2013 Week 8 Fantasy Advice

Injuries are starting to play a much larger role in the season, and with QB's and impact players going down hard and fast, it's becoming a challenge to keep up. Thankfully, I'm here to help (yes it sounds pompous but since my fantasy team is 2-5 I have to stroke my ego somewhere).

Byes: BAL, IND, TEN, HOU, SD, CHI

Who to Start:

QB Matt Stafford (DET) vs. DAL: Sure the Cowboys defense was impressive last week in Philadelphia, but Matt Stafford is no Nick Foles. They've surrendered 14 TD passes so far this season, and that bodes quite well for Stafford.

RB Eddie Lacy (GB) vs. MIN: It looks like the Packers have finally found a consistent running back in Lacy, and with all of the injuries to their wideouts and tight ends, it couldn't come at a better time. The Vikings are not good at stopping the run, so Lacy figures to have a big game Sunday night.

WR Marques Colston (NO) vs. BUF: The Bills secondary has been pretty much a sieve all season, and that doesn't make going up against Drew Brees and the Saints any easier to stomach. He has struggled this season, but he should be able to break that duck against Buffalo.

WR Larry Fitzgerald (ARZ) vs. ATL: He's been in the fantasy mothballs for quite some time due to his QB situation, but he might see some light against the Falcons, whose secondary has been often hit hard this season. Odd to say, he's a good bye week option.

TE Heath Miller (PIT) vs. OAK: As the Steelers work their way back up the standings, Miller is seeing more targets from Ben Roethlisberger. Even though the matchup isn't amazing, Miller could have another good day for owners in PPR leagues.

DEF Cincinnati vs. NYJ: Geno Smith has had an up and down rookie season, and most of the downs this season have happened away from MetLife Stadium. The Bengals have been nigh on unbeatable at home this season, so their D could have a big day.

Who to Sit:

QB Alex Smith (KC) vs. CLE: Despite the fact that Kansas City likely won't have much trouble with the Browns, the Cleveland defense has been solid this season. Smith of course hasn't set the fantasy world on fire, so a bad matchup on paper doesn't figure well for him.

RB Zac Stacy (STL) vs. SEA MON: In the ever turning Rams RB carousel, Stacy seems to be the one in front this week. He figures to see more carries because Kellen Clemens is starting, but the Seahawks defense is just as stout against the run as they are against the pass.

WR Kenbrell Thompkins (NE) vs. MIA: While the Dolphins have been sliding in the standings, it's not been because of their defense. Thompkins hasn't had great fantasy days in either of his last 2 games, and with Amendola and Gronkowski getting healthy, he might figure even less on Sunday against a good Dolphins secondary.

WR Stevie Johnson (BUF) vs. NO: Aside from the obvious QB argument, Johnson's matchup on Sunday is not a favorable one. The Saints defense, especially their secondary, has been much improved this season, and they'll likely feast on Thad Lewis.

TE Brent Celek (PHI) vs. NYG: Oscillating between start and sit every week is the fantasy existence of Brent Celek, it seems. Mike Vick being back might help his case a little, but his success against the Giants recently has been limited. Despite the favorable matchup on paper, it doesn't look good for Celek on Sunday.

DEF Dallas vs. DET: Despite everything you could say about the Cowboys defense, they've been pretty solid from a fantasy perspective this season. But against the Lions and their high-flying offense, that probably won't continue.

3 Super Sleepers:

RB Knowshon Moreno (DEN) vs. WSH: Despite the Broncos not really settling on a consistent #1 running back choice, Moreno has emerged this season. Not only is the matchup favorable against Washington, he seems to be getting the bulk of the goal-line carries. Why is he a sleeper then? The Denver offense is unpredictable in how they'll score every week.

WR Harry Douglas (ATL) vs. ARZ: Without Julio Jones and Roddy White, he stepped up big against the Bucs last week. With White still gimpy, and Steven Jackson's status in question, Douglas again will be the focal point of the Falcons offense.

QB Chad Henne (JAX) vs. SF: I know what you all just said when you first read that name. "HUH?" Yes the Jaguars will likely get blown out. But that means garbage time yards are coming, and there's no one better in the league at grabbing garbage time yards than Chad Henne. Maybe he'll even throw a TD this week...

Buyer Beware:

WR Steve Smith (CAR) vs. TB THU: Now while the Bucs defense looks good on paper, in practice it's been awful. Steve Smith is on a roll right now. So why is he here? He's never had all that much success against Tampa, and at some point the Bucs have to let Darrelle Revis play man coverage, right?

Good luck in Week 8!