Week 8 is here, and the NFL has never been more chaotic.
Between injured superstars and a multiple stars on bye, filling out a lineup feels like a chore. Still, with uncertainty comes opportunity. Someone is going to emerge out of nowhere this weekend. The question is, who?
Here are three sleepers that could help you win a DraftKings DFS or season-long fantasy matchup.
Set your fantasy football lineups here: NFL $2.75M Fantasy Football Millionaire [$1M to 1st]
Week 8 Fantasy Football Sleepers
QB Justin Fields, New York Jets ($5,000)
Before you keep scrolling, hear me out!
Justin Fields’ stock has never been lower. The fifth-year pro was benched during last week’s 13-6 loss vs. Carolina. That’s not ideal on any team, let alone the winless Jets. However, backup Tyrod Taylor (knee) has been ruled out this week vs. Cincinnati. That means Fields will be under center yet again for New York. The former Bears QB has never been a prolific passer. However, his ability on the ground can’t be ignored. The 26-year-old has gained 257 rushing yards this season.
For all of his well-documented struggles, Fields has produced three 25+ fantasy point games. There’s a decent chance he can do so again this weekend. The Bengals have been the eighth-friendliest fantasy defense for opposing quarterbacks. I’m not going to spin this as a fun selection. If you’re even considering Fields, things are not going well for your roster. Still, in a quarterback landscape ravaged by injuries, there are far worse options.
RB Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears ($4,900)
Da Bears are rolling, having won four straight games. Much of the credit needs to go towards head coach Ben Johnson. The former Lions play caller has helped turn this offense into one of the NFL’s better units. That’s especially true on the ground, where starting running back D’Andre Swift ($5,900) has been electric. However, the veteran isn’t the only rusher making an impact for Chicago. Backup Kyle Monangai has been gaining momentum in recent weeks.
Last Sunday vs. New Orleans, the rookie delivered his best NFL performance to date. Monangai recorded 81 rushing yards, 13 receiving yards and two catches. In addition, the Rutgers alum notched his first career touchdown. The end result? A stellar 17.4-point showing in fantasy. This weekend, Chicago will get to face an abysmal Ravens run defense. Baltimore will also be without franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson. There’s a good chance the Bears will get out to a multiple-score lead. Should that occur, expect plenty of touches for Monangai during the second half.
WR Darius Slayton, New York Giants ($4,300)
The Giants are reeling following their Week 7 collapse in Denver. Still, this offense managed to put up 32 points on the road against an elite defense. That’s a positive sign for the future of this franchise under rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart ($5,500). It won’t get any easier for Big Blue, as they now travel to Philadelphia. Two weeks ago, New York took down Philly with a shocking 34-17 upset. Dart and company will need a similar amount of scoring to secure a second victory over the Birds.
It’s not as if the defending champions have been terrific on defense. The Eagles have coughed up the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. However, the injury-depleted Giants are lacking in quality pass catchers. Outside of Wan’Dale Robinson ($5,200), there aren’t many trustworthy names taking the field. Perhaps Darius Slayton can fill a void for New York. The veteran has never been the most consistent fantasy option. Still, he’s the only true big play threat suiting up for the visitors. Having missed the last two weeks, the 28-year-old doesn’t have many starts with Dart under center. Regardless, he’s a fun end of lineup pick for those looking for a high-upside play.
