Love and Hate Lists for Week 8

Love

Peyton Manning, QB, IND - How can you NOT love Manning, especially against the leagues worst overall defense? With the running game being so banged and the Texans pass defense being absolutely abysmal, Manning could easily top 400 yards in his effort to avenge their Week 1 loss.

Calvin Johnson, WR, DET - Matthew Stafford is a MUCH better QB than Shaun Hill and Megatron was able to keep his value up in the absence of the team’s franchise quarterback.  Lions fans should be excited to see what they can do with Stafford back in the lineup… and fantasy owners should also be excited about the increase in upside for all their Lions players.

DeAngelo Williams, RB, CAR – The Panthers have a pretty nice schedule coming up and that has me excited to see how their offense is able to rebound.  But, if Williams can’t get it done this week against the Rams then I will get very nervous very quickly.

Thomas Jones, RB, KC – I don’t understand why Todd Haley is so invested in using Jones extensively in the running game when Jamaal Charles is clearly a much more dynamic play maker that would make the most of the additional carries.  With that said, it is not my job to understand it… just to analyze it.  As long as Jones is looking to get 15 carries against the Bills’ terrible run defense, then I love his chances at having a very productive game as a #2 RB for his fantasy owners.

Arian Foster, RB, HOU – Foster has lit the league on fire thus far this season.  This week he will be going against a Colts defense allowing an average of 20 fantasy points per game and he is a must start for your #1 RB spot this week.  This is the same match up that led to Foster putting up 231 yards and three TDs (41 fantasy points) in Week 1.

Hines Ward, WR, PIT - In the past two games with their starting QB back, the Steelers receivers have been on fire.  Ward is a possession receiver so his upside is less than his teammate Mike Wallace, but he will prove to be much more consistent throughout the season.

Miles Austin, WR, DAL - Who has two thumbs and isn’t worried about Jon Kitna for this week? THIS GUY!  I love every WR when they play against the Jaguars and until Kitna proves to be completely inept, I am going to assume that he is not.  A veteran QB should have very little issue hitting an elite receiver that is wide-open all day.  Austin may no longer be a top 10 WR, but with this match up he still is.

Wes Welker, WR, NE – If its a PPR league, you should still be using Welker as a top 15 option and a must-start… but even in standard leagues it is not time to panic yet.  Minnesota’s secondary is banged up and the offense will not be the same even if Favre continues his consecutive start streak this week.  With two fractures in his ankle, there is little chance Favre will be able to push off as firmly on his throws and pick up the long 3rd down conversions he usually can.  This will lead to more time on the field for the Patriots offense and opportunities for their receivers.

Tony Moeaki, TE, KC - The Bills are allowing an average of 13 fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends and Moeaki has made some great catches this year.

Jahvid Best, RB, DET - I like him for the same reason that I liked Matt Forte last week.  That prediction backfired, but the Redskins still allow a lot of yardage and are currently ranked 31st in overall defense.  With Best being involved in both the running and passing game the stage is set for a big game like we have not seen since week two… which was the last time he found the end zone.

Hate

Owen Daniels, TE, HOU – The Colts are so bad at defending the run that teams tend to focus on that in order to keep Peyton Manning off the field.

Danny Woodhead, RB, NE - The front seven of the Vikings is among the best in the NFL and I don’t see the Patriots trusting Woodhead with the ball in the red zone.  Given he is in a committee situation there is a better option for this week on your team somewhere.

Vince Young, QB, TEN – The Chargers allow just over 7 fantasy points per week to opposing Quarterbacks and even if active Young will not be 100%.  Stay away if possible this week.

Sam Bradford, QB, STL – The Panthers rank 24th against the run and 4th against the pass. You tell me what your game plan would be against the Panthers, but I am guessing it would include a lot of Steven Jackson.