Fantasy Football: Top 10 sleepers for Week 8

Sep 13, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron (85) scores a second quarter touchdown against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Week 8 is here for fantasy football owners everywhere as the hunt for the perfect sleepers has arrived. Take a look at these top 10 options that are primed to reap in many fantasy points for your respective teams.

As we approach Week 8 we can breathe a little easier, as this week’s bye doesn’t offer any serious alterations to your fantasy lineup. However, you will still need to remove the Bufalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins from your starting lineup.

The greatest thing about fantasy football is the unknown. Did anyone expect Ryan Tannehill to go off the fantasy charts? Who would have guessed the Lions’ defense could out play the Vikings, especially with Haloti Ngata out with a calf injury?

As we approach Week 8, there are several players we need to keep an eye on. Let’s explore these players as we take a look at my top 10 sleepers you should consider starting in Week 8.

Next: 10. These Rams are going to charge

Oct 25, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive end William Hayes (95) celebrates after sacking Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (not pictured) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

10. St. Louis Rams Defense

The St. Louis Rams this week is definitely the defense to go with. Did I mention they are playing the San Francisco 49ers?

Last week alone their defensive line obtained 4 sacks, 4 fumble recoveries and a touchdown. As of now the Rams are ranked No. 2 in sacks, having 23 overall this season.

Sadly for the 49ers this week, there really is no match up as the Rams take on their terrible offensive line which is the worst in the NFL being ranked No. 32. This week looks like another loss for San Fran but, a huge victory for the Rams’ defense.

Next: 9. He's back!

Oct 18, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) smiles while on the field before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

9. Ben Roethlisberger

Ben Roethlisberger is welcomed back in Week 8 after his unforeseen injury early in the season. Big Ben is back, and he is coming for revenge against an undefeated Cincinnati Bengals team.

The Steelers’ defense may have had some issues coming into Week 8 but they also have some valuable players listed on the injury report however. It will not affect the Steelers’ offense and the return of Roethlisberger.

With his extreme skills in navigating the pocket and teammates like Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant, and Le’Veon Bell, Big Ben is guaranteed to shine as he’ll diligently work on handing the Bengals their first loss of the season.

Next: 8. Who doesn't like a little magic?

Sep 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) looks to pass against the Cleveland Browns during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

8. Ryan Fitzpatrick

There has only been one quarterback(Peyton Manning) to not defeat the Raiders as a top scoring QB. Fitzpatrick may not be the ideal QB, but this week’s match-up seems promising.

This season, Fitzpatrick has received above average points consecutively. In recent weeks, Fitzpatrick has earned above 20 fantasy points per game which is a great value to any starting line-up.

With players like Eric Decker, Brandon Marshall and Chris Ivory (injury permitting), you can’t go wrong with this veteran QB. This week’s match-up against the Oakland Raiders should offer Fitzpatrick decent fantasy football points. Fitzmagic is a must start for Week 8 as he’s definitely a sleeper in this one.

Next: 7. Watch out for this Redskin

Oct 25, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed (86) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FedEx Field. Washington Redskins defeated Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-30.Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

7. Jordan Reed

I know, I know. Reed is on a bye this week with the Redskins but keep in mind, he’ll be under the radar for many fantasy owners and will be a huge sleeper pick when he returns. I’d highly recommend stashing him on your bench this week and prepare him for next week as he’s going to be a sleeper regardless.

Reed has only recently played 2 games after returning to the field after a hamstring injury. However, this Redskins TE1 was a fantasy favorite last week, and will be a fantasy favorite in Week 9. In the Redskins victory over the Buccaneers in Week 7, Reed caught 11-of-13 targets for a total of 72 yards and 2 touchdowns. I guess his hamstring was feeling better and with a week of rest, he will surprise many.

Trust me when I say, Reed is going into their Week 9 game against the New England Patriots fully rested and ready to get back to work. Stash him now and enjoy the benefits later!

Next: 6. This Lion is ready to roar

Sep 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron (85) scores a touchdown on a pass against the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 26-16. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

6. Eric Ebron

Ebron is the true meaning of sleeper coming into Week 8. Although he experienced a tough loss last week to the Vikings, he managed to secure 5-of-5 targets for 89 yards and a touchdown after a 2 week absence due to being injured.

This Lions TE1 is currently ranked No. 8 on the charts. So far this season he averages about 53 yards per game, caught 3 touchdowns and is ranked overall No. 26.

Coming into Week 8, Ebron prepares for a tough game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Although the Chiefs’ defense has been stopping TE’s all season, Ebron has the capabilities to change the ball game. He is a good risk in this weeks fantasy lineup.

Next: 5. These pirates are eating poultry for dinner

Oct 11, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Charles Sims (34) runs for a first down during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

5. Charles Sims

Sims is coming in strong after a Week 7 loss to the Redskins. Having 8 carries for a total of 51 yards in just one quarter, this Tampa Bay RB is coming into Week 8 strong and with vengeance.

Although ranked as a RB3, Sims is performing at a RB2 level in points per reception leagues. Averaging a little over 11 points, Sims has consistently caught a minimum of 2 balls every week.

The Falcons having given away over 60 receptions and 514 yards thus far, need to prepare for this monstrous RB. As Sims strikes back in Week 8 against the Falcons, his fantasy points per game seems promising against these birds.

Next: 4. This Titan will win the war

Oct 25, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Dexter McCluster (22) catches a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

4. Dexter McCluster

If you have not already drafted Dexter McCluster, now is the time! McCluster is currently coming off a season-high game with some pretty impressive statics.

This Titans RB caught 6 of 8 targets for a total of 48 yards in last weeks match-up against the Falcons. McCluster is also averaging a minimum of 5 carriers per game.

McCluster’s matchup this week against the Houston Texans seems very promising. The Texans are having a rough season coming into Week 8 with a record of 2-5, it’s no wonder McCluster will prevail against the team who allows over 100 rushing and 47 receiving yards per game.

Next: 3. This Dolphin will continue being an X-factor

Sep 27, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Rishard Matthews celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium. Buffalo defeated the Dolphins 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Innerarity-USA TODAY Sports

3. Rishard Matthews

Although the Dolphins have a tough week ahead of them when they meet the undefeated New England Patriots, Rishard Matthews will still conquer fantasy football lineups in Week 8. Having caught 3-of-3 targets for 75 yards and a touchdown in Week 7, Matthews approaches the Patriots with confidence in this week’s match-up.

Dan Campbell has done wonders for this WR3. In total, Matthews has completed 9-of-9 targets for a total of 160 yards. Matthews has gone above and beyond fellow teammates Kenny Stills and DeVante Parker this season.

The Dolphins may have a tough time defeating the current Super Bowl champs, but it will be no match-up for Matthews who is projected to see at least five targets, if not more to try and hand the Patriots their first loss of the season.

Next: 2. Can you Digg it?

Aug 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) catches a pass before the game against the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

2. Stefon Diggs

Diggs is soaring into Week 8 after having two back to back 100+ yard receiving games. Ranked No. .2 in the league, he has had 5 receptions within the past three games.

Although Charles Johnson is the usual go to guy on the Vikings, Diggs has been climbing the charts. In my opinion, sit Johnson and scoop up Diggs if possible on your fantasy football teams.

There is no doubt this WR will shine against the Chicago Bears who have allowed the highest number of passing points in the league.

Next: 1. This Ram isn't sleeping at all

Oct 25, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin (11) celebrates against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams won 24-6. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

1. Tavon Austin

Austin comes into this week as a debatable WR choice for many fantasy teams. However, I am confident he will offer decent amount of fantasy points this week.

Although Week 7 offered no valuable assets from Austin, this Rams WR3 offers about 120 rushing yards and is the front runner of the team in receptions even after having only one touchdown.

With Todd Gurley being the focus to the surprisingly poor 49ers’ defense, Austin will be able to fly under the radar in this week’s match-up. Tavon Awesome as I like to call him is a definite must have this week.

Next: Brandon Marshall gets into it with teammate