Peyton Manning and the Biggest Fantasy Studs of Week 8

With Week 8 of the 2012 NFL season already upon is, now is not the time to be screwing around with your lineup. You must ride the bona-fide stars like Peyton Manning to the finish line.

The fantasy football playoffs are right around the corner.

There are many fantasy studs this week, but all of the following players will have huge statistical games. If you have any of the players on this list, start them without question and enjoy dominating your fantasy football league!

Quarterback

Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos

While Peyton Manning didn’t start the season off the way a player of his caliber was expected—even with neck surgery costing him the whole 2011 season—the Denver Broncos star acquisition has rounded into great shape.

Fantasy owners have grown to depend on the veteran once again, and his Week 8 matchup against the New Orleans Saints is a fantasy dream made in heaven. With the 30th-ranked pass defense in the league, the Saints don’t stand a chance against Manning.

With an entire two-tweek stretch since the team’s last game, Manning will come out blazing and put up over 330 passing yards and three touchdowns.

Running Back

Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are coming out of the bye week with a QB controversy embroiling the offense, and that means plenty of touches for elusive running back Jamaal Charles.

As talented as the Oakland Raiders’ defensive unit has been this season (12th-ranked rush defense), Kansas City’s commitment to running the ball will see over 40 total rushing plays during the course of this game; Charles will get at least 26 of them.

While Charles struggles at times between the tackles, getting that many chances to get on the outside and turn the corner will be enough to see a huge output.

Expect 26 carries for 150 yards and two touchdowns.

Wide Receiver

Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts

Reggie Wayne has been one of the most pleasant fantasy surprises of the 2012 season, and the joy will not stop now. A Week 8 matchup against the Tennessee Titans and their 27th-ranked pass defense will have his fantasy numbers through the roof.

While rookie Andrew Luck hasn’t been as effective on the road as he has been at home, Wayne has been targeted 10-plus times and caught at least six passes in all but one game.

That’s fantasy consistency.

As much as fantasy owners have been disappointed by his lack of red-zone chances—just two TDs all season—the Titans' lack of elite defensive play is ready to make that at least three touchdowns after Week 8.

Wayne will finish the day with eight catches for 97 yards and a touchdown.

Tight End

Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys must put on an offensive showcase if they want to beat the New York Giants this week, and the centerpiece of that game plan will be starting tight end Jason Witten.

With the secondary worried about the talented players on the outside and the depleted linebacker group worried about the run, Witten should have no problem gaining separation and being the biggest key to the Cowboys' success.

Witten has at least six receptions in each of his last three games, but fantasy owners should expect closer to the 13 catches for 112 yard yards and a touchdown performance against the Chicago Bears earlier this season.

Check back for more on the National Football League as it comes, and don’t miss Bleacher Report’s NFL page to get your fill of all things football.

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