NFL Fantasy Football Week 8: 10 Sleepers Who Will Help Win Your Matchup

Fantasy football owners have had to manage an inordinate amount of injuries this season in the NFL.

Now headed into Week 8 of the season, it's a make it or break it matchup for those stuck in the middle.

Luckily, there are plenty of options on the waiver wire that are very attractive and readily available for to choose from, and here are ten prime candidates who can add big time value to your squad.

QB

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo

After 374 yards and four touchdown passes against a very good Baltimore defense in Week 7, suddenly he's looking like a very promising replacement option for those that just lost Tony Romo.

With three straight games of 20+ fantasy points, the Buffalo quarterback is quickly emerging as a legitimate fantasy option. Be weary though, as opposing defenses may begin to key in on him more now that he's enjoyed some success. 

Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay

Officially the franchise QB of the Buccaneers, Freeman has been consistently solid all season long outside of a Week 3 aberration against Pittsburgh.

With 18 points in two of his last three games and an impending matchup against a porous Arizona defense, Freeman certainly has the potential to break the 20-point barrier. 

Matt Cassel, Kansas City

After a disappointing start to the season, Cassel has come on strongly over his last two contests.

Averaging 19.5 fantasy points over his last couple of matchups, Cassel has the Chiefs playing well and finally seems to be on the same page as star WR Dwayne Bowe. This week, he'll take on a horrendous Bills defense that has the worst TD:INT ratio in the NFL. 

RB

LeGarette Blount, Tampa Bay

Most remembered for his sucker punch of an opposing player at the inception of last year's college football season, Blount has seemed to found a home in Tampa Bay after going undrafted. 

With a very poor ground attack, Blount has stepped in and established himself as a tough, physical runner that the opposition has a tough time bringing to the ground. While he likely won't go over 100 yards, a trip to the end zone is well within reach for the rookie against Arizona.

Jonathan Stewart, Carolina

With so many owners giving up on him and cutting bait a couple of weeks ago, this is the perfect time to seize Stewart off the wire.

RB partner DeAngelo Williams (foot) is no lock to play this week, and Stewart should see an increased role regardless. While the Rams defense has been much improved, all it takes is one hole for Stewart to burst through and show his impressive ability.  

WR

Steve Johnson, Buffalo

The last two weeks for Johnson have resulted in 37 fantasy points. Wow.

While it's no shock to see Johnson become an integral part of the passing game considering the lack of depth that Buffalo has at the position, his big time success was unpredicted by most experts. 

Now that he's got the attention of opposing defenses, he may not have any more 20-point outbursts, but if he can do it against the Ravens, a repeat against the Chiefs doesn't seem too farfetched.

James Jones, Green Bay

With TE Jermichael Finley sidelined for the season and aging WR Donald Driver battling an injury, Jones has become a big piece of the Packers offensive attack.

Similar to teammate WR Greg Jennings, Jones' speed is his biggest threat and is capable of burning almost any defensive back that lines up against him.

Like most situational deep threats, Jones' fantasy value is a bit hit-or-miss from week to week, but if his 107-yard effort against the Vikings is a sign of things to come, he could be a very popular name before long. 

Craig Davis, San Diego

A former first round pick who has never lived up to his potential, it's now or never for Davis.

Having said that, "Buster" is an interesting player this week as he'll be forced to produce some numbers if he hopes to remain involved in the game plan.

Unfortunately, he'll have to do it against a tough Titans defense, but QB Philip Rivers has shown capable of picking apart almost any secondary he faces. 

TE

Jimmy Graham, New Orleans

A popular name in the preseason, Graham is just starting to become more involved in the Saints offensive attack.

With Jeremy Shockey's production starting to drop off, this may very well be the week that Graham experiences a full-on breakout as QB Drew Brees has shown an inclination for the rookie TE as the season has progressed. 

The Saints will certainly be motivated to win after a terrible loss against the Browns, and the tight end could be pivotal to that should they hope to get past the Steel Curtain. 

Visanthe Shiancoe, Minnesota

Perhaps no player has seen his stock drop as far as Shiancoe has this season, but it's about to get much better. 

If Brett Favre is forced to sit out with his ankle injury, Tavaris Jackson will look to bring back the short pass into the passing game and keep the chains moving for Minnesota. 

However, if Favre does indeed take the field Sunday, don't expect much production out of his former favorite receiver, who seems to have slid down the list behind wideouts Moss and Harvin.