Fantasy Football Week 8 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em

Fantasy footballers tend to believe the NFL is a game of matchups. Right now it is merely a game of survival.

Ask Sam Bradford (knee). Ask Reggie Wayne (knee). Ask anyone struck by the myriad injuries.

They are coming right at the midseason point, which is why the NFL wanted to stack so many teams on bye in these next three weeks. Half of the league will be idle this Sunday through Week 10, and the rash of injuries are examples of why the time off is needed.

We help you sort through the mess caused by six teams on bye and all of the injuries that have players out (Roddy White) or among the dreaded game-time decisions: Danny Amendola (concussion) and Jimmy Graham (foot).

This is Bleacher Report's Start 'Em, Sit 'Em in a six-part, position-by-position slideshow.

Quarterbacks: Mobile Quarterbacks Lead Our 'Starts' This Week

Start 'Em

Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins

RG3 hasn't been great yet, but he is running more and should put up some monster numbers in that shootout with the Broncos this week. Denver has given up the most passing yards per game and is second to only Dallas in terms of giving up points to opposing quarterbacks. RGIII has a newfound weapon in rookie tight end Jordan Reed too. This should be a bonanza you won't want to miss.

Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers

Speaking of disappointing new-wave quarterbacks, Kaepernick is facing a Jaguars team that is in the bottom 10 of fantasy against quarterbacks despite struggling to slow anyone on the ground either. It should be a field day for the entire 49ers offense in London.

Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles

So much for Nick Foles (concussion) taking hold of the Eagles' quarterback job. Vick has to rush back to the field before he's ready, and it should prove to be good timing for his fantasy owners. Despite shutting down the Vikings on Monday night as they debuted (horribly) Josh Freeman at quarterback, the Giants are still the sixth-worst team in fantasy against the position. Vick had poor numbers in their past meeting, but this one should be different at home, especially because Vick's hamstring will force him to stay in the pocket and find targets downfield.

Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers

Those guys above might be relatively obvious options, but Big Ben is not necessarily. The Raiders are middle of the pack against the pass and fantasy quarterbacks, but Big Ben is still what makes the Steelers offense go.

He has a healthy Heath Miller now and a running game to take the pressure off too with the return of Le'Veon Bell. Big Ben is just on the fringe of a sure-fire fantasy starter, but you can use him with six teams on bye and injuries ravaging the other fringe options this season. Go with the veteran over some unknown.

Sit 'Em

Terrelle Pryor, Oakland Raiders

As poorly as this season has started for the Steelers, it is a bit too easy to lose track of the fact Pittsburgh is still the No. 1 team in fantasy against quarterbacks. Troy Polamalu's health has a lot to do with that. Pryor should be left out of lineups outside of two-quarterback formats this week.

Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins

Lost in the Pats' frustrations with their receivers and injuries to their run-stuffers is the fact they have played much better this season against the pass. The Pats are just out of the top 10 there and have been the sixth-toughest team against quarterbacks. They are also one of five teams to have intercepted more passes than allowed passing touchdowns. 

Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals

He has posted back-to-back 300-yard, three-touchdown passing days, and he has found some secondary targets to complement A.J. Green. The problem is the Jets defense comes to town. This game should be a lot closer to the vest like the Pats-Bengals game was in Week 5, where Dalton had one of his worst performances of the season. The Jets are top 10 against the pass and fantasy quarterbacks, so move away from trusting Dalton this week.

Week 8 Quarterbacks Rankings - Eric Mack

Rank	Quarterbacks	Team	Opponent	ECR	vs. ECR
1	Peyton Manning	Den	vs. Was	1	0
2	Aaron Rodgers	GB	at Min	3	+1
3	Drew Brees	NO	vs. Buf	2	-1
4	Cam Newton	Car	at TB	8	+4
5	Matthew Stafford	Det	vs. Dal	4	-1
6	Matt Ryan	Atl	at Ari	11	+5
7	Tom Brady	NE	vs. Mia	12	+5
8	Colin Kaepernick	SF	at Jac	10	+2
9	Robert Griffin	Was	at Den	5	-4
10	Russell Wilson	Sea	at StL	9	-1
11	Tony Romo	Dal	at Det	6	-5
12	Michael Vick	Phi	vs. NYG	7	-5
13	Ben Roethlisberger	Pit	at Oak	16	+3
14	Eli Manning	NYG	at Phi	13	-1
15	Andy Dalton	Cin	vs. NYJ	14	-1
16	Terrelle Pryor	Oak	vs. Pit	15	-1
17	Carson Palmer	Ari	vs. Atl	17	0
18	Alex Smith	KC	vs. Cle	18	0
19	Ryan Tannehill	Mia	at NE	19	0
20	Geno Smith	NYJ	at Cin	20	0
21	Thaddeus Lewis	Buf	at NO	21	0
22	Christian Ponder	Min	vs. GB	23	+1
23	Mike Glennon	TB	vs. Car	22	-1
24	Jason Campbell	Cle	at KC	27	+3
25	Chad Henne	Jac	vs. SF	24	-1
26	Kellen Clemens	StL	vs. Sea	28	+2

Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR) from over 100 experts provided by FantasyPros

Running Backs: Eddie Lacy, Knowshon Moreno Give Offenses Added Dimensions

Start 'Em

Eddie Lacy, Green Bay Packers

This one has become obvious amid the Packers' absences in the passing game. Lacy leads the NFL with 301 yards rushing the past three weeks, and that comes after James Starks and Johnathan Franklin each rushed for 100 yards in the two games prior due to Lacy's concussion. The Packers are a legit running team now, and the Vikings have allowed the most points to running backs in fantasy.

Knowshon Moreno, Denver Broncos

He has put away the running back committee with his performances this season—and surprising health. The Redskins are the fourth-worst team in fantasy against running backs, so Moreno not only has to stay active, but you might consider his backup as well. That will be Montee Ball this week. Mike Klis of the Denver Posts tweets Ronnie Hillman will be inactive because of his issues with fumbles. This will be another big week for Moreno, and the rookie Ball might even find the end zone in garbage time.

Stevan Ridley, New England Patriots

He has been a fantasy enigma, but he rebounded a couple of weeks ago and should continue to see more carries as the Pats lean on their feature back amid their struggles in the passing game. Ridley faces a Dolphins defense that has allowed the fifth-most points to backs in fantasy. He reaches 100 yards and the end zone at least once, if not twice, here.

Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills

The Bills apparently are no longer willing to play C.J. Spiller through an ankle issue, according to Bills insider Joe Buscaglia, so Jackson will assume the feature-back role against the Saints, who have allowed an average of 114 rushing yards per game.

Jackson is the best thing the Bills have going for them offensively, and we should expect the Saints to pile on the points early and often. There should be garbage time for Jackson, perhaps a couple of short touchdowns.

Andre Ellington, Arizona Cardinals

The doubtful status of Rashard Mendenhall (toe) thrusts Ellington into a feature role this week, and he is good enough to keep it for the rest of the season perhaps. Ellington told Darren Urban of AZCentral.com: "I was already getting the majority of the plays on offense, but my role is just a little bit bigger." The Falcons are a top-10 team against running backs, but Ellington will be a factor in the passing game too. He picks up a receiving touchdown and over 100 total yards.

Sit 'Em

Willis McGahee, Cleveland Browns

The 32-year-old has needed time off practice for his ongoing knee issue, and Chris Ogbonnaya has surpassed him as the back of choice for the Browns in most of the crucial situations. It also doesn't help that the Browns are facing the Chiefs, a team that is third in fantasy against running backs. McGahee is closer to hitting the street than anyone's fantasy starting lineup right now.

Zac Stacy, St. Louis Rams

Not only will the Rams have to rely on Kellen Clemens at quarterback after the loss of Sam Bradford for the season, but they will also have to contend with the Seahawks defense. That spells bad news for the Rams offense, which was going to feature Stacy more. It will be tough to feature him against an eight-man box and a Seahawks defense that is No. 5 against the run and No. 6 against fantasy backs.

Giovani Bernard and BenJarvus Green-Ellis

Byes and injuries likely force you to rely on these timeshare backs, but the matchup should force you to think twice about it. The Jets are the second-best team in the NFL against the run. Bernard has the juice to break a long one, but it is more likely the Jets bottle him up and force BGE into a game of 15 carries for 35 yards. Sit these two if you have viable alternatives.

Bilal Powell, New York Jets

Chris Ivory emerged as a workhorse last week for the Jets, so we have to assume they stick with their hot hand against the Bengals run defense this week. The Bengals boast a top-10 team against fantasy backs and are in the top 10 against the run. Ivory is a marginal play, and Powell should be left out of lineups in standard leagues. 

Week 8 Running Backs Rankings - Eric Mack

Rank	Running Backs	Team	Opponent	ECR	vs. ECR
1	Adrian Peterson	Min	vs. GB	4	+3
2	LeSean McCoy	Phi	vs. NYG	3	+1
3	Jamaal Charles	KC	vs. Cle	1	-2
4	Frank Gore	SF	at Jac	5	+1
5	Marshawn Lynch	Sea	at StL	2	-3
6	Knowshon Moreno	Den	vs. Was	6	0
7	Reggie Bush	Det	vs. Dal	8	+1
8	Alfred Morris	Was	at Den	10	+2
9	Eddie Lacy	GB	at Min	7	-2
10	Stevan Ridley	NE	vs. Mia	12	+2
11	Darren Sproles	NO	vs. Buf	14	+3
12	Le'Veon Bell	Pit	at Oak	9	-3
13	Steven Jackson	Atl	at Ari	18	+5
14	DeMarco Murray	Dal	at Det	25	+11
15	Fred Jackson	Buf	at NO	11	-4
16	Andre Ellington	Ari	vs. Atl	22	+6
17	Darren McFadden	Oak	vs. Pit	13	-4
18	Lamar Miller	Mia	at NE	24	+6
19	Pierre Thomas	NO	vs. Buf	20	+1
20	Chris Ivory	NYJ	at Cin	23	+3
21	Giovani Bernard	Cin	vs. NYJ	15	-6
22	Maurice Jones-Drew	Jac	vs. SF	19	-3
23	Peyton Hillis	NYG	at Phi	29	+6
24	DeAngelo Williams	Car	at TB	17	-7
25	Jacquizz Rodgers	Atl	at Ari	30	+5
26	Zac Stacy	StL	vs. Sea	16	-10
27	Roy Helu	Was	at Den	26	-1
28	Joique Bell	Det	vs. Dal	31	+3
29	Kendall Hunter	SF	at Jac	40	+11
30	Chris Ogbonnaya	Cle	at KC	41	+11
31	BenJarvus Green-Ellis	Cin	vs. NYJ	28	-3
32	Mike James	TB	vs. Car	21	-11
33	Montee Ball	Den	vs. Was	46	+13
34	Bilal Powell	NYJ	at Cin	36	+2
35	Stepfan Taylor	Ari	vs. Atl	52	+17
36	Willis McGahee	Cle	at KC	35	-1
37	Robert Turbin	Sea	at StL	50	+13
38	Bryce Brown	Phi	vs. NYG	51	+13
39	Brandon Bolden	NE	vs. Mia	34	-5
40	Michael Cox	NYG	at Phi	49	+9
41	Joseph Randle	Dal	at Det	27	-14
42	Lance Dunbar	Dal	at Det	48	+6
43	Daniel Thomas	Mia	at NE	38	-5
44	James Starks	GB	at Min	57	+13
45	Johnathan Franklin	GB	at Min	55	+10
46	LeGarrette Blount	NE	vs. Mia	59	+13
47	Daryl Richardson	StL	vs. Sea	53	+6
48	Felix Jones	Pit	at Oak	62	+14
49	Anthony Dixon	SF	at Jac	68	+19
50	Mike Tolbert	Car	at TB	39	-11
51	Toby Gerhart	Min	vs. GB	63	+12
52	Justin Forsett	Jac	vs. SF	66	+14
53	Christine Michael	Sea	at StL	74	+21
54	Fozzy Whittaker	Cle	at KC	61	+7
55	LaMichael James	SF	at Jac	69	+14
56	Brian Leonard	TB	vs. Car	47	-9
57	Khiry Robinson	NO	vs. Buf	45	-12
58	Mark Ingram	NO	vs. Buf	60	+2
59	Phillip Tanner	Dal	at Det	64	+5
60	Knile Davis	KC	vs. Cle	76	+16

Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR) from over 100 experts provided by FantasyPros

Wide Receivers: Trust Your Giants, but Not Your Patriots or Rams Receivers

Start 'Em

Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks and Rueben Randle, New York Giants

Eli Manning has been terrible, and he hasn't gotten any help from the running game or offensive line, but the Eagles have allowed NFL highs 122 catches, 1,555 yards and 14 touchdowns to receivers for a well-deserved worst in the NFL ranking against wide receivers. Randle and Nicks had big games against the Eagles last time out despite a big Giants loss. All three are starter-worthy in fantasy now, even the struggling Nicks.

Marques Colston, New Orleans Saints

Not only is Jimmy Graham (foot) banged up and likely to be on the wrong side of a game-time decision, but the Bills are the second-worst team in fantasy to wideouts. Colston rebounds from his past two quiet games (two catches for 15 yards and one catch for 11) with a 100-yard, two-touchdown performance here. The matchup is so good for the Saints receivers, you might even consider Lance Moore (hand) an option for your starting lineup off waivers. Moore is finally probable on the NFL Injury Report.

Pierre Garcon, Washington Redskins

He hasn't performed like an elite receiver, and Robert Griffin III might be favoring rookie tight end Jordan Reed as his go-to man, but the Broncos are last in the NFL against the pass and the third-worst team against wide receivers. Garcon should have his best week of the season in this shootout in Denver.

Terrance Williams, Dallas Cowboys

We have to relent here. Miles Austin (hamstring) is unlikely to play, according to Bryan Broaddus of DallasCowboys.com, so Williams will get another week getting the leftover targets that don't go to the double-teamed guys, Dez Bryant or Jason Witten. The injury circumstances and the matchup against the Lions (seventh-worst team against wide receivers) make Williams a top-25 fantasy wideout.

Harry Douglas, Atlanta Falcons, and Jarrett Boykin, Green Bay Packers

It is rare when the most popular waiver pickups prove to be fantasy starters off a big week, but Douglas and Boykin are true NFL starters for two of the best quarterbacks in the league. You should feel confident starting them because of the targets they are going to receive, especially Boykin against a Vikings defense that has given up the fourth-most passing yards per game.

Sit 'Em

Julian Edelman, Kenbrell Thompkins and Aaron Dobson, New England Patriots

If Tom Brady has been skittish of this group of unproven NFL receivers before, you have to be really wary of them now. Rob Gronkowski is back and will get more targets by the week, while Danny Amendola (concussion) has passed his medical tests, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss, and should be active. That will leave less for the trio above, particularly against a Dolphins team that has been the third best against fantasy wide receivers.

Tavon Austin, Chris Givens, Austin Pettis and Brian Quick, St. Louis Rams

You should not have liked them after Sam Bradford (knee) went down, if you had liked them. Against the Seahawks secondary, No. 2 in the NFL against the pass, forget it.

Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs

Andy Reid is going to get Bowe involved more, but facing the Browns and shutdown corner Joe Haden is a bad time to expect it in fantasy. Buy low on Bowe perhaps, but don't dare trust him in your starting lineup this week. 

Week 8 Wide Receivers Rankings - Eric Mack

Rank	Wide Receivers	Team	Opponent	ECR	vs. ECR
1	Calvin Johnson	Det	vs. Dal	1	0
2	Dez Bryant	Dal	at Det	2	0
3	A.J. Green	Cin	vs. NYJ	4	+1
4	Jordy Nelson	GB	at Min	3	-1
5	Wes Welker	Den	vs. Was	6	+1
6	Demaryius Thomas	Den	vs. Was	5	-1
7	Eric Decker	Den	vs. Was	11	+4
8	Victor Cruz	NYG	at Phi	7	-1
9	DeSean Jackson	Phi	vs. NYG	8	-1
10	Larry Fitzgerald	Ari	vs. Atl	13	+3
11	Marques Colston	NO	vs. Buf	16	+5
12	Antonio Brown	Pit	at Oak	10	-2
13	Josh Gordon	Cle	at KC	18	+5
14	Vincent Jackson	TB	vs. Car	12	-2
15	Pierre Garcon	Was	at Den	9	-6
16	Danny Amendola	NE	vs. Mia	34	+18
17	Justin Blackmon	Jac	vs. SF	14	-3
18	Hakeem Nicks	NYG	at Phi	19	+1
19	Anquan Boldin	SF	at Jac	17	-2
20	Mike Wallace	Mia	at NE	22	+2
21	Harry Douglas	Atl	at Ari	21	0
22	Jarrett Boykin	GB	at Min	15	-7
23	Terrance Williams	Dal	at Det	26	+3
24	Steve Smith	Car	at TB	20	-4
25	Rueben Randle	NYG	at Phi	24	-1
26	Greg Jennings	Min	vs. GB	31	+5
27	Denarius Moore	Oak	vs. Pit	27	0
28	Lance Moore	NO	vs. Buf	50	+22
29	Michael Floyd	Ari	vs. Atl	25	-4
30	Cecil Shorts	Jac	vs. SF	23	-7
31	Golden Tate	Sea	at StL	32	+1
32	Steve Johnson	Buf	at NO	28	-4
33	Julian Edelman	NE	vs. Mia	33	0
34	Kris Durham	Det	vs. Dal	37	+3
35	Brian Hartline	Mia	at NE	29	-6
36	Kenbrell Thompkins	NE	vs. Mia	39	+3
37	Emmanuel Sanders	Pit	at Oak	35	-2
38	Mike Williams	TB	vs. Car	41	+3
39	Donnie Avery	KC	vs. Cle	53	+14
40	Dwayne Bowe	KC	vs. Cle	36	-4
41	Brandon LaFell	Car	at TB	38	-3
42	Jeremy Kerley	NYJ	at Cin	30	-12
43	Stephen Hill	NYJ	at Cin	40	-3
44	Ted Ginn	Car	at TB	57	+13
45	Brandon Gibson	Mia	at NE	43	-2
46	Sidney Rice	Sea	at StL	44	-2
47	Riley Cooper	Phi	vs. NYG	48	+1
48	Jason Avant	Phi	vs. NYG	56	+8
49	Aaron Dobson	NE	vs. Mia	47	-2
50	Robert Woods	Buf	at NO	42	-8
51	Jerricho Cotchery	Pit	at Oak	64	+13
52	Rod Streater	Oak	vs. Pit	59	+7
53	Doug Baldwin	Sea	at StL	62	+9
54	Jon Baldwin	SF	at Jac	90	+36
55	Santana Moss	Was	at Den	76	+21
56	Kenny Stills	NO	vs. Buf	52	-4
57	Chris Givens	StL	vs. Sea	60	+3
58	Austin Pettis	StL	vs. Sea	61	+3
59	Jerome Simpson	Min	vs. GB	45	-14
60	Leonard Hankerson	Was	at Den	55	-5
61	David Nelson	NYJ	at Cin	72	+11
62	Greg Little	Cle	at KC	70	+8
63	Andre Roberts	Ari	vs. Atl	69	+6
64	Davone Bess	Cle	at KC	79	+15
65	Mohamed Sanu	Cin	vs. NYJ	71	+6
66	Marvin Jones	Cin	vs. NYJ	49	-17
67	Nick Toon	NO	vs. Buf	96	+29
68	Ryan Broyles	Det	vs. Dal	75	+7
69	Tavon Austin	StL	vs. Sea	63	-6
70	Brian Quick	StL	vs. Sea	78	+8
71	Dexter McCluster	KC	vs. Cle	86	+15
72	Cole Beasley	Dal	at Det	58	-14
73	Cordarrelle Patterson	Min	vs. GB	73	0

Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR) from over 100 experts provided by FantasyPros

Tight Ends: Jimmy Graham Starts If He's Active, Ben Watson Doesn't Regardless

The dreaded "game-time decision" clouds Jimmy Graham's status, but you start him if he's active Sunday.

Start 'Em

Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Raiders are more of a neutral matchup than a favorable one, but Miller is getting steadily more healthy and involved in offensive coordinator Todd Haley's offense. Despite just two catches a week ago, he reached the end zone, something he did eight times a year ago. Expect him to do so again here—this time with six-plus catches.

Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings

This is not one to bet the farm on, but the Vikings are going back to Christian Ponder, the quarterback who made Rudolph a top-10 fantasy tight end coming into the season. Also, the Packers have allowed the third-most fantasy points to the position to date. Rudolph is a solid option during the heavy bye weeks at the very least.

Jordan Cameron, Cleveland Browns

Chalk this one up in the vote-of-confidence category. Cameron has been a superstar at times, but there has to be some uncertainty with him, as Jason Campbell gets the start for the Browns at quarterback. The Chiefs defense has been the best in fantasy against tight ends, allowing a league-low 204 yards to them and no touchdowns.

Sit 'Em

Ben Watson, New Orleans Saints

The only reason his name is a blip on the fantasy radar is because of the game-time decision Jimmy Graham (foot) finds himself to be. Graham was limited in his return to practice Friday and is questionable for the game. If Graham plays, you have to start him. If he doesn't, don't bother going to the well on Watson. The Bills have been the third-toughest team on fantasy tight ends.

Brandon Myers, New York Giants

He was supposed to bust the seam for the Giants' pass-heavy team this season; instead, he has been left in for max protection. That leaves him busting pass-rushers instead of the seams. Myers is a bad fantasy option right now, especially against an Eagles team that has been the second best in fantasy against tight ends. Like the Chiefs, they haven't allowed a touchdown reception to one.

Jared Cook, St. Louis Rams

Forget starting Cook at this point, you need to cut him. He has been waiver fodder since his huge first game, and the loss of Sam Bradford (knee) and the involvement of Lance Kendricks hurts. Cook is a bad, bad play against a Seahawks secondary that is No. 2 against the pass and No. 5 against fantasy tight ends.

Week 8 Tight Ends Rankings - Eric Mack

Rank	Tight Ends	Team	Opponent	ECR	vs. ECR
1	Jimmy Graham	NO	vs. Buf	5	+4
2	Rob Gronkowski	NE	vs. Mia	1	-1
3	Julius Thomas	Den	vs. Was	4	+1
4	Jason Witten	Dal	at Det	6	+2
5	Tony Gonzalez	Atl	at Ari	3	-2
6	Jordan Cameron	Cle	at KC	8	+2
7	Vernon Davis	SF	at Jac	2	-5
8	Kyle Rudolph	Min	vs. GB	12	+4
9	Greg Olsen	Car	at TB	10	+1
10	Charles Clay	Mia	at NE	11	+1
11	Jordan Reed	Was	at Den	7	-4
12	Heath Miller	Pit	at Oak	9	-3
13	Brandon Pettigrew	Det	vs. Dal	16	+3
14	Jared Cook	StL	vs. Sea	17	+3
15	Anthony Fasano	KC	vs. Cle	24	+9
16	Joseph Fauria	Det	vs. Dal	14	-2
17	Rob Housler	Ari	vs. Atl	18	+1
18	Brandon Myers	NYG	at Phi	25	+7
19	Tyler Eifert	Cin	vs. NYJ	15	-4
20	Jeff Cumberland	NYJ	at Cin	13	-7
21	Jermaine Gresham	Cin	vs. NYJ	19	-2
22	Tim Wright	TB	vs. Car	21	-1
23	Zach Miller	Sea	at StL	22	-1
24	Lance Kendricks	StL	vs. Sea	29	+5
25	Zach Ertz	Phi	vs. NYG	28	+3
26	Scott Chandler	Buf	at NO	23	-3
27	Marcedes Lewis	Jac	vs. SF	31	+4
28	Brent Celek	Phi	vs. NYG	27	-1
29	Sean McGrath	KC	vs. Cle	32	+3
30	Ben Watson	NO	vs. Buf	26	-4
31	Mychal Rivera	Oak	vs. Pit	33	+2
32	Levine Toilolo	Atl	at Ari	34	+2

Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR) from over 100 experts provided by FantasyPros

Defense/Special Teams: Bengals and Pats a Lot More Important During Heavy Byes

Start 'Em

Cincinnati Bengals

The Jets might be a lot more capable of competing than anyone anticipated, but they are still a team with a rookie quarterback and one that has been the sixth worst in fantasy against defenses. You should continue to play the Bengals defense at home against anyone.

New England Patriots

They have suffered significant defensive injuries, but they have proven to be a lot tougher against the pass this year too. The Dolphins have an improving young offense, but a road game at New England and sitting seventh worst in fantasy against opposing defenses make the Pats a must-start option in all leagues.

Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers

It is possible, if not likely, the above defenses are owned. These are likely available this week. When in doubt with your defense, play against the bad quarterbacks. That is what the Packers (Christian Ponder) and Saints (Thad Lewis) will do. Meanwhile, the Steelers are looking a lot more capable of late and should get after Terrelle Pryor and the Raiders, who are fifth worst in fantasy against defenses.

Sit 'Em

Dallas Cowboys

We cannot necessarily explain the Cowboys' No. 2 standing among defenses in standard-scoring leagues, but starting them against the Lions on the road is likely a bad move. Detroit is quietly the third-best team in fantasy against defenses.

Arizona Cardinals

Coming into the season, there was promise here. You cannot trust this unit in fantasy right now, though, especially not against Matt Ryan. The Falcons have been the toughest on opposing defenses in fantasy to date.

Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins

These units have all been a bit disappointing for fantasy owners, and they are on the wrong side of the matchups this week. You should not own them amid these heavy byes that are stressing out rosters, much less be starting them at this point.

Week 8 Defenses and Special Teams Rankings - Eric Mack

Rank	Defenses and Special Teams	Team	Opponent	ECR	vs. ECR
1	Seattle Seahawks	Sea	at StL	2	+1
2	San Francisco 49ers	SF	at Jac	3	+1
3	Kansas City Chiefs	KC	vs. Cle	1	-2
4	New England Patriots	NE	vs. Mia	5	+1
5	Cincinnati Bengals	Cin	vs. NYJ	4	-1
6	Carolina Panthers	Car	at TB	6	0
7	Green Bay Packers	GB	at Min	8	+1
8	New Orleans Saints	NO	vs. Buf	7	-1
9	Pittsburgh Steelers	Pit	at Oak	10	+1
10	Philadelphia Eagles	Phi	vs. NYG	9	-1
11	New York Jets	NYJ	at Cin	15	+4
12	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	TB	vs. Car	16	+4
13	Dallas Cowboys	Dal	at Det	17	+4
14	Atlanta Falcons	Atl	at Ari	14	0
15	Arizona Cardinals	Ari	vs. Atl	12	-3
16	Denver Broncos	Den	vs. Was	13	-3
17	Oakland Raiders	Oak	vs. Pit	11	-6
18	Detroit Lions	Det	vs. Dal	18	0
19	Cleveland Browns	Cle	at KC	19	0
20	Miami Dolphins	Mia	at NE	21	+1

Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR) from over 100 experts provided by FantasyPros

Kickers: Big Legs of Walsh, Zuerlein and Janikowski Are Bad Plays This Week

Start 'Em

Dan Bailey, Dallas Cowboys

He came out of the gate scorching, but he has been held to a field goal or less in four of the past five weeks. It should get a lot better in Detroit this week. First, it is a climate-controlled dome, and second, the Lions have given up 18 made field goals. Only the Ravens (19) have given up more.

Alex Henery, Philadelphia Eagles

The move back to Michael Vick (hamstring) should do wonders for Henery's fantasy production. The Eagles are going to be able to score at will against that suspect Giants team that has given up the second-most touchdowns in the NFL (24). The Giants are the fifth-best matchup for an opposing kicker to date.

Phil Dawson, San Francisco 49ers

This has been a disappointing year for the veteran who was supposed to rise to the fantasy elite this season. This won't be a down week for him, though, not against the Jaguars. They have allowed the most points in the NFL thus far (222).

Sit 'Em

Blair Walsh, Minnesota Vikings

He was coming off a record-setting rookie year, but he has succumbed to a sophomore swoon. He registered just one extra point Monday night, and the Packers have been the fourth-best team in fantasy against kickers.

Greg Zuerlein, St. Louis Rams

Speaking of sophomore slumps, Zuerlein has been unable to rekindle his fantasy magic. Not only does the loss of Sam Bradford (knee) hurt, but the Seahawks are also next on the schedule. It should be a long night for the Rams and a quiet one for Zuerlein.

Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland Raiders

Yet another week we should fear SeaBass and the Raiders getting shut out, no matter what you think of the Raiders' offensive progress and the maturation of Terrelle Pryor as a legit NFL starter. The Steelers have played a lot better defensively of late.

Week 8 Kickers Rankings - Eric Mack

Rank	Kickers	Team	Opponent	ECR	vs. ECR
1	Stephen Gostkowski	NE	vs. Mia	1	0
2	Matt Prater	Den	vs. Was	2	0
3	Mason Crosby	GB	at Min	9	+6
4	Garrett Hartley	NO	vs. Buf	4	0
5	Alex Henery	Phi	vs. NYG	3	-2
6	Matt Bryant	Atl	at Ari	6	0
7	Ryan Succop	KC	vs. Cle	10	+3
8	Phil Dawson	SF	at Jac	8	0
9	Steven Hauschka	Sea	at StL	5	-4
10	Dan Bailey	Dal	at Det	7	-3
11	Blair Walsh	Min	vs. GB	11	0
12	Caleb Sturgis	Mia	at NE	21	+9
13	Shaun Suisham	Pit	at Oak	15	+2
14	Kai Forbath	Was	at Den	12	-2
15	Mike Nugent	Cin	vs. NYJ	14	-1
16	David Akers	Det	vs. Dal	13	-3
17	Sebastian Janikowski	Oak	vs. Pit	16	-1
18	Jay Feely	Ari	vs. Atl	17	-1
19	Josh Brown	NYG	at Phi	23	+4
20	Nick Folk	NYJ	at Cin	18	-2

Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR) from over 100 experts provided by FantasyPros