Fantasy Impact: James Jones In Position To Make Huge Strides in Week Eight

The halfway point is yawning on the fantasy horizon, and the time for searching for viable waiver wire pickups and plug and play guys is in full effect.

One of the biggest sleeper waiver names out there is Green Bay’s James Jones, who has recently been afforded the extra playing time that was otherwise usurped away from him by Jordy Nelson.

The Packers are at home against the Minnesota Vikings as they get ready to roll out the red carpet for Brett Favre’s “homecoming”, and the Packers are basically limping to the barn with a depleted receiving corp. Both Jermichael Finley and Jordy Nelson will be unable to go.

The Packers feel this situation to be big enough of a deal to entertain the notion of possibly calling up Jake Allen from the practice squad.

But for Jones, and those of you looking for a plug in WR this week, Jones is definitely the one player on waivers with the highest ceiling for sleeper value.

In his last two games, Jones has provided the Pack with a TD in each contest and he's due to get even more targets in the future.

Considering the Vikings are struggling in coverage as of late, not to mention the absence of Antoine Winfield, Jones has a grand opportunity to provide sleeper points for you and your team.

The Packers are one of the best teams in the league at shutting down the running game, so the Vikings will have little usage for Adrian Peterson out of the backfield. That makes the Vikes' passing game the key focus.

Rodgers already proved, on the road in Minnesota mind you, that he is more than capable of getting the job done versus the Vikings pass-happy attack and Jones will be the man over the middle the Packers need to attack the soft zone coverage the Vikings use.

With Donald Driver having an easier matchup against Benny Sapp and Greg Jennings basically chomping at the bit for more looks, it will be Jones who will be a clear X-factor for the Pack.

In PPR leagues he is the must start guy if you are hurting for a plug-in WR. With the added targets Jones is bound to get, PPR managers and Packers fans should enjoy Jones’ increased production.

In standard leagues, Jones is a risky venture.

Yes, Jones has scored twice in as many games for the Packers, but with Winfield out, Driver may become the No. 1 end zone threat.

But, if the Vikings can stop the long scoring attempts of the Packers, then Jones becomes a viable No. 1 target inside the 10 yard line.

If you are looking for a replacement WR to add for a week fill-in or you just need a guy to add to your roster, you would be wise to consider Jones.