NFL Week 8 Tournaments on FanDuel and DraftKings: Featured Players and Strategies
Tossin' It Deep: Week 8 DFS Tourney Picks for NFL
Week after week, larger field tournaments keep the DFS world buzzing with excitement. A single lineup could net you a five, six, or even seven figure payday (if you're lucky enough to win a millionaire contest). Building GPP lineups can be a labor-intensive task, chasing after that sweet upside, but don't worry, I've got your back! Here are some tantalizing tournament plays for FanDuel and DraftKings in Week 8 of the NFL.
Remember, we're chasing the almighty upside with our lineups here, but for more detailed GPP lineup strategies, check out the article here.
Week 8 Tournament Plays
Quarterbacks
Russell Wilson (SEA, FD: $7,900, DK: $6,500) vs. Houston Texans
Russ has been on quite a roll these past four games. He's finished in the top five at QB in three of those, notching 295+ yards through the air and multiple touchdowns in each. His legs haven't been too shabby either, averaging 27.3 rushing yards per game. The Texans' defense is somewhat overhyped this season, plagued by injuries to J.J. Watt, Brian Cushing, Whitney Mercilus, A.J. Bouye, and more. Brady and Smith lit them up with solid performances, and Russ has the potential to mirror those stats. He's a great tournament pivot off the popular Carson Wentz on FanDuel, where they share the same price.
Kirk Cousins (WSH, FD: $7,800, DK: $6,400) vs. Dallas Cowboys
Cousins has been riding a wave of success lately, posting averages of 304.5 yards and 2.5 touchdowns over the last four games. The Redskins duke it out for second place in the division behind the Eagles, and this game features the highest total of the weekend (50). In their previous two matchups last season, Cousins tossed for 364 yards and one touchdown, and 449 yards and three touchdowns. If you're in it for the upside, Cousins is your guy.
Running Backs
LeGarrette Blount (PHI, FD: $6,100 - FanDuel only)
The Eagles are hefty two-touchdown favorites hosting one of the league's worst rushing defenses. The Niners have given up the fourth-most rushing yards per game and are now officially the league's worst defense from a fantasy perspective. Blount clocks in with 14+ carries in each of the last four weeks, and, if the Eagles can build a lead, his floor might not be as low as it appears.
Melvin Gordon (LAC, FD: $7,900, DK: $8,100) at New England Patriots
This matchup feels like a Goldilocks situation for Gordon: not too hot, not too cold, just right. Gordon has had a modest performance against the Patriots so far this season, but don't let that fool you. The Patriots have struggled against pass-catching backs this season, allowing the second-most catches, yards, and touchdowns to the position. This game features the second-highest total of the weekend, and Gordon is a major factor in the Chargers' offensive gameplan.
Le'Veon Bell (PIT, FD: $9,400, DK: $9,300) at Detroit Lions
Touchdowns, touchdowns, and more touchdowns—the bell’s not stopping anytime soon. Bell has seen an incredible volume of touches compared to his peers, with 17 inside-the-red-zone carries to his name—the most in the league. His matchup against the Lions is favorable as well. They've allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing RBs and the most catches and fourth-most receiving yards per game to opposing backfields. If you can handle the high price, Bell is worth the investment.
Wide Receivers
A.J. Green (CIN, FD: $8,500, DK: $8,600) vs. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have been a sieve this season, giving up the most receiving yards to opposing wideouts, making A.J. Green an inviting target. Green has accounted for 66.5% of the Bengals' receiver yardage this season, and it's hard to imagine the Colts suddenly slowing him down.
Demaryius Thomas (DEN, FD: $6,900, DK: $5,900) at Kansas City Chiefs
Trying to bounce back from a lackluster performance? Thomas has been there before, and the Chiefs make for the perfect rebound opportunity. The Chiefs have been slipping up defensively lately, giving up 30+ points in two of their last three games. Denver's running game has been subpar, so look for Siemian to target Demaryius Thomas frequently.
Devin Funchess (FD: $6,500, DK: $5,900) and Kelvin Benjamin (FD: $6,600, DK: $6,400) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs have been generous this season, giving up over 210 receiving yards per game—the most in the league—to opposing wide receivers. With Brent Grimes and Robert McClain both missing practice on Thursday, Tampa's starting cornerbacks might not be at full strength. Carolina's running game has been lackluster, so Cam Newton should have plenty of opportunities to target both Funchess and Benjamin in this matchup.
Keenan Allen (LAC, FD: $7,800, DK: $7,300) at New England Patriots
Keenan Allen's touchdown drought might finally come to an end this week. He's seen the second-most targets and red zone targets in the NFL, is matched up against a Patriots defense that has allowed the second-most catches and receiving yards to opposing wide receivers, and the matchup features the second-highest total on the slate. This could be Allen's big breakthrough game.
Tight Ends
Jimmy Graham (SEA, FD: $6,400, DK: $4,600) vs. Houston Texans
With 24 touchdowns over the past two seasons, Graham is dangerous around the goal-line. The Texans have been struggling defensively, giving up touchdowns to tight ends at a faster rate than any other team, so there's a strong chance Graham will find the end zone in this matchup.
Jordan Reed (WSH, FD: $6,100, DK: $4,700) vs. Dallas Cowboys
After a disappointing start to the season, Reed finally turned it around in Week 7, racking up his first double-digit target game, first game over 50 yards, and first receiving touchdown(s) on the year. With the receiving corps struggling, look for Kirk Cousins to target Jordan Reed often in this divisional matchup.
Defense/Special Teams
Pittsburgh Steelers (FD: $4,400, DK: $2,900) at Detroit Lions
The Steelers might not grab lots of attention, but they could provide an appealing value play this week. Pittsburgh is allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses, and Detroit is one of the worst offenses in the league. It's hard to count out the Steelers on the road after a bye week.
- For those seeking a big payday in Week 8 NFL DFS tournaments, consider playing Russell Wilson against the Houston Texans. His recent form and the Texans' injury-riddled defense could lead to a strong performance.
- Kirk Cousins faces the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8, presenting an enticing opportunity for upside seekers. With a high weekly total and recent success, Cousins could deliver a strong tournament showing.
- In the running back position, Melvin Gordon's matchup against the New England Patriots offers a potential Goldilocks situation. Gordon has the potential for both rushing and receiving yards, making him a valuable tournament play.
