With injuries to stars like Patrick Maholmes and Keryon Johnson plaguing Fantasy GM’s, some risky trades and questionable waiver wire pick-ups will soon have to be made for teams trying to get back into contention. For some ideas on who to trade for or who to keep away from, the Recorder Sports staff will give you Week 8’s sure things, sleepers and busts.

Ryan Jones, Sports Editor

• SURE THING: Steelers D/ST, PIT v.s MIA

While the Steelers’ offense continues to have its’ own woes, the other side of the ball has been a bright spot in Pittsburgh. After a bad opening performance against the undefeated Patriots in Week 1, the Steelers’ defense has been lockdown as of late. They’ve scored in double-digits in three straight weeks and will be taking on the winless Dolphins at home in Week 8, another must-start for fantasy owners.

• SLEEPER: Josh Allen, BUF QB v.s PHI

Despite “only” dropping two touchdowns on the miserable Dolphins’ defense last week, Allen will be taking on another abysmal secondary in the Eagles this week. A banged-up Amari Cooper was still able to torch Philly’s backfield in Week 7, something Josh Allen will be looking to replicate with John Brown on his side. Look for the Bills’ QB to put together another strong performance this week.

• BUST: Julio Jones, ATL WR v.s SEA

This bust ranking comes more against who will be throwing to Jones. While it’s undoubted that Jones is still a top-tier receiver in the league, the Falcon’s offense has been unable to get anything going against opposing defenses this year. Things look to be even worse in Week 8, as Matt Schaub gets the start with Matt Ryan going down with an injury. These words are hard to type out, but consider benching Julio Jones this week in his matchup against Seattle.

Trevi Alickolli, Assistant Sports Editor

• SURE THING: Hunter Henry LAC TE @ CHI

Henry has been on fire since returning from injury and has established himself as a reliable target for Philip Rivers. He has 197 yards and one touchdown over the last two weeks. Rivers should look at Henry’s direction early in his progression due to the heavy pressure the Chicago defense will show him.

• SLEEPER: A.J. Brown WR TEN vs. TB

With Ryan Tannehill in at quarterback, the Titans offense looked decent in Week 7 which means that Brown has a reliable quarterback to get him the ball against a Tampa Bay team who is typically in shootouts.

• BUST: Tyreke Hill WR KC vs. GB

Patrick Mahomes was injured in Week 7 and Matt Moore is projected to be the starter in Kansas City going forward. Hill owners will more than likely start him due to his talent but should tamper expectations with Moore in at quarterback. I believe the offense will take a massive step back without Mahomes and they are facing a very good defense in Green Bay.

Andrew DeCapua, Staff Writer

• SURE THING: Cooper Kupp WR LAR v.s CIN

Kupp has averaged the fourth most fantasy points among wide receivers over the last four games. The Bengals will be without their top two corners, so Kupp could be in for a big night.

• SLEEPER: D.J Chark WR JAX v.s NYJ

Despite a mundane performance this past week, Chark looks to rebound against a porous Jets’ secondary that ranks in the bottom half of the league against the pass.

• BUST: Golden Tate WR NYG v.s DET

Tate has led the team in targets since his return from suspension, but that looks to decrease this week with the possible return of Sterling Sheppard.