The Rundown: Week 8

Oct 25, 2019

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Just as we got Saquon Barkley back, we lose Patrick Mahomes to an injury in Week 7. Luckily, like most injuries to the biggest fantasy players this season, it appears to be of the short-term variety. Add in some recent trades and there have been some shifts in depth charts that will impact fantasy football down the regular-season stretch. As always, the Thursday preview along with stats to know is already available and this will focus on the rest of the slate including start/sit recommendations.

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Fantasy Rating Key

(5) - Elite option. Must start.
(4) - Strong option. Likely start.
(3) - Good option. Low-end starter to high-end backup.
(2) - Weak option. Possible flex or desperation play.
(1) - Bad option. Bench in nearly all cases.
(0) - Not an option. Injured, bench, or waivers.

Seahawks @ Falcons

Spread: Falcons +5.5 | Total: 53.5

The Seahawks finally stumbled on offense last week against the Ravens. They threw their first interception and failed to score 20 offensive points for the first time this year. However, they remain a top-five offense and get a great matchup in this one. The Falcons are a bottom-five defense and have never held a team under 20 points. On offense, they continue their pass-first approach that has led to success. Even without Mohamed Sanu and a poor record this season, this offense should keep their identity.

Seattle Seahawks

With such a great matchup, the Seahawks will likely look to stay on the ground barring an early deficit. That means good things for Chris Carson, but Russell Wilson will also get his chances here as the Falcons are allowing roughly 2.5 passing touchdowns per game. This is the type of game where you can take chances on fringe players.

Team Trends That Matter

Lamar Jackson was the first quarterback since Week 1 to score 20 fantasy points against the Seahawks.
The fifth slowest pace between plays (33.27 seconds) when leading by seven or more points.
Four different wide receivers surpassed 40% snap share in Week 7.

Fantasy Rating and a Stat to Know

QB Russell Wilson (5) - Week 7 was his first game under eight yards per pass attempt
RB Chris Carson (5) - Played a season-high 89% snap share in Week 7
WR Tyler Lockett (5) - All four of his touchdowns have been at home this season
WR DK Metcalf (2) - Hasn’t played 60 offensive snaps since Week 3
TE Jacob Hollister (2) - First action of the season saw him receive six targets on 37 snaps

Atlanta Falcons

The high octane passing attack of the Falcons shouldn’t see many roadblocks here. The Seahawks are an average pass defense who have allowed three different 100-yard receivers in the past three games. It could become four here along with several touchdown drives that will keep most of the key fantasy options as good to great starters this week.

Team Trends That Matter

Five straight opposing quarterbacks have scored 20-plus fantasy points against.
Have the fastest pace (22.43 seconds) when leading by seven or more points.
Allowing touchdowns on 36.2% of opposing drives, second-highest rate in the NFL.

Fantasy Rating and a Stat to Know

QB Matt Ryan (4) - Week 7 was his first game under 15 fantasy points this season
RB Devonta Freeman (4) - Played a season-low 31 snaps in Week 7
WR Julio Jones (5) - One of five receivers with seven or more targets in all seven games
WR Calvin Ridley (3) - Played a season-low 36 snaps in Week 7
TE Austin Hooper (5) - Saw his fewest targets of the season (five) in Week 7