Week 8 of the Page 2 Fantasy Football Challenge is upon us. Each week, a guest picker chooses a quarterback, wide receiver and running back who he or she believes will score big in fantasy that week. The only players off-limits are those selected by the previous week's guest picker. This week's guest — reader Stanley Sanders of Maple Grove — will go head-to-head against Star Tribune writer Michael Rand, who is not allowed to pick anyone projected by NFL.com to score in the top 10 at their respective positions:
Stanley Sanders' WEEK 8 FANTASY PICKS
QB: Drew Brees, Saints
NFL.com QB projection: No. 1
Matchup: Bills
Well I'm taking Brees because he had a week to rest ... plus the opponent ... plus he's playing at home. (Ed. Note: Can't argue with that).
RB: Adrian Peterson, Vikings
NFL.com RB projection: No. 2
Matchup: Packers
I'm taking Adrian because he's really mad about Monday night and he's going to take it out on the Packers.
WR: Calvin Johnson, Lions
NFL.com WR projection: No. 3
Matchup: Cowboys
I'm taking Calvin because he is MEGATRON ALL WORLD. When he is healthy, Johnson is unstoppable.
MICHAEL RAND's WEEK 8 FANTASY PICKS
QB: Robert Griffin III, Redskins
NFL.com QB projection: No. 19
Matchup: Broncos
There are safer picks, for sure, but my opponent this week seems to have some surefire points locked up with Brees and I need to match him. RGIII is looking more comfortable, and I'm banking on a shootout with the Broncos.
RB: DeAngelo Williams, Panthers
NFL.com RB projection: No. 13
Matchup: Buccaneers
Is this the week Williams finally gets into the end zone? I'm sure a lot of fantasy owners would love to know. I'll take a chance vs. winless Tampa Bay.
WR: Wes Welker, Broncos
NFL.com WR projection: No. 13
Matchup: Redskins
The ultimate security blanket for both fantasy owners and Peyton Manning. Welker has at least 9.6 fantasy points every week this season.
SCOREBOARD WEEK 7 FANTASY RECAP (USING NFL.COM DEFAULT SCORING METHOD)
Winner: Bryan Osmonson — Peyton Manning (25.3), Jamaal Charles (16.3), Jordy Nelson (10.2). Total: 51.8.
Loser: Michael Rand — Colin Kaepernick (20.8), Adrian Peterson (5.6), Victor Cruz (5.0). Total: 31.4.
Overall standings: Guest pickers 5-2.