Week 8 NFL DFS: Money Makers and Heart Breakers

Welcome back to Money Makers and Heart Breakers. This article covers who to play and who to avoid in Sunday’s Week 8 Main Slate for DFS. You can also use this as a sit/start article. Or simply because you enjoy reading enjoyable things from a writer like me.

On a train back to Boston and we’re startin’ Drake Maye
And I’m tellin’ you, baby, “Watch him scramble away”
’Cause I like it when Drake flies
Like it when Drake scores for me

I don’t know if he’ll throw it or he’ll tuck it and run
But against those Dolphins, either way should be fun
Yeah, I like it when Drake flies
Like it when Drake scores for me

To the tune of Boston by Stella Lefty

Now let’s get out there and shake that money maker to break some hearts in Week 8!

More Fantasy Football Fun!: | Sneaky Starts | Fantasy Football Waiver Wire | Weekly Sleepers & Streamers | Starts & Sits | Skrip’s Week Winners | Players You Can Drop | NFL DFS | NFL Player Props | IDP Analysis | Bold Predictions | Re-Draft Trade Targets | Survivor Picks | NFL Injury Report | Dynasty Trade Targets | Dynasty Risers and Fallers | Weekly Rankings | Game Previews

Money Makers and Heartbreakers for Week 7 NFL DFS

💰 Money Maker – A player expected to outperform his salary and ownership.

💔 Heart Breaker – A popular or appealing option who may produce below expectations.

💰 Money Makers

Quarterbacks

Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

Dak passes a lot in the Cowboys’ offense. In Week 8, he gets to do that against Arizona, which gives quarterbacks the third-most fantasy points. He averages 39 attempts and 264.4 passing yards per game, with 13 passing touchdowns through seven games. The Cardinal’s defense is one Dallas can attack repeatedly through the air, and the 54.5-point game total adds shootout appeal. We are going to have a Wild West shootout, baby!

• FanDuel: $8,000
• DraftKings: $6,300

Drake Maye, New England Patriots

Maye has two ways to produce for you in fantasy against Miami in Week 8. The Dolphins allow the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing teams’ quarterbacks. He averages 254.9 passing yards and 30.1 rushing yards per game on 30.6 throws and 5.4 rushing attempts. Drake is synonymous with Konami Code. You can pass on the Dolphins, and Maye’s legs provide another way to pile up points even if the game stays below shootout territory. Yay Patriots! I am from Boston.

• FanDuel: $8,200
• DraftKings: $6,500

Geno Smith, New York Jets

Geno Smith offers salary-saving appeal in Week 8 against a Raiders defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. He averages 231.9 passing yards per game, completes 70% of his passes, and has 10 touchdowns against just two interceptions through seven games. Las Vegas’ pass-funnel tendencies strengthen the matchup, but Smith’s 21 sacks taken highlight the risk behind his offensive line. Yo, Geno, grab me a slice on the way back to the table, would ya?

• FanDuel: $7,000
• DraftKings: $5,200

Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

• FanDuel: $8,500
• DraftKings: $6,800

Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals

• FanDuel: $7,100
• DraftKings: $5,700

Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars

• FanDuel: $7,700
• DraftKings: $6,200

Quarterback Notes: Lamar Jackson brings dual-threat upside against Buffalo, averaging 241.8 passing yards and 36 rushing yards while completing 70.8% of his throws at 10.1 yards per attempt. Thursday’s full practice is encouraging, but confirm his ankle is cleared before locking him in. Jacoby Brissett offers a volume-driven option at Dallas, averaging 40.3 attempts and 228.6 passing yards. His seven carries last week add another avenue for production in a potential shootout. Trevor Lawrence rounds out the group against Indianapolis, averaging 246.7 passing yards with 14 passing touchdowns in six games. Despite a lighter workload of 30.7 attempts per game, his touchdown production keeps him firmly in the Week 8 conversation, especially against a Colts defense that gives up the 12^th most fantasy points to quarterbacks.

Running Backs

Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens

Henry brings a massive workload into a great Week 8 matchup against Buffalo, which allows the third-most fantasy points to running backs. He averages 22.4 touches and 92.4 scrimmage yards per game, commanding 69.3% of Baltimore’s carries despite playing just 57.3% of offensive snaps. With a 53.5-point over/under, this game offers plenty of scoring potential, and Henry’s concentrated workload puts him in position to capitalize. Can you say shootout?

• FanDuel: $8,500
• DraftKings: $7,200

Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots

The Patriots play the Dolphins in Week 8. That means Rhamondre faces a Miami defense that gives up the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs. Stevenson averages 13.9 touches and 69.8 scrimmage yards per game while playing 63.6% of New England’s offensive snaps. His receiving work, 2.9 catches and 29.1 yards per game, adds a dimension on DraftKings, where full-PPR scoring rewards that involvement. Yah Ked, Rhamondre is a Money Makah in Week 8, ked, play em. (that’s a Boston accent in writing for you)

• FanDuel: $6,500
• DraftKings: $5,600

Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Bucky has a great Week 8 matchup against Atlanta, which allows the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing teams’ running backs. He averages 19.7 touches and 90.8 scrimmage yards per game while playing 64.4% of Tampa Bay’s offensive snaps. With 120 carries and 23 targets through seven games, Irving can produce on the ground and through the air, making him a strong Money Maker who doesn’t need a touchdown to deliver useful production. You will get Lucky With Bucky!

• FanDuel: $7,300
• DraftKings: $6,400

Kyren Williams. Los Angeles Rams

• FanDuel: $7,600
• DraftKings: $7,500

Kenneth Walker, Kansas City Chiefs

• FanDuel: $9,000
• DraftKings: $8,800

Bam Knight, Arizona Cardinals

• FanDuel: $5,600
• DraftKings: $4,700

Breece Hall, New York Jets

• FanDuel: $7,000
• DraftKings: $6,000

Running Back Notes: Bam Knight has turned 22 carries into 128 rushing yards over his last two games, adding five targets in Week 7. Dallas allows the eighth-most fantasy points to running backs, making Knight a good value if Jeremiyah Love remains sidelined. Kyren Williams has 18.3 touches and 104.4 scrimmage yards per game with 41 targets through seven games, against a Chargers defense that surrenders the ninth-most RB points. Kenneth Walker III has the biggest workload, averaging 23 touches and 136.1 scrimmage yards while handling 87.5% of Kansas City’s carries last week. Denver allows the 10th-most RB fantasy points; the volume will be there. Breece Hall remains conditional against Las Vegas: his 20.3 touches and 88.3 scrimmage yards per appearance are encouraging but ensure he is playing; if he is out, pivot to Braelon Allen.

Wide Receivers

CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys

CeeDee Lamb brings elite volume into a favorable Week 8 matchup against Arizona, which allows the ninth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. He averages 11.6 targets and 93 receiving yards per game, commanding a 30.5% season target share. Last week, those shares climbed to 46.2% of Dallas’ targets and 51.6% of its air yards. With that much of the passing offense flowing through him, Lamb is a strong Money Maker this week. Dude, 46% target share in Week and Pickens appears dinged up for Week 8. Lamb will have so many balls thrown at him in Week 8.

• FanDuel: $8,900
• DraftKings: $8,100

Keenan Allen, Indianapolis Colts

Starting Keenan Allen feels a little icky, but the veteran has a case in Week 8. He has delivered double-digit fantasy points in favorable matchups this season, and Jacksonville allows the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. With roughly 20% of the Colts’ targets and 17% of their air yards, Allen remains involved enough to warrant consideration. You have plenty of alternatives this week, but don’t let the lack of excitement keep you from a useful matchup play.

• FanDuel: $5,800
• DraftKings: $4,500

Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens

Zay Flowers is delivering the volume and consistency we want, commanding a 31% target share and averaging more than 10 targets over his last four games, with no fewer than nine in that stretch. He has reached double-digit fantasy points in every game this season, and now he faces a Bills defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers. Opportunity meets matchup in Week 8, making this a perfect time to stop and smell the Flowers. This one doesn’t feel icky does it?

• FanDuel: $8,000
• DraftKings: $7,200

Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals

• FanDuel: $8,700
• DraftKings: $7,700

DJ Moore, Buffalo Bills

• FanDuel: $6,700
• DraftKings: $5,700

Ryan Flournoy, Dallas Cowboys

• FanDuel: $5,200
• DraftKings: $4,600

Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals

• FanDuel: $6,200
• DraftKings: $6,200

Wide Receiver Notes: Michael Wilson remains in the Week 8 mix with 9.4 targets per game and a matchup against Dallas, which allows the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. DJ Moore offers upside against a Baltimore defense surrendering the eighth-most WR points, provided his shoulder permits a normal workload. His reported 33.5% target share in two healthy games is encouraging, but the sample is small. Ryan Flournoy provides cheaper exposure to Dallas’ passing game against Arizona, which allows the ninth-most WR fantasy points. His 78% snap share last week supports his involvement, although his 5.7 targets per game make him a tournament consideration. Ja’Marr Chase has touchdown upside against Tennessee’s defense, which allows the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing teams’ WRs. With five scores in six games and a 25% target share last week, he remains a strong play despite quieter-than-usual yardage production.

Tight Ends

TJ Hockenson, Detroit Lions

Minnesota’s tight ends draw a nice Week 8 matchup against Detroit, which allows the most fantasy points to the

position. Eight different tight ends have reached double-digit fantasy points against the Lions in just six games.

Opposing teams’ tight ends are averaging nine receptions, 100 yards and 1.7 touchdowns per game, a great

reason to consider T.J. Hockenson this week.

• FanDuel: $5,200
• DraftKings: $4,600

Hunter Henry, New England Patriots

Hunter Henry has delivered at least 60 receiving yards or a touchdown in four straight games, and Week 8 offers

another favorable matchup. Miami allows the third-most fantasy points to tight ends and surrendered two touchdowns

to Mason Taylor last week. Henry is a strong start, while Eli Raridon also deserves consideration as a deeper option

against this generous defense.

• FanDuel: $5,200
• DraftKings: $4,300

Mason Taylor, New York Jets

• FanDuel: $5,000
• DraftKings: $3,300

Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons

• FanDuel: $5,300
• DraftKings: $4,500

Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs

• FanDuel: $5,400
• DraftKings: $5,000

Eli Raridon, New England Patriots

• FanDuel: $4,500
• DraftKings: $3,300

Tight End Notes: Eli Raridon offers tournament upside after catching three passes for 56 yards and a touchdown last week. Miami allows the third-most fantasy points to tight ends, though sharing work with Hunter Henry limits Raridon’s floor. Mason Taylor enters Week 8 with consecutive six-target games, including last week’s five-catch, 62-yard, two-touchdown breakout. Las Vegas has surrendered eight touchdowns to tight ends, giving him another chance without needing another two-score performance. Kyle Pitts draws a Tampa Bay defense that allows the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing teams’ TEs, but his 3.9 targets per game and 27.3 yards per game make him a touchdown-dependent option. Travis Kelce brings the strongest volume foundation, averaging 57.2 receiving yards and commanding eight targets, a 25% share, last week. Denver allows the ninth-most fantasy points to tight ends, supporting Kelce despite the modest game total.

Los Angeles Rams

The Rams’ defense has multiple paths to a profitable Week 8 against the Chargers, who allow the most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Justin Herbert has thrown 8 interceptions in six appearances and taken 3.5 sacks per game, creating opportunities for both sacks and takeaways. This combination makes the Rams a strong Money Maker this week.

• FanDuel: $4,500
• DraftKings: $3,500

Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville’s defense drew a good Week 8 matchup against Indianapolis, which allows the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Daniel Jones has thrown seven interceptions against just four passing touchdowns and taken 10 sacks over his last two games. With seven interceptions of their own, tied for the league’s fourth-most, the Jaguars have the turnover production to capitalize on those mistakes and deliver a Money Maker performance.

• FanDuel: $4,700
• DraftKings: $3,700

Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh’s defense has a favorable Week 8 matchup against Cleveland, which allows the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing teams’ defenses. Deshaun Watson took 13 sacks in the two games before Week 7, giving the Steelers a chance to exploit Cleveland’s protection problems. The 39.5-point game total also indicates a low-scoring game for Pittsburgh’s defense, making the Steelers a strong Money Maker with sack upside.

• FanDuel: $4,900
• DraftKings: $3,300

Check out all of our Week 8 Rankings: Flex Rankings | QB Rankings | RB Rankings | WR Rankings | TE Rankings | MOP Rankings

💔 Heart Breakers

Quarterbacks

Kyler Murray, Minnesota Vikings

Detroit gives up the most fantasy points to opposing teams’ QBs. Why the heck do you have Murray as a Heart Breaker then Reedy? The Lions have Brian Branch back, and Kerby Joseph appears to play in Week 8. Upgrade this defense: the secondary’s stars are returning, and Murray, who isn’t legally a midget, has been short on production.

Jared Goff, Detroit Lions

Goff gets a Vikings defense in Week 8 that gives up the fewest fantasy points to opposing teams’ quarterbacks. Only 2 quarterbacks have surpassed 10 or more fantasy points against the Vikings this season. You can play him season-long. Goff is having a fantastic season. But stay away in DFS. This is called mitigating risk.

Bo Nix, Denver Broncos

The Broncos play the Chiefs in Week 8. Kansas City gives up the 3rd-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. So, the match is bad. Nix has been OK this season in spurts, so you probably weren’t playing him anyway, but I am here to tell you not to.

Running Backs

Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions

In season-long formats, obviously play Gibbs. But in DFS, this is another risk-mitigation play.  The Vikings, you see, give up the fewest fantasy points to running backs. The Vikings defense simply is no joke. It is the best real defense in the league.  The Vikings offense, on the other hand, is kind of a joke.

Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts

Reedy, you imbecile, I am not sitting Taylor. The Colts just traded away their best offensive lineman. This week they also play the Jaguars. Jacksonville gives up the 2nd fewest fantasy points to the RB position. Play him in season-long, but don’t play him in DFS. I am just trying to set your expectations.

Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons

Tic-tac-toe, three great running backs in a row are all listed as Heart Breakers in Week 8. Sometimes I even amaze myself. The Falcons play Tampa Bay in Week 8. The Buccaneers give up the 3rd fewest fantasy points to opposing teams’ running backs. Yes, this is the same old story for the third time. Play him with lower expectations in season-long leagues, but do not pay up in DFS.

Wide Receivers

Jaylen Waddle, Denver Broncos

The Broncos play the Chiefs in Week 8, and the Chiefs give up the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Waddle also has a chest contusion, which means he is dinged up. He’s broken double-digit fantasy points only twice this season. Easy sit.

A.J. Brown, New England Patriots

Brown has seen 16 targets over the past two games. He has 6 receptions for 75 yards. His catch rate is 38%, which is just plain ugly. To top it off, the Dolphins are up in Week 8. The Dolphins give up the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing teams’ wide receivers. You are probably playing him, but it may not be pretty.

Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings

On paper, the matchup is amazing. The Lions give up the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.  As much as we like to think this game is played on paper or in spreadsheets, it is not. The Lions’ defense is getting healthy and is not the same as it was two weeks ago. The not-legal midget (Kyler Murray) will struggle to get the ball to Justin Jefferson this week.

Tight Ends

Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions

LaPorta has been good in good matchups this season and less effective in bad ones. In Week 8, the Lions play the Vikings. The Vikings give up the fewest fantasy points to opposing teams’ tight ends. No tight end has for 65+ yards or a touchdown against the Vikings this season.

Charlie Kolar, Los Angeles Chargers

If you were playing Charlie or any Chargers tight end, you were either A. desperate or B. stupid, or maybe some combination of both. Look, the Chargers play the Rams in Week 8. The Rams give up the 4th-fewest fantasy points to opposing teams’ tight ends. Also, the Chargers’ offense makes my stomach turn.

Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals

Gesicki has been getting touchdowns. Which might make you think, “Oh my god, I should play him.” Do not think that. If you think that you are incorrect. His target volume is exceptionally low. He has a touchdown in every game he catches a pass this season. That is 5 games and 5 touchdowns. But in Week 8, the Bengals play the Titans. The Titans don’t do much right, but they give up the 8th-fewest fantasy points to the tight ends. Don’t bank on another touchdown; eventually this string will run out.

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