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Week 8 is complete, and the season is already nearing the midpoint. In most fantasy leagues, there are only four or five more weeks left before the playoffs begin. Is your team in a position for a playoff run? Do you need a few more wins to secure a berth? This week, we look at which teams to exploit and avoid at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end for the next four weeks. Additionally, several streaming options are available not only for Week 9 but also for the remainder of the season. It's always beneficial to look ahead a few weeks for waiver claims, or in some cases, four or five games ahead.
Quarterback
Over the last four weeks, the Steelers, Colts, and 49ers have all allowed an average of over 300 passing yards and at least 1.5 passing touchdowns per game.
- Pittsburgh: 308 passing yards allowed per game with 2.0 passing touchdowns
- Indianapolis: 307 passing yards allowed per game with 1.5 passing touchdowns
- San Francisco: 301 passing yards allowed per game with 2.0 passing touchdowns
Other teams that have allowed 275+ passing yards per game on average over the last four weeks:
- 298 Tampa Bay
- 289 Seattle
Other teams that have allowed 2.5+ passing touchdowns per game on average over the last four weeks:
- 2.7 - Minnesota
- 2.7 - Jacksonville
- 2.5 - Dallas
Exploit These Passing Game Opponents: Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, San Francisco
Pittsburgh's upcoming schedule - IND, at LAC, CIN, at CHI
Three of the Steelers' last four opponents have topped 340 passing yards, and the Steelers have allowed eight touchdown passes in the last four games, with only two interceptions. Each of the last four opponents has exceeded 37 pass attempts (46, 52, 47, and 37).
Who stands to benefit:
- Week 9 vs Indianapolis: Daniel Jones has been a huge surprise for the Colts this season. He is meshing well with Shane Steichen's offense and should have another solid fantasy performance this week.
- Week 10 at LA Chargers: Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense have bounced back in a strong win against the Vikings and will look to build on that success with this matchup.
- Week 11 vs Cincinnati: Joe Flacco has the Bengals offense buzzing and performing well. This matchup at Pittsburgh should keep the production coming.
- Week 12 at Chicago: As long as the Steelers continue to struggle against the pass, this should be good news for Caleb Williams and the Bears' offense.
Indianapolis' upcoming schedule - at PIT, ATL (Germany), BYE, at KC
The Colts have allowed a 375-yard and a 420-yard passing game over their last five games, yielding nine total touchdown passes in that span.
Who stands to benefit:
- Week 9 at Pittsburgh: This matchup of two teams with passing game woes could yield a back-and-forth game script that benefits both teams.
- Week 10 vs Atlanta (in Germany): This is a positive passing matchup for the Falcons. Michael Penix Jr. (knee) should be back for this game, if not the week before. High passing yardage benefits Drake London and could have an impact on Darnell Mooney and/or Kyle Pitts Sr..
- Week 11: Bye
- Week 12 at Kansas City: This figures to be one of the better matchups of Week 12 as both teams have playoff aspirations. This matchup favors Kansas City, as its strength on offense is the passing game. Look for Patrick Mahomes II and company to have a productive outing.
San Francisco's upcoming schedule - at NYG, LAR, at ARI, CAR
The 49ers have allowed two 300-yard passers in the last four games, totaling eight touchdown passes in that span.
Who stands to benefit:
- Week 9 at NY Giants: Jaxson Dart has been a big surprise in the league this year, despite losing Malik Nabers early in the season. The loss of Cam Skattebo last week will take a toll, but Dart has shown he can involve multiple people. This is a favorable matchup for Dart and the Giants.
- Week 10 vs LA Rams. Matthew Stafford has 12 touchdown passes in the last four games. Puka Nacua (ankle) should be back by Week 10, if not sooner. If Stafford's dominance continues after the Week 8 bye, this could be a strong, favorable matchup for him and the Rams.
- Week 11 at Arizona: Kyler Murray should be back by now, but Jacoby Brissett has been strong as his replacement, averaging 300 yards and two touchdowns in his last two games. It will be interesting to see what direction the Cardinals go at quarterback. Either way, this is a favorable matchup for the Arizona passing game.
- Week 12 vs Carolina: Bryce Young has exceeded 200 yards passing only once in seven games this season. While this may be a favorable matchup for Carolina's passing game, temper expectations for Bryce Young and the Panthers' offense.
Stay Away from These Passing Game Opponents: Miami, Kansas City, Atlanta, Houston
Tennessee, NY Jets, Miami, Houston, and Denver have all averaged less than 200 yards passing per game allowed over the last four weeks. Houston, Miami, and Kansas City have allowed just one touchdown pass on average in that span.
Some notable stats worth sharing
- Buffalo has allowed just two touchdown passes since Week 3.
- Kansas City allowed a 300-yard game to Justin Herbert in Week 1, and no quarterback has exceeded 225 yards passing on them since.
- The Falcons allowed their first 200-yard passer last week when Tua Tagovailoa passed for 205 yards.
- Miami has not allowed a touchdown pass in the last two games and has not allowed a 300-yard passer all season.
- No quarterback has passed for over 250 yards against the Texans this year. Houston has also only allowed three touchdown passes since Week 2.