Fantasy Football Week 8: Start or Sit Key Tight Ends

NEW ORLEANS, LA – As Week 8 of the NFL season approaches, fantasy football players are making critical lineup decisions. With injuries and performance fluctuations, choosing whether to start or sit certain players can be challenging.

This week, Juwan Johnson of the New Orleans Saints is a player to consider starting. In his last game against the Chicago Bears, Johnson caught five passes for 79 yards, a significant improvement for the tight end. His performance marks the first time he exceeded 50 yards since Week 3, making him a top-15 fantasy tight end this week.

As the Saints prepare for a matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Johnson’s role in the offense appears to increase as he is likely to receive more targets. The Buccaneers’ defense has allowed 39 receptions, 318 yards, and four touchdowns to tight ends this season. If you need a reliable tight end, Johnson is a strong option for fantasy lineups.

On the other hand, Zach Ertz from the Arizona Cardinals might be a tight end to bench this week. Despite catching touchdowns in recent games, he faces a tough opponent in the Kansas City Chiefs, who are allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends this season. Ertz has also struggled statistically when Marcus Mariota has been the starting quarterback.

Hunter Henry of the New England Patriots presents another sit candidate. With a season averaging of only three catches and 35 yards over the past three weeks, he’s unlikely to produce against the Cleveland Browns, who are giving up limited fantasy points to the position.

Lastly, Theo Johnson of the New York Giants is also advised to sit. He faces a tough challenge against the Philadelphia Eagles, who allow the fourth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Previous matchups have not been favorable, as he recorded only two receptions for 27 yards in their last meeting.

With so many players on bye weeks, these decisions become even more crucial for fantasy owners vying for a win in Week 8.