Makai Lemon to see heavy targets vs. Commanders in Week 8

Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon is set for a major role in Week 8 after DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks were ruled out. According to RotoBaller, both starters missed the previous game against the Dallas Cowboys and will not play on Sunday Night Football against the Washington Commanders.

While Smith battled a hamstring injury and Wicks handled an ankle issue, the rookie functioned as the de facto No. 1 wideout. A Commanders defense, which ranks 27th in the NFL by permitting 254 passing yards per game, now confronts him. According to Pro Football Reference, Washington yields 23.0 fantasy points per game to wide receivers, marking the eighth-most in the league.

Fantasy impact

Lemon is expected to absorb a heavy volume of targets with the top two receivers sidelined again. He has struggled since his debut, catching 25 passes on 36 targets for 194 yards through seven games in 2026.

Hollywood Brown and Darius Cooper will also see snaps alongside Lemon, but the rookie remains the primary option. Quarterback Tanner McKee will continue to lead the offense, averaging 213 passing yards per game in his two starts. The team is working to find rhythm in the passing game despite these injury setbacks.

What to do

Start Makai Lemon as a WR3 for Sunday Night Football based on the projected volume and favorable matchup. He is the clear target leader in a pass-heavy offense that must attack a weak secondary.

Monitor the game script as McKee looks to establish a rhythm against a defense that yields high fantasy points to receivers.