Players to start this week:

QB Alex Smith (Kansas City Chiefs)

The Chiefs have been a disappointing team this season, as they had high hopes coming into the year. The only high note for the Chiefs’ season so far is the solid quarterback play from Alex Smith. Smith will have an especially good fantasy game this week, when the Chiefs play against the Detroit Lions, whose defense has struggled heavily this year.

RB Chris Johnson (Arizona Cardinals)

Chris Johnson has a solid argument to be called the best turn-around player of this season. Johnson really struggled last season on the New York Jets and was shot in the offseason, which many thought would end his career. However, he has had a brilliant start to the season for the Cardinals and I expect him to have another big game this week. The Cardinals face the Browns, who have a decent pass defense, which should force them to hand off to Johnson more often, leading to more carries.

RB Antonio Andrews (Tennessee Titans)

While the Titans have struggled in their first six games of the season, I expect their run game to have a solid game this week. The Titans play against the Texans, who have struggled to contain running backs this season. In particular, I expect second-year running back Antonio Andrews to have a big week. The Titans stated this week that they would be giving more carries to Andrews than former starter Bishop Sankey, who has struggled this season.

WR Stefon Diggs (Minnesota Vikings)

Over the past couple of weeks, the Vikings have found a little more stability at the receiver position, as Stefon Diggs has played exceptionally well. This will be another solid week for Diggs, as the Vikings play against the Bears, who have one of the worst defenses in the NFL.

Rams’ Defense

In last week’s win against the Cleveland Browns, defense was a crucial factor. There were four fumble recoveries and the defense scored 21 points in ESPN Standard Leagues. I expect this to be another big game for the Rams’ defense this week, as they face the San Francisco 49ers, who have struggled to get any offensive production this season.

Players to sit this week:

QB Andy Dalton (Cincinnati Bengals)

Andy Dalton has had a surprisingly good start to this season, as he has led the Bengals to a 6-0 record. However, I don’t expect Dalton to have a great week in week eight. The Bengals face the Steelers, who have been on and off on defense this season. With Dalton not having a bad game this season, he is due for one, which I expect will be this week.

RB Latavius Murray (Oakland Raiders)

Raiders running back Latavius Murray has proven to be a solid running back this season, but week eight will not be his best week. The Raiders play against the New York Jets, who have one of the best run defenses in the NFL. The Jets will likely force the Raiders to abandon the run game to avoid the stellar Jets front seven, led by Sheldon Richardson.

RB Matt Forte (Chicago Bears)

While Matt Forte is one of the best running backs in the NFL, I would not start him this week. The Bears face the Minnesota Vikings, who have a surprisingly solid run defense. With Minnesota’s solid run defense, I expect the Bears to abandon the run and let Jay Cutler take control of the offense.

WR Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Second-year receiver Mike Evans has had a solid start to his career, but week eight could be a rough week for the young receiver. The Buccaneers face the Falcons, who have a new and improved defense from hiring Dan Quinn. This will be a rough week for the Bucs’ pass game in general, as the Falcons’ secondary has been impressive so far.

Dolphins’ Defense

While it was expected to be a top defense this season, the Dolphins’ defense has struggled so far this season. Cameron Wake and Ndamukong Suh were supposed to make a deadly combination as defensive line threats, but have not lived up to the hype. I don’t expect this to change this week, as the Dolphins play the Patriots, who have arguably the strongest offense in the NFL.