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Field Level insights: Rush is on for Vikings to hit Matthew Stafford first

Tue Oct 22 12:12pm ET
Field Level Media

Cooper Kupp is trending toward returning on Thursday night when the Los Angeles Rams welcome the Minnesota Vikings, and the star receiver's timing could not be better.

Based on trends studied by Inside Edge, the Rams possess the antidote for a Minnesota defense that failed to rattle Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions in a 31-29 loss on Sunday.

With one enormous "if" -- the qualifier is pass protection.

Kupp hasn't played since Week 1 at Detroit, but was a full participant in Monday's practice.

Down Kupp and Puka Nacua (knee), quarterback Matthew Stafford is still slinging it.

Rams wide receivers average 182.5 receiving yards per game (second in the NFL in 2024), while the Vikings average 203.0 receiving yards per game allowed (31st in the NFL). Rams wideouts are No. 3 in the NFL with 92 receptions (15.3 per game), and the Vikings are last in the league, allowing 26.8 receptions per game. Minnesota is also No. 31 in wide receiver receptions per game (17).

What Goff handled and others have not for most of the 2024 season is Minnesota's pressure package. He delivered in spades against defensive coordinator Brian Flores, much the same way he handled a similar approach from the Dallas Cowboys the week before.

Can Stafford follow Goff's lead in this department? Not if the first third of the season tells the story.

Minnesota generates pressure on a league-leading 34.1 percent of pass plays in 2024. Stafford's 30.7 passer rating when under pressure this season is fourth-worst among qualified quarterbacks in 2024. And he's fifth-worst among qualified quarterbacks with turnovers on 7.4 percent of plays when pressured this season.

To be sure, the Rams are not writing home about their own pass defense. They are dead last in the NFL covering wide receivers, who are averaging 14.2 yards per reception in 2024.

Vikings wide receivers -- 63 receptions for 1,015 yards -- lead the NFL with an average of 16.1 yards per catch.

Big plays are driving the Minnesota passing game with Sam Darnold at the controls.

The Vikings lead the NFL with 22 completions of 20-plus yards on 165 attempts this season. The Rams allowed 20-plus yards on 10.5 percent of attempts this season (27th). Even with a merry-go round at quarterback, it's no surprise All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson boosts these big-play numbers. Jefferson gained 20-plus yards on one in every three (33.7 percent) of his receptions since the start of last season, good for second in the NFL during that timeframe.

Thursday night could also mark the return of Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson, who hasn't played since tearing his ACL in 2023.

The Rams wouldn't mind if the Vikings give Hockenson one more week to recover. The Rams are No. 29 in the NFL defending tight ends, who have averaged 60.6 receiving yards per game against L.A. since the beginning of the 2023 season.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 8

Player Notes
Joey Bosa Oct 22 11:10am CT
Joey Bosa

Los Angeles Chargers outside linebacker Joey Bosa (hip) is officially inactive for the Monday night clash against the Arizona Cardinals in the desert. Bosa was unable to practice all week and will miss his third straight game after injuring his hip in the Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 29-year-old oft-injured pass-rusher will now hope to make progress later this week in order to give himself a shot to play again this Sunday for a Week 8 battle against the New Orleans Saints. Despite Bosa's injury, the Chargers' defense has remained stout and they have allowed the fewest points per game (13.2) to this point in the season. Things might be more difficult on Monday without Bosa, though, against mobile quarterback Kyler Murray.

Vita Vea Oct 22 11:10am CT
Vita Vea

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (hamstring), who came into Monday night's game against the Baltimore Ravens with a questionable tag after missing practice on Saturday, is officially active to close out Week 7 action. Vea's presence on Monday will be a huge boost as the Buccaneers' defense looks to slow down NFL rushing leader Derrick Henry and dynamic quarterback Lamar Jackson on the ground. The 29-year-old Pro Bowler is on pace to set a new career-high in sacks in 2024 after already registering three in five starts in 2024, adding 12 tackles (eight solo), five tackles for loss, three QB hits and one pass breakup. Despite Vea being active on Monday night, the Bucs' defense/special teams unit should be faded in fantasy against the high-powered Ravens offense.

Mike Evans Oct 22 10:10am CT
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) is scheduled to undergo an MRI exam on Tuesday morning on his injured right hamstring, and his timeline for a return is to be determined. Meanwhile, Chris Godwin (ankle) needs surgery for a dislocated ankle he suffered in the Monday night loss to the Baltimore Ravens and is expected to miss the rest of the year. Evans was already battling a hamstring injury going into the Week 7 game and appeared to aggravate it as he nearly caught his second touchdown pass of the night midway through the second quarter. The 31-year-old looked to be in a lot of pain and immediately grabbed at his hammy before eventually limping to the locker room and quickly being ruled out for the rest of the game. Fantasy managers should consider Evans very iffy to play in Week 8 against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons until we know more about his injury.

From RotoBaller

Sean Tucker Oct 22 10:00am CT
Sean Tucker

With Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White back from injury in the Monday night loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Sean Tucker worked as the team's clear No. 3 behind White and rookie Bucky Irving. Tucker had five carries (four fewer than Irving and five fewer than White) for 29 yards (5.8 yards per carry) and caught one of his two targets in the passing game for a nine-yard pickup. The 22-year-old second-year back was a popular waiver-wire pickup last week after going for a season-high 14 carries, 136 rushing yards and one touchdown while adding three catches for 56 yards and another score in the Week 6 win over the division-rival New Orleans Saints when White was sidelined. Tucker should remain involved in what has become a three-headed backfield, but it will only be in a complementary role as long as both White and Irving stay healthy.

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan Oct 22 9:50am CT
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Jalen McMillan had only four touches in Monday night's 41-31 loss at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens, but his production should be on the uptick soon after Tampa's top two wideouts -- Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (ankle) -- both went down with injuries. Godwin is expected to miss the rest of the season. McMillan caught three of eight targets for 15 yards receiving and had one carry for a gain of 11 yards. Although the 22-year-old wasn't efficient with his eight looks, which were third on the team, his inevitable role increase should make him a popular waiver-wire target this week, at least in deeper fantasy leagues. Through his first five NFL games, McMillan has caught six of 15 targets for 74 yards and one score. Veteran Sterling Shepard also figures to see a big role boost with both Evans and Godwin hurt.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Oct 22 9:40am CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving had another productive performance in the team's Monday night loss to the Baltimore Ravens despite the return of Rachaad White to this crowded backfield. Irving had nine carries for 23 yards and a touchdown while adding three receptions (three targets) for 54 yards through the air. It's the second straight week the impressive rookie RB has scored on the ground. However, White led the backfield with 10 carries for a team-high 40 rushing yards and also caught six passes for 71 yards and two touchdowns in his first game back from injury. Meanwhile, Sean Tucker also had six touches as the Bucs involved all three backs in the 41-31 loss. White's return surely will cap the 22-year-old Irving's fantasy upside, but as long as he remains involved on the ground and through the air, he'll at least have RB3/flex appeal on a weekly basis.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Oct 22 9:03am CT
Chris Godwin

Updating previous reports, Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin (ankle) is scheduled for surgery this week. He's undergoing an MRI Tuesday, Oct. 22, to survey the damage, but his season is over.

Fantasy Spin: What a bad circumstance. Godwin finally appeared to be back to himself after knee injuries derailed a blossoming career. He led the league in catches, and now it's over. Mike Evans also went down, and it's safe to assume he's probably down a bit. Sterling Shepard will be the elder statesman of a bunch that includes Jalen McMillan and Trey Palmer. All three have less than 10 receptions and 100 yards. I would expect Shepard to be the underneath option and a solid PPR addition/flex candidate. McMillan will be the deep threat as he had receptions of 32 and 23 yards in Weeks 1 and 2.

From TheHuddle

Chris Godwin Oct 22 8:20am CT
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) is set to undergo an MRI before surgery to repair his dislocated ankle on Tuesday, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The 28-year-old is likely to miss the remainder of the 2024 NFL season. Needless to say, this is an unfortunate development for Godwin, who looked to be on track for a career season. Godwin caught 50 passes for 576 yards and five touchdowns before going down with a serious-looking injury in the Monday Night Football loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Mike Evans (hamstring) suffered a hamstring injury and exited in the first half, so the Buccaneers could be down to Jalen McMillan, Sterling Shepard, and Trey Palmer in Week 8. Fantasy managers with Godwin should wait on official work, but he's likely to be droppable considering he likely won't return this year.

From RotoBaller

Justice Hill Oct 22 7:30am CT
Justice Hill

Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill found the end zone in the team's 41-31 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday. The 26-year-old finished with five carries for four yards, and three receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown. His fantasy-salvaging touchdown came during a running back screen play where he followed a convoy straight into the end zone. When the game script calls for a lot of air yards, Hill's fantasy value reaches its peak. He'll look to score again in Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns.

From RotoBaller

Zay Flowers Oct 22 7:30am CT
Zay Flowers

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (ankle) didn't have much to contribute after getting his ankle rolled up on and having to get it checked out on the sidelines. For a while, Flowers looked like he was in a lot of pain as he quickly hobbled to the sidelines and squirmed in pain. He did return to the game and finished with one reception for 11 yards and one carry for 19 yards. Fantasy managers will want to monitor his status with the ankle because it could have been the reason that he wasn't involved in a big passing game. The Ravens take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Mark Andrews Oct 22 7:20am CT
Mark Andrews

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews wants everyone to put the word out that he's back up. In their Monday night win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Andrews caught all four of his targets for 41 yards and two touchdowns. This marks two consecutive weeks as the TE3 in half-PPR formats. He's also jumped all the way up to TE9 on the season. The Ravens' offense has become more consistent each week while Lamar Jackson has utilized more of his weapons through the air. This could mean better days ahead for Andrews who will try to score again in Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns.

From RotoBaller

Rashod Bateman Oct 22 7:20am CT
Rashod Bateman

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman continues his great play by breaking the 100-yard mark for the first time since Week 2 of the 2022 season. The former 27th-overall pick finished Monday night's game with four receptions, 121 yards, and a touchdown on four targets. He's already topped his total yardage from last season and now hit a career-high for touchdowns in a season. Bateman flashed his speed during his touchdown play which saw Lamar Jackson drop the ball right in his hands on his way into the end zone. Bateman will look to burn some more defensive backs in Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns.

From RotoBaller

Derrick Henry Oct 22 7:10am CT
Derrick Henry

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry not only produced a big game but also kept his scoring streak alive with a late touchdown catch. In the 41-31 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Henry registered 169 yards on 15 carries with one reception for 13 yards and a touchdown on his only target. His longest run of the night was an 81-yard sprint down the sideline where he was caught just before getting into the end zone. Regardless, Henry continues to dominate while he separated himself even further as the RB1 this year. He'll go up against the Cleveland Browns in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Oct 22 7:00am CT
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has now won the QB1 versus QB2 duel two weeks in a row after leading the team to a 41-31 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In this shootout, Jackson finished with 281 yards and five touchdowns while throwing 17-for-22 and adding 52 yards on nine carries. The two-time MVP picked apart Tampa Bay's defense with a variety of short, medium, and deep passes all for touchdowns. Jackson and company will travel to Cleveland for another AFC North matchup in Week 8 looking for their sixth consecutive win.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Oct 22 6:30am CT
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray had a strong performance in the team's 17-15 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Murray rushed for 64 yards, including a 44-yard go-ahead touchdown run early in the fourth quarter. Through the air, Murray added 145 yards, one touchdown, and one interception on 14 of 25 pass attempts. While those may not be the flashiest passing numbers in the world, Murray took what the defense gave him and was able to make winning plays on the ground. He remains a must-start in fantasy as the Cardinals travel to Miami in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

James Conner Oct 22 6:30am CT
James Conner

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner totaled 152 yards on 21 touches in the Week 7 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The Cardinals struggled to sustain anything offensively unless Conner had the football. However, Conner failed to reach the end zone; his volume, which included 21 touches, made up for it. Conner made big play after big play and broke many tackles in Monday's win. Heading into Week 8, the Cardinals will take on the Miami Dolphins, and Conner should remain in all fantasy football starting lineups.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Oct 22 2:13am CT
Chris Godwin

Dynasty | Tampa Bay wide receiver Chris Godwin left Monday night's game late with a dislocated ankle. Dynasty Analysis: Godwin was in the game with less than a minute to go and was extremely unlucky when he got tangled up with a defender and suffered what looked to be a pretty gruesome injury. If he has indeed dislocated his ankle, his season is going to be over. Godwin was quickly becoming a trade target for contending team as he was leading the lead in catches, but all of that is now up in smoke. Godwin's dynasty value is going to sink now that he's going to be a year older and a free agent at the end of the season.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Lamar Jackson Oct 22 2:13am CT
Lamar Jackson

Dynasty | Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson completed 17-of-22 passes for 281 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions in a win against Tampa Bay. Dynasty Analysis: Jackson is playing as well as he has at any point in his career and now has 15 touchdowns and just two interceptions on the season. When you add his 455 rushing yards and two more scores, you have the looks of a player poised to be the overall QB1 this season. Jackson has benefitted greatly from the addition of Derrick Henry and while his age is going to limit his dynasty value, there are few players to have in your lineup who are better.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jameson Williams Oct 22 2:13am CT
Jameson Williams

Dynasty | Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams has been suspended two games for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Dynasty Analysis: It just seems to be two steps forward and one step back for Williams, who missed the first 11 games of his rookie season due to an ACL injury he suffered in college then was suspended four games for violating the NFL's gambling policy in his second year. Williams has genuine talent and was in the midst of a bit of a breakout season, but he had only one target this week and you have to wonder if Detroit knew this was imminent. Williams is going to see his dynasty stock drop a bit with this, but he's hard to value at this point because you can see virtually unlimited potential. At this point, he's simply a high ceiling and high risk hold in dynasty leagues.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Zay Jones Oct 22 1:13am CT
Zay Jones

Arizona Cardinals TE Elijah Higgins, WR Zay Jones and TE Tip Reiman were targeted one time apiece in the Week 7 game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Higgins and Reiman each had a 1-yard catch, while Jones went without a reception.

From TheHuddle