Premium Content Sign Up

Fantasy Football: 10 biggest reactions to NFL Week 8

Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) runs after a catch against the Carolina Panthers in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Travis Etienne dominates: The Jaguars back dominated playing time a week ago, and that trend continued after the Jags traded James Robinson to the Jets.

Elijah Moore benched: Moore was the fifth wide receiver on the Jets’ depth chart after missing a week following his trade request.

Sell high on Kyle Pitts: Pitts caught five passes for 80 yards and a touchdown, but this might not be a sign of things to come.

Estimated Reading Time: 7 mins


PFF's fantasy football recap focuses on player usage and stats, breaking down all the vital information you need to achieve fantasy success in 2022. Here, we touch on only players who are relevant in fantasy football leagues.

These are my 10 biggest reactions to the games from the Sunday slate. To get a more in-depth breakdown, check out my full Sunday recap.

Travis Etienne’s dominance continues

The Jaguars back dominated playing time a week ago, and that trend continued after the Jags traded James Robinson to the Jets.

  • Etienne was the lead back in every situation. He was substituted only for breaks after he ran the ball a few times in a row or when he broke a big run.
  • He gained 156 yards on 24 carries and scored a touchdown.
  • The only problem there is that he would sit out for a few consecutive plays rather than immediately re-entering the game.
  • He ended the game with a career-high in carries and rushing yards and tied for a career-high in receptions.
  • The way the Jaguars use him now gives Etienne top-five fantasy potential, but the offense needs to improve to provide the back with more touchdown opportunities.
  • He scored his second touchdown of the season against the Broncos, but it wasn’t until the last four minutes of the game. 

James Robinson’s Jets debut

The former Jaguars running back made his debut with New York, with the team easing him into action.

  • Michael Carter started the game for the Jets, but Robinson was eased in during the team’s second drive.
  • Robinson played significantly in the first and third quarters but barely in the second and fourth periods.
  • Ty Johnson served as the third-down back, making this a three-man committee.
  • We can expect Robinson to take more snaps from Carter over time.
  • The big question is if Carter will then take third-down snaps from Johnson as he loses snaps on early downs.
  • Robinson is a buy-low candidate after his quiet debut. The Jets have the second-easiest remaining schedule for running backs, including the easiest in the fantasy playoffs.

The Rams’ running back committee

Darrell Henderson seemed to be the clear starter, but the backfield became more of a committee this week due to his health.

  • Henderson has been dealing with an illness all week, which limited his practice time.
  • Henderson kept his third-down role, but undrafted rookie Ronnie Rivers was the lead rusher. Rivers gained 21 yards on eight carries.
  • Malcolm Brown was the goal-line rusher, which further complicated the backfield, but Brown was unable to score.
  • Los Angeles' situation could become more complicated by next week.
  • Cam Akers is expected to return to the Rams if they are unable to find a trade partner.
  • Kyren Williams was designated to return from injured reserve earlier in the week. He wasn’t ready for this game but could be good to go next week.
  • Any combination of the five backs could be active next week, and anyone could lead the team in fantasy points.
  • Williams is the one player to consider off the waiver wire, as he’s the one Los Angeles seems most excited about.

DOMINATE FANTASY FOOTBALL & BETTING WITH AI-POWERED DATA & TOOLS TRUSTED BY ALL 32

Unlimited Fantasy League Sync
Fantasy Start/Sit Line-Up Optimizer & Waiver Wire
WR-CB & OL-DL Matchups, PFF Player Grades, & Premium Stats 2.0 Tools
Nathan Jahnkes Rankings - #1 Most Accurate Last 70 Weeks
PFF Best Bets, Player Props, & Power Ranking Tools
NFL Mock Draft Sim with Trades & Draft Grades

Already have a subscription? Log In

Subscriptions

Unlock the 2024 Fantasy Draft Kit, with Live Draft Assistant, Fantasy Mock Draft Sim, Rankings & PFF Grades

$24.99/mo
OR
$119.99/yr