SportsLine's computer model has released its Week 8 fantasy football rankings for the 2026 NFL season, offering start-sit advice for managers dealing with four teams on bye and injuries to key players such as Ja'Marr Chase and Lamar Jackson.
Rookie wide receivers Omar Cooper Jr., KC Concepcion, and Caleb Douglas have emerged as potential sleepers after recent strong performances. Matchup analysis shows the Buffalo Bills allow the most fantasy points to receivers while the Seattle Seahawks allow the fewest, factors the model incorporates into its projections.
The model has outperformed human experts over several seasons, previously identifying breakout stars like A.J. Brown, Jonathan Taylor, Derrick Henry, Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, and Jahmyr Gibbs ahead of the curve.
A notable surprise this week: the model is low on running back Quinshon Judkins despite him averaging 83.3 total yards with three touchdowns over his last three games. Judkins faces a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that allows the seventh-fewest rushing yards per game and has not allowed a touchdown to a running back in the last three weeks.
Conversely, the model is high on Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange, ranking him as the TE7 this week ahead of established names like Travis Kelce and Sam LaPorta. Strange has averaged 6.3 catches for 69 yards over his last three games and faces an Indianapolis Colts defense that has allowed five touchdowns to tight ends in the last six games.
The model also projects a surprising wide receiver to finish in the top 20 despite being started in less than half of leagues last week. Full rankings for PPR and standard leagues are available on SportsLine.
