Week 8 Fantasy sleepers

It is usually the less heralded up and comers that can often be the difference between a winning fantasy football team and a losing team.

A lot of it is luck, but if you play your matchups right, and you get production out of every position, your squad will reign supreme.

Here are a few sleepers for this week that probably have slipped under everyone's radar, opening the door for you to snatch them up.

Quarterbacks

Jon Kitna, Cincinnati Bengals vs. Seattle Seahawks

Don't laugh. Kitna has thrown six touchdowns against one interception his last three games, and has stepped up his play with Carson Palmer breathing down his neck. His main targets, Chad Johnson and Peter Warrick, are finally living up to their lofty expectations, and with Corey Dillon highly doubtful this week, the Bungles will be forced to take to the air.

Wide Receivers

Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints

Smith has had a couple monster games in a row against two solid defenses in the Colts and Titans, combining for 16 catches, 254 yards and two scores in those games. Look for more of the same this week against the hapless N'awlins defense, which has lost at least five starters on defense and has given up the second-most touchdown passes in the league. Smith may even be a free agent in your league and if he is, snatch him up QUICK.

Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans

This game could get ugly. Not only are the Texans without their best linemen up front in Gary Walker and Seth Payne, but their top cover corner Aaron Glenn has missed the last three games and is highly doubtful for this weekend. In addition, Edgerrin James has been banged up and three of his backups (Rhodes, Mungro, the other Ricky Williams) are all hurt, which will lead to Indy relying even more on the pass. Start all the Colts you can get your hands on.

Tai Streets, San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals

Let's face it, no one has been more atrocious the last decade than the Arizona Cardinals. I know it, you know it, the American people know it. Take advantage of this mediocrity when setting your fantasy lineup every week. Obviously, if you have Terrell Owens he is a must-start every game. But most defenses double-team T.O. and let the rest of the Niners beat them, which is why Streets has four TD catches to Owens' three. Streets is a great fill-in this week, especially if the bye weeks are wreaking havoc on your receivers.

Running Backs

Arlen Harris, St. Louis Rams vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

With Marshal Faulk out and Lamar Gordon's status uncertain for this week, Harris could get the starting nod come Sunday. He filled in admirably last week against the Pack, carrying the ball 18 times for 85 yards and a score. Granted, Pittsburgh is solid up front and has one of the best linebacker corps in football. But whether it's Lamar Gordon, Trung Canidate or Arlen Harris, whoever Mike Martz pencils in at running back usually produces. If you're hurting for a back this week, look for Harris on your free agent list.

Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Jets

It appears that Westbrook finally has emerged as Philly's featured back. He has rushed for a touchdown in four straight games and looks to continue that streak against a Jets' D that has allowed 137 yards a game, second worst in the league next to Atlanta. With McNabb struggling mightily with an injured thumb, the Eagles will be pounding the rock more than usual. If your league counts return yards or return TDs, even more the reason to plug this ex-Villanova Wildcat into your starting lineup.

Marcel Shipp, St. Louis Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers

The injury to Emmitt Smith may be a blessing in disguise to the laughingstock of a team known as the Cardinals. The talented Shipp finally has the running back job all to himself, after sharing time last year with Thomas Jones (now with Tampa) and this year with Emmitt. Even if Arizona has to abandon the run in the second half, Shipp is a bonafide threat to catch passes out of the backfield, a la Charlie Garner and Michael Pittman. The Niners' front four is geared more to rush the passer than to stop the run, and the Cardinals' O-line is one of the more underrated units around, so 75 yards rushing and 50 receiving with a score shouldn't be out of the question.

Tight Ends & Defense

When it comes to these positions, it's best not to be too picky. I find it much more important to concentrate on the skill positions (QB, RB, WR) than tight ends and defense, which are basically a crapshoot. As long as you have a starter in there at TE, you're solid. If you're starting Cap Boso, or anyone on the Bears for that matter, then I'll throw you a sleeper for this week. Brandon Manumaleuma has taken on an increased role for the Rams and could get a look or two from Bulger in the red zone.

As for defense, find one that forces a decent amount of turnovers and try to stick with 'em as long as you can. If you're really hurting, (i.e. the Bears are your defense) check out the waiver wire because odds are there's at least 10 teams available. Carolina, Dallas, and Seattle have all been stifling thus far and may be better options than the D you already have.

Good luck to all this weekend, except for my opponent "Polish Sausage."

If you need some help deciding who to start, you can E-mail me at kerrywoood@yahoo.com and I'll try to get back to you by game time Sunday.