Week Eight Aftermath

Ken Kelly

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We’re at the halfway point in the fantasy season and the playoff race is on in leagues. As we hit the pivotal month of November, we pass a week eight that featured some great performances and some dismal ones. We turn back the clock to review week eight and look ahead to week nine in a DLF staple – the weekly aftermath.


Week Eight Fantasy MVP

The Eagles have had their share of ups and downs this season, but don’t blame LeSean McCoy. He was fabulous again on Sunday night with 185 rushing yards, 15 receiving yards and tw0 t0uchdowns as the Eagles destroyed the Cowboys.


Week Eight Fantasy LVP

If you own Chris Johnson, it’s time to hit the panic button. He again struggled to make anything happen and finished with just 51 total yards. To make things worse, Javon Ringer played ahead of him in the fourth quarter and the Titans are stating they’re willing to “ride the hot hand.” After getting a massive contract at the beginning of the year, Johnson has done nothing to earn it.


Lineup Fun

You probably won if your lineup looked like this…

QB Cam Newton CAR = 290 passing yards, 53 rushing yards, three touchdowns
RB LeSean McCoy PHI  = 185 rushing yards, 15 receiving yards, two touchdowns
RB Adrian Peterson MIN = 86 rushing yards, 76 receiving yards, two touchdowns
RB Steven Jackson STL = 159 rushing yards, 32 receiving yards, two touchdowns
WR Calvin Johnson DET = Six catches, 125 receiving yards, one touchdown
WR Steve Smith CAR = Seven catches, 100 receiving yards, one touchdown
WR Laurent Robinson DAL = Five catches, 103 receiving yards, one touchdown
TE Scott Chandler BUF  = Two catches, 35 yards, two touchdowns

You probably lost if your lineup looked like this…

QB Kevin Kolb ARI = 153 passing yards, one touchdown, one INT
RB Ryan Torain WAS =
14 rushing yards, six receiving yards
RB DeAngelo Williams CAR =
26 rushing yards, 13 receiving yards
RB Chris Johnson TEN =
34 rushing yards, 17 receiving yards
WR Dez Bryant DAL =
Three catches, 28 receiving yards
WR DeSean Jackson PHI = 
Three catches, 31 receiving yards
WR Wes Welker NE =
Six catches, 39 receiving yards
TE Brandon Pettigrew =
3 catches, eight receiving yards


Gut Checks

I’d be worried if…

I own Roy Helu in a dynasty league. It seems he’s being suited for a third down role right now and not being considered for the starting job, even with Ryan Torain’s struggles. The addition of Tashard Choice doesn’t help matters. It’s just the typical Shanahan carousel. If Choice starts and plays well at any point this season, I trade him the following Monday.

I’m still holding out some hope for Mike Williams of Seattle. He was held out this week due to injury, but it seems he’s been passed by both Doug Baldwin and Ben Obomanu.

I have Montario Hardesty on my dynasty roster. He just can’t and likely won’t ever stay healthy for a long stretch of time.

I have Chris Johnson as my dynasty centerpiece. Like we said earlier, it’s now time to hit the panic button.

I’m throwing my eggs into the Tim Tebow basket. He’s obviously a better fantasy quarterback than real quarterback, but few saw it going this South this quickly.

I have Kevin Kolb as my QB2. We said going into the season that Kolb was being overvalued, but this is getting out of hand. He looks uncomfortable and lacking confidence – a horrible combination for someone you’ve paid as your franchise quarterback. If not for Chris Johnson’s performance thus far, Kolb would easily be the worst signing of the offseason.

I have Chris Cooley on my roster. He’s obviously not going to have any value this year, but the future is just as uncertain at the moment.

I have any player from the Colts. Many thought I was over-exaggerating things earlier this season when I said all Colts players needed to be downgraded at least one tier. Turns out, I was under-exaggerating things. They’re all quickly becoming unplayable.

I’m relying on Ahmad Bradshaw every week. His performance has been solid thus far, but this week reminded us all that his feet should always be a concern.

I’m holding out hope for Anthony Armstrong. He’s being outplayed by multiple Redskin receivers at this point.

I have BenJarvus Green-Ellis. The Patriots backfield is always a mess, but five carries for nine yards? Using Kevin Faulk more than BGE? It’s maddening.

I’m expecting elite numbers from Stevie Johnson. It’s odd. The Bills are clicking offensively, but Johnson is still posting mediocre numbers. It seems they’re content with letting the defense take him away while beating them with their other players. It’s a sound strategy, but one that really hurts Johnson’s fantasy value.

I own Larry Fitzgerald in my dynasty league. It’s not his fault…but has it ever been his fault? Kevin Kolb has been awful and again, it’s hurting Fitzgerald’s value. He’s on pace for just four scores this year.

I’m holding out hope for Marshawn Lynch. He’s still pretty young, but he hasn’t shown much in Seattle other than the seismic run in last year’s playoff game against the Saints. His line hasn’t helped, but still…

I’m still hoping Dez Bryant turns into a WR1 this season. He simply disappears for too long in games.


A Look Ahead to a Hot Name on the Week Nine Waiver Wire
Remember, we focus on the non-mainstream deep prospect players

1. Brandon Saine RB GB

He’ll replace Alex Green on the roster and it’s doubtful he turns into anything.  However, Ryan Grant and James Starks aren’t exactly reminding anyone of Walter Payton and Barry Sanders.

ken kelly