Fantasy Football: Darren McFadden Erupts in NFL Week 8 Risers

QB

Jon Kitna, DAL

The Giants broke Tony Romo’s collarbone Week 7 and he will miss the next 6 to 10 weeks.

The door is now open for Jon Kitna, who fared pretty well.

He completed 16 of 33 attempted passes (48.5 completion percentage) for 187 yards and two touchdowns.

Kitna can be erratic and turn the ball over, but the Cowboys will continue to throw the ball to their excellent receiving core.

Kitna is a more than viable waiver option this week, as he could have top 10 potential any given week. Expect him to put up good numbers against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 8.

Other Notable Performances and Notes:

Eli Manning, PHI: 25 for 35 (71.4 completion percentage), 306 yards, 4 TD, 3 INT

Matt Ryan, ATL: 24 for 33 (72.7 completion percentage), 299 yards, 3 TD, INT

Carson Palmer, CIN: 36 for 50 (72.0 completion percentage), 412 yards, 3 TD

Joe Flacco, BAL: 16 for 31 (51.6 completion percentage), 250 yards, 3 TD

Ryan Fitzpatrick, BUF: 29 for 43 (67.4 completion percentage) 374 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT

Troy Smith, SF: Expected to start Week 8 vs Carolina in London

Last Week’s Rising QB in Week 7:

Ben Roethlisberger, PIT: 19 for 27 (70.4 completion percentage), 302 yards, 2 TD 

RB

Darren McFadden, OAK

McFadden returned to the starting lineup after missing time due to a hamstring injury.

Nobody would have known he was injured.

McFadden abused the Denver Broncos to the tune of 165 yards and three rushing touchdowns on 16 carries. He added 31 yards and a touchdown on two receptions.

McFadden is back and ready to prove he is still one of the top running backs this season.

Thomas Jones, KC

Over the past few weeks, Thomas Jones has been getting it done as the workhorse back for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Jones shredded the Jaguars defense for 125 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries, including a long of 70.

Jones now has a touchdown in three of the past four games. He has rushed for at least 100 yards and a touchdown in back to back weeks.

Jones is opening things for the entire offense, so look for Coach Todd Haley to continue feeding him the rock. Jones is a safe bet to run for 100 yards against the Bills in Week 8.

Other Notable Performances and Notes:

Jamaal Charles, KC: 15 carries, 71 yards, TD

Brandon Jackson, GB: 13 carries, 58 yards, TD, 3 receptions, 46 yards

Ryan Torain, WAS: 21 carries, 125 yards, Fumble

Knowshon Moreno, DEN: 14 carries, 53 yards, 3 receptions, 37 yards, 2 TD

Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG: 24 carries, 126 yards, 2 receptions, 12 yards, Fumble

Chester Taylor, CHI: Expected to get goal-line carries                                                  

Last Week’s Rising RBs in Week 7:

Marshawn Lynch, SEA: 24 carries, 89 yards

Christopher Ivory, NO: 15 carries, 48 yards 

WR

David Gettis, CAR

The return of Steve Smith really helped the Carolina Panthers passing attack.

However, it did not seem Gettis needed any assistance. Gettis ran great routes and make very good catches throughout the day. He abused San Francisco cornerback Nate Clements on his first touchdown. His double move caused Clements to slip and Gettis was wide open in front of the end zone.

The rookie had a career day. He caught eight passes for 125 yards and two scores.

Matt Moore is clearly the better option in Carolina. Gettis could develop into a great flex/WR3 play for the rest of the season, if he continues to run routes like he did in Week 7.

Kenny Britt, TEN

A barroom brawl which led to a first quarter suspension in Week 7, was supposed to slow down Kenny Britt.

Instead, Britt used the turbulent week to his advantage. He came out against the Eagles determined and more motivated than we have ever seen him.

Britt made fantastic plays all day. He continuously found holes in the Eagles secondary and made great plays on jump balls and under-thrown passes.

Britt erupted for a career day, catching seven passes for 225 yards and three touchdowns.

Britt has a good match up against San Diego Week 8 and should be in fantasy lineups after his coming out party.

Other Notable Performances and Notes:

Hines Ward, PIT: 7 receptions, 131 yards, TD

Marques Colston, NO: 10 receptions, 112 yards, TD

Mike Williams, SEA: 11 receptions, 87 yards, TD

Steve Johnson, BUF: 8 receptions, 158 yards, TD

Lee Evans, BUF: 6 receptions, 105 yards, 3 TD

Dez Bryant, DAL: 4 receptions, 54 yards, 2 TD

Last Week’s Rising WRs in Week 7:

Dwayne Bowe, KC: 3 receptions, 81 yards, 2 TD

Deion Branch, NE: 4 receptions, 39 yards

TE

Todd Heap, BAL

Todd Heap appears to be Joe Flacco’s safety blanket this season and he continues to make big plays.

Heap bounced back in Week 7, after a devastating hit from Brandon Meriweather in Week 6.

Heap scored twice on three receptions for 59 yards.

Heap now has three touchdowns this season and should match his career high of seven, since Flacco trusts him.

Other Notable Performances and Notes:

Jason Witten, DAL: 9 receptions, 95 yards, TD, Fumble

David Thomas, NO: 3 receptions, 33 yards, TD

Kellen Winslow, TB: 5 receptions, 44 yards

Zach Miller, OAK: 3 receptions, 65 yards, TD

Aaron Hernandez, NE: 5 receptions, 54 yards

Last Week’s Rising TE in Week 7:

Benjamin Watson, CLE: 1 reception, 18 yards