StatsGuru had another very solid and successful week in Week Seven. Let’s do a quick review of our Week Seven forecasts before moving on to Week Eight.

CHARGERS 16 @ BILLS 23

In one of three games that featured teams traveling from the West to the East (all the West coast teams lost, again) we were perfect in our forecasts of Bills QB Trent Edwards WR Lee Evans along with RB Marshawn Lynch. They all posted big Fantasy numbers. We were also correct in suggesting that the Chargers would struggle in this game and they were horrible. We did miss in our thinking that LT2 would have a big game, but how can you sit this guy? WR Roscoe Parrish was a disappointment as Stats Sleeper.

STEELERS 38 @ BENGALS 10

RB Mewelde Moore got the start and, as predicted, was huge in this game with 135 total yards and three touchdowns. We suggested the Steelers wouldn’t need to pass in this game but they went to the air 28 times and QB Big Ben had a huge day. The Steelers DF/ST disappointed as Stats Sleeper. As predicted, with QB Ryan Fitzgerald under center, the Bengals continue to be a very bad football team and are not producing any Fantasy stats of any substance.

TITANS 34 @ CHIEFS 10

As predicted, the Titans didn’t look past the Chiefs with a showdown against the Colts looming in Week 8. RB Chris Johnson and RB LenDale White both had huge games. We said the Titans wouldn’t need much of a passing game in this one and they didn’t. TE Tony Gonzalez did manage 97 yards on six catches but the Titans have still not allowed a passing TD. Other than Gonzo, the rest of the Chiefs were horrible. If, for some reason, you have QB Brodie Croyle on your roster you can cut him loose as a knee injury has ended his season. TE Bo Scaife had just three catches for 48 yards and Stats Sleeper WR Justin Gage was held without a catch for the Titans.

RAVENS 27 @ DOLPHINS 13

We missed on RB Ronnie Brown in this one as the Ravens showed why they have the number one ranked defense in the league. Brown and the rest of the Dolphins couldn’t get anything going in this one. We also missed Ravens RB Willis McGahees’ big day as he had 152 total yards and one TD. McGahee was a force and looks to have taken back the undisputed lead rusher role for the Ravens.

SAINTS 30 @ PANTHERS 7

As suggested QB Jake Delhomme and WR Steve Smith both had a big day against the Saints passing defense. RB DeAngelo Williams had 70 total yards and a TD. We suggested the Saints would struggle on the road in this one and they did. RB Reggie Bush re-aggravated his knee injury and left the game. He is expected to miss at least two games and possibly more. With Bush out and the Saints way behind in the game, Stats Sleeper RB Deuce McAllister managed just 53 total yards and did not score.

VIKINGS 41 @ BEARS 48

That is not a typo, the final in this one was 48-41. Even though both teams try to boast that they have a strong defense, we predicted big numbers in this game and that was certainly the case. We did miss on RB Adrian Peterson who finally showed up and had a huge game. TE Visanthe Shiancoe also came to life in this one but remains a hit or miss option for the struggling Vikings.

49ers 17 @ GIANTS 29

As suggested, the Giants were not in a good mood after their Monday night loss and they took it out on the 49ers. RB Brandon Jacobs had a monster day with 75 total yards and two touchdowns. WR Plaxico Burress had a decent day with three catches for 23 yards and a TD. QB Eli Manning had a pedestrian day as we suggested. The 49ers continue to free fall and we were correct in suggesting that you avoid starting any of them. Stats Sleeper WR Steve Smith didn’t have a huge game but did catch a team high four passes for 39 yards.

COWBOYS 14 @ RAMS 34

That’s not a typo either as the Rams punished the Cowboys who are swirling in turmoil.
We suggested a big game for RB Marion Barber and TE Jason Witten. Barber had 113 total yards and a TD but Witten had a disappointing six catch 44 yard day. All other Cowboys, as suggested, had a mediocre day. We told you to start RB Steven Jackson for the Rams and he produced a huge stat line with 176 totals yards and three rushing TD’s. Stats Sleeper WR Donnie Avery had a big day with 5 catches for 65 yards and a TD. As suggested, no other Ram produced in this game.

LIONS 21 @ TEXANS 28

We suggested that this one would get ugly fast and it did as the Texans raced out to 21-3 half time lead. They took their foot off the gas in the second half however and almost lost the game. As suggested, QB Matt Schaub, RB Steve Slaton, WR Andre Johnson and TE Daniel Owens all had big days. We cautioned that Lions WR Calvin Johnson might have a mediocre day but we did say to start him and one 96 yard TD pass play made him huge. Stats Sleeper RB Rudi Johnson had just six carries and a disappointing day. The Lions appear to have continued confidence in rookie RB Kevin Smith. Despite a lingering shoulder injury Smith had 68 total yards and a TD. Injury reports continue to be a confusing issue in the NFL this season and can’t be trusted.

COLTS 14 @ PACKERS 34

We thought this would be a shootout and the while the Packers produced 34 points, the Colts struggled and managed just 14. We suggested that RB Dominic Rhodes and RB Ryan Grant would both have big days and they did. Rhodes had 114 total yards and 2 TD’s while Grant had 117 total yards and a TD. We were wrong about WR’s Reggie Wayne and Greg Jennings as both had very sub-par outings as did QB Peyton Manning. QB Aaron Rodgers produced a decent 186 pass yard and 1 TD day. This was the best game of the year for the Packers DF/ST.

JETS 13 @ RAIDERS 16 (OT)

Other than suggesting a big game for RB Thomas Jones (156 rushing yards) and cautioning that the Jets don’t travel well, we missed on this one entirely. Welcome back WR Javon Walker (5 catches 75 yards and 1 TD), do you plan on staying for awhile? Somehow we doubt it. This was an ugly game!

BROWNS 11 @ REDSKINS 14

This was an equally ugly game as it was 0-0 at the half. As suggested, the Redskins did pull back some and called just 23 passing plays. They put the ball in the hands of their stud RB Clinton Portis and he responded with a monster 28 touch, 183 total yard one TD day. We recommended that you temper your expectations of TE Chris Cooley and he had a mediocre four catch 32 yard day. QB Derek Anderson along with all the Browns game back to earth in this one. Stats Sleeper WR Donte’ Stallworth was a bust despite the fact that we said WR Braylon Edwards would have a quiet day, which he did.

SEAHAWKS 10 @ BUCCANEERS 20

Don’t let the final score of this game fool you. The Seahawks were never in this game. RB Earnest Graham had a decent 52 yard 1 TD day. QB Jeff Garcia now appears to have a firm grasp on the starting role in Tampa after passing for 310 yards and 1 TD. He will be a serviceable low-end QB1 moving forward. WR Antonio Bryant continues to be hit or miss. He has two games this year with a total of 253 yards and a TD and has 153 yards with no TD’s in the other five.

BRONCOS 7 @ PATRIOTS 41

Turnovers and injuries were the story of the MNF game as players were dropping like flies and Denver couldn’t hold on to the ball. QB Jay Cutler hurt a finger on his throwing hand and that made him and WR Brandon Marshall both busts in this one. Other than that we were perfect on this game. QB Matt Cassel, WR Randy Moss and RB Sammy Morris (in just a half of play before an injury) all had a huge game. Stats Sleeper WR Eddie Royal posted a decent nine catch 71 yard game for the Broncos.

As mentioned, it was another very good week of forecasting for StatsGuru so let’s keep it rolling as we move on to Week Eight!

There are four teams on their bye this week including the Bears, Vikings, Packers and Broncos. This was a scheduled bye for the Bengals and Texans but due to Hurricane Ike, they will play each other this weekend in Houston.

CHARGERS (3-4) @ SAINTS (3-4) (Game is being played in London England)

The Chargers lost on the road in Buffalo while the Saints were blown out by the Panthers in Week Seven.

Both teams come off a brutal loss, are desperate for a win and now head across the pond for a matchup in Wembley Stadium. We understand the NFL wants to be global but this game site, at this point in the season, makes no sense at all and is detrimental to both of these teams.

Look for this game to be a shoot out as both teams are struggling on defense. The Saints will be without RB Reggie Bush and will split the running back duties between Duece McAlliser, Pierre Thomas and Aaron Stecker. That’s ugly for the Saints and for fantasy owners and should be avoided. The loss of Bush makes the Saints even more one dimensional than they already were. The Chargers struggle against the pass (second worst in the league) so look for the Saints to air it out in this one. QB Drew Brees will bounce back from his sub-par week seven performance and is a must-start. We would also start WR’s Marcus Colston and WR Lance Moore.

The Chargers will look to control the clock and keep the Saints potent passing attack off the field. Look for heavy doses of LT2 in this one and a huge day from him. The Saints haven’t been able to stop the pass either and in a shoot-out game you need to have QB Philip Rivers, WR Vincent Jackson and TE Antonio Gates all going as well.

Stats Sleeper

RB Aaron Stecker is the running back on the Saints roster who most resembles Reggie Bush. Being as such, he is a worth a waiver wire pickup and start as a flier if you are stuck at the RB or Flex position.

RAIDERS (2-4) @ RAVENS (3-3) (OT)

The Raiders surprised the Jets at home in overtime while the Ravens shut down the Dolphins on the road in Week Seven.

The Raiders make the cross country trip this weekend and we expect a Ravens shutout in this one. Despite their week seven win, the Raiders are still the Raiders and don’t have anything worth starting from a Fantasy perspective.

Ravens QB Joe Flacco looked comfortable and poised in Week Seven and had a relatively decent day completing 17 of 23 passes for 232 yards and a TD with no interceptions. Expect more of the same this week as the Raiders are ranked 22nd against the pass. The Ravens will control this game on the ground and this is a nice spot for RB Willis McGahee who appears to be 100% healthy and the number one RB in Baltimore. WR Derrick Mason is the favorite target for Flacco and is a decent WR2 option this week especially in points per reception leagues.

BILLS (5-1) @ DOLPHINS (2-4)

The Bills continued to roll with a dominating performance against the Chargers while the Dolphins were smothered by the Ravens in Week Seven.

As we have said many times, gimmick and gadget plays or formations rarely work in the NFL. The few times that they do, the success never lasts long. This is true once again in the case of the Dolphins “Wild Cat” offense as the Ravens shut it down this past weekend. The Bills handled the potent Chargers offense with relative ease and will do so against the Dolphins this weekend as well. We are not comfortable in recommending any Miami player this weekend.

The Bills continue to use a very balanced and productive mix of run and pass on offense and that will continue against the Dolphins. Expect big numbers again this weekend out of Bills QB Trent Edwards WR Lee Evans and RB Marshawn Lynch.

Stats Sleeper

We are going back to the well one more time (it didn’t pan out in Week Seven) and are recommending WR Roscoe Parrish as a decent start against the Dolphins 27th ranked pass defense.

CHIEFS (1-5) @ JETS (3-3)

The Jets lost in OT to the Raiders while the Chiefs were embarrassed by the Titans in Week Seven.

The question here is which Jets team will show up for this game. We see this as a bounce game for the Jets at home. The Chiefs are still last in the league in rush defense and RB Thomas Jones will have his third big game in a row. Expect decent, though not huge, numbers out of the rest of the Jets as well. This especially true for QB Brett Favre who should bounce back from his dismal Week Seven performance.

Other than TE Tony Gonzalez the Chiefs are a team in turmoil and you should not have any of them on your starting roster. Definitely get RB Larry Johnson out of your lineup as he is facing more allegations of abuse and he’s been suspended again this weekend. Chiefs QB Croyle is out for the season and QB Damon Huard injured his thumb in relief. With the season lost, look for the Chiefs to give QB Tyler Thigpen the starts down the road. This makes the Chiefs starters even less attractive.

CARDINALS (4-2) @ PANTHERS (5-2)

The Cardinals were on a bye and the Panthers pummeled the Saints in Week Seven.

The Cardinals are rested and look to build off their Week Six upset of the Cowboys. The Cards are one of those teams that do not travel well however and they are facing a charged up Panthers team. The Cardinals have lost two of three on the road and their only win was against the 49ers. The Panthers second ranked pass defense shut down the potent Saints passing attack in Week Seven and we see mediocre numbers from the Cardinal players across the board. It should be noted that Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin has asked to be cleared medically for this game and wants start. We would not recommend starting him in this game though as his chance to start is still in question. We also wonder what his state of mind will be moving forward as he recovers from the vicious hit he took resulting in is injury. Give Boldin another week or two before starting him again.

The Panthers are clicking on all cylinders and look to head into their bye week at 6-2. Arizona is 20th against the pass and have given up a league high 12 TD passes in six games. Be sure to start QB Jake Delhomme and WR Steve Smith in this one. It’s hard to sit Panther RB’s Stewart and Williams but the Cardinals are giving up just 93.7 rush yards a game and have only allowed four rushing TD’s Temper your expectations of the Panthers running game in this one as both running backs will post mediocre numbers.

BUCCANEERS (5-2) @ COWBOYS (4-3)

The Bucs rolled the Seahawks while the Cowboys got rolled by the Rams in Week Seven.

The Bucs continue to win with a cast of relative no names and a very stout defense. In Week Eight they face a Cowboys team in turmoil and reeling after dropping two straight. The Cowboys were run over by Rams RB Steven Jackson and look for more of the same by Bucs RB Earnest Graham. The Cowboys are hurting in the secondary and this is also a nice spot for QB Jeff Garcia and WR Antonio Bryant both as low-end #2’s at their respective positions.

The Cowboys looked horrible on offense with QB Brad Johnson under center against the Rams. They now find themselves up against a very tough Bucs defense that has still not allowed a rushing TD and is giving up just 91 rush yards a game. QB Tony Romo is out until Week 11 so it’s difficult to start any Cowboy player other than RB Marion Barber III and TE Jason Witten. Even then, you need to temper your expectations of both players. We do however see the Bucs streak of not allowing a rushing TD to end in this game.

REDSKINS (5-2) @ LIONS (0-6)

The Redskins squeaked out a win against the Browns while the Lions didn’t show up until the second half and lost to the Texans in Week Seven.

The Redskins have dominated the Lions throughout history and that won’t change this week. Expect RB Clinton Portis to be the top rusher and point producer of all Fantasy running backs in Week Eight. QB Jason Campbell, WR Santana Moss an TE Chris Cooley will all pad their stats against the struggling Lions.

The Lions outscored the Texans from the six minute mark of the second quarter on last week by a 21-7 margin. That was against the Texans though and the Redskins won’t allow that to happen to them. You can’t sit WR Calvin Johnson as he is a home run threat on ever play but we would advise against starting anyone else from the Lions.

Stats Sleeper

The Redskins defense hasn’t had a good Fantasy point scoring day in any game this season so far but that will change this week against the toothless Cats from the Motor City.

RAMS (2-5) @ PATRIOTS (4-2)

The Rams embarrassed the Cowboys and the Patriots thumped the Broncos in Week Seven.

The Patriots looked very impressive on Monday night but have been hard hit with injuries so you need to check the status of several key players. RB Lawrence Maroney has been placed on injured reserve and can be dropped anytime. RB Sammy Morris had a huge first half against the Broncos but left the game with a knee injury. As always, the Patriots offered little in the way of a status report on Morris so you will have to check his status on game day. QB Matt Cassel had his best day as pro versus the Broncos and gets another good match-up against the Rams. WR’s Randy Moss and Wes Welker both have a good match-up here as well. If Morris can’t go you should try to pluck RB Benjarvus Green-Ellis from the waiver wire as RB Lamont Jordan is still nursing a calf injury. The running back that starts for the Patriots is in line for a big day.

The Rams have back to back impressive wins over the Redskins and Cowboys and are playing inspired football under interim Head Coach Jim Haslett. Expect the interim title to be dropped very soon. RB Steven Jackson had a monster game against the Cowboys but suffered a quadriceps injury late in the game but has promised he will play on Sunday. Check his status before starting him this week but he is a must-start if healthy. WR Donnie Avery has become a vital part of the Rams receiving core and should have another good game here. QB Mark Bulger continues his inconsistent play but goes up against a banged up Patriots secondary and is worth a start here if your QB options are limited.

FALCONS (4-2) @ EAGLES (3-3)

Both teams had a bye week in Week Seven.

This is tough matchup for the Falcons on the road and against an Eagles team that is desperate for a win to stay in the wild card race in the NFC. QB Matt Ryan was impressive on the road versus the Packers but struggled in Tampa and Carolina. The same can be said for RB Michael Turner who has struggled when he has faced decent run defenses. Expect modest numbers from both of them and WR Roddy White as well.

Despite the Falcons 4-2 record, the Eagles should roll in this one as the Falcons are not good away from the Georgia Dome. QB Donavan McNabb is in line for a huge game as the Falcons rank 26th against the pass and have given up 10 passing TD’s. This is a good start for WR DeSean Jackson as well. Eagles RB Brian Westbrook is confident he will play in this game but you need to keep an eye on the injury report later in the week to confirm his status. Either Westbrook or RB Correll Buckhalter, whoever starts, will have a huge game here as the Falcons run defense is ranked 20th in the league.

Stats Sleeper

If you are stuck at the TE position this is a good matchup for Eagles TE L.J. Smith.

BROWNS (2-4) @ JAGUARS (3-3)

The Browns looked like the bad Browns (which they are) losing to the Redskins while the Jaguars were on a bye in Week Seven.

The Jaguars are rested and face a Browns team that ranks 26th in rushing defense. The Jaguars know they need to run the ball to win and this will be a huge game for RB Maurice Jones-Drew. Expect modest numbers from QB David Garrard as his receiving core is a mess with WR’s Jerry Porter and Mike Walker still battling injuries and the recent three game suspension handed down to WR Matt Jones for substance abuse. TE Marcedes Lewis has touchdowns in back to back games and with the limited receiving talent on the Jaguars he should get another one here.

The Browns came off a huge Week Six Monday night win against the Giants and then reverted to their same old losing ways in Week Seven. This team is a mess and we can’t recommend starting anyone in this one. If there is a saving grace here it’s the fact that the Jaguars have not been good on defense and rank below the middle of the pack in all categories. Start QB Derek Anderson, RB Jamal Lewis and WR Braylon Edwards if you must but temper your expectations of all of them. TE Kellen Winslow has been suspended for by the Browns for personal conduct detrimental to the team.

Stats Sleeper

With Anderson struggling with his accuracy and the Browns facing another lost season it won’t be long before the Browns finally give QB Brady Quinn the starting job. It may not happen this week but it looks like it will sooner rather than later. If Anderson is your starting QB, you need to grab Quinn if he’s available. Better yet, just try to unload all of your Brownies.

GIANTS (5-1) @ STEELERS (5-1)

The Giants pounded the struggling 49ers while the Steelers used a strong fourth quarter to crush the Bengals in Week Seven.

This is an epic battle of two 5-1 teams. The Steelers are giving up a league low 228.3 total yards a game, they’re at home, rested and face a Giants team that has been anything but impressive over the past two weeks.

This is toughest game that StatsGuru has had to forecast all season. Apart from the win over the Redskins in Week One the Giants have played five teams that have a combined seven wins on the season. The Steelers have faced equally poor talent so something has got to give here.

What we think will give is that players from both teams will post modest numbers overall. We will recommend RB Brandon Jacobs here but caution that you temper your expectations. The Steelers have said that RB Willie Parker will return for this game but he will share carries with RB Mewelde Moore so neither is worth a start. Of the two starting QB’s we expect Ben Roethlisberger to have a better day than Eli Manning. That makes the Steelers WR’s Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes better starts over the Giants Plaxico Burress and Steve Smith. The bottom-line to this game is to expect modest numbers from everyone involved.

Stats Sleeper

In what will be a tight, defensive battle QB Big Ben will look to TE Heath Miller often in this game and expect decent numbers after several disappointing games from the Steelers big TE.

Helpful Hint: We have mentioned the Giants brutal schedule the rest of the way several times now. If your league allows trading, we recommend unloading all of your Giants (other than Jacobs) at this point if you can find an owner willing to take them.

SEAHAWKS (1-5) @ 49ers (2-5)

The Seahawks were never in the game against the Bucs and the 49ers got pounded by the Giants in Week Seven.

Yeeeesh! What an ugly, ugly matchup this one will be. The 49ers have fired Head Coach Mike Nolan and replaced him with former Bear great Mike Singletary. We are not sure about this move as it seems rather lateral to us. Nolan got his job after being a linebackers coach and Singletary held the same coaching position with the Niners. You have to feel for Nolan though who was asked to show up at a gun fight with a water pistol.

Teams often respond to mid season coaching changes and we expect that will happen with the 49ers for at this week anyway. The Seahawks are horrible and rank 29th against the pass and 21st against the run. This is a good spot to start 49ers QB JT O’Sullivan, RB Frank Gore and WR Issac Bruce.

With Seneca Wallace under center for the Seahawks we can’t seriously recommend anyone from Seattle. You may be tempted to start RB Julius Jones but keep in mind that he is struggling big time and he’s losing touches to RB Maurice Morris. Just sit your Seahawks!

Stats Sleeper

If you are stuck for a starting DF/ST this week go out and pluck the Niners from the waiver wire if you don’t have to drop much to get them and have room on your bench. They won’t be worth much after this week but this is a good spot for them.

BENGALS (0-7) @ TEXANS (2-4)

The Bengals hung with the Steelers through three quarters before getting crushed while the Texans fired out to a big lead and then hung on to beat the Lions in Week Seven.

This was supposed to be the bye week for both these teams but has been scheduled because of Hurricane Ike. One has to wonder how much the 0-7 Bengals will have in them on the road against a Texans team that has been home for a month now. The answer is very little. The Texans have been scoring in bunches this season averaging 23.3 points a game while the Bengals have managed just a 14 point per game average.

This is another great start for QB Matt Schaub, RB Steve Slaton, WR Andre Johnson and TE Owen Daniels. Expect the Texans to keep the pedal to the metal once they get up in this one. They will have most certainly learned their lesson from last week.

This is yet another game that you should sit any Bengal player you may own as they will put up less of a fight than the Lions did against the Texans.

Stats Sleeper

The Bengals are horrible on offense but the Texans rank 22nd in rush defense and have now given up 11 rushing touchdowns. If you are in need of a RB2 this week take a flier on Bengals RB Cedric Benson who, for what it’s worth, is now the undisputed starter for the Bengals

COLTS (3-3) @ TITANS (6-0)

The Colts were throughly dominated by the Packers while the Titans crushed the Chiefs in Week Seven.

At the start of the season who would have thought these two teams would have the records they currently have? Not many to be sure as there has definitely been a shift in power in the AFC South.

The Titans enter this game with the leagues fifth ranked pass defense and the eighth ranked run defense. They also have the leagues fourth ranked rushing offense. The Colts on the other hand rank 28th in rushing defense and couldn’t hold Fantasy bust RB Ryan Grant in check last weekend. That all adds up to a huge day from Titans RB’s LenDale White and Chris Johnson. Expect the Titans to run all day with limited pass attempts to keep the Colts high powered passing offense off the field. That will result in limited Fantasy points for everyone else from the Titans.

The Colts looked horrible against the Packers in Week Seven and now face one of the most physical and skilled defenses in the league. One can argue that this defense is similar to what they faced in Week Six when they torched the Ravens. The difference here is that the Titans have an offense that will limit the number of plays the Colts get to run. You can’t sit QB Peyton Manning or WR Reggie Wayne but don’t expect big numbers out of either of them. This is also a tough spot for RB Dominic Rhodes and we suggest looking elsewhere for a starting RB. Facing constant pressure QB Manning should look for TE Dallas Clark often and this is good spot to start the Colts reemerging TE.

Stats Sleeper

With QB Manning facing constant pressure from the Titans look for him to target slot receiver Anthony Gonzalez in this game.

That’s it for Week Eight everyone. As always, we hope your week is injury free and point prosperous!

Enjoy The Games Everybody

StatsGuru