Fantasy football managers face another tricky round of lineup decisions this week. A few wide receivers have quietly built momentum, and favorable matchups could push them into must-start territory. Others, however, may be best left on the bench despite recent involvement. Let’s look closer at who earns a starting spot and who should sit in Week 8.
Start ‘Em: Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos
Courtland Sutton’s 2025 season has been quite the ride. He’s posted at least 16.7 fantasy points in all but two games. Unfortunately, in those two misses, he’s completely disappeared with outings of 1.6 and 2.7. Overall, though, it’s hard to complain about what he’s given fantasy managers.
While Sutton has been way more helpful than not, we haven’t yet gotten that true spike week. In his five WR1-caliber performances, he’s been between the 16.7 points mentioned above and 19.1 points in four of them, with the lone outlier being 23.1. That massive game hasn’t come yet. This could be the week.
The Cowboys allow the most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Even against a Commanders team missing their top three options, Jaylin Lane and Chris Moore combined for 119 yards. Sutton is going to have his way with this secondary.
Given the prolific nature of the Cowboys’ offense, they often find themselves in shootouts. That could lead to a high-volume day for Sutton in a high-scoring contest. Make sure he is in lineups.
Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens
When we last saw Zay Flowers, he was battling through a shoulder injury. Yet, he still earned 10 targets, catching six for 46 yards while playing with Cooper Rush and Tyler Huntley.
Lamar Jackson is expected back this week, which will be a massive boost to the entire Baltimore Ravens offense. The Ravens will look to get back in the win column with a strong offensive showing against the Chicago Bears.
Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is asked about Lamar Jackson’s status and assures that the team is ready to go.
Kevin Richardson, @baltimoresun pic.twitter.com/qhYx9llhVD
— The Baltimore Sun (@baltimoresun) October 21, 2025
With the Ravens possessing one of the worst defenses in the league, they frequently find themselves in high-scoring affairs. This week should be no different. Flowers should see plenty of work against a Bears defense that allows the sixth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers.
Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers
The Packers keep drafting players to supplant Romeo Doubs as their WR1. Doubs keeps fending them off.
Doubs is on track for the best season of his career, averaging 13.1 fantasy points per game. After a slow start to the season, Jordan Love has honed in on him the past three weeks.
The one I got during my first time ever at Lambeau, Romeo Doubs pic.twitter.com/c0mRBtrBDy
— That Guy Who’s Also A Guy But Guy (@Kit_Tally) October 21, 2025
Since Week 4, Doubs has seen a total of 25 targets with no fewer than eight in each of his last three games. Now, he gets a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that’s been surprisingly generous to opposing wide receivers, allowing the sixth-most fantasy points per game to the position.
With the Steelers being better against the run than the pass, we could see the Packers go with more of an aerial assault this week. Matthew Golden’s role does not seem to be progressing, and Jayden Reed is not close to a return. It’s looking like the Doubs show once again.
Sit ‘Em: Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers had a straightforward game plan against the Falcons on Sunday night. Feed Christian McCaffrey.
Mac Jones attempted a mere 26 passes, throwing for 152 scoreless yards. Jauan Jennings led the way with just 31 receiving yards on four receptions (aside from McCaffrey’s 7-72).
While Jennings has reestablished himself as the 49ers’ WR1, his production will be matchup-dependent. And he’s got another tough challenge ahead.
The Houston Texans allow the second-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers. This is another game where the 49ers will try to lean on McCaffrey. We should also expect George Kittle to do better than zero catches on two targets. If Ricky Pearsall can return this week further dampens Jennings’ fantasy outlook. He is a low-upside play in Week 8.
