Fantasy Football: Top 5 players to avoid for Week 8

Oct 25, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) runs for a first down against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the NFL game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

If you want to win in your fantasy football leagues this week, stay away from these players that will surely disappoint owners everywhere.

This week’s football bye week isn’t as drastic as Week 7 was. There isn’t a need to do a ton of rearranging, fill-ins, or dropping players this week. However, this week’s line-up is going to make for some great fantasy football outcomes, as well as many unpredictable ones as well.

This week, Ben Roethlisberger returns to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Also, Dez Bryant plans on making a return to the Dallas Cowboys. The return of players, Week 8 specific match-ups, and another London game, this week’s fantasy football line-up may be difficult to predict. I may not be able to tell you who is going to score off the point chart but, I can tell you who is not!

With inconsistency at its, best these top 5 players definitely need to be avoided in Week 8.

Next: 5. There will be no Kaepernicking this week

October 4, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7, bottom) during the third quarter at Levi

5. Colin Kaepernick

Although the San Francisco 49ers have had a rough start this season, Colin Kaepernick has had two strong games against the Baltimore Ravens and the New York Giants averaging a little over 20 points per game. But, don’t let that fool you!

Kaepernick doesn’t offer consistent fantasy points per game. He also had 4 games this season where he earned less than 10 points per game. Just this past week he came in with less than 5 points against the Seattle Seahawks.

This week as the 49ers take on the St. Louis Rams, I just don’t find it possible for Kaepernick to score big against a team who defense hasn’t allowed any quarterback to score 20 or more points this season. Definitely avoid any type of Kaepernicking this week.

Next: 4. This Cowboy is a lone ranger

Dec 21, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrance Williams (83) on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against Indianapolis Colts at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

4. Terrance Williams

Terrance Williams has had less than mediocre fantasy points per game. In Week 7, he caught only 4-of-7 catches from back-up QB Matt Cassel.

He totaled 70 yards against the New York Giants which, were the most yards Williams received since Week 2. He is another fantasy bust who earns less than 8 points per game at times.

With Cassel’s inconsistent capabilities, I would not risk playing Williams for any reason whatsoever. Not to mention, the possibility of Bryant’s return means less time for Williams. If Bryant does return, Williams will definitely be limited and be sparingly used.

Next: 3. Bench this Giant before it's too late

Nov 30, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) carries the ball as Jacksonville Jaguars safety Sherrod Martin (36) defends in the second quarter at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

3. Rashad Jennings

This New York Giants’ running back earned a whopping 3 fantasy points last week. Although he has the capabilities of earning more points per game (like we have seen him do in past weeks), the Giants’ unpredictable actions leave it hard to figure out who Eli Manning’s main running back is going to be.

In Week 7, the Giants’ victory over the Cowboys didn’t factor much of Jennings in the final outcome. Jennings rushed 5 times earning only 19 rushing yards total. His efforts were outshined by Orleans Darkwa.

With Manning having multiple options this week at running back that are much more consistent, it isn’t looking good for this Giant to get many repts. Bench, drop or trade Jennings immediately.

Next: 2. Don't be fooled by this Patriot

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Brandon LaFell (19) celebrates in the locker room following the game against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2. Brandon LaFell

Wide receiver Brandon LaFell shouldn’t need an explanation in the grand scheme of things. In Week 7, LaFell returned to the Patriots after being on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list for several weeks.

LaFell was even benched for a period of time as he dropped 6 balls against the New York Jets. LaFell is currently ranked as a WR3 coming into Week 8. Receiving only 5 fantasy points after an injury return makes me wonder if he really is capable of wowing us this week. My guess is… NO!

Trust me when I say that quarterback Tom Brady will be looking elsewhere as there is no room for error when it comes to the Patriots’ offense. Stay far away from LaFell this week as they are set to face the Miami Dolphins.

Next: 1. Welcome to Revis Island

Aug 14, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) carries the ball against the St. Louis Rams in a preseason NFL football game at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

1. Latavius Murray

Running back Latavius Murray is my No. 1 player to avoid in Week 8. Having recently rushed 15 times for a total of 85 yards and a touchdown must make you wonder why he should be avoided this week. Well, the Raiders are facing the New York Jets, that’s a big reason why.

Murray’s history shows he performs great against a poor defense, and less than average when standing across from a solid defensive line. The Jets have a solid defense and have offered the fewest points to opposing RB’s this season.

Murray can’t possibly expect to get over on Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie. This match-up doesn’t offer any value to Murray in Week 8. It’s best to put him back on your bench for this week as he’ll be ineffective to say the least.

Next: Top 5 fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 8