Week 8 Start 'Em / Sit 'Em

Here are my hot and cold starts for Week 8 in the NFL

QUARTERBACKS:

Hot Start:
-Kyle Orton (DEN) - Coming off a bye week the Ravens will be prepared to force the Broncos to become 1-dimensional by shutting down their run game. Orton will throw early and often in this one, and the Ravens are thin in the secondary and are allowing over 240 yards passing per game. Orton may throw a pick, but I expect this game to be in the 20's as both offenses can put up points, and I expect Orton to hook up with Brandon Marshall at least once for a touchdown. Orton should have something like 26-41 246 yards 2 TD INT.

-David Garrard (JAX) - Garrard has a career 77 QB Rating against the Titans, but this week he'll do much better. The Titans have the worst pass defense in the NFL, and if they focus on stopping the passing game of Jacksonville they will allow big chunks by Maurice Jones-Drew on the ground. Garrard will have a big day in the air against the Titans.

Cold Start:
-Matt Ryan (ATL) - The Saints are coming off a gigantic victory in Miami last week where they came back from a 24-3 deficit to overcome the Dolphins. The Saints always play better at home, and this year the defense has been much better against the pass (only allowing 214 yards/game, leading the NFL in interceptions (13), and averaging 2.5 sacks per game).

RUNNING BACKS:

Hot Start:
-Felix Jones (DAL) - Jones is an explosive back. He is averaging 8.6 yards per carry, and Seattle has the 30th ranked rushing defense when playing on the road. Look for Jones to get 8-12 touches in this game, one of them going for big yards and a score. I love Jones as a #3 RB option this week.

-Beanie Wells (ARI) - Wells had 17 touches last week the #1 ranked defense in the league (NYG) and he put up 77 total yards, 4.8 yards per carry, and his first career touchdown. Expect even better this week as Wells faces a Carolina run defense that allows 162 yards per game on the ground when they are playing on the road. The Cardinals always play well at home, expect a good effort out of Wells in Arizona. 15-20 touches, 85+ combined yards, 1-2 td's.

Cold Start:
-Willis McGahee (BAL) - McGahee has taken a seat on the bench due to the performance on the field by 2nd year back Ray Rice. Rice has been phenomenal all season, both rushing and catching passes out of the back field. Rice is now beginning to get rewarded for his good play by receiving the ball in goal-line situations, something McGahee had thought were his opportunities. Sit McGahee this week.

WIDE RECEIVERS:

Hot Start:
-Hakeem Nicks (NYG) - Nicks is a deep ball threat for Eli Manning. I am certain that Eli will take a shot or two against the Eagles secondary in the hopes for a big play, big penalty, and a shot at shutting down the Philly crowd for a bit. Nicks is emerging as a solid wide receiver and he is making the most of his opportunities. Look for 70-85 yards and a possible score for Nicks.

-Michael Crabtree (SF) - Week 1 for Crabtree was a success, this week against the Colts, will be an even bigger test. Expect Crabtree to rise to the occasion as the 49ers will be forced to catchup to the Colts and have to throw the ball with newly-named starter, Alex Smith. The Colts are tremendous against the pass, allowing under 200 yards per game, but the 49ers are going to be forced to pass the ball a lot more than they are used to, and Crabtree will reap the benefits. 60-70 yards and his first TD.

Cold Start:
-Anquan Boldin (ARI) - Boldin looked like he was beat up last week, still not fully recovered from his sprained ankle. The Panthers cover the pass well, but the Cardinals have so many options and now have, what appears to be, a running game, the potential for Boldin is not high here. Sit him, check his status throughout the week to see if he is even going to play. Breaston and Fitzgerald will get all the looks this week anyway.