The San Diego Chargers are 2-5 and tied for last place in the AFC West. And yet their Sunday opponent, the Baltimore Ravens, would love to be 2-5, as the Ravens sit at 1-6, in last by themselves in the AFC North, needing every win possible just to make the 2015 season respectable.
Fantasy football advice, Week 8: Who to start/sit for Chargers vs. Ravens
Two teams who were theoretical contenders now come into Week 8 in last place, with a combined three wins.
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Tight end Antonio Gates is the big question for the Chargers heading into Sunday, as he deals with a knee injury. He’s listed as questionable, and will be a game-time decision for the game. Running back Melvin Gordon is also on the San Diego injury report with an ankle issue, but he’s probable for the game. For the Ravens, tight end Maxx Williams will be a game-time decision with the same ankle injury that held him out of Week 7, while wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. should play despite hurting his knee in practice this week.
The Chargers head to Maryland for Sunday’s game, scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
CHARGERS
Start ‘em: Tom Brady sits above the field at fantasy quarterback, but Philip Rivers isn’t far behind. He’s been a monster. ... Danny Woodhead has been a strong fantasy running back all year. In PPR, he’s an easy must-start, but you’re probably using him even in standard. ... Keenan Allen had negative-1 point in Week 2. Since then, he’s averaged 13.2 fantasy points a game. ... The San Diego offense is good enough to keep Josh Lambo in fantasy lineups basically every week.
Start ‘em?: The situation around the tight ends is confusing for fantasy. If Antonio Gates plays, you probably have to use him, and if he doesn’t, you probably have to use Ladarius Green.
Sit ‘em: With all the questions (performance and injury) surrounding Melvin Gordon, both he and Branden Oliver are easy bench candidates. ... Stevie Johnson, Malcom Floyd and Dontrelle Inman all take a backseat to Woodhead, Allen and the tight ends in the passing game. ... The Chargers’ defense is awful.
RAVENS
Start ‘em: The last four weeks, Justin Forsett has averaged 13.8 fantasy points a game. He’s made himself back into a must-play after a slow start. ... Since his injury, Steve Smith Sr. has averaged 13 fantasy points a game. He’s still great. ... A good-looking matchup keeps Justin Tucker in must-start territory.
Start ‘em?: It’s been up and down for Joe Flacco for much of the season, and the San Diego defense is bad, but it doesn’t seem like Flacco carries much upside right now.
Sit ‘em: Even with the job largely to himself, Crockett Gillmore doesn’t carry much fantasy upside. Avoid him. ... The Ravens’ defense has totaled nine fantasy points since Week 1. Look elsewhere.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Philip Rivers, Danny Woodhead, Keenan Allen, Josh Lambo, Justin Forsett, Steve Smith Sr., Justin Tucker
Start if you’re desperate: Antonio Gates, Ladarius Green, Joe Flacco
Bench: Melvin Gordon, Branden Oliver, Malcom Floyd, Stevie Johnson, Dontrelle Inman, San Diego defense, Crockett Gillmore, Baltimore defense
