Joe DiCarlo 
We are back for another breakdown as we are almost halfway through the NFL season. A full entree of 13 games to chop up and set out on the table for you to enjoy. Week 8 should be interesting since so many injuries to starters occurred, and their replacements are set to take on bigger roles in their perspective offenses. Not to mention some players who have been injured will be returning this week, so let’s get started.
Stay tuned for all our injury news, updates, and Discord-building advice. Also, check out our Optimizer and Projection Models to get the best possible performance from your lineups. Also, check back into the article during the week as we approach kickoff for more content, as more game breakdowns will be available as we approach the Sunday Slate.
Sunday Main Slate 10/27/24
Titans @ Lions (-10.5) (O/U 45)
We start off with the roaring Detroit Lions who are still licking their lips after handing Minnesota their first loss of the year. They host Tennessee, a team that just can’t seem to find the win column with a record of 1-5. It’s a huge spread with Detroit laying 10.5 and the total seems like it may take a dive closer to Sunday. Let’s see who we like in this matchup for DFS.
Don’t underestimate Tennessee’s defense by looking at their record. They’re fifth in rushing yards allowed (105 yards allowed per game) and third in passing yards allowed (186/game). Besides last week’s beat down by Josh Allen, the Titans have not defended any other competent quarterbacks all year. Jared Goff should get the job done once again, along with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery are the best one-two punch at running back in football, un fadeable in my opinion. However, the Lions may be losing Jameson Williams to a suspension for two games, so the arrows are up for Khalif Raymond and Tim Patrick, great salary savers this weekend in tournaments.
Mason Rudolph did not move the marker any better than Will Levis last week, who got the start at quarterback, and the team is just nauseating to think of in regards to any type of offense on the road in Detroit. So we can’t invest in this passing game and Tony Pollard’s matchup is brutal, facing a Lions team that only allows 92 yards per game rushing. Let’s play it safe, stand clear of any Titans, and lock in the Lions DST.
Cash: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions DST
GPP: Jared Goff, Sam LaPorta, Khalif Raymond, Tim Patrick
Update: DeAndre Hopkins was traded to the Chiefs
Packers @ Jaguars (+4.5) (O/U 49.5)
This game has some shootout potential, a near 50-total with the Jags getting a few points at home against the Packers. Both quarterbacks have stepped up to their game, especially Jordan Love winning his third straight game. The contest should see plenty of warm weather with sunny skies, a perfect design for some points to get on the scoreboard. Can the Jags make it two wins in a row after flying back over the pond? We shall see.
Jordan Love does not play favorites, which is unusual for quarterbacks these days. He hits the open man. So roll him out nude and he’s good for 20 fantasy points, which he has averaged all season. But if you can stack him with a receiver, that would be even better. It’s a risky play since we never know where the ball is going in Green Bay, but Romeo Doubs has scored a touchdown and double-digit fantasy points in two straight games. The matchup is gold too, Jacksonville ranks in the bottom three of defending the pass, so roll out Doubs, Reed, Watson, or whoever your gut says will be a Love beneficiary.
The Jags left the pond with a win over the Pats, pulling it off by being down 10-0 at one point. They’ll need more from Trevor Lawrence, who is only completing 66% of his throws and averaging just two carries a game. The rookie Brian Thomas Jr. (17 YPR) and second-string running back Tank Bigsby (6.2 YPC) have been keeping the offense going as of late. Each has scored four times this season, but tight end Evan Engram has the better matchup against Green Bay’s 23rd-in DVOA coverage this week. The Packers have allowed five-plus catches per game at 56 yards a clip in seven games this season, take a shot on Engram in GPPs.
Cash: Jordan Love
GPP: Evan Engram, Brian Thomas Jr., Tank Bigsby, Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Tucker Kraft, Dontayvion Wicks
Colts @ Texans (-6) (O/U 46)
Next on the menu, we have an AFC South in Texas where the Colts will take on the Texans. The total is mid-range and the spread suggests Houston should walk out of the contest as victors. It’s a great bounce-back spot, mainly for CJ Stroud since scoring single-digit fantasy points last weekend. Although the Colts stroll in with a winning record at 4-3, they rank 31st in rushing yards allowed and 23rd in passing coverage. Indy has also been up and down offensively, which team will show this weekend?
The Texans rallied behind Joe Mixon against Green Bay in their loss, who put up another solid performance (124 TOT yards/2 TDs). We are going to let it ride with Mixon one more week against a Colts team that allows 159 yards per game in the trenches. Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell should also see production in this spot, but Stroud may not get to pay his salary if this game gets out of hand. If they do in fact keep Anthony Richardson and the Colts in check, the Texans DST are an option too this week.
Free Joe Flacco in Indianapolis. Anthony Richardson returned from a two-game stint to lead the Colts to victory, but it wasn’t from his quarterback play. He returned to pass for only 129 yards at 5.4 yards per attempt, so it’s not looking good this week against a Houston defense that is fourth in the league in rushing, and eighth in passing yards allowed. But there is some hope for Jonathan Taylor to return this week, if he does he is a GPP dart throw for a running back that sees 20-plus carries per game.
Cash: Joe Mixon
GPP: Stefon Diggs, Tank Dell, CJ Stroud, Jonathan Taylor, Houston DST
Eagles @ Bengals (-3) (O/U 47.5)
I like this game on the slate, it’s a potential sleeper for a shootout. The total does not tell the entire potential game script in Cincinnati, as each team’s defenses are vulnerable to giving up big plays. The Eagles dominated the Giants last week, by showcasing their former bell cow up and down Met Life stadium as he ran for over 170 yards and a touchdown. The Bengals also had a cakewalk weekend in Week 7, beating up on the woeful Browns on their own turf by the hands of Joe Burrow. I’ll explain why this game could be crucial to take ownership of on the slate.
Philadelphia has been impenetrable on the front seven, but you can air the ball out on their secondary. Back in Week 4 Baker Mayfield threw for 347 yards and two touchdowns on that secondary, he had Godwin and Evans alongside him. This week Philly will see Burrow with Ja”Maar Chase and Tee Higgins on opposite sides of him. Imagine the fireworks display that we may be in store for. All three Bengals make the grade, with Chase Brown and Zack Moss also for goal line and hurry-up offense PPR work.
The Bengals however, have been awful at stopping the run. There are too many boxscores to list in this paragraph, but Derrick Henry, Chuba Hubbard, and rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr have all been RB 1’s in the weeks they ran against Cincinnati. Saquon Barkley will be a staple at running back this weekend once again, with Jalen Hurts also getting pushed into the endzone. A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith should see all the passing work with tight end Dallas Goedert sidelined, they will be great GPP options this week.
Cash: Saquon Barkley, Jalen Hurts, Ja’Maar Chase
GPP: Tee Higgins, Joe Burrow, A.J. Brown, Devonta Smith, Chase Brown, Zack Moss
Ravens @ Browns (+11.5) (O/U 44.5)
Baltimore hits the road again after putting up 41 in Tampa on Monday Night and will take on their division rival Browns. The spread is gross and the total is not enticing either, but here we are to take from what we are given. Cleveland’s 200-million dollar man Deshaun Watson is done for the year with a torn Achilles, but that may be good news for the team in general.
We’ve all just seen the highlights and on Monday Night Football, the Ravens are the real deal. Their success is based on running the football, thanks to Derrick Henry. The 30-year-old has averaged over six yards per carry, totaling 873 yards and ten touchdowns. He has only Lamar Jackson to thank because of his own rushing capabilities. And welcome back Mark Andrews, Lamar’s established tight end has been his go-to guy since his rookie season. Andrews was on a milk carton to begin the season, until his last two games as he caught three touchdowns.
Now the Browns will be having a changing of the guard at quarterback, and he should get a warm welcome from the home crowd. Jameis Winston has not been fantasy-relevant since 2022 until he tore his ACL, but he’ll get his shot at redemption on Sunday. It’s not the softest landing spot either as we witnessed two picks by the Raven’s secondary in the first half Monday night. Winston along with Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore, Cedric Tillman, and David Njoku are all in play due to their inexpensive salaries against a Ravens’ pass-funnel defense that is impossible to run against (allows only 68 rushing yards per game)
Cash: Lamar Jackson, Derick Henry
GPP: Jameis Winston, Jerry Jeudy, Mark Andrews, David Njoku, Elijah Moore, Cedric Tillman, Ravens DST
Jets @ Patriots (+7) (O/U 41.5)
Aaron Rodgers and the Jets land in a get-right spot on the road in New England, a game they desperately need to win in order to stay in the playoff race. The Pats are back in the States after taking a beating over the pond against Jacksonville. If you want to take a bite out of this contest, I suggest taking the guys in green only. Let’s break it down.
Don’t let New York’s record fool you, if not for a couple of missed field goals this team would be sitting at 4-3. Now with one week under his belt with his former Packer teammate, Davante Adams will see a much better stat line against a Pats’ coverage that ranks 24th in DVOA to opposing wide receivers. Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, and Breece Hall should all be involved as well this Sunday as the Jets may use the Patriots as a punching bag this weekend and let out some frustration.
New York’s defense was a dumpster fire in Pittsburgh, but look for them to also land in a soft spot and put the clamps on Drake Maye and the Pats’ offense. They will be in front of a home crowd but using any Patriots’ skill players will be GPP Milli-Maker viable due to the ownership. If I were to take a shot at a Pat it would be Rhamondre Stevenson facing a Jets’ defense that has struggled to stop the run, allowing over 127 yards per game. A safer bet would be the Jets’ DST if you have the salary to pay up for.
Cash: Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, Jets DST
GPP: Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, Allen Lazard, Rhamondre Stevenson
Cardinals @ Dolphins (-3) (O/U 47.5)
Miami will host the Cardinals in a game where we may finally see the Dolphins back to full strength offensively with the return of Tua Tagovailoa. Arizona fresh off their Monday night win against the Chargers is sitting pretty at 3-4 and working their way to a .500 record. It’s a decent total with a standard spread of home-field advantage at -3, let’s get right to it.
The Dolphins are desperate for Tua to suit up, as their offense has looked like a deer in headlights without him over the past six weeks. I haven’t seen Tyreek Hill at .$7K on DraftKings in years, if Tua is back we may have to jam Hill into all of our lineups at that price. Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane also fell down the ladder of affordability, you may want to consider them also, along with Tua himself.
Kyler Murray put the Cardinals on his back Monday night and carried them to a last-minute second by getting his team into field goal position. His legs played a big part in the game, rushing for 64 yards on six carries and a touchdown. He also has not been sacked in his last two games, which helps keep the offense on the field. Miami is ranked first in defending the pass, allowing the least amount of yards and touchdowns, which is bad news for Marvin Harrison and Trey McBride. A naked Kyler Murray or James Connor is the path to take this week in Arizona, Miami has allowed the third-most rushing touchdowns (9) so far this season at 4.6 yards allowed.
Cash: James Conner, Tyreek Hill
GPP: Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa, Jaylen Waddle, De’Von Achane, Trey McBride
Falcons @ Bucs (+2.5) (O/U 47.5)
Here we have an NFC South battle in Tampa, Florida as the Division lead will be handed to the winner, Both clubs sit with a record of 4-3, but the Bucs are in serious trouble as they lost both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin back on Monday. Meanwhile, in Atlanta, everything is roses. Although they lost to Seattle last week, the team is healthy and should bounce back this weekend.
The bloodshed is still fresh in our minds from watching Baltimore dismantle the Bucs’ defense by scoring 41 at the hands of Lamar Jackson’s five touchdown passes. It’s an open-and-shut case to fire more bullets at this Tampa defense. Drake London and Bijan are a lock along with Kirk Cousins. I have no problem with any Falcons this weekend actually, even the it defense gets a thumbs up as Tampa is short-handed at receiver.
Tampa is down, but don’t count them out yet. Baker Mayfield still has a cannon of an arm and is not afraid to use it. He leads the league in passing touchdowns with 18, and second in yardage. Who will be on the other end of these throws? Well expect a receiver-by-committee approach, including all three running backs, so keep them all in tournaments. Tight end Cade Otton went bananas (8 receptions for 100 yards) in garbage time last week when Godwin went down after Evans, he could very well be the target monster after all of the injuries.
Cash: Kirk Cousins, Drake London, Bijan Robinson, Baker Mayfield, Cade Otton
GPP: Darnell Mooney, Kyle Pitts, Jalen McMillan, Sterling Shepard, Trey Palmer
Bills @ Seahawks (+3) (O/U 47.5)
Here we have another game to invest in for DFS. The revamped Buffalo Bills offense hits the road to take on the Seahawks and the tough crowd of Seattle. Both teams sit on top of their divisions and look to stay there in a game that foresees back-and-forth scoring action. Grabbing each side of this matchup could be a solid path across the pay lines, let’s check it out.
Seattle only allows 200 passing yards per game, but that number exists only because opposing teams have been successful running the ball, as they allow nearly 150 yards per game. I would not be afraid of this secondary and be willing to roll out any Bills receivers alongside Josh Allen. James Cook should also have a great turnout, both Cash game options. Tight ends Dalton Kincaid has been limited and Dawson Knox has a DNP this week, so monitor them closely.
Buffalo is in the same boat defensively, as they’ve been gashed by running backs and allowing over 130 yards per game at 5.2 yards a clip. If the Seahawks can get the ball rolling with Kenneth Walker, who has been balling out in 2024 (3rd in TOT TDs with 7, 2nd in catches with 23), then Geno could carve up a beat-up Bills defense that may miss DTs Terrel Bernard and DaQuon Jones this week. Keep an eye on DK Metcalf on the injury reports, if he can’t suit up Tyler Lockett, JSN, and Noah Fant will see a bump in target share.
Cash: Josh Allen, James Cook, Kenneth Walker
GPP: Geno Smith, Amari Cooper, Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, DK Metcalf (if healthy), JSN
Update: DK Metcalf is doubtful
Chiefs @ Raiders (+9.5) (O/U 42)
The undefeated Chiefs will fly into Sin City to play the Raiders in an AFC West matchup with an ugly total of 42. The spread is extremely lopsided favoring the Chiefs, mainly because of the bone-crushing KC defense and the porta john offense of Las Vegas. We are used to scrolling straight to the Chiefs for DFS week to week, but not this time around, here is why.
If Vegas scores more than 13 points this week I’ll be surprised, Chris Jones and Trent McDuffie have suffocated every team in their path this season allowing 20 or more points only twice. They will be forced to roll out Gardner Minshew, who they benched, due to Aiden O’Connell landing on IR. Minshew sits on top of the league with eight picks, a number that may get higher after this week. The only Raiders I would consider against KC would be Alexander Mattison, who has taken control of the backfield, and tight end Brock Bowers who has become their number-one passing option.
The Chiefs have a shiny new toy and his name is DeAndre Hopkins. The news broke early Tuesday morning as he was traded from the Titans, becoming the latest wide receiver to switch teams mid-season. He is on pace to play, and Andy Reid will call the plays to send the ball in his direction to see what he acquired. If this game plays out the way most anticipate, we should see plenty of Kareem Hunt eating up the clock in the second half and Pat Mahomes spreading the ball around to gain an early lead.
Cash: Chiefs DST, Kareem Hunt, Brock Bowers
GPP: Pat Mahomes, Travis Kelce, DeAndre Hopkins, Alexander Mattison
Saints @ Chargers (-7) (U/O 39.5)
The 2-5 Saints head out to California to face the Chargers and will still be without quarterback Derek Carr. LA welcomes New Orleans over on Sunday wit a warm welcome and looks to exploit their deteriorated defensive line. It’s a touchdown spread with a total under 40, this could be ugly for fantasy. There’s always a route to take for DFS in every game though, let’s dive in.
The Saints will send out Spencer Rattler one more time, and boy I am licking my chops at the Chargers DST this weekend. Rattler has not delivered at quarterback and still needs to be groomed for obvious reasons. His decision-making is one of them, as he has thrown two picks to one touchdown in two games, and completed passes at only 5.5 yards per attempt. LA is ranked first in points allowed, with six interceptions under their belt already, 13 sacks, and four fumble recoveries. I want no part of any Saints this weekend, even though Chris Olave and Taysom Hill are trending towards playing this week, if Hill plays we may see him take over the QB position.
New Orleans has been destroyed across the board defensively as they rank 28th in passing yardage, 30th in rushing, and average well over 23 points allowed per game. Harbaugh and the Chargers are firm believers in running the football and tossing it out to their tight ends. JK Dobbins and Will Dissly/Hayden Hurst will flourish in this game. This may be the last time we see Dobbins under $7K on DraftKings so take him before the price goes up down the road.
Cash: JK Dobbins, Chargers DST
GPP: Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst (if both are healthy), Taysom Hill
Panthers @ Broncos (-8) (U/O 43.5)
Denver will sit in the driver’s seat on the road to victory as they will host the single-win Panthers. It will be one of the most lopsided games on the slate as the Broncos rank in the top five in almost all the categories including total defense and points allowed. Bryce Young will be back under center, which could be a tougher pill to swallow for all Panther fans. We’ll pick the pieces for you to decide on to put in your lineups.
Low totals with spreads at a touchdown or higher equal running backs and defenses to target for fantasy. Javonte Williams and the Denver defense make absolute sense this weekend, stacking both in your lineup will have you sleeping like a baby Saturday night before the slate kicks off. The Panthers have allowed 27 total touchdowns so far this season, ranking dead last in points allowed, rushing yardage and touchdowns. All the Broncos are viable this weekend including their defense.
Bryce Young will be thrown back to the wolves since Andy Dalton bruised his thumb in a car accident. What a matchup he gets, Denver on the road. He may also be without his number one receiver Diontae Johnson due to some bruised ribs, which could lead to stacked boxes for Chuba Hubbard. Stay away from the Panthers this weekend against one of the best defenses in football.
Cash: Javonte Williams, Denver DST
GPP: Bo Nix
Update: Diontae Johnson is out
Bears @ Commanders (+2.5) (U/O 44)
To wrap up the Breakdown it will be a showdown between the number one and number two overall picks in this year’s draft. Caleb Williams will look to continue the Bears’ hot streak against The Commanders, who hope Jayden Daniels will be healthy enough to play. Williams has not practiced all week with a rib injury, which would give Marcus Mariota the start in case he can’t suit up. Let’s look into the final game of the slate.
The number one-ranked offense in points scored of the Commanders may be tough sledding this weekend, especially without Jayden Daniels. The Bears rank fourth in total defense and only allow 180 passing yards per game, with only four touchdowns. Look for Washington to focus on moving the football on the ground behind one of the strongest offensive lines in the league. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler are GPP backs this week and Jayden Daniels of course will be usable if he plays. If we get Mariotta, use the Commanders’ receiving core with caution.
Chicago on the other hand has a great matchup, as Washington is not frugal at all when it comes to scoring on them. Diontae Johnson and Zay Flowers feasted on this upcoming secondary of Washington, which is 26th in DVOA to opposing wide receivers. They’ve also been friendly to opposing backs, allowing just under five yards per carry. DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Cole Kmet, and Rome Odunze get the thumbs up and are all in play for GPPs. D’Andre Swift has re-emerged finally, scoring over 20 fantasy points in his last three games, which cements him in cash games because of his low $6K price tag on DraftKings. Stack your Bears or roll Caleb out nude, either way, you should be golden on the slate.
Cash: D’Andre Swift, Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels (if healthy)
GPP: DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Cole Kmet, Rome Odunze, Brian Robinson, Austin Ekeler, Chicago DST (if Daniels is out)
Thanks for reading my NFL DFS Game by Game Breakdown for Week 8! Remember to check back daily for more updates and content up until kickoff. You can reach me on X @JoeDiCarlo78 or in our Discord tag me @DiCarlo78 for any lineup build opinions or questions, always here to help! Gain access to our Projection Models and jump into our Discord where we will have our experts and myself talking plays across every sport 24/7/365!
