The Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers have been two of the NFL's best teams so far this season. That they are in the same division on top of that is just gravy. The 5-1 Broncos and the 5-2 Chargers play Thursday night in a battle for AFC West supremacy.
Fantasy football advice, Week 8: Who to start/sit for Chargers vs. Broncos
Two of the league’s best teams face off Thursday night in what should be a great start to Week 8.
Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE
With the exception of the same names that have been on the injury report for weeks -- running backs Ryan Mathews and Donald Brown for San Diego, running back Montee Ball for Denver, all out again in Week 8 -- the only fantasy-relevant names on the injury report are Denver kicker Brandon McManus (groin) and running back Juwan Thompson (knee), and both are expected to be fully ready to play Thursday.
The Broncos host Thursday’s game at 8:30 p.m. ET, exactly 96 hours after the kickoff of their Sunday night game, which might be the shortest turnaround in league history. Here’s a look at the plentiful fantasy options:
CHARGERS
Start 'em: Week 7 was rough for Philip Rivers, but he'd averaged better than 24 a game the three weeks before that. He's a sure starter every week unless something significant changes. ... Last week was a bit of a disappointment for Branden Oliver after back-to-back big weeks, but he's still a sure starter until Ryan Mathews' eventual return. ... Antonio Gates has lifted himself back into must-start territory among tight ends like it's six years ago or something. ... Nick Novak hasn't had fewer than seven fantasy points since Week 1. He's one of the game's top kickers.
Start 'em?: The Chargers are still targeted Keenan Allen fairly heavily, but it's just not translating into fantasy production. He's a low-end flex play until things improve. ... Neither nor Eddie Royal is overtaking Allen as the team's top target yet, even though both have outproduced him.
Sit ‘em: There’s no defense you’re excited about using against the Broncos, and the Chargers’ defense has fallen off in a big way the last two weeks.
BRONCOS
Start 'em: For lunch Tuesday I had a black bean burger with some french fries. Because that's as relevant or helpful as giving any fantasy evaluation of Peyton Manning. ... Apparently Ronnie Hillman isn't yet owned in all leagues, which doesn't make any sense, as he needs to be in every lineup. ... Demaryius Thomas is on one of the best three-game stretches any wide receiver could have, with almost 27 fantasy points a game. ... Julius Thomas had only 27 yards and no score in Week 7. Release the bum. (Yes, kidding.)
Start 'em?: His first touchdown of the season in Week 7 masked the fact that Emmanuel Sanders really hasn't been as productive since Wes Welker returned, and he's not getting as many targets. He's a high-end flex play, but tread lightly. ... Brandon McManus hasn't been any great shakes as a kicker so far; his offense will keep him productive, but he's not vintage Matt Prater. ... The Broncos' defense has looked good of late; against San Diego, it's a dicey proposition, but the unit has potential.
Sit ‘em: The last two games, Wes Welker has had four total targets. That was an unproductive half for him a couple seasons ago.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Philip Rivers, Branden Oliver, Antonio Gates, Nick Novak, Peyton Manning, Ronnie Hillman, Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas
Start if you're desperate: Keenan Allen, Malcom Floyd, Eddie Royal, Emmanuel Sanders, Brandon McManus, Denver defense
Bench: San Diego defense, Wes Welker
