2012 Fantasy Football: 5 Desperation Flex Picks Who Could Help for Week 8

As we approach Week 8, we are almost at the midway point of the NFL season. And before you know it, the fantasy playoffs will be here.

These next few weeks will be very telling and of utmost importance for owners in need of W's.

If you find yourself in a pinch, are hurting from the bye weeks or have a stud sitting on the sidelines with an injury, the following five players might be worth a shot.

Phillip Tanner, Dallas Cowboys

With DeMarco Murray still out and Felix Jones listed as questionable (although likely to play), the Cowboys could be forced to give Tanner more carries on Sunday.

Although Tanner hasn't done anything special yet, he could have a breakout game if Jones is out or limited. Tanner and the Cowboys will be taking on a Giants defense that is allowing 126.4 rushing yards per game (23rd in the league). 

Jeremy Kerley, New York Jets

The Jets will be taking on a Dolphins team that is susceptible to the pass, and now that Kerley is without a doubt Mark Sanchez's No. 1 target in the passing game, he is worth a look.

The Dolphins allow 303 receiving yards per game, and this is a defense the Jets can exploit through the air. Kerley has a respectable 15 receptions for 238 receiving yards in his last three games. This could be the week Kerley hits pay dirt.

Michael Bush, Chicago Bears

When the Bears take on the struggling Carolina Panthers this Sunday, it could become a lopsided contest in favor of the Bears. If that holds up, this would be great news for Bush and his owners.

The Panthers are a pedestrian team against the run, allowing 120.3 rushing yards allowed per game (ranking No. 19 in the league), and if the Bears get a comfy lead in the second half, they will feed Bush a lot.

As it is, Bush is the preferred back of choice for the Bears at the goal line, and the Bears could find themselves at the goal line plenty in this game.

Chris Givens/Brandon Gibson, St. Louis Rams

This is a two-for-one selection, as both Rams receivers could be good plays on Sunday.

The Rams will be taking on the Patriots and their so-so secondary (allowing 290 passing yards per game, which ranks 29th in the league) in London on Sunday, and in order to stay with the Pats, expect Sam Bradford to sling the ball in this affair. There is a good chance that the Patriots will build a big lead in the second half, which could force the Rams to throw—and throw some more.

Gibson is the more trusted receiver, having made 12 receptions for a healthy 151 receiving yards in his last two games. Givens is more of a big-play receiver and a threat for the end zone when Bradford passes it his way. Givens has six receptions for 209 yards and a touchdown in his last three games.

Donnie Avery, Indianapolis Colts

It’s obvious with each game that Andrew Luck is starting to grasp the nuances of the NFL, and with Luck and the Colts taking on the Titans this week, it could make a guy like Avery a serviceable start.

The Colts will be taking on a Titans pass defense that is allowing 281.4 passing yards per game (No. 27 in the league). With the Titans more inclined to roll their coverage toward Reggie Wayne, Avery could get loose for a few big plays.

Avery is a heavily targeted receiver in the Colts offense, and it’s only a matter of time before he reaches the end zone again. And a matchup with the mediocre Titans pass defense could be just the remedy.

Follow me on Twitter @stacdemon