Dollar Free Agents 2018 Week 8

By Matthew Cherrin
Matthew Cherrin

Cody Kessler- QB- Jaguars


The Jaguars are in trouble with their quarterback situation. Last week against the Texans, starting quarterback Blake Bortles was benched for Cody Kessler in the second half. Kessler completed 21 passes for 156 yards and a touchdown, which was a significant improvement after a first half where the Jaguars could barely move the ball. Bortles is going to be on thin ice for the rest of year. If he struggles this Sunday against the Eagles in London, expect Kessler to get the start after the bye week. If Kessler does get the nod in week 10, the Jaguars face three straight sub-par pass defenses in the Colts, Steelers and Bills. Pick up Kessler this week for a buck and wait to see if he starts in week 10.

Martavis Bryant- WR- Raiders

Since Amari Cooper was traded to the Cowboys this week for a first round draft pick in 2019, fantasy owners might want to grab Martavis Bryant this week for a buck. Bryant hasn’t produced much on the field this year, but he may get more opportunities now that Cooper is gone. Bryant has 14 receptions for 220 yards so far in 2018. Bryant isn’t a long-term play in keeper and dynasty leagues since a suspension is supposedly looming, but he could be a good start in week 8 against the Colts. Indy’s defense has allowed the 11th most fantasy points to wide outs this season in half point, PPR leagues. Take a chance on Bryant this week for a buck if you have a receiver on a bye week.

Curtis Samuel- WR- Panthers

The former Ohio State wide receiver Curtis Samuel might be a player on the rise. He’s finally healthy after going on the IR last year and spending most of this year on the bench after having a heart procedure. Samuel scored a touchdown last week against the Eagles that helped the Panthers come back in the fourth quarter from a 17 point deficit. He’s not getting many targets, but he’s found the end zone twice this season in three games, once on the ground and once through the air. The Panthers face the Ravens this week, and the Panthers might need some of Samuel’s big-play ability to reach the end zone. Pick up Samuel in dynasty and keeper leagues for a buck.

Kenjon Barner- RB- Patriots

With Sony Michel leaving last Sunday’s game against the Bears, fantasy owners might want to pick up Kenjon Barner this week. The former Oregon Duck had 10 carries in a hard-fought win against Chicago. Whether Michel suits up against the Bills this week, Barner might be a good player to start if your team has a running back on a bye week. Buffalo’s defense has given up the 10th most fantasy points to running backs this year. The Patriots are -14 point favorites, so I expect Barner to get plenty of garbage time carries in a blowout Monday night. Pick up and possibly start Barner for a buck this Monday night.

Kapri Bibbs- RB- Redskins

Last week against the Cowboys, running back Kapri Bibbs was surprisingly the leading receiver for the Redskins recording four catches for 43 yards and a touchdown. Part of the reason for Bibbs’ increased usage is due to Chris Thompson being unavailable again last week. Alex Smith loves to check down to running backs, so if Thompson can’t play again in week 8, fantasy owners might want to look at picking up Bibbs for a buck against the Giants this Sunday. The Giants have allowed the 14th most fantasy points to running backs this season. Bibbs might only be worth a consideration in PPR leagues.

Chris Herndon- TE- Jets

Fantasy owners who are struggling to find any consistency at tight end this season may want to look at Chris Herndon this week. Last week against the Vikings, Herndon recorded four receptions for 42 yards and score. He also had a season high seven targets. Herndon has touchdowns in back to back games, and is slowly becoming one of rookie quarterback Sam Darnold’s favorite targets. The Jets rookie tight end was drafted in the fourth round out of Miami and should be heavily considered in dynasty and keeper leagues. Pick up Herndon this week for a buck.

Trenton Cannon- RB- Jets

Week 8 might be a good idea to pick up and start Trenton Cannon of the New York Jets. With Bilal Powell out for Sunday’s matchup with the Bears, Cannon could be in line for a big day in full PPR leagues. After Powell left last week’s game against the Vikings, Cannon recorded four catches for 69 yards, which led the team in both stat categories. The Bears are a tough matchup this week, since their defense has given up the third fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Bears go up big in the first half, and Cannon get a ton of opportunities during garbage time in the second half. Pick and start cannon for a buck if you have a running back on a bye week.