Start ’Em, Sit ’Em, Week 8

Here are some not-so-obvious players you may want to start in Week 8, along with less desirable options that should be warming the bench.

START

DAVID GARRARD (JAX-QB):

This is not a good week for sleeper quarterbacks. Garrard is the best choice out of an unappealing lot this week based on the fact that a woefully undermanned Tennessee secondary has given up 311 passing yards per game.

Even if the Titans get some of their pieces back this Sunday, I wouldn’t expect a team that has recently been torn to shreds by opposing offenses to suddenly transform itself into a world beater.

Tennessee is coming off its bye, but so is Jacksonville.

Jack Del Rio’s group has too many offensive weapons for Tennessee to shut down for Garrard to have an awful game.

BEANIE WELLS (AZ-RB):

The burly runner finally strung together some strong runs without fumbling the ball and even stiff-armed defenders in his path last week versus the Giants.

While fellow back Tim Hightower won’t totally disappear from the offense, Wells has clearly established himself as the lead runner.

Being the main man in the Cardinal backfield isn’t going to turn anyone into Emmitt Smith circa 1995 considering how often the Birds throw the ball, but it does mean that former Buckeye should be good for about 15 touches and a score versus a weak Carolina run defense.

Marshawn Lynch, Cadillac Williams and Clinton Portis have all scored versus the Cats over the past three games.

FELIX JONES (DAL-RB): In one of the more surprising moves last week, Fragile Felix was given double digit touches last week leaving nothing but scraps for Tashard Choice.

The second-year man hit the ground running and posted a healthy 4.6 yards-per-carry average.

Expect even better numbers this week from the flex back, who faces a banged-up Seattle defense with a very iffy Patrick Kearney and an injured Lofa Tatupu who’s out longterm.

Also working in Jones’ favor is that fact that the Seahawks—outside of their first game versus St. Louis— have given up an average of six receptions per game to running backs.

Getting the former Razorback into space in the passing game should always be a priority for the Silver and Blue, especially this week.

JOHNNY KNOX (CHI-WR):

Green Bay, Pittsburgh and Baltimore have all torched the poor Brownies for touchdowns of 45, 52, 71 and 72 yards over the past month.

Is there any reason not to think that the Texas Torpedo won’t be able to get open deep in this one?

BRANDON MARSHALL (DEN-WR): Baltimore’s secondary doesn’t have anyone that comes close to matching the 6’4” playmaker in terms of size and physical strength.

The cautious Kyle Orton should be able to find Marshall all day on a number of safe, short routes over the middle where the mercurial Marshall will have the opportunity to create and break free after the catch.

JAMES JONES (GB-WR): Injuries to Jordy Nelson at wide receiver and Jermichael Finley at tight end have left the Packers a bit shorthanded in terms of viable targets, unless you expect Spencer Havner to score another 45-yard touchdown or if you anticipate the unexciting Donald Lee to light the world on fire.

Jones is a big, sturdy target that can make plays after the catch and has also scored in each of the last two weeks.

The Packers will have to throw to win their grudge match versus Minnesota, which means that Jones will get a number of looks this week.

SIT

MARSHAWN LYNCH (BUFRB): Lynch has looked anything but explosive over his past two games, averaging 3.2 and 2.4 yards-per-carry against the Jets and Panthers.

This week’s opponent, the Houston Texans, have steadily improved their run defense during the course of the season.

Gary Kubiak’s boys annihilated Frank Gore last week by keeping him to a meager 32 yards on 13 carries.

A less-talented Lynch will be even more challenged to find running lanes versus the intense Brian Cushing and company.

LeSean McCOY (PHI-RB):

Brian Westbrook’s understudy showed some nice wiggle in his runs, but was unable to break free for any big plays.

Big Blue’s ferocious defensive line has been able to limit five of their seven opponents’ running backs to a little over 55 yards-per-game.

KEVIN WALTER (HOU-WR):

Outside of a sterling 7-catch for 96-yard season debut, Walter has yet to exceed 41 yards in any of his other games and has yet to score during that stretch.

He can always surprise you with a two-touchdown scoring bonanza, but with Walter that’s the exception rather than the rule.

The 6’3” wideout doesn’t command the ball and plays a secondary role to Andre Johnson, Owen Daniels and Steve Slaton.

The sudden emergence of Jacoby Jones also hurts Walter’s chances of providing a big performance.