Week 8 Start 'Em Sit 'Em: Fantasy Breakout Stars to Play, Bench This Weekend

Part of the excitement of fantasy football is changing the entire outlook of a season with waiver-wire additions. The only problem is figuring out when to start trusting those players.

Names like Branden Oliver, Jerick McKinnon and Davante Adams have gone from relative unknowns to fantasy gold on certain weeks. But with question marks surrounding some of the latest names to emerge, it's safe to wonder whether they are worth starting yet.

A new crop seemingly rises each weekend, but only some stick around to help fantasy teams rather than flare out as one-hit wonders. Before Week 8 officially gets underway, here's a look at several smart starts and sits for breakout stars.

Start 'Em

Player	Team	Matchup	Predicted Points
Ryan Tannehill	Dolphins	at Jaguars	22
Jerick McKinnon	Vikings	at Buccaneers	14
Tre Mason	Rams	at Chiefs	11
Sammy Watkins	Bills	at Jets	12
Dwayne Allen	Colts	at Steelers	10

Ryan Tannehill, QB, Miami Dolphins

Four weeks ago, Ryan Tannehill was under fire by his own head coach. Now, after three straight games with an average of 266.3 yards passing and two touchdowns per game, Tannehill is one of the hottest names in fantasy football.

Not only have the passing numbers been there for Tannehill, but he's also been efficient when running the ball. He hasn't exactly been a huge dual-threat quarterback, but Tannehill has added at least 3.5 points for owners with his legs in the last three games.

Jeff Darlington of NFL.com noted just how rare Tannehill's performance was in Week 7:

Don't expect Tannehill to start lighting up defenses like Cam Newton or Andrew Luck with his legs, but he's good for a few rushing attempts each week. Heading into Week 8, he has a favorable matchup to exploit with either weapon.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have been ravaged by great passers and running backs all season. If Tannehill can simply escape when the pocket collapses and find receivers like Mike Wallace down the field, expect another great day from him on Sunday.

Tannehill's emergence as a QB1 is now nearly complete, and a huge performance against the Jags will make fantasy owners believe.

Jerick McKinnon, RB, Minnesota Vikings

Raise your hand if you saw McKinnon being an emerging star this season. If your hand is raised, you're either a liar or a Georgia Southern fan.

One of the most pleasant surprises this fantasy season, McKinnon had another explosive game in Week 7. Compiling his second 100-yard rushing total, the Minnesota Vikings running back continues to impress as the starter.

Unfortunately, consistency has been the issue for McKinnon thus far. He hasn't put up huge totals every week, but McKinnon referenced his effort to grow from his mistakes, via Matt Vensel of The Star Tribune.

"

I’ve had some mistakes here and there, some mishaps here and there. But for the most part I think I’ve been consistent. I think I’ve showed them that I come to get better in practice every day in and out, so I’m just trying to build upon those things as I go along and find my way. ...

I think I’ve accepted the challenge and stepped up to the plate when my number’s called.

"

Heading into Week 8, McKinnon also faces another porous defense in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Among fantasy defenses, the Buccaneers give the seventh-most points to running backs, including six total touchdowns.

Fantasy owners need more stability from McKinnon before starting him every week, but this is a great matchup for the young back. Look for him to have another brilliant performance as he torches the Bucs defense on Sunday.

Sit 'Em

Player	Team	Matchup	Predicted Points
Joe Flacco	Ravens	at Bengals	16
Denard Robinson	Jaguars	vs. Dolphins	7
Mohamed Sanu	Bengals	vs. Ravens	6
Brian Quick	Rams	at Chiefs	5
Travis Kelce	Chiefs	vs. Rams	4

Denard Robinson, RB, Miami Dolphins

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

The definition of a breakout star, Denard Robinson grabbed the reins of the Jaguars' running back position in Week 7. Even with the outstanding numbers he posted, he's a questionable start this Sunday.

"Shoelace" gashed the Cleveland Browns for 127 rushing yards and a touchdown. He may technically still be listed as the No. 2 running back, but more weeks like that and Toby Gerhart might not have a job when he returns.

In fact, Robinson is still in line to be the starter even with Gerhart practicing, per Pro Football Talk:

This week, however, Robinson faces a Miami Dolphins defense that has been stout against the rush. Over the last four weeks, Miami has allowed an average of just 13.53 fantasy points to running backs, the seventh-lowest total during that span.

Robinson will no doubt still put up decent statistics, but not anywhere near what he did against that Ohio team. Those who need to start him in place of injured players need to have tempered expectations against a quality opponent.

Brian Quick, WR, St. Louis Rams

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

Early in the season, Brian Quick's fantasy stock was on the rise faster than Dallas Cowboys' fans hope for the playoffs. Now, one continues to look promising while the other has simply tapered off.

Through the first four weeks, the St. Louis Rams receiver was averaging 12.55 fantasy points per game and had three touchdowns. Even with the quarterback carousel taking place, Quick was unscathed and remained a trusted target.

In the last two games, he has a combined three catches on six targets for a whopping 43 yards. If those numbers don't blow owners away, they shouldn't expect much more against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Mike Clay of Pro Football Focus notes the dramatic drop for Quick:

Despite the Chiefs having multiple injuries on defense, the secondary has shut down explosive receivers this year. Demaryius Thomas (12.2 points) and Kendall Wright (10.6) have been the only wideouts to go for over 10 points against KC this year—both needed touchdowns to get there.

If there is a turnaround coming for Quick, it won't come against Kansas City.

Fantasy stats courtesy of NFL.com.

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