Week 8 of the 2024 fantasy football season had its share of surprises, featuring standout players, underwhelming performances, and injury shake-ups. Who were the big winners and losers, and who earned “A” or “F” grades? Matt Bowen and Tristan H. Cockcroft break down key players, while Seth Walder provides grades. NFL Nation reporters also give insights into Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday games.
Top Fantasy Winners for Week 8
1. Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles Hurts led all players in fantasy points from Sunday’s early games with 35.14 points, marking only the second time he’s scored over 35 points in his career. He capitalized on a weak Bengals defense, tying his career high with three rushing touchdowns. Hurts enters a favorable schedule stretch (@DAL, WSH, @LAR, @BAL, CAR), making him a high-value player. – Cockcroft
2. Cade Otton, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Otton, available in over 40% of leagues, scored a season-high 29.1 points against the Falcons. With receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans out, Otton caught 9 of 10 targets for 81 yards and two red-zone touchdowns. He’s a priority waiver pickup for Week 9 against Kansas City. – Bowen
3. De’Von Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins Achane led all early-window running backs with 26.7 points in a loss to the Cardinals, logging 97 rushing yards and catching 6 of 8 targets for 50 yards and a touchdown. With Tua Tagovailoa back, Achane’s receiving role is expected to grow, making him a solid RB1 candidate against the Bills in Week 9. – Bowen
4. Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, WRs, Los Angeles Rams Kupp and Nacua both exceeded 15 PPR points on Thursday night, making it the third time this season both have performed at this level. They boost the Rams’ offensive appeal, giving Matthew Stafford streaming value and providing Kyren Williams with an RB1 floor. – Cockcroft
5. Cedric Tillman, WR, Cleveland Browns Tillman scored 28.9 points against the Ravens, catching 7 of 9 targets for 99 yards and two touchdowns. With Jameis Winston’s deep throws, Tillman has emerged as a key target, making him a waiver pickup ahead of Week 9 against the Chargers. – Bowen
Top Fantasy Losers for Week 8
1. Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets Hall’s 9.9 points marked his third sub-10-point game in the past five weeks. The Jets need an offensive overhaul for Hall to regain his first-round preseason value. – Cockcroft
2. Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons After a 33.4-point Week 5, London disappointed with 7.4 points on Sunday. With Kirk Cousins spreading the ball around, London could see limited targets against the Cowboys in Week 9. – Bowen
3. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions Despite a 52-14 Lions win, St. Brown scored only 8.7 PPR points on two targets due to a game focused on short-field touchdowns. He’s expected to rebound to WR1 status next week against Green Bay. – Cockcroft
Notable Injury Impacts
- Stefon Diggs (WR, Texans) suffered a non-contact knee injury; if he misses time, look to John Metchie III, Xavier Hutchinson, or Robert Woods.
- Jordan Love (QB, Packers) exited with a groin injury. If he’s out, Malik Willis could start in Week 9.
- Drake Maye (QB, Patriots) left with a concussion; Jacoby Brissett may start against Tennessee if Maye is out.
Players Who Earned an “A”
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Arizona Cardinals Harrison posted 111 yards and a touchdown, with 51 yards over expectation. His diving catches wowed audiences and exemplified his athleticism.
Jessie Bates III, S, Atlanta Falcons Bates forced and recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass, contributing significantly to Atlanta’s defensive efforts.
Players Who Earned an “F”
Indianapolis Colts’ Pass Protection The Colts struggled with a 39% pass block win rate, allowing Anthony Richardson to be sacked five times.
Rashod Bateman, WR, Baltimore Ravens Bateman managed only one reception and dropped a critical deep pass, finishing with negative receiving yards over expectation.
Greg Zuerlein, K, New York Jets In a close game, Zuerlein’s missed field goal and extra point contributed to the Jets’ loss.
Lingering Questions from Week 8
With Jameis Winston now under center, the Browns’ offense saw more deep passes than with Deshaun Watson. This change boosted receivers Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore, and Cedric Tillman, who each hit season-high receiving yardages.
