Week Eight NFL Starts and Sits from National Football Post

It’s hard to believe, but after the conclusion of this weekend’s games, several fantasy owners will be 5-6 weeks away from the playoffs. Some of you are in excellent shape heading down the stretch, while others are in need of a late-season rush to reach the money round.

Remember, it’s never too late to right the ship. If you’re currently an owner on the outside looking in, look to pull off a blockbuster deal.

Keep this piece of advice in mind: NO player on your team is untouchable.

You should be willing to listen to any and all offers. And remember, be aggressive. No matter what your record is, you should ALWAYS be looking to improve your roster.

Heading into Week 8, the National Football Post has you covered.

GET ‘EM IN THE LINEUP

Kevin Smith    Running Back    Detroit Lions

A 3.2 yards-per-carry average and just one 100-plus yard rushing performance in 2009 have soured owners on Smith. But if there was ever a time to get him in your lineup, it’s this Sunday when the Lions take on the league’s 27th-ranked rushing defense in the St. Louis Rams (135.9 yards, 30.1 points per game).

Smith is averaging 21.5 touches per game, and with the possibility looming that wide receiver Calvin Johnson might not play, the Lions will be forced to rely heavily on the running game.

Trade Bait: When Smith breaks out this Sunday, look to deal him next week while his value is high. The Lions’ upcoming schedule features games against some of the league’s best rushing defenses: Minnesota, Green Bay, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Arizona and San Francisco.

Kyle Orton    Quarterback    Denver Broncos

There are better options on the board in Week 8, but owners in deeper leagues should consider getting Orton in the starting lineup. Coming off a bye week, Denver heads to Baltimore, where Orton will get a crack at a pass defense that’s been lit up this season (241.5 yards per game, 23rd). Orton is averaging 244.1 passing yards and has thrown two touchdown passes in each of his last three outings.

Also Start: Brandon Marshall. He’s caught 22 passes and scored four touchdowns in his past four games. Congratulations to owners who took a risk on Marshall in August when he was suspended by head coach Josh McDaniels. That gamble is paying off huge right now.

Donnie Avery    Wide Receiver    St. Louis Rams

A WR3 option for owners in deeper leagues, Avery and the Rams head to Detroit, where a pass defense that’s giving up 258.5 yards (30th) and 31.3 points per game is waiting.

In six games, the Lions have watched four different opposing receivers (Devery Henderson, Santana Moss, Hines Ward, Donald Driver) combine to put up 473 yards and three touchdowns against their secondary.

A Fantasy Game Worth Watching: There are so many marquee matchups scheduled for Week 8 (N.Y. Giants at Philly, Minnesota at Green Bay, to name a couple) that a showdown between two of the NFL’s worst teams is unlikely to draw much attention.

However, there are several solid fantasy starts coming out of the St. Louis-Detroit matchup. This game features two horrendous defenses, so don’t be surprised if Rams quarterback Marc Bulger posts some credible numbers Sunday.

Matt Forte    Running Back    Chicago Bears

Forte has been a major disappointment this season, which is why you should look at Week 8 as an excellent opportunity to showcase next week’s trade bait.

On Sunday, the Bears play host to the Cleveland Browns, who bring to the Windy City a defense that has been abused by opposing running backs this season. Cleveland is giving up an eye-popping 170.6 yards per game on the ground (31st).

In addition, five different running backs have combined to score eight touchdowns against the Browns’ defense in 2009.

It’s not just a bad rushing defense: Get Bears quarterback Jay Cutler in the lineup as well. Four different quarterbacks have combined for an average of 317.0 passing yards per game against the Cleveland secondary.

David Garrard    Quarterback    Jacksonville Jaguars

First, the bad news: Garrard has not thrown a touchdown pass in either of his last two games and has yet to connect for six in any road game this season.

Now, the good news: The last time the Jacksonville quarterback played the Tennessee Titans (Week 4), he threw for 323 yards and three scores.

The Titans rank dead last in the NFL against the pass (310.7 yards per game) and are givi