Big Ten Fantasy Week 8

Quarterback

Week Winner - Nate Stanley, Iowa v. Maryland

Stanley is second in the Big Ten in touchdown passes with 15 this year. So next to only Dwayne Haskins, with an absurd 28 touchdown passes, Stanley is the best bet to get the big points. He’s coming off a 6 TD performance last week, and is facing a Maryland defense with some holes. Stanley’s two big tight ends, Noah Fant and T.J. Hockenson could both be coveted NFL draft picks this year. Prediction - 270 yards passing, 4 TDs

Bench ‘Em - Brian Lewerke, Michigan State v. Michigan

The Michigan defense is really good, and I deserve to give it more credit after what they did to Wisconsin last weekend. Michigan State has bigger and better weapons at receiver, but the Michigan D is probably good enough to keep Lewerke to a very pedestrian game through the air. He’s capable of picking up yards on the ground, but the size of Michigan’s ends should keep the pocket honest.

Keep an Eye On - Clayton Thorson, Northwestern v. Rutgers

Thorson has very quietly passed for 1755 yards and nine touchdowns this year, while his knee gets healthier and his confidence builds back. The Rutgers defense is garbage, so this prediction depends on how Fitz wants to roll over the Scarlet Knights. With Moton filling in at back, I’m guessing it’s going to be through the air.

Running Back

Week Winner - Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin v. Illinois

Everybody has a field day against Illinois on the ground. Purdue just got done rushing for 227 yards, including 150 and a touchdown from D.J. Knox. Taylor is leading the Big Ten in rushing by over 250 yards, rushing for a total of 900 with eight touchdowns in six games this year. I’m not sure what the J. Taylor prop bet would be, but I bet it would be something like…Prediction - 230 yards rushing, 3 TDs

Bench ‘Em - JK Dobbins, Ohio State v. Purdue

I can’t explain what’s up with Dobbins this year, but he hasn’t shown the explosion from his freshman season. Purdue did a great job bottling up a good rushing attack from Illinois last week, and Ohio State is shifting more and more onto the amazing shoulder of Dwayne Haskins.

Keep an Eye On - Miles Sanders, Penn State v. Indiana

Second to only Jonathan Taylor, Miles Sanders has 700 rushing yards on the year with seven touchdowns. The Penn State offensive line is massively improved from past years, and is especially dominant against the lower echelon defenses of the conference. Depending on how Penn State comes out after back-to-back losses, Sanders could have a wild day.

Wide Receiver

Week Winner - JD Spielman, Nebraska v. Minnesota

Minnesota stood tall against Ohio State for a large part of last weeks game, but still got gashed through the air. Of course, everyone is getting gashed against Ohio State, but there is a vulnerability there that Spielman can exploit. The sophomore reminds me of TY Hilton with his ability to get open and then turn on the quick boosts. If he hits the seams of the Minnesota secondary, he’s ghost. Prediction - 135 receiving yards and 2 TDs.

Bench ‘Em - Juwan Johnson, Penn State v. Indiana

The kid’s just not going to get it and blossom into the receiver we thought he might. At this point Johnson isn’t getting separation, and even at that size, he isn’t a reliable fantasy (or otherwise) asset.

Keep an Eye On - Flynn Nagel, Northwestern v. Rutgers

Tight End

Week Winner - Noah Fant, Iowa v. Maryland

Copy and paste. Fant will be the no. 1 tight end picked in the upcoming draft.

Bench ‘Em - Louis Dorsey, Illinois v. Wisconsin

He’s gone, take him out permanently.

Keep an Eye On - T.J. Hockenson, Iowa v. Maryland

A new copy and paste? Hockenson is following in a long line of great Iowa tight ends, and might be crawling up the list of NFL hopefuls.

Defense of the Week - Wisconsin

The Wisconsin defense isn’t as good as anticipated, but the defensive line is legit, and Illinois had a hard time moving Purdue’s last week.

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