NFL Week 8 Optimal Flex Plays: Darnell Mooney can have another big day against Bucs

Fantasy Football Picks for Week 8

This past Week 7 saw several brutal injuries, particularly affecting star receivers like Brandon Aiyuk and Chris Godwin, who are now out for the season, along with Mike Evans, who is expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks. The big question for fantasy managers is whether to replace these players with others on their roster or to seek new options. In the previous week, players mentioned in this column, such as Tank Bigsby (RB8) and Rashod Bateman (WR2), delivered solid performances. Unfortunately, I didn’t fare well with Jaylen Waddle, Jameson Williams, and Austin Ekeler. Let’s make it right this week by suggesting some players who could help fill the gaps left by those injured stars.

Darnell Mooney, WR, Falcons vs. Buccaneers

Mooney has had a quiet past two games, with stats of 3 catches for 38 yards (Week 5) and 5 catches for 46 yards (Week 6). However, he made a notable impact in Week 4, catching 9 of 16 targets for 105 yards and two touchdowns. He faces the Buccaneers again in Week 8, a team that has shown to be stronger against the run than the pass. Just last week, the Bucs allowed Ravens’ WR2, Rashod Bateman, to record 121 yards and a touchdown from four targets, his best performance of the season. The Bucs’ defense appears to often let a team’s second-best wideout shine; let’s see if Mooney can replicate that success.

Jaylen Waddle, WR, Dolphins vs. Cardinals

Did Waddle feature in this column last week no rice? Yes. Was his performance lackluster? Absolutely. A mere one catch for 11 yards is disappointing, regardless of circumstances. This recommendation relies on Tua Tagovailoa playing; if he does, I believe Waddle can regain his form from Week 1. The Cardinals just allowed Justin Herbert to throw for an astonishing 349 yards, a performance he hadn’t matched throughout the entire season prior. If Tua returns, expect both Tyreek Hill and Waddle to thrive against the Cardinals. However, I would advise against starting Waddle if anyone besides Tua is playing at quarterback.

Tank Dell, WR, Texans vs. Colts

Let’s overlook his goose egg (four targets, no catches) from Week 7 for a moment. The Texans’ passing game struggled significantly with C.J. Stroud managing only 86 passing yards. For Dell to bounce back, the passing game will need to improve, especially without Nico Collins. His earlier performance in Week 6, catching 7 of 9 passes for 57 yards against the Patriots, shows potential. Despite his struggles last week, Dell still garnered a 19% target share, ranking second behind Stefon Diggs (33%). Expect him to rebound against the Colts, who have a bottom-tier pass defense.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba/Tyler Lockett, WR, Seahawks vs. Bills

With D.K. sabalenka vs zheng Metcalf listed as “week to week” due to an MCL injury, it becomes critical for JSN and Lockett to rise to the occasion. high card in poker While neither can replicate Metcalf’s role, at least one will need to step up for the Seahawks’ passing game to succeed. The Bills allow the seventh-fewest fantasy points, yet no quarterback has amassed more passing attempts, completions, or yards than Geno Smith this season. The Seahawks enter as three-point underdogs (Over/Under 47), indicating Smith might need to air it out. Both JSN and Lockett had modest outings in Week 7, combining for just 54 receiving yards. For JSN, this is a pivotal moment to show he can take on the role of WR1.

Kareem Hunt, RB, Chiefs vs. Raiders

Hunt may be nearing RB2 status, but three weeks ago, he was on your bench amidst questions like “Carson Steele or Kareem Hunt?” The Chiefs now employ a more ball-control offense, and Hunt has benefitted majorly, ranking RB9 in fantasy points per game since joining the team. He’s scored a touchdown in two consecutive games and amassed at least 22 carries each time. In Week 8, he faces a Raiders’ defense that has permitted three rushing touchdowns to running backs over their last two games. With the Chiefs favored by 10 points, Hunt should have another opportunity for a standout performance.

Najee Harris, RB, Steelers vs. Giants

Harris is on a roll in the last two games, regardless of who’s under center for the Steelers. He currently ranks RB8 in total fantasy points, having hit the century mark in rushing yards and scoring a touchdown in both games after struggling through the start of the season. The Steelers are 6.5-point favorites with an Over/Under of 36.5, setting the stage for another solid outing from Harris. converge vs magnolia score The Giants have allowed a rushing touchdown to a running back in two straight games and just allowed Saquon Barkley to rack up 176 rushing yards. With Kenneth Gainwell also contributing 56 yards on the ground last week, expect Harris to make a significant impact in Week 8.

Who are you considering adding to your fantasy lineup this week?