Here we are, with the Week 8 edition of the Model 284 Friday Fantasy Preview. If you are looking for a blend of numbers and subjectivity to help guide your lineup, then this is the right place for you.
Player Notes From Week 8:
Carson Wentz/Zach Ertz: These guys have been unbelievable this year. I wrote on Wentz in this week’s QB projection article, so I’m going to focus on Ertz here. He has been on a Gronk-like roll this year. Ertz has 13+ PPR points in every game and shows no signs of slowing down. He is performing like an elite receiver and should be treated as such. Until further notice, you’re starting both of these guys against anyone.
Todd Gurley: I’ve taken an interest in the Gurley storyline this year, so here’s an update. Last week I asked Gurley to dominate Arizona, and he did. He’ll be on a bye this week, but if he can put up another big game against the Giants in week 9, I’ll be ready to praise him as a truly elite fantasy player on par with the likes of Zeke and Le’Veon.
Week 8 Studs:
Chris Thompson: Thompson has quietly put together a great year. He has scored at least 15 PPR points in all but one game and is getting it done as a runner and pass-catcher, making him a safe bet to get plenty of touches no matter how the game plays out. Thompson will be in a good spot this week in a home game against the Cowboys with the highest total of the week (49.5).
Hunter Henry: After playing second fiddle to old man Gates to start the year, Henry has played on 76%, 83%, and 81% of snaps over the past 3 games, en-route to 11+ PPR points each week. This week, Henry gets the Patriots in a possible shootout (or at least some garbage time passing volume), who have given up 5 TDs to TEs so far this year. The Pats have also given up the 7th most Fantasy Points Above Expectation (FPAE) to TEs, and have been the 10th most consistent in doing so. Get Henry in those lineups this week!
Stefon Diggs: Diggs has been kept off the field for the majority of the last three games due to a groin injury. Before he went down, he was the number 1 receiver in fantasy football. He is currently questionable for this week’s game against the Browns in London, but signs are pointing to him playing, as he made the trip overseas with the team. If he’s in the game, he is one of the most dynamic receivers in the league. Expect him to return right back to his early season form. And he is playing the Browns.
Week 8 Duds:
Matt Ryan: Last week I put my faith in Ryan and he let me down. The stars were aligning, but Ryan just flat out whiffed against the Patriots. Ryan has been so bad that even playing the Jets can’t get me back on his side. He needs to prove himself before I’ll back him up again. On top of it, our QB Model only projects Ryan for 15.3 points this week (QB15). Don’t bet on Matt Ryan this week.
Isaiah Crowell: The Browns are terrible, and we all know it, but things have gotten even worse. Tragedy struck when the greatest streak of all time was broken. After playing 10,363 consecutive snaps, Joe Thomas lost the remainder of the season to an arm injury. Without Thomas, an already terrible Crowell will be even worse. This isn’t helped by a matchup with one of the best rushing defenses in London – the Vikings have given up the 3rd fewest FPAE to RBs, and have been the 3rd most consistent in doing so. The Vikings defense is going to have a field day against the Browns, and Crowell is going to struggle.
Will Fuller: Since coming back in Week 4, Fuller has an outrageous 5 TDs in 3 games. That would be more exciting if they didn’t come on a total of 8 catches and 14 targets. There is no way he can keep up this TD rate with such little opportunity. This week he will be playing in Seattle – expect Fuller to come crashing back down to earth.