After a successful set of NFL DFS picks last weekend, we look to keep the momentum going into Week 8. This article will outline the Week 8 NFL DFS picks for core players at each position to hammer into your FanDuel lineups.
Week 8 NFL DFS Picks for FanDuel
Quarterbacks
Josh Allen ($8,800)
After coming off of his bye week, Josh Allen returns to the main slate as the week’s most expensive quarterback. The Bills hold the highest implied total of Week 8 as it currently sits at 31.5 points. With Allen’s upside as a dual-threat quarterback, he should have no problem racking up points against what has been a poor Dolphins secondary. With receivers Diggs, Sanders, and Beasley in play, there are plenty of receivers to stack alongside Allen.
Matthew Stafford ($8,200)
Matthew Stafford takes his MVP campaign to Houston this week, where the Rams have the second-highest team total of the slate (30.5 Points). He’s fourth in passing yards and second in passing touchdowns this year, solidifying himself as a rock-solid DFS option. The only risk is a negative game script, though Sean McVay seems to have no issue running up the score. Look to roster Stafford alongside Cooper Kupp who I’ll touch on later in this piece.
Other NFL DFS Picks: Jalen Hurts ($8,800), Carson Wentz ($7,200), Trevor Lawrence ($6,700)
Running Backs
Nick Chubb ($8,000)
Nick Chubb will return this weekend after a calf injury held him out of his last two games. With Kareem Hunt now placed on injured reserve, Chubb could possibly see a larger receiving workload for a few weeks. This will all depend on backup running back D’Ernest Johnson’s role, who had a career game in Week 7. Even if Johnson eats into Chubb’s touches, Chubb’s ceiling and low ownership could make him a leverage play in tournaments.
Joe Mixon ($7,600)
Joe Mixon takes his 4.4 yards per carry into a matchup with the Jets this weekend. With the Bengals favored by a lofty 11.0 points, game script will surely be on Mixon’s side. The Jets defense has been torched on the ground all season, most recently by Damien Harris and the Patriots. Priced as a mid to high-tier running back, Mixon is easily accessible to players making lineups on FanDuel. Although Samaje Perine’s increased role is concerning, there are enough points at stake for both running backs against the Jets.
David Johnson ($5,100)
Mark Ingram traded to New Orleans early this week, leaving touches up for grabs in Houston. David Johnson consistently beat out Phillip Lindsay in carries and snaps this season, and we can project to see more of him this week. Even against a stout L.A. Rams defense, it is rare to see a workhorse running back priced at just $5,100. If you seek salary relief at the running back position look no further than David Johnson.
Other NFL DFS Picks: Alvin Kamara ($8,400), D’Andre Swift ($7,900), Darrell Henderson ($7,700), Chuba Hubbard ($6,600)
Wide Receivers
Cooper Kupp ($9,200)
With Cooper Kupp leading the league in both targets and receptions, he becomes an easy stacking option alongside Matthew Stafford. If for some reason you haven’t noticed, Kupp has had a record-breaking season and is on pace to break Calvin Johnson’s receiving record. His usage in the red zone makes his upside incomparable to any other receiver on the slate. Don’t stress too much about the salary, Cooper Kupp is on fire right now.
Stefon Diggs ($7,300)
Pairing along with the Josh Allen pick, I introduce to you Stefon Diggs to complete my stack of the week. Diggs’ FanDuel salary has now fallen to $7,300, the lowest figure we’ve seen him priced at all season. Even coming off of his bye week, Diggs is still 16th in the NFL in targets. This volume should continue against a Miami team allowing the third-most passing yards per game. As Xavien Howard and Byron Jones are yet to reach full health this year, this has become a vulnerable Miami secondary.
Chris Godwin ($7,200)
The stars seem to align for a big game out of Chris Godwin this week against the Saints. With Antonio Brown ruled out, and Marshon Lattimore shadowing Mike Evans, Godwin has a high chance of being the top Buccaneers WR. Expect high ownership of Godwin this week, as his salary is only $7,200. This Saints defense has shut down the run all year, so Brady will target Godwin to move the chains.
DeVonta Smith ($6,200)
It seems as though every week we target whichever receivers are playing against the now 0-7 Detroit Lions. This week it’s DeVonta Smith’s turn as he makes for an appealing stacking option alongside Jalen Hurts. With lead running back Miles Sanders out for a couple of weeks, the Eagles could rely more on Smith and the passing game as a whole. Expect the rookie wideout to see plenty of opportunities in a fantasy-friendly matchup and game environment.
Other NFL DFS Picks: A.J. Brown ($7,600), Robert Woods ($6,800), Tee Higgins ($6,300), Jerry Jeudy ($6,000), Brandin Cooks ($6,000)
Tight Ends
Kyle Pitts ($6,800)
For those of you that read my section on Kyle Pitts last week, you would’ve expected his breakout game. Pitts is now the most expensive tight end on the slate after racking up 163 receiving yards against the Dolphins. His usage out wide and in the slot makes him different than other tight ends. Pitts’ 72 routes run out wide trails only Travis Kelce among players at the position. Even in a tougher matchup against Carolina’s secondary, Pitts deserves a look as a matchup nightmare for any defense.
Noah Fant ($5,800)
Aside from Kyle Pitts, the options at tight end lack ceiling. If you are looking for a cheaper option, Noah Fant is someone that sees consistent volume. Fant has had 32 targets in his last 4 games and is tied for fifth among tight ends in routes run. In a matchup against a Washington defense that has allowed the most receiving yards to opposing teams, Fant is a valid option in DFS.
Other NFL DFS Picks: T.J. Hockenson ($6,200), Tyler Higbee ($5,300)