We step into week 8 with some more major injuries (Arian Foster, anyone?) and some really poor QB play that has called into question a lot of previously assumed starters like Peyton Manning. As always, we're here to make some suggestions for pickups to improve your team's current lineup. Remember, you should always be improving your fantasy football team throughout the season however you can, whether through trade or the waiver wire. This week is no different.
Quarterbacks
Ryan Fitzpatrick, NYJ – Since the Jets' week 5 bye, Ryan Fitzpatrick has been a great streaming option at QB during the bye weeks. Four touchdowns and only one interception have led Fitzpatrick to two 20+ point weeks. Next week the Jets have a good match-up against the Raiders. The Oakland pass defense ranks last in yards per game this season. Fitzpatrick is another good streaming option in week 8 and is only owned in 28% of leagues.
Running Backs
Darren McFadden, DAL – The Cowboys have been dealing with injuries all year; Tony Romo, Dez Bryant and the most recent being Joseph Randle. Darren McFadden stepped in against the Giants in week 7. He racked up 152 rushing yards on 29 carries and a trip to the end zone. Hot pick Christine Michael only saw 5 attempts for 18 yards. McFadden will have the starting job until he proves otherwise. He is available in 64% of fantasy leagues.
Alfred Blue, HOU – In the lone game that the Texans leaned on Alfred Blue this season, he performed well. That was back in week 3 when Blue had 31 attempts for 139 yards and a touchdown. Arian Foster is out for the year with his torn achilles. Blue is the favorite to get the start in week 8. He’ll be a quick pick off the waiver wire this week so prioritize him high. He’s only owned in 17% of leagues.
Wide Receivers
Danny Amendola, NE – The Patriots look to be the lone juggernaut in the NFL to this point. Tom Brady continues to impress despite his age, and as always he makes everyone around him better. Recently Danny Amendola has capitalized on his opportunities. Over the last two weeks, Amendola has 191 yards and 1 touchdown. More important are his 18 targets (9 in each game) of which he has caught 15. That kind of catch percentage is only going to earn Brady’s trust. He’s available in 87% of leagues.
Marvin Jones, CIN – Cincinnati is coming off their week 7 bye with a juicy match-up against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Leading up to their bye Marvin Jones had his best game of the season, catching 9 of 12 for 95 yards and a touchdown. He was a sleeper pick heading into the season and continues to have a high ceiling in this offense. I like the match-up in week 8 against the Steelers. Willie Snead and Michael Floyd owners might want to swap out now for better depth.
Tight Ends
Eric Ebron, DET – At 6’5” 255, Eric Ebron is a great target for Matt Stafford. He has yet to really “break out” but if you are streaming tight ends you will want to look to Ebron in week 8. He gained a lot of trust last week catching all 5 of his targets for 89 yards and scoring his third touchdown of the season. Tight ends have been hard to come by this season, so roll with the hot hand. I also like him a lot in week 8 DFS line ups. He is available in 77% of leagues.
Kickers
Blair Walsh, MIN – Hey everyone, Minnesota is 4-2 and in second place in the NFC North. The way the Bears and Lions have played the latter is not too impressive, but they are continuing to show signs of improvement and Blair Walsh is a good streaming kicker to take advantage of. Last week Walsh had 20 points against Detroit. This week he has a good match-up as Minnesota should be able to move the ball well against the Chicago Bears.
Defense/Special Teams
Green Bay Packers – They are owned in 73% of leagues, but the team to pick from this week goes against my morals (Editor's Note: Bears fan). The Packers have a great match up against the Broncos in week 8. Aaron Rodgers will be tested against one of the best defenses of the season, but he is too good to not find the holes. Peyton Manning will be forced to actually make plays in this one. I am willing to bet this leads to more mistakes that the Green Bay defense will capitalize on.
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