The hope is that everyone continues to be profitable playing NFL DFS. Regardless, that is now in the past and we have a new week of action in front of us. My intention is to help you make Week 8 of NFL DFS a week to remember as you finish in the green. With that being said, let us jump right into my top Week 8 DFS picks. This is an interesting week as all 32 teams are active which means we have plenty of choices.
Each week, I will take a look at one option at each position that can be a nice piece in your lineup. Additionally, I will provide one stud and one value option to target along with one expected bust.
NFL Week 8 DFS Picks
Quarterback
Mac Jones, New England Patriots, $5,000
Stick with us here as we begin our Week 8 DFS picks. Prior to last week, there were rumors and speculation about Mac Jones being benched. Instead, after a victory over the Buffalo Bills, here we are.
Jones played a large part in that victory as he completed 25 of 30 passes for 272 yards. Included in that were two touchdowns in what was Jones’ best game of the season since Week 1. While the Patriots might be trailing the entire game against Miami, this is a situation that should work in the favor of the passing game. Based on the nature of Miami’s game, this could turn into a one-sided affair. It is for that reason that the Dolphins rank in the bottom 10 of DraftKings points allowed to opposing quarterbacks.
With the Patriots playing from behind, Jones should be in the position to have success in garbage time. Additionally, at that point in the game, Jones won’t meet much resistance.
Running Back
Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints, $7,300
It is quite the favorable matchup for Alvin Kamara this week against the Indianapolis Colts. Running backs have been feasting against the Colts this year, and Kamara should be no different.
In two of four weeks since his return from suspension, Kamara has been targeted 14 times each. Kamara has been quite efficient catching 35 of 39 targets through four games as his role in the Saints’ passing game is quite clear. While he is only averaging 5.1 yards per catch, in PPR format, it is quite difficult to ignore the point production here.
The good news is that despite his role in the passing game, Kamara has carried the ball between 17 and 22 times in the last three weeks. Again, the efficiency hasn’t really been there, but it’s hard to argue with the volume.
Wide Receiver
Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders, $5,300
The Eagles have struggled against opposing wide receivers this season, and Terry McLaurin is the latest to capitalize. It’s unclear how much success Sam Howell will have under center, but Philadelphia is also ripe for an upset.
In each of the last two weeks, McLaurin has six receptions each with an average of 84.5 yards. It has been five weeks since McLaurin last found the end zone, but it’s not for lack of trying. Howell continues to target McLaurin on an ongoing basis. Based on the opportunity, he figures to get back on the scoreboard. This is also the matchup for it to take place.
Tight End
Darren Waller, New York Giants, $5,200
Darren Waller was acquired by the Giants with great acclaim this off-season. Granted New York has had a lot of issues offensively this season, but Waller has gotten off to a slow start.
Whether or not his recent success is attributable strictly to Tyrod Taylor or other factors, we can’t ignore what Waller has been doing. Over the past two games, Waller has 12 catches for 141 yards. There is clearly an opportunity here for Waller to emerge at the tight end position. The Giants are thin at the receiver position, and Waller certainly has value as their leading receiver.
This will be an interesting matchup against the Jets on Sunday. What has been proven though, is that Waller is (and should be) the leading target. A large portion of that is Waller’s skill set, but also other alternatives. What Waller has done the last two weeks is what we have expected all season. Entering this week, he is in line to keep that up.
Defense
Atlanta Falcons, $2,900
It is not like the Tennessee Titans offense was truly dominating prior to this point, but the outlook is even more bleak this week. With Ryan Tannehill out this week, Will Levis will get the start on Sunday. Malik Willis will also work in, and he has not generated much confidence when previously in the game.
Willis will likely focus more on running the ball, and when he is in the game, it will be easy to prepare for. Levis likely isn’t ready to center state on an NFL field, and this is time to capitalize for Atlanta. While the Falcons only have four interceptions to this point, that number is in line to increase on Sunday.
DFS Stud
Travis Kelce, Kansas City, $8,400
It is becoming increasingly difficult to get away from Travis Kelce. From a football perspective though, why would you want to?
From a performance standpoint, we have to note that Kelce did not come out of nowhere. In fact, entering the season, he was already viewed as the top tight end in the league.
This past week though, Kelce kicked things up with 12 receptions for 179 yards and a touchdown. It was the fourth touchdown of the season for Kelce who is averaging 87.5 yards per game. In what is quite the favorable matchup on Sunday against Denver, I can only imagine with Kelce will put together this week.
DFS Value
Breece Hall, New York Jets, $5,900
Coming out of the bye week, there are no longer any restrictions on Breece Hall and his knee. It has become clear that the Dalvin Cook experiment is not working out. This is Hall’s backfield, and based on performance, it certainly is warranted.
Through six games, Hall is averaging 71 yards on the ground. More importantly though, he is looking quite explosive and the Jets are going to heavily feature him. For a number one running back at this price and with this upside, it is difficult to ignore Hall.
DFS Bust
Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans, $7,600
Through six weeks, Derrick Henry is having a solid start to the season. The perennial top option is averaging 4.3 yards per carry, 425 yards overall, with three touchdowns.
This week, the Titans face a Falcons team that is allowing the second-fewest DraftKings points to opposing running backs. To make matters even worse, the Tennessee passing offense is going to be an even bigger mess this week. With Will Levis under center, the Falcons will be able to key on Henry and ultimately shut him down.
Week 8 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterback | Running Back | Wide Receiver | Tight End