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: Quarterback | Running back
| Stats | DFS | Matchup | Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20% on Yahoo | $4,900 on DraftKings | at NO | LV -1.5 | 49.5 |
Slot machines in Vegas are generally loose. Insert dollar bills into one over a lengthy duration, and eventually you’ll cash out. That’s at least what people with certain betting fetishes believe.
When it comes to Renfrow in fantasy, the same line of thinking applies.
Managers who’ve steadfastly stood by their man as a WR3 or flex haven’t experienced a jackpot siren. A tender hip and concussion have made the early season trek treacherous for the Raiders slot receiver. As a result, in the four games Renfrow has recorded action, he’s underwhelmed.
On just 18.4% of the team's target share, he has yet to eclipse 60 yards in a game or found the end zone. Even for PPR masses, he’s reached 10-plus fantasy points in a contest only once. He’s consistently won battles with defenders (WR14 in average target separation), but the surface numbers are still suffering.
In what could be a breakthrough performance against New Orleans, Renfrow could resurrect value lost. The Saints secondary, which just lost Bradley Roby to injured reserve, is severely wounded. Inserted slot corner Justin Evans has allowed a 75.0 catch percentage and a 115.6 passer rating on 77 snaps manning the position. Equally encouraging, as a group, the Saints have given up the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
Tally it up, and Renfrow has sizable odds of flashing in Week 8.
Fearless Forecast: 6 receptions, 62 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 18.2 fantasy points
| Starts | DFS | Matchup | Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4% on Yahoo | $3,500 on DraftKings | vs. ARI | MIN -3.5 | 49 |
Oct 2, 2022; London, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr. (84) during the NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports
In what’s become a common occurrence in this space, playing any tight end with a pulse against Arizona’s lackluster pass defense is highly recommended. Last Thursday in a shootout against New Orleans, another plus-sized target, Juwan Johnson, went off. This week, it’s Smith’s turn.
This season, the Cardinals have conceded 7.3 receptions yards per game, 77.0 receiving yards per game and the second-most fantasy points to the position. Justin Jefferson will again crank the volume, but Big Irv should entice a fruitful five to six targets. His separation abilities and usage inside the red zone are excellent harbingers given the matchup. Stream happily.
Fearless Forecast: 4 receptions, 37 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 13.7 fantasy points
Week 8 Bonus Flame
| Starts | DFS | Matchup | Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34% on Yahoo | $5,300 on DraftKings | at ATL | ATL -4.5 | 41.5 |
Carolina Panthers wide receiver DJ Moore (2) hauls in a touchdown pass in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Mike Edwards (32) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
After improbably altering the Earth’s tilt with a convincing win over Tom Brady and Tampa Bay, Carolina isn’t the XFL-level squad that some believed, myself very much included.
Fantasy managers clamored for Moore to be jettisoned after the departures of Robbie Anderson and Christian McCaffrey, but he remains anchored to the Panthers. Leaned on heavily against the division rival Bucs, he has established a decent rapport with promoted backup PJ Walker. Moore's 10 targets, seven receptions and 69 yards last Sunday were all season highs.
Slated to tango with a Falcons secondary that’s allowed the most fantasy points to wide receivers, Moore needs to be back in manager good graces. Also, CB Darren Hall has surrendered a 137.7 passer rating and 76.9 catch rate to his assignments. Suit him up.
Fearless Forecast: 6 receptions, 67 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 15.7 fantasy points
Season record: 8-12
Last week: 1-2 (George Pickens 15.1, Romeo Doubs 0.0, Hayden Hurst 7.8)
