Facts vs. Feelings: Face Bye-mageddon with Confidence

Okay, let’s talk about managing expectations. It’s like, the unofficial motto of adulthood, right? Whether it’s some tech guru pitching the next big thing or a soccer coach prepping kids for a participation trophy, it’s all about keeping it real. But honestly, I sometimes wonder if it’s better to aim low and be kinda content, or to dream big and risk being bummed out when things don’t pan out.

I remember back in my restaurant days, my manager was all about setting the stage. "Tell ’em the pasta’s faster than the steak!" he’d drill into us. It was about keeping customers chill, sure, but also about saving him from having to comp a free dessert when someone’s order took a little longer. And hey, he wasn’t wrong. People appreciate a heads-up.

But here’s the thing: sometimes we get so caught up in what can’t happen that we forget to let ourselves think about what could be.

That’s what hit me after my recent trip to Austin, where I was covering the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix for ESPN. I’ve been lucky enough to broadcast from the races in Vegas and Miami, but this was my first time at the Circuit of the Americas. I had a general idea of how these weekends go, but I’m still pretty new to the sport and the people involved. Plus, I’d never even been to Austin before! I had zero clue what to expect.

At first, I was all in my head, second-guessing myself. Was I being too nosy with the drivers? Was my analysis on point? Would the other journalists in the paddock accept me? Would my past race experience earn me respect? My brain was doing the mental gymnastics equivalent of an Olympic marathon. Then, out of nowhere, a reporter from Sky Sports came up to me, looking a little sheepish, and asked for help with his fantasy football lineup.

Boom! Ice broken. Expectations thrown out the window. Adventure mode: activated.

And what an adventure it was! From chatting with the legendary Max Verstappen to sweating through three live shows (seriously, Texas heat is no joke) to seeing Garth Brooks rock the stage on my birthday to fighting back tears while FaceTiming my kids from the media center. I tried my best to just dive into each moment. Instead of staying in my lane, I weaved all over the track, careful not to crash, but not worrying too much about the clock. And you know what? It paid off big time, both at work and on a personal level.

Which brings me to "bye-mageddon." With six teams MIA and a bunch of starters on the bench, expectations are basically a joke. No one can replace Amon-Ra St. Brown, and finding value against the Raiders’ defense is like searching for a unicorn. But we can’t get hung up on who’s missing. Instead, let’s focus on finding those surprise players who are ready to step up. This is just one stop on a long, 17- (or 18-) week journey. The forecast might look gloomy, but I guarantee some unexpected hero will shine in the temporary spotlight. So, instead of stressing about what’s gone, let’s get pumped about who’s gonna show up!

Time to Shine: Players to Plug Into Your Lineup

• Joe Flacco, QB, Cincinnati Bengals: Talk about a plot twist! Flacco has been playing the role of the unlikely savior, and he’s doing it at a pretty high level. This dude’s been on seven teams over 18 seasons, and at 40 years old, he’s somehow revitalized the Bengals’ offense. He’s been a lifesaver for fantasy managers needing a backup QB since he landed in Cincy. With back-to-back games of 18+ fantasy points, Flacco’s got top-15 potential this week.

  He might not be Mr. Consistent, but he’s had nine games with 300+ passing yards in 21 starts since ’22. Surrounded by some serious talent at receiver, he’s likely to put up solid numbers again in Week 8. The matchup is sweet too: the Jets have allowed the fourth-highest Total QBR since 2025, and they’re one of only two teams without a single interception this season (along with San Francisco). Plus, Dak Prescott and Aaron Rodgers both scored 25+ fantasy points against the Jets. Available in most ESPN fantasy leagues, Flacco could be the surprise answer you need with all the injuries and bye weeks.

• Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets: The Jets have been tough to watch, averaging only 18.4 points per game since 2025 (sixth-lowest). Hall’s production has definitely suffered from the offensive struggles, but he’s still getting plenty of chances. He’s averaging 14+ carries (RB11) and 4+ targets (RB8) per game. In fact, he’s had at least 18 touches in three of his last four games, and he was on pace for that last Sunday before getting hurt. Volume is king in fantasy, and in a good matchup against Cincinnati, Hall should deliver solid starting numbers.

  Cincinnati has been super generous to running backs, giving up the most fantasy points to the position. They’ve allowed 23+ fantasy points to backfields in every game, and nine different running backs have logged 15+ fantasy points in seven different games against Cincy. Even with the QB situation in New York being a mess, Hall is the team’s most reliable producer. His lack of red-zone action is a problem, but the Bengals’ generosity near the end zone (10 TDs to RBs) could help him find the end zone for the first time this season. Starting Hall might not feel amazing, but the numbers say he’s got top-10 potential this week.

• Tyler Allgeier, RB, Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson has been crushing it for fantasy owners, racking up almost 150 fantasy points (24.2 per game) so far in 2025. But his backup, Allgeier, has carved out a decent role and provides some sneaky value. He hasn’t been a game-changer, but he’s scored double-digit fantasy points in three of his last five games. Interestingly, Allgeier has 10+ touches in each of Atlanta’s four wins and less than five touches in their two losses. Betting on game script is always risky, but the Falcons are big favorites this week, so Allgeier has streaming potential this Sunday.

  The Dolphins’ defense has been a gift to opposing running backs, allowing the third-most fantasy points to RBs. Rico Dowdle, Rhamondre Stevenson, and Kimani Vidal each racked up 130+ scrimmage yards against Miami. And Quinshon Judkins scored three touchdowns against them just a few days ago. So, it’s no surprise that Robinson is at the top of the rankings. But don’t count out Allgeier. With six teams on bye and lots of stars injured, the Falcons’ RB2 is a top-30 play in Week 8.

• Courtland Sutton, WR, Denver Broncos: Sutton might have had a couple of rough games, but he’s been remarkably consistent otherwise. The Broncos’ top receiver has recorded five games with 16+ fantasy points this season. Only three other wideouts have more: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Puka Nacua. That’s some impressive company, especially considering Sutton’s late-round draft position.

  Sutton is in a great spot to feast against a generous Dallas secondary in Week 8. The Cowboys allow the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers and have given up 12 receiving touchdowns to the position (the most in the NFL). Plus, Dallas is allowing the second-highest catch rate (71%), which could lead to some fireworks between Bo Nix and Sutton. This game is projected to be close and high-scoring, so Sutton should put up high-end WR2 numbers at home on Sunday.

• Tez Johnson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: On a team plagued by injuries, Johnson seems to be the rising star that fantasy managers are hoping for. He’s found the end zone in back-to-back games and has four catches and 55+ receiving yards in two of his last three games. The rookie has averaged 12.4 fantasy points per game over the past three weeks, even with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin Jr., and/or Emeka Egbuka on the field, which shows he’s climbing up the depth chart. With Evans out for the foreseeable future and Johnson coming off a nine-target game, his contributions can’t be ignored anymore.

  The Bucs’ blowout loss to Detroit wasn’t pretty, but Johnson showed off some impressive moves, especially when dodging tackles on his way to the end zone. That kind of explosiveness on a team that needs it is a big deal. Plus, Johnson has an average depth of target of 12.9 yards. Comparing that to the other starters (Evans 13.5, Godwin 11.4, and Sterling Shepard 8.2), it looks like the rookie has claimed the deeper, higher-value opportunities. In a matchup against a beatable Saints defense, Johnson has flex potential with a high ceiling.