There’s a lot to unpack in the fantasy football aftermath of Week 7. But just like when we return from a trip to the grocery store, we can’t wait all week to unpack. It needs to happen now, and then we need to figure out what to do about the things we’ve learned — how to act on our newfound knowledge. And some of the most important lessons to learn in fantasy football concern which undervalued players are ready to pop — let’s break down some Week 8 sleepers.
Week 8 Fantasy Sleepers: AFC
Let’s examine some of the top AFC sleepers heading into Week 8.
Devin Singletary, RB, Buffalo Bills
When is an RB4 a sleeper? When he’s playing against the Dolphins in the year 2021. The game script should hand Buffalo a comfortable win against a Miami squad that has lost its way on defense. The higher-scoring Zack Moss seems like the better play, but if you have Moss, you’re probably starting him anyway.
Singletary has more targets and receptions. Incredibly, he’s also averaging 1.3 more yards per carry. His biggest deficit is in the touchdown category, where he’s trailing Moss 4-1. In a game that could feature 5+ Bills touchdowns, Singletary is a fantastic sleeper in Week 8.
Tyler Boyd, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
It’s easy to dismiss slumping fantasy streamers. They’re already fringe starters, so why take a risk on them rebounding? With Boyd, it comes down to talent and opportunity. The longtime WR2/3 is presently a WR4 and coming off three scoreless performances in which he’s averaged 3 catches for 23 yards. Yikes, right? Surely there’s no way he’ll get back on track.
But next weekend’s matchup against the Jets is a perfect get-right situation. If you don’t have a WR3 to plug in, Boyd is a superb option.
Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Denver Broncos
If you want safe picks, look elsewhere. Bridgewater is the No. 24 fantasy QB in points per game. He is off almost every expert’s radar and probably almost every fantasy manager’s, too. However, he has quietly cultivated a competent campaign that includes the fifth-highest completion percentage (70.1%) among starting quarterbacks. He is also tied for 11th in touchdown passes (11). Jerry Jeudy could return in Week 8 when Denver hosts the reeling Washington Football Team.
And when I say “reeling,” I mean it. No defense has given up more touchdown passes (19), passing yards (2,104), or passing first downs (114). Denver is well-positioned to rebound from its ugly Week 7 loss to Cleveland. Fire up Bridgewater as a top-16 QB with strong QB1 upside.
Week 8 Fantasy Sleepers: NFCÂ
Which player highlights the NFC sleepers in Week 8?
A.J. Green, WR, Arizona Cardinals
Admittedly, I was not enamored with A.J. Green this summer. His last good (partial) season was in 2018, and he appeared to be on a steep decline in 2020. But in hindsight, his return to fantasy relevance shouldn’t have been surprising. Catching passes from a post-prime Andy Dalton and Brandon Allen is one thing. Catching passes from Kyler Murray is another. Green fits in perfectly in Arizona’s high-octane offense. Despite averaging only 5 targets per game, he’s posting WR4 numbers.
Next weekend, he’ll face a Packers defense that seems better than it is, thanks to recent matchups against Chicago and Washington. If you need a WR dart throw, Green offers weekly WR3 upside, including in Week 8.
