Week 8: Player Upgrades

WR Eric Decker, DEN

Between Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas, you can not go wrong this week. Think of this blurb as a recommendation for both receivers. Decker and Thomas have nearly identical statistics with the latter owning a slight lead due to a higher yards per reception average. I may be beating a dead horse here, but every player that goes up against the Saints deserves starting consideration. Decker (52) has a slight edge over Thomas (48) in targets and with Peyton Manning under center, these guys can be counted on all season long. Thomas is the higher risk, higher reward option. Some weeks, he will only have a couple targets and then, the following game he will see double-digit passes coming his way. The key to owning these types of players is counter-balancing your roster with more steady and reliable fantasy players. Plug either receiver into your WR2 slot and reap the benefits.

TE Dustin Keller, MIA

Dustin Keller exploded this past Sunday by catching seven passes for 93 yards and a score. Now, realistically, Keller has been a low-end TE1 even at his very best. Expecting that kind of performance even one more time this season is likely a stretch. In an oversaturated TE market, Keller is a high quality sleeper that has been under the radar due to injuries this season. The Jets place Miami in Week 8 and while the Dolphins are allowing decent reception and yardage totals, they still have yet to allow a tight end to score a touchdown. That trend could change since the Jets are so paper-thin at wide receiver. Keller's seven targets were a good sign moving forward. Looking around the league, there are several tight ends cooling off after great starts. Do not remain loyal to underperforming players. With Dennis Pitta on a bye and struggling in recent games, just cut him loose and move on. Many different tight ends are overachieving right now so take a chance.

Remember to read all our columns for this week and use our Who To Start Rankings