Should I start Xavier Smith or Zach Ertz this week? Week 8 PPR (2026)

THE FF CALL

Slight lean: Zach Ertz

+0.2 projected edge · PPR

Start Zach Ertz over Xavier Smith for Week 8 PPR: 0.2 projected points versus 0.0.

Xavier Smith: BYE.
Zach Ertz: 1.6 FP recent scoring average; 8.75% matchup lift against WAS.

Forecast updated Oct 26, 2026, 11:14 PM ET · PPR

FF PICK

Zach Ertz

TE · PHIStats & schedule

0.2FF projected

at WAS

Sun 8:20 PM ET

THE ALTERNATIVE

Xavier Smith

WR · SFStats & schedule

0.0FF projected

BYE

Check bye / schedule

Why this pick?

Zach Ertz

Fortified0.2

ESPN—

Sleeper0.0

FantasyPros—

Zach Ertz faces WAS in Week 8. Recent scoring average: 1.6 fantasy points. The position-specific defensive matchup adjusts the forecast up 8.75%.

Xavier Smith

Fortified0.0

ESPN—

Sleeper0.0

FantasyPros—

BYE

Xavier Smith is on bye in Week 8 and projects for 0.0 FP. Zach Ertz has a scheduled game and projects for 0.2 FP. Confirm his availability before kickoff.

Updated Oct 26, 2026, 11:14 PM ET. Projections can change before kickoff.

Actuals, projections & playoff outlook

Your next decision

Tap a player for alternatives, or search a name.

First playerSecond player

SEE THE WHOLE SEASON

Don’t just win Sunday.
Win what’s next.

Your roster. Every week.
A plan for the playoffs.

WEEK 8PLAYOFFS ♛

Build my Game Plan Your team. Your league’s rules.See an example GamePlan ↗

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.