RandBall Week 8 Fantasy Football Challenge

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:

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

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.

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

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.

Loser: Michael Rand — Colin Kaepernick (20.8), Adrian Peterson (5.6), Victor Cruz (5.0). Total: 31.4.

Overall standings: Guest pickers 5-2.