The Post’s Drew Loftis evaluates all the relevant fantasy football news ahead of Week 8 of the NFL season.
Big Weeks
Ryan Tannehill QB, Titans, vs. Buccaneers (FanDuel $6,900/DraftKings $5,100)
Tampa Bay is among the stingiest against the ground game, but they are quite generous to opposing QBs. Tannehill delivered easily the most productive passing outing of the season for the Titans last week, when he took over for Marcus Mariota. Corey Davis and Adam Humphries are on the radar as well.
Royce Freeman RB, Broncos, at Colts (FD $5,700/DK $5,500)
Not convinced the Colts’ run defense is as strong as its ranking (seventh best vs. fantasy RBs). The Colts rank among the league’s worst in run-stopping personnel, according to Pro Football Focus. Freeman is somehow getting more looks in the passing game.
Albert Wilson WR, Dolphins, at Steelers (FD $4,500/DK $3,500)
Pittsburgh has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing slot receivers, five points more per week than the next worst team. Ryan Fitzpatrick at QB instead of Josh Rosen will help the newly healthy Wilson showcase his big-play ability.
Larry Fitzgerald WR, Cardinals, at Saints (FD $5,400/DK $5,400)
Speaking of teams that are bad against the slot receiver, the Saints are the second-worst defending that position. Fitz is coming off a dud in the rain last week vs. the Giants, only his second single-digit PPR outing. Has at least five catches in every other game.
Small Weaks
Jacoby Brissett QB, Colts, vs. Broncos (FD $7,500/DK $5,600)
The Patriots’ and 49ers’ defenses get all the headlines, but the Broncos have limited opposing fantasy QBs to just 10.5 points per week — third-stingiest in the league. Brissett has been to held to fewer than 200 passing yards three times in six games.
Joe Mixon RB, Bengals, at Rams (FD $6,000/DK $4,600)
This stings because of the draft capital invested to acquire him. But he should be relegated to an emergency start. The offense is that bad. He has been held to single digits more often than not, and sieve defense means Cincinnati easily could fall behind early, limiting any shot at a volume-fueled rally.
Derrick Henry RB, Titans, vs. Buccaneers (FD $6,900/DK $6,000)
The Bucs and their stellar run defense have had an extra week to prepare for a one-dimensional RB — a one-cut power back who isn’t involved in the passing game. Tampa Bay allows the fewest rushing yards per game in the league.
Zack Ertz TE, Eagles, at Bills (FD $6,300/DK $5,100)
It has been a disappointing year for Ertz — just one TD, no games of more than 75 receiving yards, ranked sixth at his position despite being the second tight end drafted. Only the Patriots allow fewer fantasy points to tight ends.