Fantasy Football Week 8 Sit Em, Start Em: Jonathan Stewart Ready to Eat Some Ram
RB Start: Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers
This recommendation is largely dependent on the status of DeAngelo Williams. If Williams can't go (questionable), Stewart will get his first opportunity to be the full-time ball carrier in 2010. If he does suit up, a decrease in workload can be expected.
Stewart hasn't found much success in his limited work, rushing for 148 yards on the season at three yards per clip.
The Panthers rushing game has bared the burden of the team's non-existent passing attack, with rush lanes few and far between.
Carolina would be well served to play smash mouth football this week against the Rams, a team against which they should be able to control the line of scrimmage. St. Louis struggled to contain a punishing runner in LaGarrete Blount last week and allow 4.6 yards per rush on the year (albeit just two touchdowns).
Stewart got warmed up with 14 carries last week and should be ready to feast with regular touches. Frustrated fantasy owners finally get some return on their investment.
RB Sit: Cedric Benson, Cincinnati Bengals
It seems as if the stars must align perfectly for Benson to produce an explosive fantasy week. While he can always be counted on to "grit" out some yardage, that's about the extent of his fantasy charm. He doesn't break runs (long of 22), doesn't impact the passing game and hasn't reached the end zone since week three, a very familiar theme.
To make matters worse, the Bengals have been forced to throw early because their defense has spotted opponents significant early margins.
The Dolphins rank ninth in the league in rushing yards allowed and halted the Rashard Mendenhall train last week (15-37).
Benson should be in for a long day of stuffing by the Miami line. He reached his apex last season and should no longer be relied upon as a must-start option.
This recommendation is largely dependent on the status of DeAngelo Williams. If Williams can't go (questionable), Stewart will get his first opportunity to be the full-time ball carrier in 2010. If he does suit up, a decrease in workload can be expected.
Stewart hasn't found much success in his limited work, rushing for 148 yards on the season at three yards per clip.
The Panthers rushing game has bared the burden of the team's non-existent passing attack, with rush lanes few and far between.
Carolina would be well served to play smash mouth football this week against the Rams, a team against which they should be able to control the line of scrimmage. St. Louis struggled to contain a punishing runner in LaGarrete Blount last week and allow 4.6 yards per rush on the year (albeit just two touchdowns).
Stewart got warmed up with 14 carries last week and should be ready to feast with regular touches. Frustrated fantasy owners finally get some return on their investment.
RB Sit: Cedric Benson, Cincinnati Bengals
It seems as if the stars must align perfectly for Benson to produce an explosive fantasy week. While he can always be counted on to "grit" out some yardage, that's about the extent of his fantasy charm. He doesn't break runs (long of 22), doesn't impact the passing game and hasn't reached the end zone since week three, a very familiar theme.
To make matters worse, the Bengals have been forced to throw early because their defense has spotted opponents significant early margins.
The Dolphins rank ninth in the league in rushing yards allowed and halted the Rashard Mendenhall train last week (15-37).
Benson should be in for a long day of stuffing by the Miami line. He reached his apex last season and should no longer be relied upon as a must-start option.
QB Start: Jon Kitna, Dallas Cowboys
At 1-5, the Cowboys 2010 is seemingly dead and buried.
In a positive vein, however, backup quarterback Jon Kitna inherits a far less pressurized situation. Perhaps a relaxed Dallas offense will finally spread their wings in week eight.
This is certainly not Kitna's first rodeo, as he's been a resourceful NFL QB for over a decade and a starter for seven seasons.
He's a talented thrower (154 career TD passes) and will be surrounded by more offensive weaponry than any of his prior stops.
It's hard to take much information out of his Monday Night performance against the Giants (16-33, 187 yards, two scores and a lost fumble). His team was in a daze after the injury and his numbers were compiled in comeback mode during garbage time.
Nevertheless, against Jacksonville's 29th rated pass defense that its own Head Coach Jack Del RIo characterized as "embarrassing", he's more than worth a fantasy start in a bye-heavy week.
QB Sit: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo Bills
Straight from the NFL bizarre files, we bring you the case of Mr. Fitzpatrick.
In 27 career games prior to this year Fitzpatrick threw 21 touchdown passes against 27 interceptions.
Yet, somehow, the 28-year old former 7th round draft pick has revitalized the Bills defunct passing game. The Buffalo offense has averaged 26 points per game since he took over in week three. He's thrown at least two TD's in each start and is sporting a 102.2 QB rating. His 382-yard, four TD performance at Baltimore last week was jaw-droppingly shocking.
His matchup this week against Kansas City doesn't look awful on paper, but the Chiefs possess a lot of youthful talent on the defensive side of the ball. Their pass defense allows yardage (244 per game) but doesn't crack (eight TD's).
At the end of the day it comes down to a simple fact: Fitzpatrick is a fringe NFL QB, and his return to equilibrium is inevitable. Yes, any signal caller that can't be out Trent Edwards in training camp is classified as "fringe". Don't get caught up in the hype.
At 1-5, the Cowboys 2010 is seemingly dead and buried.
In a positive vein, however, backup quarterback Jon Kitna inherits a far less pressurized situation. Perhaps a relaxed Dallas offense will finally spread their wings in week eight.
This is certainly not Kitna's first rodeo, as he's been a resourceful NFL QB for over a decade and a starter for seven seasons.
He's a talented thrower (154 career TD passes) and will be surrounded by more offensive weaponry than any of his prior stops.
It's hard to take much information out of his Monday Night performance against the Giants (16-33, 187 yards, two scores and a lost fumble). His team was in a daze after the injury and his numbers were compiled in comeback mode during garbage time.
Nevertheless, against Jacksonville's 29th rated pass defense that its own Head Coach Jack Del RIo characterized as "embarrassing", he's more than worth a fantasy start in a bye-heavy week.
QB Sit: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo Bills
Straight from the NFL bizarre files, we bring you the case of Mr. Fitzpatrick.
In 27 career games prior to this year Fitzpatrick threw 21 touchdown passes against 27 interceptions.
Yet, somehow, the 28-year old former 7th round draft pick has revitalized the Bills defunct passing game. The Buffalo offense has averaged 26 points per game since he took over in week three. He's thrown at least two TD's in each start and is sporting a 102.2 QB rating. His 382-yard, four TD performance at Baltimore last week was jaw-droppingly shocking.
His matchup this week against Kansas City doesn't look awful on paper, but the Chiefs possess a lot of youthful talent on the defensive side of the ball. Their pass defense allows yardage (244 per game) but doesn't crack (eight TD's).
At the end of the day it comes down to a simple fact: Fitzpatrick is a fringe NFL QB, and his return to equilibrium is inevitable. Yes, any signal caller that can't be out Trent Edwards in training camp is classified as "fringe". Don't get caught up in the hype.
WR Start: Pierre Garcon, Indianapolis Colts
The Colts will look to defeat division rival Houston on Monday Night. With losses of Dallas Clark for the season and Austin Collie indefinitely, things are lookin’ good for Colts wide-out Pierre Garcon.
Before the Colts’ week seven bye, Garcon caught four passes for 103 yards and a score in week six. He’ll look to take over the work for the injured Collie and Clark, who are among Peyton’s favorite targets.
Reggie Wayne and Garcon should see a lot of action this week. Houston’s abysmal pass defense will have a difficult time facing the Colts’ top ranked passing game, who are in the top three for almost every passing statistic.
In Manning’s last game against the Texans, he threw for 433 yards while airing out three touchdowns and no interceptions. This year, Houston’s pass defense is ranked 32nd in the NFL, giving up three passing touchdowns to each Eli Manning and Matt Cassel in weeks five and six respectively. All signs are pointing in Manning’s favor come Monday Night in front of a home crowd in Lucas Oil Stadium.
* In Garcon’s career, November is his best month with 336 career receiving yards, and in his only Monday Night appearance, he caught a 48-yard touchdown pass.
WR Sit: Brandon Lloyd, Denver Broncos
Lloyd is the textbook definition of an enigma. He’s always been super talented, but mentally he’s just not there. Players with his skill level don’t get subjugated to special teams unless something is off, and he’s been that guy.
After leading the NFL in receiving yards through five weeks, the downfall is underway. He caught one pass for 46 yards last week and was targeted just three times.
No longer floating under the radar, he's going to have to fight to get open. Opponents have no fear of the Broncos running attack, so that could mean fighting through double teams.
In this league you have to prove yourself over an extended period. Five exceptional weeks doesn't erase years of poor performance.
The Niners allowed 308 passing yards to Matt Moore last week, so it's difficult to have confidence in their secondary to stop anyone. That being said, this is more a play against Brandon Lloyd and Denver's bound to slow down passing game.
Note: Game being played in London.
The Colts will look to defeat division rival Houston on Monday Night. With losses of Dallas Clark for the season and Austin Collie indefinitely, things are lookin’ good for Colts wide-out Pierre Garcon.
Before the Colts’ week seven bye, Garcon caught four passes for 103 yards and a score in week six. He’ll look to take over the work for the injured Collie and Clark, who are among Peyton’s favorite targets.
Reggie Wayne and Garcon should see a lot of action this week. Houston’s abysmal pass defense will have a difficult time facing the Colts’ top ranked passing game, who are in the top three for almost every passing statistic.
In Manning’s last game against the Texans, he threw for 433 yards while airing out three touchdowns and no interceptions. This year, Houston’s pass defense is ranked 32nd in the NFL, giving up three passing touchdowns to each Eli Manning and Matt Cassel in weeks five and six respectively. All signs are pointing in Manning’s favor come Monday Night in front of a home crowd in Lucas Oil Stadium.
* In Garcon’s career, November is his best month with 336 career receiving yards, and in his only Monday Night appearance, he caught a 48-yard touchdown pass.
WR Sit: Brandon Lloyd, Denver Broncos
Lloyd is the textbook definition of an enigma. He’s always been super talented, but mentally he’s just not there. Players with his skill level don’t get subjugated to special teams unless something is off, and he’s been that guy.
After leading the NFL in receiving yards through five weeks, the downfall is underway. He caught one pass for 46 yards last week and was targeted just three times.
No longer floating under the radar, he's going to have to fight to get open. Opponents have no fear of the Broncos running attack, so that could mean fighting through double teams.
In this league you have to prove yourself over an extended period. Five exceptional weeks doesn't erase years of poor performance.
The Niners allowed 308 passing yards to Matt Moore last week, so it's difficult to have confidence in their secondary to stop anyone. That being said, this is more a play against Brandon Lloyd and Denver's bound to slow down passing game.
Note: Game being played in London.
TE Start: Jacob Tamme, Indianapolis Colts
Tamme isn't what you would consider a household name, but he's certainly been a popular waiver wire addition this week.
He's caught only six balls in three seasons, but with Dallas Clark on IR, he's the new man at tight end.
Tamme is a natural receiver who put up proficient pass catching numbers at Kentucky. The Colts have confidence in his ability and believe him to be the eventual predecessor to Clark.
With Indianapolis' receiving core an absolute wreck unit, he should see considerable targets.
Keep in mind that Peyton Manning enhances the skills of everyone around him by 10-15%. With Houston's pass defense exposed on a weekly basis, start Tamme with confidence.
TE Sit: Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers
While "Big Ben" has breathed some life into Miller's fantasy value, he's still not seeing enough traffic. He was targeted four times in week six (2-50 and TD) and three times in week seven (3-33). He's made the most of his chances, but how many will he get?
The Steelers offense seems more infatuated with the big play since Roethlisberger's return, which is not a positive omen for Miller going forward.
The Saints haven’t allowed a touchdown or more than 43 yards to a tight end in the last four weeks. Their secondary has been consistently strong.
Written by Adam Ganeles with the help of Tyler Becker exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com. Check back weekly for Adam's NFL Sit 'Em, Start 'Em
Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Football Advice, Fantasy Football, NFL, Adam Ganeles, Tyler Becker Sit Em, Start Em, Week 8, Jonathan Stewart, Cedric Benson, Jon Kitna, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Pierre Garcon, Brandon Llyod, Jacob Tamme, Heath Miller, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers
Tamme isn't what you would consider a household name, but he's certainly been a popular waiver wire addition this week.
He's caught only six balls in three seasons, but with Dallas Clark on IR, he's the new man at tight end.
Tamme is a natural receiver who put up proficient pass catching numbers at Kentucky. The Colts have confidence in his ability and believe him to be the eventual predecessor to Clark.
With Indianapolis' receiving core an absolute wreck unit, he should see considerable targets.
Keep in mind that Peyton Manning enhances the skills of everyone around him by 10-15%. With Houston's pass defense exposed on a weekly basis, start Tamme with confidence.
TE Sit: Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers
While "Big Ben" has breathed some life into Miller's fantasy value, he's still not seeing enough traffic. He was targeted four times in week six (2-50 and TD) and three times in week seven (3-33). He's made the most of his chances, but how many will he get?
The Steelers offense seems more infatuated with the big play since Roethlisberger's return, which is not a positive omen for Miller going forward.
The Saints haven’t allowed a touchdown or more than 43 yards to a tight end in the last four weeks. Their secondary has been consistently strong.
Written by Adam Ganeles with the help of Tyler Becker exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com. Check back weekly for Adam's NFL Sit 'Em, Start 'Em
Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Football Advice, Fantasy Football, NFL, Adam Ganeles, Tyler Becker Sit Em, Start Em, Week 8, Jonathan Stewart, Cedric Benson, Jon Kitna, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Pierre Garcon, Brandon Llyod, Jacob Tamme, Heath Miller, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Author
