Injuries. Injuries. Injuries…. Those three muttered words tend to be the most mentioned surrounding the water cooler Tuesday mornings. I know this is something spouted out every year but the absurd number of starters lost this season has been, well, absurd. Heck, in just one league alone, I've had seven players lost to a season ending injury.
While as frustrating as it can be, this run of injuries does create opportunities for those fantasy owners looking for a boost to get them over the playoff hump. With a few smart pick ups, a fantasy owner's season can go from missing the playoffs to league champion.
Here is my LOVE/HATE picks for week eight, hopefully they survive the week without hitting injured reserve.
James LeBeau is an avid fantasy sports participant and a sports contributor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him on twitter @Jlebeau76 or “like” CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.
Week 8 Love-Hate
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Alfred Morris RB – Washington
The Washington Redskins are going to need to put up a ton of points this week to keep up with the Denver Broncos. Normally running back Alfred Morris is a vital part of the offense. I say normally because this week my gut is telling me that the Broncos will take away Morris and make Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III beat them with the pass.
While I think that Morris will be rendered ineffective this week as a healthier Denver defense will lock things down, it isn't a sure thing. I would understand if you ignore this one. Just don't come crying to me when he puts up a measly three to six points.
HATE
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Cecil Shorts WR – Jacksonville
Shorts, along with Justin Blackmon, hold the hope of the entire Jacksonville Jaguars franchise as both receivers combine to make as formidable receiving pair as you will find in the league. What they lack, though, is a capable QB to get them the ball.
Facing the tough San Francisco 49ers in a game played overseas in London, with an injured shoulder no less, doesn't leave a lot of room for faith in Shorts' ability to post good numbers this week. If you have other solid options at wideout, put them in because this isn't going to be a good week for Shorts.
HATE
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Colin Kaepernick QB – San Francisco
Kaepernick has been a frustrating fantasy quarterback this season. In the real world, he has played solid football and has the 49ers about where they should be. In the fantasy world he remains a second tier starter due to unspectacular numbers.
In week eight, Kaepernick has the chance to be a number one fantasy QB as San Francisco is taking on the woeful Jacksonville Jaguars. The game is being played in London so it's essentially a road game for both teams. Expect Kaepernick to post a solid day with his legs as well as his arm.
LOVE
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Hakeem Nicks WR – New York Giants
Nicks has been the most frustrating player for me this fantasy season. Playing on the normally explosive New York Giants, I expected big points from Nicks on an average basis. Seven weeks into the season, however, Nicks remains without a score and looks as lost as the Giants as a whole.
Week eight sees Nicks and the Giants facing the Philadelphia Eagles and if Nicks doesn't hit double digit points this week, then it's time for him to start riding the pine. My thought is he redeems himself with an awesome bounce back week.
LOVE
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Jason Campbell QB – Cleveland
Looked at the big picture, the Cleveland Browns have enough weapons to make Jason Campbell a solid bye week start for many. Take it down to just week eight and Campbell has no positives as the Browns face off against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chiefs have been devouring opponents this year on a weekly basis and hearing that Campbell has got the start this week has surely already got them licking their chops. No, stay as far away as Campbell as you can this week because saying it's all bad is a gross understatement.
HATE
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Le' Veon Bell RB – Pittsburgh
Don't look now but the Pittsburgh Steelers have won two straight games after dropping the first four. In the Steelers' week seven win against the Baltimore Ravens, rookie rusher Le'Veon Bell set the pace early with 68 yards on 12 carries in the first half. Bell would end the day with 99 total yards on 18 touches.
With the Steelers needing to continue winning to get out of the big hole they placed themselves in, expect a heavy dose of Bell when Pittsburgh faces the Oakland Raiders this Sunday. Pit needs to run the ball to win and Bell is showing he has the stuff. Expect double digit fantasy points from Bell this week.
LOVE
