With a bye week that takes out some talented and reliable fantasy players, playing the matchup can work magic for fantasy teams. Here’s a rundown of key fantasy matchups in Week 8.

Quarterback

Mitchell Trubisky (CHI vs Jets, 17.4 F.P.P.G.)

Mitch Trubisky is red-hot and has found his stride under Mike Nagy. Over his last three games he has thrown for 1003 yards, 11 touchdowns, and three interceptions. Trubisky has also thrown at least two touchdowns in every home game this season. The Jets passing defense isn’t bad but they’re far from elite. I expect Nagy to find ways to exploit the holes in this home contest.

Verdict: Start as fringe QB1

Andrew Luck (IND at Raiders, 18.8 F.P.P.G.)

Andrew Luck since Week 4: 15 touchdowns and five interceptions. Luck’s talent plus a struggling Raiders defense equals one of the best matchups you’ll get this week.

Verdict: Start with confidence.

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Matthew Stafford (DET vs Seahawks, 12.3 F.P.P.G.)

It’s not that the Seahawks defense is what it’s used to be and it’s not that Matthew Stafford isn’t stellar indoors. It’s simply that the emergence of the run game and Kerryon Johnson in Detroit has put a cap on the passing volume for Stafford. With less than 220 yards in back-to-back outings and only 48 passing attempts, the Lions can look at other ways to attack the Seahawks defense.

Verdict: Start as QB2

Cam Newton (CAR vs Ravens, 10.7 F.P.P.G.)

The best defense against quarterbacks this season visits Charlotte and a tough challenge awaits Cam Newton and the newly inspired Panthers. But Cam typically stays fantasy relevant because of his rushing work and I think he will continue that trend.

Verdict: Tough matchup, start as high-end QB2.

For more Week 8 help, check out our fantasy football rankings, weekly NFL picks (pick’em), Week 8 waiver wire pickups, Week 8 sleepers and Week 8 streaming defenses.

Running Back

Phillip Lindsay (DEN at Chiefs 25.7 F.P.P.G.)

Phillip Lindsay showed off his big-play ability last week against the Cardinals in their TNF rout. With Royce Freeman out for this contest and a Chiefs team that gives up the 2nd most fantasy points to running backs, I think he’ll have a huge game out of the backfield.

Verdict: Start with confidence.

Nick Chubb (CLE at Steelers, 13.4 F.P.P.G.)

While Nick Chubb has established himself as Cleveland’s workhorse, the Steelers have been very good against the run, yielding the fifth fewest fantasy points to the position and a total of just three rushing touchdowns to the position. Duke Johnson’s emergence as the 3rd down back has also limited Chubb’s ceiling.

Verdict: Start as RB2.

Wide Receiver

Tyler Boyd (CIN vs Buccaneers, 30.6 F.P.P.G.)

Don’t lose confidence in Tyler Boyd just yet. Last week was well below expectations, but a home matchup against the generous Tampa Bay defense puts his name back into the conversation.

Verdict: Start as WR2.

Alshon Jeffrey (PHI vs. Jaguars, in London, 17.3 F.P.P.G.)

Avoid letting the narrative shape your opinion on the Jacksonville defense. They are still a talented bunch and are the 2nd best fantasy defense against wide receivers.

Verdict: Start as flex option.

Tight End

David Njoku (CLE at Steelers, 11.0 F.P.P.G.)

David Njoku is emerging under the guidance of the rookie Baker Mayfield. I don’t see his volume taking a hit, especially against a bottom tier fantasy defense against tight ends this season.

Verdict: Start with confidence.

Evan Engram (NYG vs Redskins, 6.5 F.P.P.G.)

The Redskins defense is underrated and they are solid against opposing tight ends. With Evan Engram’s volume declining, he doesn’t really turn heads for this Sunday’s matchup against Washington.

Verdict: Given the lack of depth in TE, start but limit expectations.