Fantasy Football Week 8 Start ‘Em and Sit ‘Em: Joe Mixon is Jamey Eisenberg’s Start of the Week – CBSSports.com

More Week 8: Waiver Wire — Trade Values — Streaming Options — Rankings — Start ‘Em and Sit ‘Em — Cheat Sheet

This could be a tough week for Fantasy owners. There are six teams on a bye — Green Bay, Arizona, Jacksonville, Tennessee, the Giants and Rams — which means we’re missing several key players.

Don’t worry, we have you covered.

While it might not be comforting to rely on guys like Andy Dalton, Wendell Smallwood, Ted Ginn and Tyler Kroft, you might not have a choice. We’ll talk about those guys and many more as potential starting options for this week.

We’ll also tell you why guys such as Deshaun Watson, Rob Kelley and T.Y. Hilton are players you might want to avoid this week. And we’ll break down the Start of the Week.

While this might feel like a daunting task trying to win in Week 8 with all the talent missing due to the bye, hope is not lost. There are plenty of good players to help you win.

As always, it’s about finding the right ones for your team. And we think a lot of those players are listed right here.

Editor’s Note: Projections are provided by CBS Sports and not Jamey Eisenberg.

Start of the Week

The only thing that could hold down Joe Mixon this week against the Colts is Marvin Lewis. And that would be dumb of the Bengals coach to punish his best running back – and second-best offensive player behind A.J. Green – for saying he wants the ball more.

Mixon should get the squeaky wheel treatment here instead and get more work than he can handle, which would be nice. He was playing well against the Steelers last week with seven carries for 48 yards (6.9 yards per carry) and three catches for 20 yards, but he didn’t get a carry in the second half.

Mixon said the play-calling was “frustrating,” and hopefully that’s rectified this week. His usage of late says it will happen since Mixon had at least 15 carries in the three games prior to Week 7, and he averaged 19 touches a game over that span.

It coincides with Bill Lazor taking over as the offensive coordinator, and Mixon has scored at least nine Fantasy points in a standard league in two of his past four outings. I expect him to score more than nine Fantasy points this week against the Colts.

Indianapolis has struggled with its run defense in the past two games against Tennessee and Jacksonville, with Derrick Henry, DeMarco Murray, T.J. Yeldon and Chris Ivory all scoring double digits in Fantasy points in a standard league in those matchups.

For the season, seven running backs have scored double digits in Fantasy points against the Colts, and Mixon should be No. 8. Helping his cause will be Indianapolis down two key defenders in linebacker John Simon (stinger) and safety Malik Hooker (knee). We just hope Lewis doesn’t screw this up.

Mixon deserves a heavy workload based on his ability on the field. And if he gets it as expected against the Colts, he should have a standout performance in Week 8.

I’m starting Mixon over: Carlos Hyde (at PHI), Doug Martin (vs. CAR), C.J. Anderson (at KC), Jerick McKinnon (at CLE) and Lamar Miller (at SEA)

Quarterbacks

Sleepers

• Josh McCown (at ATL): McCown has scored at least 17 Fantasy points in three games in a row, including 54 points in his past two games against New England and Miami. This is a tough matchup against the Falcons, who have allowed just two quarterbacks to score 20-plus Fantasy points this season. But given McCown’s recent level of play, he’s worth using as a streaming option, especially in two-quarterback leagues.
• Trevor Siemian (at KC): It’s hard to trust Siemian, who has scored 13 Fantasy points or less in four of his past five games and hasn’t scored multiple touchdowns since Week 2. But the matchup with the Chiefs is enticing, making Siemian a streaming option. Kansas City has allowed three of the past four opposing quarterbacks to score at least 23 Fantasy points, and four quarterbacks have reached that number this year. Siemian is worth a look in two-quarterback leagues.
• Case Keenum (at MIN): Like Siemian, Keenum is hard to trust given his recent level of play. He hasn’t scored more than 14 Fantasy points in any of his past four games, and he actually only has one game this season with more than that total, which was Week 3 against Tampa Bay. He could get a boost if Stefon Diggs (groin) is back this week against the Browns in London, and all but one quarterback (Marcus Mariota in Week 7) has scored at least 17 Fantasy points against Cleveland this year. Keenum will hopefully be in that range, and he’s worth using in two-quarterback leagues this week.

Bust Alert

I was way off about Carr last week when he passed for 417 yards and three touchdowns against the Chiefs, which was good for 35 Fantasy points. And I could be way off about him again this week since the Bills just allowed Winston to have a big game in Week 7 in Buffalo. But Carr could be a letdown since he scored 11 Fantasy points or less in his past three games prior to Week 7. And the Bills limited every opposing quarterback to 15 Fantasy points or less in every game before facing Winston. I consider Carr a low-end starting Fantasy quarterback this week in the majority of leagues, but I’m not ready to declare he’s back after what he did against Kansas City at home. Going on the road at Buffalo will be tougher, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Carr had a dud performance this week.

Running Backs

Sleepers

• Marlon Mack (at CIN): Mack played 32 snaps in Week 7 against Jacksonville compared to just 22 for Frank Gore, and we expect the Colts to start leaning on Mack even more. He only had nine total touches (four catches) for 66 yards, but he has double digits in Fantasy points in the two games where he’s had at least 10 touches this year. Let’s hope he gets an increased workload against the Bengals, as Mack is a flex option in Week 8.
• Javorius Allen (vs. MIA): Allen has been great in PPR leagues, and he should be a No. 2 option in those formats this week. He’s also a flex option in standard leagues. Allen has at least five catches in four of his past six games, and he had eight catches in Week 7 at Minnesota. He’s not doing much with his receptions (31 catches for 143 yards on the season), but he’s facing a Dolphins defense that has allowed five running backs to catch at least four passes in a game this year.
• Jalen Richard (at BUF): I’ve gone back and forth on Richard and DeAndre Washington all week, but if you need to start one of the Raiders backup running backs with Marshawn Lynch (suspension) out then go with Richard. He should be the better option in the passing game, and I expect the Raiders to be chasing points this week against the Bills. Richard also has more big-play ability. Buffalo has allowed four running backs to catch at least three passes in a game this year, and Richard has seven catches in his past two games.

Bust Alert

I want Anderson to play well this week, and I hope he proves me wrong here. But I don’t like the situation for him against the Chiefs on the road. While Kansas City’s run defense has been leaky at times — see Gillislee, Melvin Gordon and Le’Veon Bell all scoring double digits in Fantasy points in a standard league — Anderson has been terrible on the road for the past three years. He’s played 12 road games since 2015 and is averaging just 4.0 Fantasy points in a standard league over that span, including just one game with double digits in points. When the Broncos have won this season — three home games against the Chargers, Cowboys and Raiders — Anderson has averaged 14.6 Fantasy points per game and 24.3 touches. In three losses against Buffalo, the Giants and the Chargers, he’s averaging 3.0 Fantasy points a game and 10 touches. The Chiefs are favored to win this game by at least a touchdown. Anderson is also losing work to Jamaal Charles, who is making his return to Kansas City, and Devontae Booker, so this is setting up for a bad scenario for Anderson. He’s a low-end No. 2 running back/flex option this week.

Wide Receivers

Sleepers

• Kenny Stills (at BAL): Keep an eye on DeVante Parker (ankle) and his status for Thursday’s game at Baltimore, but if he’s out as expected then consider Stills a decent option this week. It’s not an easy matchup against the Ravens, but Stills has scored in each of the past four games Matt Moore has played in the regular season going back to last year. Stills is a No. 3 Fantasy receiver with upside. 
• Ted Ginn (vs. CHI): Michael Thomas (knee) is banged up, and if he somehow misses this game against the Bears then Ginn could see an expanded role. He’s played well of late with 11 catches for 207 yards and a touchdown on 11 targets in his past two games against Detroit and Green Bay, and he’s the type of player who it only takes one play to become a great Fantasy option. 
• Robby Anderson (vs. ATL): Anderson has the potential to be a No. 3 Fantasy receiver this week against Atlanta, and he’s scored at least seven Fantasy points in a standard league in each of his past two games against New England and Miami. He also has 17 targets over that span with seven catches for 111 yards and a touchdown, and he’s facing a Falcons defense that has allowed four receivers to score at least seven Fantasy points in the past two games. 
• Mohamed Sanu (at NYJ): Sanu came back from a one-game absence with a hamstring injury and immediately had 10 targets at New England in Week 7 with six catches for 65 yards. He’s not a great option in standard leagues, but in the four healthy games he’s played this season he’s scored at least 10 PPR points in every outing. He has a good matchup against the Jets and is worth using as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver.

Bust Alert

Jones is expected to be the No. 1 receiver for the Lions this week with Tate likely out, although continue to monitor his status since he was able to practice Wednesday. And Jones is coming off a strong game in Week 6 at New Orleans before Detroit’s bye week with six catches for 96 yards and a touchdown on 14 targets. He has 22 targets in his past two games, and he should be heavily featured in this game with the Steelers. But Pittsburgh knows that as well, and the Steelers have been tough on opposing receivers this year, especially No. 1 options. Guys like Diggs (two catches for 27 yards on six targets), Tyreek Hill (five catches for 34 yards on seven targets) and A.J. Green (three catches for 41 yards on six targets) have struggled against Pittsburgh, and I expect Jones to follow suit. He’s a No. 3 Fantasy receiver at best this week.

Tight Ends

Sleepers

• Nick O’Leary (vs. OAK): O’Leary let us down a little last week against Tampa Bay in his first start in place of Charles Clay (knee) with just two catches for 58 yards on two targets. I’m counting on more production this week against the Raiders, who have already allowed five tight ends to score at least seven Fantasy points in a game this year.
• Zach Miller (at NO): I anticipate the Bears chasing points in this game and not being able to limit Trubisky to only seven passes like he did in Week 7 against Carolina. Of those seven passes, three were intended for Miller, and I expect him to be heavily involved in any comeback effort for Chicago this week. He did score in each of the previous two games for the Bears prior to Week 7, and New Orleans has allowed three touchdowns to tight ends on the season in six games. Miller is a streaming option in deeper leagues.
• Tyler Kroft (vs. IND): In the four games since Tyler Eifert (back) went down, Kroft has 20 targets for 17 catches, 157 yards and three touchdowns, and he’s scored at least eight Fantasy points in a standard league in two of his past three games. The Colts have allowed four touchdowns to tight ends in the past five games, including last week when Marcedes Lewis had two catches for 29 yards and a score on three targets. Kroft is an excellent streaming option in Week 8 and also has long-term appeal with Eifert on injured reserve.

Bust Alert

Cook, like most of the Raiders in Week 7 against Kansas City, was awesome  with six catches for 107 yards on seven targets, and he nearly scored two touchdowns. But that was just his second game this season with more than five Fantasy points, and he’s had plenty of chances with five games this year with at least six targets. I wouldn’t bench him outright in the majority of leagues, but I would lower expectations for Cook having another monster performance. The Bills have allowed just one tight end to score more than six Fantasy points this season, which was Howard’s surprise outing last week.

Defense/Special Teams

Start ‘Em

Eagles (vs. SF) – 11.9 Projected points

The 49ers have already allowed some big games to opposing DSTs this year, and this week should be a solid outing for the Eagles DST in Beathard’s first road start. Last week, the Cowboys DST sacked Beathard five times, held the 49ers to 10 points and recovered three fumbles. It was the third time this season an opposing DST scored at least 14 Fantasy points against the 49ers. The Eagles DST also comes into this game having scored 10 Fantasy points in three games in a row, and the defense should make this a difficult outing on Beathard in Philadelphia.

Sleepers

• Bengals (vs. IND): The Bengals DST has played well this year, and it should have another strong performance this week against the struggling Colts. The Bengals have at least three sacks in three of their past five games, and they have held two of their past three opponents to 16 points or less. The Bengals DST should do well against the Colts, who were just shut out at home by the Jaguars, and Jacoby Brissett was sacked 10 times in Week 7. Indianapolis has allowed at least three sacks in six of seven  games, and this is a great week to trust the Bengals DST as a streaming option.
• Dolphins (at BAL): The Ravens offense is struggling of late, and Joe Flacco has been sacked eight times in the past two games. He’s also passed for fewer than 170 yards in two games and is dealing with injuries in his receiving corps. And the past two opposing DSTs to face Baltimore (Chicago and Minnesota) have averaged 16.0 Fantasy points in a standard league. The Dolphins DST comes into this game having scored at least 12 Fantasy points in two of their past three outings.
• Saints (vs. CHI): The Bears are going to try to keep this a low-scoring affair and limit what rookie quarterback Mitchell Trubisky has to do, especially in a tough road game at New Orleans. But that will be hard to do against the Saints in the Superdome. In Trubisky’s three starts, he’s passed for fewer than 160 yards in each outing, and opposing DSTs have scored at least 11 Fantasy points over that span in a standard league. Trubisky has been sacked eight times in the past two games, and the Saints DST has scored at least 20 Fantasy points in three of its past four outings.

Sit ‘Em

Texans (at SEA) – 10.7 Projected points

The only two times we’ve seen the Seahawks allow double digits in Fantasy points to an opposing DST was on the road, which was at Green Bay in Week 1 and at the Rams in Week 5. At home, opposing DSTs are averaging just 9.0 Fantasy points against Seattle. Wilson only has four interceptions on the season, and he’s been sacked an average of just 2.3 times per game. The Texans DST was great in its last game against Cleveland with 26 Fantasy points, which was the first game without an injured J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus, but that’s the Browns. The Seahawks offense is clearly much better and will make things tough on the Texans DST.

Kickers

Start ‘Em

Hauschka has been excellent this year for the Bills and Fantasy owners, and he comes into this game with four games in a row with double digits in Fantasy points in every game. He’s averaging 14.3 Fantasy points a game over that span, and he should stay hot this week against the Raiders. Hauschka has made at least three field goals in each of his past two home games, and the Raiders have allowed multiple field goals in all but one game this season. 

Sleepers

• Kai Forbath (at CLE): Forbath has been great coming into this game with 43 Fantasy points in his past three games. He’s made 11 field goals and four extra points over that span, including three field goals from at least 50 yards out. This week he faces a Browns team in London that just allowed four field goals to Ryan Succop in Week 7. We expect Forbath to stay hot for another week in this matchup.
• Randy Bullock (vs. IND): Bullock has yet to score double digits in Fantasy points this year, and he’s coming off a disappointing game against the Steelers with no field goals and just two extra points. But he’s facing a Colts team that has allowed four kickers to score double digits in Fantasy points, and the past three opposing kickers against Indianapolis (Robbie Gould, Succop and Josh Lambo) combined to score 38 points.
• Mike Nugent (at WAS): The Cowboys signed Nugent to replace the injured Dan Bailey (groin), and he should have the chance to help Fantasy owners right away. He faces the Redskins in Week 8, and Washington has allowed two of the past three opposing kickers to score at least 10 Fantasy points. Four kickers have scored at least eight Fantasy points against the Redskins this year. 

Sit’ Em

Tavecchio got off to a good start this season with 18 Fantasy points in Week 1 at Tennessee. Since then, he hasn’t made multiple field goals in a game, and he missed two field goals in Week 7 against Kansas City. This week he’s facing a Bills team that has allowed five kickers to make multiple field goals in a game, but only Brandon McManus in Week 3 has scored double digits in Fantasy points. I’d try to avoid starting Tavecchio on the road this week.