Week 8: Start Em, Sit Em - Philip Rivers, Todd Gurley and others

Quarterbacks

Start Em

Philip Rivers, SD at BAL - Once again I'm picking on the Ravens secondary and rightfully so. Opposing quarterbacks are averaging 300.7 passing yards per game, 12.8 passing yards per completion, and have thrown 13 touchdowns against the Ravens defense. Rivers is averaging 350 passing yards per game and has thrown for 330+ yards in four consecutive games. He has thrown for two or more touchdown passes in all but one game. The run game for the Chargers is inexistent and they rely heavily on Rivers' arm. He's averaging 44.4 pass attempts per game. This game has the second highest over/under of the week, which is a good indication that points are expected to be scored. Continue to ride the heater Rivers is on until he cools off, if he does.

Other Starts

Andy Dalton, CIN vs. PIT

Eli Manning, NYG at NO

Cam Newton, CAR vs. IND

Ben Roethlisberger, PIT at CIN

Sleeper Alert: Ryan Fitzpatrick, NYJ at OAK

Sit Em

Colin Kaepernick, SF at STL - One week Kaepernick shows a glimpse of being a solid quarterback and other weeks he leaves fantasy owners shaking their heads. He has played solid against subpar defenses and has completely stunk it up against good defenses. Last week he had the worst game of the season and things don't get much easier this week. He faces a stingy Rams defense that is tied for the second fewest fantasy points per game allowed to opposing quarterbacks (12). They've allowed just five touchdowns in five games while intercepting the ball five times. Keep in mind, they have faced some solid quarterbacks this season: Aaron Rodgers, Carson Palmer, Ben Roethlisberger, and Russell Wilson. They should be able to get to Kaepernick and force him to make some bad decisions. He's best left on the bench for this one.

Other Sits

Derek Carr, OAK vs. NYJ

Peyton Manning, DEN vs. GB

Alex Smith, KC vs. DET

Jameis Winton, TB at ATL

Bust Alert: Russell Wilson, SEA at DAL

Running Backs

Start Em

Todd Gurley, STL vs. SF - Gurley has now rushed for more than 125 yards in three consecutive games. He finally scored his first NFL touchdown last week and also scored his second. He's also averaging over five yards per carry in the last three games. This is another good spot for Gurley as he takes on the Niners who surrender 100.6 rushing yards per game and 4.14 yards per carry to opposing backs. The Niners have also yielded seven rushing touchdowns in seven games this season. They've been unable to stop the run. The Rams are heavy favorites at home which bodes well for Gurley as it means his likelihood of scoring a touchdown are much higher. He can be a special back in this league if he can stay healthy, make sure you have him in your lineups.

Other Starts

Justin Forsett, BAL vs. SD

Jonathan Stewart, CAR vs. IND

Chris Johnson, ARI vs. CLE

Danny Woodhead, SD at BAL

Sleeper alert: Charcandrick West, KC vs. DET

Sit Em

Carlos Hyde, SF at STL - Hyde is not 100 percent healthy as he is dealing with a foot injury. To make matters worse, he faces a stingy Rams defense who has not allowed a rushing touchdown since Week 3 and that was against Le'Veon Bell. Opposing backs are averaging 90.5 rushing yards per game and 3.9 yards per carry against the Rams, while only getting in the end zone three times. Hyde is averaging 4.1 yards per carry for the season, but just 3.8 yards per carry on the road. He's also averaging fewer yards per game on the road than he does in home games. I'm also not a fan that he's on the road and an underdog. There are a too many red flags surrounding Hyde this week for him to be a consideration. Unless you have no choice, it's best to look elsewhere for a running back.

Other Sits

Jeremy Hill, CIN vs. PIT

Darren McFadden, DAL vs. SEA

Melvin Gordon, SD at BAL

C.J. Anderson, DEN vs. GB

Bust Alert: Latavius Murray, OAK vs. NYJ

Wide Receivers

Start Em

Keenan Allen, SD at BAL - If you were concerned about the hip injury being a factor, after last week it's likely you no longer think that way. Allen hauled in nine of his 13 targets for 98 yards. He's been targeted 38 times in the last three games and is averaging 12 targets per game for the season. The Ravens are allowing 214 receiving yards per game, 15 receptions per game, and 14.27 yards per catch to opposing receivers. They've also yielded 11 touchdowns and are giving up 29.4 fantasy points per game. Chances are, Antonio Gates will sit this one out once again. If that's the case, Allen could see more than his normal amount of targets. He's a high volume receiver with a juicy matchup, not much to dislike here.

Other Starts

Stefon Diggs, MIN at CHI

Alshon Jeffery, CHI vs. MIN

Eric Decker, NYJ at OAK

Martavis Bryant, PIT at CIN

Sleeper Alert: Golden Tate, DET vs. KC

Sit Em

Amari Cooper, OAK vs. NYJ - Cooper is having a very good rookie season thus far, but has a tough matchup ahead of him. He will visit Revis Island for the first time and that's usually not a pleasant visit for opposing receivers. In fact, the Jets have held opposing team's WR1 to 240 yards and no touchdowns. Cooper has been held in check in previous matchups against good defenses. In the long run, he could end up being a matchup proof receiver, but he's not quite there yet. This could be a frustrating game for Cooper and if you own him and play him, for you as well. It may be difficult with injuries and bye weeks to bench him, but if you can, it might be a wise move.

Other Sits

Terrence Williams, DAL vs. SEA

Travis Benjamin, CLE vs. ARI

James Jones, GB at DEN

Anquan Boldin, SF at STL

Bust Alert: T.Y. Hilton, IND at CAR

Tight Ends

Start Em

Delanie Walker, TEN at HOU

Martellus Bennett, CHI vs. MIN

Ladarius Green, SD at BAL (if Gates is out)

Sit Em

Jordan Cameron, MIA at NE

Coby Fleener, IND at CAR

Kyle Rudolph, MIN at CHI

Defense

Start Em

Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys

St. Louis Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers

Sit Em

Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots

New York Giants at New Orleans Saints

Twitter: @Armando_Marsal