Fantasy Football / NFL

Byes and injuries are doing a pretty good job of wrecking fantasy lineups right now. If you're digging through the waiver wire for a Week 8 flex, Elic Ayomanor is worth a look. The Titans have some targets to replace, and he should get a chance to do something with them against Cincinnati.

Carnell Tate has been ruled out with a shoulder injury, opening up work for Ayomanor and Wan'Dale Robinson. Those are the two receivers I'd expect Cam Ward to lean on this week. Calvin Ridley is also questionable with a hip injury, so keep an eye on the Sunday inactives. There's a reasonable path to more volume here, although I wouldn't assume every missing Tate target lands in Ayomanor's lap.

Ayomanor is coming off three catches for 44 yards against Cleveland. That probably didn't win anyone a matchup, but the opportunity gets more interesting with Tate out. I'm willing to take a shot on a bigger role if my usual starters are unavailable. There's still plenty of risk in trusting Tennessee's passing game, so keep your expectations reasonable.

Tyjae Spears is also out with a knee injury. I see that helping Tony Pollard the most, with more backfield work and a chance for additional catches. Pollard could easily finish with the biggest fantasy day of anyone on this offense. Spears sitting adds another wrinkle to the target distribution, but Tate's absence is the main reason I'm moving Ayomanor up.

I have Ayomanor at WR41 in my Week 8 half-PPR rankings, up 23 spots from WR64 earlier this week. If injuries and byes have left you staring at an ugly flex decision, he's worth picking up and considering. Check my full Week 8 rankings before making the final call. Good luck!