1. Antonio Gates vs. Oakland Raiders
Gates has been playing very well in 2009 and he and Rivers seem to have re-discovered the chemistry they had in 2006. He’s also healthy, a nightmare match-up for defensive coordinators, and expect him to reel in over 90 yards and a TD vs. the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. He’s our top ranked fantasy football TE in Week Eight.
2. Jeremy Shockey vs. Atlanta Falcons
Shockey’s enjoying a fine second season in New Orleans and Sean Payton’s creating mismatches for his TE which Drew Brees is exploiting. This week’s game should be a high scoring affair and we like Shockey to find the end zone at least once.
3. Dallas Clark vs. San Francisco 49ers
Owen Daniels just torched the middle of the Niners defense for 100 yards and a long TD. Clark’s one of Manning’s favorite targets and if Reggie Wayne is limited, it’ll increase his number of targets against a suspect Niners secondary.
4. Brent Celek vs. New York Giants
The Giants defense has a glaring weakness in center field (S C.C. Brown) and you know Andy Reid and Co. will look to exploit this part of the defense throughout the afternoon. Celek’s become one of McNabb’s top targets and we expect him to have a big day and notch a TD.
Sleepers
1. Mercedes Lewis vs. Tennessee Titans
Lewis has been inconsistent, if anything, but we like this favorable match-up against the reeling Tennessee Titans secondary. The Jags are going to have little trouble moving the ball through the air and we think Lewis, a solid fantasy sleeper in Week Eight, will find the end zone.
2. Zach Miller vs. San Diego Chargers
Miller’s not allowed to showcase his skills because JaMarcus Russell is the worst QB in the league. Miller can rattle off games like the one he had vs. the Eagles, over 100 yards and a long TD, or like against the Jets, where he had two catches for 15 yards. The Chargers have coverage issues down the seam and Miller’s historically fared well vs. the Bolts.
Others We Like
Tony Gonzalez vs. New Orleans Saints
The Monday Night affair could be a shootout. Both teams have potent passing games and Atlanta will have trouble running the ball against the Saints defense. So look for Gonzalez to be on the receiving end of a lot of Ryan’s passes.
Vernon Davis vs. Indianapolis Colts
Davis is coming off an outstanding three TD performance against the Houston Texans. The insertion of QB Alex Smith at the half proved the catalyst which led to Davis’s huge game. The Niners will need to pass the ball to stay with the Colts so expect good things from Davis.
Jason Witten vs. Seattle Seahawks
Witten’s role in the offense expanded against the Falcons as he was allowed to receive rather than block for most of the afternoon. Expect more of that on Sunday and for Witten to have a strong outing with a TD.
A Few More
Kevin Boss vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Visanthe Schiancoe vs. Green Bay Packers
Greg Olsen vs. Cleveland Browns
Owen Daniels vs. Buffalo Bills
