Week 8 is very important to fantasy football leagues as we’re entering the stretch run in finding out who makes the playoffs. The availability of four very important wide receivers are in question this week.
Dallas Cowboys star Dez Bryant is listed as questionable but all signs are pointing towards him playing against the Seattle Seahawks. While this is great news, you must be a risk taker if you’re starting him this week. Cowboys VP Stephen Jones admitted Bryant will likely be on a “pitch count” limiting the number of snaps he takes. The Cowboys quarterback situation is terrible with Matt Cassel starting until Tony Romo returns. Seattle's defense is still tremendous with Richard Sherman likely shadowing Bryant all day. There has to be better and safer options on your roster.
Vincent Jackson is doubtful with a knee injury and not expected to play for the Tampa Buccaneers game against the Atlanta Falcons. Tampa Bay head coach Lovie Smith refuses to rule him out but the chances of him playing are slim to none. Mike Evans should be headed towards a big game thanks to the extra targets without Jackson in the lineup.
The bad luck for New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker has returned as he’s listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Oakland Raiders. Decker was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday with a sore knee. It’s currently looking like this will come down to a game-time decision so fantasy owners will likely to be forced to sit him due to the Jets game taking place at 4PM. This is a shame since Decker has been quite consistent and New York should have a successful passing day in Oakland.
Another dependable wide receiver dealing with the injury bug this week is John Brown of the Arizona Cardinals. Brown has been quietly been one of the best at his position in fantasy over the last three games but is still dealing with a double hamstring injury. The Cardinals heading towards a bye next week led to speculation that Brown would be benched in an attempt to rest up an extra week. Arizona head coach Bruce Arians squashed that rumor by saying the bye didn’t matter “a damn bit” in determining his status for Sunday. After getting a limited practice in on Friday after sitting out Wednesday and Thursday, it looks like Brown is leaning towards playing but double check before game time to be certain.