A proven computer model that simulates every NFL game 10,000 times has released its Week 8 fantasy football rankings for the 2026 season. The model has outperformed human experts over several seasons and correctly identified breakout players such as A.J. Brown, Jonathan Taylor, Derrick Henry, Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, and Jahmyr Gibbs ahead of the curve.
One notable projection involves running back Quinshon Judkins. Despite averaging 83.3 total yards with three touchdowns over his last three games, the model ranks him outside the top 25 at his position. Judkins faces a Steelers defense that allows the seventh-fewest rushing yards per game and has not surrendered a touchdown to a running back in the past three weeks, holding Jonathan Taylor and Bucky Irving to under 50 rushing yards each. Judkins has averaged just 44.5 rushing yards in two career games against Pittsburgh.
Conversely, the model is high on Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange. After a slow start (2.3 catches for 24 yards per game over his first three contests), Strange has averaged 6.3 catches for 69 yards over his last three games. Jacksonville faces the Colts, a defense that has allowed five touchdowns to tight ends over the past six games — only four teams have given up more. Strange is projected for 48 receiving yards and ranks as the TE7 this week, ahead of Travis Kelce and Sam LaPorta.
The model also identifies a surprising wide receiver projected 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 for reference when setting lineups.
