Fantasy Football: Week 8 Must Start NFL Fantasy Sleepers

Last week wasn’t a good week for us, but we’re ready to right the ship this week. We are nearly half way through the season and this is the most important part of the year. You’ve got guys with bye weeks and people getting injured. Here’s some guys that you should take a long hard look at this week if you need a fill-in.

Eric

QB: Josh Freeman – Freeman is surprisingly a very consistent fantasy quarterback this year. Would you believe that he has more fantasy points than Matt Schaub and only two less than Tom Brady? He’s averaging 14 points per game and with a lot of teams on a bye this week, Freeman is one of the premier fill-ins.

RB: Felix Jones – Now that Romo is on the shelf, the Cowboys should hand the ball off to Jones 15-20 times on Sunday. The Jaguars have been bad against the run, giving up 62 points to running backs over the past two weeks. There’s no reason to overwork Kitna in his first start of the year when the team they’re playing can’t stop the run. Another good sign for Jones is that the Jags have given up 27 fantasy points per game to running backs on the road this year. Look for Jones to reach 100 yards with a touchdown or two to go with it.

WR: Davone Bess – Would you believe that Bess has two more touchdowns than Brandon Marshall over the past four weeks? Chad Henne is getting the ball to Bess and finding him often in the red zone. The Bengals have been very inconsistent against the pass this year, and Miami's passing offense is good enough to find the holes. Bess will benefit from all of the attention that the Bengals will have to give to Marshall. Bess should catch at least seven balls for 70 yards and a score.

TE: Kellen Winslow – Winslow has averaged just over six catches per game over his last three games. With a good game coming for Freeman, Winslow will be one of the beneficiaries. He hasn’t found the end zone this year, but I’m almost willing to guarantee he finds pay dirt this weekend. He’ll probably have 50-60 yards and a TD at the least.

Matt

QB: Troy Smith- If you need a QB and have no options, give Smith a shot. He has had four years of experience in the NFL and is looking to prove himself. What better way to do it? I am sure he will put up the numbers needed. 150 yds passing, 40 yds rushing, one passing TD, and one rushing TD. YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST.

RB: Knowshon Moreno – Moreno received the majority of the carries last week and was also targeted in the passing game. Expect Moreno to get the same looks this week against the 49ers. I’m calling one TD and 80 yds rushing with 20 yds receiving, possibly a receiving TD also.

WR: Santonio Holmes – Although he has had a ton of time in practice to gel with the first team, Holmes is just now getting into game mode. I expect a heavy dose of running from the Jets. . . “WHAT A SURPRISE”. However, this will open up some long passes down the field that I am sure Holmes will grab. Expect 90 yds receiving and a TD

TE: Jermaine Gresham – With the shackles on his top receivers last week—although they weren’t that tight—Palmer targeted his new WR Jordan Shipley. Expect the shackles to be even tighter this week, and watch Carson dump the ball to Gresham in the form of two TDs and 60 yds receiving.

Jace

QB: – Jon Kitna – As Eric stated earlier, the Cowboys probably will run the ball some more, but they still have weapons and Kitna used to be a pretty good quarterback…and he’s going to be against the Jags.  If you’re in a severe pinch this week, I’m sure Kitna can still be had, and I think you can look for around 200 yds and 2 TDs.  Not earth-shattering numbers, but it’ll do.

RB: – Thomas Jones – The Chiefs goal in the preseason was to lead the league in rushing and they are well on they’re way to that goal.  There are plenty of carries to go around for Jones and his running mate Jamaal Charles, none more apparent than in the last two weeks when Kansas City ran for more than 200 yds.  Buffalo has the league's worst run defense, so expect that trend to continue.  I see 125 yds with a TD for Jones.

WR: David Gettis – Steve Smith is back and is still garnering most of the defensive attention in the passing game.  Gettis is the main beneficiary as he had eight catches for 125 yds last week.  You should definitely give him a look if you’re in a deep league.

TE: Donald Lee – With all the TE’s who aren’t out for the year on bye this week some of you are probably scrambling for a quick fill-in.  Lee is just back from injury and will take over starting duties for the Packers against the Jets.  With the Pack’s inability to run the ball and NY having one of the best run defenses, Aaron Rodgers is gonna sling it.  With Revis and Cromartie locking down the outside, Lee could be the main target.