Sit Em, Start Em – Week 8

Sit Em, Start Em – Week 8

Start Em

Fred Jackson was only started in 53 percent of Yahoo! leagues last week despite being fifth in the NFL in rushing touchdowns and top 20 in rushing yards coming into Sunday. Jackson needs to be started in all leagues until Spiller proves he is back to full health and operates as the lead back. Fred Jackson is currently playing at an RB2 level and should continue to do for the foreseeable future. Start him with confidence this week versus the Saints who have struggled to contain opposing running backs in all but one contest so far this season.

I’ll be the first to admit that I did not do my homework on Jarrett Boykin following his appearance in week six. After hitting the web and watching this Sundays game it is evident that despite his lack of top end speed that he is a reliable possession receiver with a welcoming catch radius. Even if James Jones returns Boykin will continue to see work underneath. Expect 75 plus yards with a chance to find the end zone against a weak Vikings secondary that recently lost is top playmaker in Harrison Smith.

Andre Ellington continues to be one of the most explosive backs in the NFL and is frequently being split out wide which is a boost to his PPR value. Ellington is averaging over six yards per touch and though he will only play 30-35 snaps per game, that is a number that can produce appreciable stats at a potential 12-15 touches per game. Ellington was targeted heavily by Carson Palmer versus the Seahawks seeing five targets and he already has 32 for the season. Expect Ellington to continue to emerge as a PPR force with some RB3/flex appeal in deeper leagues. The Falcons are a tough matchup on paper but have had trouble with stopping elite receiving running backs in the passing game.

Started in only 29 percent of leagues last week Zac Stacy has emerged as a high end RB3 option with RB2 upside. Despite the tough matchup versus a rugged Panthers front seven Stacy managed to pile up 89 yards on 21 touches which included four receptions. Stacy has finally emerged and it is time to start him with confidence especially if Sam Bradford’s injury proves serious. We have Stacy currently pegged as our number 24 ranked running back in a tough matchup against the Seahawks.

Jordan Reed worked himself into the TE1 conversation in week seven after impressing with nine receptions on nine targets for 134 yards and a touchdown. Reed is still available in 78 percent of Yahoo! leagues and should be a top waiver add this week for those in shallower formats. Reed’s big game came with Fred Davis inactive but he has emerged as the number two option in Washington’s pass game behind only Pierre Garcon and is worth a roll of the dice going forward with Davis being put on the trade block. This week Reed faces off against the Broncos in a matchup where RGIII will be expected to have an above average amount of pass attempts.

Eli Manning has a plus matchup in week eight versus the Eagles and looks like a strong play despite a league leading 15 interceptions. Manning still has an impressive crop of receivers to work with and an inconsistent run game so we expect him to be throwing a lot, especially if Vick returns to man the breakneck Chip Kelly offense. Manning can be relied upon as a QB1 in 12 team and deeper formats this week.

Sit Em

Despite showing major potential to end last season and through preseason Chris Givens has been a major disappointment for fantasy owners thus far this season. Givens has the talent to register a 1,000 yard receiving season but it appears he is better suited for a number two receiver role as opposed to being a number one who receives the extra defensive attention. Givens still has the chance to go off on any given Sunday but has shown he has a bench floor. It may be hard to sit him during the bye week crunch but if you have other comparable options we suggest checking out our WR rankings to help with you sit/start decisions especially with Sam Bradford lost for the season.

Despite flashing more upside than the more consistent Kenbrell Thompkins, Aaron Dobson is not a recommended start until we see evidence of a consistent heavy target volume with Gronkowski now dominating Tom Brady’s eye. Dobson saw seven targets in week seven but only managed to haul in three. Dobson is a low efficiency receiver who may not see enough week to week targets to put up the requisite fantasy production. Dobson is a shaky flex2 play this week at best if you find yourself in the bye week crunch.

Bilal Powell seemed to be demoted last week in favor of the more talented Chris Ivory and unless we get an indication he will regain the starting job Powell is going to be a shaky play going forward. Most of you did not draft Powell to start so you would do well to look at other options this week and evaluate after week eight. Ivory may continue to be a bellcow whenever the Jets are in games leaving Powell to occasional passing down work. Powell is no more than a deep league flex2.

Brandon Pettigrew found the end zone last week after we told you to sit him, but that is our recommended action once again. By this point of the fantasy season you should have found a better option even if you drafted Pettigrew as your TE1. Rookie James Fauria has been looking impressive and at 6’8 with good hands his role will continue to grow as the season progresses. Pettigrew should only be started in two starting tight end leagues where you are facing a bye week crunch.

Josh Freeman has a plus matchup in what should be a shootout versus the Packers this week but after watching him constantly overthrow receivers on Monday Night Football it is apparent that he just does not have enough chemistry with his receivers to be trusted this week outside of two QB league formats. We suggest sitting Freeman this week even if you find yourself in a bye week or injury crunch even though he has significant upside in this match-up.