Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

If you hated the bye weeks prior to Week 7, you’re really going to be pissed moving forward. The reason? Instead of the four bye week teams you were getting used to, from Week 7 to Week 9 their will will be six teams taking it easy. Never fear, though, because there are still plenty of good plays out there. In fact, if you continue reading through the rest of the Fantasy Football Week 8 Start Ems, you’ll see some of the better ones for Week 8.

QUARTERBACKS – START ‘EM

David Garrard (Jacksonville Jaguars) @ Tennessee

Both teams are coming off of a bye week, so we figure this game won’t be a huge blowout on either side. One thing is for sure though, the Titans didn’t pick up a bunch of Champ Bailey-type CBs so it seems like Garrard is still a phenomenal start in week 8. With the potential to shut down stud RB Maurice Jones-Drew, Garrard could be throwing 30-35 times which will allow playmaker WR Mike Sims-Walker to post some nice statistics. The Titans have given up 19 TD passes through 6 games which makes us believe even if Tennessee has gotten better, it’s not enough to consider benching Garrard.

All Chicago Bears (Chicago Bears) vs. Cleveland

Whether it’s QB Jay Cutler, RB Matt Forte, WRs Devin Hester and Johnny Knox, or TE Greg Olsen, make sure these players are in your lineup for week 8. The Browns are 31st in the NFL having allowed over 170 rushing yards per contest, and their 24th ranked pass defense hasn’t done much better. Allowing 25.6 points a game sounds low for a team like the Bears this season, and we think they could all help you during the upcoming weekend.

RUNNING BACKS – START ‘EM

Steven Jackson (St. Louis Rams) @ Detroit

Many fantasy football owners were hoping one of the most talented backs in the NFL wouldn’t fall subject to such an ugly team with an even uglier offensive line. If you have watched Jackson run this year, he has run with conviction and been one of the tougher backs in the NFL, despite the constant blowouts and lack of open holes. Finally S-Jax will pay dividends as he will most definitely find pay-dirt and make those that took him with the 6th overall pick extremely happy they waited on him. Huge breakout game with 175 total yards and 3 TDs (We can dream can’t we?).

Kevin Smith (Detroit Lions) vs. St. Louis

Kevin Smith has not done nearly as well as fantasy experts predicted coming into the season, but a lot has been due to the Lions falling behind often. We believe his 58 rushing yards per game average will be boosted up this week against a weak St. Louis Rams defense. Whether this game becomes a high-scoring affair or not, the Rams and the Lions will be showcasing their RBs because…well they don’t have much else to showcase. 

LaDainian Tomlinson (San Diego Chargers) vs. Oakland

While Tomlinson may be losing his hold as one of the best RBs in the NFL, it doesn’t mean there aren’t games where you could rely on him to excel. Tomlinson has failed to top 71 rushing yards this season, but some critics believe his explosiveness is coming back. That is obviously a good sign before playing the Raiders, who he has absolutely dominated throughout his career. This could be a patented LT game that shows 100 total yards and 2 TDs coming his way. RB Darren Sproles has proven he cannot run inside the tackles, but he will steal some third downs from LT.