Key Highlights
- The NFL’s Week 8 will feature a significant number of teams on bye week.
- Fantasy managers need to consider dropping underperforming players in preparation for the byes.
- Justin Fields and Kyler Murray are among the quarterbacks recommended for waiver wire drops.
- Running backs TreVeyon Henderson, Kareem Hunt, and Michael Carter face uncertain futures with their teams.
Fantasy Football Week 8: The Impact of Bye Weeks on Team Strategies
The NFL’s Week 8 presents a unique challenge for fantasy football managers. With six teams on bye week – the Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks – many players will be sitting out games that could otherwise have provided valuable points in their fantasy lineups.
For those facing tough decisions due to team byes or injuries, this article offers guidance on which players might need to be dropped from your roster. By making strategic cuts now, managers can ensure they are well-prepared for the bye week and have a stronger lineup when competition heats up in the second half of the season.
Quarterbacks: Justin Fields and Kyler Murray
In Week 7, quarterback Justin Fields was benched by the New York Jets before halftime in favor of Tyrod Taylor. Fields’ performance has been inconsistent, with only 91 passing yards over his last six quarters of action. This drop in production makes him a prime candidate for waiver wire drops, especially considering Aaron Glenn might choose to use Taylor as the primary quarterback moving forward.
For Kyler Murray, his absence due to a foot injury has taken its toll on his fantasy value. As one of the teams on bye week, dropping Murray could be beneficial if you need more roster flexibility or are looking for immediate impact players from Week 8 games.
Running Backs: TreVeyon Henderson, Kareem Hunt, and Michael Carter
Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson’s performance has been a letdown so far. Despite the expectation of a strong game against the Tennessee Titans in Week 7, Henderson was outworked by Rhamondre Stevenson and saw limited touches in the New England Patriots’ blowout win.
Kareem Hunt faces stiff competition for carries with Isiah Pacheco and Brashard Smith both seeing significant workloads. The Chiefs’ choice to limit Hunt could indicate a shift towards a more balanced backfield, making it difficult for Hunt to establish himself as a high-volume fantasy asset this season.
Michael Carter’s fall from favor in Arizona has been swift. With Bam Knight handling the majority of carries and turning them into significant yardage, Carter is now more likely to be seen as a touchdown-dependent player rather than a steady fantasy option.
Wide Receivers: Jerry Jeudy and Luke McCaffrey
Despite a weather-affected game, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy struggled for the Cleveland Browns. With limited targets and a run-heavy offense starting a rookie quarterback, Jeudy’s value is diminished in the short term.
Luke McCaffrey was added to many fantasy rosters after an injury to Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel. However, his lack of involvement in Week 7 with just two catches means he should be cut from your lineup. With Jayden Daniels now nursing a hamstring injury, McCaffrey’s future as a reliable wide receiver is uncertain.
By making informed decisions about these players based on their current form and the upcoming schedule, fantasy managers can better position themselves for success in Week 8 and beyond.
