We’ve made it through the dreaded bye-pocolypse of week seven and we’re onto week eight. It seems to happen every year, but we’ve also been having to manage through some injuries as well as COVID-related issues. Hopefully, you’re still hanging in there and in a good spot to make a playoff run. Either way, we’re still here to try to identify some possible sleepers for you. 

Once again, we identify sleepers as players who are likely to outperform their expectations in the coming week and ideally can be placed in your starting lineup to help you possibly get a win that week. Some of the players may not be available, but I also try to find guys that you would be able to pick up if needed. Either way, I do my best to identify a few players at each position heading into the week. 

As mentioned before, I will utilize several factors when exploring who my weekly sleepers will be. I will be looking at ADP (Fantasypros.com ADP), weekly positional rankings (Fantasypros.com ECR), rostership percentages, and some betting info (to help give perspective on possible outcomes). When referencing scoring in these articles this season I will be looking at Half-PPR scoring and in terms of league size, I will stick with 12-team leagues. 

Quarterbacks: Fantasy Football Sleepers Week 8

Carson Wentz (QB, IND) vs. Tennessee Titans 

Wentz currently sits at ECR QB14 on the week ahead of his matchup with the Titans. You might ask why we would roll out Wentz after the Titans gave Patrick Mahomes a difficult time last Saturday. Wentz has put together a strong four weeks recently and has thrown 2 touchdowns in each of the last four games. He also has only thrown one interception all year (also lost 3 fumbles). He is currently the QB10 during that stretch of time. 

The Titans defense has looked good at times, but still is giving up 23.1 points per game, which is fifteenth in the league. The game currently has a 49.1 over/under and I expect Indianapolis to need to keep up with Tennessee, which will provide plenty of opportunities for Wentz to throw. Wentz is likely available to pick up if you’re in need of a quarterback and could fall in the back end of QB1 territory. 

Trevor Lawrence (QB, JAX) at Seattle Seahawks 

Lawrence is currently the ECR QB17 ahead of his matchup with the Seattle Seahawks. Lawrence has had some ups and downs throughout the year, which can be typical as a rookie adjusts to the NFL. Lawrence was on bye last week, but in his last two games has thrown for 273 yards and 319 yards. He also brings some upside with some rushing ability as he has been averaging 4.3 rush attempts per game and has had two rushing touchdowns so far this year.

With Seattle’s offense looking sluggish without Russell Wilson and their defense giving up 23.1 points per game, Lawrence has a shot to keep this game competitive. He likely may not provide week winning upside, but I feel like he won’t completely let you down this week. 

Running Backs: Fantasy Football Sleepers Week 8

Boston Scott (RB, PHI) at Detroit Lions 

Kenneth Gainwell was likely the popular pickup on waiver wires this week after Miles Sanders went down, but I think Scott will likely be involved in the offense as well this week. Scott is currently the RB ECR38. Last week we saw a little bit of both Gainwell and Scott who were involved. Gainwell had 5 rushing attempts for 20 yards, but was also active in the passing game with 4 receptions for 41 yards and 1 touchdown (8 targets). However, Scott saw 7 rushing attempts for 41 yards and a touchdown and caught 1 reception for 5 yards. 

We’ve got a 47.5 over/under for the game and the Lions are also giving up 27.4 points per game. Scott is likely available and I can see him outperforming his ECR. I feel as if he may bring some flex appeal this week. 

David Johnson (RB, HOU) vs. Los Angeles Rams 

Johnson currently sits at ECR RB38 and he’s more of a deep sleeper this week as it is no fun having to rely on a Houston Texans player in fantasy. What makes him more ‘appealing” is that Mark Ingram was traded to the New Orleans Saints, which clears up this backfield a little bit. David Johnson was leading the running back group in snaps at approximately 40% while Mark Ingram has been around 35%.

Phillip Lindsey has received more touches on fewer snaps, but Johnson has been more active in the passing game. He is currently 2nd on the team in targets (24), receptions (19), and receiving yards (154). With Houston playing from behind most of the time and a likely increase in snap count, Johnson gets a slight bump and in a pinch could be played in a flex spot. 

Wide Receivers: Fantasy Football Sleepers Week 8

Jaylen Waddle (WR, MIA) at Buffalo Bills

Waddle currently sits at ECR WR30 on the week, which slots him in as a potential WR3 play this week. He’s had some up and down moments on the year but currently sits at the WR25 on the season. What is also good to note is he is currently averaging 8.1 targets per game and on average 6.3 targets for 54.9 yards. He’s also had two games this year with double-digit targets and receptions.

What I think makes him most appealing is the matchup. Buffalo does have a tough defense, but will likely be ahead for most of this game. Waddle’s usage and history of being hyper-targeted bodes well even going up against a tough defense as he will still likely be heavily involved as they play catchup. He’s also accounted for 27% of the touchdowns the Dolphins have scored in the passing game, so I feel like he has a decent shot of finding the endzone and can be rolled out this week.

Tight Ends: Fantasy Football Sleepers Week 8

Tyler Conklin (TE, MIN) vs. Dallas Cowboys 

A little deeper dive at tight end for a desperation play is Tyler Conklin. Conklin currently is the ECR TE19 ahead of the Vikings matchup against the Cowboys. The matchup brings us a 55 point over/under so there is expected to be plenty of scoring. As I have mentioned before, if I am taking a shot on a tight end I want one in a high-scoring matchup on a good offense which Minnesota this week checks those boxes.