This week is a tough one for fantasy owners with byes and injuries mounting and QB options quickly running short. But–if you’re here looking at emergency QB sleepers for week 8, you know that probably all to well. That being the case, here are five options that could start for you this week even though they aren’t weekly locked into that role.
1. Michael Vick-Philadelphia Eagles
Vick’s normally a starter but missed the last two weeks due to injury and may be out there on the waiver wire if his owner in your league jumped on the Foles-as-a-permanent-replacement bandwagon which crashed to a screeching halt last week. Vick is expected to play this week, but there definitely is some risk since he may not be at 100% and his hamstring injury could be aggravated if he does come back too soon. He’s in a good matchup agains the Giants this week who allow the fourth-most points per game to opposing QB’s, so I think he’s worth the risk if you can get and play him this week. He could be in store for a huge game against the Eagles like the 26 ESPN Standard scoring points he hung on them in week 5.
2. Andy Dalton-Cincinnati Bengals
Dalton has been on fire the last two weeks tearing up the Bills and Lions on the road. He’s thrown for over 700 yards in those two games with three scores each time. This week he takes on the Jets at home who had a solid game against Brady last week but have struggled to contain the pass at times this season. Dalton probably won’t need a third monster game, but he’s shown he’s capable if called upon. One of the best signs is that he’s spreading the ball around and getting many receiving options involved. I think he’ll have a decent game this week against New York.
3. Carson Palmer-Arizona Cardinals
Palmer takes on the visiting Falcons who have allowed the fifth most points per game to opposing QBs. They’ve allowed multiple passing touchdowns every game this season, so Palmer should have opportunities this week. He fared decently against the Seahawks throwing for 258 yards and a touchdown and has had over a week to prepare for Sunday’s game against Atlanta. He will probably throw interceptions, but he’ll probably have decent numbers to go with them.
4. Christian Ponder-Minnesota Vikings
Ponder is back under center in the Vikings continuing revolving door at quarterback. Last week, Josh Freeman looked horrible against the Giants, and now Ponder has the tough task of facing the Packers in primetime on Sunday Night Football. Ponder has thrown plenty of picks this season, but he does have a solid history against the Pack who he threw for 3 TDs against in last year’s regular season finale. He’s definitely a long shot, but he does have a bit of sleeper potential as long as he does get the starting nod.
5. Jason Campbell-Cleveland Browns
If things are really desperate at QB, Campbell gets his first start of the season against Kansas City this week for the Browns. Cleveland has some receiving weapons, but the Chiefs defense is excellent against the pass. Stay away from this situation if you can, but if you have no other options Campbell will probably get you something this week.
If you have any questions about who I’d start/sit for week 8, you can find me on twitter @ZT_Sports or drop the question in the comments at the bottom of the page. For information on other positions, starter rankings, waiver wire pickups, and plenty of fantasy football insight, check out our Fansided fantasy football page.