Should I start Dawson Knox or Drew Sample this week? Week 8 PPR (2026)

THE RESEARCH PICK

Start Dawson Knox

Week 8 · PPR

Dawson Knox averaged 2.0 targets per game across the last 3 recorded games, compared with 1.0 for Drew Sample. More opportunities provide another route to fantasy points. Dawson Knox receives the better positional matchup adjustment (0% versus -5%).

Forecast updated Oct 28, 2026, 2:23 AM ET · PPR

RESEARCH PICK

Dawson Knox

TE · BUFStats & schedule

3.1FF projected

↓ -0.5 vs ESPN

vs BAL

Sun 1:00 PM ET

THE ALTERNATIVE

Drew Sample

TE · CINStats & schedule

3.3FF projected

↑ +0.8 vs ESPN

vs TEN

Sun 1:00 PM ET

Experimental research pick, not a proven win probability. This does not change either FF projection.

Dawson Knox

FF3.1 FP

Boosted Trees3.9 FP

Workload3.1 FP

Monte Carlo3.0 FP

Middle 80% scoring range: -0.2–6.9 FP

His prior three-game scoring average was 1.3 FP. Compared with holding recent form level with the forecast, that scoring history shifts the tree estimate down 0.4 FP. This isolates model sensitivity, not a guaranteed football outcome.
Recent scoring average: 1.3 FP.
The saved workload scenario allocates 1.8 targets and 0.0 carries. These are conditional estimates, not confirmed opportunities.
Return scenarios include DJ Moore; their availability can redistribute the workload.
Last 3 recorded games: 2.0 targets per game.

Drew Sample

FF3.3 FP

Boosted Trees3.5 FP

Workload2.2 FP

Monte Carlo2.2 FP

Middle 80% scoring range: -1.0–6.1 FP

His prior three-game scoring average was 1.5 FP. Compared with holding recent form level with the forecast, that scoring history shifts the tree estimate up 0.1 FP. This isolates model sensitivity, not a guaranteed football outcome.
Recent scoring average: 6.0 FP.
The TEN defensive matchup changes the FF estimate down 5%.
The saved workload scenario allocates 1.1 targets and 0.0 carries. These are conditional estimates, not confirmed opportunities.
Return scenarios include Erick All Jr.; their availability can redistribute the workload.
Last 3 recorded games: 1.0 targets per game.

Experimental models are research signals, not a validated tiebreaker yet. Missing saved results stay blank. No simulations or training were run for this request.

Dawson Knox

Fortified3.1

ESPN3.5

Sleeper3.3

Dawson Knox faces BAL in Week 8. Recent scoring average: 1.3 fantasy points.

Drew Sample

Fortified3.3

ESPN2.5

Sleeper3.5

Drew Sample faces TEN in Week 8. Recent scoring average: 6.0 fantasy points. The position-specific defensive matchup adjusts the forecast down 5%.

Drew Sample projects for 3.3 points in PPR scoring, 0.3 more than Dawson Knox. The gap is small; late injury news or your league’s scoring can change the choice. FantasyPros projections are temporarily unavailable; they are excluded from this comparison.

Updated Oct 28, 2026, 2:23 AM ET. Projections can change before kickoff.

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Scoring & lineup notes

PPR awards one point per reception; half-PPR awards 0.5; standard awards none. Custom league rules can change the result. Confirm active status, kickoff and lineup locks. Projections are estimates; completed-week scores are actuals.