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Broncos' Sean Payton: Comment not directed at Russell Wilson

Wed Oct 22 8:29pm ET
Field Level Media

Broncos coach Sean Payton said Wednesday the comment he made after Denver's wild 33-32 comeback win over the New York Giants was about Jaxson Dart, not a swipe at his former quarterback Russell Wilson.

"Look, the euphoria, the way that game unfolded, that was strictly about Dart," Payton said. "That was in no way shape or form, anything that was directed at Russ. I might be able to see how he might have perceived that, but coming off that win and watching how [Dart] played, that wasn't any intention at all."

He added he understood how Wilson might perceive it differently, but stressed that wasn't the intention.

After Sunday's win, Payton praised the Giants' rookie, saying "they found a little spark with that quarterback" and recounted a recent chat with team owner John Mara: "We were hoping that (quarterback) change would have happened long after our game."

Wilson, who lost the Giants' starting job to Dart in Week 4, responded by calling Payton "classless" Tuesday on X.

The exchange revives a tense history. Payton benched Wilson for Denver's final two games in 2023, and the Broncos released him in March 2024 while absorbing a record $85 million dead-cap charge.

Wilson later stated that the team threatened an in-season benching if he didn't adjust the injury guarantee in his deal. However, club leadership has maintained that the late-year benching was independent of contract talks.

Wilson, now the Giants' backup, did not play in Sunday's thriller. Dart went 15 of 33 for 283 yards with three touchdowns and a late interception as Denver rallied from 19-0 down with 33 fourth-quarter points to win on a walk-off field goal.

For the season, Wilson has completed 58.9% of his passes for 786 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. He made brief appearances in New York's wins over the Los Angeles Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles following Dart's ascension to starter.

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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 8

Player Notes
Daniel Bellinger Oct 23 9:20am CT
Daniel Bellinger

New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger delivered the best performance of his NFL career in Week 7, hauling in three receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown. Bellinger's production has noticeably climbed since the team turned to Jaxson Dart at quarterback and lost star wideout Malik Nabers to a Torn ACL. Since Week 4, the Giants have leaned heavily on 12 personnel (two-TE sets), ranking among the league leaders in usage. Both Bellinger and rookie Theo Johnson have logged over 50% of the offensive snaps in three consecutive games, including last week, where they each played over 65%. While New York's brutal schedule has limited consistency, Bellinger's emergence is a bright spot. He'll face a tough challenge in Week 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles, who have surrendered the fourth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends this season. Bellinger isn't fantasy relevant just yet, but if this upward trend continues, he could work his way onto the fantasy radar in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Bhayshul Tuten Oct 23 9:10am CT
Bhayshul Tuten

Running back Bhayshul Tuten of the Jacksonville Jaguars is still looking for a breakout week as the Jags take their bye in Week 8. A popular mid-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft, the rookie landed in a situation with two established running backs in Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby, but the Jags traded Bigsby to Philadelphia early in the season. The move ostensibly opened the way for Tuten, but he has yet to play more than 30% of the team's snaps in a game so far. The rookie scored touchdowns in Weeks 2 and 3, but recorded just 19 touches in the four games that followed. Tuten remains a hold in dynasty formats, but he can be left on waivers in most redraft leagues as long as Etienne is healthy.

From RotoBaller

Sterling Shepard Oct 23 9:00am CT
Sterling Shepard

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been among the most injury-impacted teams in the league so far this season, which should keep the door open for receiver Sterling Shepard. Coming off a seven-catch performance against Detroit, the veteran looks in line for similar work in future weeks. The Bucs had to put Mike Evans (concussion) back on injured reserve, which will sideline him for at least a month, while Chris Godwin (leg) and Jalen McMillan (neck) have yet to play this season. Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) is also dealing with an injury and didn't practice on Wednesday, leaving Shepard, for the time being, as one of the team's top options along with tight end Cade Otton. Managers in deeper formats or facing bye-week roster crunches should consider Shepard as a capable option under these circumstances.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Pitts Oct 23 8:50am CT
Kyle Pitts

Coming off a strong showing last week against San Francisco, Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. could be entering regular starting territory, even in one-tight-end formats. We'll pause for the groaning from the managers who had buyer's remorse on Pitts in previous years, but in 2025, his overall usage has been consistently good, and there could be even better fantasy production in future weeks. So far, the fifth-year tight end is playing 81% of the team's snaps and drawing more than six targets per game, and he enters Week 8 with three top-15 finishes in six tries. He has only three red-zone targets in six games, but the Falcons have one of the most favorable remaining schedules for a tight end in the NFL, giving him additional potential as the season goes on.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Oct 23 8:30am CT
Bo Nix

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix could be primed for more fantasy success following his best game of the season in a Week 7 comeback against the New York Giants. The sophomore QB led the way in a wild fourth quarter that began with Denver trailing 19-0 and ended with the Broncos kicking a field goal as time expired to win 33-32. Along the way, Nix showed his best self: 279 yards passing, 48 yards rushing on just five carries, and four total touchdowns. He's rushed for at least 20 yards in five of seven weeks and has just one interception in his past 186 attempts, and now ranks as the No. 6 overall fantasy QB. Even better for Nix, his next game is against the Dallas Cowboys, who have surrendered more points to fantasy quarterbacks than any other team so far this season.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Oct 23 8:20am CT
Travis Etienne

Following an excellent start to the 2025 season, Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. has cooled off as the team heads into its Week 8 bye. The fifth-year back is the No. 16 overall PPR running back, but has now recorded fewer than 50 yards rushing and no touchdowns in three straight games for the Jags, who were thoroughly quieted by the Los Angeles Rams in a 35-7 loss last week. Etienne drew only eight carries and one catch, his fewest number of touches in a game this season. The Jags traded Tank Bigsby to Philadelphia earlier this year, and rookie Bhayshul Tuten has yet to play more than a third of the team's snaps in a game, so Etienne is still the clear top option, but managers should continue to watch his usage in the weeks to come. Jacksonville travels to Las Vegas in Week 9.

From RotoBaller

Cairo Santos Oct 23 12:10am CT
Cairo Santos

Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos (thigh) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, according to the team. Santos sustained the injury in Week 4 against the Raiders, before Chicago's Week 5 bye, and has missed the past two games. The 33-year-old kicker has been able to practice over the last few weeks, but hasn't yet gotten to the point of trusting it in a game setting. Jake Moody has handled the kicking duties well in his absence, hitting eight of nine field goal attempts, including a game-winner in Week 6 at Washington. Moody would be a solid streaming option in Week 8 at Baltimore if Santos can't play again.

From RotoBaller

Ray-Ray McCloud Oct 22 11:50pm CT
Ray-Ray McCloud

The New York Giants have signed former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III to their practice squad pending a physical, according to Art Stapleton of USA Today. McCloud was released from the Falcons on Tuesday after serving as a healthy inactive for the past two weeks. The 29-year-old wideout caught just six of 14 targets for 64 yards in four games with the Falcons before being released, but now lands with a New York Giants team that is desperate for wide receivers with star Malik Nabers (knee) out for the season. McCloud was a useful receiver for Atlanta last season while also having plenty of experience as a return man on special teams. He figures to be in the mix for routes early in New York, but likely won't be relevant for fantasy purposes.

From RotoBaller

Brandon McManus Oct 22 11:40pm CT
Brandon McManus

Green Bay Packers kicker Brandon McManus (quadriceps) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, according to the team. McManus missed his second game of the season in Week 7 against the Arizona Cardinals and is trending in the wrong direction to start the practice week ahead of Week 8's matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 34-year-old kicker has been solid when he's played, making seven of nine field goal attempts and 10 of 11 extra points. If McManus is unable to go again, Lucas Havrisik will take his place as the Packers' kicker on Sunday Night Football in Pittsburgh.

From RotoBaller

Stefon Diggs Oct 22 11:30pm CT
Stefon Diggs

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (chest) was listed as limited in practice on Wednesday, according to the team. Diggs dealt with the same injury last week in practice and was ultimately able to play through it, and ran his normal route share in Week 7 against the Titans. It was another productive game for the 31-year-old wideout, catching all seven targets for 69 yards. Diggs will likely be good to go again in Week 8 against the Browns and ranks as a fringe WR1/WR2 option.

From RotoBaller

Nyheim Hines Oct 22 11:10pm CT
Nyheim Hines

Los Angeles Chargers running back Nyheim Hines was elevated from the practice squad last week but only played on special teams, with no offensive snaps in the team's loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Hines is expected to be elevated once again, especially since fellow running back Hassan Haskins (hamstring) has been ruled out for Thursday's quick turnaround against the Minnesota Vikings. The veteran will likely spell Kimani Vidal and primarily be used as a pass-catching back during the game. This will be Hines' third elevation from the practice squad, and after Thursday's game, he would need to be signed to the active 53-man roster to play in any more games this season. Hines probably won't see enough volume to matter in fantasy and can be safely kept on the bench.

From RotoBaller

Tre Harris Oct 22 11:10pm CT
Tre Harris

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Tre' Harris saw his production decline to two catches for 23 yards on two targets last Sunday, overshadowed by the breakout of fellow rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden. Harris remains buried on the depth chart, and facing a quick turnaround against a blitz-heavy Minnesota Vikings secondary offers no clear path to fantasy relevance. While coaches may like him, the offense currently has too many established targets, and now with Gadsden's emergence, Harris's participation may be even more limited. Harris should stay on the bench and will only be a desperation, boom-or-bust WR5/6 if a major injury occurs to the team's top three wideouts.

From RotoBaller

Cameron Dicker Oct 22 11:10pm CT
Cameron Dicker

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker continued his perfect season despite the team's 38-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, successfully converting a 43-yard field goal and all three extra points. Ahead of Thursday night's game against the Minnesota Vikings, the Chargers are projected to score 24 points, indicating a stable environment for kicking opportunities, even if the game may be more defensive due to the short week. Dicker's proven accuracy and the expectation that the high-volume Chargers offense will move the ball effectively make him one of the safest options at the position. RotoBaller has Dicker ranked as K7 this week. He can confidently be started in your lineup.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Johnston Oct 22 11:00pm CT
Quentin Johnston

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston returned after missing one game due to a hamstring injury, catching two passes for 30 yards and a touchdown on six targets in the team's 38-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Although rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden's breakout performance overshadowed him, Johnston's snap count and high route participation (93.1%) indicate he is physically healthy and remains a key part of the offense. Facing a quick turnaround against the blitz-heavy Minnesota Vikings may limit his downfield opportunities because of Justin Herbert's limited pocket time. However, the Vikings just allowed Jalen Hurts to throw three passing touchdowns on Sunday, which suggests their talented secondary still has vulnerabilities. Johnston's steady red-zone involvement keeps his touchdown upside high, balancing his lower floor. RotoBaller ranks Johnston as WR18. He should be considered a WR2/FLEX with significant touchdown upside.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Oct 22 10:50pm CT
Keenan Allen

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen reminded managers of his veteran prowess in Week 7, thriving in a negative game script with 11 catches on 14 targets for 119 yards and a touchdown. His elite 30.4% targets per route run shows he is Herbert's most trusted target. Despite the quick turnaround and facing a talented Minnesota Vikings secondary, Allen's route running and precise timing are exactly what's needed against a blitz-heavy defense. If the Chargers' offensive line struggles again, the game script could lead to more short targets to the veteran, reducing the impact of the Vikings' top-five pass defense. RotoBaller has Allen as WR21. He remains a reliable, high-floor WR2, expected to put up solid numbers even against a tough opponent.

From RotoBaller

Kimani Vidal Oct 22 10:40pm CT
Kimani Vidal

Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal was limited in Week 7, rushing for only 20 yards on nine carries as the Bolts faced a negative game script for most of the day, throwing the ball 55 times. However, he remains the clear lead back, especially since backup running back Hassan Haskins (hamstring) has been ruled out for Thursday. This week, Vidal faces a Minnesota Vikings run defense that is middle-of-the-pack but showed strength last week by holding Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley to just 2.4 yards per carry. With Haskins out, Vidal is expected to get nearly all the early-down work and see more red-zone opportunities. The Chargers might also focus more on the run game to help reduce the pressure on Justin Herbert. RotoBaller projects Vidal as RB23, making him a reliable low-end RB2/FLEX option based on volume and potential red zone touches.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Oct 22 10:40pm CT
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey handled a heavy workload in the team's loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, leading the Bolts in targets for the second consecutive week with 15. McConkey leads the league in total routes run (278) and posted an impressive 28.2% targets per route run last week. He now faces a tough Minnesota Vikings secondary that allows just 26.9 PPR points per game to wide receivers. However, McConkey's reliable and quick routes are an effective counter to the Vikings' blitz-heavy defense, providing Justin Herbert with an immediate outlet under pressure. His three red-zone targets last week also highlight his growing importance near the goal line. RotoBaller ranks McConkey as WR17. His target share and versatile role make him a solid mid-range WR2 start in all league formats.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Oct 22 10:30pm CT
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is coming off a career-best performance with 420 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. However, in last week's loss to the Indianapolis Colts, he faced pressure 35 times, highlighting the ongoing pressure he's been under behind a battered offensive line for most of the season. Herbert now faces a top-five Minnesota Vikings pass defense on a short week, which poses an immediate risk because the Vikings run the second-highest blitz rate in the NFL. Still, volume matters: Herbert is the most-blitzed QB in the league and just threw 55 passes. Additionally, the Vikings recently allowed 326 yards and three touchdowns to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Key offensive linemen Joe Alt (ankle), Trey Pipkins (knee), and Jamaree Salyer (knee) all practiced in some capacity this week and are listed as questionable for Thursday's game. If they play, protection could improve enough to let Herbert continue airing it out in a must-win situation. RotoBaller projects Herbert as QB11. He remains a locked-in QB1 due to his high passing volume and playmaking ability.

From RotoBaller

Eric Saubert Oct 22 9:33pm CT
Eric Saubert

The Seattle Seahawks released TE Eric Saubert Wednesday, Oct. 22.

From TheHuddle

Zach Cunningham Oct 22 9:33pm CT
Zach Cunningham

Detroit Lions LB Zach Cunningham (hamstring) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Wednesday, Oct. 22.

From TheHuddle