Fantasy Football: Week 8 NFL Player Breakdowns By Matchup

Week 8 brings us yet another edition of our Fantasy Football Player Breakdowns, giving fantasy owners a look at every single fantasy football match-up in the NFL for the week, along with fantasy analysis.

Take a look at all 13 matchups for Week 8 and use our comments and ratings to help decide who should or shouldn’t make the final edition of your fantasy lineup this week.

Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers (London)

QB Kyle Orton-If there’s one thing we know, it’s that Orton can’t put it together for an entire season. I’m not as comfortable with Orton as many others.  ***

RB Knowshon Moreno-Moreno will make plays on the ground or in the air. I like him to keep getting touches and producing. ****

RB Laurence Maroney-Not a single touch in Week 7 makes him useless with Moreno back. *

RB Correll Buckhalter-See, Maroney, Laurence. *

WR Eddie Royal-With the options offensively, I’d keep Royal benched for another week as he’s not 100 percent. **

WR Jabar Gaffney-I still like Gaffney to see a good amount of targets. ***

WR Brandon Lloyd-Keep plugging Lloyd in, as he seems to always make a big play this season. ****

WR Demaryius Thomas-It may be a good time to sit Thomas. His production has been too sporadic to warrant a start. **

TE Daniel Graham-Graham still isn’t worth a look in any format. *

Broncos Defense-Where did the defense go in Week 7? There are more consistent options to start, but you could play Denver in hopes that Troy Smith is ineffective. **

QB Troy Smith-That’s not a misprint. Troy Smith is starting for Alex Smith who is out with a separated shoulder. Let’s keep an eye on this one, but keep Troy off your roster in the mean time. **

RB Frank Gore-There’s still no reason to take Gore out of the lineup. ****

RB Anthony Dixon-At this point, you can afford to drop Dixon. If Gore does go down at all, pick Dixon up. Quickly. *

WR Michael Crabtree-Let’s get Crabtree out of the lineup as long as Troy Smith is starting. We’re not sure that Smith can get the ball to him enough. **

WR Josh Morgan-Inconsistency makes him a worrisome option. **

WR Ted Ginn Jr-Just because he has his college quarterback at the helm again doesn’t make him a better option. **

TE Vernon Davis-Davis may take a slight hit in the statistics department, but tight ends are a young quarterback’s best friends. ****

San Francisco Defense-I’m taking a gamble and starting them this week, but for the more conservative players, I would recommend benching. ***

Green Bay Packers at New York Jets

QB Aaron Rodgers-Rodgers will produce regardless. Keep him in the lineup.  *****

RB Brandon Jackson-Jackson isn’t playing terribly and makes for a decent Flex player, but I don’t like this match-up here. **

RB John Kuhn-Kuhn isn’t seeing the carries to warrant a start. *

WR Greg Jennings-Keep Jennings in this week. Most of the star WR’s have had success against the Jets. ****

WR Donald Driver-Let’s bench Driver just for this week as he’s not 100 percent and may not see as many snaps as we want to. **

WR James Jones-Jones is a decent PPR option in deeper leagues with Jermichael Finley out for the season, and Donald Driver not at 100 percent. ***

TE Andrew Quarless-Quarless did register a touchdown, but isn’t worth a fantasy start until he starts getting targeted more often. **

Green Bay Defense-The defense is still giving up too many big plays and isn’t a safe bet this week either. **

Key Note-Jermichael Finley is out for the season with a torn meniscus. Ryan Grant is done for the season, as is Justin Harrell.

QB Mark Sanchez-In six games, Sanchez’s highest passing yardage was 256. I don’t care for the match-up this week. He’s going to turn the ball over. **

RB Shonn Greene-If you’re desperate in very deep leagues, you can throw Greene in the Flex, but LT is still the man in the Big Apple. **

RB LaDainian Tomlinson-LT is running with attitude. He’s going to keep seeing touches. ****

Santonio Holmes-I’m not a fan of this match-up against Woodson, but Holmes usually finds a way to make plays. ***

WR Braylon Edwards-Edwards isn’t a bad option this week, as Green Bay’s corners not named Charles Woodson are struggling.  ****

WR Jerricho Cotchery-We need to see more consistency before we throw Cotch in our lineup. **

TE Dustin Keller-I don’t care for Keller here against the quick, athletic linebackers in Green Bay. **

New York Defense-They have a fantastic defense, but I don’t trust them against Aaron Rodgers **

Key Note- Kris Jenkins (NT) for the Jets is out for the season.

Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick-Kansas City’s defense is still yielding too many points. I like Fitzpatrick to stay hot. ****

RB C.J. Spiller-We’re still keeping Spiller on the bench, but he’s destined to start getting more touches soon. **

RB Fred Jackson-I can foresee Buffalo using Jackson a little bit less, gradually. He’s just not a great option. ***

WR Lee Evans-Lee Evans had a fantastic Week 7. He’s improving, but still only a mediocre option to start at the Flex. ***

WR Steve Johnson-Johnson is becoming a legit WR2 in many leagues. He’s targeted heavily and he’s making plays . ****

TE Shawn Nelson-There’s still not much fantasy value here. **

Buffalo Defense-Buffalo keeps getting themselves into shootouts, which doesn’t bode well for their defense. **

QB Matt Cassel-Despite playing the Bills, I don’t care for the match-up for Cassel. He struggles to get over 200 yards and generally turns the football over. **

RB Jamaal Charles-Charles just keeps making plays, but Thomas Jones is making more. Charles is still a solid option as the Chiefs are figuring out that they have a ground game again. ***

RB Thomas Jones-I’d keep Jones in while he’s producing. He’s getting just a few more carries than Charles, and taking advantage of every opportunity. ****

WR Dwayne Bowe-Bowe is looking legit, and is a nice option in deep leagues, but he won’t keep this touchdown streak alive for much longer. ***

WR Chris Chambers-Chambers has been a huge disappointment. Keep him benched. *

WR Dexter McCluster-He’s getting a few touches here and there, but it’s not enough to get him in your lineup. **

TE Tony Moeaki-Despite having 42 yards, it was on just three receptions. Cassel isn’t a big fan of his TE’s, but Moeaki still has good value in the red zone. ***

Kansas City Defense-Kansas City, like Buffalo, just keeps getting into offensive shootouts, keep them benched. **

Carolina Panthers at St. Louis Rams

QB Matt Moore-Despite the solid week from Moore in Week 7, I’m benching him against a surprisingly decent Rams pass defense. **

RB DeAngelo Williams-William's "sore foot" looks to be more of a sprain. He'll most likely sit in Week 8. *

RB Jonathan Stewart- Stewart is an intriguing pick with Williams most likely out on Sunday. It'll be risky, but last year Stewart was a stud when he was the lone back. ***

WR Steve Smith-Smith is back, and he has his QB back. Smith usually makes some sort of plays, but proceed with caution. ***

WR David Gettis-Gettis came out and made plays in Week 7, but I don’t see him repeating that success. **

WR Brandon LaFell-LaFell and Gettis read this column and were offended, so they exploded in Week 7. I don’t see LaFell finding 6+ grabs often, however. **

TE Jeff King-Jeff King has almost no fantasy value. *

TE Dante Rosario-Neither he or King have great value. *

Carolina Defense-Sam Bradford is playing rather well, and you still have the Steven Jackson effect. There are many better options. *

QB Sam Bradford-The more I look at it, I like Bradford as a QB2 for a second consecutive week. Despite just 126 passing yards in Week 7, I think Bradford can eclipse 250 against Carolina. ****

RB Steven Jackson-I like to keep Jackson in the lineup as he’ll get receptions as well as his usual carries and yardage. ****

RB Kenneth Darby-Darby is a handcuff at best. We won’t talk much about him unless Jackson goes down.*

WR Danny Amendola-Teams are locking in on Amendola, but I still see him producing this week against an inconsistent Carolina secondary. ****

WR Brandon Gibson-He had more targets, but wasn’t productive. He has limited value in very deep leagues. **

WR Mardy Gilyard-Gilyard should get some playing time on Sunday, but I don’t foresee it being enough to warrant even a spot start. *

WR Danario Alexander-He answered his Week 6 performance with just six yards and one reception. I like him to have a bigger week, but still not enough to warrant a start just yet. **

TE Daniel Fells-None of the St. Louis TE’s have much value. *

St. Louis Defense-St. Louis’ defense may not be a bad play this week against a struggling Matt Moore who just got his job back. ****

Miami Dolphins at Cincinnati Bengals

QB Chad Henne-I like Henne this week against a Bengals pass defense that’s giving up points to anybody that walks into their stadium. ****

RB Ronnie Brown-Brown can be put back in your lineup, although there’s no guarantee he’ll get the carries you want to see. ***

RB Ricky Williams-Ricky may be the better options of the two this week, but neither is great for your fantasy team. ***

WR Brandon Marshall-You still should not be sitting Marshall regardless of the opponent. *****

WR Davone Bess-Bess was productive against the Steelers and with teams focusing on Brandon Marshal, he’s looking like a very solid option going forward. ****

WR Brian Hartline-I like Hartline in deeper PPR leagues. He’s still getting a decent amount of receptions each week. ***

TE Anthony Fasano-Fasano is a solid red zone target. Not a bad waiver wire pickup. ***

Miami Defense-Carson Palmer is coming off of a great game, and this game could end up a shootout. Not the greatest defensive matchup. **

QB Carson Palmer-Despite a poor hip, Palmer is a mediocre option at QB2 most weeks . ***

RB Cedric Benson-Benson isn’t producing the points like you want to see. He’s an ok option in the Flex, but there are better ones. ***

RB Bernard Scott-Let’s keep Scott on the bench until he gets more involved with the offense, or at least in the red zone. *

WR Chad Ochocinco-C.O. is a solid option this week against Jason Allen.  ****

WR Terrell Owens-A guy like Owens who is averaging nearly 100 yards a game should be played most weeks. ****

WR Jordan Shipley-Don’t get too excited about one game, as Shipley won’t continue that production. *

TE Jermaine Gresham-Gresham is still going to see quite a few targets each game. ***

Cincinnati Defense-This defense is giving up too many yards for me to trust against an improving Miami offense. **

Washington Redskins at Detroit Lions

QB Donovan McNabb-Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers. McNabb’s hamstring is bothering him, and I think he’ll continue to struggle against Detroit. **

RB Ryan Torain-There’s no reason to sit Torain who’s busting over 100 yards like it’s his job...I mean it is. ****

WR Santana Moss-Despite McNabb’s struggles, Moss is making plays. Keep him in. ****

WR Anthony Armstrong-Armstrong isn’t a bad Flex play, but there are better options. **

TE Chris Cooley-Keep plugging Cooley in your lineup as he always seems to get his receptions. ***

Washington Defense-One of the worst pass defenses in the league. I bet Matthew Stafford will throw at DeAngelo Hall every time. **

QB Matthew Stafford-Stafford is back in action, and he’s going to have a coming out party. I like him this week. ****

RB Jahvid Best-He’s struggling with a bit of turf toe, so he won’t be 100%, but with Stafford back, I like Best again. ****

RB Kevin Smith-There’s not much value in Kevin Smith. *

WR Calvin Johnson-You just don’t sit Calvin Johnson. You don’t. *****

WR Nate Burleson-Inconsistency from Burleson keeps him on the bench. But with Stafford back, he could get more looks down field. ***

TE Brandon Pettigrew-I like Pettigrew this week as Stafford comes back. ****

TE Tony Scheffler-In PPR leagues, Scheffler is worth a look. ***

Detroit Defense-I wouldn’t be surprised if Detroit absolutely shut down Washington. But inconsistency makes it a risky play. ***

Jacksonville Jaguars at Dallas Cowboys

QB David Garrard-Garrard appears to be set to start on Sunday. He still has almost zero fantasy value, however. *

RB Maurice Jones-Drew-MJD makes plays. He doesn’t have the greatest match-up, but I still wouldn’t sit him this week. ****

RB Deji Karim-He’s getting limited touches, but still worth keeping an eye on. **

WR Mike Sims-Walker-Sims-Walker had a touchdown, but still only caught three passes for 38 yards. Keep him benched. **

WR Mike Thomas-I like Thomas a bit more than Sims-Walker, but there are many better options better than both. ***

TE Marcedes Lewis-He’s a red zone target, so he’s a risk/reward TE. ***

Jacksonville Defense-This defense shouldn’t even be on your roster, even against a Romo-less Cowboy team. *

QB Jon Kitna-Say goodbye to Tony Romo after he fractured his clavicle and could miss the season. Kitna’s value is really only this week against the Jaguars. ****

RB Felix Jones-Jones looks to have a nice game this week against the Jaguars. With Romo out, the Cowboys could be going more towards the running game. ****

RB Marion Barber-Barber isn’t getting the touches that fantasy owners want to see. Keep him on the bench. **

WR Miles Austin-Keep Austin in the lineup, as he’s a big time producer. *****

WR Dez Bryant-Bryant surprised me against the Giants, but his value drops a bit with Romo out. ***

WR Roy E. Williams-This is the issue with Williams. He disappears randomly. Look for him to stay invisible so long as Kitna is the quarterback. **

TE Jason Witten-Witten will be relied on heavily by Kitna. ****

Dallas Defense-Dallas intercepted Eli, and had a solid start to the game. However, they couldn’t stop giving up points. This is a good week for them, however. ****

Tennessee Titans at San Diego Chargers

QB Vince Young-Young looks to be back this week. His value is still limited in terms of fantasy, however. **

QB Kerry Collins-Even if Collins somehow gets the start, we’re sitting him against the Chargers. *

RB Chris Johnson-You’re not really going to put Chris Johnson on the bench, are you? *****

WR Kenny Britt-Britt exploded again. It looks like it’s safe to get Mr. Britt in the lineup on a weekly basis. Although we’ll let you know if the bar brawl changes anything. ****

WR Nate Washington-Washington isn’t a bad Flex play on a weekly basis, but there are still better options. **

TE Bo Scaife-Scaife doesn’t see enough receptions to be considered for a start. *

Tennessee Defense-I’m sitting Tennessee’s defense against San Diego’s top ranked passing attack. **

QB Philip Rivers-Despite not having Naanee, or Floyd, Rivers still had over 300 yards and a touchdown. He’s a very good play every week. ****

RB Ryan Mathews-Mathews doesn’t have the best matchup here. Sitting him wouldn’t be a bad idea. **

RB Mike Tolbert-He keeps scoring touchdowns despite just 2-3 carries a game. It’s still not worth starting him to risk one small touchdown. *

WR Malcolm Floyd-Floyd will most likely be out for the matchup against Tennessee.  *

WR Legedu Naanee-Naanee has value in deeper leagues if he’s healthy enough to play. ***

WR Patrick Crayton-Crayton is looking like a serviceable replacement so long as Floyd is out as well. Target in deeper leagues for this week.  ***

WR Buster Davis-Davis will most likely play on Sunday and isn’t a bad spot start if you’re hurting for wide receivers.

TE Antonio Gates-Gates should still be in the lineup. Him not practicing is just for him to rest during the week. ****

San Diego Defense-I’m still not confident in starting this defense until they can start playing to their potential. **

Minnesota Vikings at New England Patriots

QB Brett Favre–It really doesn’t matter if he’s healthy or not. He’s not worth a start until he can stop turning the ball over. **

QB Tavaris Jackson-There’s a good chance Jackson may get the nod over Favre. Keep an eye on this situation as Jackson would have a lot of options to throw to. *

RB Adrian Peterson–You shouldn’t sit AP any week. *****

WR Randy Moss-Moss should maintain your WR1 spot in the lineup regardless of QB. ****

WR Percy Harvin–Harvin’s making plays on the ground, as well as in the air. ****

WR Bernard Berrian-It’s time to give up on Berrian for now. *

WR Greg Camarillo-He didn’t get targeted once in Week 7. Keep him benched. *

TE Visanthe Shiancoe-I’d get Shiancoe on the bench until Minnesota can start throwing the ball well. **

Minnesota Defense–This may not be a bad match-up for Minnesota, but it’s still Tom Brady who they are playing against so be cautious. ***

QB Tom Brady-Brady isn’t performing to expectations, and this could be another struggling week. Consider benching if you have a great matchup, but remember that he’s still Tom Brady. ***

RB Fred Taylor-Taylor looks to be out for Sunday’s matchup against Minnesota. *

RB Benjarvus Green-Ellis-The Law Firm doesn’t have the best matchup here either, and is losing carries to Danny Woodhead. **

RB/WR Danny Woodhead-Woodhead is an intriguing player. I want to see more touches before I start plugging him in, however. *

WR Deion Branch-I still like Branch most weeks with Tom Brady. He’s not a star WR, but he’s productive. ****

WR Wes Welker-Welker is having just a mediocre month, but he’s due to get back on track this week working the middle of the field. ***

WR Brandon Tate-Tate will get some looks, but I don’t want to start him until he gets consistent catches. **

TE Rob Gronkowski-Gronkowski was rewarded with a touchdown, but just one reception other than that. There’s too much risk/reward here. **

TE Aaron Hernandez-He may not score many touchdowns, but he’s getting receptions and yardage. ****

Patriots Defense-I don’t care much for the Patriots defense, but with Favre playing like he is now, this may not be a terrible start, although there are better options. ***

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Arizona Cardinals

QB Josh Freeman-Freeman is playing well and is becoming a solid passer. This isn’t a bad game for him if you need a BYE week start. ****

RB Carnell Williams-Cadillac continues to make plays in the passing game. But I’m not starting the RB on the risk that I may get a touchdown reception. **

RB LaGarette Blount-It may be best to pickup Blount now. After an 11 carry, 72 yard performance, he may have earned himself a few more carries. ***

WR Mike Williams-He is Freeman’s main WR, and he’s looking very solid overall this year. He makes a good WR2 play at best. ****

WR Michael Spurlock-Nine receptions in six games tells me not to play him. *

WR Sammie Stroughter-He had three catches, and still has very limited fantasy value. *

TE Kellen Winslow-Winslow is one of Freeman’s favorite targets and should be started almost every week. ****

Tampa Bay Defense-If there is a week to start this defense, it’d be against the Cardinals. But, there are still many better options. ***

QB Max Hall-Hall should be cleared to play, but even if he does, there’s no value in here, until he learns how to get the ball to his receiver, rather than 10 feet over his head. *

RB Beanie Wells-I’m getting Wells back in the lineup this week. ***

RB Tim Hightower-Hightower’s value is limited with Beanie Wells back in. **

WR Larry Fitzgerald-Fitz had his worst statistical game. He’s still been as consistent as ever, and he’s just too hard to sit each week.  ***

WR Steve Breaston-Breaston is going to play against the Bucs. Poor quarterback play makes his value limited. **

WR Andre Roberts-Just like Breaston and Fitzgerald, it’s hard to see what kind of production to expect with such poor QB’s.

TE Ben Patrick-Patrick is one of the least scoring fantasy TE’s. *

Arizona Defense-Keep them in the free agency pool where they belong.  *

Seattle Seahawks at Oakland Raiders

QB Matt Hasselbeck-There are better options, but if you’re desperate, Hasselbeck could be a reasonable start against the Raiders. ***

RB Marshawn Lynch-Lynch’s problem is getting into the end zone with Seattle. He’s still a mediocre play most weeks. ***

RB Justin Forsett-Forsett makes a decent Flex option as he always seems to pull off a big play in his few touches, while also playing a factor in the receiving game. ***

WR Mike Williams-I’d be looking to pick up Williams in all formats. He’s being targeted heavily, and he’s producing with Deion Branch traded. ****

WR Deon Butler-Butler see’s a few receptions each game and around 35-40 yards. He’s not a great start, but not a bad option in deep PPR leagues. **

WR Golden Tate-Tate only saw one target from Hasselbeck. He’s been targeted three times in his last two games. *

TE Jon Carlson-Carlson only had one reception, but was still targeted six times. At least Hasselbeck is still looking his way. Keep him on the bench for now. **

Seattle Defense-Inconsistency is what’s scary, but Oakland’s shocking performance last week is even scarier. I’d pass on this defense just in case. **

QB Bruce Gradkowski-Gradkowski will most likely sit out for one more game. *

QB Jason Campbell-Campbell could be a decent option in very deep QB2 leagues. But that’s about it. **

RB Darren McFadden-Despite Seattle’s excellent rush defense, McFadden is going to make plays. He’s special. ****

RB Michael Bush-Bush may not see the touches he’d like to, but he can be a Flex play in deep leagues. ****

WR Darrius Heyward-Bey-Bey continued his worthless streak in week six. Keep him benched. *

WR Louis Murphy-Murphy will most likely sit out with a chest contusion. *

WR Jacoby Ford-Ford will work the slot a bit. Value is extremely limited. *

TE Zach Miller-Miller is undoubtedly the best receiver on the team. Keep him in. ****

Oakland Defense-The match-up is favorable, but it’s still Oakland’s unpredictable defense. *

Pittsburgh Steelers at New Orleans Saints

QB Ben Roethlisberger-Big Ben is worth a start nearly every week. ****

RB Rashard Mendenhall-Mendenhall will rebound nicely against the Saints. ****

RB Mewelde Moore-Moore will spell Mendenhall here and there, but his value is very limited. *

WR Hines Ward-With Big Ben back, Ward is a nice start on most weeks. ****

WR Mike Wallace-He’s playing well week after week. Keep him in. ****

TE Heath Miller-I like Miller a lot more than I did at the beginning of the year. ***

Pittsburgh Defense-Pittsburgh’s defense should be started every week. They make plays regardless. *****

QB Drew Brees-Brees won’t have the same four interception week that he did against the Browns, but the match-up isn’t very favorable. ***

RB Pierre Thomas-Thomas will most likely sit out against Pittsburgh. *

RB Ladell Betts-Betts had zero carries, but caught eight passes. Most of that was due to the Saints playing from behind all game. Bench him against Pittsburgh. *

RB Chris Ivory-You’ll want to sit Ivory against the Steelers. Their defense isn’t friendly. *

WR Marques Colston-There are better options this week, but Colston had a productive Week 7. Proceed with caution. ***

WR Lance Moore-Moore will be utilized in this game as New Orleans will try and work the slot a bit more to expose a weakness. ***

WR Devery Henderson-We’ll get Henderson on the bench this week. *

WR Robert Meachem-Deeper leagues can Flex him out, but he’s too unpredictable to start in standard formats. **

TE Jeremy Shockey-Brees has three tight ends to throw to. Shockey isn’t a good fantasy TE to carry on your team. **

New Orleans-Not the best match-up for this struggling unit. I’d pass this week. **

Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts

QB Matt Schaub-Last time Schaub played the Colts in Week 1, he didn’t have to throw much. I’m expecting a similar result. ***

RB Arian Foster-Foster is a great start against the Colts, again. ****

WR Andre Johnson-AJ is good to go for this week, and will still see his receptions even with Schaub most likely not having a huge day. ****

WR Kevin Walter-Walter is worth a look in PPR leagues, but he’s not going to see much production this week.. **

WR Jacoby Jones-Jones isn’t worth a start unless another receiver goes down. *

TE Owen Daniels-We need more consistency out of Daniels before we start him. **

Texans Defense-I’m not starting one of the worst secondary’s against Peyton Manning. *

QB Peyton Manning-Manning should have a big week against Houston’s secondary.  *****

RB Joseph Addai-There’s a good chance Addai misses some time with the shoulder injury. Even if he plays, he’ll most likely be limited this week. *

RB Donald Brown-Brown isn’t a terrible start assuming he gets the start with Addai out. ***

RB Mike Hart-If both Addai and Brown aren’t ready to go, Hart could hold value this week. **

WR Reggie Wayne-Wayne is the most reliable receiver. Keep him in the lineup. ****

WR Pierre Garcon-It’s possible that Garcon doesn’t play, but you’ll want to keep an eye on his status. ***

WR Blair White-White comes in and will help fill in for Austin Collie. He’s not a bad PPR addition, but give him a week or two. **

TE Jacob Tamme-Tamme isn’t a bad reception tight end, but we don’t want to assume he’ll get a lot of look’s just yet.

Indianapolis Defense-Let’s not trust the Colts defense against Matt Schaub and Arian Foster. **

Key Note-Dallas Clark is out for the season with a wrist injury. Austin Collie is out for 2-3 weeks with hand surgery. Joseph Addai’s status is also uncertain.

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