Last week, the fantasy studs and duds piece had a 100% hit rate with Quinshon Judkins and Rashee Rice both finishing inside the top 10 at their position, while Kenneth Waker and Tetairoa McMillan both finished outside of the top 30 at their position.
Here is a closer look at some of my fantasy football studs and duds entering Week 8.
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Stud: Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints
Sep 7, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) scores a touchdown during the second quarter at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
The New Orleans Saints offense tripped over itself a bit against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, but Kendre Miller going down with a season-ending injury should open the door for Alvin Kamara to see an uptick in work against a Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense that has struggled to contain opposing running backs in the passing game in 2025.
Jahmyr Gibbs just torched this defense with 82 receiving yards on just three receptions because Bucs LB SirVocea Dennis continues to struggle in pass coverage.
Kamara hasn’t seen his normal high volume of work in the passing game throughout his career in 2025, but I expect Kellen Moore to scheme a couple of extra looks to Kamara in the passing game to test the coverage skills of these linebackers early and often in this contest.
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Stud: Cade Otton, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Oct 5, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (88) reacts after making a catch against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Speaking of this matchup between the Saints and Bucs, Cade Otton once again proved he can be a viable fantasy option when called upon. The Bucs simply can’t get healthy at wide receiver, which helped the Bucs TE see a season-high nine targets on Monday. He turned those nine targets into seven receptions for 65 yards against the Detroit Lions.
Since the Bucs will be without Mike Evans for the foreseeable future and could be without Bucky Irving and Chris Godwin again this week, Otton is worth a look as a viable option TE in Week 8.
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Dud: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Washington Commanders
Oct 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (22) celebrates after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Bill Croskey-Merritt has earned the leading role in this Commanders’ backfield, but faces a red-hot Kansas City Chiefs team on Monday Night Football in Week 8.
The Commanders could be without QB Jayden Daniels for this marquee matchup, which means Marcus Mariota could be tasked with trying to keep pace with Patrick Mahomes — which is not ideal for maintaining a positive — or even neutral — game script for a running back who simply hasn’t been very involved in passing situations.
If the Commanders fall behind early, Bill could fall victim to a brutal game script in Week 8.
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