Chris Vadney gives an idea of which players to pick up should you find yourself in a tight spot.
Two of the top three running backs and the top wideout are on bye this week so there is plenty of room for fill-ins. Each player I recommend is available in around 50 percent of leagues, so they could be available to you.
Quarterback
Sam Bradford (STL) versus New England
Bradford has been decent this year regardless of the fact that he doesn’t have a decent receiver. He is in the top 20 among quarterbacks and against the Pats’ 28th-ranked defense against quarterbacks, I think he has a realistic shot at 15-20 FP.
Brandon Weeden (CLE) versus San Diego
Weeden has produced three consecutive weeks over 15 FP and San Diego owns the 25th-ranked defense against quarterbacks. If you take away his four-interception week-one performance, he is averaging 14.6 FP per game—as many as Ryan Fitzpatrick, the 10th-ranked quarterback. I think he should be a safe bet to score between 13-17 FP.
Running Back
Rashad Jennings (JAC) at Green Bay
This is a little bit of a cop-out pick considering it looks like Maurice Jones-Drew will be out for a few weeks, but he is widely available. Green Bay has an average-at-best defense and Jennings is the only discernible offensive option on the Jaguars. He should crack double digits this week.
Vick Ballard (IND) at Tennessee
Tennessee has a terrible defense. That is pretty much the extent of the analysis needed to justify giving Ballard a start if you need a replacement. Last week, against Cleveland, he got 21 touches and he will likely get a similar amount this week. He should get between 8-12 FP.
Wide Receiver
Randall Cobb (GB) versus Jacksonville
The Jaguars actually have an average pass defense but Cobb has figured out the wide receiver position as of late. He catches an astonishing 86 percent of his targeted passes! That leads the league by a whopping five percent. Aaron Rodgers looks like his old self and I anticipate 10-14 FP from Cobb.
Brandon Stokley (DEN) versus New Orleans
New Orleans simply has one of the worst pass defenses in recent memory. Stokley has proven to have chemistry with Peyton Manning which is shown by the fact that Stokley is tied for the team lead in touchdowns with three. He will have to catch a touchdown pass for this to pay off but I think he will and score 8-10 FP.
Tight End
Dustin Keller (NYJ) versus Miami
Keller played his first game this season at full health against the Patriots last week and came out of it with 15 FP. Being the second option in a terrible offense seems like it will pay dividends for Keller. If the Jets plan on saving their season, Keller will be a big part of it. This week I think he is worth 10-12 FP.
Coby Fleener (IND) at Tennessee
I have been calling a big game for Fleener for weeks now without results. I am sticking with him again this week because the Titans are the worst in the NFL against the tight end. Andrew Luck will find Fleener eventually and this week is the best opportunity. I expect 8-12 FP from Fleener.
Kicker
Matt Bryant (ATL) at Philadelphia
For whatever reason, Philly is giving up the third-most FP to kickers this season. Bryant is available in half of leagues and has the virtue of playing the Eagles this week. Bryant should easily produce double-digit FP.
Defense/Special Teams
Raiders at Kansas City
I can’t believe I just recommended the Raiders’ defense but the matchup is actually enticing. The Chiefs allow the most FP to opposing defenses and really have no offense to speak of besides Jamaal Charles. Oakland is below average against the run but Charles has a fumbling problem which obviously helps out the Raider D. I think Oakland is a sneaky defensive play this week for 7-10 FP.
That is the best I have for week eight; I’ll recap week eight and preview week nine for you next week.
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