They say revenge is a dish best served cold — but in the NFL, it’s usually served with touchdowns, targets, and highlight reels.
Whether it’s a quarterback trying to prove his old team wrong or a running back showing he never should’ve been let go, “revenge games” have a funny way of bringing out the best in players. We actually studied it – players average 17% higher fantasy output when facing their old squads.
With Week 8 kicking off, several familiar faces are out for payback — and fantasy managers might just profit from their vendettas.
Let’s dig into this week’s revengers.
Quarterbacks
Joe Flacco vs. Jets
After nearly two decades and more jerseys than most fans own, Joe Flacco finds himself back in the spotlight — and back facing one of his exes. From 2018–2022, Flacco was part of the Jets’ revolving QB carousel. Now with Cincinnati, he’s the QB7 since Week 6, slinging it with vintage confidence.
The Jets are allowing the 11th-most fantasy points to opposing QBs, and Flacco gets them at home in what feels like a “remind you who I am” type of game.
Start Meter: 🔥🔥🔥 (High-end QB2 with QB1 upside)
Aaron Rodgers vs. Packers
The script writes itself. Rodgers already went scorched earth on the Jets back in Week 1 with 25.7 fantasy points, but now he gets the franchise that drafted him — and then moved on.
Facing Green Bay in Pittsburgh this week, Rodgers’ motivation level might be off the charts. Expect calculated deep shots and a statement game from the NFL’s king of spite.
Start Meter: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (Strong QB2 / streaming play)
Running Backs
Saquon Barkley vs. Giants
For Saquon, the revenge story is personal. After carrying New York for six years, he’s now on the other sideline — again. His first rematch in Week 6 was forgettable (12 carries, 58 yards), but his 2024 revenge tour game (17-176-1) reminds us how dangerous he can be when the emotions kick in.
The Giants rank 21st in rushing EPA allowed, and Barkley should have every reason to make a statement in this one.
Start Meter: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (RB1 upside this week)
Javonte Williams @ Broncos
Once Denver’s “future of the backfield,” Javonte’s Broncos tenure ended on a sour note — injuries, inconsistency, and finally, a ticket out of town. Now with Dallas, he’s quietly sitting as RB6 overall in half-PPR.
Denver has been soft against running backs all season (24th in adjusted fantasy points allowed), and Williams’ bruising style could spell payback. Expect 80+ total yards and a real shot at a score.
Start Meter: 🔥🔥🔥 (Strong RB2)
Wide Receivers
Curtis Samuel @ Panthers
It’s been a few years, but the roots run deep. Drafted by Carolina in 2017, Samuel returns to face his first NFL home. A rib injury makes him a game-time decision, but if active, he’s an intriguing dart throw in deeper leagues.
Carolina’s defense ranks bottom-10 against slot WRs, and Josh Allen has shown trust in Samuel in key red-zone moments.
Start Meter: 🔥🔥 (Boom-or-bust Flex)
Final Thoughts: Bet on Emotion
Fantasy football isn’t just about data — it’s about storylines. Motivation matters. And few things light a fire like facing your old team.
So when you’re setting your Week 8 lineup, don’t just look at projections — look for payback.
Honorable Mentions
- DeAndre Hopkins vs. Cardinals – Quietly steady production, but this matchup has sneaky upside.
- Baker Mayfield vs. Browns – You know he wants this one.
