Mulligan’s Fantasy Forecast, Week 8
Two big QB’s suffered injuries this week and, if you need a replacement, the waiver wire has a couple of viable options available. Names like Ryan Fitzpatrick and Josh Freeman may not sound as desirable as banged up guys like Tony Romo and Brett Favre, but they’ve been holding their own in the fantasy world to this point in the season. Freeman is an especially good backup plan for those owners of Romo and Favre and would be my choice if he’s available in your league as he’s averaged more fantasy points per game this season than guys like Donovan McNabb and Jay Cutler.
Good match-ups
Jamaal Charles/Thomas Jones vs. Bills defense: The Chiefs two-headed running attack has been unstoppable this season but the fact that the workload is being split between the two has scared some fantasy owners from starting either back at certain points this season. However, Kansas City plays at home against the worst run defense in the NFL this week, the Buffalo Bills. If you own either of these backs and you don’t start them this week, you probably shouldn’t be allowed to play fantasy football anymore.
Matthew Stafford vs. Redskins defense: Stafford hasn’t played since suffering an injury in Week 1, and you never know what you’re going to get from guys when they return from extended absences. But if I’m a Stafford owner, this week is a roll of the dice that I’d be willing to take. The Lions will play at home against a Redskins pass defense that ranks 31st in the NFL. And I wouldn’t worry about ‘Skins CB DeAngelo Hall this week. He can’t haul in four more interceptions this week, right?
Not so good match-ups
Darren McFadden vs. Seahawks defense: McFadden owners had to be ecstatic to see him come back from injury with an electric 165-yard rushing, three-touchdown performance against the Broncos last week. But with the Raiders set to take on the NFL’s second-best run defense in the Seahawks this week, those owners of McFadden shouldn’t expect a repeat performance.
Kenny Britt vs. Chargers defense: Hauling in seven catches for 225 yards and three touchdowns, Week 6 was the first time Britt had eclipsed the 100-yard mark this season. The feat came against an average Eagles pass defense and the Chargers, who play Tennessee this week, have a pass defense that is anything but average. In fact, San Diego owns the league’s best pass defense, allowing just 158 yards per game through the air this season. I wouldn’t expect a 100-yard game from Britt this week.
Waiver wire watch
Lee Evans, WR, Bills: With his six catches for 105 yards and three touchdowns last week against the Ravens, Evans has now turned in two very good games in a row. Evans and the Bills will face a tougher pass defense this week when they play the Chiefs, but it looks like Evans may be coming to life as the season goes on. He could be a good bye-week filler with games against teams like Detroit and Cincinnati coming up.
Kyle Mulligan is a contributing sports writer for the Observer. He welcomes your feedback and can be reached at kjmulli@gmail.com.