Week 8 TE Rankings: Start Sit ~ Big Numbers Ahead?

This has been one of the strongest fantasy seasons for tight ends in recent memory, and Week Eight might be the banner week at the position.

The bye week hits for owners of Pittsburgh's Heath Miller, and would have for Washington's Chris Cooley if he hadn't broken his foot on Monday night. The injury presents a headache for Cooley owners because Fred Davis would be the logical drop/add, but the Redskins are off this week.

With the exception of Miller and Cooley/Davis owners, the matchups present lots of potential gold at the tight end position this week.

Week 8 – TE Start of the Week – Owen Daniels, HOU

Daniels is your tight end leader in receiving yards (497 yards) and trails only San Francisco's Vernon Davis' six touchdowns (five). To put that into perspective, he has as many yards as Santonio Holmes (10th overall in the NFL) and more touchdowns than Randy Moss, Steve Smith (CAR) or his teammate, Andre Johnson.This week, Daniels gets a nice matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo's defense has done a nice job against the pass this year, but they haven't faced an offense with as many options as Houston will present this week. Keep an eye on Johnson's bruised lung, too; if he can't go or isn't 100 percent, Daniels might see more of the ball between the end zones.

A Few More Fantasy Studs To Play In Week 8
Vernon Davis, SF @ IND	Even if Bob Sanders plays this week, the Colts defense has been vulnerable to the pass. Davis caught three touchdowns from Alex Smith in the second half last week, and should be able to get free now that Michael Crabtree is playing outside.
Dallas Clark, IND vs. SF	San Francisco has good linebackers and a tough defense, but somehow Peyton Manning has done whatever he wanted all season. Clark has benefitted from Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon both having outstanding seasons, and should be a factor again.
Jason Witten, DAL vs. SEA	Seattle's linebackers have struggled this year and Dallas is starting to spread the field with Miles Austin. If the Seahaawks key on Austin, Tony Romo might go back to his old friend Witten for a big afternoon.
Antonio Gates, SD vs OAK	As San Diego continues to struggle to put together a running game, Gates and Vincent Jackson continue to be the best options for the Chargers to score.
Greg Olsen, CHI vs CLE	The Bears have now been embarrased in consecutive games, both of which were on the road. If they want to get the home fans back on their side, they'll need to play well and Cleveland might be the perfect medicine. Jay Cutler likes throwing the ball to Olsen almost as much as he does Bears' opponents, too.

Week 8 – TE Sleeper of the Week - Marcedes Lewis, JAX

Lewis is a big target for David Garrard that could take advantage of Tennessee's banged up secondary. Tennessee's defense has been admirable against the run this year, so Lewis might vulture a touchdown away from Maurice Jones-Drew.

Week 8 – TE Sit of the Week - John Carlson, SEA

Seattle plays a hungry Dallas defense this week that will feature DeMarcus Ware and his new contract. If Dallas can create a pash rush early, Matt Hasselbeck could have a long day. Carlson might disappear on Sunday.

Some Fantasy Question Marks for Week 8
Tony Gonzalez, ATL @ NO	It says alot about New Orleans' defense that you would question playing Gonzalez, but the Saints have been tough against everyone but Miami.
Brandon Pettitgrew, DET vs StL	Pettitgrew is developing into the first round player the Lions hoped he would become, and this could be a good week for him. Calvin Johnson returns from injury after the bye, and they're playing the Rams at home.
Zach Miller, OAK @ SD	Miller's their best option in the passing game, but they haven't got a quarterback to get him the ball. He's a question mark because they can't run and don't have anyone under center.
Jeremy Shockey, NO vs. ATL	The Falcons have done a good job on tight ends this year, and Shockey has earned the attention of Saints opponents now.
Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN @ GB	In the season's marquee game, Brett Favre might need to find his tight end to get the ball into the end zone against a good Green Bay secondary. The Packers linebackers are improving each week, though.

Don’t forget to stay up to date with our Dominator Service.