Fantasy Football Report: Week 8

By - Tim Swift

Here's the fantasy lowdown heading into Week 8.

1. What to make of CJ's big day.

Photo by: Bill Wippert

On Sunday, Chris Johnson had his best day in a year and a half, shredding the Bills defense for 195 yards and 2 touchdowns. Before you get too excited about this performance, the Bills were giving up a whopping 6.8 yards a carry and were dead last in rushing yard defense going into the game. Also, with Matt Hasselbeck in the lineup, Johnson has run better -- in part because it feels like Hasselbeck has more of a command of the Titans offense than second-year man Jake Locker. The speed is still there for Johnson, but with a suspect offensive line and a defense that gives up the most points in the NFL, CJ's numbers will be unpredictable from week-to-week.

2. It might be time to trade these QBs: Philip Rivers, Cam Newton, Michael Vick, and Tony Romo.

These four quarterbacks are very talented, and have the ability to put up 4,000 yard/25 touchdown seasons. The problem is -- turnovers. Right now, only Rivers has more touchdowns than interceptions, and that difference is only one. Historically, Rivers is the best bet to turn his season around, but he is still turning the ball over at a very alarming rate, including 5 turnovers in his last game alone. 7 weeks has shown enough of a pattern that you can't win your league with one of these guys as your starter. It's time to make a trade or just put them on the bench until they show more of a consistent effort.

3. What will Greg Jennings role be after injury?

Injuries have limited Greg Jennings to just 3 games this year, with only 12 catches and 1 score. The trio of James Jones, Jordy Nelson, and Randall Cobb have combined for 15 TDs this year, and they have played even better since the Jennings injury. Jennings is a free agent next year, and it feels like Green Bay could slowly phase him out of the offense -- similar to what they've done with Donald Driver. When he comes back, watch his target number very closely. If it's behind the trio I just mentioned, it's time to trade Jennings while you still can.

4. Steady Owen Daniels.

The Houston tight end is 4th in fantasy points at his position, ahead of sexier names like Jimmy Graham and Jason Witten. The great thing about Daniels is that he has scored at least 10 fantasy points in 6 of his 7 games. Daniels is averaging about 7 targets a game and is always Matt Schaub's first look in the red zone. The Texans play action game is among the best in the NFL, and Daniels usually has one big play a game because of it. For that reason, I would expect him to stay in the top 5 in TE production.

5. Trends for defenses.

Through the first 7 weeks, some defenses have created trends that you can use to your advantage the rest of the season. For example, Buffalo's run defense has been historically bad. Through Week 7, they have given up 1,238 yards and 13 touchdowns. So, even an average back could have a big day against them. Two pass defenses that have been awful are the Saints and Titans. They have given up a total of 28 TDs between them -- and have only 8 picks. On the flip side, the Bears, Seahawks, and Texans are all forcing lots of turnovers, which should keep them in the top 5 the rest of the season.

Solid Week 8 Waiver Wire Pickups:

Sam Bradford (QB), LaRod Stephen-Howling (RB), Rashad Jennings (RB), Leonard Hankerson (WR), Josh Gordon (WR), Logan Paulsen (TE)

The Underrated 15 For Week 8:

Quarterbacks:

1. Ben Roethlisberger

2. Andrew Luck

3. Josh Freeman

Running Backs:

1. Ryan Matthews

2. Vick Ballard

3. Willis McGahee

Wide Receivers:

1. Malcolm Floyd

2. Donnie Avery

3. Jeremy Kerley

Tight Ends:

1. Antonio Gates

2. Kyle Rudolph

3. Heath Miller

Defense/Special Teams:

1. San Diego

2. New York Jets

3. Green Bay

*Catch me on Fantasy Football Live every Sunday morning from 8:00-9:00, and on the Thom Abraham Show every Wednesday afternoon starting at 3:40 for even more Fantasy Football talk on Sports Radio 560 WNSR Nashville.