In fantasy, players who carry high expectations can sometimes have surprisingly underwhelming performances. Let’s take a look at some players who disappointed in Week 7, but are candidates to bounce back in Week 8 of fantasy football.
Week 7 Bounce-Back Candidates was a big success, as D.K. Metcalf, Saquon Barkley, Sam Darnold, and Tucket Kraft all exceeded their weekly projections. De’Von Achane, who rushed for 77 yards, was the only player to go slightly under projection (9.5 points).
Week 8 Fantasy Football – Bounce-Back Candidates
Jordan Mason – San Francisco 49ers
Jordan Mason has fallen short of expectations over the last few weeks, as he hasn’t hit double-digit fantasy points since Week 4. The Chiefs posed a tough matchup for Mason in Week 7, as he was held to only 58 rushing yards. The 49ers face the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football in Week 8, where Mason should have a bounce-back performance. The Cowboys have the third-worst run defense in the league, allowing 23 fantasy points per game (FPPG) to the position. The 49ers are currently hampered by injuries, including the loss of starting wideouts Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. Expect the 49ers to lean heavily on Mason and their run game in Week 8.
Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle – Miami Dolphins
Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and the entire Dolphins offense have had major struggles in the absence of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Neither wide receiver has surpassed 70 receiving yards since Tua’s injury in Week 2 in what has been a disastrous campaign in Miami. However, brighter days are ahead, as Tua returned to practice this week and is on track to play in Week 8. The Dolphins also have an advantageous matchup this week against the Cardinals, who rank as a bottom-five pass defense. The Cardinals are allowing over 160 receiving yards and 22.6 FPPG to opposing wide receivers. Fantasy managers can expect a massive game from one (or likely both) of these star receivers and are smash starts in Week 8 fantasy football.
Great news for Tyreek Hill fantasy managers:
"Strike up the f—ing band! Start me this week!"
🎥 @DavidFurones_ pic.twitter.com/4uJgeCbu3M
— The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) October 23, 2024
Jayden Reed – Green Bay Packers
Jayden Reed had a quiet Week 7, catching only two passes for 10 yards. He has been battling an ankle injury for the past two weeks, which likely impacted his performance against the Texans. Reed has been a stud so far this season and is currently the WR5 in half-PPR. The Packers face the Jaguars in Week 8, who have been torched by wide receivers in nearly every matchup this year. While the Packers wide receivers’ production has been rather unpredictable, Reed has been the most consistent and should have a solid showing this week.
Read more: Week 8 Wide Receiver Rankings
Kirk Cousins – Atlanta Falcons
Kirk Cousins has been mediocre for the majority of this season, throwing for more than 250 yards only once. That came against the Buccaneers in Week 5, where Cousins threw for a whopping 509 yards, who he and the Falcons will face again in Week 8. The Buccaneers just allowed Lamar Jackson to throw FIVE passing touchdowns against them on Monday and are in a vulnerable spot after losing key players Chris Godwin and Mike Evans to major injuries. The Buccaneers defense are also bottom-10 against wide receivers, which bodes well for Drake London and Darnell Mooney. Expect Cousins to have a strong bounce-back game against their divisional rival, where he should see over 30 pass attempts.
Main Image: Cary Edmondson – USA Today Sports
