Go here for this week's Rushing Matchups.
Top 5 Passing Matchups
Green Bay vs Jacksonville
Jordan Love has hit midseason form and is playing at a high level for the Packers, lighting up his last two opponents with impressive stats. Love has completed 71% of his passes for 478 yards and 7 touchdowns over the past two weeks, showing significant progress in his development. His connection with a young, versatile receiving corps is a big part of this success, even though the Packers don't have a clear No. 1 target who commands most of the attention. Romeo Doubs appears to be emerging as a top option in this offense. Since returning from his one-game suspension, Doubs has earned 22% of Love's targets, making him the top receiver in the offense. Meanwhile, the Packers' deep pool of playmakers—including Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks—has been a big part of Love's success, as they've combined for 35 touchdowns in their last 22 games with Love at the helm. Tight end Tucker Kraft has also emerged as a red-zone threat, catching four touchdowns. While this makes it challenging to predict which player will have the biggest game, the depth of options makes Love a top-tier fantasy quarterback play for Week 8.
The Jaguars defense has struggled immensely against the pass this season. They rank near the bottom of the league, 31st in yardage allowed per game and 30th in yards per attempt, while also allowing the most passing touchdowns. Despite the return of cornerback Tyson Campbell and the addition of solid veterans like Ronald Darby and promising rookie Jarrian Jones, the Jaguars' defense has been unable to stop opponents through the air. Their issues are compounded by a pass rush failing to produce consistently. The Jaguars rank 26th in pressure rate and rarely blitz, with only three players recording more than one sack. In the secondary, safeties Andre Cisco and Darnell Savage offer little help in coverage. While Cisco is a solid run defender, his struggles in deep coverage leave the Jaguars vulnerable to big plays, making this a highly exploitable matchup for Love and the Packers' offense.
Houston vs Indianapolis
C.J. Stroud is coming off of one of his least productive games as a professional, struggling against the Packers' pressure-heavy defense. Stroud completed fewer than 5.5 yards per attempt, a rare downturn in his usually high-efficiency play. However, with the Colts' vulnerable pass defense on tap, a strong bounce-back performance is highly likely. The Packers stifled Stroud, sacking him four times and applying relentless pressure throughout the game. This forced the Texans to lean heavily on their running game, taking the ball out of Stroud's hands more often than usual. Tank Dell was held in check, failing to catch any of his four targets. Despite the off week, the Texans' offense, particularly Stroud, should thrive against a Colts unit that has been porous against high-level passers. Even with star receiver Nico Collins potentially missing due to injury, Stroud still has reliable pass-catchers in Dell and Stefon Diggs, who continues to be an efficient target, catching 76% of his passes and scoring three red-zone touchdowns. Dell, who had a strong rookie season in 2023, is overdue for a big breakout game in 2024, and the Colts' secondary offers an ideal opportunity for him to do so.
While the Colts' defense appears improved over their last two games, having allowed just 95 and 161 passing yards, context is key. Those numbers came against the struggling Will Levis and a backup duo of Tyler Huntley and Tim Boyle. Before that, however, they were consistently shredded by more competent quarterbacks. Caleb Williams, Justin Fields, and Trevor Lawrence each topped 300 passing yards and completed nearly 70% of their throws in their matchups against Indianapolis. The Colts rank 21st in pressuring the quarterback and limiting yards per completion while also struggling to defend the red zone. Historically, Stroud has dominated the Colts' defense. Across three career matchups, Stroud has completed 70% of his passes, averaged nearly 300 yards per game, and thrown six touchdowns with zero interceptions.
Miami vs Arizona
If Tua Tagovailoa clears the concussion protocol, it would mark a significant upgrade over the backup quarterbacks Miami has been forced to rely on, such as Tim Boyle, Snoop Huntley, and Skylar Thompson. Tua's return would breathe new life into the Dolphins' offense. Not only is he a massive talent upgrade, but in 2023, he led the NFL in passing yards, and his connection with star wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle was evident all season. Hill and Waddle are both fantasy powerhouses with Tua under center. In 2023, Hill averaged 7 catches and 106 yards per game, while Waddle posted a solid 5 receptions and 72 yards per game. Their explosiveness has been sorely missed in recent weeks, with backup quarterbacks unable to replicate Tua's rapport with the duo. Boyle's inefficiency in Week 7, where he misfired on several key passes, highlighted just how crucial Tua's presence is for this offense. While Miami's offense doesn't necessarily need a third playmaker to emerge, Jonnu Smith's Week 7 performance (7 catches for 96 yards and a touchdown) was encouraging. Should Tua return, the Dolphins' attack could once again become one of the most dynamic in the league, even without a standout third option.
Defensively, the Cardinals have been shredded through the air this season. Despite not facing a heavy passing volume, they rank at the bottom of the league in yards allowed per throw, tied with the struggling Carolina Panthers. Even in their Week 7 win, they allowed Justin Herbert to complete 69% of his passes for a season-high 349 yards. This secondary, which plays very soft coverage, leaves ample room for opponents to attack the field, especially through underneath routes. With top cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting potentially sidelined after suffering a neck injury in Week 7, the Cardinals secondary is even more vulnerable. This puts additional pressure on the backup cornerbacks and safeties, who have already struggled in coverage and tackling this year. Slot receivers and tight ends have exploited these weaknesses, as seen with George Kittle's recent 8-catch, 64-yard performance and Will Dissly's 8-for-81 outing. Mike McDaniel will surely look to exploit those lanes with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and possibly Jonnu Smith if Tagovailoa can make his return.
LA Chargers vs New Orleans
Under new coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers offense has shifted to a more balanced approach, moving away from the pass-heavy schemes of recent years. Despite the reduced volume, Justin Herbert is still proving himself as one of the league's most efficient quarterbacks, coming off his biggest game of the year. In Week 7, Herbert completed 27 of 39 passes for 349 yards, showcasing his ability to execute in a more methodical offense. Interestingly, Herbert sits last among qualifying quarterbacks in on-target throw rate, which suggests there is room for improvement in his accuracy. Even with that, he's still completing 65% of his passes. As he grows more comfortable in Harbaugh's system, his completion percentage could push toward 70%, especially considering that his touchdown rate has lagged behind career norms, particularly in the red zone where he's thrown just 21 passes for 3 touchdowns over 5.5 games. A key part of Herbert's success this season has been rookie receiver Ladd McConkey, who has become a dependable option underneath. McConkey's emergence adds a new dimension to the Chargers' offense, especially as Herbert waits for opportunities to test defenses downfield. This week's matchup against the Saints, who have struggled against high-caliber quarterbacks, presents an ideal opportunity for Herbert to push for another big performance.
The Saints' defense, coached by Dennis Allen, has effectively shut down lower-tier quarterbacks like Bryce Young and Bo Nix. However, when facing more established passers, the defense has struggled, allowing an average of 300 passing yards at 8.0 yards per attempt. Since 2022, the Saints have fallen from a top-3 pass defense to 24th in net yardage allowed. Most of the success against the Saints has come from attacking the middle of the field, where opposing slot receivers and tight ends have consistently posted big numbers. With Paulson Adebo now out for the year, the Saints will rely heavily on rookie Kool-Aid McKinstry, who has been underwhelming thus far. This leaves the inside of the field vulnerable, as slot specialist Alontae Taylor has seen a drop-off in production, and the safety play has not been up to previous years' standards. This matchup should create issues for the Saints as Ladd McConkey has the opportunity to thrive in the short to intermediate routes, similar to Chris Godwin and JuJu Smith-Schuster, who the Saints struggled against.
San Francisco vs Dallas
The 49ers' Week 8 matchup against the Cowboys heavily depends on the health of key skill players. Brandon Aiyuk has already been ruled out for the season with an ACL injury, and if Deebo Samuel Sr. and Jauan Jennings remain sidelined, it will put even more pressure on Brock Purdy to rely on tight end George Kittle. Kittle, who already commands a 23% target share, could see an even larger role as the centerpiece of the passing game. He's proven reliable this season, posting 58+ yards in 4 of 6 games and scoring 5 touchdowns. However, if Jennings and Samuel play, this offense will be able to exploit a vulnerable Cowboys defense. Jennings, who has posted double-digit PPR points in three of his last four games despite limited playing time, will likely see a significant increase in targets and snaps, giving him an excellent fantasy ceiling.
The Dallas pass defense has imploded in 2024, leaving a once-proud unit in tatters. After shutting down the Browns in Week 1, the Cowboys have allowed a league-worst 9.4 yards per attempt, giving up 8 touchdowns and intercepting just 2 passes over the past five games. Their Week 6 loss to Detroit highlighted the defense's struggles, as Jared Goff picked apart the unit for 315 yards and 3 touchdowns on just 25 attempts before sitting out the final quarter. The absence of key pass rushers Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence has been devastating, and the replacements have been unable to fill their shoes. Even when Parsons and Lawrence return, the issues in the secondary may still linger. Top cornerback Trevon Diggs has been playing far below his usual standard, while Amani Oruwariye has been mediocre. Safeties Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson have also failed to provide effective downfield support, leaving the Cowboys vulnerable to big plays in the passing game. Last season, Purdy and the 49ers shredded a better version of this Cowboys defense, and with a similar matchup in Week 8, Purdy should find success, especially if Samuel and Jennings are back on the field.
Bottom 5 Passing Matchups
Arizona at Miami
Kyler Murray's early-season resurgence in 2024 appears to have lost momentum, especially through the air. While Murray continues to produce for fantasy purposes with his rushing ability, his passing game is rooted largely in short, safe throws and occasional deep shots to Marvin Harrison Jr.. So far, Murray has completed 66% of his throws, but his 6.8 yards per attempt rank just 22nd among qualified quarterbacks, indicating a lack of explosiveness and efficiency. He has only cleared 215 passing yards once (Week 2) and has only one multi-touchdown game through the air. Beyond Harrison and tight end Trey McBride, there isn't much consistency or upside among the Cardinals' pass catchers. Harrison himself has fallen short of 50 receiving yards in each of his last three games, and while both he and McBride are strong options at their positions, their ceilings are limited in this struggling offense. Unless Arizona can find more rhythm in the passing game, it's hard to project a significant turnaround.
On the other side, the Dolphins' defense has been one of the bright spots in an otherwise rough season. Despite not facing a particularly challenging set of quarterbacks in 2024, Miami's defense has been dominant against the pass, holding all but one opponent under 165 yards through the air. They've allowed opponents to complete just 60% of their passes, the third-lowest rate in the NFL, and have given up only three passing touchdowns all season. Cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Kendall Fuller have been exceptional on the outside, with Ramsey's Week 4 shutdown of Tennessee's Calvin Ridley becoming a viral talking point. Ramsey and Fuller can stick to their receivers in man coverage and carry them deep into the secondary, where veterans Marcus Maye and Jordan Poyer provide stellar help. This defense has played a key role in keeping Miami competitive, and they will look to continue dominating the air against Arizona's inconsistent passing attack. With Murray struggling to stretch the field and relying on checkdowns, this could be another difficult day for the Cardinals' offense.
Carolina at Denver
The Carolina Panthers offense, which briefly sparked under Andy Dalton, has since returned to one of the NFL's least productive units. Dalton initially brought some stability to the offense in Week 3, but his recent performances have been subpar. Over the past several weeks, Dalton averaged only 168 yards per game at 5.5 yards per attempt, throwing mostly short, safe passes with limited results. Unfortunately, Dalton suffered a thumb injury in a car accident, forcing Carolina to revert to Bryce Young, who has struggled significantly throughout his first two seasons. Dalton's injury has further complicated matters for top wideout Diontae Johnson, who has seen wildly inconsistent production. Johnson had moments of brilliance, such as a 122-yard game, but he has also had forgettable performances, including a mere 17 yards last week. Despite coach Dave Canales positioning Johnson as the offense's focal point, the lack of a reliable quarterback and limited surrounding talent has made it difficult for the Panthers to sustain offensive success. Beyond Johnson, Carolina's weaponry is thin, with no other player surpassing 177 receiving yards. Rookie Xavier Leggette has shown flashes, but his impact has been minimal, averaging just 9.8 yards per catch.
The Denver Broncos defense continues to shine and is a big reason why the Broncos are 4-3 to start the season. They've been remarkably effective against the pass, leading the NFL in yards allowed per attempt and limiting opponents to under 237 passing yards in every game. Denver's secondary has been particularly impressive in shutting down top wide receivers, holding stars like DK Metcalf, George Pickens, and Mike Evans to limited production. Cornerback Patrick Surtain II, a lockdown presence, is expected to return from concussion protocol, rejoining breakout talent Riley Moss. Together, they anchor a unit that thrives on Vance Joseph's blitz-heavy schemes, which rank fifth in pressure rate despite a lack of marquee pass rushers.
New Orleans at LA Chargers
With Derek Carr dealing with an oblique injury, the Saints' passing game remains mediocre at best. While Carr could return this week, his injury will likely limit his ability to generate torque and deliver throws effectively. If Carr can't go, fifth-round rookie Spencer Rattler would draw another start, which presents a concerning outlook. Rattler's performances have been underwhelming, averaging just 5.5 yards per attempt while getting sacked 11 times over two games. He's also committed five total turnovers, including three fumbles and a pair of interceptions. Last week, he even had a fumble-six negated by a penalty, highlighting his struggles under center. The Saints' air attack could get a boost if top receiver Chris Olave clears concussion protocol and returns for Week 8. Olave hasn't produced much this season but remains the team's most dynamic and explosive pass-catching option. Unfortunately, Rashid Shaheed is on injured reserve, leaving Olave flanked by Bub Means and Cedrick Wilson Jr. Outside of Olave, Alvin Kamara is the only other notable playmaker in the passing game, but the overall lack of depth makes this unit hard to trust. Kamara, Olave, and Shaheed are the only players with more than 150 receiving yards this season, which speaks volumes about the Saints' offensive limitations.
Defensively, the Chargers, under new coach Jim Harbaugh, have established a shutdown pass defense that differs greatly from the more aggressive approach under Brandon Staley. Only one opposing quarterback, Gardner Minshew II, has eclipsed 250 passing yards against them, which came during a late rally. The Chargers have focused on funneling opposing offenses into run lanes while locking down wide receivers. Top cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. has been out since Week 4 and won't return for at least two more weeks, but rookies Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still have stepped up, helping to limit Marvin Harrison Jr. to just 21 yards last week. The presence of All-Pro safety Derwin James Jr. provides added stability in coverage, allowing the Chargers to effectively contain both wide receivers and tight ends.
Indianapolis at Houston
The Colts are in a tough spot at quarterback as their franchise cornerstone, Anthony Richardson, continues to struggle in his sophomore season. While he flashes moments of brilliance, particularly with his downfield passing and ability to evade sacks, the consistency and decision-making aren't there yet. Richardson's performance has regressed in crucial areas compared to his rookie season. This year, he's completing just 49% of his passes, a stark drop from the 60% he achieved as a rookie. Additionally, his 5.9% interception rate is the highest in the league, further hindering the Colts' offensive potential. These struggles have directly impacted the productivity of Indianapolis' receiving corps. Michael Pittman Jr., once a reliable target, has seen his role diminish, as he's totaled only 151 yards over four full games with Richardson at quarterback. Pittman is no longer a startable option in fantasy football, and his numbers reflect Richardson's inability to spread the ball effectively. Similarly, Josh Downs, who showed flashes of promise with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco under center, has been virtually nonexistent when playing alongside Richardson. With Flacco, Downs averaged eight catches for 72 yards per game. That drops dramatically to just two catches for 13 yards with Richardson at the helm. Alec Pierce, while maintaining his status as a deep threat, has only caught four or more passes once this season, further limiting the offense's potential for explosive plays.
The Houston Texans defense has been thriving under head coach DeMeco Ryans. Houston ranks among the top three in the league in limiting yardage per game and per dropback, forcing opposing offenses to work hard for every yard. Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. has developed into a top-tier cover man, while young safeties Jalen Pitre and Calen Bullock excel in a scheme built around press man coverage and a smothering pass rush. The defensive line, led by Danielle Hunter and All-Pro candidate Will Anderson Jr., consistently pushes the pocket without relying on blitzes. This pressure on opposing quarterbacks allows the secondary to lock down receivers, creating a well-rounded and suffocating defense.
Las Vegas vs Kansas City
With Aidan O'Connell on injured reserve, Gardner Minshew II has taken full control of the Raiders' quarterback position. Unfortunately, Minshew's 2024 performance has been far from inspiring, as he's ranked near the bottom of the league in various passing yardage metrics and currently leads the NFL with eight interceptions. This inefficiency has contributed to the Raiders' offensive struggles, as neither Minshew nor O'Connell have surpassed 240 passing yards in a game since Week 3, which came during a blowout loss to the lowly Panthers. The situation isn't expected to improve quickly, especially with star wide receiver Davante Adams no longer on the roster. Without a true alpha wideout, Minshew will likely lean heavily on Jakobi Meyers and rookie tight end Brock Bowers, both of whom are skilled but do not provide much of a downfield threat. This limits the potential for big plays and further caps the ceiling for the Raiders' offense, leaving them as a low-floor unit in terms of both fantasy production and real-life success. It wouldn't be surprising to see the team explore potential veteran quarterback options from the waiver wire in the near future.
The Kansas City Chiefs are thriving on defense under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Spagnuolo has crafted an aggressive defense that excels in pressuring opposing quarterbacks, ranking third in pressure rate. However, they have only managed 10 sacks this season, the fourth-lowest total in the league. This often signals a pending surge in both sacks and takeaways, especially when facing a struggling offensive line like the Raiders, which ranks 23rd in the league. The Chiefs'secondary, though missing cornerback Jaylen Watson, remains formidable. Trent McDuffie has played at an All-Pro level, and Chamarri Conner is emerging as a key playmaker in the secondary. This group has been vulnerable to tight ends, which should benefit Brock Bowers, who is expected to see a high volume of targets. However, the rest of the Raiders' passing attack lacks the explosiveness needed to pose a significant threat to this stout Chiefs defense.
