Week 8 can make or break many fantasy football seasons, so deciding which WR to start between two closely ranked players can determine whether your team is playoff-bound. Should you start Terry McLaurin or DJ Moore this week?
Terry McLaurin’s Fantasy Outlook This Week
McLaurin has a deceptively juicy matchup this week vs. the Eagles, who are in the bottom three against fantasy wide receivers this year. McLaurin has averaged 5.3 catches for 73.3 yards and a 24% target share over the last three weeks.
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McLaurin is our 20th-ranked WR this week, and I see that as a floor for him with legitimate upside. I think the Eagles jump to an early lead, and Washington has to let Sam Howell throw for the majority of the game. McLaurin will reap the benefits, and I see him as a high-end WR2 this week.
DJ Moore’s Fantasy Outlook This Week
Moore has two career games with rookie Tyson Bagent as his quarterback. It is crystal clear that Moore has been utilized close to the line of scrimmage in those two games but has seen his target share jump to a silly 32%.
That increased role has led to 6.5 catches in those two games but for only 52.5 yards. I see no chance of having a blowup game like Moore had with Fields under center on Thursday night in Week 5 vs. the Commanders.
I see Moore as a low-ceiling/high-floor Flex play, even against the worst fantasy defense against wide receivers in the Chargers.
Which Wide Receiver Should You Start?
Pro Football Network’s Start/Sit Optimizer says that McLaurin is the player to start. His projected 12.5 points include 64.2 receiving yards, 4.3 receptions, and a 1/3 chance at a touchdown. That doesn’t seem like a big stat line, but it outperforms the consensus projection for Moore (11.8 points).
My ranking for these wide receivers aligns with the consensus due to McLaurin’s consistent workload and my faith being higher in Howell than Bagent at quarterback.
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