Watchlist Q & A Week 8
After all of the weekly games are finished be sure to check our waiver wire column, studs and duds, a who’s hot, and who’s not report plus more in our fantasy football guide.
Almost ½ was through the season and the Story lines just keep getting larger. Week 7 brings us undefeated teams, some new offensive starters, and some interesting teams coming off byes. Oh ya – there’s Favre’s return to Lambeau, and some key divisional games.
Here is what I will be watching in what should be a most intriguing Week 8 of the NFL.
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1. What magic will Brett Favre’s bring back to Lambeau field?
To say this game is being over hyped is the understatement of the year. Both offenses go into the game on fire. Should be an offensive game – I will be watching if Favre can pull off some magic once again. I like Favre and the Vikings in a high scoring game. Should be FUN!!
2. What do the returning bye week teams have in store for their Week 8 competition?
Baltimore Ravens – The previous strength of the team (Defense) really needed the bye. Now they face a red – hot Broncos team coming off their bye. Will Willis McGahee reemerge or will Ray Rice continue to be the only fantasy option out of the backfield? The passing game should be fine for the rest of the way and finish in the top half to third of the NFL.
Denver Broncos – Looking to remain undefeated, there wasn’t much for the Broncos to improve upon during their bye. Strong running from Knowshon Moreno, a change of pace back in Correll Buckhalter, and an efficient, mistake free passing game should continue to roll through the 2nd half of the season.
Detroit Lions – Healing was the main focus of the Lions off week. Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson definitely made strides towards starting against the Rams on Sunday. Obviously an upgrade for the passing game, but also a good sign for Kevin Smith and the running game who have been keyed upon since the passing starters went down.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Jeckyl and Hyde team that needed they bye week to establish an identity sorely lacking as demonstrated by their inconsistent play. If their Defense could get it going in the 2nd half, it will allow the Jags to keep Maurice Jones Drew busy. This in turn will open up the passing game. The combination when working makes the Jaguars a very competitive team.
Seattle Seahawks – Another team in desperate need of some consistency and some healing. The bye week officially spelled the end of the season for All Pro-All World first ballot hall of famer left tackle Walter Jones and although the Hawks have been playing without him all year, it is still a blow to the whole offense. The running game will remain a disaster, but the passing game should be respectable.
Tennessee Titans – Ugh!! Welcome back to the starting roll Vince Young for your last chance at being a bonafide NFL QB. Although the running game (which is just fine thank you very much) will not see any significant spike, the passing game should benefit. With teams having to respect Young’s ability to run, the receivers should be able to find themselves in 1 on 1 coverage. If they can’t have success with 1 on 1 coverage, there’s no hope!
3. Will the undefeated teams stay undefeated?
Indianapolis Colts – Play the 49ers at home this week. The Niners will have Alex Smith at QB this week – his 1st start of the season. Donald Brown probably won’t play due to a shoulder injury, so upgrade Addai. As for the passing game – they can do no wrong!
Denver Broncos – Good test for the most surprising team in the NFL. On the road against a once Hot Ravens team that stumbled before their bye. Should be a competitive game with the running game most likely to have diminished #s. The Ravens have proven vulnerable to the pass, so Orton and company could have a decent outing.
New Orleans Saints – These guys are ramping it up right now – they are blowing Defenses out of the stadiums. At home on Monday night – they should roll.
4. How will the Replacements fare this week in the NFL?
Alex Smith – San Francisco -Takes over the starting job – 1st test? – The Colts – Ugh! One thing is for sure – The 49ers are going to have to throw a lot to keep the game close. With Gore, Crabtree and Vernon Davis – who knows?
Shonne Greene – NY Jets – An immediate Fantasy factor. Greene should get at least 12 touches on a team that rushes the ball more than any team in the NFL.
LeSean McCoy – Philadelphia – Becomes The Man for the Eagles. He’ll be a big part of the offense as long as Westbrook is out. Could be a Stud going forward.
Vince Young – Tennessee – He gets another chance – What will he do with it? He has a team that was supposed to challenge for a Super Bowl this year. Young knows that he HAS to deliver this time – should be interesting.
Rory Fitzpatrick – Buffalo – not worth wasting my time or yours
5. How will the underachieving Running Backs do this weekend?
Matt Forte – This is the week that should determine if Forte is a bust or not. Playing against a terrible Cleveland Defense, Forte has to have a good game doesn’t he?
Frank Gore – Underachieving might be a bit harsh, but last week’s return from injury was disappointing at best. This week he plays a Hot Indianapolis team that will surely have a huge lead in the game. Gore’s involvement in the game could be minimal. 
LaDainian Tomlinson – Signs of the “Old LT” were there last weeks, but overall, there wasn’t all that much to be excited about. Oakland could right LT’s ship.
6. Which injuries will have to be considered before lineups are in Sunday morning?
Trent Edwards – Buffalo – Out this week with a concussion. Rory Fitzpatrick will start.
Matthew Stafford – Detroit – Practiced most of the week. Keep tabs – there’s a chance he could play
Brian Westbrook – Philadelphia – Concussion – doesn’t figure to play.
Donald Brown – Indianapolis – Shoulder injury will keep him out this week
Ahmad Bradshaw – NY Giants – Could and should play through his foot fracture (sounds weird).
Andre Johnson – Houston – Bruised lung – he’s convinced he will play
DeSean Jackson – Philadelphia – Sprained foot – Should play
Calvin Johnson – Detroit – Extra week off helped – 60/40 where he plays or not. Keep tabs.
Anquan Boldin – Arizona – One more week removed from high ankle sprain. He played last week, he should do the same this week.
Reggie Wayne – Indianapolis – Sounds like a game time decision. Another injury to keep your eye on.
Jerricho Cotchery – NY Jets – Back at practice – looks ready to go!
Bernard Berrian – Minnesota – Slowed by the same hamstring as earlier in the season. Might keep him out this week – he doesn’t have much Fantasy value anyway.
7. What will be the outcome of the key divisional matchups this weekend?
NY Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles – Highly anticipated game that will go a long way in determining the East standings. The Giants are struggling and the Eagles seem to be back on track. I expect a lowish scoring game with a few turnovers. These teams have had some ugly games in the past and that trend could continue.
Miami Dolphins@ NY Jets – 2 Ball control offenses going head to head. Should be a low scoring game too with the best ground game winning. My $ is on the Jets.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans – Boring
Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers – Should be a barn burner.
Oakland @ San Diego – Beware of the “let down” game if you are a Chargers fan. It smells like an upset this weekend – maybe not!
8. What’s the Braylon Edwards update?
He still sucks!!!!
There ya go folks – lots of information there – hope it helps. Enjoy what should be a great week in the NFL.
