NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 8 – Quarterbacks and Running Backs

We have a bit of a new format for the NFL DFS articles beginning with Week 8. We’ll break down the entire slate in two installments, the first of which includes quarterbacks and running backs to target at various price points. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NFL Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

QUARTERBACK CASH TARGETS

Russell Wilson, SEA at ATL
FanDuel = $8,600
DraftKings = $7,200

The Seahawks suffered a disappointing loss at home to the Ravens last week and Wilson wasn’t immune to their struggles. He completed only 20 of 41 passes, which was the first time that he completed fewer than 64 percent of his passes in a game this season. The end result was just 241 passing yards, one touchdown and his first interception. As bleak as that stat line was, he’s still in the discussion for the league’s MVP award and should get back on track against a Falcons team that has allowed the fifth-most passing yards per game and is tied for the most touchdown passes allowed in the league.

Jared Goff, LAR vs. CIN
FanDuel = $8,000
DraftKings = $6,800

Goff was able to get himself back on track against the aforementioned Falcons, throwing for 268 yards and two touchdowns in Week 7. He also rushed for a touchdown, which was his second score on the ground of the season. Goff has had an up-and-down campaign so far, but he’s mostly taken advantage of favorable matchups when he’s had them. With the Bengals dealing with injuries at cornerback, this could be another one of Goff’s finer performances.

QUARTERBACK GPP TARGETS

Josh Allen, BUF vs. PHI
FanDuel = $7,700
DraftKings = $6,500

Allen had a plus matchup against the Dolphins in Week 7, and while he didn’t flop, he didn’t exactly shine, either. He finished with 202 passing yards and two touchdowns while also contributing 32 yards on the ground. He’s still looking for his first 300-yard passing game of the season and he has seven touchdown passes compared to seven interceptions. On the plus side, he has rushed for at least 21 yards in every game and has three total rushing touchdowns. If there was ever a week for him to have a big performance through the air, this might be it considering the Eagles have allowed the sixth-most passing yards per game.

Ryan Tannehill, TEN vs. TB
FanDuel = $6,900
DraftKings = $5,100

The Titans have mercifully moved on from Marcus Mariota, giving Tannehill his first start last week. While the bar wasn’t exactly set very high, he breathed some life into the Titans’ offense by throwing for 312 yards and two touchdowns. He did throw an interception and has been turnover prone in his career, so be sure to limit your expectations for him moving forward. With that being said, he could be worth the risk at such a cheap price facing a Bucs teams that has allowed the most passing yards per game.

RUNNING BACK CASH TARGETS

Saquan Barkley, NYG at DET
FanDuel = $8,600
DraftKings = $8,900

The Giants received some much-need reinforcements in Week 7 with Barkley returning from his high ankle sprain. He only missed three games with the ailment, coming back sooner than most expected. While he couldn’t get much going in the passing game, he did convert 18 carries into 72 yards and a touchdown. There was an instance in the second half in which he appeared to re-aggravate the injury, but he quickly returned to the field and was fine for the rest of the contest. With the Lions allowing the fifth-most rushing yards per game, Barkley could feast in Week 8.

Chris Carson, SEA at ATL
FanDuel = $8,000
DraftKings = $7,000

After three straight games with at least 100 rushing yards, Carson could only muster up 65 yards on the ground versus the Ravens last week. On the bright side, he received 21 carries, giving him 139 through seven games. The Seahawks should be able to move the ball with ease through the air, potentially setting up Carson with added work inside the red zone. Rashaad Penny logged only two snaps against the Ravens, so expect Carson to have a heavy work load once again.

RUNNING BACK GPP CASH TARGETS

Latavius Murray, NO vs. ARI
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $5,800

To say Murray filled in well for Alvin Kamara (ankle/knee) last week would be an understatement. He torched the Bears, producing 119 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries. He also caught five of six targets for 31 yards. If Kamara can’t play again this week, Murray should be locked into DFS lineups against a Cardinals team that has allowed the eighth-most rushing yards per game. If there is any question regarding Kamara’s health, expect the Saints to err on the side of caution since they have a bye in Week 9.

Tevin Coleman, SF vs. CAR
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $5,000

The 49ers and Redskins played an ugly game Sunday in which neither team scored a touchdown. Coleman failed to find his way into the end zone for the first time in his last three games, but he did receive a season-high 20 carries that he turned into 62 yards. Meanwhile, Matt Breida finished with only eight carries after leaving the game due to an eye injury. Breida will likely be able to play against the Panthers, but with Coleman the featured back, he could provide value at this price since the Panthers have allowed the 10th-most rushing yards per game.

Ty Johnson, DET vs. NYG
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,900

One of the biggest injuries to monitor is that of Kerryon Johnson, who departed Sunday with a knee injury and did not return. In his absence, Ty Johnson lead the team with 10 carries. After Cardinals’ backup Chase Edmonds destroyed the Giants on Sunday, they have now allowed a league-high 10 rushing touchdowns. While J.D. McKissic would also likely receive some work if Kerryon can’t play, Ty makes for a great option in tournament play at such a cheap price.

Author Bio:

Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat, and was a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Follow Mike on Twitter @rotomikebarner.