Fantasy Football Week 8 Projections: 6 TD Machines You Must Start

It's Week 8 of the 2011 fantasy football campaign, which means we've crossed the halfway point and are nearing the stretch run, making every week's games that much more important for teams fighting for a playoff spot and causing each fantasy lineup decision to become that much more important.

To assist fantasy owners in getting a much-needed win in Semana Ocho, here's a look at half a dozen players with a better than average shot at finding paydirt this week who should merit serious consideration for inclusion in fantasy lineups.

1. Ben Roethlisberger: QB, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. NE)

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is off to yet another solid start in his eighth season in the National Football League, averaging over 275 passing yards a game and throwing 12 touchdown passes against only six interceptions through seven weeks.

"Big Ben" could be in for a big day in the Steelers' showdown with the New England Patriots Sunday, as the game should feature loads of offense and the Patriots have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game this season to opposing signal-callers.

2. Chris Johnson: RB, Tennessee Titans (vs. IND)

After a nasty contract dispute and holdout eliminated much of his already abbreviated offseason, running back Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans has been a major disappointment to this point in the season, averaging a paltry 2.9 yards per carry and crossing the 100-yard rushing mark only once this year.

If there was ever a week for the fourth-year veteran to get it together, this would appear to be it, as the Titans face an Indianapolis Colts team that ranks 31st in the NFL in run defense and is the fourth friendliest fantasy matchup for opposing ball carriers this year.

3. DeMarco Murray: RB, Dallas Cowboys (at PHI)

Rookie running back DeMarco Murray made the most of his most extensive action of the 2011 season and then some a week ago, gashing the St. Louis Rams for an eye-popping 253 yards on 25 carries and scoring his first National Football League touchdown.

It's not realistic to expect Murray to post those sorts of numbers on a weekly basis, but after Tashard Choice's surprising release Saturday and with Felix Jones still hobbled by injury, Murray's a good bet to notch his second score Sunday night against a Philadelphia Eagles team that has allowed the most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs.

4. Anquan Boldin: WR, Baltimore Ravens (vs. ARI)

Wide receiver Anquan Boldin of the Baltimore Ravens hasn't posted the sort of statistics in the Monument City that he did as a member of the Arizona Cardinals, gaining only 837 receiving yards in his first full season in Baltimore and topping the 100-yard mark in a game only once so far this year.

The ninth-year pro could be in for his best game of the 2011 season this week when the Ravens square off against his old team, as the Arizona Cardinals have surrendered the fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts this season.

5. Emmanuel Sanders: WR, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. NE)

It's been a relatively quiet second season in the NFL for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, with the former Southern Methodist University standout managing only 13 receptions for 173 yards and two scores to this point.

That could be set to change this week against a New England Patriots defense that has been the most favorable fantasy matchup for opposing wide receivers this season.

Veteran wide receiver Hines Ward missed practice all week with an ankle injury and is unlikely to play, meaning an increased role and targets for Sanders.

6. Jake Ballard: TE, New York Giants

Jake Ballard has carved out a nice role for himself in the New York Giants aerial attack of late, as the rookie tight end from Ohio State has reeled in eight receptions for 153 yards and a touchdown over his past two contests.

There's ample reason to believe that hot streak will continue this week when the Giants face the winless Miami Dolphins, who have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game in the league to opposing tight ends this season.