Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet is a solid starter this week, thanks to a favorable matchup against the Washington Commanders secondary. Kmet has been a boom-or-bust tight end, but in this year's tight-end landscape, that has proven to be more than sufficient for fantasy managers. While he has had some early inconsistent weeks, he has become increasingly reliable recently. Over his last four games, Kmet has averaged 5.3 receptions and 64.5 receiving yards, scoring three touchdowns and boasting a 12.3 yards per catch average during that stretch. His connection with quarterback Caleb Williams is strengthening, typical for young quarterbacks who lean on their larger targets as safety valves. Kmet ranks as a borderline top-10 tight end this week, making him a confident start following his bye week. On National Tight End Day, how can we not start Kmet?

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The Chicago Bears' defense and special teams aim to build on their strong early-season performance against the Washington Commanders this week. The critical factor in deciding whether to start the Bears defenseand how confidentlyhinges on the status of Jayden Daniels (ribs). Starting the Bear's defense could be risky if Daniels plays, regardless of whether he's limited. Daniels has already established himself as one of the league's top playmaking quarterbacks, capable of making explosive plays with both his legs and arm. If he's unable to go, veteran Marcus Mariota will take the helm. Also on the injury front, the Bears' secondary will be without two starters, safety Jaquan Brisker (concussion) and cornerback Kyler Gordon (hamstring), during Sunday's game against Washington. While Mariota had a solid outing last week in relief of Daniels against the struggling Carolina Panthers, the Bears defense would likely welcome the chance to face him. This scenario would make the Bears a viable start across all leagues, as they would hope to force a turnover or two from Mariota.

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Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos is a solid fantasy option for Week 8 against the Washington Commanders. Although he missed his only field goal attempt last week against the Jaguars, he did convert all five of his extra points. The Bears' offense is expected to perform well against Washington this Sunday, providing Santos with several kicking opportunities. However, his fantasy value is limited, as the offense has been so effective that they often score touchdowns instead of relying on field goals. While more attractive options may be available, you can comfortably include Santos in your lineup if needed.

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This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is a strong fantasy option as he takes on the Washington Commanders. The former USC Trojans standout returns to his hometown of Washington D.C. with the Bears following a bye week. This will be Williams' first NFL game in the city, where he attended Gonzaga College High School before playing at Oklahoma and USC. He'll also be going up against his former offensive coach, Kliff Kingsbury, who now runs the offense for Washington. Although the matchup was anticipated to showcase the top two picks of the 2024 NFL draft, Jayden Daniels' (ribs) availability is uncertain due to a rib injury suffered in Week 7. While a showdown between the top picks would be exciting for NFL fans, Williams' matchup against the Commanders' defense will excite fantasy managers, even as they've improved recently. Although defensive-minded head coach Dan Quinn may have some tricks up his sleeve for the rookie, this matchup is too enticing to pass up for starting the Bears' signal caller.

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Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift is a solid borderline RB2 for Sunday's matchup against the Washington Commanders, which offers a favorable matchup for him. Before the Bears' bye week, Swift was on a roll, rushing for at least 70 yards in his last three games. Facing an average Washington run defense, he should be able to maintain that momentum, if not exceed it. The Commanders have struggled against solid rushing attacks this season, allowing 5.2 yards per carry to running backs. With Jayden Daniels likely sidelined, the Bears should be able to take the lead and rely on their running game to secure a victory. After an extra week to work on their offensive line and running game during the bye, expect a big performance from Swift this Sunday.

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Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore is a strong WR2 option this week against the struggling Washington Commanders secondary, where he has enjoyed considerable success. Last season, Moore had one of the best games of his career against the Commanders, racking up 230 yards and three touchdowns. He'll aim to replicate that performance this year with an improved quarterback and a more potent overall offense. However, the Commanders' defense has shown improvement under new head coach Dan Quinn, significantly reducing explosive plays, which Moore exploited multiple times in his standout game last season. With rookie quarterback Caleb Williams throwing him the ball, the matchup might not matter at all. Start Moore confidently this week and hope he can recreate his historic performance from last year.

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Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen is eager to build on the momentum he gained in London this Sunday against a mediocre Washington Commanders secondary. Allen had his best performance as a Bear in his last outing, catching two touchdowns during a rout of Jacksonville. Although predicting which Bears playmakers will shine each week is challenging, it's encouraging to see Allen thrive after starting the season injured. With an extra week of rest from the bye, he should be closer to his peak form against Washington. While it might be unrealistic to expect two touchdowns every week, Allen has the potential for big games against teams that struggle against slot receivers, and Washington fits that bill. Start Allen as a WR3/Flex option, especially if Jayden Daniels plays, as that could lead to a higher-scoring game.

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Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze has the potential for a solid performance this Sunday against a vulnerable Washington Commanders secondary. While Odunze has primarily been quiet this season, he has made some impressive plays, with his standout performance coming against the Colts. The challenge lies in the Bears' depth of weapons, which results in fewer opportunities for Odunze to shine. He has shown flashes of the production you'd expect from a top-ten pick, but starting him remains a gamble unless you're desperate for a flex option. With no byes this week, you likely have better choices, but if you're seeking a high-upside play, Odunze could be worth considering.

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New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller ended up as the team's leading rusher in Week 7, taking six carries for 36 yards. Featured back Alvin Kamara (hand, ribs) is nursing injuries that may finally be impacting his productivity (2.5 YPC in the last three weeks) which might open the door for Miller to see more snaps. Unfortunately, any extra opportunities he may see in Week 8 will come against the Los Angeles Chargers, who are operating one of the best defenses in the league. The Chargers have given up the fourth-fewest PPR points to opposing running backs and the sixth-fewest total rushing yards. The anticipated return of Taysom Hill (ribs) would work against Miller as well. While there is no guarantee for immediate returns, Miller does make for a decent stash option given Kamara's health and Jamaal Williams' ineffectiveness as a backup.

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New Orleans Saints wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. (hip) was the Saints' most productive fantasy player in Week 7, catching six of his eight targets for 57 yards and a garbage-time touchdown. Unfortunately, he will not have a chance to repeat that feat in Week 8. Wilson logged a limited practice to start the week and followed that up with consecutive DNPs. The seventh-year veteran is now listed as out on the Saints' final injury report ahead of Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Wilson's absence on Sunday will generate more looks for rookies Bub Means and Mason Tipton but both will be working in the shadow of Chris Olave (concussion) who is expected to return to action.

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New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (shoulder) was limited in practice all week but carries no designation going into Sunday's matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Over the last two weeks with Spencer Rattler under center, Johnson has six receptions for 66 yards on nine targets. The production represents a modest bump up over previous weeks but is somewhat disappointing given the string of injuries dealt to other key pieces on the Saints' offense. The expected returns of Chris Olave (concussion) and Taysom Hill (ribs) in Week 8 would cut into Johnson's limited opportunities and lackluster results. Going up against a Chargers defense that has not allowed a touchdown to his position yet this season, Johnson carries little fantasy value in Week 8 and can be left on the wire.

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New Orleans Saints placekicker Blake Grupe was good on his only field goal attempt in Week 7. The make, from 35 yards out, kept Grupe perfect on field goal tries this season. He also converted his only extra-point attempt of the night. Facing the stiff defense of the Denver Broncos, the Saints found it hard to give Grupe chances to enter play and the situation is likely to repeat in Week 8 when they get the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers have had just nine touchdowns scored against them this season and have allowed the fewest points in the league (83). Naturally, they have seen the fewest extra point attempts and similarly have seen the third-fewest field goal attempts tried against them. Fantasy managers should shop the wire for a different kicking option in Week 8, as Grupe's situation is about as poor as it can get.

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New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hand, ribs) was limited in practice all week but carries no designation for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Kamara revealed earlier this week that he broke his hand in Week 5 against the Chiefs and has been playing through the pain ever since. That may explain his downturn in utilization and effectiveness in the last two weeks. In Weeks 6 and 7, Kamara had just 20 rushing attempts and averaged 2.5 yards per carry, and had 11 receptions for 3.5 yards per catch. Considering that his Week 8 opponent is the Los Angeles Chargers, there is little reason to believe a rebound is at hand. The Chargers are allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing running backs in PPR formats and have given up just two touchdowns to the position all season. Kamara is still locked in as the Saints' feature back and can be started in fantasy accordingly but managers should have expectations set for an RB2 finish.

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After starting the week with a limited practice session, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave logged back-to-back full practices ahead of the team's Week 8 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Olave suffered a concussion on the Saints' third play from scrimmage in Week 6 and was removed from that game accordingly and sat out last week's defeat at the hands of the Broncos. Olave is set to take the field once again on Sunday but the circumstances surrounding his return leave little hope for a productive day. Derek Carr (oblique) is officially listed as doubtful, leaving Spencer Rattler the projected starter for New Orleans. Also, the Chargers have had one of the best defenses in the league in the first half of the season and are allowing the second-fewest PPR points per game to opposing wide receivers. Olave will be at the top of the Saints' depth chart upon his return but he projects as a risky WR3 in Week 8.

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New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler popped up on the team's injury report this week with a hip injury but was able to practice in full. Rattler went down awkwardly near the end of the Saints' Week 7 matchup against the Broncos and was removed from that game to avoid aggravating the injury. With Derek Carr (oblique) still needing time off to recover from the oblique injury he picked up in Week 5, the Saints are giving Rattler his third consecutive start on Sunday. Rattler will have his hands full in Week 8 as he will once again be up against one of the league's top defenses in the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers are giving up 184.2 passing yards per game so far and have recorded an interception in each game of the season. Rattler's volatility, combined with the difficult matchup, make him a poor candidate for fantasy lineups in Week 8.

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Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker will face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8. Butker knocked through all four extra-point attempts in Week 7 against the San Francisco 49ers. The Chiefs kicker did not attempt a field goal in last week's contest. From a fantasy perspective, Butker's performance was poor, but he made every kick he was asked to make. Butker should be more involved in this week's scoring against the Raiders. If the Chiefs pull out to an early lead, I suspect their offensive game plan will lean risk-averse. The Chiefs could settle for field goals in this contest instead of pushing the envelope for touchdowns. Whatever the game script turns out to be, Butker should attempt at least one field goal this week and surpass his total from last week. Butker is ranked as the sixth-best kicker in our RotoBaller rankings this week, landing him firmly in the start category.

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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8. Since the loss of Rashee Rice due to a knee injury, Kelce has been the benefactor of the relinquished targets. After two weeks of strong utilization in the offense, Kelce had a down game in Week 7. Kelce had four catches for 17 yards against the San Francisco 49ers. Kelce will take on the Raiders, who rank eighth in fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends, but he will likely receive a large percentage of the passing volume. The arrival of All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins may cap Kelce's ceiling for volume but could help his efficiency by attracting more defensive coverage. Kelce is ranked as TE3 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings this week, so start him as a high-end TE1.

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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy will face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8. With the Chief acquiring All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans, Worthy will likely slide to WR2 on the depth chart. Although the rookie receiver is bursting with potential, he has shown he's not yet ready to be the top option in an NFL passing attack. Worthy caught three of his eight targets for 19 yards in Week 7 against the San Francisco 49ers. Hopkins will face the opponent's top corners moving forward, while Worthy should benefit in a secondary role. It will be interesting to see how the pecking order shakes out, but the Raiders rank eighth in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers, so it will not be a cakewalk. Worthy is ranked WR27 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings this week, so start him as a WR3/Flex option.

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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will take on the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8. The Raiders were already a favorable matchup before trading Davante Adams to the New York Jets, but now they are an even less formidable opponent. Despite his team's undefeated record, Mahomes has been one of the most disappointing quarterbacks in fantasy football this season. Mahomes passed for 154 yards and zero passing touchdowns against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7. The Chiefs quarterback did find the endzone on the ground but threw two more interceptions. I expect another underwhelming outing in this contest, considering the Raiders have a near-zero chance of making this game competitive. The Chiefs are nearly 10-point road favorites in this game, so we should see a heavy dose of Kareem Hunt on Sunday afternoon. The Chiefs should win this game easily, on the backs of their run game and defense, leaving Mahomes with less work. Mahomes is ranked QB11 in our RotoBaller rankings, but I suggest looking elsewhere.

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Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt will take on the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8. Hunt has been the undisputed leader of the backfield since his first game back in Kansas City, and that should continue to be the case until the eventual return of Isiah Pacheco. The Raiders ranked 25th in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season, so Hunt will find a favorable matchup in this contest. The Chiefs lead back handled 22 carries for 78 yards and two touchdowns against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7. Hunt should continue to see that level of usage in this contest, leading to a ton of fantasy success against the Raiders. Hunt is ranked RB9 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings this week, so fire him up as a low-end RB1.

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