Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Yet another crazy week in the NFL, filled with close finishes as well as lopsided scores. From the crazy first half scoring affair between the Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins, to a running back scoring frenzy with multiple backs scoring three touchdowns for their teams. There is a lot to get through. With that, here are three fantasy football takeaways from Week Eight.
1. Christian McCaffrey’s Triple Crown
Christian McCaffrey had a week to remember this past Sunday with three touchdowns in one game. However, his method of reaching his three touchdowns was incredible. He started off by scoring his first touchdown as a San Francisco 49er with a 34-yard pass down field. Next, he went after a receiving touchdown and rounded off his dominance with a rushing touchdown.
This performance for McCaffrey just shows me the sheer versatility that the 49ers can use him and the situations they can put him in. He’s a tool of talent rather than just a running back, and he can truly be a game changer for this team and lift them up. On the Carolina Panthers, it seemed like McCaffrey had to do all the work to be productive, but on the 49ers, they are helping him succeed. He’s locked in as a top five running back the rest of the season.
2. Running Back Takeover
It was running back mania this past Sunday, with four running backs scoring three touchdowns for their team. Christian McCaffrey as I highlighted before had an absolute dominant performance with a passing, rushing, and receiving touchdown.
Alvin Kamara incredibly increased his trade value with his three touchdowns. He was as much of a workhorse as you can get with 18 carries for 62 yards and a touchdown, and in the passing game had nine catches for 96 yards and two more touchdowns. Kamara was a beast on all angles.
D’Onta Foreman proved that Christian McCaffrey’s dominance might be able to be replaced. He couldn’t be stopped on the ground, with 118 yards and three out of the team’s four total touchdowns on Sunday.
With Ezekiel Elliott out, Tony Pollard had the time of his life. He had big play after big play with 131 rushing yards off 14 carries with three touchdowns as well. These running backs were able to put their teams in the best position to succeed and win, and fantasy managers thank them for it.
3. Tyreek Hill and A.J. Brown Dominate In New Places
It was quite the performance for these two star wide receivers, who joined new teams in the offseason. Tyreek Hill couldn’t be stopped, catching 12-of-14 targets for 188 yards. He’s been exactly what the Miami Dolphins needed with a speedster to open up the field for himself as well as the other talented weapons on the team. The Kansas City Chiefs really do miss him as after drafting Skyy Moore, who didn’t live anywhere near to his expectations, and went after Kadarius Toney in hope he can replace Hill’s presence. Hill can legitimately be the number one receiver in fantasy football by season’s end.
A.J. Brown has been a key piece in putting the Philadelphia Eagles at the top of the league as he dominated on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was a big play machine with 26 yards per catch, totaling six catches for 156 yards and three touchdowns. With being a commanding force for the Eagles, Brown’s former team, the Tennessee Titans, don’t seem to miss him regarding winning. However, the Titans have struggled to score more than three total touchdowns all season. Brown and Hill have both been dominant on their new teams, and they are helping fantasy football managers win their matchups and will continue to do so.
