Frank Gore (RB, IND) at CAR
A quick glance at Carolina's rushing defense (21st in fantasy points against) shows you a team that has struggled against the run. But if you account a good chunk of those points were accumulated when stud LB Luke Kuechly was on the shelf. Sure the Eagles put up big rushing numbers last week, but that was thanks to a few big plays that Chip Kelly's offense is always capable of. The Colts are not the same type of big-play offense when running the ball and adding Ahmad Bradshaw into the mix will not help Gore's case. I am passing on Gore in all league formats this week.
Jimmy Graham (TE, SEA) at DAL
The saga of Jimmy Graham as a Seahawk continues in Jerry's World on Sunday, as the tight end continues to disappoint fantasy owners. This week he has to deal with a good Cowboys linebacking corps that has done a great job shutting down tight ends (5th least points allowed against the position). Graham may be able to make adjustments after next week's bye, but don't expect much more than the 7.1 points per game he has averaged in standard non-PPR leagues.
Brandin Cooks (WR, NO) vs NYG
There were big expectations for Brandin Cooks this season following the departure of Jimmy Graham and Kenny Stills. It just hasn’t happened for Cooks, who has just one touchdown so far this season. The Giants have been fairly good at defending wide outs in 2015, allowing four touchdowns to the position this season and zero multi-touchdown games. Go in a different direction if possible with your Week 8 lineups.
Jeremy Hill (RB, CIN) at PIT
Jeremy Hill was one of the biggest talks of the offseason after he closed out the 2014 season like a beast, winning a lot of fantasy championships for owners in the process. The late first round/early second round pick has fallen well short of expectations. He has not reached 100 rushing yards once this season and has only topped 60 yards one time. He’ll also be facing a Pittsburgh defense that has allowed just one rushing touchdown this season. If you have other viable alternatives, you may want to consider them in Week 8.
Melvin Gordon (RB, SD) at BAL
Melvin Gordon was drafted this season to be a No. 2 or No. 3 running back for fantasy owners. He’s barely a fifth running back at this point, losing touches to Danny Woodhead and Brandon Oliver. Even if he were going to get enough touches to warrant a start, the Ravens have been pretty good against the run, allowing just three rushing touchdowns to backs all season. Look elsewhere in Week 8, and possible for the rest of the fantasy football season.
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