Week Eight fantasy football

Late-week fantasy tips

Thursday, Oct. 19, 2000

NFC CENTRAL

Detroit — Don’t fret over RB James Stewart’s eight-carry, 13-yard performance in the Lions’ last meeting with the Buccaneers this season. Detroit has since altered its OL personnel, and the move seems to be working. Stewart has had more room to run, and he’s put up better numbers. Since that Week Three meeting, Stewart has rushed 63 times for 250 yards (a 4.0-yard average) and one touchdown. He’s also been more involved in the passing game, catching 12 passes for 108 yards and one touchdown. With WR Germane Crowell (broken) out, look for Stewart to touch the ball 25-30 times in the game. Also, TE David Sloan should be more involved. Sloan is a big target with the ability to stretch the field, a rare quality among tight ends.

Tampa Bay — WR Keyshawn Johnson’s most productive game this season came vs. the Lions in Week Three, when he caught eight passes for 84 yards. But don’t expect similar numbers in the teams’ second meeting. For one, that was the game in which the Lions lost starting CB Terry Fair early to an injury. Detroit was forced to promote Lamar Campbell from his usual nickel-back role, and his play was rather erratic. This time around, the Lions will employ a fully healthy secondary. Also, Johnson has had a lot of extra attention paid to him lately, with defenses rolling their coverage toward him. That has given fellow WR Jacquez Green one-on-one matchups, which he exploited big time last week vs. Minnesota to the tune of 11 catches for 131 yards.

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2000 - 2001 Season