Fantasy Football Rankings Week 8: Mike Wallace and Most Dependable WR Plays

Let's get one thing clear immediately. I am not suggesting that these are great sleepers. I highly doubt that any of these receivers are available in your leagues.

But even with stars, there are some weeks where they are best left on the bench, especially at a position like receiver. That's not the case here.

These receivers are stars and are going to play like them. If your opponent has them on the roster, but on the bench, don't inform said opponent until after the rosters lock on Sunday.

Mike Wallace

Wallace has been a slightly less valuable PPR option over the last few weeks, catching only five combined passes. Still, he's a big yardage guy, having never been held below 76 yards this season.

Against the Patriots defense, it's not likely that production is going to go down this week. He's a big-play machine, who's reliable for at least one touchdown.

On top of that, I also have the Patriots winning this game. That means that the Steelers will be throwing deep a lot. That's where Wallace is a pretty good option.

If I am wrong and the Steelers win, or are at least playing from ahead, it will be because of Wallace. Either way you slice it, Wallace is a great play this week. There might be some matchups where he's not, but none that I can immediately think of.

Steve Smith

The emergence of Cam Newton has given Smith a nice career renaissance. He leads the NFL in receiving and could possibly even go over 1,000 yards on the season after this week. I am not predicting a 2,000-yard season, but he's not far from that pace right now.

I can't say that I have a lot of confidence in the Minnesota defense. I see a huge yardage day from Cam Newton, and Smith will be his primary target.

A 100-yard day from Smith seems in the cards.

Calvin Johnson

No, I didn't forget about him. Johnson is the best receiver in the league, and the Broncos' pass defense isn't exactly elite.

I know that Champ Bailey is still going relatively strong, but I can't see him shutting down the game's best receiver.

Even though the 49ers and Falcons defenses did a great job against the Lions, Johnson still found a way to put up big fantasy numbers.