FanDuel NFL 2021: Best lineup for Week 8

Flex: Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers-$6,800

So much for a slow start. Pitts has 27 targets over his last three games, with 16 catches for 282 yards over the last two. The Falcons offense appears to be finding a stride in a broad sense, perhaps fueled by Pitts’ increased involvement?

It’s not surprising that Pitts has lined up out wide at the highest rate of snaps among tight ends so far this season. So diving into the matchup in Week 8 against the Carolina Panthers as if he’s a typical tight end misses the full picture.

The Panthers are in the top half of the league against tight ends, and they’re also top-10 in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers. That combination doesn’t look great for Pitts. But he’s a unique player, and with Calvin Ridley and Cordarrelle Patterson on the field opposing defenses can’t key on him.

It’s unique to flex a tight end in DFS, but Pitts is really only a tight end by position label, not usage and deployment.

Team Defense: Cincinnati Bengals at New York Jets-$4,900

The Bengals had a nice defensive outing in Week 7, holding the Baltimore Ravens to 17 points and sacking Lamar Jackson five times. They have allowed 17 or less points in four of their last six games, with a Week 8 matchup that looked good previously and is now outstanding.

The New York Jets weren’t exactly a high-octane offense with Zach Wilson under center. But the rookie signal caller is now out 2-4 weeks with a knee injury, so either Mike White will make his first NFL start (after seeing the first regular season action of his career last week) or the just re-acquired Joe Flacco will start against Cincinnati on Sunday.

The Bengals’ defense is in a no-lose position this week. There’s no downside in any fantasy realm, with an incredibly high ceiling.