Fantasy Football: Who to start and sit in Week 8

What do you mean, the Pittsburgh Steelers don't play this week? What am I supposed to do without Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell? You've come to the right place, black and gold faithful.

Start: Devontae Booker

To all my CJ Anderson owners: I'm very sorry. Nothing worse than a player going from no injury to a serious injury out of the blue. Oh wait, yes there is.... how about the fact that I traded for Anderson the morning of the day the news broke? Alright, vent session over. This one is pretty clear cut-- Booker is going to be the new workhorse while Anderson is out, and this week is an enticing match up versus a weak San Diego Chargers run defense. Allowing double digits to running backs every week thus far, the Chargers are not much to fear from a fantasy perspective. Start Devontae Booker with confidence this week.

Sit: Kelvin Benjamin

Inconsistency at its finest. The Carolina Panthers have not lived up to expectations this year, and that has impacted their players' fantasy production, as well. Benjamin consistently gets targets, but he is becoming dependent on touchdowns. He has not hit double digits in standard scoring since his week two, 22 point, performance. A visit from Patrick Peterson and the Arizona Cardinals this week is enough for me to bench Kelvin, especially with the Panthers offensive struggles. The Cardinals pass defense has not allowed a touchdown to a wide receiver since week 4. Look elsewhere this week, friends.

Start: Christine Michael

With his time as a starter potentially ending soon, Christine Michael owners should be using him while they can. Thomas Rawls is on track to return within a week or two, and a committee could be on the horizon. After a disappointing week 7 performance at Arizona, Michael is nearly guaranteed to have a bigger day this Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. Seahawks QB Russell Wilson is pretty banged up, meaning the Seahawks may rely on the run game more. The Saints rank dead last in the league against running backs in fantasy football.... need I say more?

Sit: Brandin Cooks

Now to the opposite side of the field for the Seahawks and Saints game. While one defense is porous, the other defense is no joke. The Legion of Boom will likely be all over Brandon Cooks on Sunday. Cooks always has big play potential due to his speed, so don't be mad at me if he breaks off an 80 yard touchdown, but I can guarantee he won't have a 4+ reception game. Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, and company will have their eyes on Cooks all Sunday long.

Start: Matt Forte

Do you really need the explanation for this one? Matt Forte is going up against the Cleveland Browns, why not start him? Yes, the 0-7 Cleveland Browns. Yes, the Cleveland Browns that just gave up 41 fantasy points to running backs last week in Cincinnati. Not only is Forte one of the best rushers in the league, he has seen the second most targets behind Brandon Marshall in the passing game. The workload is there, the match up is there. What more reason could you need?

Sit: Alshon Jeffery

I bet you were real pumped when you picked Alshon Jeffery in the second or third round back in August, weren't you? Disappointment is an understatement when describing Jeffery's season through seven games. Inconsistency at quarterback never helps the situation, but the fact he hasn't scored above 10 is a big concern. If you can sell high on Alshon just purely from his name, then do it-- just hope that your league-mate doesn't look at his stats. Minnesota is coming to Chicago on Sunday, ranked second in the league against wide receivers. Jeffery hasn't even performed well against his more inviting match ups, so don't expect much against the Vikings.