Fantasy Football Week 8 Preview: Detroit Lions will be no holiday weekend treat for Rams

October 30, 8:04 AMDetroit Fantasy Sports ExaminerDarwin (Deni) Martin

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Lions RB Kevin Smith is hoping to have more TD celebrations this week against the Rams

Here’s a fill-in-the-blank Halloween quiz:  the Detroit Lions have scored twice as many points this season as the _(which team?)_ .  If your answer is the St. Louis Rams, you’re right.  Go raid the candy bowl.

The Lions must wonder if this Sunday’s game will be a “trick or treat” experience, because the Rams are going to win at least one of their remaining nine games.  It just won’t be this weekend.  Detroit 20, St. Louis 10.

Predictions

"The Lion who will roar”:  Wanted to pick Jon Jansen, but he’s not on anyone’s fantasy team roster. Jansen’s presence as the left guard will help Kevin Smith achieve a 100-yard rushing day against the Rams, whose run defense is 28th in the league. Sounds familiar.  What was the Lions run defense rating last year?

“On Par Lions”:  Expect the designated quarterback – Matthew Stafford or Daunte Culpepper – to be just average in fantasy points when compared to Peyton or Tom or Drew. Also, it wouldn’t be surprising if Jason Hanson kicked 3 field goals this Sunday.

“Bench that Lion”: Calvin Johnson may have practiced Thursday.  (Check Examiner Chris Morgan’s coverage of the Lions for a progress report.)  But it seems unlikely Johnson will be 100%.  Look for more passes to the other Johnson, Northcutt and the tight ends.  And there’s always Kevin Smith catching the ball out of the backfield.

“I wish I had him this week”: For Detroit fantasy owners with stars from other teams, here are three players that should have a better than average game in week 8:
• Steve Slaton, RB, Houston – Buffalo is at the bottom of the league when it comes to stopping the run. Slaton should have a great game against the Bills.
• Philip RIvers, QB, San Diego – So Rivers gets Kansas City last week and Oakland this weekend. What a break! He must have placed an order with the Great NFL pumpkin.
• Tony Romo, QB, Dallas – Romo at home against Seattle. Chalk up some major fantasy points for the Dallas quarterback.

“Expect a Downturn”: Here are three players whose performances will take a slide:
• Andre Johnson, WR, Houston – Johnson is recovering from a lung contusion and, if he plays, he won’t be 100%. Besides, Buffalo’s pass defense is far superior to its run defense.
• Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jacksonville – One of Tennessee’s few bright spots is their ability to shut down opposing running backs. Plus the Titan’s QB switch may spur the team to its 1st victory of the season. You just never know in sports entertainment.
• Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore – Hope Flacco got plenty of rest during the Ravens “bye” week, because he’s facing a big test against the Broncos. Denver’s pass defense is rated #4 in the NFL.

Which players do you think will surprise or disappoint us in week #8? Here’s your opportunity to share your opinions and expertise with other fantasy sports enthusiasts and me. You can submit your predictions by choosing to “Comment” on this story or email me at deni-martin@att.net.

Next Fantasy Football article: A recap of fantasy football week #8.