1. Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Tennessee Titans
The Titans officially gave up on the season in their 59-0 loss to the Patriots. In that game, Laurence Maroney, one of the biggest enigmas in the NFL, came off the bench and rolled for 123 yards and a TD. This week, they face MJD, who’s coming off a bye after a three TD performance against the Rams. Expect another 100 yard game with at least two TDs for our top ranked fantasy football RB in Week Eight.
2. Steve Slaton vs. Buffalo Bills
Slaton rattled off two TDs (one on the ground, one in the air) vs. the 49ers on Sunday. He now faces the Bills who gave up 300 yards on the ground to the Jets two weeks ago and another 116 to the Panthers in Week Seven. Look for the Texans to feed the ball to Slaton and for the second-year back to finish with over 100 yards and one, possibly two scores.
3. Steven Jackson vs. Detroit Lions
One of the only bright spots for the Rams this season has been the re-emergence of Steven Jackson as a top flight RB after two injury riddled seasons. And last week, even though they were down big, he still finished with 134 yards vs. the Colts to the delight of fantasy owners. Expect another solid performance and over 100 yards on the ground vs Detroit.
4. Adrian Peterson vs. Green Bay Packers
Peterson took on a tough Steelers defense and still managed to top 100 total yards with a score. He’ll find running against the Packers a much easier assignment and we expect him to top the century mark on the ground with at least one TD, maybe two.
Sleepers
1. Mike Bell vs. Atlanta Falcons
While it was initially thought that Bell would be nothing more than a hold over for Pierre Thomas to start the season, he’s actually worked his way into the rotation and is the primary goal line runner. He’s an excellent fantasy sleeper in Week Eight and has a great opportunity to notch a few TDs as the Saints offense should give Atlanta all it can handle.
2. Matt Forte vs. Cleveland Browns
Matt Forte has been one of the biggest fantasy busts in 2009. After being taken at the top of most fantasy drafts, he’s been outperformed by guys taken at the bottom (RB Fred Jackson). He gets a break on Sunday though when the Browns come to town; they’ve been run over all season (149 yards to Ryan Grant on Sunday) and we expect Forte to break loose in Week Eight.
Others We Like
Kevin Smith vs. St. Louis Rams
The Rams have given up a lot of yards on the ground and there’s little indication that that trend is going to stop. Look for Smith to receive at least 20 carries and finish with over 100 yards and a score.
Pierre Thomas vs. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have lost key members to the interior of its defense and don’t stack up well against the better running teams. Look for Thomas to have a big Monday Night.
LaDainian Tomlinson vs. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders come into this game having surrendered 316 rushing yards to the Jets in Week Seven. Stopping the run obviously isn’t a part of their defensive approach. If Tomlinson is going to run for 100 yards in any game this season, this seems to be the one.
A Few More
Ray Rice vs. Denver Broncos
Marion Barber vs. Seattle Seahawks
Chris Johnson vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
