NFL Week 8 Bangs & Busts

Week 8 brings another stacked slate of football, and the fantasy pressure’s turning up. We’re hitting the halfway mark, and the contenders know who they are. This makes every lineup call matter more. Matchups, momentum, and usage are everything. Let’s lock in the Week 8 Bangs & Busts.

Quarterback

BANG: Jalen Hurts vs the Giants
Projection: 22.1 pts (QB4)
This is a get-back game for Hurts and the Eagles after the Giants stunned them just two weeks ago. Philadelphia’s offense looked sharper in Week 7, and Hurts has gained control of the offense. The Giants’ defense continues to struggle containing mobile QBs. Expect Hurts to take command early and deliver a statement performance both through the air and on the ground.

BUST: Jordan Love @ Steelers
Projection: 17.2 pts (QB15)
Pittsburgh’s defense has been inconsistent but opportunistic. They disguise pressure well and rarely give up deep shots. Green Bay’s offense has stalled repeatedly in the red zone, ranking bottom five in touchdown rate inside the 20. That’s a bad mix against a physical Steelers front that thrives on turnovers. This feels like a low-upside, grind-it-out game where Love struggles to reach his ceiling.

Running Back

BANG: Bijan Robinson vs the Dolphins
Projection: 25.4 pts (RB1)
Bijan’s been putting on a show this season. He’s been electric in space, dangerous after contact, and heavily involved in the passing game. Miami’s defense has cratered against dual-threat backs, ranking 29th in yards allowed per touch. Robinson’s blend of volume and versatility makes him a nightmare for this collapsing Dolphins unit. Expect 120+ total yards and a strong chance to find the end zone both ways.

BUST: Javonte Williams @ Broncos
Projection: 16.2 pts (RB12)
Two weeks against Carolina, Williams looked bottled up, and that trend could continue in Denver. The Broncos’ front is stronger than it Carolina especially defending between the tackles. Dallas has gone more pass-first recently, and Williams doesn’t profile as the explosive playmaker who can flip a game script. Revenge narrative aside, this sets up as a frustrating, high volume low upside type of outing.

Wide Receiver

BANG: Rashee Rice vs Commanders
Projection: 17.2 pts (WR9)
In his first game back last week, Rice saw 10 targets and scored twice, immediately re-establishing himself as Patrick Mahomes’ top option. Mahomes, meanwhile, has looked every bit the MVP favorite again. He’s pushing the ball with confidence and trusting Rice in key downs. Washington’s secondary has been carved up all season, allowing the most passing TDs per game in the league. If you’ve got Rice, start him everywhere; he’s primed for another big one.

BUST: CeeDee Lamb @ Broncos
Projection: 16.9 pts (WR10)
Denver’s defense has returned to form, and Patrick Surtain II remains one of the toughest shadows in football. Lamb is back but Dak’s been forced to spread the ball around more. With Denver likely keying on him and Dallas possibly looking to other targets, Lamb’s efficiency should take a hit. I think he hits around his projection but no huge game for CeeDee.

Tight End

BANG: Jake Ferguson @ Broncos
Projection: 13.2 pts (TE5)
Ferguson might be Dak Prescott’s most trusted target right now and it shows. He’s top-five in red-zone targets among tight ends and has scored 6 touchdowns in 4 weeks. Denver’s defense funnels completions inside, Ferguson should once again serve as the Cowboys’ safety blanket and score candidate.

BUST: George Kittle @ Texans
Projection: 11.4 pts (TE8)
Kittle’s still shaking off rust after missing time earlier this year, and the rest of the 49ers offense looks far more settled. Mac Jones has been running this niner team well but Kittle hasnt been apart of the gameplan with him at helm. Until Brock Purdy returns to full health, I dont see great upside with Kitlle. Houston’s linebackers are disciplined in coverage, which makes this a tough spot for Kittle to pop. I’m fading him for the next few weeks until he proves otherwise.

Defense / Special Teams

BANG: Falcons D/ST vs Dolphins
Projection: 6.7 pts (DST7)
The Falcons have quietly built one of the league’s most physical fronts, and this feels like the perfect moment to take advantage of a collapsing Miami team. The Dolphins’ offensive line is in shambles, their turnover rate has spiked, and the Falcons’ defense is playing with confidence. Expect pressure, sacks, and maybe a takeaway or two from this Atlanta team and they should take care of business at home.

BUST: Packers D/ST @ Steelers
Projection: 5.5 pts (DST15)
Green Bay may have grabbed a road win last week, but this looks like a bounce-back spot for the Steelers’ offense. Rodgers and company have been moving the ball efficiently and limiting mistakes. With the Packers’ pass rush cooling off and their secondary still prone to giving up long drives, I’m fading them here. Expect a solid real-life game but not much fantasy payoff.

Kicker

BANG: Harrison Butker vs Commanders
Projection: 8.8 pts (K2)
Same story, different week. See an elite offense, and you will find a elite kicker. Butker remains automatic, and Washington’s bend-but-don’t-break defense routinely gives up field-goal chances. He’s as safe a top-3 option as there is in fantasy right now.

BUST: Riley Patterson @ Falcons
Projection: 7.4 pts (K15)
Atlanta’s defense ranks among the top in red-zone stops per game, and Miami’s sputtering drives aren’t helping Patterson’s cause. Limited possessions and low expected volume make him an easy fade this week.