Fantasy Football's Week Eight Start/Sit

By Chad Samuels

Week Seven of the Fantasy Football season is done, and we are beginning to hit crunch time with a distant eye to the playoffs.

I had off last week since me and my family packed up and visited my brother in-law in Connecticut. The foliage is beautiful up there this time of year, and I appreciate the assistance Antonino, a.k.a. Fantasy Dr. X, in covering me last week so that I could take that time off early in the week.

Start of the Week

Atlanta at Philadelphia is an intriguing game, as both teams are coming off a bye and should be rested and ready to play.

Mike Smith has led the Falcons to a 4-2 record behind the running of Michael Turner, and Philadelphia stands at 3-3 with an offense that is a little resembles Jekyll and Hyde.

Philly’s defense, however, has been absolutely dominating. Over the last three weeks, Atlanta has given up almost 300 yards per game and four touchdowns passing.

Brian Westbrook should be returning to the lineup this week. Donovan McNabb has been a bit erratic of late, but with Westbrook back and drawing defensive attention, I expect him to have one of his better games this year.

Start Them at QB

If last week was the real Derek Anderson, then Anderson, Kellen Winslow, and Braylon Edwards' owners are in for a long season. I still think that at some point this season...he will be benched and replaced by Brady Quinn.

This week should hold off it happening for another week. Anderson is erratic but Jacksonville has had a lapsing passing defense the last two weeks they have played.

The Jaguars will have tightened up that passing defense. Anderson is still a viable option this week for Palmer, Cutler, Rodgers, and Schaub on a bye this week plus the uncertainty of the Dallas QB position.

Arizona has proven to be susceptible to the pass and Jake Delhomme has shown Tommy John surgery he is still a solid QB. He also has developed good timing with Steve Smith. Start him.

Marc Bulger is another good bye-week replacement option as he plays New England this week. Finally, Detroit hosts Washington this week. Look for a pedestrian Jason Campbell to return to Pro Bowl form.

Start Them at RB

If you own Thomas Jones, start him, hands down, versus a horrible run defense in Kansas City. If you are hurting for who to start due to byes, try Leon Washington; he has the ability the break a long one. I think he will score at least four points or more this week.

If your league punishes you for fumbles, I would sit Leon, and if you league uses IDP and return yardage for scoring, look for a few more points for Leon as well.

Mike Nolan has been fired. San Francisco has had a porous run defense. I do not expect San Francisco to put it together and play well this week. Expect them to remain susceptible to the run. Look for Julius Jones to rebound and have a solid week.

On the flip side, St. Louis has had a coach replacement and has pulled off upsets versus Washington and Dallas. Coach Haslett has inspired the Rams to play. One thing that has not been fixed has been the run defense. Look for Sammy Morris to continue his solid play this week.

*Note from Chad... Sammy Morris left the Patriots-Broncos game with an apparent injury. Keep an eye on his injury status. If he plays, he should do well. Keep an eye on the start-sit thread at our forums. If I change my mind on him, I will post there later in the week.*

Start Them at WR

Dallas is in a tough spot in their defense. Adam Jones is suspended. Terence Newman is injured. Look for Antonio Bryant to put up a good game get him in your lineup.

There are two rookies that should do well this week. Look for DeShaun Jackson of the Eagles and...

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