Fantasy football advice, Week 8: Who to start/sit for Eagles vs. Cardinals

There are four NFL teams left with one loss on the season. Two of them -- the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals, both 5-1 -- face off Sunday in what shapes up to be an unexpectedly elite game. The Cardinals already have a lead in the NFC West and, while the Eagles are just behind the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East, things are shaping up well for them to at least claim a wild card.

The Eagles' fantasy injury concerns Sunday lie mostly with the running backs. No. 2 back Darren Sproles is questionable after a Week 6 knee injury, while his theoretical replacement, Chris Polk, is probable with a hamstring injury. The Cardinals are healthier from a fantasy perspective, with running back Andre Ellington the only relevant player listed, and he's probable despite a foot injury.

Start 'em: We finally saw a big performance from LeSean McCoy in his last game after several weeks of struggles. The situation for the Eagles' running game is still dicey, and Arizona has a strong run defense, but ultimately, if you have McCoy, you're likely using him. ... Arizona is no great shakes against wide receivers, and Jeremy Maclin has had four huge games in six tries this year; he's a WR1. ... With the general struggles of fantasy tight ends, Zach Ertz makes for a fine starter -- he's firmly in the 7-13 range at the position that could go in almost any order. ... Six games for Cody Parkey, five times kicking for double-digit fantasy points. Not too bad. ... The Eagles' defense has been elite this year, and there's no great reason that should end here.

Start 'em?: It's been an underwhelming season for Nick Foles -- between reduced effectiveness and a banged-up offensive line, he's has only had one strong fantasy game this season. He's a reasonable QB2, but that's about it.

Sit 'em: Even if Darren Sproles is active, best to give him a week off from fantasy lineups. And even if Sproles is out, Chris Polk won't get enough work to help. ... Still waiting on the first double-digit fantasy day for Riley Cooper this season; he's averaging fewer than four fantasy points a game.

Start 'em: The prospect of more vultured touchdowns being taken from Andre Ellington is scary, but even last week, when he lost two should-have-been scores, he had 15 fantasy points. He's a top-10 play. ... Michael Floyd is clearly the wide receiver you want in Arizona; he's a fine WR2. ... Chandler Catanzaro has been a near-elite kicker so far this season.

Start 'em?: Sunday's matchup shapes up well for Carson Palmer, who has averaged 18 fantasy points a game when he's been active this season. He's a good QB2. ... The Cardinals' defense plays well against the run, but struggles much more against the pass. Tread lightly.

Sit 'em: We'll probably see Stepfan Taylor steal a few more touchdowns from Ellington before all is said and done, but he's not a startable player even with that. ... Until he starts showing he can be himself again, you can't use Larry Fitzgerald in fantasy. ... The Arizona tight-end tandem of John Carlson and Rob Housler has done nothing.

Start in every league: LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin, Zach Ertz, Cody Parkey, Philadelphia defense, Andre Ellington, Michael Floyd, Chandler Catanzaro
Start if you're desperate: Nick Foles, Carson Palmer, Arizona defense
Bench: Darren Sproles, Riley Cooper, Stepfan Taylor, Larry Fitzgerald, John Carlson, Rob Housler