There were plenty of tremendous Fantasy performances in Week 7, including production from some very unlikely sources. We'll jump right into it this weekend, to help you get ready for the stretch run.
If you haven't yet heard of Trevor Vittatoe, familiarize yourself with him. The quarterback of the Texas-El Paso Miners is making fans ask Jordan who, as in Jordan Palmer. It looked like the Miners would be in a world of hurt trying to replace Carson's little brother, but that has certainly not been the case. After some growing pains early on, the Miners have emerged with an average of 60 Fantasy points in CBSSports.com leagues over the past three games. In fact, UTEP now sits seventh overall in total Fantasy points. They'll be locked in a shootout with Houston next weekend, so if you're hunting around for a bye-week replacement or even an injection of Fantasy points for a disappointing producer over the past few weeks, jump on the wagon and ride with the Miners. They are a great play after their bye in Week 8.
As you know, we love the little guys. we cannot stress that enough. We give the big guys props, too, and we'll be chatting about Illinois and Michigan next week, so fans of the Big Ten and those who hate reading about the Mid-American Conference, Sun Belt, etc., don't fret. We'll get back to you with the talk you love soon. But seriously, don't you get enough of that from the mainstream media?
Anyway, one little unit we love is the Nevada offense. QB Colin Kaepernick put on a one-man show on the 'Smurf Turf' last Sunday in Boise in perhaps one of the most entertaining games of the season. While the Wolf Pack fell short by a 69-67 score in four overtimes, this game will not soon be forgotten. Anyway, the Nevada quarterbacks have been good for an average of 40.4 Fantasy points per game this season, including 32 or more in each of the past five games. That's rather consistent production despite the fact they are 2-4 overall.
Five units to start in Week 8
Eastern Michigan QBs: The Eagles quarterbacks unit posted 73 points, which was tops among all teams in CBSSports.com Fantasy play last weekend. They'll be taking on a Northwestern team in a 'home' game at Ford Field in Detroit. While the Wildcats have been great on offense, they allowed 48 points to Minnesota last weekend and an average of 40.8 points per game over the past four. The Eagles have found a quarterback in Andy Schmitt and you should find them too for this favorable matchup.
Florida Atlantic DST: We've sung the praises of the Florida Atlantic defense all season, at least while they are in Sun Belt play. This weekend, they will face a Louisiana-Lafayette offense that has managed just one win in seven games. While wins and losses don't necessarily mean anything in Fantasy play, struggles on offense by ULL does matter. They have had a tough time moving the ball, with the exception of their lone win against North Texas. FAU is a team that held its own against the current No. 2 team in the nation South Florida, so they should be able to shut down the Ragin' Cajuns.
Louisiana-Monroe RBs: We were impressed seeing Calvin Dawson running up and down the field at Clemson earlier this season in Week 2. If you didn't get on board, we admit, you haven't missed a whole lot. They've been fairly average and there were plenty of better options since ULM's bye in Week 4. However, the WarHawks travel to Miami this weekend to play a Florida International defense that has been abysmal this season. FIU is 0-6, allowing 1,245 yards on the ground. Yes, that equates to 207.5 rushing yards allowed per game. Dawson and the ULM offense should have a field day.
Northwestern WRs: The Northwestern offense has really started to come into its own, as QB C.J. Bacher (pronounced Buh-shay) has been on fire. Just ask the Minnesota defense last week, which allowed 49 points in their overtime shootout in Evanston. Someone has to run under all of those passes. The Wildcats wide receivers have totaled 123 Fantasy points in just the past two weeks. With Eastern Michigan on the schedule this weekend, look for more big totals as the Wildcats step out of conference.
Oregon Ks: The Ducks kicker has been a top Fantasy option most of the season. In fact, this is the top Fantasy option in terms of average points per week at 10.5. Only six teams have averaged more than 10 Fantasy points per game. The Ducks should put up some points in Seattle against QB Jake Locker and the Washington Huskies. Why start lesser units when you can gain two or three more points per week with Oregon?
Five units to avoid in Week 8
Connecticut DST: The Huskies defense has been stout all season, averaging 20.1 Fantasy points per game, good for second in CBSSports.com Fantasy leagues. In fact, Connecticut and the surprising Kansas DST are the only two teams out of 120 teams averaging more than 20 Fantasy points per game. However, they'll be meeting a hungry and angry Louisville offense trying to salvage its season. While the Huskies might have some success against QB Brian Brohm and the Cardinals offense, there are plenty of better options this weekend.
Indiana QBs: The Hoosiers quarterbacks unit has been stellar, led by the very underrated Kellen Lewis. They have 261 points overall, which is good for eighth in CBSSports.com Fantasy leagues. They have also averaged 51 points in the past two games, but the Hoosiers will be squaring off against a Penn State defense capable of shutting down any offense in the nation. Look elsewhere for your passing yardage and touchdowns this week.
Kansas State DST: The Wildcats have been tremendous this season, averaging 15.8 Fantasy points per game. They will head to Stillwater for a conference game against Oklahoma State, a team coming into its own on offense. In fact, only one other team posted more Fantasy points than the Cowboys running backs last weekend. The Cowboys RBs have 31 or more Fantasy points in each of the past six weeks, so the Wildcats will certainly be challenged.
Michigan State RBs: The Spartans have been red hot on the ground, as Jehuu Caulcrick continues to get it done despite flying under the radar. Michigan State's running backs will have a difficult time putting up points this weekend, however, as Sparty travels to Columbus for Ohio State's homecoming. The Buckeyes are yielding less than seven points per game on defense, so look elsewhere for your Fantasy running backs in Week 8.
North Texas WRs: The Mean Green wide receivers have posted 246 points in CBSSports.com Fantasy leagues, which is good for sixth overall. However, they do not have that sexy name like Florida, Ohio State or Oklahoma, so owners tend to avoid them. While that is a big mistake more often than not, this weekend it is a good idea to steer clear of UNT. North Texas faces Troy's defense, which has been cruising along since finishing their non-conference schedule and getting into Sun Belt play.