NFL Fantasy Football: Start 'Em/Sit 'Em - Week 8

We are changing things up a bit! Along with a brand new This Week In Fantasy, we will be giving you advice for the week. As always, bring us your fantasy football dilemmas of who to start and who to sit and we are more than happy to try and guide you to victory.

We really want everyone that plays Fantasy Football to get involved! Use the thread for all your fantasy questions & comments, use the hotline (1-267-245-6066) and we will put you on the air, but most importantly… bring some snacks, kick off your shoes and enjoy.

Listen now:

<iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/173511769&amp;color=ff5500&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false"></iframe>

Download: Click here to download this episode.

Quarterbacks

by James Seltzer

Start

Nick Foles @ ARI

After starting the season red hot, from a fantasy perspective, Foles has cooled off over the last few weeks. However, coming out of the bye, the Eagles' QB should be healthy (healthier?) and ready to produce at a high level. Week 8 presents a perfect opportunity for Foles, as the Eagles face a Cardinals defense that is the league's second-worst against the pass. Furthermore, with Arizona's league best run defense, Philadelphia will be forced to try and beat the Cardinals through the air. Look for Foles to do just that, as the Eagles will exploit a porous Cardinals pass defense.

Carson Palmer vs PHI

Let's stay in Arizona, as Carson Palmer makes his third consecutive start, since missing time with a nerve issue in his shoulder. Since his return, Palmer has shown no ill-effects from the injury, as the QB has thrown for at least 250 yards and 2 touchdowns in each of his two starts. In addition, Arizona has put together a nice set of offensive weapons around Palmer, which certainly ups the quarterback's fantasy potential. Expect Palmer to continue his strong play in Week 8, as he faces an Eagles defense that has allowed the fifth most fantasy points-per-game to quarterbacks this season. This game has all the makings of a shootout, so it is likely that Palmer will have multiple opportunities to rack up fantasy points. You can feel good starting him in Week 8.

Ryan Tannehill @ JAX

Tannehill has played well of late, and is coming off his best performance of the season, in the Dolphins' win over the Bears. Over his last three games, Tannehill has averaged 266 passing yards per game, and has thrown for two touchdowns in each of the three contests. Perhaps even more important, the QB has averaged 44 yards, per game, on the ground over that span, which really helps add to his fantasy point total. With a plum matchup in Week 8 - the Jaguars allow the sixth-most fantasy points-per-game to opposing QB's - there is no reason to believe Tannehill won't continue producing nice fantasy numbers in Week 8.

Feeling Frisky? Kyle Orton faces a Jets defense that allows the second-most points-per-game to QB's of any defense in the league. Orton has not thrown for less than 283 yards in a game yet this season, and has tossed two touchdowns in each of his last two starts. If you're in a pinch, Kyle Orton could be a sneaky-good play for you in Week 8.

Sit

Matt Ryan vs DET in London

Though the schedule says this is a home game for the Falcons, the fact is, it is actually being played approximately 4,200 miles away from Atlanta, across the pond in London. Matt Ryan has struggled mightily away from the Georgia Dome this season - QB Rating of 76.1 with 6 TD's to 6 INT's - which is a long way away from where Ryan will be playing on Sunday. As if this weren't enough, the Falcons face a ferocious Detroit defense, who have allowed the least amount of fantasy points-per-game to QB's this season. Add-in a Falcons offensive line that has lost four starters this season, and it is hard to believe Matty Ice will have a big day on Sunday.

Jay Cutler @ NE

Cutler has played well so far this season, however, he is coming off his worst fantasy performance of the season. Furthermore, the QB has only thrown for one touchdown in each of the last two weeks, and has had problems getting the ball down field, instead, often settling for check-downs, which has ultimately led to Matt Forte pacing the NFL with 52 catches on the season. Being on the road should help, as Cutler has been significantly better away from home this season, but the Bears face a Patriots defense, in Week 8, that leads the league in pass defense. Couple that with the loss of Jerod Mayo, and it would be foolish for Chicago to rely on the arm of Jay Cutler, rather than on their running game.

Big Ben vs IND

Roethlisberger had a nice performance in Week 7's win over the Texans, and has actually had a decent season so far, especially in relation to where he was drafted. However, Week 8 will not be fruitful for the veteran QB, as the Steelers face an Indianapolis defense that is playing at an extremely high level right now, and is coming off a dominant shutout outing over the Bengals in Week 8. Not only is Indy a top five defense against the pass this season, but they are tied for the third most sacks in the league. Pittsburgh's offensive line has struggled containing the pass rush this season, as they have yielded the fourth-most sacks in the league. This will be an issue in Week 8, as the Colts disruptive defensive front will spend a lot of time in the Steelers backfield. Sit Ben this week.

Running Backs

by John Barchard

Start

Joique Bell vs ATL in London

I think you will see a theme developing over the next few weeks... Until Atlanta is at home or shows that they can be a better team defensively, it's always a good idea to start players against them. Reggie Bush is making the trip out to take a few photos with Big Ben (the actual one, not the creepy dude in Pittsburgh) but I still really the like Bell's opportunity to go for 70 yards and a TD in the early morning on Sunday.

Ahmad Bradshaw @ PIT

Despite the puke & rally of one Lawrence Timmons, this Steelers defense is still not very good. They are about to face the best offense in the league and the former Giant has been outstanding all year long. Trent Richardson is a ghost and Bradshaw's production will shine through once again this week. He's also a pretty good buy if you are planning to DFS it on FanDuel.com for $7,000

Lamar Miller @JAX

I really just want to insert a picture of the Cookie Monster here and drop the mic. Lamar Miller has been great Jacksonville has not... I would advise all my clients (total so far: 0) to start every skill position player against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Let's get cute

Mark Ingram vs. GB - The Saints haven't lost at home in back to back games since 2011, they are also playing a mediocre Packers defense. I think they Saints truly welcome Ingram back by handing him the rock, great play this week for my DFSers. (See Also: Darren McFadden, Jerick McKinnon)

SIT

Giovanni Bernard vs BAL

Some will disagree with sitting Gio, but this Ravens defense is better than the Colts. With the return of Bad Andy Dalton (although, still not sure if he truly left) I just don't like Gio this week. I am sure the Bengals will fix some of the horrendous play calling from last week, but I have feeling it's not going to be pretty for Cincinnati's offense on Sunda

Andre Ellington vs PHI

It's a bit of a homer play here, but I have a lot of confidence that the Eagles front 7 will be able to slow down Ellington especially since the Eagles are coming off of a bye. Will Kendricks be back? Maybe, but the way Fletcher Cox & Co are playing right now I still think they can get the job done and stop the run. Ellington won't be awful but I don't think he will be great this week.*

Doug Martin vs MIN

He's shown flashes here and there but I'm just not 100% confident in him with a good matchup this week. But his own team seems to hate him and the Bucs are still in love with Charles Sims & Bobby Rainey. It really is RBBC down in Tampa and it's a bad offense to boot. Doug Martin is just a name, nothing more right now.

Wide Receivers

by Tony Casale

Start

Sammy Watkins vs NYJ

I'm not the only one who loves Sammy Watkins, Kyle Orton does too. Watkins posted a 9/122/2 line last week with Orton at the helm and the opportunities will be there against a relatively week Jets secondary. Also, considering the injuries to the Buffalo backfield, the Bills will rely on the pass attack to take down the Jets.

Mike Wallace vs. JAX

It may be trendy to pick any skill position player against the Jags, but heading into this year I was not on the Mike Wallace bandwagon and perhaps it's time to give him his due. Wallace remains a big play guy unlikely to rack up receptions for your PPR league, but he has scored five touchdowns and with his consistency, he can safely be taken out of the boom/bust camp. Although they played well last week, the Jags rank 30^th against the pass. Expect Wallace to post his first 100 yard game of the season.

Jermaine Kearse (sleeper agent) vs CAR

Everyone already knows to get Doug Baldwin on your team and in your line up since Percy Harvin's departure, but now it's time to see what other offensive starters we can squeeze points out of in Seattle. Jermaine Kearse looks to continue to up his targets and receptions lining up opposite Baldwin. Russell Wilson has already shown that he trusts the big wide out, so don't be surprised if Kearse ends up in the end zone against a suspect Carolina D.

Sit

Percy Harvin vs BUF

It will be the first opportunity for fantasy owners to put Harvin in their line up in a couple of weeks because of the timing of last week's trade. Resist the temptation. For starters, harvin will likely be eased into the offense having not had any time with the playbook. Then consider that the Bills are excellent against the pass this season. They will harass Geno Smith with a very effective pass rush and blanket Harvin when he's the outlet route. Sit Harvin, in fact sit all Jets outside of Chris Ivory.

Andre Holmes vs CLE

While Cleveland boasts only a middling pass defense, at this point in his carreer Andre Brown is a middling receiver. While every week starter status may be somewhere in his future, it doesn't begin this week. Holmes and his Quarterback Derek Carr have been up and down this week, struggling badly against good defenses. This weekend in Cleveland should see high wind, causing serious trouble for receivers who like to score on the deep ball.

Alshon Jeffery vs NE

Where did Alshon go? After a fantastic start to the season Alshon Jeffery has virtually disappeared from the Bears passing game. I'm not about to give up on the super talented, uber athletic receiver, but I am sitting him against the number one rated pass defense in football this weekend.

Tight Ends

Start

Dwayne Allen vs PIT

Tony Casale

Remember when Coby Fleener , Andrew Luck's college roommate and big time target at Stanford, was gonna be the next big thing at tight end? Well it didn't quite work out that way, and now Dwayne Allen is making a difference in Indy. While he only has three touchdowns on the year, he seems to play better each game. With a windy day predicted expect check down passes coming Allen's way at Heinz Field.

Owen Daniels

James Seltzer

Last week I implored you to sit Owen Daniels because he had a terrible matchup. What happened? Of course, Owen Daniels had 58 yards receiving and a touchdown! So this week I decided to hop on the Owen Daniels train. Not only is Daniels becoming a more consistent part of the Ravens' offense, averaging more than four targets a game over the last month, but he faces a Bengals defense that has allowed the most fantasy points-per-game to opposing tight ends, of any defense in the league. The only way Owen Daniels does not have a nice outing in Week 8, is if I have jinxed him by telling you lovely people to start him. Which is a distinct possibility. However, assuming my jinxing powers are not as strong as I believe them to be, feel good about getting Daniels in your lineup this weekend.

Jace Amaro vs BUF

John Barchard

Well, looks like Mr. Casale and I are at odds this week as you will see below. This is more of a bye week play for me, a guy that can get you 10 points in a PPR league this week. I think the addition of Percy Harvin helps him just a touch and though the Bills defense has done a pretty good job against TEs, I think that's the best way to beat this team. Let's just hope Marty and me are on the same page.

Sit

Jace Amaro vs BUF

Tony Casale

Full disclosure, while I know not the reasons, I do know that John Barchard has Amaro on his start list. Silly Barchard, you already owe me dinner. Amaro is simply too inconsistent to be on your starting roster and with a relentless Bills pass rush expect Amaro's targets to be in the dirt or thrown two feet behind him. Will he have some check down catches? Probably. Will he score you eight fantasy points, he will not.

Delanie Walker vs. HOU

James Seltzer

What?!?! Sit Delanie Walker? Are you crazy? Well, on the surface it may appear that way, as Walker ranks 2nd, 5th, and 9th among tight ends in yards, receptions, and touchdowns, respectively. By all accounts, Walker has been one of the best fantasy tight ends in the league this year. So why am I sitting Walker this week? I'll give you two reasons: matchup and quarterback. The former, refers to Week 8's battle with a Houston defense that ranks as the league's seventh-best, in terms of fantasy points-per-game, against opposing tight ends. The latter, is in reference to Zach Mettenberger making his first career start on Sunday. While Mettenberger certainly has potential, he is a rookie who is seeing his first NFL action, and is doing so with JJ Watt staring him down from across the field. I would not feel confident starting anyone on the Tennessee offense in Week 8.

Travis Kelce vs. STL

John Barchard

He's questionable but I still think he will be good to go on Sunday. You will be tempted to start him, but despite a decent matchup Andy seems to have lost his flavor for this playmaker. He hasn't been able to grab a hold of that superstar fantasy TE status that many thought he could breakout and be this year. At some point he will, but it won't be this week.

Defense

by James Seltzer

Start

MIA @ JAX

Miami is already the seventh highest-scoring fantasy defense this season, which includes teams that have yet to have a bye (Miami had they bye already), which is impressive. More importantly, the Dolphins face a Jaguars team that has allowed the most points in the league to opposing fantasy defenses this season, and it's not even close. Jacksonville is conceding an average of over 13 points a game, to fantasy defenses in 2014, which is an astoundingly high total. The Jags' offense has allowed the most sacks in the league, are tied for the most turnovers, and have scored the second-least amount of points of any team in the NFL. That sounds like a recipe for defensive fantasy points to me, so start Miami's D with confidence in Week 8.

Sit

ARI vs. PHI

The Arizona defense often gets discussed as one of the league's best, however, from a fantasy perspective they are nothing more than average. The Cardinals stand as the 15th best defense in the league, in terms of fantasy points, which is below where you would expect Arizona to rank. This mediocrity can be partially attributed to the team's inability to rush the passer, as Arizona has only tallied seven sacks on the season, good for the third lowest total of any defense in the league. Furthermore, Week 8 presents a difficult test for this Arizona defense, as they face an Eagles offense that has the ability to put a lot of points on the board. Look for the Cardinals' defense to struggle in Week 8.

In this episode we cover:

The Good Calls & Bad Calls From Week 7

From C.J. Spiller & Fred Jackson to Anthony Dixon & Bryce Brown

Who Are Your Fantasy Studs & Fantasy Duds In These Big Matchups:

Broncos vs  Chargers

Bears vs Patriots

Saints vs Packers

Falcons vs Lions in London

We play ‘Just Get Me 10' where we give you two guys that can get you at least 10 points this week

And then we say ‘Happy Trails' to the players that you should no longer be keeping on your roster.