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In Week 7, we liked Green Bay at Detroit (37 points), Cincinnati at Baltimore (48 points), San Francisco at Atlanta (49 points), New England at Chicago (54 points), and Dallas at Philadelphia (59 points). Although Green Bay-Detroit fell considerably short of expectations, three games produced at least 49 points, and we averaged 49.4. That's 247 points across five games, bringing our season total to 1,562 points across 30 selections, or 52.1 points per game.
Next up is Week 8. We've once again assembled five matchups that give us both automatic starts capable of hitting their ceilings and players whose lineup value gets pushed upward based on the opponent. Here are the games that stand out this week.
Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys
With a 54.5-point total, Cardinals-Cowboys is arguably the safest fantasy environment on this week's schedule.
Thanks to one of the highest implied team totals on the slate and a Cardinals defense offering one of the league's most favorable matchups, all the key Cowboys get a boost.
Dak Prescott is QB3 in the initial Footballguys Week 8 projections. The Cardinals' defense sits in the bottom third of the league in points allowed to opposing perimeter wide receivers, so CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens are auto-starts. Javonte Williams is also a weekly lineup lock. Tight end Jake Ferguson benefits from the matchup and Dallas' projected 29-point-plus team total.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys have allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, so Jacoby Brissett merits Week 8 streaming attention. Trey McBride is a weekly lineup lock, while Michael Wilson could benefit from additional passing volume if Arizona falls behind. Jeremiyah Love, who is slated to practice Wednesday after a two-game absence, is another player to monitor.
Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills
At 53.5 points, this game boasts the second-highest total of the week and potentially the best environment for fantasy production on both sides -- with one caveat: We need Lamar Jackson back under center for the Ravens.
Tyler Huntley is serviceable at quarterback, but Jackson starting would unlock all the upside we're hoping for. His presence would move this game to the top of the Week 8 list.
Without Jackson, it's harder to envision Baltimore maximizing its output, even in a favorable matchup. Fortunately, Zay Flowers remains a play regardless of quarterback, and Derrick Henry, despite a pair of single-digit scoring weeks, remains a lineup lock.
The Bills have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs and the third-most to quarterbacks. That's especially attractive for Henry and Jackson (if he plays).
For Buffalo, Josh Allen is QB1 in the early Footballguys Week 8 rankings. James Cook III is an automatic start, while DJ Moore (who should return from a shoulder injury) and tight end Dalton Kincaid are both projected as front-line starters in 12-team leagues. Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman warrant closer examination.
Baltimore's recent defensive problems provide reason to believe Buffalo can sustain drives and produce multiple touchdowns.
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions
While the 46.5-point total isn't as high as other games, this might be the most interesting contest because it combines a competitive spread (Detroit is a three-point favorite) with meaningful positional advantages.
Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, and Jameson Williams are the key considerations. The Lions' offense has a good opportunity to produce against Minnesota, although the Vikings' defense deserves respect.
Goff has handled Brian Flores' pressure-heavy defenses successfully in the past, but Minnesota has adjusted in recent meetings. That adds some uncertainty without eliminating the upside of Detroit's passing game.
On the other side of the ball, Minnesota's passing game has more upside than the modest total initially suggests. Detroit has allowed the most fantasy points to quarterbacks and tight ends, and the fourth-most to opposing wide receivers. Kyler Murray is a strong streaming option, while Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison offer upside as the top outside receiving options.
Detroit's struggles against tight ends also make T.J. Hockenson a particularly attractive Week 8 option.
With Aaron Jones Sr. dealing with a knee injury, Jordan Mason is projected for an RB18 performance.
Carolina Panthers at Green Bay Packers
With a 48.5-point total, Thursday night's game offers an interesting mix of established fantasy starters and matchup-driven options.
Jordan Love opens the week as QB5 in the initial Footballguys Week 8 projections. Christian Watson (WR9), Matthew Golden (WR11), and Tucker Kraft (TE6) are all projected for big games as well. Carolina has allowed the third-most expected fantasy points to tight ends, making Kraft particularly attractive.
Josh Jacobs also gets an appealing matchup against Carolina as he heads into his second start following last week's encouraging return.
Green Bay has the stronger projected offense, but Carolina also offers several attractive fantasy options.
Bryce Young is QB10 in the initial projections. The Panthers' receiving options and backfield deserve consideration, especially if Green Bay forces the Panthers into a more aggressive passing approach. Tetairoa McMillan (WR8) and Jalen Coker (WR16) are both front-line starts.
Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars
This selection is primarily about positional leverage rather than a projected shootout, although the 46.5-point total is still enticing.
Trevor Lawrence is QB7 in Footballguys' early projections. The Jaguars carry an implied total around 27 points, creating opportunities for Bhayshul Tuten, Parker Washington, and Brenton Strange. Jakobi Meyers is a viable bye-week fill-in, while Brian Thomas Jr. remains a risky boom-or-bust option who has been more bust than boom this season.
While the Jaguars offer a strong team scoring projection, fewer Colts warrant starting consideration.
Jonathan Taylor remains the foundation of the offense. Daniel Jones and the receiving corps are more matchup-dependent, and Jacksonville being favored by 7.5 points introduces some concern about Indianapolis sustaining drives.
That makes Jacksonville's secondary options the more appealing lineup decisions in this matchup, while the Colts' passing game requires a more selective approach, with Josh Downs and Keenan Allen projected as WR3-level plays.
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