While there were many booms in Week 8, there were tons of busts from above-average starters, let alone dealing with byes and injuries in your lineups. This week was tough, from quarterbacks that were supposed to light it up to running backs that just deliver, along with a low-scoring week from wide receivers and tight ends (besides a few exceptions). Injuries to Cam Skattebo, Quinshon Judkins, and Saquon Barkley didn’t help at all.
As Week 8 wraps up, fantasy managers are either celebrating unexpected heroes or lamenting underwhelming performances. Let’s break down the biggest surprises and disappointments from this week’s action.
Surprises of Week 8
The pair of Denver Broncos boomed in Week 8; however, it was not Courtland Sutton and JK Dobbins against the Dallas Cowboys. It was the rookie RJ Harvey and second-year receiver Troy Franklin, as Bo Nix connected with Franklin twice and Harvey landed in the endzone three times, already surpassing his previous touchdown total from the last seven weeks.
- RJ Harvey, RB, Denver Broncos, and Troy Franklin, WR, Denver Broncos
Fantasy Points: 24.1 and 26.9
Why It’s Surprising: It is more surprising that the wide receiver scores were down this week, to where a flex streamer like Franklin is currently leading the position in fantasy points (PPR, pending Monday Night Football).
Fantasy Impact: While Dobbins had a fine day, this could be the sign for things to come for Harvey, as Denver will likely continue the split backfield, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this warrants more snaps for the rookie over the veteran moving forward.
- Tucker Kraft, TE, Green Bay Packers
Fantasy Points: 33.3
Why It’s Surprising: The main surprise is the difference between Tucker Kraft’s crazy scoring night and the next highest scoring tight end, Oronde Gadsden II, as the Los Angeles Chargers rookie had 18.7 points on Thursday Night. The stud tight end was a man possessed, as he couldn’t be stopped against the Pittsburgh Steelers with two touchdowns (but could’ve had a third) and with 143 yards on seven catches.
Fantasy Impact: Kraft should be a top-five tight end moving forward, as the Green Bay Packers scheme him up in their offense and Jordan Love keys in on his top receiver in this offense, especially in the red zone.
- Bonus Surprises: Chase Brown, RB, Cincinnati Bengals; Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Indianapolis Colts; Kimani Vidal, RB, Los Angeles Chargers; Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Disappointments of Week 8
This was such a letdown spot for many guys, but cause of the matchup, it was none other than the Atlanta Falcons against the Miami Dolphins‘ rush defense that was close to or at the bottom of the league in rushing yards given up heading into Week 8.
- Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Fantasy Points: 5.8
Why It’s Disappointing: Although starters like Michael Penix Jr. and Drake London were out, it is shocking how badly this offense was with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. Many thought Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier would go off in this matchup, and the top back, coming off a career-high game, let many down in a big spot.
Fantasy Impact: This won’t impact his fantasy expectations, but both he and Christian McCaffrey disappointed, as both had single-digit fantasy points. It was a rare day for the top two fantasy running backs in the league, well, besides potential offensive player of the year candidate Jonathan Taylor.
- Jake Ferguson, TE, Dallas Cowboys
Fantasy Points: 0
Why It’s Disappointing: On National Tight Ends Day, the Dallas Cowboys’ star tight end disappointed in a major spot, even with a trailing game script. Jake Ferguson, with 0 catches, let fantasy managers down in a big way.
Fantasy Impact: This should be a one-off, as Dak Prescott somehow didn’t target the tight end, despite the major cornerback matchups with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens against Patrick Surtain Jr. and Riley Moss.
- Bonus Busts: Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers; Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Darnell Mooney, WR, Atlanta Falcons; Jerry Jeudy, WR, Cleveland Browns; Jordan Mason, RB, Minnesota Vikings; Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears
