Each week, the Noise highlights under-started names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must be started in fewer than 60% of Yahoo leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post results, whether genius or moronic, the following week. Scoring thresholds in .5 PPR format are — QB: 18 fantasy points, RB: 12 fantasy points (10 for shockers), WR: 11 fantasy points, TE: 10 fantasy points.
More Week 8 Flames: Running back | Wide receiver and tight end
| Starts | DFS | Matchup | Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1% on Yahoo | $4,000 on DraftKings | vs. WSH | IND -3 | 40.5 |
For most elder QB statesmen, it’s been a forgettable year. Aaron Rodgers, similar to his questionable coiffe, is sorely missing Davante Adams, and Tom Brady inexplicably and inexcusably couldn’t close out Sun Belt basement team Carolina. Matt Ryan, however, staved off the erosive effects of Father Time tremendously well. Until now.
With Ryan derailed the remainder of the season due to injury/benching by Jim Irsay decree, Ehlinger shouldn’t be immediately dismissed. Disagree? You must have Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts or Patrick Mahomes on your team. Congrats. The QB position is a field full of landmines for individuals who play in brain-challenging formats. Weighing his weapons and rushing chops, Ehlinger is an off-waivers option worth debating.
The Commanders added gray hairs to Rodgers’ scruff last week, but, predominantly, they’ve been a subpar pass defense. Overall, they’ve yielded 7.36 passing yards per attempt, 235.7 passing yards per game, 2.0 passing TDs per game and the 13th-most fantasy points per game. In total, four QBs have tossed at least two touchdowns in a contest against them.
With Jonathan Taylor back, the Colts won’t lean on Ehlinger to throw 50-plus passes, unless Taylor Heinicke transforms into the Incredible Hulk. Still, if you’re a Mahomes or Justin Herbert lover looking for a bye-week filler, the inexperienced starter is capable of slinging it around the yard. Recall Ehlinger completed 82.8% of his passes and posted a 147.8 passer rating in the preseason. Say what you will about the competition level, but he has more suitable skills than you think.
Fearless Forecast: 252 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 1 interception, 21 rushing yards, 21.8 fantasy points
Week 8 Bonus Flame
| Starts | DFS | Matchup | Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38% on Yahoo | $5,600 on DraftKings | vs. LAR | SF -1.5 | 41.5 |
Nearly shipped out of San Francisco for a bag of Funyuns and a Mr. Pibb during the offseason, Garoppolo has performed well in his second lease on Bay Area life. He ranks in the top 12 in air yards per attempt and three different completion percentage categories, including inside the red zone. Jimmy G hasn’t remotely played mistake-free football, but with a surging three-game stretch and Christian McCaffery in tow, he could easily scrawl a QB top-12 line the rest of season.
The Rams haven’t suffocated passing attacks with the bicep-clinching power of last season. Through seven weeks, they’ve allowed 7.07 passing yards per attempt and 253.4 passing yards per game. Garoppolo won’t suddenly erupt for 30 fantasy points, but reaching 20 points is a favorable probability, which streamers will most certainly take.
Fearless Forecast: 259 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 1 interception, 6 rushing yards, 20.5 fantasy points
