Fantasy Football Rankings Week 8: Adrian Peterson and Top Projected Scorers

Adrian Peterson has had a few down weeks this season, but he has a favorable matchup and a new quarterback to help his cause.

Drew Brees is playing the Rams.

Frank Gore is playing the Browns. 

And Steve Smith (of Carolina colors) is playing the porous Vikings secondary.

That's not all either.

Here are some of the top projected scorers for Week 8.

Adrian Peterson

It is no coincidence that AP is coming off his best game of the season, against the defending Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers no less, with Christian Ponder under center.

The rookie quarterback sparked life into an ugly offense and will continue to do so.

The Vikings take on the Panthers this week in Carolina. The same Carolina team that is ranked 29th in the league against the run and has given up a league-high nine rushing touchdowns.

Drew Brees

The Saints' signal caller but on quite a show last week for all to see. That won't stop in Week 8.

New Orleans travels to St. Louis to take on a defense that is 32nd in the league against the run, but has given up the second most passing touchdowns in the league.

Don't expect the Saints or Brees to show any mercy and he could have three to four touchdowns in the first half alone.

Frank Gore

The 49ers running back has been on a tear since the start of October. He's rushed for over 100 yards in three straight games and scored a touchdown in each.

He's averaging five yards per carry, still catching at least two balls per game out of the backfield and is playing a mediocre run defense.

Gore also has the fortunate circumstance of playing at home. In Cleveland's trip to the Bay Area two weeks ago the Raiders ripped their run defense for 151 yards and one touchdown.

Steve Smith

The Carolina Panthers are playing good football at home. They are only two and two, but their two losses came at the hands of the Packers and Saints (two of the league's top five teams).

Steve Smith has been rejuvenated with Cam Newton under center and is off to a raucous start. He's averaging a ridiculous 21 yards per catch and takes on a Vikings secondary that gives up the third most passing yards in the league.

They have also given up 11 touchdowns through the air.

Carolina won't be able to run against the Vikings, but they'll throw all day long.

Calvin Johnson

The Lions are expected to be without running back Jahvid Best this week against the Broncos. That means the Lions are going to have to "Hail Megatron" all game long.

The Broncos is average against both the run and pass this season but Calvin Johnson is playing on another level.

Detroit has also lost two straight games.

Calvin has gone over 100 yards in each of those contests, but they need to use him even more. He is easily their best player and Matthew Stafford, who's battling an injury but is expected to play, will need to lean on his top playmaker.

Veteran cornerback Champ Bailey is one of the best to ever play the position, but he can't keep up with Johnson anymore.