This week saw an entire backfield committee get hurt, just to create another possible backfield timeshare. However, it also saw the possible rising of two RBs that you should be able to go all out for in auction leagues. These are just a few of the things I will be discussing in this week’s pickups. There are some other positions that had people step up, but this week is mostly about the RB spot. So without wasting any more time, let’s get right to the NFL Week 8 Pickups.
QBs
Ryan Tannehill – With him doing so well the last couple weeks, I’m surprised Tannehill isn’t owned in even 50% of most leagues yet. After 3 straight good performances and going against the Jags this week and the Chargers next week, you’d think he’d start rising. If he’s still on your waiver wire, he’s a borderline #1 and a very good backup during bye weeks.
Carson Palmer – Talk about no respect, Palmer has not had a bad game this year yet, has thrown for 250 or more yards and 2 TDs in all 3 games he has played this year, and yet, just like Tannehill, is not even owned in 50% of most leagues. He has one of the softest 2nd half schedules for QBs, pick him up quick and if he stays healthy, he can get you into a championship game.
Robert Griffin III – The Kirk Cousins experiment came to a crashing end on Sunday and no disrespect to Colt McCoy, but I doubt he’s the answer. RG3 looks like he will be back in the fold and starting for the Redskins, most likely, after their bye week. Even though Skins fans were ready to dump RG3, with how his replacements have played, he’ll probably now get a King’s welcome back.
RBs
Denard Robinson – All the RBs I mention in this space are worth a solid #1 waiver wire pickup. The reason I put Robinson ahead is because in Yahoo, Robinson has eligibility at both RB and WR. That is a HUGE thing in fantasy. For more leagues that have 2 RBs 2 WRs and 1 Flex, you can technically start 4 RBs and 1 WRs. For those who don’t know, RBs typically score more points per game than WRs.
Tre Mason – If you’re in a PPR league, Mason maybe your best bet. Out of 51 snaps last week, Mason played in 57, Benny Cunningham played in 19, and former starter Zac Stacy played only 1 snap. The bigger differential was the 18 carries for Mason, while Cunningham had 7. Stacy is 5’8 207 lbs and is a good pass catcher.
Anthony Dixon/Bryce Brown – This one is tough. CJ Spiller went down and is practically done for the year. Fred Jackson also went down and will miss a month. That now leaves a decision on if to pick up the bigger, bruising back Anthony Dixon or the overall more talented back, Bryce Brown. From what I’m hearing, the Bills LOVE Dixon and he’ll get 1st crack, but both backs will get carries.
WRs
Doug Baldwin – Only 1 WR on the list this week and that is because of the Percy Harvin trade from Seattle to the NY Jets. Baldwin embraced the #1 WR role by going off for 7 catches and 123 yards on 11 targets. He is the most experienced and consistent WR, so you can expect him to be solid the rest of the way as their #1 option.
TEs
None – There’s nothing to see here. If you have a normal league that pays attention, people like Jared Cook and Owen Daniels shouldn’t be available.
DEFs
Miami Dolphins Defense – The Jaguars are a defense’s best friend. They allow defense to score more points against them that any other team in the league. The Dolphins are playing well right now and this is a prime chance for them to win 2 in a row and get over the heartbreaking loss to the Green Bay Packers on the last play of the game.
Kansas City Defense – The Chiefs have not played well on defense so far. However, this is about now and the future, not what have you done in the past. Over the next 3 games Kansas City will play the Rams, the Jets, and the Bills, 3 teams that don’t exactly scream offensive powerhouse. They should get a wakeup call and help teams over the next 3 weeks.
Those are your NFL week 8 pickups. Enjoy the games.
