Week 8 - NFL and Survivor picks...
Who will win, step up and get beat down in Week 8 of the NFL season...
These game predictions do not reflect the opinion of FFToolbox.com, just those of a solo fantasy writer who cannot believe snow is pounding the East Coast. Hey, Mother Nature, it's not even Halloween yet...As a reminder, email any questions, be it about lineup fantasy decisions, trades, strategy or free agents, to podcast@fftoolbox.com or send tweets to @benstandig. Also, download the weekly FFToolbox.com podcast - hosted by yours truly with guests from the Rotoworld, CBS Sports, NY Time, Sports Illustrated and the National Football Post. Times can vary so download us on ITunes and you won't miss out.
Home Team in CAPS
TENNESSEE 27 (-9) Indianapolis 17: Will no longer discuss Chris Johnson in a RB1 context. Regardless of current rank, CJ2K should rip apart the hapless Colts run defense.
HOUSTON 24 Jacksonville 16 (+9): To the person in the FFToolbox podcast chat room on Wednesday, no, I would not start Mike Thomas. In five start, his QB Blaine Gabbert has four TDP and only topped 200 passing yards once.
CAROLINA 27 (-3) Minnesota 23: Good news for those frustrated DeAngelo Williams owners: The Vikings stout run defense gives you an excuse to sit the Panthers No. 2 fantasy RB other than because of his lack of production...
New Orleans 31 ST. LOUIS 21 (+13.5): Taking the Rams is more about the Saints potential/likely letdown following their blowout win on Monday Night. S-Jax keeps the close for a while before Drew Brees has his way with Rams beleaguered secondary. St. Louis allowing third-fewest points to fantasy tight ends, meaning the beastly Jimmy Graham may only rack up 80 yards and one TD.
BALTIMORE 28 (-13.5) Arizona 13: I actually feel bad for the Cardinals. With the Ravens coming off an embarrassing MNF loss, this could get ugly. Certainly will be physical. And yes, despite his horrific display against the Jags, I'd roll with Flacco as a low-end QB1. When he's been good, he's been very good.
NY GIANTS 34 (-10) Miami 20: It might not seem like it, but based on average points per week Eli Manning (17.8) ranks 7th among fantasy quarterbacks in scoring this season. On the other side, Matt Moore faces a Giants D allowing the 4th most points to passers this season. Not that you want to start Moore, but Brandon Marshall should thrive. With Daniel Thomas ruled out, the Dolphins should be throwing more than normal.
BUFFALO 26 (-5) Washington 20: Things are headed the wrong way in D.C. and do not figure to get much better when the Redskins face the Bills north of the border in Toronto. Both defenses are allowing over five yards per carry. We already know to start Fred Jackson. If you roll with Ryan Torain or sleeper Roy Helu, here's hoping Mike Shanahan does not screw you (though you know he will)
Detroit 27 (-3) DENVER 22: Tempted to sit Matthew Stafford - due both to injury and recent lack of production - but the matchup is rather ideal. Hmmm, this will be a game-time decision for me if nothing else, but likely stay with the Lions QB...I have a sneaky feeling Demaryius Thomas will thrive playing in the same game against fellow Georgia Tech star Calvin Johnson
PITTSBURGH 21 (+3) New England 20: The game pits arguably the No. 2 and 3 QB in the NFL - sorry, Aaron Rodgers is tops and do not try and tell me otherwise - yet I do not see either Tom Brady or Ben Roethlisberger posting monster numbers. Start all your players per normal, but I'll say Rob Gronkowski and Antonio Brown shine a little brighter than normal.
SAN FRANCISCO 20 Cleveland 13 (+9.5): The Browns figure to have better luck moving the ball through the air against the Niners so do not be shy about starting Greg Little or even Evan Moore has a bye week TE.
Cincinnati 23 (-1.5) SEATTLE 20: Bernard Scott finally gets the start with Cedric Benson's suspension kicking in, but his one game is against a surprisingly solid Seahawks run defense. Flex option, bye week play, fine, but Scott is unlikely to go off.
PHILADELPHIA 31 (-3) Dallas 27: Maybe because I added him as bye week TE or maybe because the Cowboys are allowing the 5th most points to fantasy tight ends this season, but I kind of like me some Brent Celek this week. Just sayin...
San Diego 28 (-4) Kansas City 17: With Mike Tolbert expected to sit out, Ryan Mathews touches the ball 26 times for 149 yards and scores twice. Enjoy.
Last week: Straight (7-6), Spread (5-7-1); Overall: Straight (62-41), Spread (45-56-2)
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Survivor picks - The Giants are probably the wisest play, but since I have already used Tom Coughlin's crew, I'll go with the pissed of Ravens with the Niners as the fallback should I chooses to save the Ravens...Wk. 1 - Houston...Wk. 2 - Detroit...Wk. 3 Carolina...Wk. 4 Tampa Bay...Wk. 5 -NY Giants...Wk. 6 - Pittsburgh...Wk. 7 - New Orleans