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.
Judkins Faces Tough Steelers Test
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 now faces a Pittsburgh 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. The Steelers held Jonathan Taylor and Bucky Irving to under 50 rushing yards each during that span. Judkins has averaged just 44.5 rushing yards in two career games against Pittsburgh and does not crack the top 25 at his position this week.
Strange Emerges as Top Tight End Option
Conversely, the model is high on Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange, who ranks as TE20 on the season but has seen a notable production increase. Over his last three games, Strange has averaged 6.3 catches for 69 yards compared to 2.3 catches for 24 yards in his first three. The Jaguars face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8; only four teams have allowed more touchdowns to tight ends than the Colts, who have given up five scores to the position over the last six games. Strange is projected for 48 receiving yards and is slotted as the TE7, ranked above 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.
