QB:
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
Stafford had just 3 TD passes entering week 8, and because of it, he has been sitting on the wire for weeks. He threw for 4 TDs in week 8, and a lot has to do with the return of Kupp and Nacua. As a bonus, the Rams bye week is in the rearview mirror, making Stafford an even greater option moving forward. The Rams are right in the think of the NFC West division race, and if they are going to make a move toward the playoffs, it’s going to be because Stafford, Kupp, and Nacua are going to all be great in the second half of the season.
Jameis Winston, Cleveland Browns
In Winston’s first start of the season, he not only led the Browns to the most points they had scored in any game this season, but he also defeated the reigning MVP Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens entered week 8 on a five-game winning streak and were thought of as the best team in the AFC despite not having the best record. That makes Winston’s performance that much more impressive, and what could be most shocking is not that he won or that he threw for 334 yards and 3 TDs; it’s that he did it all and threw no interceptions.
CHARLOTTE, NC – AUGUST 25: Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers throws a touchdown pass during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions at Bank of America Stadium on August 25, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers
This is more of a Super Flex format addition or in a deep league with 14 or 16 teams. I don’t see a scenario in which you would ever think of playing Young in a 10 or 12-team league, even when there are bye weeks. Still, there is something to be said about his performance in week 8. After being benched and learning from the sidelines, Young was pushed back into action and had to go up against a very good Broncos defense in Denver. He and the Panthers lost, but Young threw for 224 yards and 2 TD passes. He is in a good spot this week, too, at home against the Saints, who rank 28th in the NFL against the pass.
RB:
Isaac Guerendo, San Francisco 49ers
Jordan Mason left Sunday night football against the Cowboys and didn’t return. That just so happened to coincide with when the 49ers got their running game going as well. Mason rushed 6 times for just 18 yards before leaving the game, and Gurendo came in and rushed 14 times for 85 yards. He looked explosive, too, breaking off a couple of big runs. He also caught three passes for 17 yards. The 49ers head on their bye this week, which means when they play again in week 10, it is possible that Mason is back and possibly even CMC, who has yet to play this season. Still, Guerendo needs to be added, especially if you roster CMC or Mason.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 12: Jaylen Warren #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers
He is about to go on his bye week, so he may not be a big priority for your league mates. Take advantage of that and pick him up because the Steelers offense has opened up with Wilson at QB, and all those carries that Justin Fields was taking for himself can now go to Warren. Warren also is a good pass catcher.
Braelon Allen, New York Jets
The Jets play against the Texans on Thursday night this week. With it being a short week and what is likely a tired Texans defense after a tough divisional game in week 8, there is a good chance that there are running lanes for both Allen and the Jets starting RB Breece Hall. It is worth noting that in week 8, Allen saw 12 carries compared to Hall’s 16 and even scored the lone rushing TD the Jets had. It is also worth noting that the Texans defense ranks 3rd in the NFL against the pass but middle of the pack against the run.