NFL Fantasy Football: Week 8 sneaky starts to bolster your lineup

With the New York Giants joining five other teams on a bye week, this week is all about fantasy football for those who #bleedblue . Six bye week teams force some tough roster decisions, so let’s take a look at some fill-in starters that may just get you a crucial midseason victory.

Alex Smith, QB, KC

He is literally the most boring QB start in FF. The only thing to get excited about is the Colts dismal defense. Smith is probably on your waiver wire, and probably has a floor of 15 fantasy points this week. You can’t be too picky at this point in the season, and the floor is what makes Smith a fine one week rental.

Rob Kelley, RB, WAS

Matt Jones has been ruled out, leaving Chris Thompson and the rookie Kelley to fill-in. Thompson is probably owned in PPR leagues, and Kelley is the early down/goal line back. 50 yards and a TD seem like a fair projection.

J.J. Nelson, WR, ARI

John Brown and Michael Floyd are banged up, and Jaron Brown is on IR with a torn ACL. If Nelson gets the start as the third WR, lookout for some fireworks. If you haven’t seen Nelson play yet, he’s the fastest player in the NFL. No DB can run with him, and Palmer may need to air it out against the Panthers in Carolina.

Gary Barnidge, TE, CLE

Barnidge was last year’s breakout TE in fantasy, but has done nothing this year. I chalk that up to QB play, and this week, the Browns get Josh McCown back under center. McCown to Barnidge was magic last year, and the Jets secondary can’t cover anyone. I think this is the big week Barnidge truthers have been waiting for.