Week 8 Flex Rankings for Fantasy Football

It seems like most of this week’s news centers around the wide receiver position. And many of the big names are concentrated on three NFL teams – the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Let’s discuss and see how the latest injury news affects my Week 8 Flex rankings.

We’ll start with the Rams, who host the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night. While the matchup is not good, the news surrounding the club is mostly positive. Cooper Kupp has been practicing in full. He looks ready to make his return to action this week. Kupp has been out since Week 2 with an ankle injury. There should be a little concerning considering he could not go on Sunday. But given his role and expected negative gamescript, fantasy managers should start him this week as long as there are no setbacks. I have Kupp as a WR2 in 12-team leagues this week.

The Rams also activated the window for Puka Nacua to return from Injured Reserve. Nacua got in a limited practice on Tuesday. However, I am not expecting him to return in Week 8. Next week feels like a more realistic return for last year’s rookie sensation. This week is probably the last week fantasy managers can rely on any of the Rams’ ancillary wideouts. Tutu Atwell is probably the only other Rams wide receiver I would consider starting. And even that is dependent on your other options. I am finished trying to make Demarcus Robinson happen. Jordan Whittington and Tyler Johnson could benefit from a pass-happy approach and some potential garbage time. But I would rather not play that game, especially in a week where all 32 NFL teams will be in action.

The San Francisco 49ers have lost wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to a torn ACL. He will miss the rest of the season. Deebo Samuel also left last week’s game due to pneumonia. Samuel has been released from the hospital. I ranked Samuel as if he would be at close to full strength this week. But pay attention to his progress in the coming days. Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall should get the biggest bumps in production. I ranked Jennings right around 100 overall in my Week 8 Flex rankings. Pearsall is a bit lower for now. But at least one of the two could jump up significantly between now and Sunday. Not only is Samuel’s status in doubt, but tight end George Kittle is dealing with a foot sprain. The 49ers have a bye next week, so they may choose to play it safe with their stars.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers added injury to insult in their home loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night. Mike Evans reaggravated his hamstring injury early in the contest. Head coach Todd Bowles said that he does not expect Evans back until after Tampa Bay’s Week 11 bye. To make matters worse, Chris Godwin dislocated his ankle in garbage time. He is out for the season. Godwin enters Week 8 as the overall WR2 in Half-PPR leagues, while Evans checks in at WR14. It will be virtually impossible for fantasy managers to replace their production going forward. Godwin and Evans have combined for 107 targets so far this year. The rest of the Buccaneers wideouts have combined for 37.

For now, I currently have the wide receivers ranked in the following order: Jalen McMillan, Trey Palmer, and Sterling Shepard. I would prefer to take a wait-and-see approach if possible regarding Buccaneer wide receivers this week. Players at other positions like Rachaad White, Bucky Irving, and Cade Otton may get a bigger short-term bump than any of Tampa’s wideouts. I have all three of those players ranked higher than any of the team’s wide receivers at the moment.

Check out all of our Week 7 Rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | Flex

Week 8 Flex Rankings

Make sure to check out all of our Week 8 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!