2012 Week 8 Fantasy Advice

I'm hoping to ride the momentum I have from correctly predicting the World Series preseason in this column today. Lord knows since my real team is so awful, that my fantasy team and picks should be much better by comparison, right?

Byes: BUF, BAL, CIN, HOU

Who to Start:

QB Andrew Luck (IND) vs. TEN: While Luck and the Colts have been poor on the road compared to at the Luke, the matchup against the Titans is a very appetizing one. The Titans defense has been abysmal this season, especially in the secondary. Easy call this week.

RB Reggie Bush (MIA) vs. NYJ: He's very quietly had a good season for the Dolphins, taking some of the pressure off of Ryan Tannehill. The Jets rushing defense has been nowhere near Rex Ryan caliber all season, so this matchup is a good one for Bush owners.

WR Eric Decker (DEN) vs. NO: I expect each of the Saints and the Broncos to score 40 plus on Sunday Night, therefore, Decker will have a big game because Peyton will dice apart this terrible New Orleans secondary.

WR Miles Austin (DAL) vs. NYG: A week after the Giants secondary got torched by RG3, Tony Romo and the Cowboys, hot off a decent win, could be primed for a breakout performance. Austin will be the beneficiary of that.

TE Heath Miller (PIT) vs. WSH: Big Ben's goal for awhile now has been to get Heath Miller into the Pro Bowl. With his start to the season, I'd expect that to be an attainable goal. Miller's case will improve some more against the Redskins, a team that has been terrible at covering Tight Ends this season.

DEF Green Bay vs. JAX: Even though the Packers won't have Charles Woodson, this is a lock because Chad Henne might sniff the field. Did you see him against Oakland last week?

Who to Sit:

QB Matt Stafford (DET) vs. SEA: It seems every week he's falling into this particular spot, which is bad news for Lions fans, and his fantasy owners. Into the Motor City come the the Seahawks, with 10 days of rest and the league's best secondary in tow. Maybe the fans should just wait until Game 4 later that night.

RB LaRod Stephens-Howling (ARZ) vs. SF MON: He had a big game last week against Minnesota, mainly because of the whole next running back up thing going on in Arizona right now. The 49ers defense looks much better, and will be well rested, so this is a risky start.

WR Brandon Lloyd (NE) vs. STL in London: Despite the Rams not being an amazing squad, they do have a very good secondary duo. Lloyd is at risk of being shut down big time on the Wembley pitch.

WR Brian Hartline (MIA) vs. NYJ: He is very inconsistent, as noted by his performances right after the 253 yard outbreak in Arizona. Antonio Cromartie has been very good since Revis Island was washed up, so Hartline could be in for a tough day.

TE Chris Cooley (WSH) vs. PIT: He's back! While it may seem tempting to take this former fantasy standout and pop him right into your starting line-up, don't do it. He and Logan Paulsen will share snaps most likely, and the Steelers defense is looking good right now.

DEF Philadelphia vs. ATL: While I do think Atlanta will lose this game, it might be more of a shootout variety than a defensive struggle. The Eagles will have their first game under new D Coordinator Todd Bowles, so this could be a feeling out game for the star-studded unit.

3 Super Sleepers:

QB Brandon Weeden (CLE) vs. SD: He has been picking up the pace lately for a once lackluster offense, and he could have another good week against a favorable Chargers team. He might be a good option if your fantasy starter is on a bye.

WR Kenny Britt (TEN) vs. IND: He has to have a good game at some point, right? The Colts in their 2 road games have been torched by Jay Cutler and Mark Sanchez, so why can't Matt Hasselbeck do the same thing? Britt may have a big game in Nashville on Sunday.

DEF Oakland vs. KC: I said last week that they had a good matchup on their hands, and they didn't disappoint (except in the points department). This week, they face another backup thrust into the starting role in Brady Quinn, and another bad offense. They could have a big week again.

Buyer Beware:

RB Shonn Greene (NYJ) vs. MIA: He's been very good in the past 2 weeks for the Jets, yet Miami's defense will provide a good test for the back. They've only allowed 2 rushing TD's all season.

Good Luck in Week 8!