Any fantasy football players relying on New England Patriots stars started Week 8 right.
Tom Brady shared the wealth during a 36-7 blowout over the Miami Dolphins, leading Dion Lewis, Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski to massive nights. It’s nice owning stock in a juggernaut offense, especially one not afraid to slit the throat of its opponent rather than cower into conservative mode with a large lead.
Even the defense joined in the fun, collecting two interceptions and five sacks. Gamers unfortunate enough to have faced these core Patriots need a strong weekend to salvage a victory. They must get to work studying the odds, courtesy of Odds Shark, to help identify strong Week 8 plays.
Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons
Along with the entire NFC East, the Atlanta Falcons have also faced the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans and New Orleans Saints this season. The team has capitalized, jumping to 6-1 against a laughable schedule. Matt Ryan? Not so much.
Under ESPN‘s standard scoring, 11 quarterbacks have mustered more fantasy points than Ryan. He’s currently tied with Joe Flacco and a point behind Alex Smith. His 4,576-yard pace is no longer enough to lift him above a low-end starter when joined by nine touchdowns and six interceptions.
Despite playing with a bandage over his elbow, Ryan insisted he’s healthy. “I feel great,” he told D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal Constitution. “I’m fine.”
Before panicking, touchdowns come and go and come back again. Also, he has a favorable Week 8 tilt with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Although they rank No. 5 in passing defense, they also allow 7.7 yards per attempt, a 111.2 quarterback rating and 15 passing touchdowns to three picks. Regression is on the way.
Playing in the Georgia Dome will bring everyone back on Ryan’s side, but he hasn’t performed any better at home this year. In his last game in Atlanta, he didn’t score once during an overtime victory against Washington, giving him three touchdowns through as many home contests.
The domed venue isn’t a fix-all for his problems. While Devonta Freeman’s dominance greatly helps the team, it robs Ryan of volume and scoring opportunities enough to downgrade him to a borderline starter. He’s still a top-10 player in Week 8, but these circumstances would normally make him a top-five stud.
Projections: 24-of-36, 280 Passing Yards, 2 TDs
Justin Forsett, RB, Baltimore Ravens
Justin Forsett’s re-emergence is sliding backward. Since avenging a slow start with 150 rushing yards on 27 Week 4 carries, his handoffs and rushing tally have decreased in each of the past three games.
Yet he has also scored his only two touchdowns and played an active part in the Baltimore passing attack, accumulating 14 catches and 96 yards through October. Following a tepid Monday night performance saved by a short touchdown, look for Forsett to again rebound on Sunday.
The San Diego Chargers are on the hook for an NFL-worst 5.3 yards per rush. Throw in 43 receptions to running backs, and they’ve dished up a league-high 23.6 points per game to the position under ESPN’s standard scoring.
The oddsmakers are forecasting a high-scoring affair in Baltimore, pegging the matchup with a 50 over-under line. Even at 1-6, the Ravens are favored because of home-field advantage and ability to exploit the Chargers’ shaky run defense.
On the other side, Philip Rivers will bludgeon Baltimore’s abysmal passing defense. Circle this contest for huge fantasy outings, but expect Baltimore’s offense to run through Forsett.
Projections: 22 Carries, 115 Rushing Yards, 4 Receptions, 25 Receiving Yards, 1 TD
James Jones, WR, Green Bay Packers
Several fantasy players hedged their respective seasons on the Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos, two undefeated squads crowded with big-name stars. Yet don’t expect them to abide with a Sunday-night shootout.
Green Bay and Denver have suppressed scoring better than anyone other teams this season, respectively ranking No. 1 and 2 with 16.8 and 17.0 points allowed per contest. While the Packers are in line for some regression down the road, the Broncos are legit bosses. They have surrendered the fewest yards per game (281.3) while relinquishing a meager 6.0 yards per pass attempt.
Anyone who has Aaron Rodgers is starting the superstar and hoping for the best. Operating in the slot away from Chris Harris Jr. and Aqib Talib, Randall Cobb also keeps his starting spot. James Jones, on the other hand, is in jeopardy of suffering a long overdue dud.
The veteran wide receiver has scored six touchdowns in as many games this season. During his lone week without an end-zone visit, he registered 98 yards against the San Francisco 49ers. Given his 3.5 catches per game, everyone is waiting for the good times to vanish. This is the Sunday for it to happen.
As observed by numberFire’s JJ Zachariason, Jones doesn’t procure value without touchdowns, and the Broncos don’t permit end-zone clearance to wideouts:
Whether guarded by Harris or Talib, Jones will have his hands full with a top-notch cornerback. A returning Davante Adams would also diminish his exposure, so seek alternatives for the touchdown-dependent Jones.
Projections: 5 Targets, 3 Catches, 40 Yards
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