Week 8 - Who’s In, Who’s Out
October 22, 2008 at 9:13 am | Article by Paul Hickey |
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Heading into Week 8, there are already some names that fantasy owners know they can’t count on. Cleveland Browns TE Kellen Winslow is out due to a team-enforced suspension, and so is Kansas City Chiefs Larry Johnson - who misses his second straight week.
New England Patriots RB Sammy Morris left the team’s Week 7 game with a knee injury after rushing for 138 yards and a TD. He was walking fine after the game, but is day-to-day and could miss Week 8. Proceed with caution, Morris owners. Benjarvus Green-Ellis, the rookie from Mississippi who rushed for 65 yards and a score could play a role moving forward.
The mess in KC at quarterback continues, as the team signed Quinn Gray, who could come in and play if Damon Huard’s thumb injury is significant. Forget about Brodie Croyle, as he went down again in Week 7 and can’t stay healthy or productive.
Word is that Buccaneers RB Cadillac Williams has returned to practice this week and potentially be removed from the Physically Unable to Perform List within the next few weeks. The 26 year old rushed for 1,178 yards and six TDs in his rookie season of 2005, and was off to a solid start in 2007 prior to tearing his patellar tendon. Caddy could have solid fantasy value in deep leagues if he’s able to recover. Obviously, Caddy will not play in Week 8, however, and Earnest Graham should be considered a great option against Dallas, as Warrick Dunn looks to be out with a pinched nerve in his back.
Colts safety Bob Sanders (ankle, knee), will not return for this week’s Monday night match-up against the Tennessee Titans, however, he is expected back for the team’s Week 9 game against New England. Fantasy owners in deep IDP leagues may want to add him a week early.
Speaking of the Patriots, Rodney Harrison suffered a torn quad in Monday night’s match-up against Denver, and will miss the rest of the season. It’s also likely that the 35 year old’s career is over. This makes 2007 first round draft pick Brandon Meriweather an attractive IDP pick-up.
Tony Romo has been ruled out already for Week 8 against Tampa, leaving Brad Johnson in the line-up to fend for glory against one of the league’s best defenses.
Eagles RB Brian Westbrook is likely to play this week against the Falcons, as is WR Kevin Curtis. Westy should be started in all leagues if he’s active, while Curtis is more of a risk. Reggie Brown should also return for the Eagles and can be considered a deep sleeper PPR play.
Anquan Boldin may return on Sunday, but it will likely be a game time call. Owners should look in another direction, especially since Arizona faces a Panthers defense that shut down the high-powered Saints last week.
Willie Parker could return against the Giants, but we’re not confident in him to have a great outing, especially with Mewelde Moore likely to vulture touches. Stay away from both Steelers RBs this week if possible.
Titans WR Justin Gage could play against the Colts, but we don’t recommend him in any format.
Despite the Chiefs having virtually zero offensive weapons, head coach Herm Edwards decided Wednesday that his starting RB won’t play again in Week 8 due to disciplinary reasons. This is ridiculous. Yes, he very well may be suspended by the NFL for his behavior during the team’s bye week, during which he allegedly spit in a woman’s face at a bar. However, if Edwards suspended him due to missing a meeting or something in Week 7, shouldn’t he let L.J. play in Week 8? Avoid the Chiefs RB situation for now, as Kolby Smith simply isn’t very good.
Bengals QB Carson Palmer has apparently been talking to Panthers QB Jake Delhomme about his Tommy John surgery last year. Considering he’s missed four out of the last five games, the possibility that Palmer will need to go under the knife is becoming a reality. He’s already been ruled out for Week 8.
With Reggie Bush out for at least three or four weeks, 29 year old Deuce McAllister takes the reins, but is likely to split time with second year man Pierre Thomas. Expect both of them to be very decent flex options in Week 8 against the Chargers, Week 10 against the Falcons and Week 11 against the lowly Chiefs run defense.
Word is that Joseph Addai (hammy) has a chance of returning in Week 8 to play, even though his back-up Dominic Rhodes has rushed for more than 140 yards and three TDs in the last two games. I’ll make it simple for Addai and Rhodes owners – both should be benched regardless of Addai’s status this week, due to the fact that the Colts face the phenomenal Titans run defense.
Anquan Boldin very well could return this week against the Panthers. He practiced on Monday and should have wires removed from his jaw this week as well. Even if Boldin plays this week, he’s not a great option against the stingy Panthers defense that shutdown the Saints last week. Also, second year man Steve Breaston really emerged as a solid weapon with Boldin out, and could be someone that the team continues to feed often.
Jags WR Matt Jones has played surprisingly well this season, hauling in four or more passes in all but one game. However, he has been suspended for three games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. That’s what happens when you get caught with cocaine. Good job Goodell. Look for the walking wounded Mike Walker or Jerry Porter to emerge over the next few weeks. For now though, there’s a chance you could see Jones play in Week 8, due to the fact that he’s likely to appeal the suspension.
Both of Denver’s Baileys are out. LB Boss for the season with a knee injury, and Champ 4-6 weeks with a torn groin.
Check back on our Ultimate Strategist Package forums later in the week for more updates.
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