Campus Correspondent
With a little more than a week left until Halloween, students across campus are frantically buying costumes to ensure the weekend goes smoothly. The parties and attire are almost set to go, which only leaves one thing left: your fantasy football lineup. So, while you shop for that last-minute prop or figure out who you’re dressing up with, read this week’s Fantasy Forecast to eliminate some unwanted stress.
Matchup Madness
Since almost half of the NFL season is behind us, the stakes in each game become higher for every team. The pressure of playoffs looming in the distance is a catalyst for fantasy triumphs and upsets. Let’s break down some of the headlining matchups in Week 8 to cover those in the spotlight.
New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The NFC East showdown of the top against the bottom will unfold this Sunday at 1 p.m. After falling to the Giants in Week 6 by 17 points, the 5-2 Eagles will welcome them to Philly with a taste for vengeance. However, users can still expect a big day from Big Blue’s quarterback Jaxon Dart. After an eye-popping performance in a gut-wrenching loss to the Denver Broncos on Monday, the rookie QB will be out for blood this week against his squad’s division rival. Meanwhile, fantasy goers should be wary of another meager display from running back Saquon Barkley. Philly’s RB has yet to rush for 100 yards in a game and hasn’t found the end zone in the past three. While some say he’s due, his last run-in with the Giants only yielded 8.7 points, meaning this contest could be no different.
Chicago Bears vs. Baltimore Ravens
It’s fair to say that the fate of the Ravens’ season lies with the result in their home matchup against the Bears this week. Four straight losses have put Baltimore last in their division, three of which resulted after the injury of quarterback Lamar Jackson. However, like Jason in Friday the 13th, he has come back to torment his opponents. Fresh off a bye, fully equipped in the backfield, and desperate for a win, users should expect big numbers from the Ravens’ receiving corps. Let’s also highlight Chicago’s four-win hot streak that they will look to further this Sunday. Bear’s RB D’Andre Swift has been unstoppable, rushing for a combined 232 yards in the past two weeks. Baltimore’s strong air game against Chicago’s fierce ground attacks should make the 1 p.m. matchup a total shootout.
Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The tension between former players and an opposing team is almost palpable on television. However, viewers of this Sunday night’s game will certainly feel it as Aaron Rodgers will face off against his former Packers at his new home. The 41-year-old quarterback has voiced his strong distaste for the team that cut him after 18 seasons. Users can anticipate a huge day from Rodgers and his go-to wide receiver DK Metcalf. Those looking for a tight end should put Pat Freiermuth on their radar, as the fifth-year veteran synced with Rodgers for 28 points in last week’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. For Green Bay, QB Jordan Love will seek a third straight win using TE Tucker Kraft and RB Josh Jacobs. The 8:20 p.m. showdown should leave no one disappointed.
As always, best of luck, Huskies.