FORTIFIED FANTASY

Week 82026 ยท Standard ยท THIS WEEK

Should I start DeVonta Smith or John Bates this week? Week 8 Standard (2026)

THE FF CALL

Start DeVonta Smith

+9.3 projected edge ยท Standard

Start DeVonta Smith over John Bates for Week 8 Standard: 10.2 projected points versus 0.9.

  • DeVonta Smith: 13.5 FP recent scoring average.
  • John Bates: 0.2 FP recent scoring average.

Forecast updated ยท Standard

DeVonta Smith
Why this pick?

DeVonta Smith

Fortified10.2
ESPN9.1
Sleeper8.9
FantasyProsโ€”

DeVonta Smith faces WAS in Week 8. Recent scoring average: 13.5 fantasy points.

John Bates

Fortified0.9
ESPN1.0
Sleeper0.9
FantasyProsโ€”

John Bates faces PHI in Week 8. Recent scoring average: 0.2 fantasy points.

DeVonta Smith projects for 10.2 points in standard scoring, 9.3 more than John Bates. This is a projection-based recommendation, not a guarantee. Verify the latest injury report and active status before kickoff.

Updated Oct 26, 2026, 4:38 AM ET. Projections can change before kickoff.

Actuals, projections & playoff outlook

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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.

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