2011 Week 8 Fantasy Advice

Did you have a good week 7? Now that bye weeks are nearly done, your fantasy lineups won't be in a constant state of flux much anymore. But, that doesn't mean that sleepers and waiver wire pickups are going to be needed, because they will be, and that's why you look at this list, right?

Byes: CHI, NYJ, ATL, TB, OAK, GB

Who to Start:

QB Eli Manning (NYG) vs. MIA: The Dolphins are a pathetic team, and they really have trouble stopping the pass. Manning is having a very good season, and he is using all of his receivers. His hot streak should continue against a putrid Miami pass defense.

RB Darren Sproles (NO) vs. STL: The Rams gave up over 250 rushing yards to rookie DeMarco Murray last Sunday, and with Darren Sproles being such a big fantasy surprise, he should get big numbers on Sunday, especially if Mark Ingram is out due to injury.

WR Nate Washington (TEN) vs. IND: I know most of you weren't watching the SNF game last Sunday, but 62-7 tells you all you need to know. The Colts right now are putting up little resistance on defense, and even though the Titans passing offense has struggled, they won't this week.

WR Antonio Brown (PIT) vs. NE: He had a 100+ yard catching day against Arizona last week, and going up against the porous New England secondary, he should have another big day. Because of the injury to Hines Ward, he should see even more playing time to increase those numbers.

TE Owen Daniels (HOU) vs. JAX: This has become a theme, hasn't it? Start the TE of the team playing the Jaguars. It shouldn't change this week, as Owen Daniels is a big fantasy bargain this week. He'll be an even bigger bargain if Andre Johnson doesn't play this week.

DEF New Orleans vs. STL: The Rams have scored the fewest points of any team this season, and if A.J Feeley is playing, it may be an even worse day for the Saints offense. This has a big blowout written all over it.

Who to Sit:

QB Matt Cassel (KC) vs. SD MON: Cassel has been rejuvenated so far in the Chiefs 3 game winning streak, but a game against San Diego is troubling. The Chargers have been very good this year against the pass, and with the streaky nature of the KC passing offense, he is a risky start.

RB Knowshon Moreno (DEN) vs. DET: He will be getting more playing time due to the injury to Willis McGahee, so things are looking up. However, Detroit's run defense has been very good this season, so watch out for Moreno this Sunday.

WR Michael Crabtree (SF) vs. CLE: This game has the makings of a defensive showdown, and with Crabtree going up against one of the best cover corners in the league in Joe Haden, he does not figure to have a good game on Sunday.

WR Sidney Rice (SEA) vs. CIN: The Bengals right now have the second ranked defense in the NFL. Yes, you read that right. And if you were unfortunate enough to watch the SEA/CLE game last Sunday, you saw how bad the Seahawks offense was with Charlie Whitehurst. That's all you need to know.

TE Greg Olsen (CAR) vs. MIN: He has been dealing with a turf-toe injury, which may be why he was invisible last Sunday against the Redskins. He likely won't do very well this weekend against Minnesota either, due to this.

DEF Pittsburgh vs. NE: I know it's hard to bench the Steelers defense ever, but Tom Brady has owned the Steelers in the past, just see last season's game as an example. If you have a better option at defense, start them over Pittsburgh.

3 Super Sleepers:

QB John Beck (WSH) vs. BUF Toronto: I know, it sounds really funky. However, the Bills secondary has been very bad this season, and Beck hasn't looked that bad in his 1+ games as a starter. If you need a QB, he may not be a bad option.

RB Bernard Scott (CIN) vs. SEA: Due to the suspension of Cedric Benson, Scott will be the featured back on Sunday in Seattle. Therefore, he will see feature back type touches, so he should have a big game on Sunday.

TE Jake Ballard (NYG) vs. MIA: Need a TE on Sunday? With Miami giving up tons of fantasy points to Tight Ends, it may be worth the gamble. Heck, he's been doing better fantasy-wise this season than Vernon Davis, so why not?

Buyer Beware:

QB Tim Tebow (DEN) vs. DET: He may put up big numbers fantasy-wise, but it was a misnomer again against a horrible Miami defense. He is facing a real NFL defense on Sunday, so it will be seen as to whether Tebow can put up similar numbers against a very good Lions defense.

Good Luck in Week 8!