Week 8 Start/Sit: Who Has Been Released From Fantasy Jail--In A Big Way?

Start

Brett Favre, QB MIN - Throw the season stats out the window for the Vikings and the Packers. This recommendation has everything to do with the excitement this game has to offer. It was reported on SB Nation’s front page that approximately 91% of the nation is getting this game delivered to their TV’s. Do you want to be watching this game with Brett Favre on your bench? No way.

Kevin Smith, RB DET - Smith is coming off a bye week that was preceded by tough matchups against Pittsburgh and Green Bay. He gets the Rams on Sunday, a rushing defense that has been absolutely dominated all year. If you own Smith, this is the week to start him. He is fresh off the bye and gets a good matchup. That might be the best you can hope for in a Detroit runner this season.

Devin Hester, WR CHI - Hester has really come on lately. The Bears have been throwing the hell out of the ball, and Hester has benefited greatly. He is averaging 7 catches and 92 yards in his last 2 games. Against Cleveland this week, I expect Cutler and Hester to continue to find their rhythm.

Vernon Davis, TE SF - With Alex Smith back under center and Mike Singletary firmly implanted in Davis’ brain, this tight end should be starting for you even if your league does not require starting a tight end.He has scored in three of his last four games and has already set a career high in touchdowns.

Arizona Cardinals, DEF - I am immediately reminded of the slaughter the Cards laid on the Panthers in last year’s playoffs. It really was the beginning of the end for Jake Delhomme. I watched pretty much all of the Giants/Cards game last week and I was extremely impressed with the state of the Arizona defense, particularly the safeties. I predict multiple turnovers and sacks in this game.

Sit

Kyle Orton, QB DEN - I hate to put him here. I really do. He has been a very good quarterback this season. But I would be hesitant to bet against the Ravens defense...at home...after a bye.

Knowshon Moreno, RB DEN - OK, so I am not going to pick all Broncos, but I think this will be a determined Ravens defense this week. Correll Buckhalter is healthy again and will eat into Moreno’s carries. If you can go without relying on Moreno this week, do it.

Roy E. Williams, WR DAL - I can remember when even as a Lion he was killing it in fantasy football. He has fallen off the planet this year and doesn’t look to be getting any better any time soon. It’s not that he isn’t good. It’s just that you can’t trust him.

Tony Gonzalez, TE ATL - What? How can I advise you to sit this guy? Let’s check some numbers, shall we? He has not had a game over 75 yards all season. He has only scored one touchdown in the last four games. He has no touchdowns on the road all year and he travels to New Orleans this week to face a defense that has not given up a touchdown to a tight end all year. Yeah...sit him.

Buffalo Bills, DEF - This defense always seems to get this real “feel-good” vibe at different times every year. You think to yourself, “Once the weather gets cold, nobody will be able to do anything against the Bills. The Buffalo weather is like a 12th man on defense.” Then you realize they still have to go on the road and play teams like Houston in what looks to be an indoor game due to rain. I see huge numbers coming out of the Texans offense this weekend.