Fantasy football managers setting lineups for Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season face key decisions with four teams on bye and notable injuries such as Ja'Marr Chase (ankle). A proven computer model that simulates every game 10,000 times and has outperformed human experts over several seasons has released its latest rankings, offering start-sit guidance for all positions.
The model is notably low on running back Quinshon Judkins despite his recent production of 83.3 total yards and 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 surrendered a touchdown to a running back in the past three weeks, holding Jonathan Taylor and Bucky Irving under 50 rushing yards each. Judkins has averaged just 44.5 rushing yards in two career games against the Steelers and falls outside the top 25 at his position this week.
Conversely, the model is high on Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange, who ranks as TE7 despite being TE20 on the season. Strange has averaged 6.3 catches for 69 yards over his last three games, up from 2.3 catches for 24 yards in his first three. The Jaguars face the Indianapolis Colts, who have allowed five touchdowns to tight ends over the last six games. Strange is projected for 48 receiving yards and ranks above established names like Travis Kelce and Sam LaPorta.
Matchup analysis also factors heavily: the Buffalo Bills allow the most fantasy points to wide receivers, while the Seattle Seahawks allow the fewest. Buffalo hosts Baltimore with Lamar Jackson (ankle) trending toward a return, and Seattle hosts Chicago. 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, a potential difference-maker for fantasy championships.
