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Week 8 is complete, and the season is already nearing the midpoint. In most fantasy leagues, there are only four or five more weeks left before the playoffs begin. Is your team in a position for a playoff run? Do you need a few more wins to secure a berth? This week, we look at which teams to exploit at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end for the next few weeks. Plus, there are some streaming options not only for Week 9 but also for the rest of the season. It's always good to look ahead a few weeks for waiver claims or, in some cases, four or five games ahead.
Quarterback
Over the last four weeks, the Ravens and Buccaneers have both averaged over 325 passing yards and over three passing touchdowns allowed per game.
Tampa Bay: 327 passing yards per game with 3.5 passing touchdowns
Baltimore: 341 passing yards per game with 3.3 passing touchdowns
Other teams who have allowed 275+ passing yards per game on average over the last four weeks:
- 275 - New Orleans
- 278 - Jacksonville
- 285 - Pittsburgh
Other teams who have allowed 2.5+ passing touchdowns per game on average over the last four weeks:
- 2.7 - Minnesota
- 2.5 - Atlanta
- 2.5 - Jacksonville
Exploit These Passing Game Opponents: Tampa Bay, Baltimore, Jacksonville
Tampa Bay's upcoming schedule - at KC, SF, BYE, at NYG
Kirk Cousins has been a nightmare for the Buccaneers' defense, racking up 785 passing yards and 8 touchdowns in just two games. This, coupled with the team's struggles against other quarterbacks like Spencer Rattler (243 yards, 1 TD) and Lamar Jackson (281 yards, 5 TDs), highlights a significant weakness in Tampa Bay's secondary over the last four weeks. With this recent trend, opposing quarterbacks have found success consistently, making it a prime opportunity for fantasy managers to target this vulnerable defense. Interestingly enough, prior to Week 5 the Buccaneers only gave up one passing touchdown - to Jalen Hurts in Week 4. Since Week 5 it has been another story altogether.
Who stands to benefit:
- Week 9 at Kansas City: Patrick Mahomes II - Could this be the week Mahomes stats explode?
- Week 10 vs San Francisco: Brock Purdy - The 49ers and Kyle Shanahan are more than capable of finding a weakness and exploiting it.
- Week 11 - Bye
- Week 12 at NY Giants: Daniel Jones - Jones quietly has three games of multiple touchdown passes this season.
Baltimore's upcoming schedule - DEN, CIN, at PIT, at LAC
The Ravens' defense has been vulnerable to the pass, allowing an astounding 13 touchdowns and three 300-yard passing performances in their last four games. This porous secondary presents a significant opportunity for opposing quarterbacks.
Who stands to benefit:
- Week 9 vs Denver: Bo Nix is coming off a season-high 284-yard, 3-touchdown game against Carolina. He may continue to produce with a favorable matchup here.
- Week 10 vs Cincinnati: In Joe Burrow's first meeting against Baltimore, he passed for 392 yards and 5 touchdowns. What will game two of this division rivalry hold?
- Week 11 at Pittsburgh: This will be Pittsburgh's first matchup against the Ravens this year. Russell Wilson figures to have a favorable matchup in a home game with their rival.
Jacksonville's upcoming schedule - at PHI, MIN, at DET, Bye
The Jaguars' defense has been gashed by opposing quarterbacks, surrendering five games with multiple touchdown passes and three 300-yard passing performances.
Who stands to benefit:
- Week 9 at Philadelphia: Jalen Hurts and the Eagles have won four of their last five games and three straight. A positive matchup is in the cards for the Eagles passing game.
- Week 10 vs Minnesota. The Vikings have lost two games in a row after starting 5-0 to begin the season. A road trip to Jacksonville in Week 10 may yield a productive game for Sam Darnold.
- Week 11 at Detroit. The Lions are hitting on all cylinders and it looks like that will continue with a positive passing matchup against Jacksonville in Week 11.
- Week 12 Bye
Stay Away from These Passing Game Opponents: Tennessee, NY Jets, Miami, Houston, and Denver
Tennessee, NY Jets, Miami, Houston, and Denver have all averaged less than 200 yards passing per game allowed over the last four weeks.
The Jets' defense has been stout against the pass, allowing only six touchdown passes all season. They've held opponents to zero or one touchdown pass in six games, and only Russell Wilson has managed to exceed 231 passing yards against them.
Excluding Josh Allen's explosive performance of 323 yards in Week 7, the Tennessee Titans have been formidable against the pass, holding opposing quarterbacks to under 200 yards in four of their six games. Even Malik Willis' 202 passing yards in Week 3 could be considered an outlier. Tennessee was abused by the Lions for 52 points in Week 8, but the damage was done on the ground and by special teams. Statistically, they have allowed the fewest passing yards in the league at 151.6 yards per game.
Miami's defense has been equally impressive, allowing only five passing touchdowns and limiting opponents to under 165 passing yards in five of seven games.
Houston has not allowed an opponent to pass for more than 250 yards all season and have held their opponents to under 200 yards passing four times.
Denver's defense has been a fortress against the pass, allowing only one quarterback to throw for multiple touchdowns. They've consistently held opponents under 240 passing yards, with three games seeing less than 200 yards.
Running Back
Running back streaming is more about opportunity than matchup because there aren't many streaming running back options available on the waiver wire, but there may be some possibilities sitting on your bench. Looking ahead, here are some marquee matchups to take note of, some of which include potential streaming options or waiver claims.
Exploit These Opponents: New Orleans, Carolina, New England, and Seattle
New Orleans' upcoming schedule - at CAR, ATL, CLE, Bye
The Saints' defense has been a boon for fantasy running backs. Over the past four weeks, they've surrendered an average of 139 rushing yards and 1.5 rushing touchdowns per game. Running backs from the Chiefs, Buccaneers, Broncos, and Chargers have all found success against this struggling defense.
Who stands to benefit against the Saints?
- Week 9 at Carolina: Jonathon Brooks may not be ready but Chuba Hubbard has been a nice surprise this season. If one thing is working for Carolina, it's their ground game.
- Week 10 vs Atlanta: Both Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier are capable of making a splash. They both stand to benefit in this matchup.
- Week 11 vs Cleveland: Nick Chubb may not be as good as he once was but this could be a good week for him.
- Week 12 Bye
Carolina's upcoming schedule - NO, NYG (Germany), Bye, KC
The Panthers have allowed a league-high 13 rushing touchdowns to running backs with an additional two receiving touchdowns. They have also allowed the most rushing yards to running backs, averaging 154.6 per game. That number has dropped to 131 over the last four weeks, but they are still one to exploit.
Who stands to benefit against the Panthers?
- Week 9 vs New Orleans: Alvin Kamara is the obvious choice to benefit this week. He also has averaged 6 receptions over the last five games.
- Week 10 vs NY Giants: Tyrone Tracy Jr. has taken over as the Giants lead running back, outsnapping, outcarrying, and outperforming Devin Singletary in each of the last two games. If you have him on your roster and are waiting for a chance to start him, this is as good a time as any.
- Week 11 Bye
- Week 12 vs Kansas City: Could Isiah Pacheco be back? If not, Kareem Hunt will continue to fill the void. This is a great matchup for whoever is active in this game, and it could be both.
New England's upcoming schedule - at TEN, at CHI, LAR, at MIA
Jordan Mason, Joe Mixon, the combination of backs on Miami, and Tank Bigsby have all reached 100+ yards rushing against the Patriots over the last five weeks. They have allowed at least one rushing touchdown to a running back in every game this season including five in the last three games.
Who stands to benefit against the Patriots?
- Week 9 at Tennessee: Tony Pollard has seen his carry share increase recently due to Tyjae Spears' hamstring issues. He stands to benefit if Spears is out or limited.
- Week 10 at Chicago: D'Andre Swift has scored in four straight games and is the clear top rusher on Chicago.
- Week 11 vs LA Rams: Kyren Williams is already a good weekly start. This matchup enhances his chances of hitting paydirt.
- Week 12 at Miami: De'Von Achane is the Dolphins top back, but Miami loves to mix things up with Raheem Mostert. There is a chance that both backs could produce well for us this week.
Seattle's upcoming schedule - LAR, Bye, at SF, ARI
The Seahawks' run defense has been struggling recently, allowing significant rushing performances from players like Tyrone Tracy Jr.. (129 yards), the 49ers' backfield (over 150 yards), Bijan Robinson (103 yards), and James Cook (111 yards). They've also surrendered 7 rushing touchdowns in their last five games.
Who stands to benefit against the Seahawks?
- Week 9 vs LA Rams: Kyren Williams is next on the list of running backs who have had success against Seattle.
- Week 10 Bye
- Week 11: at San Francisco: Could Christian McCaffrey be back for this game? They could definitely use him.
- Week 12 vs Arizona: James Conner has established himself as the clear lead back in Arizona. With a favorable matchup against Seattle's struggling run defense, Conner is poised for another strong performance.
Stay Away from These Rushing Game Opponents: Kansas City, Philadelphia, LA Rams, LA Chargers, Minnesota
- Kansas City has surrendered only two rushing touchdowns to running backs this year and none since Week 3. No back has exceeded 60 yards rushing against them (58 Jordan Mason in Week 7)
- Philadelphia has also allowed only two rushing touchdowns to running backs this year, and no back has topped 50 yards rushing since Week 3.
- LA Rams have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs over the last four weeks. They kept both San Francisco and Minnesota backs out of the end zone in that span.
- The Chargers have held opposing running backs to one rushing touchdown this year (Samaje Perine in Week 4). James Conner is the only 100-yard rusher against them.
- Minnesota has surrendered only three rushing touchdowns to running backs this season, and two were to Jahmyr Gibbs in Week 7.
- Baltimore gets an honorable mention as a team to avoid for running backs because they have been so poor against the pass. They have allowed only four rushing touchdowns to running backs, and no back has more than 52 yards rushing against them.
Wide Receiver
There are several teams to exploit at wide receiver in the next four weeks. These are the ones you should target:
Exploit These Opponents: Baltimore, Minnesota, Tampa Bay, Detroit
Baltimore's upcoming schedule - DEN, CIN, at PIT, at LAC
The Ravens have been torched against the pass, allowing 291.4 yards per game. They have allowed 17 passing touchdowns, which is tied for most in the league with Carolina and Jacksonville. Thirteen of those touchdowns went to wide receivers. In addition, the Ravens have averaged 217 yards to receivers over the last four weeks.
Who stands to benefit?
- Week 9 vs Denver: Was Bo Nix and the Broncos passing game unlocked last week against Carolina? This could be another startable game for Courtland Sutton.
- Week 10 vs Cincinnati: Joe Burrow and the Bengals wide receiver corps should benefit greatly in this game.
- Week 11 at Pittsburgh: Russell Wilson has over 260 yards passing in both games since being named starter. This is another good matchup for him and the Steelers passing game.
- Week 12 at LA Chargers: There are six teams on a bye in Week 12. Go get Justin Herbert now as a bye-week replacement.
Minnesota's upcoming schedule - IND, at JAC, TEN, at CHI
Minnesota is one of two teams (Baltimore) averaging over 2.0 touchdowns per game to wide receivers in the last four weeks. After yielding zero touchdowns to wide receivers in the first three games, Minnesota has surrendered 10 receiving touchdowns to wide receivers in the last four games.
Who stands to benefit?
- Week 9 vs Indianapolis: This is a plus matchup for Josh Downs after Joe Flacco was recently named starter this week.
- Week 10 at Jacksonville: Trevor Lawrence and company stand to benefit from this matchup. Will Brian Thomas Jr.. be healthy for this game? Gabe Davis could enter the fold if not.
- Week 11 vs Tennessee: Calvin Ridley has emerged as a threat recently. Will this continue into Week 11?
- Week 12 at Chicago: The Bears passing game is primed to thrive in this matchup.
Tampa Bay's upcoming schedule - at KC, SF, Bye, at NYG
The Buccaneers have allowed 15 passing touchdowns this season - 8 to wide receivers, 4 to tight ends, and 3 to running backs. They have allowed the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers in the last four weeks with 7 touchdowns surrendered to wide receivers in that span.
Who stands to benefit?
- Week 9 at Kansas City: Will DeAndre Hopkins be utilized more after a week of practice? The matchup benefits him.
- Week 10 vs San Francisco: The 49ers are dealing with a multitude of injuries at wide receiver. Will Deebo Samuel Sr. be available? Will Jajuan Jennings be healthy? You can bet someone will benefit from this matchup.
- Week 11 Bye
- Week 12 at NY Giants: Malik Nabers is the Giants' top wide receiver but Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton could also be potential flexes this week.
Detroit's upcoming schedule - at GB, at HOU, JAC, at IND
Detroit is one of two teams (Baltimore) allowing over 200 yards receiving on average to opposing wide receivers over the last four weeks. They have only surrendered two touchdowns to wide receivers in that span, but the yardage is notable. Calvin Ridley had 10 receptions for 143 yards last week, Justin Jefferson added 7-81-1 in Week 7, CeeDee Lamb totaled 7-89 in Week 6, and DK Metcalf popped off for 7-104 in Week 4.
Who stands to benefit?
- Week 9 at Green Bay. All Packers wide receivers may be worthy of starting this week, but monitor the status of Jordan Love's groin injury.
- Week 10 at Houston: With Nico Collins still on IR with a hamstring injury and Stefon Diggs out of the picture with a knee injury, could this be a bump for Tank Dell? John Metchie III and Xavier Hutchinson may also see a spike in production.
- Week 11 Jacksonville: Brian Thomas Jr. figures to see good production this week.
- Week 12 at Indianapolis: The Colts receivers should benefit from this matchup against Detroit. Josh Downs and Michael Pittman Jr will hopefully both be healthy come Week 12.
Stay Away from These Receiving Game Opponents: Philadelphia, Washington, Las Vegas
- Philadelphia has not allowed a 100-yard wide receiver since Week 1, and over the last four weeks, wide receivers have averaged a mere 87 yards per game.
- Washington has not surrendered a touchdown to a wide receiver in each of its last four games, including Cleveland, Baltimore, Carolina, and Chicago. It allowed 10 in the first four games.
- Las Vegas has allowed 10 passing touchdowns in 8 games. Only six have gone to wide receivers. They have allowed only one 100-yard wide receiver (Diontae Johnson in Week 3).
- The LA Chargers have allowed only one 100-yard wide receiver (Chris Olave, Week 8) and have surrendered only five receiving touchdowns to wide receivers this season.
- Honorable mention to Denver - 4 touchdowns allowed to wide receivers this year, three of which came in the last two games. Pittsburgh has also allowed just 4 touchdowns to wide receivers. The Jets have allowed 5.
Tight End
Streaming tight ends on a weekly is a popular strategy that can be the difference between a win and a loss. Here are some matchups over the next four weeks to exploit.
Exploit These Opponents: Cincinnati, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, Carolina
Cincinnati's upcoming schedule - LV, at BAL, at LAC, Bye
The Bengals have allowed four touchdowns to tight ends in the last four games. During that time, five different tight ends had games of 40+ yards.
Who stands to benefit?
- Week 9 vs Las Vegas: Brock Bowers
- Week 10 at Baltimore: Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely
- Week 11 at LA Chargers: Will Dissly
- Week 12 Bye
Tampa Bay's upcoming schedule - at KC, SF, Bye, at NYG
Mark Andrews and Kyle Pitts each have two touchdowns against the Buccaneers in the last two weeks. Before that, Tampa Bay did not allow a touchdown to a tight end.
Who stands to benefit?
- Week 9 at Kansas City: Travis Kelce
- Week 10 vs San Francisco: George Kittle
- Week Bye
- Week 12 at NY Giants: Theo Johnson
Jacksonville's upcoming schedule - at PHI, MIN, at DET, Bye
The Jaguars have allowed four touchdowns to tight ends in the last four games, with Cole Kmet totaling 70 yards in Week 6, Hunter Henry gaining 92 yards in Week 7, and Tucker Kraft reaching 78 yards in Week 8.
Who stands to benefit?
- Week 9 at Philadelphia: Grant Calcaterra
- Week 10 vs Minnesota: Could we see T.J. Hockenson for this game?
- Week 11 at Detroit: Sam LaPorta is starting to rebound. This matchup could help.
- Week 12 Bye
Carolina's upcoming schedule - NO, NYG (Germany), Bye, KC
The Panthers have allowed six touchdowns to tight ends this year, including four in their last two games against Washington and Denver.
Who stands to benefit?
- Week 9 vs New Orleans: Foster Moreau has two touchdowns this year
- Week 10 vs NY Giants: Theo Johnson could emerge as a surprise
- Week 11 Bye
- Week 12 vs Kansas City: Travis Kelce could have a huge game.
Stay Away from These Tight End Opponents: NY Giants, Philadelphia, Miami, LA Chargers, Detroit
- Each of NY Giants, Philadelphia, Miami, and LA Chargers have yet to allow a touchdown to a tight end.
- Detroit has allowed one touchdown to a tight end (AJ Barner in Week 4), and no tight end has exceeded 50 yards against them all season.
Use these exploitations to your advantage. Set your lineups accordingly.
Thank you for reading. Questions, comments, and suggestions are always welcome. Hit me up on X, formerly Twitter.
