By MIKE HERNDON

We’re nearing the halfway point in the NFL season, which means we should have a firmer grasp on the lay of the land in the league this year.

A few things we’ve learned, or theories we’ve had confirmed:

• The offense you want a piece of this year is Miami.
• Arthur Smith hates your fantasy team (and he’s going to prove it to you).
• Christian McCaffrey is matchup-proof, quarterback-proof and idiot-proof.
• There are no Patriots that you want in your starting lineup.
• Rookie receivers are ready to play.
• Identifying the next man up in a backfield isn’t always simple.
• Playing with a backup quarterback isn’t the end of the world.
• My start-sit recommendations for quarterbacks should probably be ignored.

Hopefully, you can use that knowledge to set a winning lineup this week. Here are a few recommendations for Week 8:

QB:

Start:

Jared Goff, Lions:  He and the Lions took their lumps in a 38-6 loss to Baltimore last week, but the Raiders present a much less challenging test and what looks to be a perfect get-right spot in the friendly confines of Ford Field.

Sit:

Sam Howell, Commanders: He’s played well when he’s had time, but Washington has allowed an NFL-high 40 sacks this year. The defense it’ll face this week, Philadelphia, is tied for third in the league with 24 sacks.   

RB:

Start:

Gus Edwards, Ravens: Edwards finally broke out last week with 64 yards rushing, 80 yards receiving and a touchdowns. This week, he gets an Arizona defense that is allowing the third-most fantasy points to running backs.

Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions: Oh, so that’s what it looks like when the Lions’ first-round pick gets a full workload – 126 total yards and a touchdown in a loss to Baltimore. This week’s opponent, Las Vegas, should be less formidable, and David Montgomery remains on the shelf. Giddyup.

Sit:

Brian Robinson, Commanders: If there’s anything about the Eagles that ought to be scarier to the Commanders than their pass rush, it’s their run defense – particularly the front four. Robinson has a grand total of 64 yards rushing in his last three games, combined.

Javonte Williams, Broncos: He had his best week yet in last week’s win over Green Bay, but Kansas City held him to 52 yards two weeks ago and presents a difficult test.  

WR:

Start:

Nico Collins, Texans: Houston’s opponent this week, Carolina, was pretty good against the pass early in the season, but its secondary has been ravaged by injuries. Collins and Tank Dell could feast.

Josh Downs, Colts: The rookie from North Carolina broke out with a 125-yard, one-touchdown day against the Browns last week and has established himself as a favorite target of Gardner Minshew. This week, he’ll face a Saints defense that’s most vulnerable in the slot, where he does most of his work.

Sit:

DeAndre Hopkins, Titans: He’ll likely see a lot of the Falcons’ shutdown CB, AJ Terrell, and his quarterback, Will Levis, will be making his first NFL start. While rookie quarterbacks have done a lot of good things this year, I’d want a look at Levis before trusting any Titans receiver.

Marquise Brown, Cardinals: It’ll likely be another week before Kyler Murray is ready to play (ahem: grab him off your wire if he’s still there). While Josh Dobbs has been better than expected, this is not a passing attack you want to play proactively against a Ravens secondary that is finally starting to look healthy.

TE:

As always, play whoever you’ve got that’s getting targets. Notable is that Darren Waller has looked like a much better option with Tyrod Taylor behind center for the Giants.

Categories: Fantasy Football