What's better than one touchdown? Two touchdowns, of course. When you pair a quarterback with a receiver, tight end or even running back on the same team, any touchdown passes thrown to that player effectively count twice. It might be only one touchdown on the NFL scoreboard, but it counts twice for your fantasy lineup.
The goal of this weekly column is to help find the most profitable stacks, while avoiding the duds. Stacking, or pairing multiple players from the same NFL team, is an ideal way to maximize your point production, which is crucial in larger GPP (guaranteed prize pool) tournaments. Let's take a look at some of the top stacks for Week 8, loosely sorted by salary.
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High Priced Week 8 DFS Stacks
Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers and WR Jordy Nelson at Atlanta
Rodgers completed double-digit passes to three different receivers last week, joining Drew Bledsoe as the only other quarterback to accomplish the feat. Nelson, surprisingly, was not one of the three, as he finished with just one reception for nine yards.
Don't expect a repeat of that against the Falcons' defense, which is allowing the second-most passing yards per game this season (294). This game has the highest expected point total (52.5) in Week 8, and the potent duo on the Atlanta side figures to be a more popular play.
Atlanta QB Matt Ryan and WR Julio Jones vs. Green Bay
That being said ... we can't simply ignore them! Ryan and Jones have been dominant this season, and that's particularly true for games played at home.
In three home starts this season, Ryan is averaging 370 passing yards and more than two touchdowns per game. Jones is averaging 180 receiving yards per home game. Those numbers are just a bit impressive. Both are sure to be popular in Week 8 contests, but having at least some exposure to them is a wise move.
Seattle QB Russell Wilson and TE Jimmy Graham at New Orleans
Despite what Wilson and Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll say, the Seattle quarterback clearly isn't playing at 100 percent. Wilson was limited in practice Wednesday with injuries to his knee injury and right pectoral. There's no indication he's in danger of missing Sunday's game against New Orleans, but some DFS players might be scared off. Don't be one of them.
This is a prime "get-right" game for Wilson, and it will mark the homecoming of former Saints standout Graham. The narrative practically writes itself, but expect to see Graham in the end zone at least once.
Moderately Priced Week 8 DFS Stacks
Oakland QB Derek Carr and WR Amari Cooper at Tampa Bay
Cooper's four-catch, 29-yard dud last week was quite disappointing, considering he had piled up 16 catches and 267 yards over his previous two games. We're willing to bet Cooper bounces back this Sunday against an underwhelming Buccaneers secondary.
Carr hasn't been overly dominant of late either, but this feels like a matchup he can exploit. Michael Crabtree is a fine pairing with Carr as well, but it's almost impossible to pinpoint whether Crabtree or Cooper will find the end zone in a given week. If forced to choose, Cooper is the better play.
New York QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and WR Brandon Marshall at Cleveland
I have to admit, just a few weeks ago, I did not think I'd be writing these names together this season. Things can change quite drastically -- and quickly -- in the NFL. After being benched, Fitzpatrick is back under center following a season-ending knee injury to Geno Smith, and he walks into a decent matchup.
Of course, playing Fitzpatrick is like running through a field of landmines -- it can explode in your face at any moment. But the Browns are still winless and feature one of the league's worst pass defenses. With Eric Decker sidelined, Fitzpatrick will target Marshall early and often. This is a sneaky, albeit risky, stack.
Tampa Bay QB Jameis Winston and WR Mike Evans vs. Oakland
Winston is hardly the most consistent quarterback in the league, but when he targets Evans, good things tend to happen. Evans enters play in Week 8 tied for the league lead in touchdown receptions with Crabtree (six).
That alone makes the Tampa Bay duo a worthy consideration, but the two become an even more appealing with an ideal matchup. Tampa Bay hosts Oakland, which currently features the NFL's worst pass defense (302 yards allowed per game).
Bargain Week 8 DFS Stacks
Houston QB Brock Osweiler and WR Will Fuller vs. Detroit
OK, OK, yes, Osweiler has looked downright dreadful at times this season. There's simply no denying that. But sometimes the matchup is too good to pass on. That's the situation here with the Lions and their 23rd-ranked pass defense. Detroit also could be without top cornerback Darius Slay, but his status remains uncertain.
DeAndre Hopkins is a fine play with Osweiler, but the speedster Fuller could be the one that breaks free for a long touchdown or two. This is not a stack for the faint of heart, but it's likely to be low-owned. There is upside here, despite the obvious risk.
Cleveland QB Josh McCown and TE Gary Barnidge vs. New York
Cleveland, enjoy what you're seeing from the Cavaliers and Indians these days. The Browns are not going to add happiness to the city anytime soon. Case in point: journeyman veteran McCown has been cleared to return from a collarbone injury, and it's likely he'll line up under center Sunday.
Barnidge and wide receiver Terrelle Pryor make solid pairings with McCown, who will face a weak Jets secondary. The biggest positive for this stack is that it will come dirt cheap.