Welcome to Week 8 Start/Sit for the 2024 NFL fantasy football season. I will be publishing this article every week throughout the season to help you make your start/sit decisions.
Scroll through my top starts and sits at each position. I do my best to avoid picking elite players for “Start ‘Em” to make it more actionable.
Don’t forget to use this and our terrific fantasy football rankings to help you set your lineups this week.
Week 8 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Quarterbacks
QB Start ‘Em
Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (at LV)
Patrick Mahomes gets a boost with the arrival of DeAndre Hopkins, who is expected to be deployed in the slot in the Rashee Rice role. It also helps that it’s a great matchup against the Raiders, a team that Mahomes has dominated throughout his career. This one feels personal with all the trash-talking done by the Raiders defense towards Mahomes this offseason. I’d start Mahomes over Brock Purdy this week.
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Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins (vs ARI)
Tua Tagovailoa is set to return just in time for an exploitable matchup against a Cardinals defense that ranks 30th in Pass EPA. This game can turn into a shootout if the Cardinals can do their part on offense, creating a favorable game environment for fantasy points. The Dolphins offense has got to be bursting at the seams ready for this long-awaited return of their starting QB. I’d start Tua over Jared Goff this week.
QB Sit ‘Em
Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs ATL)
Baker Mayfield has been one of the best stories in the NFL, playing like one of the top quarterbacks in the league. But the Bucs are without Mike Evans and Chris Godwin for this divisional tilt against the Falcons, which makes it tough to start Mayfield. Expect Tampa to lean on their running game a bit more, even with Bucky Irving out as well. I’d sit Mayfield for Anthony Richardson this week.
Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks (vs BUF)
Geno Smith is in a pass-heavy offense, which always gives him upside in the right matchup. But this is a tough spot vs a Bills defense that has allowed a 6.39 yards per attempt to quarterbacks this season, which ranks 5th in the NFL. Add in the fact that DK Metcalf looks poised to miss this game, and you can see why Geno is a player to avoid. I’d sit him for Jameis Winston this week.
Week 8 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Running Backs
RB Start ‘Em
Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos (vs CAR)
Javonte Williams is coming off a breakout game vs the Saints, where he combined for 111 total yards and two touchdowns. This is a terrific spot vs the Panthers, who rank 29th in Rush EPA. Bryce Young is starting for Carolina, which means we could see a lot of punts from their offense and more possessions for the Broncos. I’d start Javonte over Alvin Kamara this week.
Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs ATL)
Just when people started to doubt Rachaad White, he came through with a huge game vs the Ravens, combining for 111 total yards and two touchdowns. With Mike Evans and Chris Godwin out, we could see White utilized even more in the passing game. Given the elite receiving upside, there’s a legit chance that White could be a major difference-maker down the stretch. Fire him up over David Montgomery.
RB Sit ‘Em
Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers (at DEN)
Chuba Hubbard has been one of the best late-round picks in fantasy, but this is a terrible spot vs the Broncos, especially with Bryce Young starting for this game. Carolina has a 16.25-point implied total, which is one of the lowest on the slate. While Denver is more vulnerable on the ground than through the air, I have a hard time seeing Carolina sustaining drives in this one. Sit Hubbard for Chase Brown this week.
Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders (vs KC)
Alexander Mattison has been another steal in drafts, combining for at least 60 total yards in four consecutive games, including 123 against the Rams last week. However, this is a brutal matchup vs the Chiefs elite run defense, which ranks 6th in Rush EPA. Kansas City is allowing only 3.3 yards per carry, which ranks 2nd in the NFL. I’d sit Mattison for Rico Dowdle this week.
Week 8 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Wide Receivers
WR Start ‘Em
Tank Dell, Houston Texans (vs IND)
Tank Dell has been a major disappointment and coming off a catch-less game against the Packers. But this is a terrific spot vs a Colts defense that has been burned downfield on the perimeter consistently this season. We’ve seen Rome Odunze, Nico Collins, and Brian Thomas Jr. get loose against this secondary. I’d fire up Dell over Terry McLaurin this week.
Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs (at LV)
Xavier Worthy has been a letdown this year, but he’s put up 14 targets in his last two games, including a near touchdown on a deep pass from Patrick Mahomes. With DeAndre Hopkins taking away some coverage, perhaps this is the long-awaited Worthy spike week. I’m betting that we get a big game from Mahomes here, which would allow Worthy to potentially reap the rewards. I’d start Worthy over Darnell Mooney this week.
WR Sit ‘Em
Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders (vs CHI)
Terry McLaurin has had a terrific season, but with Jayden Daniels likely out for this game, it’s time to make a bold move and leave the Commanders’ top wideout on your bench. This is a brutal matchup vs the Bears, who rank 5th in fantasy PPG allowed to opposing receivers. The Commanders are likely to be run-heavy with Marcus Mariota under center as well. I’d bench McLaurin for Jaxon Smith-Njigba in this spot.
Diontae Johnson, Carolina Panthers (at DEN)
Diontae Johnson has had a rock-solid season for the Panthers, but we could see a reduced role due to trade rumors. Plus, Bryce Young is starting, which could turn this offense into a dumpster fire once again. If that wasn’t enough, Diontae has to deal with the best cornerback in the NFL in Patrick Surtain II. I’d bench Diontae for several other receivers, including Ricky Pearsall.
Week 8 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Tight Ends
TE Start ‘Em
Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions (vs TEN)
Sam LaPorta has been the biggest bust in fantasy this year when you consider his average draft position and current production. But Jameson Williams has been suspended for two games, which could open up more opportunities for targets for the second-year tight end. While the Titans rank 3rd vs tight ends, the Lions offense is elite, giving LaPorta a great chance to find the end zone. Start him over Kyle Pitts this week.
Hunter Henry, New England Patriots (vs NYJ)
Hunter Henry has been solid with Drake Maye under center, putting up 11 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown in two games. We should see the veteran continue to act as a safety valve for his rookie quarterback, especially against a disappointing but still talented Jets defense. I’d fire up Henry over Cole Kmet this week.
TE Sit ‘Em
Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys (at SF)
Jake Ferguson is in a tough spot vs a 49ers defense that ranks 10th in EPA vs the pass. We’ve seen the Cowboys continue to struggle against San Francisco — just look at how they got blown out last year. I understand that Ferguson is in a position for volume, but I’d rather go with someone like Cade Otton, who should see more looks with Chris Godwin and Mike Evans out.
Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs PIT)
If you’re in a deeper league and looking for a tight end to start, I’d recommend avoiding Pat Freiermuth in what should be a low-scoring and run-heavy matchup vs the Giants. I’m betting that Pittsburgh has a lot of success on the ground vs the Giants, who rank 19th in Rush EPA. There’s likely not going to be enough volume here. I’d start Cade Otton over Freiermuth with confidence.
How to Make Start’Em, Sit’ Em Decisions For NFL Week 8
Use Matchup Stats
Check the team defensive stats of a player’s opponent. For example, if deciding between quarterbacks, check how many passing yards and passing touchdowns each opponent allows per game.
Check Injury Reports
Is one opponent dealing with many injuries, particularly to a position group?
For example, in 2022, the Eagles led the NFL with 70 sacks. If the Eagles faced an offensive line with multiple injuries, that could be a bad recipe for the opposing quarterback.
It’s also possible that an offense is beset with injuries, which can lead to more opportunities presented to another player.
For example, San Francisco RB Elijah Mitchell was injured from Weeks 2 to 8 and again from Weeks 13 to 17. Jeff Wilson Jr. was the primary beneficiary over the first span, while Christian McCaffrey took over after Week 7.
Check the Snap Counts
After every week, the NFL releases how many snaps (or plays) each player participated in. Sometimes, you notice a backup getting more and more playing time over time.
Watch the Games
Build up your eye for the game by simply watching with an attention to detail. Highlights don’t tell the full story.
Good players pop off the screen. They give the extra effort; they turn a 5-yard gain into a 10-yard gain; they make a defender miss; they make that spectacular throw, catch, run, tackle, etc.
Learn More About the Xs and Os
Who is on the field in a 12 personnel? What is Cover 0? What is the 3 technique? What is a route tree? What is outside leverage? If you don’t know the answer to these questions—it’s okay—but there may be some blind spots in your football knowledge.
Embrace these challenges and branch out by learning how the pros play the game.
