NFL Bye Week Alternatives: Week 8

Week 8 Byes: Cincinnati, Kansas City, New England, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Washington

Quarterbacks
Tom Brady, Big Ben, and Carson Palmer are high-end starters that will need to be replaced.  Matt Cassel and Jason Campbell have had their moments, but shouldn’t give you too many fits replacing them.

High-end Alternatives:
Brett Favre—Favre Bowl Part II.  In Lambeau.

Solid Alternatives:
Kyle Orton—The neckbeard comes out of his bye against a Baltimore pass D that’s struggled.
David Garrard—He’s hard to trust, but a cushy matchup against Tennessee is attractive.
Joe Flacco—Denver has been so tough, but Flacco isn’t a bad play at home this week.
Matt Hasselbeck—He’s been very inconsistent, which makes him risky against Dallas.

Desperation Time:
Jake Delhomme—If he can tell who to throw to, Arizona does have a weak pass D.
Mark Sanchez—Takes on the Fins again.
Chad Henne—Looked good last time, but Rex Ryan will make adjustments.

Running Backs
Cedric Benson, Clinton Portis, and Rashard Mendenhall are the top RBs on bye.  Larry Johnson, Laurence Maroney, and Cadillac Williams should be easier to replace.

Solid Alternatives:
Thomas Jones—Miami’s tough run D could limit him.
Marshawn Lynch—Lynch is the feature back in Buffalo, but faces a Houston run D that has been coming on of late.
Joseph Addai—San Francisco is solid, but Indy's offense is humming.
Tim Hightower—Carolina’s D isn’t what it used to be.

Desperation Time:
Tashard Choice—Makes a nice flex play against Seattle.
Darren Sproles—LT has been playing more, but Sproles should get his against Oakland.
Ahmad Bradshaw—Philly presents a tougher test.
Jonathan Stewart—Faces tough Arizona run D.
Shonn Greene—Looked great this week.  Can he do it again?
Beanie Wells—Ran hard.  Will he continue to establish himself?

Wide Receivers
Chad Ochocinco, Dwayne Bowe, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Antonio Bryant, and Santana Moss will leave fantasy owners high and dry.

High-end Alternatives:
Steve Smith (CAR)—Yes, he’s fallen that far.  He makes a nice play against Arizona though.
Mike Sims-Walker—He toasted the Titans last time for 2 TDs.  Every week, the #1 has toasted Tennessee.
Sidney Rice—Favre’s new favorite target will be called upon against his old mates.
Miles Austin—Miles showed he’s no fluke.

Solid Alternatives:
Austin Collie—Will Anthony Gonzalez return this week?  If not, use Collie.
Braylon Edwards—Played well in last meeting with Dolphins.
Johnny Knox—Makes a nice play against Cleveland.
Torry Holt—Even the old fella should be able to produce against Tennessee.
Donnie Avery—Hip could be an issue, but faces Detroit.
Lee Evans—I hate endorsing Buffalo players, but has nice matchup against Houston.

Desperation Time:
Muhsin Muhammad—Moose could get loose against Arizona.
Eddie Royal—Wasn’t used much in passing game last week, but has the skills.  Plus, Baltimore’s passing D has taken a hit.

Tight Ends
Heath Miller, Kellen Winslow Jr., and Chris Cooley will be tough to replace.  Benjamin Watson and Sean Ryan have had their moments, but neither will leave you scrambling for a replacement.

High-end Alternatives:
Zach Miller—Up and down because of QB play, but should be solid against a San Diego team that struggles against TEs.  He played well in Week 1 against them.

Solid Alternatives:
Todd Heap—He’s been very active in Baltimore’s passing game, and will need to be big as they take on the Broncos.
Marcedes Lewis—Tennessee is really struggling to stop anybody.

Desperation Time:
Brandon Pettigrew—Can the Rookie exploit St. Louis?

Originally published at LestersLegends.com .