Week 8 is among us, and it’s time to find players whose opportunity, matchup, and upside make them must-starts for your lineups. We’re looking beyond names and focusing on what actually wins fantasy weeks: volume, usage, defensive weaknesses, and scoring opportunities.
This week’s picks include a quarterback who’s making another appearance on this segment, a running back with an opportunity to make noise, a receiver with a favorable spot shootout matchup, and a tight end who could be in line for a productive game.
Must-Start Jacoby Brissett
I featured Brissett in my previous article earlier in the season, and I’m going right back to the well. The volume is simply too good to ignore, especially with matchup against Dallas.
Brissett is averaging 40.3 pass attempts per game, the most in the NFL. Last week against Denver, he completed 27 of 48 passes for 272 yards and a touchdown. He has also scored at least 18.5 fantasy points in three of his last five games.
Now he gets the Cowboys defense allowing approximately 19.7 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks, one of the most favorable matchups for QBs.
The biggest factor here is game script. Arizona could find itself playing from behind and trying to keep up, forcing Brissett to throw early and often. Even if his efficiency isn’t spectacular, this kind of passing volume creates a reliable fantasy opportunity.
Must-Start: Brissett is a strong streaming option with top-10 upside this week. The passing volume and matchup make him a must-start in leagues where you’re looking for quarterback production without paying for a premium name.
Must-Start Bhayshul Tuten
The talent is there, the opportunity is growing, and the matchup is good enough to be a top 12 RB this week.
Tuten enters Week 8 with 94 carries for 388 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, averaging 4.1 yards per carry. He’s also contributed 13 receptions for 126 yards and two receiving touchdowns, giving him a path to fantasy production even when the rushing game isn’t working.
His recent workload is especially encouraging. Before Jacksonville’s Week 7 bye, Tuten logged 16 touches in Week 6, including 4 receptions for 48 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns. He finished with 24.7 PPR points againast a Houston Texans defense.
The matchup against Indianapolis is appealing, too. The Colts have allowed approximately 22 PPR points per game to opposing RBs, putting them around the middle of the league in fantasy points allowed at the position. Jacksonville is also favored by roughly 10 points, creating the potential for a favorable second-half rushing script.
Tuten’s receiving involvement is what separates him from a touchdown-dependent backup. If Jacksonville builds a lead, he can produce on the ground; if the Colts keep things competitive, his passing-game work provides another route to points.
Must-Start: Tuten is a must-start RB2 with upside for more in PPR formats. The combination of rushing opportunities, receiving production and a potentially positive game script gives him a legitimate chance to deliver another strong fantasy performance.
Must-Start DJ Moore
Don’t overlook Moore in a matchup that could turn into a high-scoring affair.
Moore can turn a modest target share into a big fantasy performance, and this matchup offers a reason to bet on his upside. Baltimore vs Buffalo has an implied game total of 53.5 points, which is highest of the week.
Baltimore has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers on a schedule-adjusted basis, according to current Week 8 matchup projections. The projected total for this game is also high, creating the potential for plenty of offensive production.
Moore has already demonstrated his ceiling this season, recording 5 catches for 100 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 vs the Texans. He also caught 6 passes for 67 yards in Week 3 vs the Chargers. While his production has been inconsistent due to lingering injuries, his ability to create after the catch and generate explosive plays keeps his ceiling attractive.
The projected workload is encouraging as well: current Week 8 projections put Moore around eight targets, 4–5 receptions, and close to 60-70 receiving yards. That would give him a solid foundation before accounting for any touchdown upside.
D.J. Moore has been listed as questionable with a shoulder injury, so check his final status before kickoff, but if he suits up he has the potential to be a top 15 WR this week.
Must-Start: Moore is a must-start in most lineups if he’s active and cleared to play. The matchup and potential for a high-scoring game give him a path to WR1-level production for the week, even if his recent consistency hasn’t been ideal.
Must-Start Hunter Henry
Hunter Henry has quietly put together a productive stretch, and the opportunity is there for another strong performance against Miami.
Over his last four games, Henry has recorded:
- 19 receptions
- 225 receiving yards
- Two receiving touchdowns
- At least 11.2 PPR fantasy points in every game
His latest performance was particularly encouraging: seven catches for 71 yards on seven targets against Chicago. He played 76% of the offensive snaps and commanded approximately 23% of New England’s targets.
That kind of usage is exactly what we’re looking for at tight end. Henry isn’t simply relying on a touchdown to produce; he’s seeing enough targets to build a meaningful fantasy floor.
The matchup makes him even more appealing. Miami has allowed approximately 21.1 PPR points per game to opposing tight ends, the third-most in the league. Five tight ends have already scored at least 10.4 PPR points against the Dolphins this season.
With Drake Maye continuing to look Henry’s way, the combination of consistent involvement and a defense that has struggled to contain tight ends makes this a favorable spot. With Romeo Doubs on IR and A.J. Brown questionable to play, this is a great spot for the Pats to lean on Henry.
Must-Start: Henry is a must-start TE1 this week. He’s coming off a seven-catch performance, has recorded double-digit PPR points in four straight games, and gets one of the best positional matchups on the slate.
