Liz Loza, a headline writer created for ESPN, yarns about fantasy, WBB, and anythings betting Game changing. As the NFL season is past the halfway point, fantasy managers should be preparing for important showdowns in Week 8. Loza’s contributions on “Fantasy Football Now” and the Fantasy Focus Football podcast equip fans with essential knowledge to make informed decisions. This article takes a look at the most important players and strategy to consider as teams deal with injuries, bye weeks and schedule favorable matchups.
Quarterback Stability Amidst Injuries
In a season marked by quarterback injuries and bye weeks, Joe Flacco emerges as a surprising option for fantasy managers. Considering Flacco’s experience and skill set, it makes him an intriguing option for any team still in the market to fill out the QB position. He’s shown that he knows how to overcome adversity. He should be a solid option for any team looking to fill their need.
Additionally, Dalton Schultz continues to be a reliable factor in the passing attack. Schultz has long been known for his high-floor production, and through this reputation, quickly became the security blanket that quarterbacks and fantasy managers dream of. Even with the other receivers on the field, he’s still projected to have a high target share. He understands how to exploit space in the defense. This ability ensures that he’ll continue to be one of the most productive players dollar-for-dollar going forward.
GMs must learn to scout the QB position with a new eye. They need to look at the person’s performance in context of who they are playing against. The newly reformed Dallas secondary, for example, should open up running lanes for a rambunctious back like Courtland Sutton in week 8. Sutton now faces the league’s best defense. With the ability to score tons of fantasy points, he’s a player you’re going to want to be ready to draft!
Running Back Opportunities and Trends
Breece Hall’s explosive performances this season—I’ll go with “performances” at this point—have made him unmissable for fantasy managers. Hall has been the benefactor of plenty of work, topping 14 carries and four targets per game on average. His usage in the rushing and passing game makes him one of the most valuable contributors to any fantasy team. He’s further solidified himself as a difference-maker on the offense, touching the ball at least 18 times in three of his last four outings. That’s indicative of just how large his role has become.
With ongoing injuries affecting many backfields across the league, it is essential for managers to remain vigilant about emerging trends. Keeping a close eye on dynamic playmakers such as Hall and Allgeier should prove to be fruitful, particularly with both entering juicy matchups in Week 8.
Tight Ends and Wide Receiver Matchups
The tight end position has been all over the place this year, with Chig Okonkwo’s last two weeks, he deserves a look. Despite being blanked in Week 7, Okonkwo ranks third on his team in looks drawn and second in routes run, signaling that he remains an integral part of the offensive scheme. The former Ram is preparing for a bounce-back chance with the Commanders headed into Week 8. The anemic defense adds to the hype around his upside for production!
Defensively, the Colts’ D has struggled to cover tight ends. They’ve given up the fifth-most fantasy points per game to opposing players at that position. Okonkwo’s above statistic would make him an intriguing player for all those seeking to take advantage of weak tight end matchups. He has major opportunities to capitalize on. That would be great news for fantasy managers seeking consistent production from this important position.
Beyond TEs, WRs are a big part of the fantasy strategy this week. No receiver has been more consistent in the fantasy playoffs, as he’s scored at least 16 fantasy points in five games this season. Play-smart managers will have to be vigilant about this game-changer as they set their final lineups. Consistency is key in finding success when it matters most in important matchups.
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