Week eight saw a historic day for tight ends and a couple of wide receivers separated themselves from their competition. Additionally, the return of one player has uplifted the team around him, making them a must-have unit in fantasy. Week 8 of fantasy football was one of the season’s best. That said, here are metrics that matter in Week 8 of Fantasy Football.
Metrics That Matter in Week 8 of Fantasy Football
Trey McBride, Cade Otton, Travis Kelce, and Other Tight Ends Shine Bright in Week Eight
In 2018, National Tight End Day was established after remarkable mid-season performances by George Kittle and others. Fast forward six seasons to the fourth week of October, fans witnessed 15 receiving touchdowns by 13 tight ends across the league. Cade Otton, Travis Kelce, and Kyle Pitts led the position in fantasy points, each scoring over 25 on Sunday. Trey McBride, David Njoku, and Adam Trautman followed closely behind, each scoring over 15 points.
Metrics indicate that during Weeks 1-7 this season, tight ends averaged 197 targets, 144 catches, and 1,434 receiving yards weekly. However, in week eight, tight ends collectively averaged 211 targets, 171 catches, and 1,889 receiving yards.
These numbers have propelled players like Otton, Pitts, and McBride into the next tier among fantasy tight ends. Each has scored double-digit fantasy points in the last two weeks, while Pitts and McBride have achieved this for four consecutive weeks. Earlier in the season, many considered the tight end position to be the weakest in football, but after several improved performances across the league, this position has taken a turn for the better.
Tua Tagovailoa’s Return Reignites The Fantasy Value Of The Dolphins Offense
At their best, the Miami Dolphins boast one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL. Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and De’Von Achance form a powerful trio. Additionally, both Jaylen Waddle and Raheem Mostert can provide significant fantasy value, especially considering their typical draft positions each year.
When Tagovailoa plays, the offense consistently performs at a high level; metrics indicate a drastic decline in fantasy value for the Dolphins’ offense when he is absent. In the first two weeks of the season, with the offense at full strength, De’Von Achane rushed for a combined 120 yards, accrued 145 receiving yards, and scored three total touchdowns. While Tyreek Hill recorded 10 catches for 154 receiving yards and one touchdown. All three players finished inside the top 10 at their respective positions during those weeks.
During Tagovailoa’s four-game absence, Achane and Hill had little to no fantasy value. In week eight, with Tua’s return, Achane and Hill resumed their impressive performances, each contributing over 15 fantasy points. Waddle and Mostert were also effective in week eight, signaling that the Dolphins’ offense is regaining its explosive nature moving forward.
Garrett Wilson Is The WR1 For The New York Jets
After Davante Adams was traded to the mediocre New York Jets, fantasy managers were optimistic about his fantasy value. Adams alongside his former quarterback Aaron Rodgers now in New York, many expected Adams to quickly rebuild their connection, which was once the best QB-WR duo in the league.
In terms of fantasy, in two weeks together, Adams and Rodgers are not living up to their past. Counter-part WR Garrett Wilson has emerged as the clear WR1 in this offense, outpacing Adams in both targets and receiving yards. In two weeks together, Wilson has recorded 12 catches for 174 yards, compared to Adams’ 7 catches for 84 yards. Neither player has scored a touchdown yet, but Wilson was inches away from one during the second half of Sunday’s loss to the New England Patriots.
Further supporting Wilson’s case as the primary receiver, both players have received the same number of targets (17), but Wilson has made more of his opportunities. Is Davante Adams a second-rate wide receiver at this stage in his career? Not necessarily. However, he is currently a secondary option within the Jets’ offense. As the season progresses, Wilson should continue to find success, as he has demonstrated to Rodgers that he is the go-to player right now.
JaMarr Chase Is Now Become Fantasy Football’s Best Wide Receiver
Ja’Marr Chase has lived up to the monster contract extension he signed before the season. The once-questionable duo of Joe Burrow-Chase has been on another level this season, regardless of the pre-season antics.
Through eight weeks in 2023, Chase had 3 total touchdowns, in 2024, he is up to 7 with 48 catches and 674 yards. Metrics show that Chase has had at least one touchdown in five of his six games. While his catches are down from last season to now (64 to 43), Chase’s ability to find the end-zone is taking his fantasy value to another level. Fantasy’s number-one ranked wide receiver this season, Chase is the leader among wide receivers in receiving yards and touchdowns and is fourth in receptions. For a Cincinnati Bengals team that has struggled in the win column, Chase is still shined.
While this pace will be hard to keep up, the Bengals have one thing in their favor. The team is consistently playing behind in games or high-scoring situations, making it entirely possible that Chase will continue this outstanding season.
Main Image: Nathan Ray Seebeck – USA Today Sports
