2012 Fantasy Football Week 8: Wide Receivers (WR) Rankings / Projections

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking more like the mad bombers this year than a conservative, run heavy team many thought they would be. Sure, it’s no surprise Josh Freeman would take shots down the field, but his success with Mike Williams and Vincent Jackson has been ridiculous through six games.

On the season, Jackson has 27 receptions for more than 500 yards and five touchdowns with a 21.7 yard per catch average. Who would’ve thought Jackson would be a better fantasy option with Freeman throwing him the football over Philip Rivers?

We do need to keep an eye on Jackson’s health (calf injury via Jon Benne of SB Nation) heading into a short week as the Buccaneers play the Vikings on Thursday. If he’s in the lineup, get him in yours but that should go without saying at this point.

What Did We Learn From Week 7?

- Victor Cruz continues to make big plays when the New York Giants need it most during home games. For those of you thinking Cruz was destined for a bust season after his breakout year, think again as he now has 50 receptions, 627 yards and seven touchdowns through seven games.

Cruz is making plays on the outside and still getting work in the slot. He’s had big performances with or without Hakeem Nicks in the lineup, but I will admit his two long touchdowns have come when Nicks is playing.

- Andre Roberts didn’t get much done against the Buffalo Bills and perhaps many fantasy owners gave up on him a little too fast. Roberts bounced back against the Minnesota Vikings, going for over 100 yards and a touchdown.

While most of his work came in garbage time, he should be a bye week fill-in going forward and a decent option when the Cardinals fall behind like they’ve done against the Vikings and Miami Dolphins, two of Roberts better performances.

- Josh Gordon continues to show us why he’s a worthy start as he scored a touchdown for the third week straight. It was nice to see his counterpart Greg Little get into the act with six catches for 51 yards and a score.

While Little has had his struggles catching the football, I still believe the Cleveland Browns have their two future starters at receiver in the lineup at this time. Gordon will serve as the big play No. 1 option, and Little should be a good possession receiver.

Both have the skill sets to excel in those roles so consider the future in Cleveland to be a bright one.

Sean’s Week 8 Watch List

- Dez Bryant came into the Dallas Cowboys' Week 7 contest revealing he had a groin problem he’s been dealing with all season. Bryant didn’t do much, and at one point, he was checked for a concussion after a hard hit to the back of the head on a punt return.

Miles Austin, on the other hand, finally showed up in the stat box like we expect. If both can get things going, perhaps the Cowboys will get back in the wild card mix. Another victory over the Giants this week would be a great start in that direction.

- Can the Randall Cobb show continue as the Green Bay Packers take on the Jacksonville Jaguars? Why not? With two touchdowns last week, Cobb is starting to look like a better play in standard leagues. Still a better PPR receiver, Cobb will likely be up and down in terms of touchdowns, but he should continue to be active in the passing game weekly.

1	Victor Cruz	@ Cowboys
2	Demaryius Thomas	Saints
3	Percy Harvin	Buccaneers
4	Brandon Marshall	Panthers
5	Jordy Nelson	Jaguars
6	Vincent Jackson	@ Vikings
7	Roddy White	@ Eagles
8	Eric Decker	Saints
9	Calvin Johnson	Seahawks
10	Larry Fitzgerald	49ers
11	Reggie Wayne	@ Titans
12	Marques Colston	@ Broncos
13	Julio Jones	@ Eagles
14	Mike Wallace	Redskins
15	Wes Welker	@ Rams
16	Miles Austin	Giants
17	Steve Smith	@ Bears
18	Hakeem Nicks	@ Cowboys
19	Denarius Moore	@ Chiefs
20	Jeremy Maclin	Falcons
21	Antonio Brown	Redskins
22	Randall Cobb	Jaguars
23	James Jones	Jaguars
24	DeSean Jackson	Falcons
25	Mike Williams	@ Vikings
26	Josh Gordon	Chargers
27	Kenny Britt	Colts
28	Dwayne Bowe	Raiders
29	Dez Bryant (I)	Giants
30	Kendall Wright	Colts
31	Jeremy Kerley	Dolphins
32	Brandon Lloyd	@ Rams
33	Michael Crabtree	@ Cardinals
34	Malcom Floyd	@ Browns
35	Sidney Rice	@ Lions
36	Santana Moss	@ Steelers
37	Andre Roberts	49ers
38	Devery Henderson	@ Broncos
39	Brian Hartline	@ Jets
40	Brandon Gibson	Patriots
41	Earl Bennett	Panthers
42	Chris Givens	Patriots
43	Darrius Heyward-Bey	@ Chiefs

Week 8 Standard Rankings – QB | RB | TE | Flex |  D |