Sit/Start 2025 Week 8: Reviewing All Fantasy Relevant Players in Every Game

Sit or Start recommendations for EVERY fantasy-relevant player in Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season!

Game Info

 

Kickoff: Monday, October 27, 2025, 8:15 p.m. ET

Location: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO

Network: ABC

 

Washington Commanders

 

Quarterback

Jayden Daniels*OUT
Marcus Mariota: SIT

Marcus Mariota was a serviceable spot starter in Superflex earlier this season, but facing a Chiefs defense allowing the sixth-fewest points at the position and holding four of six quarterbacks faced under 200 yards, I’m not starting Mariota unless there are literally no other options.

 

Running Back

Jacory Croskey-Merritt: START, RB2
Jeremy McNichols: FLEX, RB4
Chris Rodriguez Jr.: FLEX, RB4

Jacory Croskey-Merritt got the lion’s share of the backfield work against the Cowboys: 13 carries for 33 yards, and seems to have taken the mantle of the primary RB1 for the Commanders. But that beautiful Bill upside has been quickly diluted by two vultures. Jeremy McNichols was involved in the passing game with three targets that turned into two catches for 23 yards, and he even got two carries for 22 yards. And the backbreaker? Chris Rodriguez Jr. stole the short-yardage spotlight with only three carries for 12 yards, but the lone touchdown of the group.

JCM can be considered a low-end RB2 because the passing-down work and the overall opportunity share are his to lose. However, the involvement of McNichols and Rodriguez is a massive cap on his upside.

 

Wide Receiver

Deebo Samuel: START, WR2
Terry McLaurin: FLEX, WR4

Both Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel are set to return after missing Week 7, albeit without their stud quarterback. Mariota has been a serviceable backup, so their floors should remain close to what we’ve seen this season. McLaurin doesn’t have much upside, but Samuel still does, considering his usage all over the field. The Chiefs have allowed the sixth fewest fantasy points to wide receivers, keeping Scary Terry a mere flex play. Samuel should still see enough work to maintain WR2 status.

 

Tight End

Zach Ertz: STREAMER

Zach Ertz has at least six targets in each of the past two games and already has four touchdown receptions. I’d feel more comfortable if Jayden Daniels were starting, considering the tough matchup, but Ertz has shown enough to still be considered a streamer.

 

Defense/Special Teams

Washington Commanders: SIT

The Commanders are tied with the Packers for the second-fewest forced turnovers (three). 

 

Kansas City Chiefs

 

Quarterback

Patrick Mahomes: START, QB1

You don’t need me to tell you to start Patrick Mahomes, but did you know he grew up a Dallas Cowboys fan? As a kid from Texas, he rooted for America’s Team.

 

Running Back

Isiah Pacheco: START, Borderline RB2
Kareem Hunt: FLEX, RB4
Brashard Smith: FLEX, RB3

The Chiefs’ backfield has been an absolute mess for fantasy this season. Isiah Pacheco saw a season high of 15 carries against the Raiders, but Brashard Smith has seen an increase in work with each passing week (although most of his 14 carries came in garbage time in Week 7), and Kareem Hunt has basically been the goal-line back. Pacheco is a borderline RB2 considering he’s seen at least 12 touches in back-to-back games, but all of Kansas City’s running backs are extremely volatile fantasy options.

 

Wide Receiver

Rashee Rice: START, WR1
Xavier Worthy: START, WR2

Hollywood Brown: START, WR3

The receiving group ate like it was a Thanksgiving buffet in Week 7. Rashee Rice exploded back into the lineup with seven receptions on seven targets for 42 yards and two touchdowns, showing zero rust. Marquise Brown snagged a score on just two catches for 14 yards, and Xavier Worthy chipped in three receptions for 35 yards plus a 13-yard carry. Rice is a locked-in WR1 and a top-10 start with a top-10 matchup against the Commanders. Worthy and Brown remain highly volatile, with Worthy being more of a WR2 and Brown more of a WR3. 

 

Tight End

Travis Kelce: START, TE1

You don’t need me to tell you to start Travis Kelce, but did you know he grew up a huge fan of Cleveland sports? Being from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, he rooted hard for Cleveland’s NFL, NBA, and MLB teams.

 

Defense/Special Teams

Kansas City Chiefs: START

Marcus Mariota is starting for the Commanders.