What’s Your Fantasy? Week 8 (2010)
We were all set to bring you a video this week, but referee Gene Steratore ruled that he could not conclude we had gained possession of the camera and nullified the recording.
Officiating gaffes aside, I’m still here to bring you the players to start, bench, and think about for your lineup. With six teams on byes and several key injuries, this is a week where playing the match-ups and scouring the waiver wire for hidden gems is as important as ever. But first, as always, I need to make a quick apology for a bad call.
I’m Sorry…Matt Ryan had his best game of the year after I recommended benching him last week, but hey, my others picks turned out to be good calls for a change.Â
Start ‘Em:Â
Matthew Stafford, QB Lions – Stafford is ready to go after a shoulder injury kept him sidelined for five games, and gets to face off against Redskins, who give up the seventh-most fantasy points to QBs and rank 31st in passing defense. Yes, Washington had four interceptions last week, but what team hasn’t picked off Jay Cutler four times?
Beanie Wells, RB Cardinals – Tampa Bay has allowed at least 100 rushing yards and 16 fantasy points to running backs in five straight games. With Tim Hightower (more like Fumble-tower, hey-yo!) in the doghouse, Wells is a must-start #2RB this week.
Pierre Garcon, WR Colts – Take out Week 4 against the Raiders, when TE Zach Miller caught 11 passes for 122 yards, and the Texans have allowed opposing WRs to gain over 200 yards, two TDs, and 31 fantasy points per gave. With Austin Collie and Dallas Clark out this week, Garcon is a top-10 option (as is, Reggie Wayne, obviously).  Â
Others to start:  Jon Kitna, QB Cowboys (vs. Bills); Jamaal Charles, RB Chiefs (vs. Bills); Santana Moss, WR Redskins (vs. Lions)
Bench ‘Em:
Vince Young, QB Titans- Young should be back in the lineup after sitting out the last game with a knee injury, and does have the un-benchable Kenny Britt at his disposal. But the Chargers have given up the fewest fantasy points to QBs this season, and held Tom Brady to only 159 yards and one TD last week, making Young a very mediocre play.
Cedric Benson, RB Bengals – Benson has scored single-digit fantasy points in four out of six games this season, and goes up against a Dolphins defense that held Rashard Mendenhall to just 37 yards on the ground.  Consider Benson as a low-end #2RB this week, as “The T.Ocho Show” will be airing in Miami.
Lee Evans, WR Bills – Evans is coming off a three-TD week and has 11 catches for 192 yards over the last two games…which means he’s well overdue for a one-catch stinker. This is more of a gut-call, but start him at your own risk against a Chiefs defense that has surprisingly given up the seventh-fewest fantasy points to WRs.
Others to bench:  Sam Bradford, QB Rams (vs. Panthers); Michael Crabtree, WR 49ers (vs. Broncos)
Think About ‘Em:
Tarvaris Jackson, QB Vikings – No, I don’t actually think Brett Favre will sit in his rocking chair on any Sundays this season. But even if the ancient one starts, Jackson could easily spell him at any time in the game and has top-tier talent around him. If you’re in a bind, T-Jack is better bet than the likes of Troy Smith.
Donald Brown and Mike Hart, RB Colts – If Joseph Addai sits out against the Texans, Brown would be a solid #2RB and Hart could merit flex play consideration. Houston has allowed at least one rushing TD in five straight games, and gave up 193 yards on the ground to the Chiefs in Week 7.
James Jones, WR Packers - With Donald Driver still bothered by a quad injury, Jones caught four passes for 107 yards against the Vikings last week.  He’s a high-risk, high-reward #3WR against the Jets, who’ve given up the third-most fantasy points to WRs on the season but have Darrelle Revis back in the lineup.
That’s it for this week. Remember to stop by Third and Long on 35th Street and 3rd Avenue on Sunday, as the Dolphins take on the Cincinnati Bengals in a must-win game. Email your questions to dolfansnyc@gmail.com and all that good stuff. Go Fins!
