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Fantasy football lineup advice: Week 8 BOOM or BUST!

By Jake VanZuiden

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 21: New York Jets Running Back Le'Veon Bell (26) runs with the ball during the second half of the National Football League game between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets on October 21, 2019 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Joshua Sarner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 21: New York Jets Running Back Le'Veon Bell (26) runs with the ball during the second half of the National Football League game between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets on October 21, 2019 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Joshua Sarner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Fantasy Football - Vikings WR Stefon Diggs
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 13: Stefon Diggs #14 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Eagles 38-20. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Fantasy football lineup advice: Wide Receiver

BOOM:

Stefon Diggs, MIN vs. WSH

After being labeled as one of 2019’s biggest fantasy busts early-on, Diggs has since exploded onto the scene. He’s now topped seven receptions and 100 yards in three of his last four games, averaging 21.9 FPPG over that stretch. Vikings’ quarterback Kirk Cousins has finally heated up, something that’s paid dividends for the fifth-year wideout. Early in the season, there were murmurs that Diggs was unhappy with his offensive role, but any talk about him being traded has since been silenced.

Week 8 presents a juicy Thursday night matchup for Diggs against the Redskins. Washington has been eviscerated by WRs to a tune of 38.1 FPPG this season. Additionally, after exiting last week’s contest early, Adam Thielen is also on the wrong side of questionable heading into what should be an easy W for Minnesota. The team won’t be in any hurry to rush him back on short week against an inferior opponent. Without Thielen on the field, Diggs should be an absolute target-hog, making this a prime blowup spot.

John Brown, BUF vs. PHI

One of my favorite sleepers heading into the 2019 campaign, Brown has quietly emerged as a WR2-option this season for the contending Bills. He and Josh Allen have built a strong rapport, being that their collective skillsets (the long ball) mesh perfectly. In Week 7 against the Dolphins, he nabbed his first touchdown since Week 1, collecting an additional five catches for 83 yards.

If you’ve followed my column this season, you know that I love to pick on the depleted Eagles secondary. More often than not, it’s payed off. Philadelphia currently ranks dead last against wide receivers this season, yielding 45 FPPG to the position. This makes Brown an extremely safe play this week with upside for much more.

BUST:

Alshon Jeffery, PHI @ BUF

While it’s tough to ignore his target volume (averaging 8.5 looks over his past four games), Jeffery has failed to provide more than fringe-WR3 value this season. He’s surpassed 52 receiving yards just once, and the inevitable return of DeSean Jackson may force him into a lesser offensive role. The Eagles’ offense as a whole hasn’t looked great, either, limiting what Jeffery has been able to do with his opportunities.

Up next, he draws a road matchup with the Bills, who’ve ceded the 10th-fewest fantasy points to wideouts and have fared exceptionally well against the pass this season. Buffalo has allowed just over 200 passing yards per game (fourth-fewest), and with Carson Wentz’s recent struggles, this may spell doom for the 29-year-old receiver. It’s best to weigh your other options at the position this week.

D.J. Moore, CAR @ SF

Moore was another player pegged as a popular breakout candidate in the preseason, but that dream hasn’t entirely come to fruition with Cam Newton sidelined. Although, Kyle Allen has been serviceable filling in for the three-time Pro Bowler, leading the team to a perfect 4-0 record thus far. Moore has been Allen’s favorite weapon-of-choice (besides Christian McCaffrey), which has translated to a modest 12.8 FPPG for the Maryland alum. He hasn’t set any records for your fantasy squad, but he hasn’t exactly lost you any matchups, either.

Things may be trending downward, though, for Moore against the undefeated Niners. This stingy San Francisco defense is legit, boasting elite numbers against both the run and pass. They’ve suppressed visiting WRs to only 26 FPPG, fewest in the NFL. A date with Richard Sherman is one to steer-clear of, as opposing no. 1 pass-catchers have been completely erased by the former Seahawk thus far.

Sleeper:

Kenny Stills, HOU vs. OAK

With Will Fuller now out of the picture, the Texans will need Stills to step up into a larger role. He impressed with over 100 yards last week. Acquired in the preseason in the Laremy Tunsil trade, Stills will finally have his shot at more targets. While the Raiders have held their own against the run, they’ve been a doormat for opposing WRs, handing over 43.5 FPPG (fourth-most in the NFL).

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