Week 8 Fantasy Picks

Not even DeMarco Murray could save me. His 253-yard, TD performance was lost on my team. Three more DeMarcos would have worked. Possibly. But instead, my arsenal included Mo Morris, Marshawn Lynch and Chris Johnson. Are you laughing yet? Thank you, Pete Carroll, for unleashing your covert running back cover-up. You fooled everyone. Somewhere Mike Shanahan is giving you the knuckle. Fantasy owners, on the other hand…

And CJ, you have annoyed, frustrated and befuddled me to my very core. I am beyond despair and disbelief that I drafted someone who plays with such lackluster and indifference. And despite my best attempts, no thesaurus can help me find more adjectives to describe my outrage. You, my friend, are a thief. The only consolation – and it’s a good one – is knowing Titans fans are suffering more.

But good luck against Indy. I believe in you.

Now, on to this week’s waiver picks:

Bernard Scott – Does Cedric Benson even remember why he’s being punished? I’ve already forgotten. But I have not forgotten about Bernard who is squatting on valuable bench space. Even though Seattle is tough against the run, with the bye weeks in bloom, Scott is a viable No. 2 back. Yes, even with his measly 2.8 yards per carry. Dream big, Bernard! Available in 82 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Demaryius Thomas – What playbook? Tim Tebow’s Mad Lib offense is nutty. It’s hard to predict who will get the ball when even Timmy doesn’t know. While entertaining for the fan, his little improvised game plan was not so entertaining for the fantasy owner. Thomas was the carnival winner last week with 27 yards, a touchdown and a leaky snow cone. If you’re in a deep league or bye week drama, Thomas is worth a look. Available in 91 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Christian Ponder – Ponder proved the Vikings aren’t horrible with a decent QB. Far less boring too! The rookie rifle passed for 219 yards, including two touchdowns and two interceptions. Loving his matchup against a soft and vulnerable Panthers pass defense this week. Available in 89 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Roy Helu – Another heluva pick here. Or not. Good luck picking the right nut in the Shanahan shell game. Feeling lucky? Try Helu. Available in 82 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Knowshon Moreno – Subbing for his former backup-turned-starter, Moreno could benefit from the run-heavy-cause-Tebow-can’t-pass Denver offense. And while Moreno is ho hum as a typical running back, he’s a good receiving back who could compliment Tebow’s irregular play nicely. Available in 50 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Montario Hardesty – The Little Engine That Could finally amassed over 100 yards. Not a spectacular effort – 2.7 yard per carry – but hard to overlook 122 total yards. Peyton Hillis could return week 8, so Hardesty is likely a flex play. But that’s a promotion from where he’s been most of the season – the bench. Available in 64 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Alfonso Smith – Filling in for the bruised Beanie Wells, Smith garnered only 17 yards on the day, although he did find the end zone. Served as the lone runner for Arizona after Wells exited, which tips the hand his way for week 8. Unfriendly matchup this week vs. Baltimore, but if Beanie’s sensitivity to pain lingers, Smith owners can enjoy a yummy Rams defense week 9. Available in 98 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Tim Tebow – I know. Crazy exciting. But get a hold of yourself. Lions are tough against the pass. Better options out there.

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