Brendan Martin Journal Contributor
This is Week Eight for Fantasy Football and this is the week that really separates the men from the boys. Most teams in the NFL are trying to get into that mid-season groove and this means that the points will come. The Saints, Texans, and Packers look like offensive juggernauts and that bodes well for their respective top players: Drew Brees, Arian Foster, and Aaron Rodgers. It’s always a good option to even use the lesser known skill players such as Pierre Thomas or James Jones for random starts if you are facing injuries or just uneven play from your current starters. Hopefully in this column I can help identify players who can help you on your chase to a championship. In the words of Hall of Fame Boxing Announcer Michael Buffer “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble!”
Quarterback: Carson Palmer is a really good start this week playing the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs have a terrible secondary especially the garbage the safeties are putting up. Also, the Chiefs have a bit of a quarterback problem on their hands. Whether it is Matt Cassel or Brady Quinn out there expect a lot of turnovers and a lot of chances for Palmer.
Running Back: I think Ryan Matthews of the Chargers will be running rampant on the Browns this week, who couldn’t even contain Andrew Lucks boot leg attempts last week.
Wide Receiver: The Patriots secondary is a mess and for the second straight week I am expecting a big week from Brandon Gibson of the Rams to continue producing as well as adding a touchdown against our hometown team.
Tight End: I like Jared Cook of the Titans against the Colts. I see him catching passes in the seam and the Colts not being able to do a thing about it. Cook is having a very productive year at tight end but has escaped notice in some leagues.
Defense Special Teams: The Browns look like they’re in for a beating courtesy of the San Diego Chargers defense. Expect some smash mouth football by both sides, but Brandon Weeden will make mistakes. The Chargers will come out guns a blazing on both fronts.
