We’re almost halfway through the NFL season. Fantasy wins are becoming more and more important as we get closer to fantasy playoffs. Even if your team is struggling, there is still time to right the ship. Making critical matchup decisions could be the difference between a win and a loss. This article is going to cover who you should start or sit for week eight.

Quarterback

Start ‘Em – Jared Goff

Lions signal-caller Jared Goff struggled last week against a stout Ravens defense. This week he should bounce back against a bad Raiders team. The big ticket here is the Lions are home for this one. Goff has excelled at home his entire career, and this year is no different. He’s scored 17 points or more in each game at home, including a 27-point beatdown against Carolina. The Lions are looking to make a statement again after getting embarrassed last week and Goff managers should benefit from it. When thinking about whether to start or sit Goff, lock him into your starting lineup.

Sit ‘Em – Geno Smith

33-year-old Geno Smith is not playing like the Pro Bowl and Comeback Player of the Year he was in 2022. He’s only put up 20+ points once this year, even with the Seahawks investing heavily on the offensive side of the ball. He currently sits as the QB22 and should also sit on your bench in week eight. Tyler Lockett is questionable for their showdown against Cleveland but even with a full arsenal, Smith will struggle. The Browns have an elite pass defense and Myles Garrett and company should wreak havoc into Seattle’s backfield. Confidently lock Smith on your bench moving forward unless he starts to perform consistently.

Running Back

Start ‘Em – Isiah Pacheco

The second-year man out of Rutgers has had a phenomenal sophomore campaign in 2023. He currently sits as the RB8 on the year and has been nothing but consistent for the reigning Super Bowl champs. Isiah Pacheco has topped 13+ fantasy points in five straight weeks and gets his second dance with the horrendous Denver Broncos. Pacheco nearly put up 16 points the last time they faced off and didn’t have a touchdown. I expect Pacheco to be involved in the passing game and get a rushing score on the day. Don’t even think about sitting Pacheco this week or in the future.

Sit ‘Em – Brian Robinson

Brian Robinson had a tasty matchup on paper last week but was mostly disappointing. He was saved from an absolutely abysmal day by scoring a touchdown on the ground. Robinson has seen 12 touches or less in the last three games and this week gets an awful matchup against division rival Philly. Robinson seems to only succeed when the Commanders are in a positive game script, a tall task when the Eagles come to town. If you’re thinking about whether to start or sit Robinson, place him on your bench without a second thought.

Wide Receiver

Start ‘Em – Zay Flowers

Zay Flowers has been one of the most exciting rookies to watch this season. He and Lamar Jackson immediately hit it off and Flowers looks to be the number two option in Baltimore. Flowers is on pace to record a 1,000-yard season and I expect him to have a DAY in Arizona. He has a solid floor of 10 points and a ceiling of 20+. I think he’s going to go nuts in Arizona and will finish top 10 at his position this week. Lock Flowers into your starting lineup and enjoy the ride.

Sit ‘Em – DeAndre Hopkins

It has been an up-and-down season for perennial fantasy legend DeAndre Hopkins. The Titans don’t have an identity on offense and have struggled through the air all season. Hopkins has only put up 15+ points once this season and is coming off a game where he recorded one catch for 20 yards. Ryan Tannehill has been officially ruled out this week and no matter who is under center for the Titans I expect them to flounder offensively. There are better-streaming options on the waiver wire this week, keep D-Hop on your bench.

Tight End

Start ‘Em – Jake Ferguson

Jake Ferguson has not had a stellar season by any means, but I like his matchup this week against the Rams. The Rams are allowing the seventh most fantasy points per game to tight ends and the third most yards to the position. Ferguson should be able to find space in the middle of the field and be a factor for the Cowboys between the 20’s and the red zone. He also played the most snaps of the season in week six before the bye. If you need a streaming option, Ferguson should be a cheap waiver addition to start for your squad.

Sit ‘Em – David Njoku

It has not been great for David Njoku managers this year. His ceiling is non-existent and his floor is low. He’s only scored 10+ points twice this year and has not scored over 11 yet. To make matters worse, he has not caught a touchdown this year either. The Browns get to dance with the Seahawks in week eight whose defense has not allowed a touchdown to tight ends yet in 2023. Njoku’s touchdown drought looks like it will continue this week. When thinking to start or sit Njoku this week, hit the waiver wire and find a streaming option instead.

Almost Halfway There

There’s still time to make a playoff push for your fantasy league but the clock is ticking. Might be time to make some trades, hit the waiver wire, and especially pay attention to your team’s matchups. All it takes is one bad decision to turn your week from a win to a loss. This article will help simplify those decisions on who to start or sit and help you get a win for week eight.

About the Author

Paul Orlando is a die-hard Ravens and Orioles fan and a fantasy football junkie. Paul is co-host of The Eye Test: A Fantasy Football Podcast on Youtube and has recently begun writing for Belly Up Sports. He gives expert advice in both Dynasty and Redraft settings, and loves finding the sleepers no one else talks about. Find all things fantasy football on Belly Up Fantasy Sports.

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