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The highlight week eight was perhaps Brett Favre’s return to Lambeau field. Favre’s Vikings defeated the Packers 28-17. The Tennessee Titans and the St. Louis Rams won for the first time in 2009. Ted Ginn Jr. of the Miami Dolphins returned two 100 yard kickoffs for touchdowns for the first time in NFL history. There was also plenty of action in the fantasy community.
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Let’s talk about the hot players, the cold players and take a look at the doctors report.
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The Hot:’
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Houston Texans back-up running back Ryan Moats had perhaps the best performance of anybody in the NFL Sunday at Buffalo. Moats got assigned the primary rushing duties for the Texans offense when starter Steve Slaton fumbled early in the first quarter. Moats proceeded to run for 126 yards and three touchdowns. If you are a Slaton owner you have to be worried that Slaton could get benched in favor of Moats. All fantasy owners should look at adding Moats to your roster assuming he is a free agent in your league.
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Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson set a franchise record by rushing for 228, according to www.cbssportsline.com; Johnson also scored two touchdowns against the Jaguars. Johnson is one of the top running backs in fantasy he should be starting always in every league.
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Old man Brett Favre continued to stay hot Sunday. The Minnesota Vikings quarterback threw for 244 yards and four touchdowns against the arch rival Green Bay Packers. Farve has proven this year that he can be a legit number one fantasy quarterback so treat him just as that.
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Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew (MJD) had another great performance Sunday vs. The Titans. MJD rushed for 177 yards and scored two long touchdowns. MJD is one of the most explosive running backs in football. Start MJD every week no matter what.
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne had a huge game Sunday against the 49ers. Wayne caught 12 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown. Wayne was dealing with a groin injury last week but it is clear he is no longer bothered by that. Wayne is a top fantasy receiver; start him in all formats.
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Some other hot players for week eight include; Aaron Rodgers, Matt Forte, Steven Jackson, Ray Rice, Tony Romo, DeAngelo Williams and Thomas Jones.
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The Cold:
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Nobody was colder Sunday than Houston Texans running back Steve Slaton. Slaton was benched by Texans head coach Gary Kubiak early in the game at Buffalo for fumbling on a key possession. Slaton finished the game with only one yard rushing and ten receiving yards. Obviously this was a huge disappointment for Slaton owners and to make matters worst Slaton’s replacement Ryan Moats went on to rush for 126 yards and score three touchdowns. If you are a Slaton owner you might want to start somebody else next week against the Colts.
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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner threw for 242 yards and two touchdowns vs. the Panthers. Warner also threw a career high five interceptions and fumbled the ball once. Warner has had a pretty decent season this year and remains a number one fantasy quarterback. Warner owners shouldn’t worry too much about games like this they don’t happen very often. Get him started next week vs. Chicago.
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Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker had a horrible game Sunday against the Titans. Sims-Walker was held to two catches and only nine yards receiving. Sims-Walker is enjoying a breakout season this year. Continue to start him unless he starts to string games like this together. You will definitely want to get him active next week against the poor Chiefs pass defense.
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New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning had a somewhat forgettable performance Sunday at Philadelphia. Manning threw for 222 yards, threw for one touchdown and two interceptions. At this point of the year Manning’s inconsistencies make him a serviceable fantasy quarterback at best. Before you decide to start Manning make sure you look at his match up look for other options next week vs. San Diego.
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Doctors’ Report:
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Houston Texans tight end Owen Daniels left Sunday’s game at Buffalo with an injured knee. It was confirmed Monday that Daniels will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL, according to www.cbssportsline.com. Obviously this is a huge disappointment for fantasy owners. If you are a Daniels owner check the waiver wire for tight ends such as; Fred Davis, Dustin Keller, Todd Heap and Zach Miller. ‘
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Detroit Lions running back Kevin Smith left Sunday’s game against the Rams with an apparent shoulder injury. When healthy Smith is a solid fantasy running back; it is unclear rather or not Smith will be ready to play week nine at Seattle. Monitor the injury this week before you make a decision for next week.
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Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson missed a second straight game with a knee injury. It was originally thought that Johnson would play Sunday against the Rams but at the last second he was ruled out. Johnson is ‘getting closer’ to returning according to head coach Jim Schwartz.
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New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham was inactive for week eight against the Eagles. According to Giants head Coach Tom Coughlin Manningham is feeling better and should be ready for next against Seattle.