NFL Team Performance Trends: Week 8 (Fantasy Football)
In this article, I will break down NFL team performances going into Week 8 based on their expected points added (EPA) per play on both offense and defense (Halloween style). Let’s jump right into things.
Offensive Takeaways
The Commanders still lead the league in offensive efficiency, however, rookie star Jayden Daniels endured a rib injury on Sunday. His status is up in the air for their matchup against the Bears, which could have big implications on whether you should start your Commanders’ weapons in fantasy. Keep an eye on Daniels’ injury status this week.
The Ravens are absolutely rolling on offense. After putting together five total touchdowns Monday night, Lamar Jackson has total command of this offense and has them playing at a top level. Their run game is elite and is not slowing down. If you’re looking for a final piece to boost your team to becoming a champion, it might be time to look in the direction of trading for Baltimore RB Derrick Henry, or even trying to add backup options in case Henry goes down later in the season.
Buffalo has turned their offense around, now putting up 0.11 EPA/play — new addition Amari Cooper had an immediate impact for the Bills, scoring a TD in his first outing with them. Look for the Bills to continue to produce offensively.
The Steelers are a team that is slowly, but surely improving on offense each week. Russell Wilson‘s first start went smoothly and had the Pittsburgh offense looking strong against the Jets. They’re posting 0.04 EPA/play and could be an interesting team to keep an eye on for later in the year as they continue to improve.
Seattle hasn’t been able to find their groove, not having an improvement in EPA/play for more than one week this season, until Week 7. This two-week positive trend shows team growth and offensive consistency. Look for the Seahawks’ offense to continue showing off against a Bills defense that has been mediocre this season (0.03 EPA/play defensively).
Defensive Takeaways
All of the top offensive teams (1-10) seem to be mediocre defensively — they’ve all been part of a few shootouts this season, so take your chances by starting players going against those teams if you can.
The Jaguars and the Panthers continue to perform the worst defensively (-0.13 and -0.14 EPA/play, respectively), so look to start any Packers players (against the Jaguars) or Broncos players (against the Panthers) in Week 8.
The Cowboys, who have a -0.08 EPA/play defensively, take on the 49ers in Week 8. Look for the Niners to have a bounce-back week against a weak defense, and for Jauan Jennings to have a strong performance in the absence of Brandon Aiyuk.
The Bears have been solid on defense all season, with a 0.10 EPA/play, and as they face the red-hot Commanders, who may be missing Jayden Daniels, it would be smart to be cautious with your Washington players in fantasy this week.
The Chargers, who have a 0.11 EPA/play on defense this season, face the Saints in Week 8, who have been abysmal offensively since Week 2. Look for them to have a great game on defense, and try to snag them if you are streaming defenses.
Player Profiles
Bucky Irving: Through seven weeks, Irving has begun to earn a substantial role in this Bucs offense. He’s been efficient, but not overly efficient at 0.1 EPA/play, making us think he isn’t just a product of the backup effect. Look to start him in the coming weeks as a great flex option.
Jauan Jennings: Jennings has been unreal when filling in for injured receivers this season, putting up nearly an EPA/play of 1.0. Look to grab him off waivers if you can!
Marvin Harrison Jr.: While he’s been mediocre lately, MHJ is still a strong play in fantasy. His efficiency is through the roof, and he is seeing over 70% of snaps each game.
Rico Dowdle: While he has been shaky consistency-wise this season, Dowdle has been an efficient runner with 0.13 EPA/play on the year. Don’t give up on this Dallas back just yet. 
James Cook: What’s going on with James Cook? While he’s been hurt as of late, his efficiency has dropped as well. He has only seen over 60% of snaps once this season, and with his backups playing well, he is not slated to put up monster numbers consistently. 