Fantasy Football Week 8: Complete Monday Night Preview
Did we see some big-time individual performances in the NFL on Sunday or what?
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw for 522 yards and six touchdowns in beating the Indianapolis Colts, 51-34.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady threw for 354 yards and five touchdowns in a 51-23 rout of the Chicago Bears.
Buffalo Bills signal-caller Kyle Orton totaled 238 yards through the air and four scores in a 43-23 conquest of the New York Jets. New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees threw for 311 yards and three scores Sunday night in a 44-23 win over the Green Bay Packers.
You would think the fantasy owners of those three players are faring pretty well in Week 8.
And just what are we in store for Monday night in Dallas?
Starting Quarterbacks
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Washington Redskins: Colt McCoy
The well-traveled signal-caller makes his first NFL start since 2011 when he was still a member of the Cleveland Browns. McCoy has played in 29 games in his five-year career with three different teams, throwing 22 touchdown passes and 20 interceptions.
Last week in a relief role vs. the Tennessee Titans, the former University of Texas standout completed 11-of-12 passes for 128 yards and a score in Washington’s 19-17 win over the Tennessee Titans. Look for him to put up respectable numbers tonight but make his share of mistakes.
Fantasy Prediction: 24-of-37, 301 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT. 2 carries, 12 yards, 0 TD.
Dallas Cowboys: Tony Romo
It has somewhat gone unnoticed that while teammate DeMarco Murray has earned plenty of praise, and rightfully so, Romo has thrown two or more touchdown passes in five straight games.
And after throwing for just one score while being picked off three times in the Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the Cowboys signal-caller has served up 13 touchdown passes and just three interceptions during the team’s current six-game winning streak.
Fantasy Prediction: 24-of-30, 343 yards, 4 TD, 0 INT. 4 carries, 23 yards, 0 TD.
Running Backs
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Washington Redskins Starter: Alfred Morris
Make it 39 games and 39 starts for the former sixth-round draft choice. Morris entered Week 8 ranked sixth in the NFL with 440 yards rushing. He also has three of the team’s six rushing touchdowns in 2014.
Still, he’s never been much of a factor in the passing game and has just five catches for 397 yards this season. In fact, Morris has nearly as many rushing touchdowns (23) as pass receptions (25) in his NFL career.
Fantasy Prediction: 23 carries, 107 yards, 0 TD. 2 receptions, 11 yards, 0 TD.
Washington Redskins Backup: Roy Helu
With Morris around, it doesn’t leave a lot of carries for other running backs on the Washington roster.
But Helu has gotten 45 touches in seven games in 2014.
The fourth-year pro has totaled 134 yards rushing and a touchdown on 25 carries this season. He has also caught 20 passes for 249 yards, 55 of those coming on one reception.
Fantasy Prediction: 4 carries, 17 yards, 0 TD. 3 receptions, 20 yards, 0 TD.
Dallas Cowboys Starter: DeMarco Murray
Last season, Murray quietly rushed for 1,121 yards as the Dallas ground attack was ranked just 24th in the NFL.
This season, the talented performer is in the discussion for league MVP honors. He’s the first player in NFL history to run for 100-plus yards in his team’s first seven games of the season. He leads the league with 913 yards rushing on 187 carries and has run for seven scores. Murray also ranks third on the club with 22 receptions.
Fantasy Prediction: 25 carries, 126 yards, 1 TD. 2 receptions, 19 yards, 0 TD.
Dallas Cowboys Backup: Lance Dunbar
There seems to be this concern that the Cowboys are going to literally run Murray into the ground. But don’t discount Dunbar being busy tonight, especially if Dallas gets out to a big lead. To date, he’s totaled 15 attempts for 39 yards rushing.
Fantasy Prediction: 6 carries, 43 yards, 0 TD. 2 receptions, 31 yards, 0 TD.
Wide Receivers
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Washington Redskins: Pierre Garcon
Last season, the one-time Indianapolis Colts wideout led the entire NFL with 113 receptions but scored only five touchdowns.
In 2014, Garcon leads the club with 35 catches but for only 396 yards. However, he has already totaled three touchdowns in seven contests, including scores in each of his last two outings. Last week vs. Tennessee, he turned a short toss from Colt McCoy into a 70-yard touchdown.
Fantasy Prediction: 7 receptions, 51 yards, 0 TD.
Washington Redskins: DeSean Jackson
While the former Philadelphia Eagles star and three-time Pro Bowler ranks only second on his team with 26 catches, he has 528 receiving yards—132 more yards than Garcon. He’s also tied for the team lead with three touchdown receptions.
In seven games this season, Jackson has totaled 100-plus receiving yards three times, including twice in the last three weeks.
Fantasy Prediction: 4 receptions, 111 yards, 2 TD.
Washington Redskins: Andre Roberts
After being targeted only 14 times in the first three weeks of 2014 and catching only nine passes for 117 yards, the offseason free-agent addition is starting to see more throws his way.
In Washington’s last four outings, Roberts has been thrown at a combined 27 times. And while he’s pulled down only 13 catches for 120 yards, he’s scored a pair of touchdowns.
Don’t be shocked if the Redskins’ wideout scores for the third time in his last five contests.
Fantasy Prediction: 4 receptions, 65 yards, 1 TD.
Dallas Cowboys: Dez Bryant
He’s emerged as one of the top wideouts in the league and continues to frustrate opposing secondaries. While he hasn’t scored a touchdown the last two games after four straight weeks of reaching the end zone, he comes a season-high 151 receiving yards on nine receptions in last week’s win over the New York Giants.
This season, Bryant leads the club with 45 catches, good for 590 yards and four scores.
Fantasy Prediction: 6 receptions, 114 yards, 2 TD.
Dallas Cowboys: Terrance Williams
He’s made two of the bigger plays for the Cowboys during their six-game winning streak in the form of electrifying catches versus both the Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks.
Even more impressive may be the fact that Tony Romo has thrown 14 touchdown passes this season and nearly half (six) have gone to Williams. The second-year performer has totaled only 19 catches so far this season but is averaging an impressive 17.8 yards per reception.
Fantasy Prediction: 5 receptions, 85 yards, 2 TD.
Dallas Cowboys: Cole Beasley
Beasley is not much of a factor when it comes to fantasy, but he does help the Cowboys move the chains on occasion. He’s totaled 13 catches for only 109 yards in 2014.
Fantasy Prediction: 3 receptions, 27 yards, 0 TD.
Dallas Cowboys: Dwayne Harris
More known for his prowess on special teams, Harris has six receptions for 104 yards this season, with more than half of those yards (56) coming on one grab. Between his work on offense and kick returns, it should be pointed out that the talented performer has fumbled four times this season, losing two of those miscues.
Fantasy Prediction: 1 reception, 25 yards, 0 TD.
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Tight Ends
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Washington Redskins Starter: Jordan Reed
After suffering an injury in the Week 1 loss at Houston, the second-year tight end would miss the next four games.
But Reed is back making an impression again. Over the last two weeks, he’s been targeted 17 times by Washington quarterbacks and hauled in 13 passes for 146 yards. Still, don’t be shocked if he’s kept under wraps by Rod Marinelli’s defenders on Monday night.
Fantasy Prediction: 2 receptions, 23 yards, 0 TD.
Washington Redskins Backup: Niles Paul
With Jordan Reed back in the fold, it’s safe to say that Paul’s opportunities and production have dropped dramatically in recent weeks.
Four weeks into the season, he ranked second on the team with 21 catches and led Washington with 313 receiving yards. In his last three games, Paul has seen just six balls thrown his way, and he’s totaled only four grabs for 71 yards.
Fantasy Prediction: 2 receptions, 20 yards, 0 TD.
Dallas Cowboys Starter: Jason Witten
One of the more reliable players at his position, Witten is now in his 12th NFL season and ranks 16th in league history with 902 career receptions. This season, he ranks second on the team with 22 catches but has reached the end zone just once in seven games.
Fantasy Prediction: 3 receptions, 24 yards, 0 TD.
Dallas Cowboys Backup: Gavin Escobar
The second-year tight end has made the most of his catches in 2014. The second-round pick of a year ago has totaled only seven catches for 85 yards but has scored three touchdowns. It should also be noted that all three of those visits to the end zone have come in the last two weeks.
Fantasy Prediction: 2 receptions, 18 yards, 0 TD.
Defense/Special Teams
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Washington Redskins Defense/Special Teams
Jay Gruden’s club has allowed 156 points in its last five games, this after giving up a combined 27 points the first two weeks of the season. In fact, the Redskins have allowed 27-plus points in 14 of their last 23 outings dating back to last season.
While Jim Haslett’s unit has produced a respectable 16 sacks (6.5 sacks by outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan), the ‘Skins have come up with just six takeaways in seven contests this season.
Fantasy Prediction: 38 points allowed, 2 sacks, 0 INT, 1 FF.
Dallas Cowboys Defense/Special Teams
A defense’s best buddy is a ball-control offense, and the Cowboys have certainly benefited from the league’s best ground attack. While Dallas’ pass rush has struggled (seven sacks in seven games), this club has forced a dozen turnovers.
With Colt McCoy making his first start in three years, Rod Marinelli’s unit could be making some frequent visits to the Washington backfield. And look for a pick six from one member of the Cowboys secondary.
Fantasy Prediction: 23 points allowed, 4 sacks, 2 INT, 2 FF.
Best Sleeper Adds
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A couple of these performers may not be on your team and could be worth adding on Monday morning. Sometimes a little last-minute shopping can be beneficial, especially with the off-weeks upon us.
1. Roy Helu, Running Back, Washington Redskins (Owned in 33.6 percent of ESPN leagues)
While Alfred Morris is clearly the workhorse, you may be able to scrounge up a few points with Helu, whose forte is as a pass-catcher. He has totaled 25 carries this season, one for a score.
2. Andre Roberts, Wide Receiver, Washington Redskins (Owned in 1.9 percent of ESPN leagues)
The 2014 free-agent pickup appeared to be an afterthought early in the season when it came to the passing game, but he’s caught up as of late. He’s been targeted 22 times in the last three games, totaling 12 catches for 102 yards and a score.
3. Rolando McClain, Linebacker, Dallas Cowboys (Owned in 6.7 percent of ESPN leagues)
He’s been quite the pleasant surprise for a Dallas defensive unit that ranks 14th in the NFL in total yards allowed entering Week 8. He ranks third on the team with 31 tackles, has totaled one sack, two interceptions and one forced fumble.
4. Dan Bailey, Placekicker, Dallas Cowboys (Owned in 96.7 percent of ESPN leagues)
During these days of off-weeks, some owners grab kickers at the last moment. It is possible Bailey is available in your league (perhaps a big IF) and if he is, you have to like a performer who has connected on 14 of 15 field-goal attempts in seven games this season.
Injury Report
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Here is a look at the latest injury report regarding the Redskins and Cowboys, focusing on key performers (courtesy of NFL.com).
Washington Redskins | ||
Player | Status | |
QB | Questionable | |
Tracy Porter | CB | Questionable |
Alfred Morris | RB | Probable |
Trent Williams | T | Probable |
Tyler Polumbus | T | Probable |
Chris Baker | DE | Probable |
Perry Riley | LB | Probable |
Ryan Clark | S | Probable |
Griffin is listed as questionable, but as well all know, Colt McCoy gets the start for Jay Gruden’s club this week. The majority of these performers appear set to go with the possible exception of Clark, who has been hampered by an ankle injury and practiced on a limited basis.
Dallas Cowboys | ||
Player | Status | |
Doug Free | T | Out |
Jack Crawford | DE | Out |
Tony Romo | QB | Probable |
Dez Bryant | WR | Probable |
Anthony Spencer | DE | Probable |
Bruce Carter | LB | Probable |
The Cowboys are fairly healthy but will be without Free, meaning Jermey Parnell gets the start at right tackle for the second straight week. Crawford has one of the team’s seven sacks this season.
Sit or Start
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We know who the stars are when it comes to this contest. But is there a pivotal player or two that may be on your roster that you can’t decide whether to start or not? Here’s a little help.
WR Andre Roberts (Redskins): He’s been a lot busier the last few weeks than he was earlier in the season. We think Roberts might snag one of McCoy’s three touchdown passes Monday night.
Verdict: Start
TE Jordan Reed (Redskins): The talented second-year performer has totaled 13 receptions the last two weeks, this after missing the previous four games. But look for the Dallas’ athletic linebackers to keep him under wraps.
Verdict: Sit
TE Gavin Escobar (Cowboys): He comes off a big game last week vs. the Giants, but look for Tony Romo to use wideouts Dez Bryant and Terrance Williams to exploit Washington’s very suspect secondary. Verdict: Sit
Some statistical support provided by Pro-Football-Reference, NFL.com and ESPN.com. Depth chart info provided by Ourlads.
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