Week 8 *2010 Fantasy Football Keepers and Sleepers - Wide Receivers (WRs)* Week 8

Week 7 is in the books and what a week for wide receivers, well certain wide receivers. The week brought us our studs with Kenny Britt turning in a once in a lifetime performance (you heard that here first, he won't top 200 again in his career) with a monster 225 yards and 3 TD game and Roddy White showing us why he is the best receiver in the game this year with 201 yards and 2 TDs. It's not that I don't like Britt; it's just that a top tier QB doesn't seem like an option for the Titans at this time or the near future thus limiting Britt's usefulness. Great performances by Steve Johnson and Dwayne Bowe. With our studs came a few resounding duds as well, Miles Austin (again), Michael Crabtree, and Randy Moss. Oh and one more thing worth mentioning, Marques Colston lives, we have a sighting despite the loss by the Saints.

Week 8 is heavy on the byes with big names like Roddy White, Jonny Knox, Anquan Boldin,Hakeem Nicks, and Steve Smith (NYG) out of your lineups. During these heavy bye weeks it's best to grab players based on matchup and not name. There are some juicy matchups like Minnesota at New England and the Houston at Indianapolis games. Then there is the Denver at San Francisco game that is going to be played in London. All those matchups should produce a few key receivers.

I did horrible this last week in all my leagues (it was just one of those wacky weeks). I'm in the Fantasy Sports Writers Association league with other fellow writers from Rotowire, FantasyPros911, and FFToolbox.com among others. Anyways I had only lost once in a multi-conference (over 40+ teams) league. I played a guy who had Roddy White, Thomas Jones, MJD , and Marques Colston. I scored 145 points and he still easily beat me. *Sigh.

Without any further delay I present the week 8 fantasy football keepers and sleepers wide receivers for the NFL:

Keepers:

1) Michael Crabtree - This guy has too much talent and he's probably been dropped in a few leagues since Alex Smith went down. There are three main receiving threats on the team; Michael Crabtree, Frank Gore, and Vernon Davis. I think one of San Francisco's biggest problems is stretching the field. In order to do that Crabtree is going to have to be more of a viable threat not just a threat on paper. I think the 49ers will drastically improve going forward and the offense will morph somewhat to get these players more involved. Look for the 49ers to send a message to the rest of the league at Denver's expense. Crabtree grabs at least a TD and some nice yardage.

2) Lee Evans - I'm going against the fantasy world here but I think Evans will end up with the better numbers over the long haul with Fitzpatrick chucking the ball. Steve Johnson is turning out to be a good compliment and gaining some fans along the way. Let's not forget Evans is actually a decent receiver with the misfortune of being on the Bills. If Fitzpatrick keeps up his torrid pace I think Evans could be quite the pickup and especially against a so-so Kansas City pass defense. I think this game will be a shootout and Evans finds the end zone.

3) Steve Smith (CAR) - With a mediocre performance last week after Matt Moore threw for 300+ yards you probably think I'm off my rocker. If you've seen Smith play then you might agree with me. Smith is one of the most aggressive receivers in the game and he just goes after the ball if it's in his general direction. It's that killer instinct that is pushing me to tell you not to trade or drop him, in fact go out and pick him up cheap. Matt Moore will be decent the rest of the year and Smith will be a big part of that. Jonathan Stewart should see the majority of the carries this week and I think the first win will propel these guys especially against a St. Louis team missing its number one receiver and Steven Jackson is playing hurt.

4) Greg Jennings - I was high on Jennings in the beginning of the year and I'm higher on him now due to attrition. Finley is gone and Driver is hurt. Jennings will produce and he will produce some nice numbers justifying his WR1 spot. Yes the Packers are playing a well-rested Jets defense. I still think Jennings catches a few long balls and gets one TD. Not only that but Jennings will be excellent the rest of the year.

5) Wes Welker - Welker is still a PPR machine but he hasn't gotten much love from Brady lately. I think that changes here in the future and especially against a shaky Minnesota secondary. I think Welker produces 10+ catches for 100+ yards and 1 TD. Don't ever give up on this guy, he's a warrior and a champion. Good things will come if he's on your team.

Sleepers:

1) Davone Bess - To me Bess is kind of under the radar much like Kenny Britt was. Except I think Bess is a lot more mature and also ready to take on the added responsibility thrown his way. Brandon Marshall gets all the attention but like it or not the real chemistry on the team exists between Chad Henne and Bess. Watch and you'll see Henne look to Marshall often but Bess is the one that gets the "relief" ball and he's a trusted red zone target. Miami isn't quite the powerhouse of a team that Atlanta is (maybe ATL is a mini powerhouse) but they play the off again on again Bengals. I think this is a high scoring game for both teams. Bess will find the end zone once again.

2) Mike Williams (SEA) - Seattle is an excellent rebirth place for this Williams. Matt Hassleback loves his new target and the Seahawks are looking smarter and smarter as the season goes on in regards to their decision to release Housh. Williams isn't going to be amazing this year every game but he has the tools and the team's confidence to cover your byes for the next couple of weeks. This week they play Oakland and I can see Williams getting just under 100 yards and a score. Like I said, a good flier.

3) Mike Williams (TAM) - I think both of the Williams are good pickups and with the way Josh Freeman is throwing the ball I would have to lean a little towards the Tampa product especially this week when the Bucs take on the so-so Cardinals. Should be a couple of bombs available for Williams to snag. This week the Williams twins should have similar numbers.

4) Danny Amendola - I've frequently mentioned this guy and he is no doubt gone if you're in a PPR league. Sam Bradford likes his target and looks for him often. The problem is that Clayton went down and it is easy for defenses to key in on him. There have been a few emergences on the team in the WR/TE position that will help out and free up Amendola. Carolina comes to town and the Rams will be looking to right their ship. In that process Amendola should get another 10+ reception game and a TD.

5) Legedu Naanee - No doubt that Naanee is available for pickup in your league. He was a hot commodity early in the season then got a bad hammy injury. His first week back should be week 8 and let us not forget that despite the 2-5 record the San Diego Chargers have the league's most potent passing offense. By default Naanee (even slowed a little) should have a decent day. Not a great day but I think he finds the end zone for a nice 6 points plus some yardage for padding.

Another week in the books and I'm looking forward to the Monday night game between Houston and Indy, should be a high scoring event. Thanks for reading and check out my defunct website at www.babybluemonkey.com. Also I recently got published at Yahoo Sports for a little article about the Pittsburgh Penguins. You can read that here.