(2008 Rankings)1. Steve Smith (CAR) – He is officially back and can once again be considered as a top flight fantasy option. Smith has been extremely productive and consistent in recent weeks, topping his previous game’s production each and every week. In his last 4 games, he is averaging 6 receptions with 107 receiving yards. He also has 2 TD’s during that stretch including a score in week 7. Week 8 looks to be Smith’s most promising match up to date. He will face a struggling Arizona secondary that allows 2 receiving TD’s per game on average. Smith is capable of monster numbers with this match up. He had 10 receptions for 136 yards and a TD in his only game against the Cardinals last season.
2. Andre Johnson (HOU) – The average game for Johnson over the last 3 weeks consists of 10 receptions and 150 receiving yards. He also has 2 TD’s during that stretch and is currently the hottest WR in the NFL. Johnson could be challenged a bit this week by a solid Bengals pass defense that will likely double team him. The good news is that Indianapolis, who is even better against the pass than Cincinnati, couldn’t even come close to containing Johnson in their attempt to double him back in week 5. Johnson is an obvious must start for fantasy this week and every week.
3. Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) – He will have a difficult match up this week against Carolina’s 2nd ranked pass defense, but as he has proven in the past, there isn’t a secondary on earth that can really contain him. Fitzgerald could lose a little fantasy value with the emergence of Steve Breaston and the likely return of Anquan Boldin, but it shouldn’t be much, and he is still the go to guy in the Cardinal’s pass heavy attack. He ranks in the top 10 in practically every statistical category imaginable for a WR and remains a must start fantasy option in spite of a tough match up. Fitzgerald caught 6 balls for 97 yards in a 2007 meeting with the Panthers.
4. Lee Evans (BUF) – He is finally returning to the form that made him one of the top fantasy WR’s in the game in 2006. Evans has been able to find pay dirt in each of his last 3 contests while averaging 92 receiving yards in the process. He should be able to shred a shaky Miami secondary in week 8. The Dolphins currently rank 27th against the pass and have allowed 9 TD’s in 6 games through the air. Evans hauled in 2 TD passes in his last game against Miami in 2007, and he was struggling heading into that game. Evans comes into this year’s match up with a full head of steam, so anything less than a huge performance would be disappointing.
5. Santana Moss (WAS) – After a nice week 7 performance against a tough Cleveland secondary, Moss seems to be back on track, and week 8 holds monster potential. Moss will face a Detroit pass defense that currently ranks 31st. The Lions have been torched by opposing WR’s on a weekly basis this season allowing 11 receiving TD’s in just 6 games. Moss should feed off of last week’s momentum and come through with a big fantasy day for you with this extremely favorable match up.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ENTIRE TOP 50 WIDE RECEIVER RANKINGS TO HELP YOU DECIDE WHO TO START/SIT IN WEEK 8.
