Week Eight Fantasy Football Rankings and Tips

by: Andrew De Santis

QB’s
1. Peyton Manning-

Wish I had something more insightful to say here but this guy is the best there is and all of his weapons are a go. If you’ve ever wondered what an NFL offense looks like playing against a high school defense then tune in.

2. Aaron Rodgers-

Another stud who will have no problem connecting with his receivers. With the emergence of Jarett Boykin and possible return of James Jones Rodgers is primed to have what has become the norm out in Green Bay.

3. Drew Brees-

This one is somewhat of a question mark. With Jimmy Graham and Lance Moore and still listed as questionable that really limits Brees’ options; he should be able to overcome.

4. Tony Romo-

After a less than stellar week Tony is looking to bounce back against an extremely weak Detroit defense. Even with Miles Austin looking like he might sit the game out I wouldn’t be too worried here.

5. Russell Wilson-

Playing against a very suspect St. Louis defense I expect Russell to have a big game. In addition with Seattle’s top ranked pass defense playing against a new quarterback this week Wilson should have plenty of opportunities to do some damage.

6. Colin Kaepernick-

Expect Kaepernick to go back to the quarterback of last season hurting teams with his legs and arm. I expect a big game against arguably the worst team in the league.

7. Ryan Tannehill-

This guy should be having a big week. Playing against a New England defense that likely will not have Talib, I fully expect Tannehill to throw all over New England.

8. Tom Brady-

Well Gronk is back and we can only hope this means so is Brady. One game back and it looks like he never missed a step. With Thompkins Edleman, and Gronk good to go expect a mid range game out of Brady. With Gronk back look to Brady to start throwing on the goal line again.

9. Matt Stafford-

Matt will be facing a secondary here that is nothing to scoff at. Expect Matt to do what he always does, throw it up to Megatron regardless of his coverage. Seems like he’s a pretty safe bet for this week.

10. Alex Smith-

Andy Reid should coax the best out of Smith even against a tough defense like Cleveland. Expect an average game coming from Smith but nothing huge.

The Other Guys:

Matt Ryan-

You might be thinking I forgot about this guy. Harry Douglas, Ryan’s new favorite target, will most likely be shut down by elite corner Patrick Peterson leaving very little in the way of a passing game. Also with the potential of a Steven Jackson return I expect this game to be played on the ground.

Andy Dalton-

I’d be weary of him throwing around Cromartie.

RB’s
1. LeSean McCoy-

Arguably the best running back of the season look for McCoy to have a bounce back game after a lackluster performance in Dallas. With Vick not being 100% they may and keep this game on the floor.

2. Marshawn Lynch-

He’s been consistently solid and has been getting 20+ touches a game. Look out for the Seahawks to get up early and then stick with the ground game.

3. Jamaal Charles-

Another of the elite backs look for him to get some serious action this Sunday against Cleveland. As always not only is Charles a solid back in all formats but he truly shines in PPR leagues and looks to be an unstoppable force in this game.

4. Eddie Lacy-

Ever since getting back from his concussion Lacy has been playing like he has something to prove. Not only has he be picking up huge yardage but he has been scoring too. This is a guy with a high ceiling and if he gets a few more redzone looks could be a huge player moving forward.

5. Adrian Peterson-

3 QB’s later hopefully Minnesota will have realized that they just cannot pass the ball and will have given up. Expect more touches for Peterson in the future.

6. Le’Veon Bell-

Another rookie who is getting a lot of action. Getting about 20+ touches per game he is running really well. He’s been getting about 60 yards per game. If you add a score in there he is setting himself up to have a really solid game.

7. Alfred Morris-

Morris runs for 95 yards and Washington scores three times on the ground. The fact that all three of those scores were Helu’s were just fluky. He scored one from 14 yards out and then punched two in from three yards out. I wouldn’t expect to see this happen again and could even see the Skins leaning on Morris more in the future.

8. Frank Gore-

Gore isn’t playing all that well but Jacksonville is just so bad. Similarly to the Seattle St. Louis game I expect to see San Francisco jump out to a big lead early and then keep the ground on the ground. Expect to see Gore involved often especially around the goal line.

9. Knowshon Moreno-

If I’m being honest here I still can’t figure this guy out. The Broncos can score at will and you never know who the ball is going to. Just hope that Peyton decides to run the ball in the redzone. There should be enough scoring to go around anyway.

10. Giovani Bernard-

With such a solid secondary I would be surprised if the ground game isn’t kicked up a couple notches. As always expect to see Bernard on the goal line.

The Other Guys:

Zac Stacy-

Tough matchup this week but expect to see him get a few extra touches this week. The Rams should be doing just about anything they can to keep the ball out of the air.

Fred Jackson-

Spiller isn’t looking entirely healthy so expect Jackson to get most of the action.

Steven Jackson-

Might be back in this week for the first time and although it’s a risky play he could definitely punch one in.

Peyton Hillis-

Ran surprisingly well against The Vikings. If you’re going to start him just realize his main value is tied up in his ability to score.

DeAngelo Williams-

Look for Revis to shut down the passing game and see Williams get some action on the ground.

WR’s
1. Calvin Johnson-

He’s always capable of putting up a huge game and with a weak pass rush from Dallas this just helps adds to Johnson’s potential.

2. Victor Cruz-

It’s starting to look like Eli is returning to form and it should be evident against a weak Eagles Defense. Look for Cruz to continue his role as a deep threat.

3. Wes Welker-

Peyton Manning throws to everyone every week but look for Welker to get a lot of action. Demaryius Thomas should be drawing coverage from the DeAngelo Hall and with Brandon Meriweather suspended Welker will have quite a few opportunities to impress.

4. Dez Bryant-

Going an against a weak Lions secondary look for Bryant to manhandle this defense. He will be a men playing upon boys

5. Mike Wallace-

It looks like Aqib Talib might be out this week for New England which means that Wallace might be running free out there.

6. Justin Blackmon-

Look for Jacksonville to go down early and for Blackmon to get lots of looks. The most telling figure is that he has been getting double-digit looks almost every week.

7. A.J. Green-

I said before that I really hate the matchup against Cromartie but Green could still overcome it. He and Green could easily connect on a deep ball but otherwise I might be weary of this.

8. Vincent Jackson-

When you’re hot you’re hot. With a quarterback change came vintage Vincent Jackson. The past couple weeks Jackson has been lighting up the league with absurd yards and scores. Don’t expect that to stop this week.

9. Jarrett Boykin/James Jones-

If Jones plays he will undoubtedly have a huge game but if he’s not good to go make sure Boykin gets the play.

10. Pierre Garcon-

It’s been a rough year for Garcon but he should get back on track this week against Denver. RGIII had a solid game against Chicago and should try to continue it this week.

The Other Guys:

Cecil Shorts-

Could be a good play if he is healthy. Monitor him throughout the week and see how he looks game time.

DeSean Jackson-

With an ailing Vick throwing to him I’d be a little bit concerned with the quality of his targets.

Marques Colston-

After coming off a huge season Colston has been pretty disappointing. I am expecting him to pick it back up against a weak Buffalo secondary.

TE’s

1. Rob Gronkowski-

Took him one week to return to form. Welcome back Rob.

2. Jimmy Graham-

If this guy plays he will undoubtedly have a huge impact and big game against Buffalo.

3. Vernon Davis-

49ers are going to have a big game. My only concern is that they might not keep throwing.

4. Julius Thomas-

Another great matchup here it’s just a matter of who Peyton feels like throwing to this week.

5. Jordan Cameron-

He’s had a serious decrease in receiving yards now that Weeden is throwing him the ball but still holds the status as a solid TE.

6. Jason Witten-

You’ve really got to love this matchup with a perennial monster at TE and a weak defense. Nothing to worry about here

7. Jordan Reed-

To quote a different Reed “Take a walk on the wild side.” Jordan Reed has been having a solid season and had his coming out party last week. Roll the dice and keep it going with him this week.

8. Tony Gonzalez-

The Falcons are all but in shambles. Hope that Douglas can draw enough coverage so that Gonzalez can see some action.

9. Charles Clay-

A guy whose value is somewhat tied up in getting a score but can also get some yards from time to time.

10. Greg Olsen-

With Steve Smith most likely drawing coverage from Revis look for Olsen to get a lot of opportunities.

Buy Buy Buy

Harry Douglas-

With Roddy White not playing and Julio done for the year Douglas had a huge game and looks like he can be the real deal for the rest of the year. Plus with the looming return of Steven Jackson that should really open up the pass game.

Joseph Randle-

After playing a solid game against the Eagles it looks like he will be the short term solution to the Demarco Murray injury. Look for him to break off a run here and there and potentially see some action on the goal line.

Josh Gordon-

This is a guy who has been fairly consistent all season but has some pretty big upside here. Trade rumors have been swirling around him for a while now and if he was to join a high powered offense he could be dominant.

Zac Stacy-

If for some reason he is available in any of your leagues pick up him. That’s all there is to it.

Jarrett Boykin-

In an offense hit hard by injuries Boykin stood out as a solid receiver and should continue to get action with Finley’s injury.

Andre Brown-

The Giants backfield has been nothing to speak of so far this season. With the return of Brown we can expect to see him get regular touches and break off a few big runs. Pick this guy up if you have a roster spot for a couple weeks.

Darrius Heyward-Bey-

This once number 1 receiver in Oakland now has the chance to play a larger role in Indy’s offense with Wayne being done for the season. This is a great guy to snatch up off waivers just in case he starts producing.

Sell Sell Sell

Tavon Austin-

A guy who never really played all that well this season just lost his QB. Hold on to him for one more week and see what he looks like with someone else throwing to him but after that take anything you can get for him.

Julian Edleman-

A guy who can put up okay numbers from time to time will see his value continue to fall. With Gronk back and Amendola on the mend he will be seeing less and less action throughout the season.

Jared Cook-

This is another guy who maybe could be okay under a new QB but all indications point to him being a wasted spot on your roster.

Mike Vick-

This guy is back to being a starter, for now. He’s not 100% with the hamstring injury still nagging him and will be playing against the Giants this week. With Foles out and Barkley being a weak backup expect Vick to try and play the whole game. Dump him on to who ever will take him because his time is numbered.

Breakout Performer of the Week

Hakeem Nicks-

You’re going to see a stat line going across the bottom of the screen and think that it was supposed to say Calvin Johnson not Hakeem Nicks. The Eagles defense has proven it’s inability to cover a number 2 WR multiple times this season. Eddie Royal gutted them week 2, Donnie Avery destroyed them in week 3 and Nicks already had one solid showing against them in week 5. I would be very surprised if he didn’t do it again this week.

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