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Steelers RB Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) doubtful against Giants

Sat Oct 26 6:34pm ET
Field Level Media

Veteran running back Cordarrelle Patterson is listed as doubtful and rookie center Zach Frazier has been ruled out -- both with ankle injuries -- for the Pittsburgh Steelers' home game Mondy night against the New York Giants.

The Steelers (5-2) also will be without outside linebacker Nick Herbig and rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson because of hamstring issues. Linebacker Tyler Matakevich (hamstring) and offensive tackle Dylan Cook (foot) each are in the 21-day window to return from injured reserve and are out against the Giants (2-5).

Patterson, 33, was a limited practice participant on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. He has not played since Sept. 29 in a 27-24 loss at the Indianapolis Colts. A running back and wide receiver, he has one start in four games and has 16 carries for 92 yards and five receptions for 34 yards.

A four-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time All-Pro first-team honoree as a kick returner, Patterson is in his first season with Pittsburgh after playing for the Minnesota Vikings (2013-16), Oakland Raiders (2017), New England Patriots (2018), Chicago Bears (2019-20) and Atlanta Falcons (2021-23).

Frazier, 23, a 2024 NFL second-round selection out of West Virginia, has started six games and played 95 percent of the offensive snaps (378). He missed last Sunday's game against the New York Jets.

Herbig, 22, will miss his third straight game. He has played in five games (two starts) this season and has eight tackles and 2.5 sacks. He is in his second season with the Steelers.

Wilson, 23, a third-round pick in the 2024 draft out of Michigan, has played in one game this season.

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 8

Player Notes
Nate Wiggins Oct 26 6:10pm CT
Nate Wiggins

Baltimore Ravens defensive back Nate Wiggins (illness) has been downgraded to out ahead of the Week 8 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Wiggins won't travel with the team while he battles an unknown illness. This is bad news for the Ravens with top defensive back Marlon Humphrey (knee) considered as doubtful for this game. That means, the Ravens would be down their two top corners this weekend. The Ravens are extremely banged up in the secondary which could be problematic for this Week 8 matchup against Jameis Winston.

From RotoBaller

Foyesade Oluokun Oct 26 6:00pm CT
Foyesade Oluokun

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (foot) has been activated from the injured reserve ahead of the Week 8 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. It looks like Oluokun will be back on the field for the first time since suffering a foot injury in Week 3. This is a huge upgrade for the Jaguars defense that has struggled lately. Foyesade has recorded over 170 tackles in each of the last three seasons. He has been a key piece to the Jags defense and should give them a boost for Sunday's game.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Reagor Oct 26 5:50pm CT
Jalen Reagor

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Jalen Reagor has been elevated from the practice squad ahead of the Week 8 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. The Chargers have decided to bring up both Reagor and Jaylen Johnson with multiple wideouts banged up. Right now, Quentin Johnston (ankle) is considered doubtful for Sunday while Ladd McConkey (hip) remains questionable for Sunday. Despite the injuries, it's hard to imagine Reagor or Johnson having a significant role in the offense. Both players are likely getting brought up as depth, so fantasy managers should look elsewhere for a streaming option for Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Audric Estime Oct 26 5:40pm CT
Audric Estime

Denver Broncos running back Audric Estime made his return to the field two weeks ago, but has struggled to make an impact on the field. Last week, Estime rushed five times for 29 yards and also lost a fumble in the loss to the New Orleans Saints. The rookie back is currently the third string behind Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin in the backfield. His role figures to grow as the season goes on, but Estime is unlikely to see a significant workload with the other two backs healthy. Fantasy managers in dynasty leagues should hold Estime, but he's unlikely to have weekly value right now.

From RotoBaller

Jaleel McLaughlin Oct 26 5:30pm CT
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin hasn't made much of an impact on the ground this season. McLaughlin has seen four or less carries in each of the last two games. Last week, McLaughlin only played a little over 20 percent of the snaps while Javonte Williams saw over 60 percent of the playing time. At this point, McLaughlin has become the clear backup to Williams in the backfield. It's also worth noting that rookie Audric Estime is expected to be involved as well. McLaughlin is worth stashing and holding in dynasty leagues, but doesn't offer much weekly value with Williams healthy right now. He isn't a recommended option against the Carolina Panthers in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Roschon Johnson Oct 26 4:10pm CT
Roschon Johnson

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson has found the end zone in two of the last three games. However, he's coming off a rough showing, amassing five carries for eight yards in Week 6 against the Jags. Still, there are some questioning whether Johnson should be considered a starting fantasy option for Week 8 versus the Commanders. While it's true he will stay involved, the volume likely won't be there, considering D'Andre Swift continues to have a clear edge in that department. Unless Johnson gets some touches inside the 20, he's unlikely to do anything beneficial for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Likely Oct 26 4:00pm CT
Isaiah Likely

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely began the 2024-25 campaign by catching nine of his 12 targets for 111 yards and a touchdown in the Week 1 loss to the Chiefs. While the 24-year-old has found the end zone two more times since then, he has just 11 receptions in the Ravens' previous six contests. Without question, Likely had a bright future in the National Football League. But unless Zay Flowers (ankle) is sidelined for the AFC North meeting with the Browns, Likely is hard to trust from a fantasy standpoint.

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Nick Westbrook-Ikhine Oct 26 3:50pm CT
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has only three catches this season. However, two of them resulted in a trip to the end zone. While the 27-year-old has a way to go before earning trust from fantasy managers, the door is open for more involvement after DeAndre Hopkins was traded to the Chiefs. Granted, Tyler Boyd could also significantly benefit from Hopkins' departure. But Westbrook-Ikhine is at least worth adding to fantasy rosters in case he gets more involved moving ahead. For now, fantasy managers would be taking a risk by including him in their starting lineups for Week 8 versus the Lions.

From RotoBaller

Mike Williams Oct 26 3:50pm CT
Mike Williams

New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams could see some more snaps on Sunday versus the Patriots. With Allen Lazard (chest) doubtful, the former Charger may serve as the No. 3 wideout on the depth chart behind Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson. Williams tenure with the Jets hasn't been productive, amassing only 11 catches (19 targets) for 160 yards. There's been talk he'll be traded at some point. But for now, it appears he'll remain a Jet and may get some attention from Aaron Rodgers in Week 8. However, Williams is far from a starting-caliber fantasy option.

From RotoBaller

Tim Patrick Oct 26 3:40pm CT
Tim Patrick

Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick has just 10 catches for 165 yards this season. However, with Jameson Williams (suspension) out for the next few games, Patrick is starting to gain attention from fantasy managers heading into the Week 8 matchup with the Tennessee Titans. Without question, it will be business as usual for Amon-Ra St. Brown, who has a touchdown in each of the last four games. Yet, Patrick is worth considering for streaming purposes for those taking part in deeper fantasy formats. Kalif Raymond, coming off a three-catch, 39-yard, one-touchdown showing versus the Vikings, could also benefit from Williams' absence.

From RotoBaller

Mike Williams Oct 26 3:20pm CT
Mike Williams

New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams could see some snaps on Sunday versus the Patriots. With Allen Lazard (chest) doubtful, the former Charger may serve as the No. 3 wideout on the depth chart behind Davante Adams and Allen Lazard. Williams tenure with the Jets hasn't been productive, amassing only 11 catches (19 targets) for 160 yards. There's been talk he'll be traded at some point. But for now, it appears he'll remain a Jet and may get some attention from Aaron Rodgers in Week 8. However, Williams is far from a starting-caliber fantasy option.

From RotoBaller

Cordarrelle Patterson Oct 26 3:10pm CT
Cordarrelle Patterson

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) is now listed as doubtful for Monday night against the New York Giants. He's been limited at practice throughout the week, and head coach Mike Tomlin indicated there was a shot he'd be back for Week 8. However, it appears the veteran will miss his fourth straight game because of the ankle injury. Patterson has 16 carries for 92 yards this season, adding five grabs for 34 yards. However, with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren active, Patterson wouldn't have been involved enough to be relevant for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Oct 26 2:50pm CT
Patrick Mahomes

The San Francisco 49ers D/ST hosts the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8 on Sunday Night Football. They come into the game as the fifth-most productive unit in fantasy, averaging eight points per game. Last week the 49ers D sacked Patrick Mahomes twice and picked him off twice, but allowed 28 points. Dallas' offense ranks near the middle of the league in yardage but was dreadful last week, scoring no touchdowns against Detroit and turning the ball over five times. Both the Niners' defense and Cowboys' offense are healthy, but Dallas is coming off of a bye. Given the Cowboys' extra time to prepare and their offensive competency before last week, San Francisco's D/ST is just outside the Top 12 in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Bryce Young Oct 26 2:50pm CT
Bryce Young

The Denver Broncos D/ST is a top option in Week 8 when they square off against the Carolina Panthers this Sunday. Denver's defense has been one of the more staunch tests for opposing offenses in 2024, and they get a tantalizing outing this Sunday against the Bryce Young-led Panthers offense. Carolina is scoring just 15.7 points per contest -- the fifth-lowest mark in the league -- and has turned the ball over 12 times in seven games, the second-most in the NFL. Additionally, the Broncos' defense will be at near-full strength with the return of lockdown cornerback Pat Surtain II after a one-game absence. This week, the unit tops the list, ranking as RotoBaller's No. 1 overall ranked D/ST ahead of Sunday's contest.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Oct 26 2:20pm CT
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has been quiet this season but could finally break through for fantasy purposes against the New York Giants in Week 8. Warren dealt with injuries to begin the campaign and started to look more like his explosive self last week. He took the field for over 50% of the Steelers' offensive snaps for the first time in 2024 and saw more opportunities in the passing game than backfield mate Najee Harris with Russell Wilson at quarterback. With this contest shaping up to be a low-scoring, defensive-oriented affair, Pittsburgh should be expected to rely heavily on its ground game against a Giants defense allowing the eighth-most rushing yards per game. We haven't yet seen enough from Warren to consider him a weekly fantasy starter, but he's worth considering as a low-end flex option for fantasy managers in a pinch this week.

From RotoBaller

Anders Carlson Oct 26 2:20pm CT
Anders Carlson

San Francisco 49ers kicker Anders Carlson will kick off to the Dallas Cowboys at home in Week 8 on Sunday Night Football. The former Auburn Tiger and Green Bay Packer is the third kicker the 49ers have deployed this year, after Jake Moody (ankle) and Matthew Wright (shoulder) both were injured on tackle attempts. Last week, Carlson made field goal attempts from 55 and 24 yards but missed an extra point. Carlson has a big-league leg but has struggled with accuracy during his short career, leading the NFL in missed field goals in 2023 and missing five extra points, including playoffs. The 49ers offense has been brutally decimated with injury, so the days of assuming they'll get their kicker plenty of opportunities may be put on hold. This uncertainty along with Carlson's struggles make him a risky start this week. He's the K20 in RotoBaller's rankings this week.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Oct 26 2:00pm CT
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce has had some big plays this season, however, they've come on few catches. The 24-year-old owns a superb 25.5 yards per reception average thus far but has just 15 total catches in seven games. One of those catches was a 60-yard touchdown back in Week 1 versus the Texans, which is his opponent in Week 8. It was Anthony Richardson who threw him that ball and it will be Richardson under center again this week, while Houston has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Whether or not that translates to fantasy points for Pierce again seems like more of a roll of the dice with the second-year QB's poor completion rate (48.5%), so view the former second-round draft pick as a boom/bust candidate in the rematch versus the Texans as a WR5.

From RotoBaller

Brian Burns Oct 26 2:00pm CT
Brian Burns

New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns (groin) is off the injury report and is expected to play on Monday evening against the Pittsburgh Steelers according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Burns opened the week as a limited participant in practice but was then downgraded to a non-participant on Friday. However, he was able to return in a limited capacity on Saturday. Burns has tallied at least one sack in each of the past three games and tallied 27 tackles (18 solo) through his first seven games in the Big Apple. In addition, the former Panther had registered one forced fumble with six pass deflections this season. With Burns set to play, the Giants defense is worth a look as a deep-league streaming option facing the Pittsburgh Steelers.

From RotoBaller

Tyjae Spears Oct 26 1:50pm CT
Tyjae Spears

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (hamstring) was downgraded to out for Week 8. Spears did not suit up last weekend but returned to practice this week in a limited capacity. However, he was unable to progress enough and will now set his sights on returning in Week 9 to face the New England Patriots. Spears has been deployed as the No.2 option out of the backfield this season behind Tony Pollard and has only averaged a mere 22.8 rushing yards per game with just one score. Fantasy managers should expect Pollard to see a heavy dose of work on Sunday afternoon but faces a tough challenge as the Lions have allowed the second-fewest PPR points to opposing running backs this season.

From RotoBaller

Wil Lutz Oct 26 1:50pm CT
Wil Lutz

Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz is one of the better Week 8 options when his team takes on the Carolina Panthers. Lutz has been outstanding this season, knocking through all 12 of his extra-point attempts while drilling 17-of-18 field goal tries (94.4%). The 30-year-old gets an excellent matchup this Sunday against a Panthers squad that's allowed 34.7 points per game to their opponents -- the highest mark in the league. With rookie quarterback Bo Nix playing sound football in his first taste of NFL action, the former Georgia State Panther should continue to be among the fantasy leaders at the kicker position. Lutz ranks as RotoBaller's K7 ahead of Sunday's outing.

From RotoBaller