Week 8 Start 'Em Sit 'Em: Eli Manning and 5 Players Who Are Must-Starts

It is obvious to say that guys like Tom Brady and Adrian Peterson need to be in your starting lineup, but what about guys like Jackie Battle and A.J. Green?

Some players go under the radar far too often and are primed for huge games in Week 8.

DeMarco Murray burst onto the scene last week, and has the chance to push Felix Jones farther from Cowboys fans' thoughts this week against the rival Eagles.

Guys on this list may not all be worth a start on a consistent basis, but their matchups this week look favorable.

Here are five players to start in Week 8.

5. Jackie Battle

The Kansas City backfield has been a fantasy obstacle to avoid for much of the season.

Without Jamaal Charles, the Chiefs have split carries between Jackie Battle, Dexter McCluster and Thomas Jones.

Last week against the Raiders, Battle may have separated himself from the pack.

Battle had 16 carries for 76 yards in the Chiefs' 28-0 win.

Jones had just 19 yards and McCluster only had 10 carries.

For owners with running backs on bye weeks, Battle could be a good replacement this week against the San Diego Chargers.

4. Chris Johnson

Chris Johnson has been absolutely terrible this season.

If he is on your team, then you have likely been clinging to hopes of him rekindling his glory of seasons prior.

This might just be your week because he gets to play the Indianapolis Colts.

This season, nothing can jump-start an offense like playing the Colts. Just ask New Orleans.

Last week Johnson averaged only three yards per carry. He should fare much better against an Indianapolis defensive line that is built to stop the pass.

If Johnson again struggles, then it is time to cut ties with him altogether.

3. DeMarco Murray

For the few fantasy owners smart enough to start DeMarco Murray last week, they were treated to over 250 yards and a touchdown.

Not bad for a spot starter.

This week, the secret is out, but Murray can still be productive. Just don't expect another 250 yards.

Playing the Eagles' defense has been a mixed bag all season for opposing teams, but their rush defense, and especially their linebacker core, are average at best.

Head coach Jason Garrett will make sure Murray gets plenty of hand-offs and chances to make plays.

There is always the chance that Murray was a one-hit wonder, but he is definitely worth a start this week.

2. A.J. Green

For all of Seattle's shortcomings, they are actually pretty stout against the run, and Cedric Benson is already suspended.

Subsequently, Andy Dalton and A.J. Green will be hooking up early and often this week against the Seahawks.

Green has touchdowns in each of the Bengals last two games, and has scored in four out of six games this season.

His yardage is not always impressive, but who cares as long as he keeps finding the end zone?

1. Eli Manning

Eli Manning is so inconsistent that it has to scare most fantasy owners.

But this week, fear not, because the Giants are playing the hapless Dolphins.

Manning and the Giants are coming off a bye, and should be well-rested for their game against Miami.

If Tim Tebow can torch the Dolphins (at least in the last five minutes), then Manning should, at the bare minimum, put up respectable fantasy numbers.

The Dolphins' rush defense is decent, which should limit Ahmad Bradshaw's touches.

If ever there was a week to start the Giants quarterback, this is it.