Wrap Up - Week 8

Start’em

Drew Brees, Saints. Is there anyone playing better than Brees right now? In the London game, he was 30-41 for 339 yards and 3 touchdowns. That is a 73% completion percentage. Even with key guys injured, he spreads the football around to other players. The three touchdowns were caught by Lance Moore, Devery Henderson, and TE Mark Campbell.

Jake Delhomme, Panthers. Delhomme came into this game as the 18th ranked Fantasy quarterback. He is a solid Fantasy #2 option, but this week he played like a starter. He completed 20 of 28 passes for 248 yards and 2 touchdowns. Delhomme has some good weapons and WR Steve Smith turned a short pass into a 65 yard touchdown play.

Frank Gore, Niners. The Niners are a mess. Coach Singletary kicked one of his own players off the field. I like that style. Once again, Gore was a solid play. He deserves more touches. He finished the game with 18 rushes for 94 yards and 7 receptions for 65 yards. You pretty much can pencil Gore in for his 10 Fantasy points every week.

Jericho Cotchery, Jets. It was a surprise to see the Cotchery and Laveraneus Coles played this week. Cotchery did not score a touchdown, but he came through for the Jets with a big game. He caught 9 of Brett Favre’s passes for 102 yards. The Jets’ offense still is unpredictable, but they are letting Favre throw a ton in their wins.

Antonio Bryant, Buccaneers. The Buccaneers looked great in prime time last week, but the Cowboys were able to control their offense in Week 8. The Buccaneers did not score a touchdown. Bryant had 7 receptions for only 46 yards. The short passing game is Jeff Garcia’s bread and butter, but Dallas was able to limit Bryant’s ability to run after making the catch. I would not give up on this passing combination.

Sit’em

Matt Ryan, Falcons. Ryan struggled a little, but finished the game with very good numbers. The two interceptions hurt his statistics and the Falcons chance to win. He ended up 23-44 for 277 yards with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. His 12 yards per completion shows he can get the football downfield. Both touchdowns were to Roddy White. Ryan made a great throw into a tight window on the 55 yard touchdown pass. Ryan is trending upward, and he is a great pick up right now if you need quarterback help.

Brandon Jacobs, Giants. This Giants versus Steelers game was very physical. Both defenses were flying all over the field and hitting people. The Steelers were able to keep Jacobs out of the end zone with a huge goal line stand. Jacobs finished the game with 53 total rushing and receiving yards.

Justin Fargas, Raiders. Fargas finished the game with 12 rushes for 24 yards. He earned a paltry one Fantasy point. Thankfully, I did not have to watch one play of this Raiders and Ravens game. The Raiders have quality players on offense, but I would hesitate to play any of them against a quality defensive team.

Vincent Jackson, Chargers. Jackson clearly is Philip Rivers’ favorite target in the red zone. He is a big target that can go up and catch fade routes and score across the middle. He had 4 catches for 60 yards and 1 touchdown. Jackson is a must start for Fantasy owners.

Marvin Harrison, Colts. Harrison has lost a step. There is not doubt about it. The Colts’ offense is not executing like they have for the past five years. Harrison has 1 catch for 12 yards. Several other times Manning tried to get him the football, but he was either not open or Manning made a bad throw.

Totals: 7-3 (Overall 44-28-5)

My Picks

Wins: Rams, Ravens, Miami, Eagles, Browns, Titans
Losses: Buccaneers, Jets, Chargers, Steelers, Bengals, Niners
Push: Lions, Panthers
Total: 6-6-2 (Overall 61-50-5)

Fantasy Games. This season has been a nightmare so far. Every time I need a player to come through for me, the guy has a bad game. Every time I need an opponent’s player to have a bad game, that player comes through with big Fantasy points. This season has been so unpredictable. Tonight is a microcosm of my season. The Titans’ kicker Rob Bironas is my kicker. I am behind in the game by 11 points. Bironas has made 20 straight field goals. He needs one more make to set the Titans’ team record and give me a tie with lots of time remaining in this game. Of course, Bironas goes out and pull hooks a 43 yard attempt. Oh, now the Titans are going for a 2 point conversion instead of letting Bironas kick the extra point. Bironas from 48 yards…yes! Jubilation!