Mike Evans is back! (On IR.) JJ McCarthy is back! (As the emergency QB?) And Chuba Hubbard is back! (In a committee.) And to add to the fun, it’s the byepocalypse! But never fear, as with every other week, I’ll be bringing you an article answering two simple questions: who should I stream this week and who should I stash for the future?
To keep things simple, we’ll define a streamer as any player you wouldn’t usually start who is a viable option for this week. They may be on your bench or they may be on waivers, depending on your league. We’ll define a stash as any player you can potentially find on waivers that you should stash for the future, either because they have a favorable match-up coming up, or because they could become a future fantasy starter.
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QB Streamers:
Jaxson Dart (NYG): I’m not in the group who believes Jaxson Dart is an every week starter, but when six teams are on byes, things get messy real quickly. The Giants rookie is a fine streamer against an Eagles defense that has struggled in all phases.
Joe Flacco (CIN): If you’re chasing upside, I personally favor Joe Flacco over Dart. After a solid Bengals debut against the Packers, Flacco went off in a QB6 performance against Pittsburgh. I’d expect more of a Green Bay-level performance against the Jets, but a total blowout is far from out of the question.
Michael Penix (MIA): I’m going for a third streamer here given the bye situation. I love Michael Penix against the Dolphins and think he has the most upside of all our streaming options. But the floor is undeniably low too, as Penix has more bottom 2 finishes than top 10 finishes this season.
QB Stash:
Kyler Murray (ARI): I have significant concerns about Kyler Murray given his injury will likely limit his rushing and he didn’t perform well when healthy earlier in the season. But the Cardinals face the Cowboys, the league’s best QB matchup by a country mile, in Week 9. He’s a worthwhile stash if you need a fill-in for Jalen Hurts or Baker Mayfield next week.
RB Streamers:
Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard (CAR): The Panthers rotating their running backs by drive was the worst possible news for fantasy owners. But I’m still starting Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard in Week 8. Carolina faces a Buffalo team that struggles mightily against the run so I’m expecting a very healthy dose of both Panthers backs.
Tyler Allgeier (ATL): The Falcons use Tyler Allgeier heavily when they’re winning, and they’re 7.5 point favorites against the insipid Dolphins. There’s a seriously low floor here, but I’d be surprised if Allgeier doesn’t have double-digit touches and a score in Week 8, as he has in half of the weeks this season.
Kyle Monangai (CHI): Ben Johnson is doing Ben Johnson things. The Bears have gone to a Lions-style RB-by-committee approach. Kyle Monangai had only three fewer touches than D’Andre Swift last week and while that would usually make both backs less usable, the Bears face the Ravens this week. They’re the best RB matchup in football. I’m starting Swift and Monangai with confidence this week.
RB Stashes:
Tyrone Tracy (NYG): I never bought the narrative that Cam Skattebo would inevitably take over from Tyrone Tracy in New York and it seems Brian Daboll agrees. He’s started utilizing Tracy more often by the week and the elder back has responded with explosive plays. Skattebo likely remains the goal-line back, but it’s not out of the question that Tracy becomes the primary back between the 20s.
Running backs get injured more than any other player in fantasy, with the average Top 36 running back missing two games per season in fantasy. For that reason, your best bet in fantasy is to roster running backs who are an injury away from an every down role. Each week, I’ll be listing my favorite RB stashes, only including players you won’t be starting most weeks.
Top Handcuffs: Blake Corum, Brian Robinson, RJ Harvey, Ollie Gordon, Isaiah Davis, Kareem Hunt, Bhayshul Tuten, Emanuel Wilson, Jaydon Blue, DJ Giddens, Raheem Mostert, Keaton Mitchell, Ty Johnson, Devin Neal
WR Streamers:
Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG): With Malik Nabers out, there’s been no question who the Giants WR1 is. Wan’Dale Robinson has topped eighty yards in his last two games and garnered 12 targets against the brutal Broncos defense. This week, he gets a reprieve against the Eagles and could easily feast.
Romeo Doubs and Matthew Golden (GB): The Steelers just can’t stop wide receivers, making Romeo Doubs and Matthew Golden high-upside propositions in Week 8. Given Josh Jacobs’ health and Pittsburgh’s strength against the run, Green Bay may finally have to focus on their receivers, meaning the lead pair are a strong start this week.
Alec Pierce (IND): I got on the Alec Pierce train early this season and with his 10-target, 98-yard effort in Week 7, it’s starting to pay off. He’s a solid stash and a viable start this week against the struggling Titans.
Troy Franklin (DEN): I’m going for a bonus start this week over a stash as nobody else is jumping out to me there. Troy Franklin attracted 10 targets last week and now takes on the awful Cowboys pass defense. He’s a high-upside option for Week 8.
WR Stashes:
Chimere Dike (TEN): Tyler Lockett has moved on from the Titans, giving Chimere Dike the slot role full time. He rewarded his coaches with a big touchdown grab last season and could emerge as a solid option in deeper leagues as the season progresses. He’s also a great dynasty stash if somebody got impatient with him.
TE Streamers:
Orande Gadsden (LAC): Orande Gadsden’s second straight 7-reception/75%+ snap game has me elevating him to weekly starter status until we hear otherwise. This isn’t a shock, he just put up 164 yards. ‘Nuff said.
Dalton Schultz (HOU): The Texans are suffering a rash of receiver injuries and can’t run the ball. Dalton Schultz has been their only effective outlet aside from Nico Collins. With Collins limited at best, I’m backing Schultz for another big performance against the 49ers.
TE Stash:
Mason Taylor (NYJ): I’m not putting Mason Taylor in lineups at the moment, but when a rookie tight end is on the field for over 90% of snaps, I sit up and listen. He’s a great upside stash for if the Jets can get their act together and actually pass the ball effectively.
K Streamers:
Evan McPherson (CIN): The Bengals are strong favorites against the Jets and Evan McPherson has a big leg. He’s a good floor option in Week 8.
John Parker Romo (ATL): The Dolphins are the new Panthers, as they’re a great matchup for kickers and defenses this season. The Falcons are heavy favorites at home against Miami and that should mean good things for John Parker Romo.
DST Streamers:
Colts DST (IND): This one is nearly too obvious, but the Colts are oddly not highly owned despite being the DST3 on the season. They face the Titans and will be one of my favorite DST options this week.
Falcons DST (ATL): The Dolphins are the new Panthers, as they’re a great matchup for kickers and defenses this season. The Falcons are heavy favorites at home against Miami and that should mean good things for the Falcons DST. (Yes, I copy-pasted that from Romo.)
Please note: I won’t be listing kicker or DST stashes. You should never put kickers or DSTs on your bench in redraft leagues. There are practically no exceptions. Just please, don’t do it.
If you have questions on your leagues, make sure you hit me up on Instagram @TheFantasyFirstDown or on Twitter @FantasyFirstDwn. Also make sure you check out my dynasty and weekly rankings plus my Youtube. Lastly, make sure you check out all the amazing tools available on the Razzball website. They’re great for making start/sit decisions.
