Week 8 Starts

Here are 5 guys with the best fantasy matchups this week and why they need to start … in two minutes or less.

QB: Caleb Williams (CHI) @ BAL

Williams has had his ups and downs, but he’s settling into Ben Johnson’s system and keeps flashing the big-play arm that made him the top pick. The Bears have quietly strung together wins, and now he draws a Ravens defense that’s been bleeding production to quarterbacks, allowing the second-most fantasy points per game at the position. And if Lamar Jackson is back, this one has sneaky shootout potential. So this isn’t the kind of matchup to fear, it’s one to attack. If you’ve been on the fence about starting him, this is the week to let Caleb roll.

RB: Rico Dowdle (CAR) vs. BUF

Rico Dowdle has flipped this backfield on its head. Chuba Hubbard may technically be the starter, but Dowdle has flat-out outplayed him lately, stacking 96 total yards on just 18 touches last week and ripping off 230+ scrimmage yards the week before. Carolina has started to lean into his efficiency, and this week’s matchup sets up nicely. So with the Bills ranking among the league’s worst defenses against running backs, Dowdle has a real shot to keep that momentum rolling and deliver a strong fantasy start in Week 8.

WR: Rashee Rice (KC) vs. WAS

Rice wasted no time re-establishing himself as a focal point in this offense. He stepped right in after suspension and commanded 10 targets, leading the team and scoring twice. But what really matters here is the matchup: the Commanders have quietly been one of the softest defenses against wide receivers, sitting 10th-worst in fantasy points allowed. So this isn’t just about talent, it’s about opportunity in a matchup where Patrick Mahomes can pick his spot and lean on his most trusted option. That combination of volume, red-zone usage, and defensive vulnerability makes Rice a strong start.

WR: Alec Pierce (IND) vs. TEN

Alec Pierce is stepping into a prime opportunity this week. Josh Downs is in concussion protocol, but Pierce just saw 10 targets and posted a season-high 98 yards in Week 7, proving that Daniel Jones trusts him as a spark in this offense. The Colts have been one of the NFL’s most surprising aerial attacks, and they now face a Titans defense that’s reeling, dropping five of its first seven games and struggling to contain opposing passing games. The matchup sets up perfectly for Pierce’s downfield role, so he’s a live FLEX or WR3 dart with real boom potential.

TE: Dalton Kincaid (BUF) @ CAR

Kincaid has a solid matchup this week. The Panthers have allowed the 6th-most fantasy points to tight ends this season and their linebackers have been especially vulnerable in coverage. Kincaid’s role has also been steady. He’s seen at least six targets in three of his last four games and is coming off a 100-yard performance that showed how dangerous he can be downfield. The Bills’ offense has hit some bumps lately, so if they want to get back on track, leaning on Kincaid against this soft spot in Carolina’s defense makes too much sense.

So that’s the list. 5 players to put into lineups if you have them on your roster… as promised, in 2 minutes or less.

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See you tomorrow,

-Joe

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