Week 8 is upon us, and as usual, there are plenty of fluid situations around the NFL. We have bye weeks, injuries, and even weather concerns this week. There is no shortage of reasons to be on the hunt for Week 8 streamers. Luckily, there are several viable options at each position. Below are my favorite streamers at each position based on a combination of availability and matchup. If you find yourself needing a solution at a given position, give these players some consideration.
Week 8 Streamers
Quarterback
Case Keenum, Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs
I feel a bit dirty selecting Case Keenum here. Keenum has disappointed in this spot before. In a Week 4 matchup, Keenum failed to finish as even a top-25 fantasy quarterback in this matchup. Starting with that game, Kansas City’s pass defense has stiffened a little bit. But they can still be had, and Keenum warrants streaming consideration this week.
The Broncos are likely to be without running back Royce Freeman for this game. Freeman is averaging just over 10 touches per game. If he sits, most of that volume will be shared between Phillip Lindsay and Devontae Booker. But that may benefit Keenum to a degree as well. I would expect both healthy backs to be more involved in the passing game. This is an area where the Chiefs have continued to struggle. They have allowed the most receiving yards to opposing running backs this year. Freeman has caught just four passes this season and is not a threat in that capacity.
If Keenum cannot exploit that deficiency in the Chiefs’ defense, he should at least have the volume to buoy his numbers. Denver will be hard pressed to keep up with Kansas City on the scoreboard, and Keenum will likely be chucking the ball quite a bit. In this scenario, it helps to have a trio of wideouts who can make plays, which Denver possesses. Keenum is owned in just 58 percent of leagues and is currently active in only 24 percent. Although he has a rather low floor, Case Keenum makes for a very intriguing play this week and is one of my preferred Week 8 streamers.
Running Back
Raheem Mostert, San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals
Raheem Mostert has emerged from relative obscurity to fantasy relevance in short order. The fourth-year back out of Purdue has led the San Francisco 49ers in rushing yards in back-to-back games. Mostert has had 12 and 11 touches respectively in his last two games. He has a chance to see an even bigger workload this week, as Matt Breida continues to be sidelined with an ankle injury. If Breida is indeed out, Mostert would be in prime position to thrive in a Week 8 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
Arizona’s run defense has been one to attack for fantasy purposes. They have allowed a league-high 10 rushing touchdowns to enemy backs this year. Not coincidentally, they have also given up the most fantasy points per game to the position. The Cardinals have allowed six different running backs to post top-25 in just the last three weeks. Mostert has a good chance to join that club this week. He is only owned in 46 percent of leagues and is active in just 16 percent. Mostert has a chance to crush this matchup if given the touches. In a week with so many viable running backs out due to injury or bye weeks, Raheem Mostert in an ideal streamer.
Wide Receiver
Anthony Miller, Chicago Bears v. New York Jets
Anthony Miller was a popular fantasy pick late in drafts this preseason. That has not worked out too well. Miller has yet to eclipse 35 yards in any game. He has also failed to score as many as 10 fantasy points in any week, even in PPR formats. However, there is reason for optimism. Miller saw a season-high seven targets last week. Even more promising is that he saw 30 routes from the slot. This bodes well for Miller heading into a Week 8 matchup with the New York Jets.
The Jets have allowed the most receiving yards per game to opposing slot receivers. If Miller again mans the slot on the majority of his snaps, he should be in line for a productive afternoon. Allen Robinson is also looking doubtful for this game. That may force Miller outside a bit, but it will also likely increase his snap count and target share. Either way, there does not figure to be a lack of opportunities for Miller this week. Miller is still available in 53 percent of leagues and is active in just 17 percent. Anthony Miller makes for an excellent streaming option this week.
Tight End
Chris Herndon, New York Jets at Chicago Bears
I will not list C.J. Uzomah here for a third consecutive week, though I will point out he is still available in 49 percent of leagues and that Tampa Bay gives up the most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends this year. But I will dig a bit deeper this week and pull out a player that is beginning to pick up steam in fantasy circles. That player is Chris Herndon of the New York Jets.
New York has seen its pass-catching corps depleted in recent weeks. They have already lost Quincy Enunwa, Terrelle Pryor, and Bilal Powell. Now Robby Anderson is iffy at best with an ankle injury. Chris Herndon has stepped in nicely and scored touchdowns in each of his last two games. He has finished as a top-eight fantasy tight end in both of those weeks. Among the last left standing in New York, Herndon should have plenty of chances to make plays. I believe the fantasy production will once again follow suit. Chris Herndon is available in a whopping 80 percent of leagues and is my top Week 8 streamer at the tight end position.
Kicker
Adam Vinatieri, Indianapolis Colts at Oakland Raiders
It feels like it is too early to say this, but weather may have an impact on many games this Sunday. There is a nor’easter making its way East this weekend. If things slow down and are reasonable by Sunday morning, I would recommend Chris Boswell (43 percent owned, 26 percent active), Cody Parkey (41/31), and Randy Bullock (28/21). However, as things stand now, I will put my faith in Adam Vinatieri of the Indianapolis Colts.
Vinatieri himself is not without risk this week. He battled through a groin injury last week but missed two extra points. He participated in a limited practice on Thursday which suggests he is good to go, but check reports up until kickoff. If he plays, he should have plenty of opportunities to score against the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders have allowed multiple field goals in five of six games this season. Vinatieri is also just five points shy of breaking Morten Andersen’s NFL record for points scored in a career. I expect the 45-year-old Colt to break the record and then some as long as he is healthy. The veteran is still available in 50 percent of leagues and is currently active in just 32 percent. I like him to finish as a top-ten kicker this week.
Defense
Arizona Cardinals v. San Francisco 49ers
There are several defenses worthy of consideration this week. The Indianapolis Colts, who occupied this space last week prior to scoring the third-most points of any fantasy defense last week, have another solid matchup this week and are still less than 50-percent owned. But I will go with another under the radar defense – that of the Arizona Cardinals.
The Cardinals may sit at 1-6, but their defense has held their own. In fact, they enter Week 8 ninth in scoring among fantasy defenses. They have 20 sacks and have caused 12 turnovers already. Their numbers were boosted by a Week 5 effort which saw them sack San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard four times and create five turnovers. Guess who’s coming into town this week? That’s right. It’s the San Francisco 49ers. San Francisco has given up the second-most sacks in the NFL and their 18 giveaways are the most in the league. The Cardinals’ defense is owned in just 43 percent of leagues. They make for a very worthy Week 8 streamer.
Extra Point
Seth Roberts, Oakland Raiders v. Indianapolis Colts
Last week, I missed badly on my extra point. What can I say? It happens. Just ask Justin Tucker. Besides, the extra point is meant to be a deep dive, and those will not always pan out. Still, I have pored through the trash to find what could be another man’s treasure. My extra point this week is Seth Roberts of the Oakland Raiders.
Seth Roberts left Week 6 with a concussion which caused him to sit last week. He has practiced on a limited basis this week and is tentatively scheduled to return on Sunday. Prior to his concussion, Roberts had seen a total of 13 targets over his last two weeks. That target share is only likely to increase following the trade of star receiver Amari Cooper to the Dallas Cowboys.
With Cooper out of the fold, Roberts should man the slot on a permanent basis going forward for the Raiders. That is good news heading into a Week 8 tilt with the Indianapolis Colts. From Weeks 4-6, the Colts allowed 27 receptions to the trio of Keke Coutee, Julian Edelman, and Jermaine Kearse. Those receivers were primarily lined up in the slot in those games. Roberts should be able to rack up plenty of looks in this matchup. Roberts is currently active in one percent of leagues and is even rostered in just six percent. If you are in a bind due to bye weeks or injuries, Seth Roberts could bail you out in a pinch. Particularly in PPR leagues, Roberts is a deep sleeper this week and someone to consider streaming in Week 8.
Also check out our Week 8 Sleepers: Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Tight Ends
Mick Ciallela has been writing for FantraxHQ since July 2017. He has also written for Bleacher Report. He is a lifelong sports fan and has been an avid fantasy sports player for many years. Mick was the Overall Champion of both the 2016 Football Challenge – Roto and 2017 Play 3 Football contests hosted by CDM Sports. Mick was born and raised in Mount Vernon, New York and currently resides in New London, Connecticut.
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