Fantasy Football, Week 8: These 4 players should be in your starting lineup

If you took my advice in Week 7’s fantasy football starting lineup column, then your squad likely had a huge afternoon.

Perhaps my best week of the season thus far, Josh Allen, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Brandon Aiyuk had strong outings. Though, we may have to start giving up on Kyle Pitts.

As we head into Week 8, there are no teams on a bye. Rejoice, Fantasy players! The “bye week curse” is not a factor this week, something that will happen again in Week 12. Plan accordingly.

Everything and everyone is on the table this week. And while it’s still time to take some “bang for buck” risks in daily play, to guarantee victory, you may have to spend high on a position or two for some guaranteed “locks.”

QB: Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) vs. NE

Tua was less than stellar in a “wasn’t-as-great-as-it-could-have-been” matchup against the eagles in Week 7. Boasting a stat line of 216 yards with one touchdown and one interception isn’t all that impressive.

Meanwhile, the Patriots stunned the Bills. So, why pick Tua? Both of these outcomes say more about the Eagles’ success and the Bills’ demise than they do about those featured in this matchup. The Eagles are nearly a lock for the No. 1 seed in the NFC (especially with San Francisco crumbling), and the Bills’ window is closing…fast.

Tua was destined to have his biggest challenge against an elite Philadelphia defense to date. And the Bills’ struggles are mounting quicker than ever. So, let’s look at this as a bounce-back game from Tua.

The Patriots will not pull off two upset wins in a row. Look at the DraftKings value for Tua, and while the price may be high, I envision this as a guaranteed top-5 quarterback output for him in Week 8.

RB: D’onta Foreman (CHI) vs. LAC (“Gamble of the Week”)

Whoa! Look at this! When I started doing these weekly posts, I never thought I would be touting Foreman as an automatic play, but here we are.

Foreman ran hard as hell in Week 7, racking up three touchdowns and boosting the versatility of the Bears’ rushing attack in the process. Khalil Herbert is still on injured reserve, and while Roschon Johnson could return this week after being in the NFL’s concussion protocol, Tyson Bagent is still at quarterback for the Bears.

Chicago will again lean on the running game, and I don’t see them pulling a 180 and abandoning their recent success with Foreman. Johnson will certainly get some touches if he remains on track to play Sunday night. But Foreman’s recent play against a struggling Chargers’ defense bodes very well for a score or two.

WR: Davante Adams (LV) vs. DET (‘Under the Radar’ Selection of the Week)

It’s hard to believe we could ever call Davante Adams an “under the radar” selection for Fantasy play.. The Raiders are continuing to struggle to integrate Adams into the current offensive scheme. With Adams coming off another mediocre outing after getting shut down by the Bears’ defense (does that say more about the Bears or Raiders?), Josh McDaniels has to do something to get their No. 1 wide receiver going.

While it should happen sooner rather than later, the Raiders are catching the Lions at the right time. Detroit’s defense was shredded by the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7. While many may understandably think this poor showing was a fluke for Detroit, Fantasy players may find themselves in a “buy low” situation with a big upside with Adams.

Adams hasn’t done anything as of late to warrant a high price in DraftKings, yet there’s always potential for big numbers from him.

TE: Travis Kelce (KC) vs. DEN

This one’s for the Swifties…I guess. I’m sorry for leading you down the tight-end path to nowhere for many of these weeks. It’s usually the toss-up skill position, but to secure a win, this one’s automatic. The Kelce-Mahomes chemistry is at an all-time high.

The Chiefs are playing the Broncos. Guarantee yourself some points. Buy high. Lock in Kelce. It’s worth it. No question about it.