Lions fantasy football matchup of Week 8

MATCHUP OF THE WEEK: QB Matthew Stafford vs. Falcons

After a couple of below-average games, Matthew Stafford had a late surge in Week 7 to turn into a top-12 play, bettering the likes of Philip Rivers. His matchup in Week 8 is even better.

Overseas, expect Stafford to put up big numbers. The Falcons are only 15th in points allowed to quarterbacks in fantasy, but they're dead last in yards per attempt (8.8) and 29th in yards per game (274.4). If Jay Cutler can throw for 383 yards, Stafford will do all right, mate.

According to The Football Scientist, the Falcons are considered a "green" matchup, the first one Stafford's had since Week 2 (although that didn't go so well). If you drafted him in your league, these are the types of weeks you play him. Or why draft him?

And imagine if Calvin Johnson (questionable) plays -- Stafford might have three touchdowns by the time you wake up to Wembley.

Play Stafford.

PREVIOUS MATCHUPS OF THE WEEK:

Week 1: Calvin Johnson vs. Giants - 7 catches (11 targets), 164 yards, 2 touchdowns
Week 2: Golden Tate vs. Panthers - 5 catches (8 targets), 57 yards
Week 3: Reggie Bush vs. Packers - 12 carries, 61 yards, 1 touchdown, 6 catches (8 targets), 38 yards
Week 4: Eric Ebron vs. Jets - 3 catches (4 targets), 34 yards, 1 touchdown
Week 5: Lions D/ST vs. Bills - 2 sacks, 1 interception, 1 touchdown
Week 6: Golden Tate vs. Vikings - 7 catches (12 targets), 44 yards
Week 7: Matthew Stafford vs. Saints - 27/40, 299 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions

SLEEPER: RB Joique Bell

With Reggie Bush doubtful to play, Joique Bell figures to get the brunt of the carries against a Falcons defense that has allowed the most rushing touchdowns in the NFL (13) and is 32nd in points allowed to opposing fantasy running backs. The Saints, Bengals and Vikings scored over 40 fantasy points on the ground -- each!

Sure, this isn't really a sleeper pick, but the Lions running game has been asleep all year, and I need a win here.

PREVIOUS SLEEPER PICKS:

Week 1: Eric Ebron - No
Week 2: Rain - No
Week 3: Eric Ebron - No
Week 4: Matthew Stafford - YES!
Week 5: Reggie Bush - No (injured)
Week 6: Matt Prater - No
Week 7: Ryan Broyles - No

POD FFL GAME OF THE WEEK:

U Aint got the Ansah (Jerry Mallory, 0-7) vs. Moore for Me (Harrington HOF, 4-3)

Jerry is having trouble finding the Ansah himself, losing again in a close one, 79.90-74.34. Demaryius Thomas' 29-plus points on Sunday Night Football put Moore for Me over the top.

POD FFL MATCHUP OF THE WEEK:

Motown Madmen (Jettero2112, 6-1) vs. Tate's Golden Shower (JCruize, 6-1)

In a battle of 6-1s, Tate's Golden Shower got an early shower of points (52.64) from Peyton Manning, Malcom Floyd and Antonio Gates. He is projected to win by nine points, but the Madmen have some favorable matchups, including three big names -- Aaron Rodgers, Randall Cobb and Marques Colston -- in the Sunday night game.

FANDUEL:

I won a total of $45 last week, bringing my seven-week total to $179.80.

Here's my favorite Week 8 team:

QB Alex Smith vs. Rams, $7,200
RB Jamaal Charles vs. Rams, $8,700
RB Le'Veon Bell vs. Colts, $8,400
WR Brandon Marshall vs. Patriots, $7,400
WR DeAndre Hopkins vs. Titans, $6,900
WR Andrew Hawkins vs. Raiders, $6,000
TE Zach Ertz vs. Cardinals, $4,700
K Nick Folk vs. Bills, $4,700
D Texans vs. Titans, $5,100

Salary remaining: $200

Editor's Note: FanDuel is hosting a $500,000 one-week fantasy football league this weekend. It's $10 to join and first place wins $40,000. League starts Sunday 1 PM ET and ends on Monday night. Here's the link.