The week many of us have dreaded is upon us. Week 8 – in which six teams have byes, including the Steelers – threatens to wreak havoc on playoff chances, destroy undefeated seasons and prevent winless teams from getting their first victories. You’ll likely be looking for streaming options this week to fill in for several key positions, so I’ll primarily be focusing on those types of players this week.
Alex Smith
Yeah, I know. You can’t fathom starting Alex Smith. Ever. But if you’re in a 10 team league, chances are you don’t have a second quarterback already on your roster, and you’ll need to find a fill-in this week. Smith plays the Colts whose secondary is as generous and reliable to opposing QBs as the Crying Jordan meme is to the Internet.
Devontae Booker
I’m not ready yet to anoint Booker as the feature back in Denver like some fantasy analysts, but his clear participation in the Broncos’ offense the last few weeks means he’s worth a stash on your roster. He fits the one-cut blocking scheme perfectly and as the Broncos continue their playoff push they’ll want to protect and preserve CJ Anderson. Get him if you can.
Mike Gillislee
LeSean McCoy’s hurt and Reggie Bush is on borrowed time. Gillislee could keep the Bills’ all-important running game alive during McCoy’s absence. I really think he’s one of the sneakier pickups this week as most people still seem to be sleeping on him.
Ka’Deem Carey
Temper your expectations – Langford may be back soon and the Bears still like Howard, but Carey was very involved last week. With Cutler seemingly ready to return, the Bears will need to rely on their running game and any one of these three backs could be primed to be the bell-cow.
Quincy Enunwa
The Jets play the Browns. Do I need to really spell this out any more for you?
Blasts from the Past: Jamison Crowder, Cameron Brate and Adam Humphries
I’ve recommended that you pick these three up previously. If you picked up Crowder you likely kept him but may have dropped Brate. If you can still get Brate, you should go after him. Teams will eventually do their best to isolate Mike Evans and force Jameis Winston to throw elsewhere. Can you name another Tampa pass catcher besides Evans, Humphries and Brate? Nah, didn’t think so.