Week 8 was another solid week for our fantasy team with huge performances from running back Jamaal Charles (23 fantasy points) and wide receiver Brandon Lloyd (22 fantasy points). Kyle Orton was again solid in week 8 as well with 369 yards passing and 18 yards rushing to go along with one touchdown toss. My duds last week were running back Felix Jones (36 total yards) and tight end Tony Moeaki (45 yards receiving). Both were disappointing, but not as much as the Cowboys were last week against the Jaguars.
For the week we tallied 82 points and held court at the number 8 spot in our overall standings. As we move into week nine the picks do not get any easier, but looking at some of this week’s matchups we could be looking to make another push or fall down the trail.
Here are my week nine picks….
QB-Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
After watching David Garrard light up the Cowboy’s secondary for four touchdowns passes, I am expecting a huge game from Packer’s quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Pack lack any consistency on the ground and they will more than likely follow the Jags blueprint to take down the visiting boys from Texas.
(Projected: 31 points/ 335 yards passing, three touchdowns)
RB-Benjarvus Green-Ellis, New England Patriots
The Patriots displayed a strong balanced attack last week against the Vikings and even showed a lot of grit with their new found ground game. Even though the Browns do boast a pretty good defense, I like “the firm” of Benjarvus Green-Ellis to grind out some yardage and at least grab one score.
(Projected: 16 points / 85 yards rushing, 20 yards receiving, one touchdown)
RB-LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles
The Texans exploited some soft coverage underneath Monday night against the Colts with their running backs and I think the Eagles will take advantage. McCoy is a versatile back that will be utilized in both the run and pass; I am looking for a big game for the Eagles runner.
(Projected: 19points/ 90 yards rushing, 45 yards receiving, one touchdown)
WR-Patrick Crayton, San Diego Chargers
The Charger’s are losing pass catchers left and right, and in week nine it looks like it will come down to Patrick Crayton. One of the team’s newest receivers Crayton is sure to see plenty of chances on Sunday against a very suspect Texan’s secondary.
(Projected: 16 points/ 105 yards receiving, one touchdown)
WR-Steve Smith, New York Giants
The Giants seem to be on a roll, winner’s of five straight and a big reason has been the balanced play of their offense. One of the keys to their pass game has been the sure hands of wide receiver Steve Smith. In his last three starts he has been heavily targeted connecting on 21 passes for 260 yards receiving and two touchdowns. With Hakeem Nicks blowing up on the other side, Smith will likely see more favorable matchups and coverage going forward; result another big Sunday.
(Projected: 16 points/ 105 yards receiving, one touchdown)
TE-Jacob Tamme, Indianapolis Colts
He was a secret entering Monday night’s matchup against the Texans, but this week he’s sure to become another household name in Indianapolis. Tight end Jacob Tamme likely won’t see nearly as many balls in his direction (if the defense has learned anything), but you can bet quarterback Peyton Manning will find him when he needs to.
(Projected: 11 points/ 55 yards receiving, one touchdown)
K –Mason Crosby, Green Bay Packers
The Cowboys defense looked pretty awful last week against the Jaguars and there’s little reason to expect any improvements this week. With the Packers struggling some on the ground they may have to settle for a couple of kicks instead of touchdowns on Sunday.
(Projected: 12 points/ three field goals, three extra points)
My Previous starts
Week 1 (Total points-77)
QB Donovan McNabb (WAS)
RB Matt Forte (CHI)
RB Carnell Williams (TB)
WR Jeremy Maclin (PHI)
WR Jabar Gaffney (DEN)
TE Zach Miller (OAK)
K Joe Nedney (SF)
Week 2 (Total points-68)
QB Michael Vick (PHI)
RB Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG)
RB Rashard Mendenhall (PIT)
WR Nate Washington (TEN)
WR Greg Jennings (GB)
TE Chris Cooley (WAS)
K Nick Folk (NYJ)
Week 3 (Total points-87)
QB Tony Romo (DAL)
RB Darren McFadden
RB Ray Rice (BAL)
WR Austin Collie (IND)
WR Dez Bryant (DAL)
TE Brent Celek (PHI)
K Lawrence Tynes (NYG)
Week 4 (Total points-58)
QB Eli Manning (NYG)
RB Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX)
RB Frank Gore (SF)
WR Mark Clayton (STL)
WR Brandon Marshall (MIA)
TE John Carlson (SEA)
K Jeff Reed (PIT)
Week 5 (Total Points-72 points)
QB Drew Brees (NO)
RB Steven Jackson (STL)
RB Thomas Jones (KC)
WR Donald Driver (GB)
WR Calvin Johnson (DET)
TE Marcedes Lewis (JAX)
K Mike Nugent (CIN)
Week 6 (Total Points-83 points)
QB Peyton Manning (IND)
RB Ryan Torain (WASH)
RB LaDanian Tomlinson (NYJ)
WR Hakeem Nicks (NYG)
WR Kenny Britt (TEN)
TE Dallas Clark, (IND)
K Sebastian Janikowski (OAK)
Week 7 (Total Points-93 points)
QB Philip Rivers (SD)
RB Adrian Peterson (MIN)
RB Michael Turner (ATL)
WR Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)
WR Dwayne Bowe (KC)
TE Tony Gonzales (ATL)
K Matt Prater (DEN)
Week 8 (Total Points-82 points)
QB Kyle Orton (DEN)
RB Felix Jones (DAL)
RB Jamaal Charles (KC)
WR Brandon Lloyd (DEN)
WR Deion Branch (NE)
TE Tony Moeki (KC)
K Stephen Gostkowski (NE)
