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FFL: Week 8 | NFL: Week 8

Week 8 NFL Capsules

Fri Oct 24 12:46pm ET
Field Level Media

NFL Week 8 preview capsules:

Miami Dolphins (1-6) at Atlanta Falcons (3-3)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

FanDuel odds: Falcons -7.5, Total 44.5

Series Rewind: This is the first meeting since a 30-28 shootout won by the Falcons at Miami in 2021. The Dolphins lead the all-time series 9-5. Tua Tagovailoa threw four TD passes and two picks but Matt Ryan had 336 yards and moved Atlanta down the field for a late field goal to win it.

For the second time in two weeks, Tagovailoa opposes another southpaw starting quarterback in Michael Penix Jr. The lefties are trying to consistently find the passing lane but offensive gridlock is hitting Miami hard. Tagovailoa has thrown six interceptions the past two games and 10 total this season. Both teams want to lean on dual-purpose backs to move the chains. Dolphins RB De'Von Achane and Falcons RB Bijan Robinson are two of the NFL's three backs with at least 450 rushing yards and 200 receiving (49ers RB Christian McCaffrey is the third). Finding a run-pass balance early is a priority for Miami to keep Tagovailoa out of obvious passing situations. He's operating without Tyreek Hill the rest of the season, TE Darren Waller landed on injured reserve this week and Jaylen Waddle is fighting a hamstring injury. Atlanta's skill-position stars are in better shape. Robinson is only 86 yards shy of 1,000 yards from scrimmage this season and the Dolphins are being trampled by effective running games to the tune of 159.3 yards per game. But Penix also could have a field day. Miami's back seven has been inconsistent and opposing quarterbacks have a completion percentage of 74.6% this season. The Dolphins allowed six or more points in eight of the past 11 quarters.

N.Y. Jets (0-7) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-4)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

FanDuel odds: Bengals -6.5, Total 44.5

Series Rewind: The Bengals have won four of the past five in the series, most recently a 27-12 victory in 2022 that featured six total field goals and three Joe Burrow TD passes.

The Jets are the only winless team in the NFL, while the Bengals appear resurrected since installing Joe Flacco -- who had two previous stints with the Jets -- as their starter. Points and almost all positives have been a challenge to define for the winless Jets, compounded by owner Woody Johnson sharing his critique of embattled QB Justin Fields two days after head coach Aaron Glenn turned to Tyrod Taylor in the second half of a 13-6 loss to the Panthers. Cincinnati rolls into Week 8 rested, coming off a 33-31 last-second victory over the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers on Oct. 16. The win rekindled visions of Cincinnati competing for the division title, with games against the Jets and the Chicago Bears coming to finish a three-game homestand. The Bengals could have the services of Trey Hendrickson again on Sunday after the star pass rusher missed the Steelers game with a hip injury. The Jets are dealing with injury issues and are without CB Sauce Gardner, who entered concussion protocol after getting hurt in the second half against Carolina last week. Not helping the offensive ineptitude, WR Garrett Wilson missed last week's game with a knee injury and was ruled out Friday. Without Gardner, the Jets likely are to use multiple corners to attempt to slow Ja'Marr Chase. He had career-high 16 catches for 161 yards last week and has 10-plus receptions in three consecutive games.

Cleveland Browns (2-5) at New England Patriots (5-2)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

FanDuel odds: Patriots -7, Total 40.5

Series Rewind: The Patriots have won nine of the past 10 against the Browns. Cleveland's last win was in 2010 (34-14). Browns RB Peyton Hillis scored a pair of touchdowns and QB Colt McCoy ran for a score. Tom Brady threw two TDs to Aaron Hernandez to account for both New England scores.

Expectations appeared to be trending downward again for New England following a Week 1 home loss to the Raiders. But the Patriots are rolling with four consecutive wins and a full-blown coming-out party for QB Drake Maye. Maye leads the NFL with a 75.2 completion percentage (152 of 202). Only former Saints QB Drew Brees had a completion percentage of 75-plus in his team's first seven games of a season (77.4 %, 188 of 243, in 2018) among passers with at least 200 attempts. The defense is getting it done, too. The Patriots have allowed 20 or fewer points in all four games in the current win streak, and Cleveland averages only 16.1 points per game. But the Browns arrive having scored more than 17 points for the first time this season in a 31-6 beatdown of the Dolphins last week. Rookie QB Dillon Gabriel hasn't thrown an interception in three starts since supplanting since-traded veteran Joe Flacco. Flacco was leading the NFL in turnovers at the time of his demotion. The emergence of a strong running game hasn't hurt a defense-first approach. Rookie Quinshon Judkins has 467 yards and five touchdowns this season, including a three-TD performance against Miami.

New York Giants (2-5) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-2)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

FanDuel odds: Eagles -7.5, Total 43.5

Series Rewind: The Giants look to sweep the Eagles for the first time since 2007. New York has won the first leg of the NFC East derby four times (2008, 2011, 2016, 2021) since then but settled for a split each time.

Jaxson Dart has experienced the highs and lows of NFL life in back-to-back games. After stunning the Super Bowl champion Eagles in Week 6, his Giants blew a 19-0 fourth-quarter lead in last weekend's shocking collapse at Denver. Instead of looking back, the rookie quarterback looked ahead to "the hostility in the air" in Philadelphia for this rematch. He ran for a score and threw a touchdown in a 34-17 win in the first meeting, with fellow rookie Cam Skattebo scooting for three TD runs. The Eagles bounced back with an impressive win at Minnesota, where Jalen Hurts (326 passing yards) and receivers DeVonta Smith (183) and A.J. Brown (121) all set season highs. The Eagles have only turned the ball over three times this season, with two of them coming in the loss to the Giants -- including Hurts' only interception in his last 13 regular-season starts

Chicago Bears (4-2) at Baltimore Ravens (1-5)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

FanDuel odds: Ravens -6.5, Total 49.5

Series Rewind: While the Ravens won the most recent meeting in 2021, Chicago prevailed in each of the previous two on overtime field goals.

Chicago could corral a five-game winning streak for the first time since 2018. Baltimore already has five losses and the Ravens are mired in a four-game slide as part of the worst six-game start in the 30-season history of the franchise. The Ravens will have a lot more optimism with QB Lamar Jackson back from a hamstring strain. Baltimore has scored a total of 13 points over the past two games with understudy Cooper Rush at quarterback. He threw for a grand total of 72 yards in a 17-3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams prior to last week's bye. Two-time NFL MVP Jackson was injured during a 37-20 Week 4 loss at the Kansas City Chiefs. Ravens LB Roquan Smith (hamstring) will return from a two-game absence to go up against the Bears, the club he spent 4 1/2 season with before being traded to the Ravens in 2022. The Chicago defense has been superb with a league-high 16 takeaways to help the team sport a league-best plus-11 turnover margin. Bears S Kevin Byard III is tied for the NFL lead with four interceptions. He has three picks in four career games at Baltimore. Offensively, quarterback Caleb Williams has passed for 1,351 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions in his second NFL season and running back D'Andre Swift (419 yards, three touchdowns) also is playing well.

Buffalo Bills (4-2) at Carolina Panthers (4-3)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

FanDuel odds: Bills -7.5, Total 46.5

Series Rewind: The Bills are 6-2 all-time against the Panthers. However, Carolina won 9-3 the last time these teams played in Charlotte in 2017.

The Bills lost their last two games before their bye last week while the Panthers enter the game on their first three-game winning streak since 2021, which was also the last time they were above .500. Buffalo hopes recent history continues at Carolina as the Bills have won their last eight games coming out of a bye dating back to 2017. They're also hoping to come out of the bye week a bit healthier, potentially getting tight end Dalton Kincaid and linebacker Matt Milano back from injury. Carolina, meanwhile, appears likely to be without starting QB Bryce Young. He left last week's win over the Jets with an ankle injury and didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday. If he's unable to go, the Panthers will turn to Andy Dalton, who started six games for Carolina over the 2023-24 seasons and has 168 career starts and 254 touchdown passes to his name.

San Francisco 49ers (5-2) at Houston Texans (2-4)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

FanDuel odds: Texans -2.5, Total 41.5

Series Rewind: This will be just the sixth time these teams have played since Houston's expansion season in 2002. San Francisco is 4-1 and has won the last three over Houston.

The Houston Texans have dug themselves quite a hole in the AFC South. Division winners each of the last two seasons, they trail Indianapolis by 3 1/2 games seven weeks into the season. Things won't get any easier this week against a San Francisco win that keeps piling wins despite being down multiple key contributors on both sides of the ball. 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey is coming off his best game of the season, amassing 201 yards from scrimmage and scoring twice in last week's 20-10 win over Atlanta. Starting QB Brock Purdy (toe) remains limited so it appears likely Mac Jones will make his sixth start of the season. Jones has filled in admirably, anchoring the NFL's best passing offense (271.3 yards per game) despite having a limited receiver room due to injuries. The Texans could also be without a few crucial receivers with Nico Collins (concussion) and Christian Kirk (hamstring) each not practicing Wednesday and Thursday. That will test C.J. Stroud, who hasn't yet thrown for 250 yards in a game this season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2) at New Orleans Saints (1-6)

Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

FanDuel odds: Buccaneers -4.5, Total 46.5

Series Rewind: New Orleans has handled Tampa Bay historically, holding a 40-27 lead in the all-time series. However, the Buccaneers have dominated of late, with five wins in the last six matchups.

The Buccaneers, who began the season with an impressive run of close-game wins, were humbled Monday night in a 24-9 loss at Detroit. A matchup against lowly New Orleans could be just what the doctor ordered to get on the right track. The tough news for the Bucs is that star receiver Mike Evans is out for the foreseeable future with a broken collarbone sustained in the loss to the Lions. The good news is that rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka continues to tear it up. His 527 receiving yards are nearly 100 more than any other rookie and rank seventh in the NFL entering Week 8. Mayfield also has a good track record in New Orleans, throwing 3-plus TD passes in each of his two road starts against the Saints. Saints QB Spencer Rattle is coming off a four-turnover performance (three picks, one fumble) in last week's 26-14 loss at Chicago. However, he's thrown four touchdowns with no interceptions in his last three home starts. New Orleans' struggling offense will be without center Eric McCoy (biceps) and running back Kendre Miller (knee) the rest of the way due to season-ending injuries sustained last week.

Tennessee Titans (1-6) at Indianapolis Colts (6-1)

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

FanDuel odds: Colts -14.5, Total 46.5

Series Rewind: The Colts and Titans have split the last 10 meetings -- five wins in a row for Tennessee from 2020-22 and five wins in a row for Indianapolis since the start of 2023. Four of the last five were one-score games.

The Colts lead the NFL with an average of 33.1 points per game and have scored at least 30 points five times, while the Titans are last in the league with 13.7 points per game and have scored at least 20 only twice. Hence the massive point spread. Indianapolis cruised to a 41-20 victory in the first meeting in Nashville in Week 3, led by Jonathan Taylor with 102 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He is the third player in the past 20 seasons with three games of three or more rushing TDs in a season: LaDainian Tomlinson (2006) and Derrick Henry (2021). The Titans are coming off a 31-13 loss to former coach Mike Vrabel's Patriots, spoiling the debut of interim coach Mike McCoy. Making things tougher for Tennessee against the Indy offense, CB L'Jarius Sneed was placed on IR this week and DT Jeffery Simmons is not 100 percent.

Dallas Cowboys (3-3-1) at Denver Broncos (5-2)

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

FanDuel odds: Broncos -3.5, Total 50.5

Series Rewind: Denver coach Sean Payton was the assistant head coach and QBs coach in Dallas (2003-05) before taking the reins in New Orleans. It's the first time his Broncos have faced the Cowboys.

The Broncos have won eight straight home games since Week 8 of last season, the longest active streak in the NFL. Second-year QB Bo Nix made history in last week's instant-classic comeback to beat the Giants, becoming the first player in league history with two passing TDs and two rushing TDs in the fourth quarter. The Denver D leads the NFL in sacks (34) and ranks third in total defense (273.1 yards per game) and fourth in scoring defense (18.1 points per game). Dallas counters with a unit that ranks No. 1 in total offense (390.6) and No. 2 in scoring (31.7). Cowboys star Dak Prescott is 0-2 vs. the Broncos in his career but heads to the Mile High City on quite a roll, just the third player ever with four straight games of three or more TD passes and a 120-plus rating (Russell Wilson in 2015 and Andrew Luck in 2018). The Broncos' pass rush and talent in the secondary presents an intriguing chess match and strength-vs-strength showdown, including All-Pros potentially locking horns with Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb covered by Broncos CB Patrick Surtain II.

Green Bay Packers (4-1-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)

Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

FanDuel odds: Packers -3, Total 45.5

Series Rewind: The Steelers have won six of the past seven regular-season meetings, including a 23-19 victory during Jordan Love's first season as a Green Bay starter in 2023. Also, Aaron Rodgers' lone Super Bowl victory came against Pittsburgh following the 2010 regular season.

Rodgers insists he harbors no grudges against his former team of 18 seasons as he competes against the Packers for the first time in his storied career. Of course, he felt much differently when he left the organization following the 2022 season. You could picture NBC executives saying, "no, don't say that!" when Rodgers said "this is not a revenge for me." The bulletin board material may be gone but you can bet Rodgers would like to beat former coach Matt LaFleur on the Sunday Night stage. Rodgers has played solidly for the Steelers (4-2), completing 68.6% of his passes for 1,270 yards, 14 touchdowns and five interceptions. Love, who backed up Rodgers for three seasons, has passed for 1,438 yards, 10 touchdowns and two interceptions this season. Love has thrown 67 touchdown passes in 38 regular-season games since taking over the full-time starting role in 2023. One player Rodgers hopes to avoid is Green Bay playmaker Micah Parsons, who recorded a career-high three sacks versus the Arizona Cardinals last week. Parsons shares the team lead of 5.5 sacks with fellow defensive lineman Rashan Gary. Packers star running back Josh Jacobs (414 rushing yards, eight TDs) is bothered by a calf injury and was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Pittsburgh star linebacker T.J. Watt is dealing with a hip injury and his four sacks are second on the team behind fellow linebacker Nick Herbig (4.5).

Washington Commanders (3-4) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-3)

Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

FanDuel odds: Chiefs -11.5, Total 47.5

Series Rewind: The Chiefs have won the past eight meetings and are 10-1 all-time against Washington.

Kansas City is above .500 for the first time this season after winning four of the past five games. The Chiefs demolished the Las Vegas Raiders 31-0 last weekend when they began taking kneeldowns with 2:36 left in the game. The shutout was Kansas City's first in the regular season since 2011. Kansas City allowed just 95 yards and three first downs to the overmatched Raiders. Patrick Mahomes passed for 286 yards and three touchdowns and he has 11 TD passes against one interception over the last four contests. The Chiefs had Rashee Rice on the field for the first time this season after he completed a suspension and he caught seven passes for 42 yards and two touchdowns against the Raiders. The Commanders will be operating without star quarterback Jayden Daniels (hamstring), who was injured in last week's 44-22 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Marcus Mariota will draw the start for the third time this season. Washington split his first two starting assignments. Mariota has thrown 100 touchdown passes in his 11-year career. Commanders top wideout Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) could return after missing the previous four games. He was a full practice participant on Thursday. Washington's defense has been a problem - the Commanders ranks 27th in total defense (364.3 yards per game) and 25th against the pass (238.3).

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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 8

Player Notes
Mason Taylor Oct 24 12:50pm ET
Mason Taylor

New York Jets rookie tight end Mason Taylor (quadriceps) is considered questionable to play in Week 8 on Sunday versus the hosting Cincinnati Bengals, according to Eric Allen of NewYorkJets.com. However, head coach Aaron Glenn feels that Taylor is trending in the right direction to be active on Sunday. It sounds like the 21-year-old should be able to suit up this weekend, but fantasy managers will want to check back on New York's game-day inactive on Sunday morning just to be sure. With top receiver Garrett Wilson (knee) missing a second straight game, Taylor figures to be heavily involved in the passing game on Sunday if he's active. In last week's loss to the Carolina Panthers, with Wilson out, Taylor caught three of his five targets for 31 yards. The matchup is a good one against Cincy's defense, but the problem for Taylor is that the Jets' passing game has been almost non-existent this year, and they could be turning to veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor (knee) in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Breece Hall Oct 24 12:40pm ET
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall (knee) is listed as questionable to play on Sunday in Week 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to Eric Allen of NewYorkJets.com. However, head coach Aaron Glenn said that Hall is trending in the right direction to play this week. Hall came out of the Week 7 loss to the Carolina Panthers a little dinged up, but Glenn called him day-to-day earlier this week. Although the 24-year-old was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, he appears to be on the right side of questionable to face the Bengals. It's good news for the 0-7 Jets, who have ruled out top receiver Garrett Wilson (knee) for the second straight game. The Bengals' defense doesn't pose a serious threat, but Hall's upside has been capped this year mainly because of how bad the Jets' offense has been. It's still unclear if Tyrod Taylor (knee) or Justin Fields will start at quarterback this week. At best, Hall should be considered an RB2 in fantasy in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Tyrod Taylor Oct 24 12:40pm ET
Tyrod Taylor

New York Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor (knee) is listed as questionable to play in Sunday's Week 8 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to NewYorkJets.com's Eric Allen. However, head coach Aaron Glenn said that the veteran QB is trending in the right direction to be available this weekend. Taylor has been limited in practice this week due to a knee injury that isn't believed to be serious. It's unclear if the 36-year-old's injury will keep him from making the start under center against Cincy over Justin Fields, who was benched at halftime in last Sunday's loss to the Carolina Panthers. The 0-7 Jets' offense is a mess. Not only is Taylor banged up, but they will be without top receiver Garrett Wilson (knee) for a second straight game, while running back Breece Hall (knee) and rookie tight end Mason Taylor (quadriceps) are questionable. If Taylor is active and makes his first start of the year, fantasy managers in superflex leagues would be better off looking elsewhere.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Oct 24 12:30pm ET
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (oblique) is considered questionable to play in Week 8 on Sunday on the road against the Carolina Panthers, according to head coach Sean McDermott. Kincaid did not play in the Week 6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons and was unable to upgrade to a full practice this week despite having last week's bye to get extra rest. He's now up in the air for the weekend and could miss his second straight game. If Kincaid is active, though, he should be considered a top-12 tight end option in fantasy as the Bills look to put an end to their two-game losing streak. If Kincaid sits out again versus Carolina, Dawson Knox would again be Buffalo's top pass-catching tight end. Knox was on the field more in Week 6 with Kincaid out and caught his first touchdown of the season, but that was his only catch of the game on just two targets.

From RotoBaller

Josh Palmer Oct 24 12:20pm ET
Josh Palmer

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that wide receiver Joshua Palmer (ankle, knee) will not play in Week 8 on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. Tight end Dalton Kincaid (oblique) is also questionable and is in danger of missing a second straight game, so the Bills' offense could be a little short-handed on the road in Carolina as they come out of their bye week. If Kincaid misses a second straight game, look for receivers Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman to have higher fantasy ceilings with more targets from quarterback Josh Allen. Veteran Curtis Samuel, Tyrell Shavers, and Elijah Moore could also see the field more this weekend with Palmer out. The 26-year-old Palmer has been inconsistent in his first year in Buffalo, catching 14 of 20 targets for 234 yards and no touchdowns in six games. His next chance to play will be in Week 9 against the Kansas City Chiefs.

From RotoBaller

Sauce Gardner Oct 24 12:10pm ET
Sauce Gardner

New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (concussion) has officially been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 8, according to Brian Costello of the New York Post. The Jets also ruled out star receiver Garrett Wilson (knee) for a second straight game. Gardner suffered a concussion in the Week 7 loss to the Carolina Panthers. The Jets have their bye coming in Week 9, so hopefully Gardner can gain clearance from the NFL's concussion protocol in time to play against the Cleveland Browns in Week 10 on Sunday, Nov. 9. With Gardner out this weekend, the winless Jets are going to have an even tougher time trying to slow down the receiving combo of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. One of Jarvis Brownlee or Qwan'tez Stiggers figures to start for the Jets at cornerback on Sunday. It could be another long day for the Jets faithful.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Oct 24 11:50am ET
Garrett Wilson

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (knee) has been ruled out for their Week 8 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals. The star wideout suffered this knee injury during the final quarter of their Week 6 loss to the Denver Broncos. Wilson was unable to suit up last weekend and will now miss his second-straight game. During his first five games of the season, Wilson was on pace to enjoy the best season of his career as he caught 33 of his 48 targets for 382 yards and four touchdowns. As a result, managers should expect the vast majority of targets to go to rookie tight end Mason Taylor and wide receivers Josh Reynolds and Allen Lazard. However, Taylor projects as a low-end TE1, while Reynolds and Lazard as desperate FLEX plays, as the Jets have yet to announce their starting QB for this contest. Wilson will look to return in Week 10 to face the Browns, following their Week 9 bye.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Oct 24 11:10am ET
Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder) has missed each of his team's last two games due to a shoulder injury. However, he's been able to log two full practices so far this week and appears to be trending towards returning to the field in Week 8 against the Green Bay Packers. In four games before getting injured, Austin III recorded 10 catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns. Upon his return to the lineup, Austin III should slot in as Pittsburgh's WR2 alongside DK Metcalf. Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been productive this season, recording 1,270 passing yards and 14 touchdowns across six games. If Rodgers has another big game this week against Green Bay, Austin III could be one of the beneficiaries. In Week 8, Austin III profiles as a low-end flex option for fantasy managers in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Samaje Perine Oct 24 11:00am ET
Samaje Perine

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine recorded a season-high seven carries in his team's Week 7 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The veteran back has been eating into the workload of Bengals RB1 Chase Brown in recent weeks, as Perine has logged at least 28 offensive snaps in three straight games for Cincinnati. Perine's upside remains limited, as he's recorded just 123 yards from scrimmage on 28 touches across seven games so far this season. However, the Bengals get a favorable matchup in Week 8 against the New York Jets, which helps Perine's fantasy outlook. Still, expectations for what Perine's upside should remain limited. He's currently ranked as RB45 by RotoBaller in half-PPR scoring heading into Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Josh Reynolds Oct 24 10:50am ET
Josh Reynolds

The New York Jets could be without both star wide receiver Garrett Wilson (knee) and rookie tight end Mason Taylor (quad) in Week 8, as both players missed practice on Thursday due to injury. That would likely put veteran wide receiver Josh Reynolds in position to be his team's top option in the passing game in a favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. With Wilson sidelined in Week 7, Reynolds was targeted nine times, hauling in three catches for 29 yards. New York has yet to name a starter at quarterback for Week 8, and neither Tyrod Taylor (knee) nor Justin Fields projects to provide Reynolds with top-tier quarterback play. Still, the opportunity for massive target volume makes Reynolds a viable streaming option for fantasy managers. In Week 8 against Cincinnati, Reynolds profiles as a low-end PPR flex option in deep leagues.

From RotoBaller

Cade Otton Oct 24 10:40am ET
Cade Otton

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton has emerged as a more consistent feature in his team's offense in recent weeks. Over his last three games, Otton has recorded 16 catches for 197 yards on 20 targets. Given that Tampa Bay will be without wide receivers Mike Evans (collarbone) and Chris Godwin (leg) for its Week 8 matchup against the New Orleans Saints and possibly longer, Otton could have an extended runway as one of the lead target-earners for the Buccaneers. In the three games that both Evans and Godwin missed in 2024, Otton recorded 22 catches for 193 yards and three touchdowns on 29 targets. He profiles as a low-end starting tight end option for fantasy managers in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Marcus Mariota Oct 24 10:30am ET
Marcus Mariota

With star quarterback Jayden Daniels (hamstring) out for Week 8, the Washington Commanders will turn to veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota to make his third start of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs. Mariota has been reasonably productive across three games' worth of action so far this season, completing 60.3% of his pass attempts for 426 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. The 32-year-old also remains a threat with his legs, as he's recorded 94 yards and a touchdown on 10 rush attempts. The Commanders have a tough matchup in Week 8, as they will travel to Kansas City to face the Chiefs. On the bright side, Washington could get back both of its top wide receivers in Terry McLaurin (quad) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel). Both wideouts practiced in full on Thursday after being sidelined in Week 7. In Week 8, Mariota profiles as a low-end starting fantasy quarterback in single-QB formats and a must-start player in two-quarterback formats.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Oct 24 10:20am ET
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. returned in Week 8 from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for four games. The 30-year-old had a quiet game in his team's 37-10 Week 8 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, recording five carries for 15 yards and hauling in two catches for 15 yards on four targets. It was a miserable night for the Minnesota offense overall, as it recorded just 164 yards of total offense. On the positive side for Jones Sr., he earned more total touches (seven) than fellow Vikings running back Jordan Mason (five). That could change in future weeks when Minnesota has a more neutral or positive game script. Most likely, Jones Sr. and Mason will split backfield work relatively equally, making the Vikings' backfield a difficult one for fantasy managers to parse.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Hockenson Oct 24 10:10am ET
T.J. Hockenson

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson caught two of three targets for 26 yards in Thursday night's 37-10 loss to the Chargers. After back-to-back games with six receptions, Hockenson took a step back in this game with his quietest performance since Week 2 against the Falcons. It was a struggle for the Vikings offense as a whole, as the Chargers dominated them up front. Veteran quarterback Carson Wentz was under heavy pressure most of the night, and the team averaged just 3.1 yards per carry. The 28-year-old tight end tied Jordan Addison for the second-most receiving yards on the night, which speaks to the struggles of the passing game. Hockenson will look to get back on track against his former team, the Detroit Lions, in Week 9.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Mason Oct 24 10:00am ET
Jordan Mason

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason had only four carries for three yards and one catch for three yards in Thursday night's blowout loss to the Chargers. Mason was outcarried by Aaron Jones Sr. as he made his return off injured reserve from a hamstring injury. Jones wasn't overly efficient on his touches either, handling five carries for 15 yards and adding two catches for 15 yards. It was a good matchup on paper coming into the game for the Vikings' ground game with the Chargers being ranked 28th in yards per carry and 31st in rushing touchdowns allowed, but Minnesota averaged just 3.1 yards per carry in the game. Mason and Jones will likely see a pretty even split moving forward, with Jones handling most of the pass-down duties. They will head on the road again in Week 9 for another tough matchup in Detroit.

From RotoBaller

Carson Wentz Oct 24 9:50am ET
Carson Wentz

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz completed 15 of 27 pass attempts for 144 yards with one touchdown and one interception in Thursday night's 37-10 loss to the Chargers. He took five sacks for a loss of 27 yards and fumbled, but was able to recover it. It was not a pretty game for Wentz as he clearly battled through the left shoulder injury that he entered the game with. The 32-year-old was under heavy duress for much of the night, with the Minnesota offensive line also missing multiple starters. And he also wasn't helped out by the run game, as the running backs combined for just 34 yards on 11 carries for the game. Wentz was able to at least provide decent floor games for Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, but it was a game to forget for the Vikings. J.J. McCarthy (ankle) should be expected to be ready for Week 9's matchup in Detroit, but more will be known on his status in the coming days.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Johnston Oct 24 9:40am ET
Quentin Johnston

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnson did not see a target in Thursday night's 37-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Johnston has trended in the wrong direction after a remarkable first four games of the season, catching 22 of 36 targets for 337 yards and four touchdowns. The third-year wide receiver missed Week 6, but he has totaled just six catches on 10 targets for 70 yards and a touchdown in three games since, with Week 8 marking the low point. It was the first game of his career in which he was held without a target and the third game without a reception. The emergence of rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden has made it difficult for all the Chargers' pass catchers to be involved consistently, and Johnston may be the odd man out. He'll look to bounce back in Week 9 when the Chargers go on the road to face the Tennessee Titans.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Oct 24 9:40am ET
Keenan Allen

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen caught four of his five targets for 44 yards in the team's 37-10 win on Thursday night over the Minnesota Vikings. Allen was coming off a vintage performance in Week 7 against the Colts, catching 11 of 14 targets for 119 yards and a touchdown. But the 33-year-old took a backseat to the young Chargers' playmakers in Week 8, with second-year wide receiver Ladd McConkey leading the way with 88 yards and a touchdown, while rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden continued his emergence with 77 yards and a score. The Chargers played from ahead for the vast majority of this game, leading to the running backs carrying the ball 36 times as they aimed to milk the clock for the most part. The 33-year-old wideout should bounce back in Week 9 as the Chargers face the Titans on the road.

From RotoBaller

Brashard Smith Oct 24 9:20am ET
Brashard Smith

Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Brashard Smith played his highest snap share of the season in Week 7 against the Raiders and could continue to see his role expand in the coming weeks. Head coach Andy Reid spoke glowingly of Smith in Thursday's press conference, noting that "we're going to keep utilizing his talents." The star quarterback shared a similar feeling about the rookie running back, saying, "he's made a ton of progress." The seventh-rounder out of SMU handled a season high 19 touches for 81 total yards last week against the Raiders and figures to be a big piece of the puzzle in Week 8 against the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football. Veteran running back Kareem Hunt (knee) also missed Thursday's practice, which would open up opportunities for Smith if he is unable to go. He is a viable flex play in Week 8 with many teams on bye.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Oct 24 1:00am ET
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (toe) is not expected to play in Sunday's Week 8 contest against the Houston Texans, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Specifically, Rapoport said that Purdy is "not quite yet" ready to return from his multi-game absence. The 25-year-old has been sidelined since Week 4 and has only appeared in two games so far, leaving Mac Jones as the team's fill-in starter. Jones has been serviceable through five starts, completing 67 percent of his passes for 1,404 yards, six touchdowns, and four interceptions. He'll get the nod again in Week 8, while Purdy directs his focus toward a potential return against the New York Giants in Week 9.

From RotoBaller