Assembling a DFS lineup each week helps keep that draft-day feeling alive. Consult our optimal FanDuel lineup for Week 8 if you’d like to keep that feeling alive throughout Sunday’s main slate of games. 

QB – Aaron Rodgers (GB) at LAR – ($8,600)

The Green Bay Packers bye could not have come at a better time. After a full week of rest, Aaron Rodgers knee seems far healthier as he’s now finally practicing in full. The Packers are set to get back Randall Cobb and Geronimo Allison this week. With Rodgers in good health at full disposal, it’s hard not to like his chances of fantasy greatness. Add in the implied game total at 57 points, as 9 point underdogs, and we’re looking at a scenario where Rodgers throws the ball a solid 50+ times. The Rams are going to put up plenty of points in this one and force Rodgers to make big plays. With the Rams secondary still in somewhat of a vulnerable state, Rodgers could turn in one of his vintage games.

*Playing a naked Rodgers is a good strategy on an optimal FanDuel lineup. Adams, Cobb, Allison, Graham, and Montgomery will all see targets in this one. Adams is the person I most want to pair with Rodgers, as he’s matchup proof and holds a ridiculous red zone target share. However, if you can’t afford him from paying up for Todd Gurley or other high end RBs, there’s plenty of value elsewhere at WR this week.

*Jared Goff is also an elite play at $8,500. You’ll want exposure to both QBs in this game. Goff / Gurley isn’t the craziest game stack. QB / RB stacks go against basic theory, however, there’s plenty of reason to believe that Gurley will catch a passing TD from Goff. Even if that doesn’t occur, both will still likely light up the scoreboard.

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RB – Kareem Hunt (KC) vs. DEN – ($8,100)

I’m probably going to regret not putting Todd Gurley in this optimal FanDuel lineup, however, FanDuel finally made a considerable price adjustment and put him at $11,000. At that price, just to pay off 3x value, Gurley would have to score 33 fantasy points. While that’s definitely possible, from a tournament perspective, given his extremely high projected ownership (30%), it makes sense to pivot elsewhere in a handful of lineups. There should be plenty of lineups built around rostering Todd Gurley, but given the strength of top RBs this week, you could make the argument of wanting two studs over Todd Gurley and another RB in a timeshare.

Hunt has finally strung together two games with 5 receptions. He’s been utilized as a true all purpose back, and has found the end zone four times in the past two weeks. Actually, he’s found the end zone in every game except the season opener. Hunt has subtly bolstered a very high floor with a great ceiling to chase. With his matchup this week, and his recent dominance in touches, he’s a hot hand you want to ride.

RB – James Conner (PIT) vs. CLE – ($8,000)

Conner gets a date with probably one of his favorite teams. After gashing the Browns for 135 / 2 on the ground in his season opener, Conner has now rushed for 100+ yards and 2 TDs in half of his games. He’s averaging 5.8 targets per contest, he has now scored 27+ fantasy points three times. At $8,000, you’re getting great value for a potential 30+ point outing. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Conner run it back this weekend, as the Steelers are now at home in Heinz Field. While most will be trying to afford Todd Gurley, you very likely could get the same production for $3,000 less. Conner is a great pivot off the chalkiest of the chalk this week.

WR – Robert Woods (LAR) vs. GB – ($7,600)

Woods disappointed last week, after the Rams got up big early and ran the ball well into the second half. Unfortunately for Woods owners, the Rams DEF sacked C.J. Beathard 7 times and forced a safety. With little field needed to maneuver, Gurley punched in 3 TDs and Woods was held to 5 / 78 / 0 on 7 targets. This week, none of that nonsense should occur. Going up against Aaron Rodgers, the Rams will be locked into overdrive. With the very high implied game total, plenty of back and forth possessions will ensue. Kupp is doubtful again with an MCL Sprain, which means Goff should again lean more heavily on Woods. Woods should again see extra red zone looks, on top of more targets in general. This is a great pivot spot off of Gurley, as a way to maintain exposure to the Rams offense.

WR – Jarvis Landry (CLE) at PIT – ($6,700)

With the Steelers heavy 8 point favorites, the Browns passing game seems extremely viable this week from a game script perspective. Naturally, we’re going to look first to Landry and second to David Njoku. The intriguing part about Landry this week, is the Steelers vulnerability to passing TDs. The Steelers are bottom 5 in passing TDs allowed, having continually given up passing TDs from the slot. Just two weeks ago, Tyler Boyd caught 2 TDs from here. Given the consolidation of targets coming Landry’s way, it’s safe to believe Landry will be in line for ample scoring opportunities, as long as the Browns can reach the red zone. Among all active players this week, Landry is tied for third in red zone targets at 13.

WR – Jordy Nelson (OAK) vs. IND – ($5,300)

The Raiders-Colts game has sneaky shootout potential. Andrew Luck leads the league in passing attempts at 44.4 per game. The Raiders are desperate for wins and are now without their lead rusher Marshawn Lynch (IR). With Amari Cooper being traded this week, Nelson remains as the teams No. 1 WR. Nelson subtly has scored in three games and is somewhat of a red zone factor for Derek Carr. Purely from a team needs perspective, Nelson looks to see an extended amount of targets. With the Colts being a particularly vulnerable defense against most offenses this year, Nelson becomes a great value WR this week.

TE – C.J. Uzomah (CIN) vs. TB – ($5,400)

Uzomah has played on virtually every snap the past two weeks (97%). While he only saw 2 targets last week, he did turn one of those into a touchdown. However, the previous week he saw 7 targets and caught 6 receptions. Going back to the well with a TE against Tampa Bay, Uzomah will see a very beatable middle of the field come Sunday. Jarvis Landry and David Njoku just burned the slot / middle for 10 / 97 / 1 and 4 / 52 / 1. While Uzomah doesn’t see 8-12 targets a game like Njoku, he still should see around 4-7. The Bengals are implied to score 29 points this game making Uzomah’s chances of scoring somewhat likely.

FLEX – Phillip Lindsey (DEN) at KC – ($6,500)

Royce Freeman has already been ruled out. Lindsey is the clear preferred option of the Broncos and now doesn’t have to worry about being vultured at the one yard line. This game sets up very well for Lindsey. The Broncos will likely get down early in this one and be forced to throw the ball a ton. Lindsey will need to be a factor in the passing game to keep drives alive. Given that Devontae Booker is the only other RB to take snaps, Lindsey should finally see a 60-70% snap rate. With that kind of exposure to a high paced game, Lindsey makes for a very nice high end value RB.

DEF – Steelers (PIT) vs. CLE – ($3,800)

Pairing Conner with the Steelers DEF makes for a really nice RB / DEF team stack. At home, as huge favorites, it makes a lot of sense to fire up these two. Given the struggles of the Browns offensive line, Baker Mayfield has been under pressure and sacked an extremely high percentage. There should be great opportunity for the Steelers to force turnovers and command a lead. From a game script perspective, this bodes well for playing both Conner and Landry, as the Steelers will run and the Browns will throw.