NFL Week 8 DFS Sleepers

Jerome Ford, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Atlanta’s DST were among the best plays at their position last week, so it’s nice to see this column crush it for the people out there!

Let’s keep the good vibes going in Week 8, with a great value pick at each position.

This weekly column will provide you with the information you need before choosing a sleeper in DFS. Prices are sourced from DraftKings and FanDuel.

Sleeper picks

Quarterback

Bryce Young @ HOU , $5,100 on DraftKings, $6,600 on FanDuel

I mentioned Bryce Young as a soft breakout candidate in my DFS Stacks article, and there’s a method to the madness. Young has looked better in his last two starts, especially in Week 6 before the Dolphins ran Carolina’s defense off the field.

The Texans are a favorable matchup, and Young is coming off a bye week that can typically lead to a step forward for rookies. Check out the DFS Stacks article if you missed it for more.

Running back

Jamaal Williams @ IND, $4,300 on DraftKings, $5,100 on FanDuel

The Colts allow the second-most rushing touchdowns per game and were just gashed on the ground by the Cleveland Browns. Maybe it was due to Grover Stewart’s absence, or maybe the unit is just soft on the run. Either way, neither of those issues is getting fixed a week later.

That shapes up Jamaal Williams for an interesting game at a dirt-cheap cost on DraftKings. His goal-line usage matches up with the touchdowns allowed by Indianapolis, and his snaps should increase in his second game back from injury.

It’s a low-floor, high-ceiling play. That’s DFS for you!

Wide Receiver

Tank Dell @ CAR, $4,900 on DraftKings, $6,000 on FanDuel

Remember Tank Dell? He was that rookie phenom, the one everyone loved before he had a few dud games and was concussed. Well, he’s back, and it’s time to shine.

Dell takes on the Panthers, who sit 27th in passing touchdowns allowed. That allows the rookie to chase a higher ceiling despite the lack of passing yards Carolina’s ceded this year. But given the injuries the Panthers are facing, this could be a tough one for Carolina.

Vonn Bell is on track to miss Week 8, in addition to the long-term absences of starters Jeremy Chinn, Shaq Thompson and Jaycee Horn. The team may get Xavier Woods back, but given that he could be replacing an impressive Sam Franklin, that may not be a net positive.

Regardless, Dell shouldn’t be forgotten in DFS formats, especially at an affordable price.

Tight End

Jake Ferguson vs. LAR, $3,600 on DraftKings, $4,900 on FanDuel

Jake Ferguson has a great matchup against the Rams, who have allowed over 400 yards and four touchdowns to tight ends this season. For those in need of chasing cheaper options at the tight end, Ferguson is a sneaky name to remember.

The Rams allow the sixth-most FPPG to tight ends and have been pretty stingy against receivers this season. With that likely limiting the upside of secondary options like Brandin Cooks or Michael Gallup, there could be more room for Ferguson to take an expanded role within the game plan this week.

It’s never a bad idea to chase Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews, but if you’re going cheaper, consider Ferguson.

Defense

Jacksonville Jaguars @ PIT, $2,800 on DraftKings, $4,200 on FanDuel

The Pittsburgh Steelers possess one of the worst offenses in the NFL, and yet sit at 4-2. Having T.J. Watt really works wonders.

Regardless, the Jaguars defense has been quietly impressive all year long, especially its run defense. Only three teams — Philadelphia, Detroit and San Francisco — allow fewer rushing yards than Jacksonville. The Jaguars have shut down almost every rushing attack they have faced.

The Steelers need their run game to establish everything else, hence their struggles in most games when it's limited. Pittsburgh ran around Aaron Donald against a suspect Rams defense that ranks 20th in rushing yards allowed. It won’t be as easy against Jacksonville, especially with the Jaguars coming with extra rest thanks to playing on Thursday Night Football in Week 7.

With turnovers always possible with Kenny Pickett and a rushing game that could struggle, the Jaguars shouldn’t allow many points to Pittsburgh. The Steelers also allow 2.7 sacks per game, 21st in the NFL.