Week 8 Fantasy Football Sleeper Focus | Cedric Benson – Brad Johnson – Defenses

October 22, 2008 By 24 Comments

Follow the link to go to the most recent Fantasy Football Sleeper Focus for Week 9.

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Welcome back to the Midwest Sports Fans Fantasy Football Sleeper Focus for NFL Week 8.

In a recap, two weeks ago, I recommended that you pick up and start John Carlson, the tight end from Seattle. All he has done since is score touchdowns, which propelled him to the 11th ranked fantasy tight end. I told you two weeks ago to sit all of your Patriots, and in doing so, the offense was miserable. Last week I told you to start all of your Patriots, and it appeared that Tom Brady was wearing #16 as the Patriots offense did not miss a beat.

The concept of this weekly segment is to help fantasy football owners make educated, tough decisions. I am open to your questions and will provide advice to you via email, or if received early enough, I will post your question on our weekly segment. You can also interact with me via this site by posting a question at the end of this article. Responses have grown each week, and I am encouraged by all of the positive feedback I have received. I do not address the obvious “no-brainers” for who to start in my article, but try to provide insight into deeper issues.

Now, lets get down and dirty with Week 8.

We will open week 8 with a question I was sent yesterday by Robert from Youngstown:

“I picked up Carlson like you said and he was great. I also had Morris last week and wished he played the second half, that would have been huge. I also followed you on selecting Brad Johnson from the Cowboys for my QB as mine was on a bye. He had an awful showing last week, what do you expect this week since I can start two QB’s in my league.”

Robert, thanks for following my articles and I am glad almost everything worked out for you. As for Brad Johnson, I never saw that poor of a performance coming. There was so much uncertainty as to who was going to start last Sunday between Brad Johnson and Tony Romo that I think that was a huge distraction for the entire team. Wade Phillips I don’t believe has a clue of what is going on with his team as it is circling the drain.

Part of me thinks that Jason Garrett is failing on purpose, knowing that when Phillips is fired, it is Garrett’s team. I saw a source reported that Romo will not be playing until mid-November, which should eliminate any controversy as to who the starter is. The Cowboys have to win now, or this will be the worst actual team which appeared to be the best on paper in a really long time. I look for Jason Garrett to cater the offense more to Johnson’s style and abilities which will make Brad Johnson worthy of a start.

Moving on, Deuce McAllister will see additional carries with the loss of Reggie Bush; the question is, how many? I believe that only Deuce McAllister will be able to answer that question. If he produces, Sean Payton will continue to give him the rock. If he is not productive, we will see more of Pierre Thomas and Aaron Stecker. McAllister has shown flashes of his old self this year, and I anticipate him to be a good start if you cedric bensonare in need at the flex or running back position.

Another running back worthy of a start if in need is the Bengals new starting running back Cedric Benson. As I reported last week, Cedric Benson received the starting nod over previous starter Chris Perry against the Steelers. Benson did not set the world on fire, but did get 62 total yards on 15 touches against a talented Steelers defense. This week should be a walk in the park for him compared to last week as he faces the Texans D this week.

In the past week, a lot of owners were asking me my opinion on defenses. This week is no different. The top fantasy D in the league right now is the Titans. With that said, I do not like the Titans as a start this week for a few reasons. The first is they are playing the Indianapolis Colts. Yes, the Colts have only had one productive offensive game, which came against the leagues best defense, the Ravens. You know that the Colts offense is going to explode again, the question is, on who? Secondly, they are playing on Monday night, which always seems to generate scoring, regardless of who is playing. Defenses I like this week are the Jets, 49ers, Bills, Redskins and Ravens.

As always, thanks for getting your fantasy football insight with me. Post your questions here or you can reach me at profootballinsight@live.com

Kurt Fraschetti

[tags]fantasy football, sleepers, nfl[/tags]

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Filed Under: Fantasy Football Tagged With: brad johnson, cedric benson, deuce mcallister, Fantasy Football, fantasy football week 8, Indianapolis Colts, reggie bush, sleepers, tony romo, week 8
  • Jon

    Hey i have 2 questions
    Derrik Mason or Dwyane Bowe at Wr?

    And a defensive player, q if you do these

    3 of these 4
    Pat Kerny
    Justin Tuck
    Julian Peterson
    Ray lewis

  • http://profootballinsight.webs.com fraschetti

    Hi Jon,

    I think that Dwyane Bowe has more big play talent, but does not have any form of a reliable quarterback, let alone an offense that can score. Mason wins this battle as he is Joe Flacco’s favorite target.

    Unfortunately I do not study individual defensive players as much as I do with team defenses. Tell me how your defensive players are scored and I will answer your second question.

    Thanks,

    Kurt

  • Dave

    Thanks for the great articles. Who would you take in week 8, DeSean Jackson or Marques Colston? Also, I have Kellen winslow and Jeremy Shockey as my TE’s, should I hope Shockey plays or pick someone off waivers?

    thanks again!

  • CJ

    I need to start 3 of these WR:

    Terrell Owens
    Wes Welker
    Chad Johnson
    Lee Evans
    Greg Camarillo
    Deion Branch

    Its probably “Which 3 of the first 4″ but I threw in the others for fun.

  • http://profootballinsight.webs.com fraschetti

    Hi Dave,

    Thanks for all of your support. Your questions are popular questions this week. I like Winslow as a start, but don’t see it happening. Until Shockey has proven he is healthy, I would start someone more reliable if possible. I hate to say anything negative about Marcus Colston. He went cold last year, and out of nowhere, he produced a three touchdown game. If he is healthy, he is by far Drew Brees’ favorite red zone target and is capable of exploding. In addition, the Chargers do not have anyone who can cover Colston when he is on. I also like DeSean Jackson when he is not giving away touchdowns. He appears to be McNabb’s favorite deep threat. As terrible as Colston was last week, he could be exactly opposite this week. I think this pick is a coin flip, but if both play to their maxium potential, Colston would be my choice. Let me know your available TE’s on the waiver and I can advise you of potential starters.

    Kurt

  • Jerry

    do I trust P. Manning, Brett Favre, or Fitzpatrick. I also have houshmanzadah and Chad Johnson, that’s the only reason I ask about Fitz. also, should I start Julius JOnes, or cedric benson?

  • http://profootballinsight.webs.com fraschetti

    Hi CJ,

    You’re right, Branch is still not 100%, and missing Matt Hasselbeck hurts his value tremendously. Camarillo is not consistent enough for me to start him over your top four. Onto the brain surgery.

    T.O.- Yes, they have to get this guy the ball before he emplodes the Cowboys single handedly.

    Lee Evans- Yes. They must have him involved in the offense if they plan to win. Miami has a tough D, and would be even better if thier offense would keep them off of the field more. I think Miami will focus on the run and force Trent Edwards to beat them with his arm and decision making.

    Chad Johnson- Only if Carson Palmer starts, otherwise, I would take my chances with Wes Welker. Especially if #16 plays like #12 again for the Patriots.

    Kurt

  • http://profootballinsight.webs.com fraschetti

    Hi Jerry,

    I like Brett Farve out of those three, even though I think Peyton Manning will suprise the nay sayers this week and produce as well. Fitzpatrick has been horrible. The 49ers have a good run defense headed up by Patrick Willis, which is who Jones will be running at, and I am sure that defensive minded Mike Singletary will focus on stopping the run with a backup quarterback starting. Benson did fairly well at against the Steelers and like his chances this week.

    Kurt

  • Dave

    Thanks for the advise! Top TE available on waivers are: LJ Smith, Alex Smith, Heath Miller, Zach Miller, and John Carlson. Any help is much appreciated.

  • http://profootballinsight.webs.com fraschetti

    Dave,

    This group are all pretty much one in the same. Its almost a coin toss on who will score out of this group. Heath Miller had one game this season, otherwise he has a been a huge bust. Lj Smith is it or miss, as he has been his whole career. Alex Smith has been targeted more of late by Garcia, Zach Miller is Russell’s favorite target, and with Russell’s growth as a QB, his value will increase. Last but not least, my super sleeper from two weeks ago, John Carlson. Right now, Carlson is Seattle’s best receiving option. He has scored a TD two weeks in a row. I can’t imagine Seattle will be too sucessful this week on the ground. This is a tough group to pick a front runner out of, hopefully this insight will help in your decision.

  • Jon Paz

    I appreciate your insights every week.
    Which 3 WR would you start?
    Steve Smith
    Wes Welker
    Santonio Holmes
    Roddy White
    Kevin Curtis

    And, which defense?
    NYJ or PHI?

  • joe onorato

    hey kurt i really like your blog here i have a quick question

    AP is on a bye this week and i have slaton and deangelo williams as my rbs. with the available flex option. im in a ppr league and have pierre thomas, deuce, cedric benson at running back…or santonio holmes or jerricho cotchery at wideout. i need to start one, thanks for any input i appreciate it

  • http://profootballinsight.webs.com fraschetti

    Hi Jon Paz,

    Thanks for the positive feedback.

    I would Steve Smith every week, if that is the Steve Smith from the Panthers.

    I also like Roddy White when Atlanta is not facing a top 7 Defense. Philly has a great secondary and this may be another one of those difficult games for Matt Ryan.

    I would not start Curtis at all until he has shown he is healthy and can put two consecutive good games together. There is nothing worse as a fantasy owner to watch a player not contribute because of injury.

    Wes Welker had a good game last week, hopefully that will continue. In addition, if the Patriots can continue to run the ball like they did last week, it will open the field for Cassell, who looked superb last week.

    As far as Holmes is concerned, he has a little over White’s rec. yards on the year, with a third of his touchdowns. Cleveland showed that the Giants can be passed on, but is the banged up Steelers offense capable of doing the same, I do think so. With that said, I would take my chances on White’s big play ability.

    As far as defenses are concerned, Atlanta has shown that they will turn the ball over when under pressure, and Joe Johnson is the best in the business at doing that. The Jets are facing a horrible offense missing their key component this week in Larry Johnson. I think they are both good starts, but I favor the Jets with the endless turnover possibilities.

    Kurt

  • http://profootballinsight.webs.com fraschetti

    Hi Jon Onorato,

    Thanks for your supporing my articles.

    It appears that your question is about your PPR league. Holmes and Cotchery’s stats are similar in yardage and receptions, Jerrico has 3 touchdowns to Holmes’ 1. Just because of the amount of times they will get the ball, I would choose Benson or McAllister. Keep in mind, your recievers if given a hot hand, can produce more points than these two, you have to place your odds on who will get the most touches. I do not even factor in Pierre Thomas until you see how he is used with the loss of Reggie Bush. I think both Benson and McAllister will get their carries this week, its a coin flip as to who will perform better. I lean towards Duece though.

  • Matt Blake

    I’m desperate for a quarterback this week because Jay Cutler is on bye. I have Joe Flacco. Brad Johnson, Matt Ryan, Dan Orlovsky, Seneca Wallace, Kerry Collins, Ryan Fitzpatrick, JaMarcus Russell and Marc Bulger are free agents. Who should I start?

  • http://profootballinsight.webs.com fraschetti

    Hi Matt,

    Heres my opinion on the following;

    Joe Flacco- Is facing an average D, and a lousy offense, which the Ravens D will give him plenty of opportunity to have the ball. I do think that their offense will be run, run, run, run, pass to keep the D honest, run, run and run some more. The Ravens are asking Flacco to not lose games for them, they are not asking him to win games himself.

    Brad Johnson- I expect a much better performance out of him than last week, which is not saying much based on his performance. How much is the question.

    Matt Ryan- Against average D’s, he has looked fantastic, against great D’s he has looked not so great. Philly will apply pressure all day long, and to this point, Ryan has not adjusted to constant pressure, yet.

    Dan Orlovsky- My only thought is “NO”

    Seneca Wallace- In the past, Seneca has been a great backup in terms of fantasy numbers. I do not think he is 100%, and his group of recievers are all banged up or not playing at all. Until he shows he is back, I would avoid him.

    Kerry Collins- See Joe Flacco

    Ryan Fitzpatrick- This matchup this week is very interesting. Fitzpatrick played well against the Texans in St. Louis, and has alot of talent on offense. The question is, can he perform in the Bengals system.

    JaMarcus Russell- He is almost worthy of starting, just not against the Ravens D. Talented, yes, Peyton Manning he is not.

    Marc Bulger- Since Jim Haslet has taken over, the Rams look like the Rams of old. It appears that the team threw it in the tank to get their old coach ousted. Bulger has not however set the world on fire yet. I think it will come, just not this week.

    This is like picking a needle out of a haystack, but I think that Brad Johson has the most upside with his offense. He may be outscored by others in this group, I do think that he has the best shot of a big game though. Keep in mind, I thought he would be a good start last week too.

  • mark

    Great insights! Which 2 Would you start:
    Bowe
    Camerillo
    Boldin
    R Williams
    M Muhammad

  • http://profootballinsight.webs.com fraschetti

    Hi Mark,

    Not Bowe, no QB
    Not Boldin, might only see 10 to 20 snaps this week
    I like the gamble of Roy Williams and Muhammad has the best stats out of this group. The Cowboys offense is like the Colts, you know an explosion is coming, when is the question.

  • http://profootballinsight.webs.com fraschetti

    Week 8 Last minute updates…..

    Santonio Holmes was deactivated for this weekends game due to drug possession. Duece McAllister tested positive for a banned substance, his status as of this point has not changed for this weekend. Duece owners must pay close attention to this story before Sunday kickoff. More to folllow….

  • Pingback: NFL Week 8 - Odds, Point Spreads, TV Schedule, Announcers, and Injuries | Oct 26

  • Molly

    I have Washington Def for week 9 against Pit. The current available Def on Waiver are: NE, Dal, Jac, Sea, Ari, Den, Cle, Mia, Oak, Atl, Kc, Stl, Det, Cin. I’m thinking Jac against Cin. Thoughts?

  • Molly

    I guess it would have been helpful to know who was playing whom. Sorry.

    NE @ Indy
    Dal @ Giants
    Sea @ Phil
    Ari @ Stl
    Den vs Mia
    Cle vs Bal
    Oak vs Atl
    KC vs TB

  • http://profootballinsight.webs.com fraschetti

    Hi Molly,

    I will post a reply to your question in this Thursday’s Week 9 Fantasy Football Sleeper Focus. Thanks for your question.

    Kurt

  • Jerry

    Here’s my team:
    Manning, Peyton
    Portis, Clinton
    Williams, Ricky
    Houshmandzadeh, T.J.
    Jenkins, Michael
    White, Roddy
    Johnson, Chad
    Gates, Antonio
    Gostkowski, Stephen
    Giants DST
    Quinn, Brady
    Benson, Cedric
    Williams, Cadillac
    Avery, Donnie
    Camarillo, Greg
    Randle El, Antwaan

    I don’t know what to do, I feel like I’m in a big mess, someone else has shaun alexander, I need this win really bad.