We're heading into Week 8, and we're dangerously close to the halfway point of the fantasy regular season. By now, we know which draft picks have paid off, which we'd like a refund for and which players are finally starting to figure things out. Injuries and bye weeks aren't making our lives any easier, but plenty of fantasy production is still out there if you know where to look. This week, we're focusing on players with growing opportunities and recent usage that suggests more is to come. Let's find a few streamers who can help us get a little closer to securing a championship this season.
Bye Weeks: Houston, New Orleans, New York Giants and San Francisco
QB: Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta at Tampa Bay
Why I like him: Penix is finding his rhythm, and fantasy managers should take note. Over
the past three games, Penix ranks as the overall QB5 in fantasy production, throwing seven touchdowns and no interceptions. He's also coming off an impressive Week 7 victory over San Francisco, handing the previously undefeated 49ers their first loss of the season.
Since returning from last season's injury in Week 3, Penix has steadily grown more comfortable under center. The Falcons have increased the percentage of drives that end in touchdowns in each of the last three weeks, and Penix has posted back-to-back performances of more than 20 fantasy points. That consistency is exactly what we want when targeting a streaming quarterback.
Atlanta travels to Tampa Bay in Week 8, giving Penix another chance to build on his recent success. As his confidence grows and the Falcons' offense finds its footing, Penix has a chance to keep his hot streak alive.
The play: Penix is a strong QB1 streaming option in Week 8. His recent production, increased volume and touchdown upside make him an appealing option for fantasy managers navigating bye weeks or looking for a quarterback upgrade.
RB: Jonah Coleman, Denver vs. Kansas City
Why I like him: Coleman wasted no time making his presence felt in Denver's backfield. In his first game since returning from injured reserve, the rookie led all Broncos running backs with a 50% snap share and nine carries, and he caught both of his targets. Although J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey also saw time in the backfield, Coleman led the group in playing time and rushing attempts. That's an encouraging sign for a player who hadn't seen the field since Week 2.
Before his injury, Coleman was already carving out a role in Denver's offense. In his Week 2 matchup against Jacksonville, he split carries with Dobbins, found the end zone and caught all three of his targets. His involvement in the passing game, combined with his immediate return to a significant workload, makes him an intriguing fantasy option moving forward.
Kansas City is typically a tough matchup for opposing running backs, but the Chiefs showed vulnerability in Week 7 when Emanuel Wilson rushed for 100 yards against them in primetime. With Coleman immediately reclaiming a meaningful role in Denver's backfield, he could have another productive outing in Week 8.
The play: Coleman is an intriguing flex option in Week 8, particularly in PPR formats, despite a crowded Denver backfield subject to Sean Payton's whims.
WR: Caleb Douglas, Miami vs. New England
Why I like him: Douglas made quite the statement in his return from an ankle injury in Week 7, finding the end zone twice against the Jets. The explosive rookie has shown flashes of becoming a true X receiver for the Dolphins, and he's making a strong case for a bigger role in Miami's offense.
Despite missing time due to injury, Douglas leads Miami's wide receivers in touchdowns and ranks second in receptions behind Malik Washington. The Dolphins aren't a high-volume passing offense, which can limit fantasy opportunities, but Douglas is developing a connection with Malik Willis and establishing himself as one of the team's top receiving options. His ability to make big plays and find the end zone gives him upside, even in an offense that doesn't rely heavily on the passing game.
The play: Douglas is a flex option in Week 8, particularly for fantasy managers looking for an edge at wide receiver.
TE: Chig Okonkwo, Washington vs. Philadelphia
Why I like him: Okonkwo is becoming an increasingly important part of Washington's passing attack, and the numbers from the last two games tell the story. He's hauled in 11 receptions for 129 receiving yards. With Terry McLaurin out for the season and Stefon Diggs battling his own lingering injuries, the Commanders' offense increasingly needs reliable weapons.
Over those two games, Okonkwo has led all Washington pass catchers with a 78% snap share while commanding a 17.5% target share, matching Diggs. That's significant involvement for a tight end whose role appears to be expanding at exactly the right time. Okonkwo is positioning himself to absorb some of the production lost to injuries.
Philadelphia presents a tougher matchup for opposing tight ends, but opportunity may outweigh the matchup. Okonkwo's rising snap count, consistent targets and recent production make him a tempting Week 8 streaming option.
The play: Okonkwo is a solid TE1 streaming option in Week 8, particularly in PPR formats.
FLEX: Jakobi Meyers, Jacksonville vs. Indianapolis
Why I like him: Meyers was largely overlooked in fantasy drafts this season, with Parker Washington and even Brian Thomas Jr. drawing more attention. While Washington has proven last season's breakout wasn't a fluke, Thomas continues to struggle, leaving the door open for Meyers to significantly outperform his draft capital.
Heading into Week 8, Meyers has run just seven fewer routes than Washington and leads Jacksonville's pass catchers in first downs and end-zone touchdowns. His involvement was particularly evident in Week 6, when he drew 10 targets and finished with a season-high 83 receiving yards. He's picking up right where he left off last season, establishing himself as one of Trevor Lawrence's most trusted weapons, particularly near the goal line.
With consistent involvement in the passing game and a key role in creating scoring opportunities, Meyers is making a strong case for more weekly consideration from fantasy managers.
The play: Meyers is a strong WR3/flex option in Week 8, particularly in PPR formats.
One Last Thing
By now, we should all know that fantasy football doesn't care how much we loved our teams on draft day. Injuries happen, roles shift and sometimes the guy no one had heard of in August becomes the league winner in December. Stay ahead of those changes, trust the opportunities and don't let your league mates beat you to the waiver wire. Keep grinding.
This article originally appeared on The Huddle: Stacy’s Streamers: Five Players to Start in Week 8
