NFL Photos | NFL Photography Gallery | NFL.com
Top 25 ranked fantasy players: Week 8
In need of some quick fantasy advice? Look no further! Below are the top 25 ranked fantasy players per our esteemed panel of experts. The higher the player, the safer the start according to our experts. Not many of these names will surprise you, but it's a great way to get a quick sense of how well our experts collectively think each player will perform. You can view the full rankings **HERE** to help get your starting lineup set in stone prior to the kickoff of this weekend's games.
![Setting an NFL record for the most consecutive games with 100-plus rushing yards to start the season is no small task. Yet that's exactly what DeMarco Murray has done, which is why he slots in as the top-ranked RB of the week.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/pclsz9xts6aptt8vxjpx.jpg)
Setting an NFL record for the most consecutive games with 100-plus rushing yards to start the season is no small task. Yet that's exactly what DeMarco Murray has done, which is why he slots in as the top-ranked RB of the week.
![Were it not for the Packers blowing out a few of their recent opponents, Nelson's numbers would be even more outrageous on the season. Case in point, Nelson had four catches for 80 yards and a touchdown last week, but saw his last target with 14:15 left -- in the second quarter. This game against the Saints could be a shootout, which is why our experts like Nelson's chances in Week 8.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/yqxzndai3lnldu5graxi.jpg)
Were it not for the Packers blowing out a few of their recent opponents, Nelson's numbers would be even more outrageous on the season. Case in point, Nelson had four catches for 80 yards and a touchdown last week, but saw his last target with 14:15 left -- in the second quarter. This game against the Saints could be a shootout, which is why our experts like Nelson's chances in Week 8.
![Rodgers has thrown 18 touchdowns and just one interception on the season. He's been playing lights-out since he told Packers fans to R-E-L-A-X, and that shouldn't change against New Orleans.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/n7fvjzug4elqifjwhuve.jpg)
Rodgers has thrown 18 touchdowns and just one interception on the season. He's been playing lights-out since he told Packers fans to R-E-L-A-X, and that shouldn't change against New Orleans.
![Luck is the only quarterback who has scored more fantasy points than Rodgers on the season, and he gets to face a Steelers defense that ranks in the middle of the pack in most categories against opposing signal-callers. Luck should light it up this weekend.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/tdfpoe6hk3hw3qi0sf7t.jpg)
Luck is the only quarterback who has scored more fantasy points than Rodgers on the season, and he gets to face a Steelers defense that ranks in the middle of the pack in most categories against opposing signal-callers. Luck should light it up this weekend.
![Gronk hasn't found the end zone in consecutive weeks, but he's such a touchdown-scoring machine that he'll get in there soon. Odds are it'll happen against the Bears and their banged-up defense on Sunday.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/yxvvasfwdrcss8ntdukh.jpg)
Gronk hasn't found the end zone in consecutive weeks, but he's such a touchdown-scoring machine that he'll get in there soon. Odds are it'll happen against the Bears and their banged-up defense on Sunday.
![It took Forte a while to get going, but once he did there hasn't been a defense capable of slowing him down. He hasn't scored fewer than 17 fantasy points since Week 3, and he's found the end zone five times in his last three games.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/am6klmjvdz0urorrzfcg.jpg)
It took Forte a while to get going, but once he did there hasn't been a defense capable of slowing him down. He hasn't scored fewer than 17 fantasy points since Week 3, and he's found the end zone five times in his last three games.
![Dez hasn't had a monster game yet, but he's quietly scored double digit fantasy points in five of his last six games. The Washington defense is incredibly suspect against the pass, so Bryant could be in line for his first HUGE game.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/qfk5v5czyiqhrlj9rmur.jpg)
Dez hasn't had a monster game yet, but he's quietly scored double digit fantasy points in five of his last six games. The Washington defense is incredibly suspect against the pass, so Bryant could be in line for his first HUGE game.
![It hasn't helped Lynch that Russell Wilson has rushed for over 100 yards twice already this season. But with Percy Harvin now a member of the Jets, Beast Mode should be seeing an increase in touches soon.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/cpwhwekgxuggexzo6dq4.jpg)
It hasn't helped Lynch that Russell Wilson has rushed for over 100 yards twice already this season. But with Percy Harvin now a member of the Jets, Beast Mode should be seeing an increase in touches soon.
![Don't look now, but Wilson is the fourth-highest scoring fantasy quarterback on the season. He also holds the two highest single-game fantasy scoring outputs. That's the kind of effort that lands you so highly on our expert's rankings.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/mllvtw7hiddbo6irnf85.jpg)
Don't look now, but Wilson is the fourth-highest scoring fantasy quarterback on the season. He also holds the two highest single-game fantasy scoring outputs. That's the kind of effort that lands you so highly on our expert's rankings.
![Despite missing a full game (and being largely ineffective in another) with a hamstring injury, Foster still ranks second in the NFL in rushing yards behind Murray. In fact, he's crossed the century mark in five of the six games he's played in this season.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/zkuhaeovukz0odpleodc.jpg)
Despite missing a full game (and being largely ineffective in another) with a hamstring injury, Foster still ranks second in the NFL in rushing yards behind Murray. In fact, he's crossed the century mark in five of the six games he's played in this season.
![Brown holds the top spot in fantasy football by a slim margin over Nelson (.30 fantasy points), thanks in part to his versatility (he has thrown a touchdown this year and caught five). He's the top option in the Pittsburgh passing attack, and should see plenty of targets against the Colts.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/knvmjfaf642r8u3t77pz.jpg)
Brown holds the top spot in fantasy football by a slim margin over Nelson (.30 fantasy points), thanks in part to his versatility (he has thrown a touchdown this year and caught five). He's the top option in the Pittsburgh passing attack, and should see plenty of targets against the Colts.
![Allen was a frequent sleeper pick this offseason, and he's made all of us who believed in him look smarter by hauling in five touchdown passes on the season. He has a great matchup this weekend and could be looking for his sixth score of the year.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/ztrylxnmpqtuazfv6aip.jpg)
Allen was a frequent sleeper pick this offseason, and he's made all of us who believed in him look smarter by hauling in five touchdown passes on the season. He has a great matchup this weekend and could be looking for his sixth score of the year.
![Olsen leads all tight ends in receiving yards, and has found the end zone five times as well. He's as consistent as they come at the tight end position, and it's no surprise that he's on this list once again.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/kawhhwz7p7imlniuxwu2.jpg)
Olsen leads all tight ends in receiving yards, and has found the end zone five times as well. He's as consistent as they come at the tight end position, and it's no surprise that he's on this list once again.
![It appears Brees helped his case by scoring over 20 fantasy points on the road last week against a tough defense -- something he typically was not one to do. He next returns to the comfy confines of the Superdome for a matchup with the Packers and their surprisingly stingy secondary.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/zdszo9gyhdqzwflcedkz.jpg)
It appears Brees helped his case by scoring over 20 fantasy points on the road last week against a tough defense -- something he typically was not one to do. He next returns to the comfy confines of the Superdome for a matchup with the Packers and their surprisingly stingy secondary.
![Charles has averaged just shy of 18 fantasy points per game since returning from his high-ankle sprain earlier this season. He has a tough task going against the Rams and their strong run defense, but Charles has beaten tough matchups plenty of times before.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/lkaezdkoxdatp9mxqowe.jpg)
Charles has averaged just shy of 18 fantasy points per game since returning from his high-ankle sprain earlier this season. He has a tough task going against the Rams and their strong run defense, but Charles has beaten tough matchups plenty of times before.
![Jones is coming off back-to-back single digit fantasy performances, which is not up to his usual standards. If the Falcons are to have any hope of beating the Lions in London on Sunday, Jones will need to be a more prominent part of the passing attack.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/gbxg5be3alk6lfqssspd.jpg)
Jones is coming off back-to-back single digit fantasy performances, which is not up to his usual standards. If the Falcons are to have any hope of beating the Lions in London on Sunday, Jones will need to be a more prominent part of the passing attack.
![Through seven games, Cobb has (surprisingly) been Rodgers' most consistent red-zone target. Even though he stands at only 5-foot-10, the speedy wide receiver has been great at getting open when plays break down to give Rodgers a reliable target. He has a great matchup this weekend against the Saints.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/apdz1itxkl15g8ks66dx.jpg)
Through seven games, Cobb has (surprisingly) been Rodgers' most consistent red-zone target. Even though he stands at only 5-foot-10, the speedy wide receiver has been great at getting open when plays break down to give Rodgers a reliable target. He has a great matchup this weekend against the Saints.
![Thanks to the success of his running attack, Romo has been able to play more consistent, mistake-free football with the pressure off of his shoulders. That shouldn't change in Week 8.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/mue1ibvhogxnosk7chaz.jpg)
Thanks to the success of his running attack, Romo has been able to play more consistent, mistake-free football with the pressure off of his shoulders. That shouldn't change in Week 8.
![Cameron had a down game in Week 7 as the entire offense struggled against the Jaguars. It didn't help that Brian Hoyer missed him when he was wide open in the end zone. They'll both look to rebound in Week 8.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/iewp4orizm83pgx2z7cx.jpg)
Cameron had a down game in Week 7 as the entire offense struggled against the Jaguars. It didn't help that Brian Hoyer missed him when he was wide open in the end zone. They'll both look to rebound in Week 8.
![Hilton would probably be higher on this list had he found the end zone a few more times this season, as he currently ranks third in receiving yards among wideouts. Still, he's a great play this weekend against Pittsburgh, who might struggle to keep Hilton's speed in check.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/xthoryjhyh7oadtc6uj2.jpg)
Hilton would probably be higher on this list had he found the end zone a few more times this season, as he currently ranks third in receiving yards among wideouts. Still, he's a great play this weekend against Pittsburgh, who might struggle to keep Hilton's speed in check.
![Jeffery has returned to full health, but hasn't quite returned to his game-breaking play that we saw last season. Part of that was Jay Cutler struggling last week, though. The matchup isn't mutch better against New England this week, but it's hard to keep Jeffery quiet for too long.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/ivyqm5umxwgqzlniodtt.jpg)
Jeffery has returned to full health, but hasn't quite returned to his game-breaking play that we saw last season. Part of that was Jay Cutler struggling last week, though. The matchup isn't mutch better against New England this week, but it's hard to keep Jeffery quiet for too long.
![Shady had a nice bounce-back game before his bye week, and with Darren Sproles still not back to full health, he should once again be able to rack up yards for the Eagles and his fantasy owners.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/o8pg6axyi9ripjphw2cl.jpg)
Shady had a nice bounce-back game before his bye week, and with Darren Sproles still not back to full health, he should once again be able to rack up yards for the Eagles and his fantasy owners.
![Even though Ellington has given away some of his touchdowns, the shifty back has still been performing for fantasy owners, averaging just over 17 fantasy points per game since his Week 4 bye. He'll continue to produce as the most dynamic playmaker for the Cardinals.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/aj9k7vb4mvd2o7jgdv6o.jpg)
Even though Ellington has given away some of his touchdowns, the shifty back has still been performing for fantasy owners, averaging just over 17 fantasy points per game since his Week 4 bye. He'll continue to produce as the most dynamic playmaker for the Cardinals.
![It's amazing that even though Bell has only found the end zone twice in seven games, he's yet to have a week with less than 10 fantasy points. He has a tough matchup against the Colts this weekend, but he's the engine that makes the Pittsburgh offense run and should be featured prominently.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/toaqbgrgcpj18w5p3zad.jpg)
It's amazing that even though Bell has only found the end zone twice in seven games, he's yet to have a week with less than 10 fantasy points. He has a tough matchup against the Colts this weekend, but he's the engine that makes the Pittsburgh offense run and should be featured prominently.
![Ertz was a favorite offseason sleeper among fantasy analysts, and he started off the season hot before cooling off a bit. He rebounded nicely with a 10.70 fantasy point output before his bye, and hopefully can carry that momentum into Week 8.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/wk7af08kxleuitpksr85.jpg)
Ertz was a favorite offseason sleeper among fantasy analysts, and he started off the season hot before cooling off a bit. He rebounded nicely with a 10.70 fantasy point output before his bye, and hopefully can carry that momentum into Week 8.