5 breakout fantasy football stars to pick up for Week 8

The Cincinnati Bengals’ D/ST and Mac Jones are among the top fantasy football pickups to make ahead of Week 8.

The bye week from hell is over as heavy hitters like the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Chargers are back in action after sitting out Week 7. Relying on streamers like Tua Tagovailoa wasn’t ideal in Week 7 for many owners but things look much better for owners in Week 8.

Only the Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens are off in Week 8 so things are a bit easier on fantasy owners but there are still adds to make to help improve your odds of winning your matchup. Here are the top five pickups to make this week, with all rostered percentages referenced here courtesy of Yahoo Sports.

5. Top fantasy football pickups for Week 8 – Cincinnati Bengals D/ST

The Cincinnati Bengals have taken the NFL by storm after their shocking win over the Baltimore Ravens to climb into first place in the AFC North. While all of their top offensive playmakers like Ja’Marr Chase and Joe Burrow are rostered, the Bengals’ defense can actually be a strong streaming play in Week 8.

Cincinnati racked up five sacks against the Ravens and head to MetLife Stadium this week for a showdown against the reeling 1-5 New York Jets. Already a questionable offensive unit to begin with, the Jets may also be without quarterback Zach Wilson, who left Sunday’s 54-13 loss to the New England Patriots with a knee injury and did not return.

If Wilson is sidelined the Jets would have to turn to Mike White (not the creator of The White Lotus) to lead their offense. This spot is a great one for the Bengals, even if Wilson is able to suit up, so grab them as a preferred streamer that is only rostered in 15 percent of Yahoo leagues.