Fantasy Football: Top 5 sleepers to consider in Week 8

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 09: Zach Miller #86 of the Chicago Bears attempts to make a catch during the first quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 9, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

It’s Week 8 of fantasy football. With six teams on a bye and an abundance of injuries, you’re going to need to start these sleepers to maximize your team.

This week’s fantasy football options are scarce. We have six teams on a Week 8 bye; Arizona, Green Bay, Jacksonville, Los Angeles Rams, New York Giants, and Tennessee. We also have a London game.

There have been detrimental injuries, that have already ruined players entire starting roster. For many fantasy football owners, they’ve had to adjust their quarterback situations at such a crucial time.

It’s not shocking to see some having to resort to weekly quarterback rentals in order to stay on top of their fantasy leagues but at the end of the day, it’s all about the best matchups. Especially which sleepers are able to get the job done, even ones you wouldn’t expect to be able to.

Without further ado, here are the top five sleepers you should consider starting in Week 8 fantasy football.

Next: 5. This Bear will dominate

5. Zach Miller, TE Chicago Bears

Last week, Zach Miller posted less than five fantasy points per game. Mitchell Trubisky was limited to less than 10 passes, but he did manage to find Miller during one of those plays.

I know this doesn’t sound ideal to fantasy football owners, but this week is a whole new ball game. The Chicago Bears take on the New Orleans Saints who rank 22^nd against the position.

We can assume this game is going to be a shootout. Trubisky will be forced to sling balls, to keep up with the Saints. In their last six games, the Saints surrendered three touchdowns to the position. With that said, we assume Miller will be heavily involved in the passing game.

He’s only owned in about 25 percent of fantasy leagues. If you’re looking for a bye week filler, Miller is the way to go in Week 8.

Next: 4. You can finally rely on this receiver

PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 18: Brandon LaFell #11 of the Cincinnati Bengals makes a reception in the second half during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on September 18, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

4. Brandon LaFell, WR Cincinnati Bengals

If you own Brandon LaFell, I feel your struggle. You’re also probably reading this, and laughing at the fact that I am telling everyone to throw him in your Week 8 starting lineup.

Last week, was the first week he earned double-digit fantasy points, and that was only if your league’s points system is generous. But, this week’s matchup makes it hard to not want to start LaFell.

The Cincinnati Bengals take on the Indianapolis Colts, who have given the most yards and fifth most points to wide receivers. If that isn’t good enough odds, the Colts are also without cornerback Rashaan Melvin, due to concussion protocols.

LaFell also ranks sixth for the most targets this season. If there was ever a week to go all in on LaFell it’s Week 8!

Next: 3. This quarterback has been killing it

MIAMI GARDENS, FL – OCTOBER 22: Josh McCown #15 of the New York Jets passes during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /

3. Josh McCown, QB New York Jets

I hope you all listened to me when I mentioned Josh McCown a couple of weeks ago. If you didn’t, pay close attention to these crazy statistics.

2. Devin Funchess, WR Carolina Panthers

Devin Funchess hasn’t been the player fantasy football owners were hoping for this season. Having earned double-digit points in only two of his last seven matchups doesn’t go over well with owners.

In his last two games, he’s only completed 7-of-17 passes for a little under 80 yards. The only upside to his fantasy value is that his playtime stays consistent. But, this could be the week we see Funchess explode.

START OR SIT?: Fantasy Pros Start or Sit Assistant Tool

The Carolina Panthers are facing off with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers secondary is banged up; two of their starting corners are out! They are also surrendering more than 300 passing yards per game.

This week’s matchup is a gift for fantasy owners. Funchess is a must-start in Week 8.

Next: 1. This running back has true sleeper value

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 11: Theo Riddick #25 of the Detroit Lions runs down the field during the fourth quarter in the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

1. Theo Riddick, RB Detroit Lions

If you’re anything like me, you probably have a love-hate relationship with Theo Riddick. He has the potential, but we’re still waiting for him to have his wow factor.

Riddick has only earned double-digit fantasy football points once this season. This is also due to Ameer Abdullah’s production. However, this week’s matchup makes Riddick an ideal running back worth starting.

The Pittsburgh Steelers matchup may lend itself to be more beneficial to owners than anticipated. The Steelers haven’t been able to block receiving running backs; pretty ironic when Le’Veon Bell is one of the best receiving backs in the league.

Must Read: Fantasy Football Start or Sit Week 8: RB Matt Forte

In all but two of his games this season, Riddick has completed at least four passes and has totaled nine in the last two weeks. Not to mention, the Steelers have given up at least three catches per game to seven running backs this season.

Riddick may not scream RB2, but he is a great flex or RB3 play this week.