Fantasy Football 2018: Start or sit for Week 8
By Donnie Druin
Start
Kirk Cousins vs. New Orleans– It feels like any quarterback facing the Saints defense is due for “must-start” territory, and Kirk Cousins is no exception. According to ESPN, New Orleans has allowed 20-plus quarterback fantasy points in four of six games played thus far. With weapons such as Adam Theilen, Stephon Diggs and Kyle Rudolph, Cousins finds himself nearing “absolute must-start” territory.
Cousins’ 2018 has been very up and down, from a fantasy perspective. Despite leading the Vikings to sitting in first place of the NFC North, Captain Kirk has scored under 20 fantasy points in three contests this season. Yet playing at home against a fantasy-friendly defense with some of the league’s finest weapons around him is more than enough reason to land Cousins in this portion of the list.
Ben Roethlisberger vs. Cleveland– Roethlisberger’s first meeting with Cleveland won’t give much reason for hope, walking out of the Dawg Pound with a measly 10 fantasy points with a end-result of a tie. Yet Big Ben has found his footing since then, averaging 28 fantasy points per game since Week 1.
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Despite a reputation for having one of the more well-liked secondary’s in the league, Cleveland’s pass defense has allowed nearly 300 yards of passing per game, good enough for seventh-worst in the league. Considering the improved play of the Steelers offense, Roethlisberger playing at home and coming off a bye-week, it appears more likely than not the Steelers offense will keep their play up. Expect Big Ben to come through and put up big points.
Sit
Cam Newton vs. Baltimore– Despite Drew Brees dropping 20 fantasy points on the Ravens last week, I’ll continue the “don’t start vs. Baltimore” trend again this week when Cam Newton and the Panthers play host to Baltimore. Newton has played fairly well in 2018, averaging 27 fantasy points per contest through six games.
Despite his success, it’s not extremely likely Carolina will be able to replicate New Orleans’ success offensively against the Ravens. Baltimore currently surrenders just 190 yards per game while leading the league in sacks (27), spelling bad news for an offense heavily built around Newton. Cam has been phenomenal this year, but doesn’t possess the weapons around him to see another stat-filled day.
Deshaun Watson vs. Miami– After Week 1, Deshaun Watson went on a roll of four-straight performances of 23+ points. Yet the last two weeks Watson has struggled, scoring just 19 combined points against Buffalo and Jacksonville. Watson and the Texans now find themselves in a short week playing on Thursday night.
The Dolphins are currently tied for first in the league in interceptions, tallying 11 on the year so far. Thursday night games are always a hit or miss for fantasy players, with game-planning and rest having to be cut due to short time. Will Watson be able to derail his two-week fantasy slump? Many experts seem to think so, but I’m willing to hold my breath for another week.