Fantasy Football Week 8 Start 'Em

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Wondering who to start for week eight? The Bruno Boys have you covered as we present the Fantasy Football Week Eight Start Ems.

QUARTERBACKS —START ‘EM

David Garrard (Jacksonville Jaguars) @ Tennessee

Both teams are coming off of a bye week so we figure this game won’t be a huge blowout on either side. One thing is for sure, though, the Titans didn’t pick up a bunch of Champ Bailey-type CBs.

So, it seems like Garrard is still a phenomenal start in week eight. With the potential to shut down stud RB Maurice Jones-Drew, Garrard could be throwing 30-35 times which will allow play-maker WR Mike Sims-Walker to post some nice statistics.

The Titans have given up 19 TD passes through six games which makes us believe even if Tennessee has gotten better, it’s not enough to consider benching Garrard.

All Chicago Bears (Chicago Bears) vs. Cleveland

Whether it’s QB Jay Cutler, RB Matt Forte, WRs Devin Hester and Johnny Knox or TE Greg Olsen, make sure these players are in your lineup for week eight.

The Browns are 31st in the NFL in rush defense, having allowed over 170 yards per contest, and their 24th ranked pass defense hasn’t done much better.

Allowing 25.6 points a game sounds low for a team like the Bears this season, and we think they could all help you during the upcoming weekend.

RUNNING BACKS – START ‘EM

Steven Jackson (St. Louis Rams) @ Detroit

Many fantasy football owners were hoping one of the most talented backs in the NFL wouldn’t fall subject to such an ugly team with an even uglier offensive line. If you have watched Jackson run this year, he has run with conviction and been one of the tougher backs in the NFL, despite the constant blowouts and lack of open holes.

Finally, S-Jax will pay dividends as he will most definitely find pay dirt and make those that took him with the sixth overall pick extremely happy they waited on him. Huge breakout game with 175 total yards and three TDs.

We can dream can’t we?

Kevin Smith (Detroit Lions) vs. St. Louis

Kevin Smith has not done nearly as well as fantasy experts predicted coming into the season, but a lot has been due to the Lions falling behind often. We believe his 58 rushing yards per game average will be boosted up this week against a weak St. Louis Rams defense. Whether this game becomes a high-scoring affair or not, the Rams and the Lions will be showcasing their RBs because,well, they don’t have much else to showcase. 

LaDainian Tomlinson (San Diego Chargers) vs. Oakland

While Tomlinson may be losing his hold as one of the best RBs in the NFL, it doesn’t mean there aren’t games where you could rely on him to excel.

Tomlinson has failed to top 71 rushing yards this season, but some critics believe his explosiveness is coming back. That is obviously a good sign before playing the Raiders, who he has absolutely dominated throughout his career.

This could be a patented LT game that shows 100 total yards and two TDs coming his way. RB Darren Sproles has proven he cannot run inside the tackles, but he will steal some third downs from LT.

WIDE RECEIVERS – START ‘EM

Greg Jennings (Green Bay Packers) vs. Minnesota

We understand your potential hatred for a WR that you drafted in rounds two-three and has failed miserably as a fantasy provider. For a first WR, you were probably expecting more than 43rd among NFL WRs with 38 targets through six games.

The Packers will most likely come out with some conviction against a Vikings team coming off their first loss of the season and Jennings will have to be involved for the Packers to have a chance.

With RB Ryan Grant expected to struggle against the tough front of the Vikes, Rodgers and the Pack could all put up some good fantasy statistics.

Steve Smith (Carolina Panthers) @ Arizona

Against an awful Cardinals pass defense (with an awful NFL QB), Steve Smith, the Carolina version, could do his best Steve Smith impression this weekend.

We always assumed the opposite when talking about Steve Smiths, but while you have sat around and waited for him to post great numbers, you have been getting awful productivity. Smith is still a super-talented WR, so he has to turn it around sooner or later. Look for him to grab 100 yards at the least, but he could definitely find pay-dirt against the lowly Cardinals pass defense.

Eddie Royal (Denver Broncos) @ Baltimore

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?