What Week 8 Taught Us

Fantasy scoring wise; week 8 was a strange weekend with no one really having a "breakout" game from notable names save for Calvin Johnson (9 catches, 101 yards, 3 scores). However, some other players had broke out performances that weren't expected of them:

• QB, David Garrard, Jacksonville Jaguars: 17/21 for 260 yards and 5 touchdowns
• QB, Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions: 26/45 fpr 212 yards and 4 scores
• RB, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, NE Patriots: 17 carries for 112 yards and 2 touchdowns
• RB, LaGarrette Blount, TB Buccaneers: 22 carries for 122 yards and 2 touchdowns
• WR, Brandon Tate, NE Patriots: 3 catches for 101 yards and 1 touchdown
• WR, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Oakland Raiders: 5 receptions for 105 yards and 1 touchdown

Here's a few other things we learned Sunday in week 8...

Jon Kitna was not the smartest pickup of the week. After throwing for 2 touchdowns in relief of Tony Romo last week against NY, Kitna was expected to throw all over a terrible Jacksonville pass defense. Yet, Kitna threw for 4 interceptions with 1 touchdown coming in garbage time. Don't forget, Kitna's 2 scores last week came in garbage time as well. Another QB picked up in several leagues was Buffalo Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. After 4 weeks of 2+ touchdowns in each game, 11 touchdowns in all, Fitzpatrick threw for only 1 touchdown after being projected for 300+ yards and 3 touchdowns against the 25th ranked passing defense. I wonder in how many leagues both Garrard and Stafford were left unclaimed. 

If you own Thomas Jones or Jamaal Charles it's always a good idea to start either of them. It's even better if you have both! Despite not running or receiving for a touchdown Charles tallied up 238 total yards with a 22 carry/ 177 yard performance adding 61 yards in the air. His counterpart Jones added 19 carries for 77 yards compiling 41 carries for 254 yards yesterday. 

Mercedes Lewis is poison. It's just a matter of whether your or your enemy ingests it first. Lewis had just 2 receptions yesterday, however, both of them were scores marking the second time this season he has turned in a performance where all his receptions were touchdown catches. For the season he has 4 games with a touchdown, and 4 games without a touchdown reception. Garrard is looking Lewis direction when near the end-zone, it's just a matter of if the Jaguars offense can give Garrard the opportunity to be near the goal line. 

Out of the 28 TE's that played yesterday only 6 of them scored. 

Tarvaris Jackson has scored as many touchdowns in less then 2 minutes of work then Brett Favre has in nearly 2 games worth of work (1). 

Since being drafted by the Ravens in 2007 Troy Smith has a record of 3-0, and had more touchdowns (2) then 19 other QB's who played yesterday. 

In two weeks the Raiders have scored 92 points; Sebastian Janikowski meanwhile has converted 5 field goals and 11 extra points. 

Since having no interceptions in weeks 1-5 Mark Sanchez has thrown 4 picks in 2 weeks time.

Week Eight Injury Report

Looking for a 2nd Opinion; anyone?

• RB, Peyton Hillis, Cleveland Browns: until further notice Hillis will remain on this list with a thigh injury.
• QB, Alex Smith,. SF 49ers: questionable to play Sunday against Denver with a shoulder injury. 
• RB, Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans: probable for Sunday with a thigh injury. 
• TE, Antonio Gates, SD Chargers: probable for Sunday with a lingering toe injury.
• QB, Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys: out indefinitely with a fractured collar bone.
• RB, Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams: questionable for Sunday after having surgery on a finger yesterday. 
• WR, Austin Collie, Indianapolis Colts: out indefinitely with a wrist injury. 
• RB, Jahvid Best, Detroit Lions: still hampered with turf toe will be playing at home on artificial turf. 
• WR, Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions: probable against Washington with a shoulder injury. 
• WR, Malcolm Floyd, SD Chargers: questionable with a hamstring issue; will most likely miss this weeks game. 
• QB, David Garrard, Jacksonville Jaguars: questionable for Sunday against the Cowboys with concussion like symptoms. 
• RB, Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts: questionable against Houston still hampered by a shoulder injury. 

Week Seven Injury Report

Run DMC could be back this Sunday

Welcome to concussion city! Population: a guy that will be questionable to out for next week.

• Ryan Torain, Washington Redskins: Ryan appeared in the Redskins locker room with his left knee heavily wrapped but indicated that he was fine. 
• Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders: will test his hamstring Wednesday at practice to see if he can at full speed yet. 
• Peyton Hillis, Cleveland Browns: is still listed as probable with a thigh injury for this Sundays game against the Saints. 
• Lasean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles: is probable for this Sunday with a rib injury.
• Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys: probable with a thumb injury, but looks like a non-issue as of now. 
• David Garrard, Jacksonville Jaguars: questionable with a concussion. 
• Vince Young, Tennessee Titans: questionable with a sprained knee. However, Kerry Collins looked good handling this offense.
• Donald Driver, GB Packers: sidelined with a thigh injury he is questionable but expected to play this Sunday. 
• Donovan McNabb, Washington Redskins: hampered by a hamstring injury he is still expected to start against the Bears. 
• Nate Kaeding, SD Chargers: not expected to play Sunday, but no replacement has been named yet either. 
• Vernon Davis, SF 49ers: day to day with a knee injury; Davis is questionable for next week against Carolina. 
• Eddie Royal, Denver Broncos: questionable for next week with a hamstring injury.