Fantasy: What You Need to Know Before Week 8

Much has happened approaching this week of fantasy and there is a lot of information that you need to know before your week 8 matchup.

 

Saints RBs:

For all of those that have been waiting on Mark Ingram to be back from his hand injury and produce at a high level again, the time has come.

Ingram has an amazing matchup against the 31st ranked rush defense in the country in the Green Bay Packers. To make things even better for Ingram Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson have both been ruled out.

Expect Ingram to get around 15-20 carries and with his dynamic play-making ability he should make the most of them. This is probably the closest a Saints running back has ever come to resembling a workhorse under Sean Payton.

The only other back who could play a factor is Travis Cadet. Cadet is a back used primarily used in passing situations and is an interesting option in deeper leagues and as a PPR flex play.

 

Tre Mason:

For all of those suddenly jumping on the Tre Mason bandwagon: hold your horses.

According to NFL.com: “Coach Jeff Fisher…reiterated this week that the Rams will continue with their hot-hand approach.”

So what does this mean for Mason?

Well, as of now he is the hot hand should be utilized in this weeks matchup against Kansas City.

He seems to be start-worthy in most leagues as a low-end RB2 or flex play this week.*

Emphasis on this week. With this new crowded backfield of backs the hot hand could switch at any time making Mason risky to start. However, he is definitely worth an own.

Denard Robinson: 

Denard Robinson faces a similar predicament as Tre Mason.

The Jags are also expected to approach their running back situation using the hot hand approach, but they are giving Robinson the chance to maintain the starting gig.

He is a solid bet for 15-20 carries this week. But beware of Toby Gerhart’s return and what that could mean for short yardages situations, especially at the goal line.

His athletic-ability and chance to maintain the lead back role makes him worth an own in all leagues. Keep in mind he is still in a decently crowded backfield and is a bit of a risk.

Bryce Brown / Anthony Dixon:

Anthony Dixon and Bryce Brown appear to be the new running back tandem in Buffalo with the loss of CJ Spiller for at least 8 weeks and Fred Jackson’s injury that will keep him out for an indefinite time period.

This week both backs have a tough matchup against a stout Jet’s run defense. Personally, the back to have this week is Dixon.

Dixon is the short-yardage guy who should see most of the goal line carries. However, Brown is the more dynamic athlete and has a chance to score a lot of points.

Brown is a big risk, but he has a potentially high reward.

Both backs are worth owning, but may not be starters this week due to their matchup. Start them as flex players only.

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Feel free to email me specific line up questions at ishfantasyhelp@gmail.com