Week 8 Waiver Wire: LaRod Stephens-Howling and Other Flukes to Pass on

This far into the NFL season, you would think that there wouldn't be any secrets left in fantasy football.

Then a guy like DeMarco Murray rushes for a Dallas Cowboys franchise-record 253 rushing yards. You kinda knew he was going to blow up because he was facing the St. Louis Rams and their despicable rush defense, but even then...

The point is that surprises get revealed every week. If you're lucky enough, you'll be able to get one on the waiver wire.

And if you're smart enough, you'll know which surprises to avoid. This week, that means avoiding the three guys listed below.

LaRod Stephens-Howling, RB, Arizona Cardinals

Heading into Sunday's contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cardinals running back LaRod Stephens-Howling had done a whole lot of nothing this season.

The next thing you knew, Stephens-Howling was on the receiving end of a 73-yard touchdown reception. He added another catch for a mere three yards, but he ended Sunday as one of the top scoring running backs in fantasy.

Now, it has been a longstanding belief of mine that picking up guys who get points on big rushes or big receptions is the last thing you want to do. Sure, they make stat lines look pretty, but the odds of them happening again are slim. Consistent points come from consistent touches, not from big plays.

So if you can dig what I'm saying, I'd let Stephens-Howling be.

Michael Jenkins, WR, Minnesota Vikings

If we learned one thing from the Vikings' loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, it's that Christian Ponder isn't all that bad. As such, maybe it's safe to own a Vikings wide receiver.

Of the bunch, Michael Jenkins had the best day on Sunday. The former Atlanta Falcons great had three catches for 111 yards and a touchdown.

However, one of those catches went for 72 yards, which means I have to get out my tried and true rule once again. While it's true that Jenkins has had some decent games this season, there's not enough on his resume to suggest that he can produce week in and week out.

Besides, do you trust Ponder to get the ball to Jenkins based on just one performance?

Before you answer, just remember that we're talking about a performance that came against one of the league's worst pass defenses.

Dezmon Briscoe, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Credit where credit is due, Dezmon Briscoe does seem to be establishing his place within Tampa Bay's offense. He had two catches in each of the two games preceding Tampa's tilt with the Bears, and then exploded for six catches for 73 yards and a touchdown.

Because Briscoe didn't get the bulk of his yards on a single catch, my rule doesn't apply. However, the one thing to keep in mind is that Josh Freeman threw 51 passes on Sunday, and that is not the norm. The Bucs didn't have a running game after Earnest Graham got hurt, and that led to a lot of extra work for Freeman.

The good news is that LeGarrette Blount should return for the Bucs after their Week 8 bye. When he does, Tampa's offense will go back to being its regular self. By extension, that will mean fewer chances for Briscoe.