All good things must come to an end. Alas, America's winning streak is over.
Behind big days from Matt Forte, Ryan Mathews and Calvin Johnson, Matt "Money" Smith and his Suhey's Soup Sifters rolled to a blowout win in the NFL Fantasy LIVE Experts' League last week.
Week 7 was one of those weeks that reminds us just how unpredictable fantasy football can be. Sure, Stevan Ridley's 11.30 points were a welcome surprise, but they didn't make up for DeSean Jackson failing to contribute even three points. In fact, there was no amount of lineup manipulation that was going to save your squad this week.
So it's time to look forward ... and staring you in the face is a matchup with Adam Rank and the undefeated El Presidente.
This won't be easy, especially with a couple of pieces on bye this week. With Martellus Bennett off, Rob Gronkowski will make his first start for America's Team. And with Torrey Smith not playing, it makes sense to slide DeSean Jackson into the vacant wide receiver spot.
But that leaves a void -- who will be your flex option for Week 8?
BenJarvus Green-Ellis has been a dud for much of the season and this week's game against the Jets isn't likely to do him any favors. Julian Edelman has been one of New England's more reliable pass-catchers this season, but how much will Tom Brady look his way now that Rob Gronkowski is back?
Lance Moore finds himself a much smaller piece of New Orleans' offense as the season rolls along, although a matchup with the Bills could be the proverbial shot-in-the-arm. You could start Mike Williams...but do you really trust him on a Thursday night against the Panthers defense?
The correct answer to that is no.
Anyway, if there's a trade you'd like us to pursue or a free agent you think we should make a run after, let us know. Tweet us @NFLFantasy with #AmericasTeam. In the meantime, be sure to vote and help us set your lineup for a matchup of first-place teams.
Good luck and happy Week 8. Go America!
