B/R's Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Picks for Every NFL Week 8 Fantasy Matchup

We're entering the second half of the fantasy football regular season, and there's plenty of intrigue on the Week 8 slate for fantasy managers.

At quarterback, there's a potential duel between the top two picks in April's draft (Chicago's Caleb Williams and Washington's Jayden Daniels). That is, if Daniels' sore ribs allow him to play.

At wide receiver, the first game of Week 8 features Cooper Kupp's return to the Los Angeles Rams. Sunday brings the first game in a new home for DeAndre Hopkins after he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday.

At running back, Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles and Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens are both headed to Ohio, where they will likely once again terrorize two overmatched defenses.

And at tight end—well, at tight end, we just hope someone will do something.

At Bleacher Report, we have every game on the Week 8 slate covered, from Los Angeles on Thursday to Pittsburgh on Monday night. Whether it's who to start, who to sit, sleepers, injury updates or significant stats, we have all the information you need to have a successful week.

Convenient, isn't it?

Key Injuries

The Minnesota Vikings head to Los Angeles fairly healthy. Running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) played through his injury last week and is practicing, but while tight end T.J. Hockenson will be activated from injured reserve, he's out for Week 8.

The Rams remain banged up at wide receiver, but things are improving. Cooper Kupp (ankle) is practicing in full, carries no injury designation and is expected to play. While Puka Nacua (knee) was activated from injured reserve and will play. Wideout Jordan Whittington (shoulder) has been ruled out.

Start of the Week

Minnesota Vikings Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,400]: The Vikings have given up lots of yards this year, but the team ranks sixth in scoring defense and sits at or near the top of the league in sacks, takeaways and (most importantly) fantasy points scored by defenses in 2024.

Sit of the Week

Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams [DraftKings DFS Value: $8,200]: Williams is almost impossible to sit given his penchant for finding the end zone on a weekly basis. But that streak is going to end at some point, and the Vikings have been much better against the run than the pass in 2024.

Sleeper

Jordan Whittington, WR, Los Angeles Rams [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,800]: The potential return of Kupp clouds Whittington's target share in this contest, but the Vikings have been a goldmine for opposing fantasy receivers. No team has allowed more PPR points per game to the position.

Stat to Know

364.3. That's the number of yards per game given up by the Rams defense, which ranks 26th in the NFL. The Rams have been especially susceptible to the run, allowing a whopping 151.7 yards per game on the ground. This game should start Week 8 off with some huge stat lines.

Key Injuries

The Baltimore Ravens have only one injury of note to fantasy managers, but it's a significant one. Wide receiver Zay Flowers is questionable after injuring his ankle in last week's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns will have a new starting quarterback in Week 8. After Deshaun Watson tore his Achilles on Sunday, veteran Jameis Winston will draw the start under center. The team will also be without running back Jerome Ford, who missed Week 7 with a hamstring injury and has been ruled out.

Start of the Week

David Njoku, TE, Cleveland Browns [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,100]: Njoku is one of the few things that has gone right in Cleveland this year. He caught Winston's lone touchdown pass last week, and the Ravens have surrendered the fifth-most PPR points per game to tight ends this season.

Sit of the Week

Nick Chubb, RB, Cleveland Browns [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,100]: Chubb scored a touchdown in his 2024 debut. But he averaged a pitiful two yards a carry behind Cleveland's woeful offensive line, and the Ravens lead the league in run defense, giving up only 68.4 yards per game.

Sleeper

Jerry Jeudy, WR, Cleveland Browns [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,800]: Jeudy's Week 7 numbers were disappointing. But hopefully the combination of a highly favorable matchup and a quarterback who's capable of completing a forward pass will spur a rebound from Cleveland's new No. 1 wide receiver.

Stat to Know

287.1. That's how many passing yards per game the Ravens are giving up after Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield threw for 370 yards against them a week ago. No team in the NFL has been harder to run on this year than Baltimore. And no team in the league has been easier to pass against.

Key Injuries

The Tennessee Titans are down a star wide receiver in this game, but not because of an injury. After trading DeAndre Hopkins to Kansas City, Calvin Ridley is now the Titans' unquestioned No. 1 receiver.

How much that matters given the sorry status of a Titans passing game that may be without quarterback Will Levis (shoulder) on Sunday is another matter. Reserve running back Tyjae Spears (hamstring) is also questionable.

The Lions will be down a wideout as well, as Jameson Williams received a two-game suspension this week for violating the league's PED policy. Otherwise, the Lions are in good shape injury-wise.

Start of the Week

Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,600]: It has been lost in the glow of the dumpster fire that is their offense, but the Titans have been solid defensively this year. However, in terms of fantasy points given up to quarterbacks, Tennessee ranks in the middle of the pack.

Sit of the Week

Tony Pollard, RB, Tennessee Titans [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,500]: The Lions have been stout against the run this season, allowing only 92.5 rushing yards per game. The Lions have also given up the fewest fantasy points per game in the NFC to running backs this season. Detroit will undoubtedly load the box and dare the Titans to throw the ball against them.

Sleeper

Detroit Lions Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,800]: The Lions have been susceptible to the pass this season, but the Titans aren't equipped to take advantage of that deficiency. Meanwhile, the Lions D/ST ranks eighth in average points per game.

Stat to Know

411.8. That's how many yards of offense the Lions are averaging this season, which leads the NFC. Whether it's Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery on the ground or wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and tight end Sam LaPorta through the air, Goff has no shortage of weapons and arguably the best offensive line in the game. The Lions will move the ball, and this game could get out of hand quickly.

Key Injuries

Colts running back Jonathan Taylor hasn't played since Week 4 due to a high ankle sprain, but he's off the injury report and will return to the field Sunday.

The Houston Texans must be living right, as they have no significant injuries on offense other than Nico Collins (hamstring), who's on IR for at least a few more weeks.

Start of the Week

Joe Mixon, RB, Houston Texans [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,700]: Mixon has been a focal point of the Houston offense this season, including over 100 rushing yards and a score each of the past two games. This week, Mixon draws an Indy run defense that has surrendered 159.9 yards per game on the ground, the most in the AFC.

Sit of the Week

Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,800]: On the surface, the Texans are a favorable fantasy matchup for quarterbacks. But Richardson has been so dreadful as a passer this year that there's little reason to believe he'll be able to take advantage of that matchup.

Sleeper

Dalton Schultz, TE, Houston Texans [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,100]: Schultz has been relatively quiet this year for the Texans. But the veteran tight end has a good chance to make some noise this week against a Colts team that has allowed the third-most PPR points per game to the position in 2024.

Stat to Know

41.7. That's Richardson's completion percentage last week against the Miami Dolphins. It marked the fourth time in five games that Richardson has failed to complete over half his passes. He also has twice as many interceptions as touchdown passes this season, and he's rushing for less than 40 yards per game. That's hardly the first half of the fantasy season that managers wanted from the second-year pro.

Key Injuries

The Packers have been dealing with injuries to their wide receivers much of the season, but so far this week, their injury report is light at the skill positions. Wideouts Christian Watson and Jayden Reed have ankle injuries, but both are off the injury report.

The same can't be said for the Jaguars. After missing last week's game with an injured hamstring, running back Travis Etienne Jr. started the practice week working on the side with trainers. He's considered "day-to-day" (As the great Vin Scully used to say, aren't we all?) and is officially questionable.

Start of the Week

Jordan Love, QB, Green Bay Packers [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,100]: Turnovers have been an issue with Love, as he's thrown eight interceptions in only five games. But Love has also averaged three touchdown passes per game this season and faces a Jaguars defense that has given up more fantasy points per game to quarterbacks than any team in the league.

Sit of the Week

Tank Bigsby, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,300]: Bigsby posted his second 100-yard effort of the season last week in London. However, the Packers have allowed less than 115 yards per game on the ground this season. They will likely show the Jags a lot of eight-man fronts on Sunday.

Sleeper

Christian Watson, WR, Green Bay Packers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,200]: The Packers wideouts have been a carousel of inconsistency this season, but there's certainly upside to be had here. The Jaguars have surrendered the fourth-most PPR points per game to wide receivers this year.

Stat to Know

376.4. That's the number of yards per game that the Jaguars are surrendering defensively, which is fifth-most in the NFL. The Jaguars are also 30th in scoring defense, allowing almost 28 points per game. Jacksonville is especially leaky through the air, but the team has been bad pretty much across the board on that side of the ball. It's a "Start 'em if you've got 'em" week for Packers players.

Key Injuries

The Cardinals head east to face the Dolphins at full strength, relatively speaking. There are no new offensive injuries of note for the Redbirds.

The Dolphins hope to be getting closer to full strength themselves. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) has cleared the NFL's protocol and will return from injured reserve and play in Week 8. So will wideout Jaylen Waddle, who is nursing a quad injury. Fellow wideout Tyreek Hill, however, is questionable with a foot injury.

Start of the Week

Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,400]: Tagovailoa's absence has eviscerated the fantasy value of Waddle and Tyreek Hill. But with his quarterback returning and a top-10 fantasy matchup with the Cardinals on tap, Waddle managers may finally have something to smile about in Week 8.

Sit of the Week

Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Arizona Cardinals [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,800]: Harrison hasn't been as impactful in fantasy as many expected. That's unlikely to change this week. No team has given up fewer PPR points per game this season to wide receivers than the Dolphins.

Sleeper

Arizona Cardinals Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $2,900]: The return of Tagovailoa could rob this matchup of a lot of its appeal. But Tagovailoa hasn't played in a month, and the Cardinals just played a solid game defensively in last week's win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

Stat to Know

11.7. That's how many points the Dolphins have scored per game this season, which ranks dead last in the NFL. It can't be overstated how adverse of an impact Tagovailoa's absence had on everyone in Miami, from Hill and Waddle to running back De'Von Achane. His return could be a game-changer for fantasy managers.

Key Injuries

The Patriots welcome in their AFC East rivals with some issues at wide receiver. Youngster Ja'Lynn Polk is in the NFL's concussion protocol and has been ruled out, while Demario Douglas missed a chunk of last week's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars with an illness. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson also missed Wednesday's practice with a foot issue, but he's off the injury report

The Jets are reeling, and their offensive leader is banged up. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is battling hamstring, knee and ankle issues, but while he could miss some practice time, his availability for Sunday's game isn't believed to be in jeopardy. Wideout Allen Lazard is doubtful after missing practice all week with a chest injury.

Start of the Week

New York Jets Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,500]: Rookie quarterback Drake Maye has given New England's offense a boost, and the Jets are battling injuries in the defensive backfield. But the Patriots have still allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses, making Gang Green a solid fantasy play.

Sit of the Week

Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, New England Patriots [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]: Stevenson ceded some passing-down snaps to JaMycal Hasty last week. That development coupled with the possibility of a negative game script makes Stevenson an iffy RB2 play at best in Week 8.

Sleeper

Allen Lazard, WR, New York Jets [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,800]: Lazard is unquestionably the No. 3 (at best) target in the Jets passing game, but he has caught at least four passes and posted at least 9.8 PPR points in each of the past four games. He should also benefit from single coverage from the opposing team's third-best cornerback.

Stat to Know

33.3. That's the catch percentage of Jets receiver Davante Adams on nine targets last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Adams was a non-factor in the second half of that contest as well. While his arrival in the Big Apple may help the floundering Jets, both he and Garrett Wilson are harder to count on as weekly fantasy starters now.

Key Injuries

We'll start with the home team here, because the Buccaneers were blasted with injuries in last week's loss to the Baltimore Ravens, particularly in their receiving corps. Chris Godwin's season is over after he dislocated his ankle, while Mike Evans suffered a hamstring injury that's expected to sideline him through Tampa's Week 11 bye.

Tampa running back Bucky Irving (toe) is also questionable but expected to play.

The visiting Falcons have no such issues. Their injury report is clear of any players of particular interest to fantasy managers.

Start of the Week

Darnell Mooney, WR, Atlanta Falcons [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,800]: Mooney has been a bigger part of the Atlanta passing game than expected. He's 17th in PPR points among wide receivers and is heading into a matchup with a Tampa Bay defense surrendering the fifth-most PPR points per game to the position.

Sit of the Week

Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,700]: Mayfield is playing the best football of his NFL career in 2024. But he just lost his two star receivers, and while the Falcons have been kind to opposing fantasy quarterbacks, this might be a good time for some "wait and see" with the Tampa passing game.

Sleeper

Jalen McMillan, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,700]: The Falcons have given up the eighth-most PPR points per game to wideouts this season. Mayfield is going to have to throw to someone in the absence of Evans and Godwin, especially given Tampa's struggles running the ball consistently. Why not McMillan?

Stat to Know

49.0. That's the percentage of Mayfield's NFL-leading 1,859 passing yards that were reeled in by either Evans or Godwin over the first seven weeks of the season. NFL teams can talk about the next-man-up philosophy until they are blue in the face. But losing your top two pass-catchers to major injuries in the same game is beyond brutal.

Key Injuries

There's only two notable injuries for fantasy managers ahead of Sunday's matchup in the Queen City. Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert missed Week 7 with a hamstring injury and has been ruled out. Bengals wideout Tee Higgins sustained a quad injury in practice Friday and is questionable.

Start of the Week

Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,500]: Both Higgins (if he plays) and Ja'Marr Chase could be set to shine Sunday against the Eagles. In a continuation of a theme that dates back to last year, the Eagles have been much better defensively this season against the run than the pass.

Sit of the Week

Zack Moss, RB, Cincinnati Bengals [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,700]: Frankly, even if this were not a bad fantasy matchup for running backs, this analyst's advice would be to glue Moss to the bench. He played a similar number of snaps last week to Chase Brown, but Brown had almost twice as many touches and has clearly passed Moss in the Bengals' backfield pecking order.

Sleeper

Cincinnati Bengals Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $2,800]: The Bengals are coming off two of their best defensive efforts of the season over the past two weeks, and the Eagles have been surprisingly generous to opposing defenses this season. They're 12th in fantasy points per game surrendered to the position.

Stat to Know

94.3. That's how many rushing yards the Bengals are averaging this season, which is tied with their cross-state rivals in Cleveland for the fourth-fewest in the NFL. The Bengals have no shortage of talent in the passing game, and it appears they are going to need it. The Bengals offense is rapidly becoming the Joe Burrow Show for better or worse.

Key Injuries

The visiting Saints have a boatload of injury issues right now. Quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) has a chance to play in Week 8, but he'll more likely than not cede those duties again to rookie Spencer Rattler, who is also nicked up (hip).

Wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) and tight end Taysom Hill (chest) also missed Week 7, but Olave has cleared the concussion protocol and will play Sunday. Hill is also off the injury report, but wide receiver Cedrick Wilson (hip) will sit.

The Chargers have issues with their pass-catchers, too. Tight end Hayden Hurst (groin) missed Monday's loss to the Arizona Cardinals, and wide receivers Quentin Johnson (ankle) and Ladd McConkey (hip) missed practicetime this week. Hurst and McConkey are questionable, but Johnston is doubtful.

Start of the Week

Los Angeles Chargers Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,300]: The Chargers have quietly played some of the best defense in the league this year, and they are a top-five fantasy unit in terms of points per game. Against an injury-ravaged Saints offense, the Bolts are an excellent fantasy option.

Sit of the Week

Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,400]: Even if Olave clears the protocol, he's a risky fantasy play in Week 8. Rattler didn't play especially well in last week's blowout loss to the Denver Broncos, and only two teams have allowed fewer PPR points to wide receivers this year than the Chargers.

Sleeper

Will Dissly, TE, Los Angeles Chargers [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,000]: Last week against the Cardinals, Dissly led the Chargers in both receptions (eight) and receiving yards (81). The Saints haven't been a great fantasy matchup for tight ends this season, but they haven't been a bad one, either.

Stat to Know

86. That's how many points the Saints have scored during their five-game losing streak after reeling off 91 points in blowout wins over the first two games of the season. There's no one prevailing reason why the New Orleans offense has ground to a halt, but trusting even Kamara as a high-end starter is starting to become difficult.

Key Injuries

As the Bills get ready to head west, they do so with a host of injuries to their pass-catchers. Wide receiver Curtis Samuel (pectoral) and tight end Dawson Knox (ankle) missed practice early in the week, while tight end Dalton Kincaid and wideout Mack Hollins were both limited with shoulder issues. Samuel has been ruled out. The rest should play.

The Seahawks have even bigger problems. Wide receiver DK Metcalf has an MCL sprain that will likely sideline him in Week 8.

Start of the Week

James Cook, RB, Buffalo Bills [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,000]: Cook has been quiet of late, rushing for fewer than 40 yards in two of the last three games. But the third-year pro has also scored in two of his past three games, and the Seahawks have struggled stopping the run. They're giving up 146.1 yards per game on the ground this season.

Sit of the Week

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,100]: Smith-Njigba will square off with one of the NFL's best slot cornerbacks Sunday in Taron Johnson. With Metcalf likely out, a Buffalo pass defense giving up less than 210 yards per game should be able to focus more attention on the second-year pro.

Sleeper

Noah Fant, TE, Los Angeles Chargers [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,000]: This is admittedly a dart throw. But Fant has topped 10 PPR points in each of the past two contests, and the Bills have been a more favorable fantasy matchup for opposing tight ends than wide receivers.

Stat to Know

Zero. That's how many interceptions Bills quarterback Josh Allen has thrown in 189 pass attempts so far this season. With Amari Cooper now in Buffalo, Allen just posted his first 300-yard passing effort of the season. While his touchdown numbers haven't been great, his 108.4 passer rating right now would be a career high.

Key Injuries

The biggest injury in Sunday afternoon's clash between surprise NFC contenders is undoubtedly the ribs of Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels. He didn't practice much this week and is the definition of questionable.

The Chicago Bears are in better shape. Their rookie quarterback is just fine, and there are no fantasy-relevant injuries to report in the Windy City.

Start of the Week

DJ Moore, WR, Chicago Bears [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,600]: Moore and Caleb Williams have wasted no time building a rapport. Moore has been a top-25 fantasy receiver for the season, and the Commanders have surrendered the seventh-most PPR points per game to wide receivers this season.

Sit of the Week

Chicago Bears Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $2,700]: If Daniels is sidelined Sunday, fantasy managers may be tempted to roll out Chicago's formidable defense. Don't get cute. The Commanders are last in fantasy points per game allowed to defenses and just dropped 40 points on the Panthers with Marcus Mariota playing most of the game in place of Daniels.

Sleeper

Rome Odunze, WR, Chicago Bears [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,100]: Odunze hasn't had the statistical success of some of his first-year counterparts so far this season. But the Bears are steadily improving offensively, and at some point, the former Washington standout is going to have a breakout game.

Stat to Know

124.4. That's the passer rating of Williams two weeks ago after he threw for 226 yards and four touchdowns against the Jaguars. That was Williams' second straight contest with a passer rating above 120 and third with one above 100. It took the 2024 No. 1 overall pick a little while, but he appears to be figuring the NFL out.

Key Injuries

The Carolina Panthers will have a new (sort of) quarterback Sunday. With Andy Dalton (thumb) doubtful for Week 8, Bryce Young will start. They might also be getting wideout Adam Thielen back off injured reserve soon. He's practicing, albeit in a limited fashion. Fellow receiver Diontae Johnson, however, will miss Week 8 with a rib injury.

The Broncos roll into Week 8 in good shape injury-wise. No fantasy-relevant players are on the injury report outside wideout Josh Reynolds, who has been placed on injured reserve.

Start of the Week

Javonte Williams, RB, Denver Broncos [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]: Williams started the season slowly, but he's coming off arguably his best game of the season and faces a Panthers defense that has been atrocious against the run this season. They're allowing an NFL-high 162.1 yards per game on the ground.

Sit of the Week

Diontae Johnson, WR, Carolina Panthers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,300]: Remember when Johnson was relevant in fantasy football? Well, with Bryce "Three yards and a cloud of suck" Young back under center, you can kiss that goodbye, especially against one of the NFL's best pass defenses.

Sleeper

Bo Nix, QB, Denver Broncos [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,600]: The Broncos have been winning as much in spite of Nix as because of him. But his rushing upside boosts his fantasy value, and the Carolina Panthers just made Marcus Mariota look like Joe Montana. Nix has his best game as a pro Sunday. Book it.

Stat to Know

74.8. That's how many passing yards Young has averaged per game in 2024. Not 174. Seventy-four. As in less than 75. That the Panthers threw in the towel on a No. 1 overall pick after less than 20 games tells you all you need to know about Young. Until Dalton returns, the entire Carolina offense is now on the 10-foot-pole list.

Key Injuries

The Kansas City Chiefs made a splash move to bolster their passing attack this week, bringing in veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in a trade with the Tennessee Titans. However, both Justin Watson (lower leg) and Kareem Hunt (hip) opened the week on the injury report, while wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) has already been ruled out for this week's trip to Vegas. Hunt and Watson will play--they are off the injury report.

The Raiders aren't without injury problems of their own. Gardner Minshew will draw another start under center with Aidan O'Connell (thumb) on IR, while wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (ankle) has missed time and is truly questionable for Week 8.

Start of the Week

Kareem Hunt, RB, Kansas City Chiefs [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,300]: Hunt has been playing through his injury, and he should have a strong chance at a productive afternoon in Week 8. The Raiders are allowing 136.7 yards per game on the ground and the eighth-most PPR points per game to running backs in 2024.

Sit of the Week

DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Kansas City Chiefs [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,900]: Fantasy managers who endured the first seven weeks of the season with Hopkins can't wait to see him on the field with a competent offense. But he's nicked up, will likely play limited snaps, and the Raiders have been a surprisingly poor fantasy matchup for opposing receivers.

Sleeper

Kansas City Chiefs Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,600]: The Kansas City defense has had as much to do with the team's 6-0 start as Patrick Mahomes and the offense. The Raiders are a mess offensively, and they have given up the second-most fantasy points per game this season to team defenses.

Stat to Know

Seven. That's the number of NFL teams averaging less than 300 yards of offense per game, including the Raiders at 296.7. The quarterback situation is as bad as any team not named the Carolina Panthers. The run game is barely averaging 85 yards a game. And tight end Brock Bowers is the only healthy pass-catcher who scares opposing defenses even a little.

Key Injuries

We'll start with the 49ers here, and you may want to get comfortable. This is going to take a minute.

Brandon Aiyuk is out for year after tearing his ACL last week. Deebo Samuel. was just recently released from the hospital after contracting pneumonia. Jauan Jennings missed practice all week with a hip issue and has been ruled out.

That's just the wideouts.

There's still no sign of Christian McCaffrey at running back, and reserve Jordan Mason spent time on the injury report with an ankle injury. Tight end George Kittle, who was limited in practice with an ankle injury, is questionable.

The visiting Cowboys are in much better shape coming out of the bye week. In fact, among offensive skill players, the injury report in Dallas is clear.

Start of the Week

Jordan Mason, RB, San Francisco 49ers [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,900]: It would be a major upset if Mason isn't out there against the Cowboys. While his workload may be limited a bit, Mason will face a Cowboys defense that has been gouged on the ground to the tune of 143.2 yards per game.

Sit of the Week

Rico Dowdle, RB, Dallas Cowboys [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]: This has less to do with an average fantasy matchup for running backs with the 49ers than it does a completely anemic Dallas ground game. No team is worse running the ball than the Cowboys, who average a measly 77.2 yards per game on the ground.

Sleeper

Ricky Pearsall, WR, San Francisco 49ers [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,900]: Again, the matchup here is neither great nor terrible, and Pearsall is a rookie playing in just his second NFL game. But Pearsall is a first-round talent, and it's possible he'll serve as San Francisco's de facto No. 1 receiver Sunday night.

Stat to Know

2,023. That's the number of total yards that Christian McCaffrey amassed last year for the 49ers. McCaffrey's absence isn't the only reason why the 49ers are struggling, but the first overall pick in most fantasy drafts has been missed in both the NFL and fantasy. The cold reality is we have no idea when (or if) McCaffrey will play this season.

Key Injuries

The New York Giants are struggling through another miserable season, and injuries have played a real part in those struggles. But this week, the Giants will be taking on the Steelers at relatively full strength. There are no injuries of import for fantasy managers.

Unfortunately for the Giants, the same can be said for the 5-2 Steelers. Rookie wideout Roman Wilson is questionable, but he's been invisible this season anyway.

Start of the Week

Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,100]: Harris has been hot of late, with two straight games with over 100 yards on the ground and a touchdown. The Pittsburgh offense was far more balanced with Russell Wilson under center, which should only open more run lanes for Harris.

Sit of the Week

Devin Singletary, RB, New York Giants [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,900]: While Singletary was injured, Rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. assumed lead back duties for the Giants and shined. Singletary's prowess as a pass-protector will keep him on the field, but this is Tracy's backfield now. However, this week's fantasy matchup is, well, bad.

Sleeper

Pat Freiermuth, TE. Pittsburgh Steelers [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,300]: Like so many other tight ends this season, Freiermuth has been up-and-down—with more down than up. But Wilson showed some affinity for targeting his tight ends last week, and Freiermuth is overdue for an "up" week. Keep hope alive!

Stat to Know

109.0. That's Russell Wilson's passer rating last week against the New York Jets. Wilson only completed 16 of 29 passes, but he threw a pair of touchdown passes and propelled wide receiver George Pickens to easily his best game of the season. This analyst questioned the wisdom of making a change at quarterback in Pittsburgh after a 4-2 start. In related news, this analyst was wrong.

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Gary Davenport is a two-time Fantasy Sports Writers Association Football Writer of the Year. Follow him on X at @IDPSharks.