With the NFL season continuing into Week 8, those playing fantasy football are looking for last-minute additions to strengthen their lineups. With key injuries coupled with underwhelming recent performances, there are a few players who stand out that could make an immediate impact. Standouts, like Tez Johnson, Sterling Shepard and Cade Otton, to name a few, become intriguing names that could provide fantasy gems.
As fantasy managers are dealing with several injuries to important players. In addition to Johnson and Shepard, they’ll need to be mindful of dangerous wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr. Evans’ collarbone injury likely ends his season. On the other hand, Godwin is dealing with his own health issues. This opens up plenty of opportunity for other players on the roster to fill in.
Players on the Rise
With roster movement caused by the injury bug rolling through every team, several players have jumped to the forefront of fantasy conversation. After a shaky start to the season, Aaron Rodgers put on a masterclass in Week 7 against the Bengals with four touchdown passes. He’s currently sitting at a 34.1% roster rate in ESPN leagues. With his ability to rack up points in multiple ways, he’s an enticing play for fantasy owners seeking a QB uplift.
The other major player of note is Joe Flacco, who’s been absolutely on fire since taking the starting job. He’s attempted more than 45 passes in both of his starts. In those two games, he managed to score at least 18 fantasy points! His enticing upcoming matchup vs. a winless Jets team adds to the case that he’s one of the most tantalizing fantasy plays out there.
Screenshot by NBC Sports Edge media Dalton Schultz is another player turning heads with fantasy managers. Schultz was only rostered in 23.5% of ESPN leagues. In fact, during a Monday night loss to the Seahawks, he posted season highs in receptions, targets, receiving yards and fantasy points (18.8). He’s had a minimum of five catches in four consecutive contests. This modest streak demonstrates his growing consistency as a solid TE1 option.
Injury Impact and Opportunities
Now, especially with Mike Evans probably out for the rest of the season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are at an important crossroads. His exit leaves plenty of tantalizing opportunities for younger players. Cade Otton, currently rostered in 39.6% of ESPN leagues, has been on a scoring tear, reaching double digits in three straight contests. With his expanding role in the offense, he’ll offer some much-needed production for fantasy teams.
What we saw from Chimere Dike last week was championship caliber. He averaged over 17 yards per reception, and his performance was enough to top 16.9 points, a new career-high score. Even as teams scramble their lineups to compensate for injuries and lack of form, Dike’s output is a beacon. It showcases the breadth and depth of potential contributors on offer this week.
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