If you are here, then it looks like you are trying to outsmart your league-mates. One of the most important aspects of fantasy football is the waiver wire. If you can find that one breakout star, your team will be in a much better place than it was just one week ago. Perhaps some of the key players are actually on your bench and are you have been waiting for the perfect them to start them. Either way here are the under the radar players you need to know about. It’s Week 8 Fantasy Sleepers.
Quarterbacks
Teddy Bridgewater, Carolina vs Atlanta
Currently, Teddy Bridgewater is only rostered in 30.6% of leagues (ESPN). Streaming against Atlanta has been a good idea all season and Bridgewater has the benefit of already seeing this defense. During Week 5, he threw for 313 yards and 2 touchdowns. This time, Carolina plays at home and Christian McCaffrey could potentially return, adding yet another weapon to this offense. It is safe to say Bridgewater is a top play this week.
Philip Rivers, Indianapolis @ Detroit
Rostered in only 7.4% of leagues, Philip Rivers is most likely available in your league. The Colts will go on the road to take on the Lions, who were able to squeak past Atlanta in Week 7. Several factors point towards a good performance by Rivers. First, there is the Lions young secondary. Furthermore, the Colts have a plethora of quick weapons, and coming off a bye week they should all be ready to strike.
Running Backs
J.K. Dobbins, Baltimore vs Pittsburgh
Only being rostered in 46% of leagues, J.K. Dobbins should be added in the other half of leagues. Especially, with Mark Ingram potentially out, Dobbins may have an immediate increase in workload. The rookie running back could very well finish the season inside the top 10 at the position, as he has flashed several instances early this year. This could be the beginning of a star running back’s fast track.
La’Mical Perine, New York Jets @ Kansas City
Had I written this article two weeks ago, La’Mical Perine would again be at the top of my running backs list. However, Perine still has to share carries with the ageless wonder Frank Gore. Not to fear, because Perine but has steadily seen an increase of production in the past two weeks following Le’Veon Bell’s departure. In a game where the Jets will likely be playing from behind, Perine will likely see the field even more and could benefit from the extra opportunities translating into catches in the backfield.
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Wide Receivers
Donovan Peoples-Jones, Cleveland vs Las Vegas
I almost wish Donovan Peoples-Jones had not caught that game-winning touchdown against Cincinnati last week. His value was already going to increase after the Odell Beckham injury. Now he will likely catapult to an insane level. From his days in college at Michigan, I have always found his play to be NFL caliber and believe that he will be a positive piece for the Browns moving forward. Not only that, but Peoples-Jones has quietly put together a nice string of 73, 99, and 89-yard games over the past three weeks. He is definitely worth a start in Week 8.
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Marcus Johnson, Indianapolis @ Detroit
As I hit on earlier, the Colts get to take on the Lions extremely young secondary. Considering T.Y. Hilton’s season, he may be considered a Sleeper. However, Marcus Johnson may actually be the best option in Indy. Johnson is quietly coming off a 5 reception, 108 receiving yard game two weeks ago and could end up being Rivers’ top target against Detroit.
Kendrick Bourne, San Francisco @ Seattle
Coming off a zero-point fantasy performance, it might be a head-scratcher as to why Kendrick Bourne is on this list. Deebo Samuel is expected to miss time moving forward and that opens the door for Bourne to become the third option for the 49ers. He already was on the field for 53% of snaps in Week 7. Not only that, but San Francisco faces Seattle, who happens to give up the most points to opposing wide receivers. Bourne could end up being a sneaky play in week eight.
Tight End
Albert Okwuegbunam, Denver vs Los Angeles Chargers
A pass-catcher I really liked in the 2020 NFL Draft, Albert Okwuegbunam has finally arrived in the NFL. During Week 7, he secured 7 receptions and produced 60 yards against Kansas City. Noah Fant seems to always find himself on the injury report so he should continue to see opportunities. Also, the Broncos play the Chargers who have surrendered four touchdowns to tight ends in 2020. Perhaps a reach and an overreaction, but Okwuegbunam could definitely be the best streaming option at the position for Week 8.
Nick Boyle, Baltimore vs Pittsburgh
First, let’s hope your options at the tight end position are not this thin as Nick Boyle is purely touchdown reliant. With that said, Boyle remains a consistent Red Zone option for Lamar Jackson and will at least provide you with the chance of getting a lucky touchdown. The Steelers are the seventh-best defense against opposing tight ends, but the Ravens do possess one of the best tight end tandems in the league.
Thank you for reading Week 8 Fantasy Sleepers. Be sure to check out all of the great NFL content available on Full Press Coverage.
– Gavin Frick is a writer for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @thespurfrick Follow @FPC_NFL and Facebook.
– Kyle Senra is the managing editor for the Full Press Fantasy Sports. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @SenraSays Follow @FPC_FF and Facebook.