Fantasy football is a game of inches, and one bad lineup decision can be the difference between a W and an L. Every week, there are players ready to explode, sleepers ready to wake up, and big names ready to let you down when you need them most.
Welcome back to Green Dot Sports BOOM OR BUSTS! We’re breaking down six BOOMS and six BUSTS heading into Week 8. Every player gets their own Dot Meter, showing just how confident I am in their outlook this week. Who’s about to go off, and who’s about to disappoint.
Let’s get to it.
BOOMS:
Zay Flowers – BAL @ BUF – 18.38 Proj. Points (via: Yahoo Fantasy) – 95/100 BOOM
Zay Flowers is set up for a big week. With Lamar Jackson getting back into the swing of things, Baltimore’s passing attack has a chance to find its rhythm again. Flowers when targeted is averaging 15.2 yards per reception this season, making him a serious threat to break one open. With a favorable matchup in Buffalo, Flowers has the potential to deliver a big fantasy performance and expose a mediocore Bills defense.
Omar Cooper Jr. – NYJ vs. LV – 10.49 Proj. Points (via: Yahoo Fantasy) – 80/100 BOOM
After missing four games with an ankle injury, Omar Cooper Jr. has come back looking like a completely different weapon in the Jets’ offense. The rookie has exploded onto the scene with back-to-back 100-yard performances, including 115 yards and a touchdown against Miami last week. With Garrett Wilson drawing plenty of defensive attention, Cooper is taking advantage of his opportunities and building real chemistry with Quarterback, Geno Smith. Cooper is already proving he can change a game with one play, and after two straight breakout performances, I’m buying into the resurgence heading into Week 8.
Travis Kelce – KC @ DEN – 10.84 Proj. Points (via: Yahoo Fantasy) – 80/100 BOOM
The Chiefs have been one of the NFL’s most explosive teams this season, and Travis Kelce has played a major role in their offensive success. His connection with Quarterback, Patrick Mahomes remains one of the most successful quarterback-tight end duos in football. Kelce already has racked up 343 receiving yards and two touchdowns through six games, which leads the Chiefs in receiving yards. Now, with a crucial divisional matchup against Denver on Sunday, expect Mahomes to lean on his most trusted targets. Kelce has the experience, chemistry, and matchup potential to deliver another big fantasy performance.
Chase Brown – CIN vs. TEN – 17.73 Proj. Points (via: Yahoo Fantasy) – 90/100 BOOM
The AFC North is turning into a dogfight, and Cincinnati can’t afford to leave wins on the table. The Bengals have the offensive ability to put up big points, and Chase Brown gives them a valuable change of pace with his ability to hurt defenses on the ground and through the air. Brown has totaled 428 yards from scrimmage through six games, showing that he’s more than just a between-the-tackles runner. This week, he gets a shot at a Titans defense that’s struggled to slow down opposing offenses. If Cincinnati turns this into a high-scoring affair, Brown could be right in the middle of it, making him an intriguing BOOM candidate.
Bucky Irving – TMB vs. ATL – 16.13 Proj. Points (via Yahoo Fantasy) – 88/100 BOOM
Tampa Bay’s season got off to a rough start, but Bucky Irving has single handedly given the Buc’s a serious spark. After breaking out for 165 rushing yards and a touchdown against Dallas, Irving followed it up with another 100-yard performance and two scores against Carolina. The Bucs have increasingly leaned on him to carry the ground game, and he’s rewarding them with explosive runs and consistent production. Irving is averaging 4.65 yards per carry through seven games, showing how important he is with his hands on the ball. After two monster performances in three weeks, he’s firmly on my BOOM radar.
Javonte Williams – DAL vs. ARI – 17.44 Proj. Points (via: Yahoo Fantasy) – 92/100 BOOM
Eight touchdowns in seven games. That’s the kind of production that makes Javonte Williams a must-watch fantasy option heading into Week 8. Dallas has made him its go-to weapon near the goal line, and the numbers back it up: Williams has handled 94% of the Cowboys’ carries inside the 5-yard line, giving him an incredible opportunity to keep finding the end zone. Now he gets an Arizona defense that’s allowing opponents to convert 54.8% of their red-zone trips into touchdowns, ranking 25th in the league. With Dallas coming off a huge division win over Philadelphia and Williams fresh off a 155-yard rushing performance, he’s in a prime position to keep rolling against the Cardinals.
BUSTS:
A.J. Brown – NE @ MIA – 13.80 Proj. Points (via: Yahoo Fantasy) – 45/100 BUST
A.J. Brown has the talent to dominate any defense, but right now, he’s giving fantasy managers plenty of reasons to worry. The drops have become a serious problem, including multiple costly misses since returning from injury. After suffering a high-ankle sprain in Week 1 and missing four games, Brown is now dealing with another setback, with a knee issue keeping him out of Thursday’s practice. He’s caught just 9 passes for 101 yards in three games, a disappointing return for a receiver with his reputation. If Brown suits up against Miami, don’t expect him to be anywhere near 100%. Between the lingering injuries, shaky hands, and lack of production, he’s a risky play heading into Week 8.
James Cook – BUF vs. BAL – 15.91 Proj. Points (via: Yahoo Fantasy) – 50/100 BUST
James Cook has been a fantasy powerhouse for much of the season, but the recent slowdown is worth paying attention to. After opening the year with four straight games of at least 100 rushing yards, Cook has managed just 136 rushing yards over his last two outings. Now he draws a tough Baltimore defense that has been stingy against opposing running backs. Another concern is Josh Allen’s ability to vulture touchdowns near the goal line, limiting Cook’s chances to turn a solid rushing performance into a monster fantasy day. Cook still has the talent and workload to bounce back, but between the tougher matchup, Allen’s rushing threat, and his recent dip in production, I’m expecting a more difficult week.
Quinshon Judkins – CLE @ PIT – 11.33 Proj. Points (via: Yahoo Fantasy) – 40/100 BUST
Quinshon Judkins has the workload to be a fantasy difference-maker, but the production hasn’t consistently matched the opportunity lately. Cleveland has been finding ways to move the ball through its receivers, with rookie KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston emerging as legitimate weapons in the passing game. Concepcion and Boston combined for 87 receiving targets through seven games, giving Deshaun Watson plenty of options. Now Judkins faces a brutal test against Pittsburgh, which has allowed the fourth-lowest rushing success rate over its last five games. With Judkins struggling to turn his touches into efficient production and the Steelers presenting one of his toughest matchups yet, I’m expecting another frustrating fantasy outing.
Tyler Warren – IND @ JAX – 12.21 Proj. Points (via: Yahoo Fantasy) – 45/100 BUST
Tyler Warren’s return to the lineup comes at a brutal time, with Indianapolis heading into a major matchup against Jacksonville. After missing the last two games with a groin injury, the rookie tight end could need some time to get back to full speed. The Colts have plenty of other options stepping up in the passing game, with Josh Downs and Keenan Allen combining for 39.5% of Indianapolis’ targets through Week 7. On top of that, Jonathan Taylor remains the engine of this offense, giving the Colts a reliable way to control the game without forcing the ball through the air. Warren has shown plenty of potential this season, but between the injury concerns, increased competition for targets, and a tough divisional matchup, I’m not expecting a huge fantasy performance this week.
Garrett Wilson – NYJ vs. LV – 15.07 Proj. Points (via: Yahoo Fantasy) – 55/100 BUST
Garrett Wilson has the talent to be a fantasy star, but playing for the struggling Jets is starting to catch up with him. After catching just 2 passes for 26 yards on 3 targets in Week 7, Wilson’s production is trending in the wrong direction. Omar Cooper Jr. is coming off back-to-back 100-yard games, while tight ends Mason Taylor and Kenyon Sadiq are also getting involved in the passing game. With more mouths to feed and a struggling offense trying to find answers, Wilson’s target share could continue to shrink. To make matters worse, trade speculation is starting to swirl around the Jets as the deadline approaches. Wilson is still talented enough to bounce back, but heading into Week 8, I’m not loving the situation around him.
Bo Nix – DEN vs. KC – 16.00 Proj. Points (via: Yahoo Fantasy) – 40/100 BUST
Bo Nix has struggled to find consistency this season, and Week 8 brings one of his toughest tests yet against the Chiefs. Through seven games, Nix has thrown for just 1,271 yards and seven touchdowns, while completing only 59.2% of his passes. Denver is coming off a win over Arizona, but Nix still has plenty to prove against a Kansas City defense that dominated him in their first meeting. To make matters worse, top receiver Jaylen Waddle is dealing with an aggravated chest injury and could miss Sunday’s game. This is one of Denver’s biggest games of the season, but with Nix’s inconsistent play and uncertainty surrounding his receiving corps, I’d be worried about trusting him in fantasy this week.
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