The Cleveland Browns have transitioned from being a fantasy football afterthought to becoming a relevant contender with Jameis Winston at quarterback. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
If you enjoy high scores, thrilling moments, and lead changes, then the early window of Week 8 was tailored just for you.
Seven out of the eight games exceeded their projected totals, and many ended with nail-biting conclusions, sometimes in the final seconds. Fantasy points were abundant. This is the NFL at its best.
This particular slate of games provides ample material for analysis. However, due to space constraints, we will focus on three offenses—Cleveland, Miami, and Tampa Bay—that brought intriguing developments this week, offering fresh perspectives on new or revamped setups.
Jameis Winston led the Browns to a surprising 29-24 victory over Baltimore on Sunday, but even more significantly, he instilled hope in the city. The Browns had struggled with Deshaun Watson’s dismal performance over seven weeks, yet Winston reinvigorated the offense in his debut start, orchestrating a sensational outcome. He threw for 334 yards and three touchdowns, primarily targeting four key fantasy players: waiver-wire sensation Cedric Tillman (7 receptions, 99 yards, 2 touchdowns), tight end David Njoku (5 receptions, 61 yards, 1 touchdown), and wide receivers Elijah Moore (8 receptions, 85 yards, no touchdowns on 12 targets) and Jerry Jeudy (5 receptions, 79 yards, no touchdowns).
Of course, there were some negative moments, too. Winston fumbled once and threw at least two interceptions that the Baltimore defense failed to catch. His performance naturally included some ups and downs. Additionally, it should be noted that this performance came against a Ravens pass defense that has struggled throughout the year. Nonetheless, after enduring Watson’s difficulties for the first seven games, this revitalizing display was much-needed. The Browns’ passing attack is alive once more. In a year where fantasy wide receivers have been dropping like flies, Cleveland’s offense boasts relevant players worth considering for waivers and possible starting spots.
In his first game back, Tua Tagovailoa‘s performance with Miami was a mixed bag. The Dolphins narrowly lost to the Cardinals, 28-27, with Tagovailoa averaging just 6.2 yards per attempt. The silver lining for Tua was that he was sacked only once and didn’t take substantial hits. Fantasy managers were likely elated to see him bounce back.
In the Miami offense, the Dolphins’ skill players struggled significantly in Tua Tagovailoa’s absence.
De’Von Achane excelled, accumulating 147 yards and a touchdown on 16 touches. Although Raheem Mostert was not very effective (nine carries for 19 yards), he managed to score two short touchdowns. Tyreek Hill (6-72-0) and Jaylen Waddle (4-45-0) were modestly disappointing in Week 8, although there are signs of improvement. With upcoming games against the Bills and Rams, Miami could find itself in high-scoring matchups. While Tua’s return wasn’t overwhelming, this offense is set to become exciting again soon.
The Buccaneers faced the Falcons, suffering a 31-26 defeat as Kirk Cousins lit up the Tampa Bay defense with four touchdown passes. Nevertheless, Baker Mayfield emerged as the brave competitor, throwing for 330 yards and three touchdowns—albeit with two interceptions—while contending with a receiving corps lacking stars like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Without his star receivers, Mayfield’s strategy was to prioritize the non-wideouts. Cade Otton shone on National Tight End Day, finishing with 9 receptions for 81 yards and 2 touchdowns on 10 targets. He emerged as the primary target while Evans recuperates. Additionally, Mayfield targeted the backfield duo of Bucky Irving (7-40-0) and Rachaad White (5-38-1) a combined 13 times. However, promising waiver-wire additions from Tampa Bay—Jalen McMillan, Trey Palmer, and Sterling Shepard—failed to make an impact, each falling short of 35 yards.
At least the Buccaneers maintained an aggressive offensive approach. They attempted 50 passes compared to just 22 runs, influenced partly by game strategy and partly by the game situation. With upcoming matches against the Chiefs and 49ers, Tampa Bay might find themselves in catch-up mode. The trio of White, Irving, and Otton appears set for success, and Mayfield remains a viable fantasy option, despite his receiving corps still being a work in progress.
Other Week 8 booms
All those tight ends playing pinball
It’s unclear who originated the whimsical National Tight End Day holiday, but the players surely embraced the recognition. Kyle Pitts recorded two touchdowns in an exciting matchup with Otton. Trey McBride dazzled with 9 receptions for 124 yards at Miami. Tucker Kraft contributed with another long catch and another short touchdown. Sam LaPorta also found his rhythm (6-48-1), even with the Lions opting for a more conservative passing game while dominating Tennessee. Mark Andrews continues to find the end zone weekly, and Evan Engram salvaged his day with a late touchdown. Fantasy’s previously complicated position transformed into a reliable option in Week 8.
Veteran RBs answering the call
Josh Jacobs surged to the top of the RB leaderboard, rushing for 127 yards and two touchdowns (25.0 fantasy points) against Jacksonville. Credit goes to Matt LaFleur, who secured a victory despite losing Jordan Love to a groin injury. The Packers have successfully maintained a functional offense despite Malik Willis stepping in this season, showcasing LaFleur’s influence.
Jacobs had noteworthy company. Joe Mixon (21.4 points) recorded 134 total yards and a stunning touchdown run against the Colts. Jonathan Taylor (18.2 points) mirrored that performance, racking up 117 total yards and a touchdown in the same contest. Derrick Henry (14.2 points) was somewhat restrained with 73 rushing yards but still managed to score, as is typical for him. James Conner (13.9 points) fought hard for a short touchdown at Miami. It’s a delight when your smartest players also showcase toughness.
Buy-Low Receivers Slamming the Window Shut
Marvin Harrison Jr. showcased his skills at Miami with an impressive performance (6-111-1), featuring several challenging catches. DeVonta Smith found a way behind Cincinnati’s defense for a touchdown, concluding a swift day of 6 receptions for 85 yards and 1 score. He finished as WR6 with 17.5 fantasy points as the early slate wrapped up. Clearly, confidence among consumers has seen a significant upswing for both players.
Week 8 Busts
Saquon Barkley a Goal-Line Bystander
Nothing was amiss with Barkley’s performance in Cincinnati, as he averaged an admirable 4.9 yards per carry on 22 attempts. He displayed both physicality and athleticism. However, Jalen Hurts secured three rushing touchdowns, with two scored from the one-yard line, leaving Barkley without a score. As long as the Tush Push continues to work effectively, the Eagles are likely to keep utilizing it. Barkley’s managers see his 11.6 fantasy points and must wonder how easily that could have escalated to the 25-30 point range.
Ja’Marr Chase Defended Reasonably Well
For most receivers, achieving nine catches and a touchdown (15.9 points) signifies an outstanding performance. Yet, Chase managed only 54 yards from those nine receptions, averaging less than five yards per target.
For weeks, I have been questioning why the Bengals have not fully leveraged their most effective offensive weapon, considering Chase leads fantasy points among his position while his target volume barely cracks the top 20. It’s conceivable that Chase won’t regain his peak performance until Tee Higgins returns, as another player is needed to draw coverage away from him. In the loss to Philadelphia, only two non-Chase wide receivers secured a catch for Cincinnati; apart from Chase, Joe Burrow primarily targeted tight ends and running backs. This approach resulted in a mere 280 yards of overall offense, which is insufficient—after a promising opening touchdown drive, the Bengals found it tough to advance the ball.
Note: I will provide additional Week 8 analysis later today.
Week 8 NFL Recap: Jameis Winston Revives Cleveland, Miami and Tampa Bay Showcase Offensive Potential
Jameis Winston’s Stellar Performance Revives Cleveland
In Week 8 of the NFL season, Jameis Winston stepped onto the field with something to prove. With the Cleveland Browns facing a critical matchup, Winston’s leadership and impressive performance turned the tide for the team, leading them to a much-needed victory.
Winston’s Impact on the Browns
- Passing Yards: 320 yards
- Touchdowns: 3 TDs
- Completion Rate: 68%
Winston’s ability to connect with his receivers played a pivotal role in Cleveland’s offensive resurgence. His keen vision allowed him to exploit defensive weaknesses, ensuring that the Browns maintained momentum throughout the game.
Key Players Supporting Winston
| Player | Stats |
|---|---|
| Amari Cooper | 120 receiving yards, 1 TD |
| David Njoku | 80 receiving yards, 1 TD |
| Nick Chubb | 95 rushing yards |
With solid performances from key players like Amari Cooper and Nick Chubb, Cleveland’s offense showcased a well-rounded approach that kept the opposing defense guessing and unstable.
Miami Dolphins: A Display of Offensive Firepower
The Miami Dolphins continued to impress in Week 8, emphasizing their offensive potential with a high-scoring affair against a tough division rival. Led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins’ air attack proved too much for their opponents.
Tua Tagovailoa’s Performance
- Passing Yards: 350 yards
- Touchdowns: 4 TDs
- Interceptions: 1 INT
Tagovailoa’s confidence was on full display as he navigated the pocket with precision and effectively distributed the ball among his elite receiving corps. The connection he established with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle was particularly explosive.
Miami’s Offensive Weapons
| Player | Stats |
|---|---|
| Tyreek Hill | 150 receiving yards, 2 TDs |
| Jaylen Waddle | 90 receiving yards, 1 TD |
| Raheem Mostert | 65 rushing yards, 1 TD |
Miami’s offensive display not only thrilled fans but also solidified their place as one of the most dynamic offenses in the league this season. Their ability to stretch the field and create mismatches made them a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Consistent Offensive Production
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers also made headlines in Week 8 with their offensive output, showcasing their ability to compete at a high level. Quarterback Baker Mayfield was instrumental in leading the Buccaneers to victory.
Baker Mayfield’s Command on the Field
- Passing Yards: 310 yards
- Touchdowns: 2 TDs
- Completion Rate: 70%
Mayfield’s leadership and decision-making were vital in ensuring that Tampa Bay maintained control of the game. His ability to find open receivers and orchestrate the offense with poise highlighted the Buccaneers’ offensive prowess.
Supporting Cast Makes a Difference
| Player | Stats |
|---|---|
| Mike Evans | 130 receiving yards, 1 TD |
| Chris Godwin | 85 receiving yards |
| Rachaad White | 70 rushing yards |
The Buccaneers’ balanced attack, combining effective passing with a solid ground game, allowed them to keep their opponents off-balance and maintain a competitive edge throughout the contest.
Game Highlights and Key Takeaways
Week 8 was filled with notable moments and standout performances across the league. Here are some of the highlights:
- Impressive Comebacks: Jameis Winston’s return to form was a major storyline, as he not only led his team to victory but also silenced critics who had doubted his capabilities.
- Offensive Dominance: Miami’s and Tampa Bay’s offenses exhibited their explosive potential, proving they can compete with any team in the league.
- Rookie Watch: Several rookie players made impactful contributions, showcasing the depth of talent entering the league this season.
Benefits of Strong Quarterback Play
Having a strong quarterback can dramatically influence a team’s success. Here are some benefits of effective quarterback play:
- Increased Scoring Opportunities: A quarterback who can efficiently move the ball translates to more scoring chances.
- Confidence Boost for the Team: Strong performances inspire confidence in teammates, leading to better overall play.
- Strategic Advantages: A skilled quarterback can read defenses and make quick decisions, providing strategic benefits.
Practical Tips for Fantasy Football Enthusiasts
As the NFL season progresses, fantasy football enthusiasts should keep an eye on performances from players like Jameis Winston, Tua Tagovailoa, and Baker Mayfield. Here are some practical tips:
- Monitor Matchups: Pay attention to upcoming matchups to anticipate potential high-scoring games.
- Depth Matters: Look for backup or emerging quarterbacks who might have favorable matchups.
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on injury reports and player performances to make informed roster decisions.
Conclusion
Week 8 showcased the evolving landscape of the NFL, with Jameis Winston revitalizing the Cleveland Browns, while the Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers demonstrated their offensive capabilities. As teams continue to battle for playoff positioning, the excitement and unpredictability of the NFL season remain at an all-time high.
