Week 8 Fantasy Football Start/Sit: Tony Romo is on a Roll 

My apologies to you whoever started Hines Ward in Week Seven. But, who could have predicted Ben Roethlisberger would throw less than 180 yards against a secondary missing Antoine Winfield?

At least you were sitting pretty if you benched Eli Manning as I suggested, as he poured in a forgettable performance against the Arizona Cardinals.

Time to get the picks back on track: 

Start

QB Tony Romo, DAL vs. SEA

Tony Romo has been on fire the last two weeks (128 QB Rating, 662 pass yards, 5 TD, 0 INT, 36 rush yards).  Last week he put up great numbers against a good Atlanta defense, and should do even better this weekend against a struggling Seahawks team.

Projected stats: 23/30, 341 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT

WR Donald Driver, GB vs. MIN

Driver only caught two balls last week (his previous low was 4 catches).  However, one of the catches was a 71 yard TD pass.  Double D only had 4 catches for 55 yards against the Vikes in the dome, but this time, especially with the questionability of CB Antoine Winfield, expect him to put up better numbers, especially with the quick passes the Packers will need to use.

Projected stats: 7 catches, 93 yards, 2 TDs

RB Kevin Smith, DET vs. STL

Smith was shut down before the bye week at Lambeau Field, but after being refreshed with a bye, he gets a home start against the Rams.  Emmitt Smith could get 100 yards against the Rams defense, so expect Smith to do the same, especially if the Lions get up big early.

Projected stats: 21 rushes, 105 yards, 1 TD, 4 catches, 34 yards, 1 TD

TE Vernon Davis, SF @ IND

Last Sunday was not a fluke.  Davis has big play potential, and with the new life that Alex Smith gave to the Niners’ offense last week, we expect Davis’ value to only increase.  Even though he is facing a stout Colts D, he is a solid play in Week 8.

Projected stats: 6 catches, 86 yards, 1 TD

Sit

QB Joe Flacco, BAL vs. DEN

Coming off a much needed bye week, the Ravens offense will probably be a bit rusty coming out of the gates against the Broncos.  Josh McDaniels’ defense will be rested after the bye week, and the Denver defense only gives up 11.0 PPG.  Don’t expect more than a TD from Flacco this week.

Projected stats: 17/33 180 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

WR DeSean Jackson, PHI vs. NYG

Jackson went off Monday night against the Redskins (rush and receiving TD), but who cares?  The Redskins are in shambles, and this week’s game for the Giants will be a statement game after losing their last two.  Don’t expect Jackson to put up numbers like he did last week.

Projected stats: 4 catches, 53 yards, 0 TD

RB Ryan Grant, GB vs. MIN

150 yards against the Browns doesn’t mean anything.  Grant has to prove that he can run against a big team, and this week against the Vikings will not be that kind of a week for him.  The Packers will do a lot of quick passes to avoid the pass rush so Aaron Rodgers does not break every bone in his body.

Projected stats: 15 carries, 40 yards, 3 catches, 20 yards, 0 TD

TE Tony Gonzalez, ATL @ NO

The Saints defense seems more vulnerable to big runs this year than big passes.  So unless Mike Smith gets crazy and runs Wildcat with Gonzo, I don’t foresee a big day for the veteran future HOF tight end.

Projected stats: 3 catches, 47 yards, 0 TD

Should be interesting this week in Fantasy Football with Cincy, New England, and Pittsburgh all on bye.  Good luck!

Wayne Makela

NFL Soup Contributor