Week 8 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Eli Manning and Bankable Second-Tier QBs

If you are struggling from the bye week losses of Matt Ryan, Josh Freeman, Jay Cutler, Mark Sanchez or, in all seriousness, Aaron Rodgers, then you need to play the right quarterback to cover a good chunk of that 30-40 points Rodgers has been getting you.

Here's a few second-tier quarterbacks who may be available, or maybe you drafted them as your backup, but they will be solid plays to keep you competitive without your star.

Eli Manning, New York Giants

Eli Manning was held without a touchdown his last game out.  The Giants got a week of to regroup from a down-to-the-wire home win against the Bills and prior to that a bad home loss to the Seahawks.

Well, they will be home again, and Manning will have his talented trio of receivers ready to go against the lowly Miami Dolphins.  Don't expect the Giants to take the Dolphins lightly at home after losing to Seattle in a seemingly easy home win. 

The emergence of Victor Cruz in the Giants offense has really helped Manning put up solid numbers after losing Kevin Boss and Steve Smith.  I expect Manning to toss multiple touchdowns and over 300 yards against the porous Dolphins pass defense.

Matt Hasselbeck, Tennessee Titans

Matt Hasselbeck was a hot commodity in the fantasy world after four straight good games to start the season.  Then he put up an average performance, which in all actuality was a good one against the Steelers' top-ranked pass defense.

Last week he fell hard though, only passing for 104 yards in a 41-7 loss at home.  Hasselbeck will bounce back in a big way this week in an equally impressive-bounce back win for the Titans.  They face the Colts in Tennessee, and while I agree that the Titans will work on their run game against the Colts' hapless run defense, they will also have a good game passing.

The Colts absolutely collapsed last week, allowing five touchdowns through the air by Drew Brees.  While Hasselbeck is no Brees, he is good for a minimum of two scores.

John Beck. Washington Redskins

John Beck nearly got to 300 yards passing in his first start last week in Carolina.  He only threw for one touchdown, but did manage to run one in for the second straight game. 

He isn't the flashy player, but don't think for a minute the depleted Redskins are giving up on their season at 3-3.  Beck will get his against the Bills' 30th-ranked pass defense.  The Bills could get into a shootout with anyone, except that Chiefs team from seven weeks ago.  Either way, if Beck is the best available through free agency, don't fret, he'll make up for his last of flash with valuable fantasy points.

Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings

In a deeper league, Christian Ponder is a very interesting player.  I think he and fellow rookie quarterback Cam Newton will star in what may be one of this week's best games.  The Panther do sport the No. 12 pass defense in the league, but also give up a lot of points.

Ponder showed his affection for the deep ball last week in his first start, which didn't turn into a great completion percentage. But last time I checked, most leagues don't get negative points for throwing incomplete passes.

The way Ponder went toe-to-toe with the undefeated Packers shows he is out there to win.  While he may be more of a gunslinger right now at this early stage in his career, he should produce if the free-agent cupboard is bare.  I'm thinking about 275 yards and two touchdowns.