Faux Football Preview - Week 8
Chew previews Week 8 in the NFL with some redraft and dynasty fantasy advice.
Week 7 hopefully ended in a win for you, and (hopefully) you are poised for another in Week 8. There were surprise boom weeks from Joe Flacco, Jaylen Warren, Travis Hunter, and Oronde Gadsden; however, there were duds from Geno Smith, TreVeyon Henderson, Jaylen Waddle, and Dallas Goedert. Let’s look ahead to a healthy, fantasy-point-filled Week 8.
Check out last week’s preview here to see how things shook out. As a reminder, both redraft and dynasty are considered in this weekly roundup, so without further ado, let’s get to it.
DYNASTY BUY/SELL
Once the NFL season starts, the dynasty mindset can take a backseat to the redraft mindset. Each week, I will highlight two players to buy and two players to sell in dynasty, providing examples for each. As always, the trades are taken from the dynasty-daddy.com trade database.
Buy #1 - BRASHARD SMITH
For those of you who have consumed any of my so-called content, you know my affinity for a receiver-turned-running back, and Brashard Smith fits the bill. After injury-riddled and underwhelming seasons for Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, respectively, the drafting of Smith hinted at the Chiefs looking for someone to fill the role formerly occupied by Jerick McKinnon. Smith saw his most snaps and touches in Week 7, largely due to the blowout of the Raiders. But Smith’s role has been increasing in the past few weeks, especially as a receiver, and he is the only of the Chiefs’ three backs under contract in 2026. Buy!
Trade #1: Brashard Smith ←→ Luther Burden + ‘26 2nd
Trade #2: Brashard Smith ←→ ‘27 3rd
Sell #1 - D’ANDRE SWIFT
D’Andre Swift was a sell for me heading into the season, and that would have undoubtedly been missing out on a slew of RB-2 performances, coupled with back-to-back RB-6 finishes in Weeks 6 and 7. So good thing you didn’t listen to me before, but you will now…right? The logic to selling Swift is capturing the height of his trade value, which could dip after Week 10. The Bears’ schedule is not too friendly to running backs beyond that point, and Swift is not a player I would want to roster heading into the offseason if his production indeed tapers off. There is no way I get this wrong twice in the same season (famous last words).
Trade #1: D’Andre Swift ←→ ‘26 1st
Trade #2: D’Andre Swift + ‘26 3rd ←→ Kyren Williams
Buy #2 - WAN’DALE ROBINSON
Last year’s PPR darling, Wan’Dale Robinson, is continuing his pass-catching ways in 2025, with the absence of Malik Nabers. The Giants’ offense is humming with rookie Jaxson Dart under center, but I am looking beyond this season. Robinson is nearing the end of his rookie deal, which leaves him as an unrestricted free agent heading into the 2026 season. I am optimistic in his role on the new-look Giants if he is paid to return, but if he gets a deal worth taking elsewhere, he should also thrive. This is an ideal buy for any dynasty team, as Robinson serves as a flex/bye-week fill in 2025 and could he his value rise in 2026.
Trade #1: Wan’Dale Robinson ←→ ‘26 3rd + ‘26 4th
Trade #2: Wan’Dale Robinson + ‘26 2nd ←→ Deebo Samuel
Sell #2 - EVAN ENGRAM
Evan Engram was tasked with the “Joker” role in Sean Payton’s offense pre-season by the media. It has been a slow start by the Broncos’ offense as a whole, but Engram has been getting going with at least four receptions in the last four weeks. Engram is in the midst of his age-31 season, and while it is improving, the runway is getting shorter from a dynasty perspective. I was optimistic about his role on the Broncos heading into the 2025 season, but I understand when it is time to sell before the value drops.
Trade #1: Evan Engram + ‘26 4th ←→ ‘27 2nd
Trade #2: Evan Engram + ‘27 3rd ←→ J.K. Dobbins
HANDCUFF HIERARCHY
The running back position can be one of frustration in fantasy as we scour the bench and waiver wire to fill in when injuries and bye weeks strike. But since we are just now getting started with the NFL season, here is a look at the various tiers for all 32 backup running backs. As the season progresses, we will see players rise and fall amongst the tiers, so stay tuned!
*This list only includes each team’s RB-2; thus, if the RB-1 is injured, then the RB-3 will take the place of the RB-2 on this list.
STANDALONE VALUE
These players have flex appeal even with the RB-1 being healthy in Week 8.
A healthy Chuba Hubbard did not stop the Panthers from utilizing Rico Dowdle, so look for the two to continue to switch off drives as Carolina rides the hot hand.
R.J. Harvey, Tyler Allgeier, and Kenneth Gainwell are firmly behind their respective lead backs, but they have consistent roles that can be elevated in a given week with touchdown upside.
Woody Marks and Brashard Smith have seen their roles fluctuate, with real optimism in the latter as Smith’s role has grown in concert with the ascension of the offense. Both these players have a real opportunity to see their roles continue to grow.
SPOT STARTER
The initial RB-1 is injured, and everyone moves up the depth chart, or the player has a specialized role.
Ty Johnson and Jeremy McNichols have their pass-catching roles in their respective offenses that are unlikely to change any time soon.
Sean Tucker may be bumped down the depth chart depending on Bucky Irving’s health status.
Kyle Monangai, Tyrone Tracy, Tyjae Spears, and Isaiah Davis have their complementary roles but could see their snaps fluctuate 5-10% based on game flow.
TreVeyon Henderson is now losing snaps to recent practice squad member and special teamer Terrell Jennings. So there’s that…
The Ravens’ offense looks to get back on track with, hopefully, healthy Lamar Jackson and an effective Derrick Henry. If the latter comes to fruition, Justice Hill’s role will fall off some, but he is still a trusted back who will get his.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
If you are in a DEEP league, these are the rest of the bunch that you’re forced to pick from for Week 8.
This group is completely overshadowed by a bellcow back or limited by an anemic offense.
TIGHT END STREAMERS
Of all the fantasy-relevant positions, it’s the tight end that is my favorite to stream. If you were not fortunate enough to get one of the top few tight ends, it can be a futile process to find fantasy points at the tight end position. Here are three tight ends ranked outside the top 12 who are stream-worthy in Week 8.
A Look Back At Week 7 (If Top-12 ✅)
Mason Taylor → 6.1 points ❌
Kyle Pitts → 13.2 points ✅
Oronde Gadsden → 29.4 points ✅
Week 8
EVAN ENGRAM (TE-14) v. DAL
Don’t be fooled by my prior recommendation to sell in dynasty, as this is streaming for redraft, and Evan Engram fits the bill for Week 8! Engram only has one touchdown on the season, but getting his six to eight targets allows for upside to slip into the top-12. Going up against Dallas offers a great opportunity as a pass-catcher alongside Bo Nix’s favorite in Courtland Sutton.
T.J. HOCKENSON (TE-17) v. LAC
There is no shortage of pass-catchers on the Vikings, but T.J. Hockenson has carved out a role just as long as Carson Wentz is under center. I sincerely do not know the plan for J.J. McCarthy; however, I just do not see it, and think for this season it should be Wentz for fantasy sake. The Chargers do not provide the easiest matchup, but Hockenson’s talent offers upside to slide into the top-12.
THEO JOHNSON (TE-18) v. PHI
The tight end snaps are going to Theo Johnson, despite Daniel Bellinger snagging a touchdown in Week 8. In the absence of Malik Nabers, Theo Johnson has settled into a consistent role despite inconsistent receiving production to start the season. The Eagles’ defense offers a tough challenge, but the Giants will need to keep up, so look for Johnson to get his targets and hopefully add to his four touchdowns thus far.
So you made it this far, and hopefully you enjoyed it (that’s what she said). If you wouldn’t mind sharing this in your group message with your fellow fantasy football degenerates, I would greatly appreciate it!
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