Fantasy Football Week 8 Recap: 19 Things You Need To Know

Oct 28, 2024

Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Week 8 was National Tight Ends Day and everyone joined the celebration. There were 11 touchdowns scored by the big guys in the early games. 15 had been scored leading into Sunday Night Football, when the People’s Tight End, George Kittle, took the field. Nate Adkins caught his first career touchdown. Adam Trautman made a one-handed snag for a 19-yard score. David Montgomery even threw a touchdown pass to Sam LaPorta. In total, 20 different tight ends caught at least five passes or had at least 50 yards receiving.

Detroit scored the most points Sunday, as Kalif Raymond scored on an electrifying 90-yard punt return in the third quarter. Jahmyr Gibbs had a career-long run for the second consecutive week after racing 70 yards down the sideline for a score. The return of Tua helped the Dolphins score over 20 points for the first time all year. The Eagles have yet to score in the first quarter this season. Jonathan Taylor played his first game in four weeks and topped 100 yards rushing for the third time in 2024. Another spate of injuries impacted fantasy-relevant players. Here are the key takeaways from an exciting week.

Top Players

Kyle Pitts had his first career multi-touchdown day. The second score was a dubious one as Antoine Winfield knocked the ball free at the goal line, but the play stood as called after review. Pitts caught four passes and totaled 91 yards.

Thank you to the TightEnd Gods 🙏🏽🫡

— Kyle Pitts👑 (@Kyle Pitts__) October 27, 2024

Cade Otton had a massive day in Tampa Bay. The tight end led the Bucs in receiving on a day they were without their top two receiving options. Mike Evans is out for an extended period with a hamstring strain and Chris Godwin will miss the remainder of the season after dislocating his ankle. Otton picked up the slack, catching nine of 10 targets for 81 yards and two touchdowns.

Jalen Hurts led all quarterbacks in scoring. He completed 16 of 20 attempts for 236 yards and a score. He did the most damage on the ground, rushing 10 times for 37 yards. Hurts scored three short-yardage rushing touchdowns, much to the chagrin of Saquon Barkley managers.

Josh Jacobs carried the Packers to a win in Duval County. He collected a pair of rushing scores while taking 25 carries for 127 yards. Green Bay walked it off on a 24-yard Brandon McManus field goal.

James Cook took a star turn in Buffalo’s convincing win in Seattle. He saw 17 carries and converted them into 111 yards. He found the end zone two times and tacked on three receptions for an additional 22 yards.

George Kittle observed his favorite holiday in high style. He rumbled through Dallas defenders for a huge 43-yard gain early in the third quarter. His final line was six receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown.

Pop Players

Jameis Winston breathed new life into the Cleveland offense. He became the first Browns quarterback to throw for 300+ yards since Joe Flacco did it last December. Winston completed 27 passes to six different pass catchers for 334 yards and threw three scoring strikes. The Browns defeated the Baltimore Ravens to earn their second victory of the season.

Cedric Tillman was Winston's favorite target. Tillman made seven catches on nine targets for 99 yards and was on the receiving end of two touchdown passes including a 38-yard arcing beauty that proved the game-winner.

Darnell Mooney does not fear a Buccaneer. He caught five passes for 92 yards including a 30-yard touchdown grab. He now has 197 total yards and three touchdowns against Tampa Bay as a Falcon.

Ladd McConkey hit new career highs across the board. The rookie pass catcher hauled in six Justin Herbert offerings for 111 yards and two scores. It marked the fourth time he has had five or more catches in his young career.

Bo Nix won his way into the Broncos’ record books. Through just eight weeks, Nix has the most wins by a rookie quarterback in franchise history. Most significantly, Nix is becoming a viable fantasy option. He threw for 284 yards and three passing scores. He added a touchdown with his feet. Over the last five weeks, Nix has 12 total touchdowns against just one interception. Denver has been off to its best start since 2016.

Quarterbacks outscoring Bo Nix in fantasy since Week 5:

- Lamar Jackson
- Baker Mayfield

That's it.

— Dave Kluge (@DaveKluge) October 28, 2024

Flop Players

Anthony Richardson struggled in an Indianapolis defeat. He appeared to hurt his ankle in the third quarter but would remain in the game. Richardson completed 10 of 32 attempts for 175 yards and a touchdown. He was intercepted once and lost a fumble. He did somewhat salvage his fantasy day with 45 rushing yards on six attempts.

Amari Cooper was unable to follow up on his strong Buffalo debut. In his second start for the Bills, Cooper had one catch for three yards. He was targeted twice in the game.

Drop? Players

Drake Maye took a shot to the head in the second quarter against the New York Jets. He was ruled out at halftime.

Jordan Love left the game in the third quarter of Green Bay’s victory in Jacksonville. The team reported a groin injury. Love is expected to undergo further testing on Monday.

Stefon Diggs injured his right knee in the third quarter of Houston’s divisional victory over the Colts. Diggs was well on his way to a strong fantasy day, having caught five passes for 81 yards before going down. He walked off the field under his own power, but further testing is required.

Christian Kirk went down after a hard hit where he was landed in the fourth quarter. He was seen with his arm in a sling after the game. The team later reported that the veteran receiver had broken his collarbone and will be out for the remainder of the season.

Brian Thomas sustained a chest injury Sunday in Jacksonville. He did not return to the game. The injury will require further monitoring.

Deebo Samuel injured his ribs late in the 49ers’ victory. Initially ruled as questionable, he did not return to the game.