Week 8 Preview: Key Matchups and Their Fantasy Relevance

Texans at Colts

The Texans have never made the playoffs, the main reason for this is being in the same division as the Colts who have won the AFC South 6 of the past 8 seasons.  In the other two season Jeff Fisher and the Titans took the division title and the Colts earned a wild card spot.  With the competition being so tight in the division there has never been room for the Texans in the hunt for the Lombardi Trophy and if they can’t make it this year Coach Kubiak will likely lose his job.  The Colts lost their season opener on the road in Houston this year buy allowing 231 yards to Arian Foster in his breakout performance.  The Colts defense has been their Achilles heel this season as they have struggled to rebound from last year’s Super Bowl defeat.  The Texans have plateaued since then with two home losses to NFC East opponents, but are still very likely to make the playoffs if they can continue their success within the division.  I like the Colts to win a VERY close and high-scoring home game this week.  This should be a GREAT game for fantasy owners of players from both teams as each defense is struggling in some way.  The Colts have been unable to stop anyone from running the ball as much as they please and the Texans have the worst pass defense in the NFL.  Austin Collie’s injury comes at the perfect time for Pierre Garcon and his owners.  I expect big things from Garcon the rest of the season, starting with a great game this week to regain his #2 spot on the depth chart.

Packers at Jets

The Packers’ division is up for grabs.  Everyone in it is struggling in one way or another and for the Packers the issue is injuries.  With Nick Barnett, Ryan Grant and Jermichael Finley highlight the list of players that are out for the rest of the season, both the offense and defense are in trouble.  The Jets on the other hand are on a hot streak right now and an ailing Packers team is not likely to be able to stop them.  If they hope to keep any Super Bowl aspirations alive, they will need to start proving themselves with this game.   Donald Driver is listed as questionable at the moment and James Jones will be the biggest beneficiary to any playing time he misses.  If history is any indication, Cromartie will be covering Jennings in this game and he just may be able to break out for a big play or two.  With the banged up Packers defense as opponents I like LT and Santonio Holmes to be solid performers and lead their team to a win this week and maintain their top spot in the AFC East.

Steelers at Saints

The defending Super Bowl champions should be in full panic mode.  With injuries stacked up at the running back position, they can’t get Reggie Bush back too soon… But my guess is not this week.  The Steelers are, in my opinion, the best team in the NFL this year and if the Saints want to get the win they need to do what Sean Peyton has been talking about for a few weeks now… regain their killer instinct on offense.  The Steelers defense led the team to a 3-1 record in the absence of their starting QB… but now that he is back they are a truly devastating opponent to face when your team is playing well.  Coming off of a loss to the Browns last week, Brees and the Saints are desperate to get back to their winning ways.  They will fall short in a tough home loss this week, stay away from any Saints players wherever possible and lean on your Steelers players who should do just fine.