NFL Week 8 Preview

Fantasy Football Start Em’ Sit Em

Quarterback Start: Russell Wilson (at NO), Derek Carr (at TB), Jameis Winston (vs. OAK)

Quarterback Sit: Tyrod Taylor (vs. NE), Philip Rivers (at DEN), Blake Bortles (at TEN)

Running Back Start: Matt Forte (at CLE), Jacquizz Rodgers (vs. OAK), Denontae Booker (vs. SD)

Running Back Sit: Jamaal Charles (at IND), Jordan Howard (vs. MIN), Matt Jones (at CIN)

Wide Receiver Start: Ty Montgomery (at ATL), Doug Baldwin (at NO), Will Fuller (vs. DET)

Wide Receive Sit: Alshon Jefferey (vs. MIN), Jordan Matthews (at DAL), Travis Benjamin (at DEN)

Tight End Start: Coby Fleener (vs. SEA), Tyler Eifert (vs. WAS), Vernon Davis (at CIN)

Tight End Sit: Zach Ertz (at DAL), Zach Miller (vs. MIN), Jack Doyle (vs. KC)

Defense/ST Start: Jets (at CLE), Panthers (vs. ARI)

Defense/ST Sit: Bills (vs. NE)

Week 8 Game Picks

Jaguars vs. Titans: The Jaguars have a conundrum on offense. While they have the weapons on paper to do damage, but a combination Blake Bortles inability to get rid of the football quickly and an average at best o-line have led to problems. The Titans have the pass rush to disrupt things for the Jags offense. Marcus Mariota has a problem of his own as he’s prone to fumbling. However, he has a running game to hand it off to and an offensive line that makes it all possible. That’s the reason the Titans will come away with the victory.

Redskins vs. Bengals: Another London game…why? Anyway, Jay Gruden gets a cha ne to coach against his previous employer. Washington already has a few things going against it. First, Josh Norman probably won’t play. That means A.J. Green is set for a huge game. Secondly, their milquetoast offensive approach doesn’t put fear in anyone. Meanwhile, the Bengals will go on the attack with no Norman to defend Green and their o-line will open up the running lanes. The Bengals should take this one.

Cardinals vs. Panthers: This time last year, both of these teams were dominating the NFC en route to a meeting in the NFC Championship Game. Now Carolina is on the brink of a 1-6 start while the Cardinals seek a definitive direction forward. A 1-6 start would be the death blow for the Panthers and Arizona knows it. Cam Newton will struggle against the Cards secondary and the running game will be smothered. Carson Palmer threw 342 yards on the Legion of Boom. So the Panthers pathetic secondary shouldn’t be much trouble. I’m picking the Cardinals to win this one.

Lions vs. Texans: Brock Osweiler’s arrival in Houston hasn’t yielded the desired results for Texans fans, but even he should be able to throw in the Lions short-handed secondary. The real wild card in this game is Matthew Stafford, who will look great and bad in the same game. Without a running game, the Lions will be forced to air it out against the Texans, and that could spell disaster. I’ll give the Texans the nod in this game.

Seahawks vs. Saints: The Saints offense against the Legion of Boom isn’t the what will decide this game. This game will be decided by the Saints defense and their ability (or lack thereof) to contain the Seahawks offense. I expect the Seattle defense to hold the Saints offense to under 25 points and for the Seahawks offense to thrive en route to a victory.

Chiefs vs. Colts: The Colts have improved thanks to better production from their offensive line and defense over the last couple of weeks. The question is how long this can hold up. Only seven teams have surrendered more rushing yards than the Colts and Spencer Ware is fourth in the league in yards from scrimmage. Furthermore, the Chiefs are the more physical team. So I’ll pick the KC to win a close one.

Jets vs. Browns: Is this the week I finally pick the Browns to win? No. Even Ryan Fitzpatrick can’t screw this up.

Patriots vs. Bills: The Bills managed to out scheme the Patriots earlier in the season, but Tom Brady wasn’t playing then. Now he is and the Bills offense is too banged up to produce enough to compete. On top of that, the Bills have only beaten Brady three times in 17 years. So expect the Pats to win the game.

Raiders vs Buccaneers: Since 2015, the Bucs are 3-13 when they lose the turnover battle while Oakland is plus-eight in the same category (tied for second in the league). So turnovers will likely be the major factor in this game. Also, the Raiders offense will get a challenge from the 13th ranked Bucs defense. Meanwhile Jameis Winston has found a bit of a groove with receiver Mike Evans and Jacquizz Rodgers can be a threat. I’m going with the upset and picking the Bucs to win.

Chargers vs. Broncos: These teams played just two weeks ago and both have improved in some aspect since then. The Chargers have seemingly figured out how to win close games. Their 17-point comeback win over the Falcons displayed some of their character. The Broncos defense should have their confidence back after beating up on their old quarterback and Trevor Siemian looked better. Plus, the Broncos will have Gary Kubiak on the sideline this week. One thing person they won’t have is C.J. Anderson. With a hit taken to their depth at running back, I believe this gives the Chargers a window. So long as Philip Rivers can avoid a catastrophic turnover, I believe the Chargers can steal this win and secure a season sweep over Denver.

Packers vs. Falcons: All of a sudden the Falcons have lost two in a row. While they’ve looked impressive this season, it looks like the same mental blunders we saw a season ago. Fortunately for them, the Packers secondary won’t have an answer for Julio Jones. So it’ll be on Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense to respond on offense every time. The Falcons underrated pass rush should come into play and limit the Packers enough for the win.

Eagles vs. Cowboys: A battle of rookie quarterbacks and a battle in the trenches between the Cowboys o-line and the Eagles d-line. Even if the Eagles defensive front can slow down the Cowboys running attack, they’ll still have trouble stopping the pass with their corners. Also, they’ll have problems scoring enough points against a Dallas defense that bends a lot more than it breaks. It’ll be close, but I expect the Cowboys to win this one.

Vikings vs. Bears: With Brian Hoyer out, the reigns of the Bears offense falls back to Jay Cutler. Cutler is healthy now, but we’ll see how long that last against the Vikings defense who loves to beat up quarterbacks like him. Sam Bradford finally had a Sam Bradford style of game, but should bounce back to the side of good production against the Bears defense. The Vikings shouldn't have much trouble winning this one. At least Chicago fans have the World Series.