The Minnesota Vikings defense should be inserted into most fantasy lineups ahead of their Week 8 clash with the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams' offense has been underwhelming this season, and even if they get Cooper Kupp (ankle) back this week, they'll still face a tough task in the form of the Vikings. Minnesota has a well-coached unit led by defensive coordinator Brian Flores, registering 11 interceptions, six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and three touchdowns so far. Even in a tough loss to the Detroit Lions last week, the Vikings' defense still put together an impressive showing with three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one touchdown. Minnesota ranks first in D/ST scoring this season, and they're headed for a favorable matchup against a Rams team allowing the 12th-most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor is riding the momentum of a strong Week 7 into this Thursday's clash with the Los Angeles Rams. The 25-year-old turned in his highest reception and yardage totals of the season last Sunday, catching four of five targets for 76 yards. It's been an inconsistent year for Nailor, who was a productive WR3 for the first three weeks of the season before catching just one pass between Weeks 4 and 5. It's unclear which version of Nailor we'll see in Week 8, but it's worth noting that the Rams have been productive against wide receivers this year. Los Angeles has surrendered the ninth-fewest fantasy points and third-fewest receptions to opposing wide receivers so far. He's tough to trust in fantasy lineups despite managers balancing an onslaught of injuries and bye weeks.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard has maintained perfection through the first six games of his rookie campaign, and he'll look to keep that streak going against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football in Week 8. Reichard is 12-for-12 on field goals and 18-for-18 on extra points, nailing four kicks from 50-plus yards out. He has been a top-six fantasy kicker in three of his last four games, and now he benefits from a favorable matchup against a Rams unit allowing the 11th-most fantasy points per game to opposing kickers. Managers should take advantage of Reichard's impressive stretch and insert him into their lineup for Week 8 and beyond, especially since he's already had his bye week.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison is a worthwhile WR3/flex option heading into Week 8 against the Los Angeles Rams. While he's always a threat to score touchdowns, he doesn't have major upside in his current role against a respectable Rams passing defense. Addison has been held to three catches in all four of his games this season, and he typically commands around four targets. This trend of relatively low volume should continue against a Los Angeles defense allowing the third-fewest receptions and the ninth-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers this year. Addison has been a top-24 receiver in just one of his four games so far, and he's ranked outside the top 50 in two of those four.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson continues to rank as a high-end WR1 for fantasy football heading into Week 8 against the Los Angeles Rams. While Jefferson's volume has taken a step backward in the Vikings' Sam Darnold-led offense (he's averaging a relatively modest 5.5 catches per game and has not caught more than seven passes in a single game this year), he's a major scoring threat in the Minnesota offense. Not only does he have a touchdown in five of the Vikings' six games this year, but he's also facing off against a Rams defense allowing the ninth-most touchdowns to opposing wide receivers in 2024. All in all, Jefferson has the highest upside among all players in the Vikings' offense and should be treated as high-end WR1 for Thursday night's clash against the Rams.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers was traded from the Houston Texans last week. He was active for last week's game against the Detroit Lions but didn't handle any carries in the backfield. However, Akers could see some action with lead back Aaron Jones (hamstring) on the injury report ahead of Thursday's Week 8 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The absence of Jones would likely mean that Ty Chandler takes over as the lead back. Akers figures to be the primary backup to Chandler and would probably see at least a handful of carries. Akers might be worth a stash in deep leagues, but it's hard to imagine him having much value as the third string.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler has been quiet as the primary backup this season. In fact, Chandler has rushed for 30 yards or less in every game but one this season. Chandler only saw two carries during last week's loss to the Detroit Lions. However, Chandler could see a bigger role in Week 8 with lead back Aaron Jones (hamstring) on the injury report. It's a short week as the Vikings play the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday. The absence of Jones would mean Chandler likely becomes the lead back with Cam Akers being his primary backup. Chandler saw 14 carries in Week 5 and only managed 30 yards on the ground. Fantasy managers in desperate need of running back help should stash Chandler, but he's not worth even considering starting unless Jones sits out.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has cooled off from his electric 11 touchdowns over the first four games. Since then, Darnold has one touchdown and two interceptions over his last two games. It's worth noting that Darnold did throw for nearly 260 yards during last week's loss to the Detroit Lions. He was consistent as he completed 22-of-27 passing attempts during the two-point loss. He'll get a Los Angeles Rams defense that has struggled to contain the pass. They currently rank 18th in the league, which is good news for Darnold. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect Darnold to throw four touchdowns, but he should be a viable option for Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Rams CB Ahkello Witherspoon was promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster on Tuesday, Oct. 22.

From TheHuddle

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is expected to suit up for practice on Wednesday. This would be the first time that Tagovailoa has practiced since exiting the Week 2 matchup against the Buffalo Bills due to a concussion. There were rumors about Tagovailoa being done for the season if not having his career ended over concussions. However, Tagovailoa appears to be on track to start against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8, barring any setbacks. His return to the field is a welcoming sight and he should boost the fantasy value of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle who are off to sluggish starts with the Dolphins backups.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston is expected to be under center for the Week 8 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Winston came in as the third string quarterback after Deshaun Watson (Achilles) and Dorian Thompson-Robinson (hand) went down last week. He completed 5-of-11 passing attempts for 67 yards and a touchdown in the defeat. The Browns are going to be without Watson for at least the rest of 2024. Thompson-Robinson is fine after a minor hand injury, but will serve as the backup to Winston for at least one week. The organization said starting Winston was strictly gameplan related, so we'll see if the former first-round pick can earn the full-time gig. The move from Watson to Winston should give this Browns offense a boost. However, Winston is known for his inconsistent play, so he won't be anything more than a deep league option.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Browns QB Jameis Winston is expected to start in Week 8, per sources on Tuesday, Oct. 22.

Fantasy Spin: Winston couldn't possibly be any worse than Deshaun Watson and he may end up providing an upgrade for Browns pass-catchers. That said, starting him is not a suggested move in Week 8.

From TheHuddle

Washington Commanders CB Kevon Seymour was suspended six games on Tuesday, Oct. 22, for violating the NFL's policy of performance-enhancing drugs, according to a source.

From TheHuddle

Los Angeles Rams rookie wide receiver Jordan Whittington (shoulder) was able to get in a limited practice session on Tuesday after he was listed as a non-participant on Monday's practice estimate. Whittington also dealt with a shoulder injury last week but was active in the Week 7 loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions. Even with Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) out on Sunday, Whittington was not targeted at all while playing just nine offensive snaps (16%). The 24-year-old sixth-round selection should be active on Thursday night versus the Minnesota Vikings to keep off Week 8 action, but fantasy managers should have him nowhere near starting lineups, if he's rostered at all. In his first six NFL games, Whittington has 18 catches for 201 yards and no touchdowns on 23 targets.

From RotoBaller

The New Orleans Saints and running back Alvin Kamara agreed to a two-year, $24.5 million contract extension on Tuesday that puts him under contract through the 2026 season, according to sources. The deal was confirmed by Kamara's agent, Brad Cicala, and puts the 2017 third-round selection in a spot to retire with the organization. The five-time Pro Bowler had a career-low 694 rushing yards for the Saints in 2023, but he bounced back 362 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns on 80 carries in the first four games of 2024 before struggling the last three games. Kamara could continue to struggle on the ground as long as quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) remains out, but predictions of his demise after last season so far have proven unfounded. The 29-year-old trails only Derrick Henry in overall half-PPR fantasy points heading into Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) was listed as a limited practice participant on Tuesday for the second straight day this week. Jones injured his hamstring in the Week 5 win over the New York Jets in London and then conveniently had the Week 6 bye to rest his hamstring before returning to action in the Week 7 loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions, where the 29-year-old didn't look to have any issues with his hamstring on his way to 14 carries for 93 yards and his second rushing touchdown of 2024. He added three catches for 23 yards. There's nothing that would indicate Jones in danger of missing the Thursday night clash against the Los Angeles Rams, so fantasy managers should keep him locked into their starting lineups as a high-end RB2/low-end RB1.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) was a full participant in practice for the second straight day on Tuesday, Oct. 22. The injury report was an estimation.

Fantasy Spin: Despite being an estimation, the two full practices put Kupp, who almost played last week, on track to return in Week 8. Fellow wideout Puka Nacua (knee) was designated to return from injured reserve this week, but it remains to be seen if he'll actually suit up. The Rams figure to lean heavily on Kupp, making him a WR1.

From TheHuddle

Los Angeles Rams LB Troy Reeder (hamstring) and DE Braden Fiske (back) did not practice on Tuesday, Oct. 22. Also, WR Jordan Whittington (shoulder), WR Puka Nacua (knee) and DL Neville Gallimore (shoulder) were limited and WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) and OL Joe Noteboom (ankle) practiced in full. The injury report was an estimation, as the Rams only held a walkthrough.

From TheHuddle

New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara agreed to a two-year, $24.5 million contract extension on Tuesday, Oct. 22, according to his agent.

Fantasy Spin: Kamara has been the heart and soul of the Saints' offense for years now, and that has continued in 2024, as he's on pace for one of his best seasons as a pro. Kamara is an RB1 entering Week 8.

From TheHuddle

Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones (hamstring) was limited at practice for the second straight day on Tuesday, Oct. 22. The injury report was an estimation.

Fantasy Spin: Jones didn't turn in a full practice at all last week before he ultimately suited up, so there isn't a big concern for him playing right now. Jones has been his normal productive self in 2024 and is a borderline RB1.

From TheHuddle