Week 8: Fantasy Studs and Duds

Studs

Alshon Jeffery: Whilst Jeffery has been a disappointment for fantasy owners this season, hope is on the horizon. Jeffery has yet to score a touchdown this season, and only managed to go over 100 receiving yards in one game. Look for this to hopefully change, with the injury to Hoyer, Jay Cutler is suddenly thrust back into to starting job. Cutler does two things, 1) throw intercepts and 2) throw the ball to Jeffery, seriously he’s got tunnel vision for the big receiver, especially in the red zone. Whilst the Bears are playing a formidable Vikings defence this week, still start Jeffery with confidence. I think the Bears will be down early in this game and Jeffery could see large production with Cutler having to throw for over 40 attempts to keep them in the game.

Christine Michael Sr: Cwoke is ready to explode in this week’s matchup. Whilst he did not get a lot of work last week against a stout Cardinals front, this should not tempt you to bench him. This week Michael has a fantastic match up against a Saints defence that is atrocious against the run. The Saints have been getting crushed by opposing running backs, look for this to continue with Michael getting a heavy workload, as it still looks like Wilson is carrying a few injuries. Michael will most likely go over 100 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Mike Evans: We are now in the mist of the Evans emergence as an elite receiver. Whilst he does play on a team that lacks offensive explosiveness, Evans is currently one of the most consistent wide receivers in fantasy football. Besides the week he went up against the best secondary in football (the Denver Broncos), he has posted double digit fantasy points every week, constantly coming down with touchdowns to pad his value. This week he has a perfect matchup against a Raiders secondary that is porous at best. The Raiders can’t seem to stop anyone; this will be a perfect time for Evans to emerge with a massive stat line. Look for Evans to push 150 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Spencer Ware: It is clear now that Ware is the lead running back for the Chiefs. With Jamaal Charles still suffering from the knee reconstruction, Ware is now in a perfect position to take full control of the Chiefs running attack. Ware has a great matchup this week against a Colts defence that is nearly as bad as the Saints, at stopping the run. The beauty about Ware, is that whilst being a good and fast back carrying the ball, the Chiefs also like to use him in the passing game, further adding to his value. Look for Ware to have another big week.

Brandon Marshall: Whilst Marshall has been a disappointment this season, considering that in most leagues he was drafted in the second round. But look for some of that disappointment to dissipate this week. It looks like Geno Smith will be out for an extended period of time, insert Fitzpatrick. Whilst Fitzpatrick was a turnover machine before he was benched, he still targeted Marshall more than anyone in that offence. This week they get to go up against a weak Browns secondary. Whilst Joe Haden is still a good corner back, the safety’s in Cleveland stink, Marshall will simply use his size and speed to burn and dominate this Browns secondary. Look for a bounce back game for the Jets and Marshall.

Duds

Jonathan Stewart: Before going on a bye Stewart was looking good, albeit against a Saints defence that is bleeding yards to running backs. This week Stewart has the formidable task of going up against a Cardinals front seven that dominated the Seahawks last week. The Cardinals are currently one of the toughest defences against opposing running backs. The Panthers have struggled to get the run game going this season, a lot of this has to do with Stewart’s injury, if they can move the ball on the ground they might be in with a chance in this game. But start Stewart at your own risk, his only fantasy value will come with touchdowns as I don’t foresee him going over 100 yards.

Devonta Freeman & Tevin Coleman: Freeman and Coleman have been on fire to start the year, whilst last week they did struggle, a lot of this had to do with Coleman’s hamstring injury. Keep an eye on the injury report as he may not even play this week, further deflating the value of Freeman. Whilst Freeman has looked explosive this season, this week he is going up against a very stout Packers run defence that has shutdown all but one running back this season. Temper expectations for both running backs as it could be tough sledding against a formidable Packers front.

Phillip Rivers: Rivers has been having a quiet and productive season so far. His only hiccup was against the Broncos and their elite defence. This week well he plays the Broncos again, in a tough divisional matchup. Whilst Rivers may pass for a touchdown or two, don’t expect him to throw for over 300 yards, as the Broncos secondary is downright scary at home. Temper expectations with Rivers this week.

Jordon Howard and Ka’Deem Carey: Whilst Howard had a great three game stretch, that seems to have ended, with Carey now becoming involved. This is a full blown committee, with both runners cutting into each others value. I wouldn’t start either running back this week, they have a terrible matchup against the Vikings defensive front that has been shutting opposing running backs down. The Vikings will dominate this game; therefore, the Bears will have to abandon the running game early.

Caution- Drew Brees: Brees has been on fire this season, and last week played well away from home. Yet this week he goes up against the Seahawks and their lethal secondary. The Hawks at home are one of the best defensive units in football, look for them to pressure and harass Brees all day. The only fantasy relevance that will come from Bress will be in garbage time, when the game is so far in the Hawks favour that Brees throws at will.