Week 8 Fantasy Football Projections: Matt Hasselbeck and the Best QB Matchups

When trying to settle on a quarterback to grace the starting position on your fantasy team, the first thing to always consider is the team they are playing against.

There is a big difference between the Patriots defense and that of the Ravens.

Don’t get caught up in recent performances that may not have gone to your liking; go for the best possible matchup.

With that in mind, here are three QBs playing awful pass defenses that will be the perfect fill-in for the bye week:

Matt Hasselbeck vs. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts seem to be the remedy for any struggling QB, and Hasselbeck should be no different. A mere week ago they gave up 325 yards and five TDs, and it could have been even worse.

After two stinkers in a row, Hasselbeck is motivated to get his club back over .500. The loss of Kenny Britt was pretty devastating, but the chemistry with Jared Cook and Nate Washington is improving and when you factor in a strong sense of urgency…the Titans are going to be scoring early and often. Chris Johnson isn’t a threat to steal fantasy points with the way he’s been playing.

Don’t forget that Hasselbeck scored at least 12 fantasy points (ESPN standard leagues) in every single game before last week.

Joe Flacco vs. Arizona Cardinals

Flacco has a history of bouncing back after horrific performances. After losing in Week 2, he had three TD passes by the time the horn sounded on the first quarter. After playing terribly against the Jets in Week 4, he threw for over 300 yards the next game.

The 28^th-ranked Cardinals passing defense is young, undisciplined and banged up.

Not quite the greatest combination.

Expect Flacco to go deep early and often to get the bitter taste of Monday out of his mouth quickly.

Andy Dalton @ Seattle Seahawks

Let’s see here…he’s had two weeks to prepare for Seattle, is without his running back Cedric Benson (suspended) and is going up against a defense that is one of the best in the NFL in stopping the run.

Dalton is going to drop back at least 30 times in this game, and judging by his recent numbers...250 yards and two TDs sounds about right.