Week 8: Start 'em
For the 2nd time this season there will be 6 teams on a bye this week. Couple that with the growing list of injured players and there are many lineup spots available. With names like Romo, Gonzalez,
QB Brian Griese, ---
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
If you're looking for a QB this week, look no further than Brian Griese. Since Griese took over as QB for the Bears in week 4, he has averaged 300 yards and 2 TD's passing, with the Bears going 2-2 over that span. With the Bears taking on the Detroit Lions at home this week (who give up over 260 yards per game through the air, giving up 316 yards last week to Jeff Garcia), Griese should have no problem putting up more then 300 yards and a few TD's. Chicago only rushes for 81 yards a game - 3rd worst in the league -, forcing Griese to throw the ball so many times a game that he is bound to put up fantasy points. If your starting QB is on a bye or injured, Griese is a great start this week.
RB LenDale White, ---
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
If someone would have told that you Lendale White would have more yards and more TD's then former college teammate Reggie Bush after 8 weeks, you probably wouldn't have believed them. Well it's true. So far White has 82 yards and 2 TD's more rushing than Bush does at this point and confidence in White seems to be growing within the Titans Organization. Over the last 2 weeks, White has rushed the ball 52 times for 168 yards and 2 TD's. While that is a horrible yards per carry, it doesn't really matter since that stat doesn't count for fantasy leagues. This week the Titans face an Oakland team that gives up an average of 141 yards per game rushing. Knowing that there is no reason to believe that
RB DeShawn Wynn, ---
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
When DeShawn Wynn plays, he seems to play well and score. The problem is that he doesn't play enough because he can't stay healthy. The other problem seems to be that the Packers can't settle on a running back, so they change them with regularity. The fact that Wynn has played well the last few games only means he will get the first crack at this week's opponents, the Denver Broncos. The Broncos are giving up a league worst 176 yards per game rushing, so Wynn shouldn't have a hard time producing and keeping the other RB's on the bench. The more pressing issue is the fact that Wynn can't stay healthy, so follow his injury status closely and if he is slated to start, make sure he is in your lineup. Don't forget the Packers are playing Monday night.
WR Reggie Brown, ---
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
After coming up big time and time again last year, scoring 8 TD's to go along with 816 yards, while catching only 46 balls. After 5 weeks, Brown was a huge bust. Since coming back from the bye, he has looked like he might be on the verge of a break-out game. This weekend the Eagles face the Minnesota Vikings, a team that after 8 weeks has the worst pass defense in the NFL (giving up 282.5 yards). This leaves Brown with the perfect opportunity to have a big game and finally get in the end zone. The Vikings are so tough against the run that most opposing teams don't even waste their time running, they just start passing from the first play on. Try giving Brown another chance this week and play the match ups, get him active for the up coming game.
WR Hines Ward, ---
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
Hines Ward's fantasy value has taken a big hit over the past few years, some of it due to lack of production and some of it due to injuries. Ward looked to be back to his old self last weekend, catching 7 balls for 78 yards and should continue on that path this week when facing the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals are giving up close to 250 yards through the air and with Ward looking healthy again, look for the Steelers to try and use him to help open up the offense. With Ward and Santonio Holmes both back from injuries, the Steelers' offense is finally fully healthy, making it all the more difficult for defenses to key in on any one player. The Bengals not only give up a lot of yards, they are also allowing 31.2 points per game, meaning there will be plenty of chances for Ward to score. Keep the faith with Ward and make sure he is starting for you this week.
TE Vernon Davis, ---
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
Since being drafted in the first round of the 2006 NFL draft, Davis has struggled to stay healthy, therefore making it very hard for him to get into any sort of groove and score some fantasy points. The 49ers had high hopes for their offense going into the 2007 season, but Davis and the rest of the offense have struggled with inconsistencies and injuries. Davis himself just returned from an injury, but failed to do much against the Giants last weekend. This week should be different. Starting QB Alex Smith looks ready to return from an injury and with the 49ers facing a weak Saints defense, Davis should be in for a good game. With 6 teams on bye this week, there will be many TE roster spots that need filling, especially with Jason Witten, Tony Gonzalez and Todd Heap all on byes. So it is time to finally get some use out of Davis, activate him this week and reap the benefits.
To view our weekly rankings for all offensive positions, visit our who to start rankings.Remember to read all our columns for this week and use our Who To Start Rankings
