Fantasy football Week 8 stat projections
Audibles Podcast: Breaking down streaking teams, from Colts to Jets
We had been predicting for a few weeks in this space that Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell would get back in the end zone for the first time since Week 1. He kept coming through with big yardage games, but for one reason or another the electric second-year back could not hit paydirt. Bell finally broke that scoreless streak in Week 7, scoring on a two-yard touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger in the Steelers' Monday night win.
• MORE FANTASY: Week 8 Waiver Wire | Fact or Fiction | Injury Roundup
Once again, there are just two teams on byes this week. The Giants and 49ers each have their strong fantasy players, but is there anyone the fantasy community really misses this week? In my estimation, the only player on either of these teams that is a must-play every single week is Rashad Jennings. That means that fantasy owners have plenty of options when filling out their lineups this week.
Do you have multiple players at the same position worth starting, but not enough spots to play all of them? Let SI.com's stat projections for Week 8 be your guide.
• Challenge friends and win big in our weekly fantasy football game
San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos
QB: Philip Rivers – 285 pass yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
RB: Branden Oliver – 72 rush yards, 4 receptions, 38 rec yards
WR: Keenan Allen – 6 receptions, 84 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: Eddie Royal – 3 receptions, 37 rec yards
WR: Malcom Floyd – 4 receptions, 70 rec yards
TE: Antonio Gates – 4 receptions, 50 rec yards, 1 TD
K: Nick Novak – 2 PAT, 2 FG
DST: Chargers – 34 points allowed
QB: Peyton Manning – 325 pass yards, 3 TD
RB: Ronnie Hillman – 66 rush yards, 1 TD, 2 receptions, 18 rec yards
WR: Demaryius Thomas – 7 receptions, 115 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: Emmanuel Sanders – 5 receptions, 77 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: Wes Welker – 6 receptions, 62 rec yards, 1 TD
TE: Julius Thomas – 4 receptions, 41 rec yards
K: Brandon McManus – 4 PAT, 2 FG
DST: Broncos – 2 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FR, 20 points allowed
This at least appears like it will be another entertaining Thursday night game, and that’s a good thing. I’ll risk a good portion of my Internet credibility on it and say that this will be entertaining. Allen will finally score for the first time this season, but ultimately, Manning will be too much for the Chargers to handle.
• WERTHEIM: D.J. Fluker completes journey from homelessness to NFL
Detroit Lions at Atlanta Falcons
QB: Matthew Stafford – 274 pass yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
RB: Joique Bell – 75 rush yards, 1 TD, 2 receptions, 13 rec yards
RB: Reggie Bush – 52 rush yards, 4 receptions, 37 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: Golden Tate – 7 receptions, 102 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: Corey Fuller – 3 receptions, 26 rec yards
WR: Jeremy Ross – 4 receptions, 55 rec yards
TE: Eric Ebron – 3 receptions, 34 rec yards
K: Matt Prater – 3 PAT, 2 FG
DST: Lions – 6 sacks, 2 INT, 1 FR, 13 points allowed
QB: Matt Ryan – 284 pass yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
RB: Steven Jackson – 27 rush yards
RB: Jacquizz Rodgers – 12 rush yards, 1 reception, 8 rec yards
RB: Devonta Freeman – 23 rush yards
RB: Antone Smith – 14 rush yards, 2 receptions, 14 rec yards
WR: Julio Jones – 7 receptions, 105 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: Roddy White – 6 receptions, 90 rec yards
WR: Devin Hester – 3 receptions, 45 rec yards
TE: Levine Toilolo – 2 receptions, 12 rec yards
K: Matt Bryant – 1 PAT, 2 FG
DST: Falcons – 1 INT, 27 points allowed
There might not be a worse matchup for the Falcons right now than the Lions. Atlanta's decimated offensive line is not ready to handle the pressure the Lions can bring with just their front four.
• Megatron travels with Lions to London, still not practicing
St. Louis Rams at Kansas City Chiefs
QB: Austin Davis – 225 pass yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RB: Tre Mason – 63 rush yards, 2 receptions, 14 rec yards
RB: Benny Cunningham – 14 rush yards, 3 receptions, 31 rec yards, 1 TD
RB: Zac Stacy – 10 rush yards
WR: Brian Quick – 5 receptions, 73 rec yards
WR: Chris Givens – 3 receptions, 28 rec yards
WR: Kenny Britt – 2 receptions, 15 rec yards
TE: Jared Cook – 5 receptions, 60 rec yards
K: Greg Zuerlein – 1 PAT, 1 FG
DST: Rams – 2 sacks, 30 points allowed
QB: Alex Smith – 268 pass yards, 1 TD, 29 rush yards
RB: Jamaal Charles – 114 rush yards, 2 TD, 3 receptions, 32 rec yards
WR: Dwayne Bowe – 6 receptions, 88 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: A.J. Jenkins – 3 receptions, 41 rec yards
WR: Junior Hemingway – 2 receptions, 19 rec yards
TE: Travis Kelce – 5 receptions, 70 rec yards
K: Cairo Santos – 3 PAT, 3 FG
DST: Chiefs – 2 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FR, 10 points allowed
Tre Mason's takeover of the St. Louis backfield is real, but it might not show up much in this game. This is just a bad matchup for the Rams, who are going to have a lot of trouble stopping Charles. If they fall into a big hole, Mason could get phased out of the gameplan.
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Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans
QB: Ryan Fitzpatrick – 247 pass yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RB: Arian Foster – 97 rush yards, 1 TD, 3 receptions, 22 rec yards
WR: Andre Johnson – 7 receptions, 85 rec yards
WR: DeAndre Hopkins – 4 receptions, 99 rec yards, 1 TD
TE: Garrett Graham – 3 receptions, 25 rec yards
K: Randy Bullock – 2 PAT, 3 FG
DST: Texans – 4 sacks, 3 INT, 13 points allowed
QB: Charlie Whitehurst – 235 pass yards, 1 TD, 3 INT
RB: Bishop Sankey – 64 rush yards, 2 receptions, 10 rec yards
WR: Kendall Wright – 5 receptions, 57 rec yards
WR: Justin Hunter – 2 receptions, 51 rec yards
WR: Nate Washington – 4 receptions, 30 rec yards
TE: Delanie Walker – 6 receptions, 71 rec yards, 1 TD
K: Ryan Succop – 1 PAT, 2 FG
DST: Titans – 2 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FR, 23 points allowed
This just might be the game both of these teams decide to see what they have in their young quarterbacks. At some point, Ryan Mallett and Zach Mettenberger are going to have to play this season, though Mettenberger's chances would take a hit if Jake Locker is able to get back on the field.
• Big Board 2.0: After Mariota, how do the nation's top prospects shake out?
Minnesota Vikings at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
QB: Teddy Bridgewater – 282 pass yards, 2 TD, 1 INT, 14 rush yards
RB: Jerick McKinnon – 87 rush yards, 4 receptions, 45 rec yards, 1 TD
RB: Matt Asiata – 25 rush yards
WR: Greg Jennings – 6 receptions, 88 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: Jarius Wright – 4 receptions, 63 rec yards
WR: Cordarrelle Patterson – 3 receptions, 51 rec yards
TE: Chase Ford – 1 reception, 10 rec yards
K: Blair Walsh – 2 PAT, 2 FG
DST: Vikings – 2 sacks, 1 INT, 21 points allowed
QB: Mike Glennon – 260 pass yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
RB: Doug Martin – 55 rush yards, 1 TD, 2 receptions, 17 rec yards
RB:Bobby Rainey – 15 rush yards, 2 receptions, 12 rec yards
WR: Vincent Jackson – 6 receptions, 101 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: Mike Evans – 5 receptions, 78 rec yards, 1 TD
TE: Austin Seferian-Jenkins – 3 receptions, 39 rec yards
K: Patrick Murray – 3 PAT
DST: Buccaneers – 1 sack, 1 INT, 2 FR, 20 points allowed
We should basically never trust Mike Zimmer again. After the Vikings' first-year coach wanted to get Asiata more touches before last week’s game, McKinnon once again served as the feature back. It definitely makes more football sense, but a little less misdirection next time would be appreciated.
Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers
QB: Russell Wilson – 268 pass yards, 1 TD, 41 rush yards, 1 TD
RB: Marshawn Lynch – 110 rush yards, 2 TD, 3 receptions, 18 rec yards
WR: Doug Baldwin – 7 receptions, 95 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: Jermaine Kearse – 5 receptions, 60 rec yards
WR: Paul Richardson – 3 receptions, 58 rec yards
TE: Cooper Helfet – 3 receptions, 24 rec yards
K: Steven Hauschka – 4 PAT, 1 FG
DST: Seahawks – 2 sacks, 1 INT, 28 points allowed
QB: Cam Newton – 280 pass yards, 2 TD, 1 INT, 47 rush yards, 1 TD
RB: Jonathan Stewart – 33 rush yards, 1 TD, 2 receptions, 11 rec yards
WR: Kelvin Benjamin – 6 receptions, 91 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: Jerricho Cotchery – 3 receptions, 26 rec yards
WR: Jason Avant – 3 receptions, 37 rec yards
TE: Greg Olsen – 8 receptions, 109 rec yards, 1 TD
K: Graham Gano – 4 PAT
DST: Panthers – 1 FR, 31 points allowed
Can the Seahawks get back on track this week? The Panthers definitely present a nice matchup for them, but offense wasn’t the issue for Seattle against the Rams last Sunday. On the other side, Newton can take advantage of the reeling Seattle defense.
• KING: Revisiting the controversial fumble at the end of Rams-Seahawks
Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals
QB: Joe Flacco – 273 pass yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
RB: Justin Forsett – 88 rush yards, 1 TD, 4 receptions, 28 rec yards
RB: Bernard Pierce – 33 rush yards
WR: Steve Smith – 6 receptions, 94 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: Torrey Smith – 4 receptions, 84 rec yards
TE: Owen Daniels – 4 receptions, 55 rec yards, 1 TD
K: Justin Tucker – 3 PAT, 2 FG
DST: Ravens – 3 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FR, 20 points allowed
QB: Andy Dalton – 242 pass yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RB: Giovani Bernard – 63 rush yards, 1 TD, 4 receptions, 35 rec yards
RB: Jeremy Hill – 37 rush yards, 2 receptions, 9 rec yards
WR: Mohamed Sanu – 5 receptions, 81 rec yards
WR: Brandon Tate – 4 receptions, 45 rec yards
TE: Jermaine Gresham – 4 receptions, 32 rec yards, 1 TD
K: Mike Nugent – 2 PAT, 2 FG
DST: Bengals – 3 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FR, 27 points allowed
This game would look a lot different if A.J. Green can suit up for the Bengals. If he can’t go, expect them to figure out a better way to feature Bernard. The Ravens bring a pretty balanced passing attack into this game, and the Bengals have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks.
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Miami Dolphins at Jacksonville Jaguars
QB: Ryan Tannehill – 293 pass yards, 3 TD, 31 rush yards
RB: Lamar Miller – 91 rush yards, 1 TD, 4 receptions, 26 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: Mike Wallace – 7 receptions, 109 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: Jarvis Landry – 4 receptions, 57 rec yards
WR: Brian Hartline – 4 receptions, 38 rec yards
TE: Charles Clay – 5 receptions, 56 rec yards, 1 TD
K: Caleb Sturgis – 4 PAT, 2 FG
DST: Dolphins – 4 sacks, 3 INT, 2 FR, 17 points allowed
QB: Blake Bortles – 242 pass yards, 2 TD, 3 INT
RB: Denard Robinson – 47 rush yards, 2 receptions, 14 rec yards
RB: Storm Johnson – 15 rush yards
WR: Allen Robinson – 5 receptions, 64 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: Cecil Shorts – 5 receptions, 53 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: Allen Hurns – 3 receptions, 48 rec yards
WR: Marqise Lee – 2 receptions, 21 rec yards
TE: Clay Harbor – 4 receptions, 39 rec yards
K: Josh Scobee – 2 PAT, 1 FG
DST: Jaguars – 34 points allowed
The Dolphins are coming off a very impressive win in Chicago last week and get the hapless Jaguars in Jacksonville. There could be some fireworks from Ryan Tannehill and Lamar Miller in this one. Denard Robinson will likely find life against the Dolphins a lot tougher than it was against the Browns.
• Fantasy Fast Forward: It's Denard Robinson's time to run in Jacksonville
Chicago Bears at New England Patriots
QB: Jay Cutler – 280 pass yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RB: Matt Forte – 102 rush yards, 2 TD, 5 receptions, 41 rec yards
WR: Brandon Marshall – 6 receptions, 84 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: Alshon Jeffery – 5 receptions, 101 rec yards
TE: Martellus Bennett – 4 receptions, 51 rec yards
K: Robbie Gould – 3 PAT, 1 FG
DST: Bears – 3 sacks, 1 FR, 27 points allowed
QB: Tom Brady – 319 pass yards, 3 TD
RB: Shane Vereen – 27 rush yards, 5 receptions, 62 rec yards, 1 TD
RB: Jonas Gray – 55 rush yards
RB: Brandon Bolden – 11 rush yards
WR: Julian Edelman – 6 receptions, 79 rec yards
WR: Brandon LaFell – 3 receptions, 41 rec yards
WR: Danny Amendola – 2 receptions, 22 rec yards
TE: Rob Gronkowski – 7 receptions, 96 rec yards, 2 TD
K: Stephen Gostkowski – 3 PAT, 2 FG
DST: Patriots – 3 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FR, 24 points allowed
The Bears’ offense embarrassed itself against the Dolphins last week, and a lot of that stemmed from Forte getting just two carries in the first half. Expect them to go in the opposite direction this week. Still, with the linebackers hurting, Brady and Gronkowski should be able to take advantage.
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Buffalo Bills at New York Jets
QB: Kyle Orton – 274 pass yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
RB: Bryce Brown – 34 rush yards, 2 receptions, 14 rec yards
RB: Anthony Dixon – 26 rush yards, 2 receptions, 11 rec yards
WR: Sammy Watkins – 6 receptions, 93 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: Robert Woods – 4 receptions, 62 rec yards, 1 TD
TE: Scott Chandler – 4 receptions, 48 rec yards
K: Dan Carpenter – 2 PAT, 3 FG
DST: Bills – 3 sacks, 2 INT, 1 FR, 16 points allowed
QB: Geno Smith – 247 pass yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
RB: Chris Ivory – 52 rush yards, 2 receptions, 17 rec yards
RB: Chris Johnson – 27 rush yards, 3 receptions, 14 rec yards
WR: Eric Decker – 6 receptions, 78 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: Percy Harvin – 4 receptions, 59 rec yards
WR: Jeremy Kerley – 3 receptions, 25 rec yards
TE: Jace Amaro – 2 receptions, 24 rec yards
TE: Jeff Cumberland – 1 reception, 7 rec yards
K: Nick Folk – 1 PAT, 3 FG
DST: Jets – 2 sacks, 1 INT, 23 points allowed
If someone told you two months ago that one of these teams would be a legitimate playoff contender, you likely would not have guessed that the Bills would be the team in question. But they are, and the Orton-to-Watkins connection can have a big day against the Jets' weak pass defense.
• FARRAR: Break It Down: What can the Jets expect from Percy Harvin?
Philadelphia Eagles at Arizona Cardinals
QB: Nick Foles – 277 pass yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
RB: LeSean McCoy – 88 rush yards, 1 TD, 3 receptions, 27 rec yards, 1 TD
RB: Darren Sproles – 14 rush yards, 3 receptions, 20 rec yards
WR: Jeremy Maclin – 5 receptions, 75 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: Riley Cooper – 4 receptions, 39 rec yards
WR: Jordan Matthews – 4 receptions, 44 rec yards
TE: Zach Ertz – 5 receptions, 60 rec yards
K: Cody Parkey – 3 PAT, 1 FG
DST: Eagles – 2 sacks, 1 INT, 28 points allowed
QB: Carson Palmer – 305 pass yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
RB: Andre Ellington – 74 rush yards, 1 TD, 3 receptions, 31 rec yards
RB: Stepfan Taylor – 35 rush yards, 2 receptions, 15 rec yards
WR: Michael Floyd – 5 receptions, 112 rec yards, 2 TD
WR: Larry Fitzgerald – 7 receptions, 98 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: John Brown – 3 receptions, 32 rec yards
TE: John Carlson – 2 receptions, 14 rec yards
K: Chandler Catanzaro – 4 PAT
DST: Cardinals – 3 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FR, 24 points allowed
Palmer has two games under his belt since coming back from a shoulder injury and now gets a great matchup with the Eagles. Expect him to take advantage. This is a huge game in the NFC, as it could serve as a wild-card tiebreaker. This could also be the game in which McCoy finally puts together a top-tier performance.
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Oakland Raiders at Cleveland Browns
QB: Derek Carr – 268 pass yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
RB: Darren McFadden – 106 rush yards, 1 TD, 2 receptions, 15 rec yards
RB: Maurice Jones-Drew – 42 rush yards
WR: Andre Holmes – 5 receptions, 82 rec yards
WR: James Jones – 5 receptions, 71 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: Denarius Moore – 3 receptions, 31 rec yards
TE: Mychal Rivera – 2 receptions, 15 rec yards
K: Sebastian Janikowski – 2 PAT, 1 FG
DST: Raiders – 2 sacks, 1 INT, 20 points allowed
QB: Brian Hoyer – 275 pass yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RB: Ben Tate – 85 rush yards, 1 TD, 3 receptions, 19 rec yards
RB: Isaiah Crowell – 47 rush yards, 2 receptions, 23 rec yards
WR: Andrew Hawkins – 5 receptions, 63 rec yards
WR: Miles Austin – 3 receptions, 34 rec yards
WR: Taylor Gabriel – 3 receptions, 38 rec yards
TE: Jordan Cameron – 6 receptions, 90 rec yards, 1 TD
K: Billy Cundiff – 2 PAT, 2 FG
DST: Browns – 3 sacks, 2 INT, 17 points allowed
Why is this a 4:25 ET kickoff? Does anyone know? It’s pretty safe to say which of the three late games will get the worst Sunday Ticket ratings.
Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers
QB: Andrew Luck – 330 pass yards, 3 TD, 1 INT, 16 rush yards
RB: Ahmad Bradshaw – 58 rush yards, 4 receptions, 33 rec yards, 1 TD
RB: Trent Richardson – 47 rush yards, 2 receptions, 13 rec yards
WR: T.Y. Hilton – 6 receptions, 100 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: Reggie Wayne – 6 receptions, 83 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: Hakeem Nicks – 2 receptions, 17 rec yards
WR: Dwayne Allen – 4 receptions, 50 rec yards
TE: Coby Fleener – 2 receptions, 20 rec yards
K: Adam Vinatieri – 3 PAT, 3 FG
DST: Colts – 1 sack, 1 INT, 27 points allowed
QB: Ben Roethlisberger – 281 pass yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
RB: Le’Veon Bell – 71 rush yards, 1 TD, 5 receptions, 57 rec yards, 1 TD
RB: LeGarrette Blount – 27 rush yards
WR: Antonio Brown – 7 receptions, 101 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: Markus Wheaton – 4 receptions, 55 rec yards
WR: Martavis Bryant – 3 receptions, 38 rec yards
TE: Heath Miller – 3 receptions, 31 rec yards
K: Shaun Suisham – 3 PAT, 2 FG
DST: Steelers – 1 INT, 30 points allowed
Luck has thrown for at least 300 yards in six games this year and at least 340 yards five times. Don’t expect the Steelers to hold him down on Sunday. At the same time, the Le’Veon Bell/Antonio Brown duo is the best running back/receiver combo in the league. They should both have big games against the Colts.
• FARRAR: Steelers show defiance in wild comeback win over Texans
Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints
QB: Aaron Rodgers – 335 pass yards, 3 TD, 12 rush yards
RB: Eddie Lacy – 68 rush yards, 2 receptions, 13 rec yards
RB: James Starks – 32 rush yards, 1 reception, 7 rec yards
WR: Jordy Nelson – 8 receptions, 125 rec yards, 2 TD
WR: Randall Cobb – 5 receptions, 105 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: Davante Adams – 3 receptions, 43 rec yards
TE: Andrew Quarless – 3 receptions, 32 rec yards
K: Mason Crosby – 3 PAT, 3 FG
DST: Packers – 3 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FR, 24 points allowed
QB: Drew Brees – 306 pass yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
RB: Mark Ingram – 60 rush yards, 1 TD
RB: Khiry Robinson – 21 rush yards
RB: Travaris Cadet – 10 rush yards, 4 receptions, 42 rec yards
WR: Marques Colston – 5 receptions, 83 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: Brandin Cooks – 5 receptions, 53 rec yards
WR: Kenny Stills – 4 receptions, 50 rec yards
TE: Jimmy Graham – 4 receptions, 67 rec yards, 1 TD
K: Shayne Graham – 3 PAT, 1 FG
DST: Saints – 1 sack, 1 FR, 30 points allowed
This game looked so much more interesting during the preseason, but the reeling Saints are desperate to get a win over what very well might be the best team in the league. Rodgers isn’t going to let that happen.
• BENOIT: Sorry, Cowboys: Green Bay is the best team in the NFC
Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys
QB: Colt McCoy – 224 pass yards, 1 TD, 3 INT
RB: Alfred Morris – 47 rush yards, 2 receptions
RB: Roy Helu – 21 rush yards, 4 receptions, 26 rec yards
WR: DeSean Jackson – 3 receptions, 71 rec yards
WR: Pierre Garcon – 5 receptions, 47 rec yards
WR: Andre Roberts – 3 receptions, 20 rec yards
TE: Jordan Reed – 4 receptions, 52 rec yards, 1 TD
TE: Niles Paul – 1 reception, 8 rec yards
K: Kai Forbath – 1 PAT, 1 FG
DST: Redskins – 1 sack, 34 points allowed
QB: Tony Romo – 290 pass yards, 2 TD
RB: DeMarco Murray – 124 rush yards, 2 TD, 2 receptions, 14 rec yards
WR: Dez Bryant – 8 receptions, 110 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: Terrance Williams – 3 receptions, 62 rec yards, 1 TD
WR: Cole Beasley – 2 receptions, 23 rec yards
TE: Jason Witten – 4 receptions, 40 rec yards
TE: Gavin Escobar – 2 receptions, 21 rec yards
K: Dan Bailey – 4 PAT, 2 FG
DST: Cowboys – 4 sacks, 3 INT, 2 FR, 10 points allowed
Colt McCoy has undeniably had some monster performances in the state of Texas in his life. This will not be one of them. Expect the DeMarco Murray train to keep on rolling against Washington.
