Elijah Moore, Russell Wilson and more

Welcome to Fantasy Life’s Start/Sit column, where John Laghezza and Gene Clemons go deep with non-obvious, outside-the-box lineup tips. John is a numbers guy, Gene is a football coach in the truest sense of the word – what more could you want?

Fully dive into the data behind your biggest start/sit dilemmas with our Start/Sit tool and get player-versus-player comparisons and verdicts on who’s the best start!

Laghezza’s Week 8 RBs start

Using a weighted mix of over a dozen different advanced stats on each side of the ball, I put every defense in the league into a reverse strength rating – all to point fantasy players of every league size toward the right start/sit answers this weekend .

1. Broncos (vs CAR) – Just when fantasy gamers were thinking about quitting Javonte Williams final, he finally breaks out (14-88-2; 3-23-0) and the four-win Broncos find new life. Admittedly, the competition from Denver was likely the catalyst for these results. But if that happens again, one good turn deserves another – because it’s the historically bad Panthers on deck. Carolina has now allowed +34 points four weeks in a row, so even if CAR stops the run per seOppositions wallow in volume. DEN doesn’t typically support multiple RBs, but desperate players with injury-plagued rosters may consider it Jaleel McLaughlin.
2. Chargers (compared to NO)– Rake-shaped bruise on my face or not, I’m going back to the well and starting with the Chargers. JK Dobbins. Despite a disappointing game against the Cardinals last Sunday (14-40-0; 3-26-0), Los Angeles’ O-line is back to full health and Dobbins still commanded the lion’s share of touches – he had a UR- Score of 6.9 – with reasonably strong efficiency metrics (5.0 yards/rush, 1.0 yards above expected/rush, 11.6% explosive rush rate). If you are lower, you can think about rolling with support Kimani Vidal against a Saints rush defense that ranks 30th or worse in nearly every key way.

Laghezza’s Week 8 QBs/WRs/TEs starting

1. Packer (at JAX) — When Jaguar is on the menu, everyone eats well. Jacksonville is the standout secondary on offense this year, ranking last in defensive EPA/dropback (-0.30), opposing passer rating (113.7) and passing touchdowns (16). They will do their best to stop Green Bay, led by Jordan Love, this year’s QB4 in fantasy points/game. Even the distribution of targets among GB’s many experienced pass-catchers causes fantasy frustration at times – but not this week. start Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed And Tucker Kraft everywhere. If no teams are on byes, you may have better options than Christian Watson And Dontayvion wicks but in most 14-team formats they should deserve a nod.
2. Browns (at BAL) – Cleveland fans finally get their wish for an aggressive offense as QB Jameis Winston takes the signals from new play-caller Ken Dorsey. The 2024 Ravens are a huge pass funnel. Not only does BAL stop the run (3.3 YPC) and can be beaten deep in the secondary (dead last in +20-yard completions), but they are also a top-scoring offense that puts every game script deep in the negatives area drives. start Cedric Tillman And Elijah Moore with confidence, ready to stay ahead of waste production.

Gene’s Bold Prediction: Starting David Njoku TE, Browns

Now that Amari Cooper has once again successfully fought her way out of a team and people can put their Deshaun Watson feelings aside for the foreseeable future, the Browns can try to play quality football again. Enter Jameis Winston, a guy who is better than a third of the QBs currently starting in the league. He has drive, toughness, sneaky athleticism and a cannon for an arm. He also has someone else to blame – and that’s tight end David Njoku.

Coming into the game last Sunday, Winston hit the big tight end, who is just finding his footing after missing the season opener with injury, twice for 12 yards and a touchdown. When another quarterback with a big arm took over the Browns last season, he had success. Let’s hope Winston’s run as a starter comes with fewer interceptions than Joe Flacco’s, but he will get the ball to Njoku. It’s been a bad season for tight ends, so they’re probably trying to find the spark. Njoku could definitely be the spark you’re looking for.

Laghezza says 8 RBs are sitting this week

1. CLE (vs. BAL) – The Ravens are the ultimate pass funnel – that’s my story and I’m sticking with it. I love Nick Chubb just like the next guy, but there’s a time and a place for it. Given the possibility of a reduced workload post-surgery and his historic lack of involvement in the passing game as an outside hitter, I’m passing on all Browns RBs across the board, including D’Onta Foreman And Pierre Strong.
2. Giants (vs. PIT) — Tyrone TracyIt’s a great story and a must-see in redraft formats, but both he and Devin Singletary If you have another viable option somewhere, go for the pine tree. The best fantasy GMs this version of NYG can hope for are half a cake, long rotten. Avoid Giant RBs (and maybe everyone else in New York while you’re at it) against TJ Watt and the Steelers.

Laghezza says 8 WRs/TEs/QBs will sit this week

1. Raiders (vs. KC) -Gardner Minshew is back under center after rushing for 236 total yards in two complete games… and he may end up wishing he wasn’t when it’s all said and done. The Chiefs remain the last undefeated team and that has very little to do with their offense. Don’t take my word on the quality of KC’s defense, ask the books – they’re double-digit favorites with a combined score of 41.5 games. Las Vegas will certainly be forced to throw, but you can imagine Steve Spagnuolo will be set on Brock Bowers. The star rookie TE can’t be benched – but I wouldn’t start Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker, DJ Turneror anyone else who has a pirate on their helmet.
2. Colts (vs. HOU)— As one of Anthony Richardons’ biggest supporters this summer, even I was forced to hit the eject button. His stats are constantly reaching new, unbearable lows: 0.5 TD/INT, 6% INT/Att, -0.11 EPA/Dropback, 49% completion, 60 PSR. Shot. The Texans have never made it easy for anyone, allowing a single QB to go over +235 yards while ranking in the top five in completion rate and passing yards allowed. It will be difficult to press the button, but you should avoid it wherever possible Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce, And Adonai Mitchell this weekend.

Gene’s Bold Prediction: Russell Wilson QB, Steelers

Amid much uncertainty and doubt from the fantasy community, Russell Wilson was inserted into the Steelers’ starting lineup and the offense posted its best statistical performance of the season, defeating the Jets 37-15 on Sunday Night Football; Wilson seemingly made many doubters look foolish when he finished the week as the fantasy team’s third-leading QB in points scored.

I’ll readily admit I was wrong – after all, I like Wilson and always believed he needed more credit than he got, especially during the Seahawks years. My problem is that his game was far too inconsistent for my taste. It wasn’t precise passes or a well-thought-out game plan that made him a standout fantasy player. There were incredible catches from the receivers that made the day a great experience. Is that sustainable? Absolutely not. Unless I know that the aliens came from Moron Mountain and turned these receivers into the Monstars, one can expect a regression. My suggestion is to wait another week and get a wider variety before you really let Russ cook in your fastest cast.