeles Chargers team in a game where the Rams should have opportunities to establish the run.

Fantasy Football Sits for Week 8

Sit: Bryce Young, QB, Panthers

Bryce Young has flashed legitimate fantasy upside this year, but Thursday night's matchup makes him difficult to trust as a QB1.

Young is averaging 285.3 passing yards per game for the Carolina Panthers, but he managed only 163 passing yards with two interceptions in last week's blowout loss.

Green Bay has been one of the tougher passing matchups in the league, allowing roughly 208 passing yards per game while creating consistent pressure without needing to blitz. On a short week and on the road, Young carries more downside than usual. Managers in one-quarterback leagues should look for another option.

Sit: Xavier Worthy, WR, Chiefs

The big-play upside hasn't translated into enough consistent fantasy production for Xavier Worthy.

Worthy has totaled 24 receptions for 217 yards and one touchdown across six games for the Kansas City Chiefs. He had shown some signs of life with 70 and 73 receiving yards in two of his previous appearances, but last week's performance was a major step backward.

Worthy was held without a catch and generated only 11 yards on three rushing attempts. With competition for targets in Kansas City's offense and a difficult road matchup against Denver this week, Worthy’s combination of low volume and reliance on explosive plays makes him a poor Week 8 start.

Sit: Rome Odunze, WR, Bears

Rome Odunze has enough talent to produce in any week, but his weekly target competition has made him difficult to trust.

The Chicago Bears have increasingly incorporated other pass-catchers into the offense, which has reduced Odunze's margin for error. Without dominant volume, he needs either a big play or touchdown to deliver a strong fantasy return.

That becomes particularly problematic this week on the road against Seattle. The Seahawks have been one of the toughest defenses for opposing wide receivers, and Chicago's passing attack could struggle to generate efficient downfield opportunities. Odunze is better treated as a boom-or-bust flex than a locked-in starter.

Sit: Omarion Hampton, RB, Chargers

The return of Omarion Hampton hasn't immediately restored him to a featured role.

The Los Angeles Chargers distributed their backfield opportunities last time out, and Hampton received only one more touch than his closest backfield competitor. That's a significant concern for a player who needs rushing volume to generate most of his fantasy value, especially with the Chargers’ offense struggling to score TDs.

The matchup doesn't provide much relief, either. The Rams have fielded a solid run defense, and the Chargers enter the game as sizable underdogs, creating some risk that the game script shifts away from the rushing attack.

Until Hampton separates himself from the rest of this backfield, he's a low-floor fantasy option.

Fantasy Football Start/Sit FAQ

Who should I start in fantasy football this week?

The best starts are typically players with strong recent usage, favorable matchups and a reliable path to touches or targets. Matchup-specific factors and changes in workload should also be considered before setting your lineup.

Who should I sit in fantasy football this week?

Players can be worth sitting when they face difficult matchups, have seen their role decrease or carry significant risk due to injuries or inconsistent usage. Even proven players can be matchup-based sits in a given week.

How do you decide who to start or sit in fantasy football?

Start/sit decisions should account for a player's expected volume, recent production, matchup, offensive role and game environment. Comparing those factors against your other lineup options can help determine which player offers the best combination of floor and upside.

Should I start a player with a difficult matchup?

It depends. A difficult matchup can lower a player's expected production, but high-volume players can still deliver strong fantasy performances regardless of the matchup. The player's role and expected opportunity should usually carry more weight than matchup alone. Another huge factor is whether or not you have quality alternatives on your roster.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.