Fantasy Football: Week 8, Make it or Break it
Week 8 in fantasy football season is kind of like a make-it-or-break-it week. If you haven’t won more than a few games by now, you’re probably not going to the playoffs. But, never say never. Sometimes the world of fantasy football can surprise you. Players get injured and sleepers emerge.
Coaches get fired and quarterbacks are replaced. Waiver wires are your best friend right about now, so don’t sleep on those pickups! Here are some of our favorite surprises and busts from Week 7, and our predictions for standout performances in Week 8.
Surprises:
Sammy Watkins, Buffalo Bills (WR)-
Watkins set career-highs with nine catches on 14 targets for 122 yards and two touchdowns during Sunday’s 17-16 win over the Vikings. In Week 6 Watkins was held to just two catches , while in Week 7 made Watkins the hero of the game, as he scored the winning touchdown with a two yard score in the fourth quarter to win the game. He has a great opportunity in Week 8 against the Jets, who have allowed eight touchdowns to opposing receivers.
Denard Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars (RB)-
Robinson had a break-out game Browns in Week 7 with 22 carries for 127 yards and a touchdown. It was his first double-digit fantasy score this season. Unfortunately, Robinson’s value decreases in Week 8, as he suits up against a tough Miami Dolphins defense. The Dolphins have allowed a mere 3.8 yards per carry.
Busts:
Brian Hoyer, Cleveland Browns (QB)-
Negative fantasy points. Against the Jacksonville Jaguars. What should have been a favorable match-up against the worst team in the NFL turned out to be a bust if I’ve ever seen one. Completing just 16 of 41 passes with no touchdowns. He was also intercepted once and lost a fumble. While Hoyer has another favorable match-up against the struggling Oakland Raiders in Week 8, fantasy owners beware!
Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints (TE)-
No doubt cheers of joy were heard across fantasy football land when Jimmy Graham was pronounced active in Week 7. Many fantasy football owners used a first or second round pick on the number one tight end. The joy owners felt was short lived, as Graham was only in the game for about 40 percent of snaps and was targeted only twice. Week 8 is not looking any prettier for Graham: A home game against the Green Bay Packers ranked in the top-five in fewest passing-yards allowed this season.
Predictions:
Shane Vereen, New England (RB)-
Shane Vereen dominated in Week 7 over the Jets. He led the Patriots running backs in snaps and touches, finishing with 11 carries for 43 yards and five catches for 71 yards and two touchdowns. His fantasy point total was reaching for 30. Week 8 may prove to be another demonstration of Vereen’s skills, as the Chicago Bears’ run-defense performed quite poorly last week.
Owen Daniels, Baltimore Ravens (TE)-
The Ravens go up against a Bengals defense that has allowed the MOST points to opposing tight ends this season. Owen Daniels is coming off his best game this season after replacing Dennis Pitta. With six catches for 58 yards and a touchdown against Atlanta, he should continue his performance against the Bengals as long as his knee doesn’t continue to give him trouble.
