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FFL: Week 8 | NFL: Week 8

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor (ankle) slated to return vs. Texans

Fri Oct 25 9:36pm ET
Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor is expected to play against the Houston Texans on Sunday after missing three games with an ankle injury.

Taylor was a full practice participant on Friday and wasn't given an injury status.

Standout defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (ankle) sat out practice Friday and was listed as questionable. He has missed the past five contests.

Indianapolis coach Shane Steichen is anticipating both players will be on the field against the host Texans.

"Getting those two guys back, if they're ready to roll, it'll be huge," Steichen said. "They're two really talented players that help us tremendously on both sides of the football. So, it'll be good to see where that goes."

Though Taylor hasn't played this month, he still leads the Colts in carries (72), rushing yards (349) and rushing touchdowns (four). He had two 100-yard outings in four games before getting injured.

Taylor, 25, has rushed for 4,931 yards and 44 touchdowns in 57 games (52 starts) over five NFL seasons. He led the NFL with 1,811 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2021 when he was a Pro Bowl pick and first-team All-Pro selection.

Buckner, 30, had missed just two games in nine NFL seasons before the current five-game absence.

Buckner is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and also was a first-team All-Pro in 2020, his first season with the Colts. He was second-team All-Pro in 2019 during the last of his four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.

Buckner has 62.5 career sacks, 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 551 career tackles in 131 games (126 starts). He has 1.5 sacks in two games (one start) this season.

Defensive end Genard Avery (foot) and linebacker Jaylon Carlies (fibula, shoulder) were ruled out for the Colts.

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 8

Player Notes
Kendre Miller Oct 26 4:50am CT
Kendre Miller

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.

From RotoBaller

Cedrick Wilson Oct 26 4:50am CT
Cedrick Wilson

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.

From RotoBaller

Juwan Johnson Oct 26 4:50am CT
Juwan Johnson

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.

From RotoBaller

Blake Grupe Oct 26 4:50am CT
Blake Grupe

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.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Oct 26 4:40am CT
Alvin Kamara

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.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Oct 26 4:40am CT
Chris Olave

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.

From RotoBaller

Spencer Rattler Oct 26 4:30am CT
Spencer Rattler

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.

From RotoBaller

Harrison Butker Oct 26 3:40am CT
Harrison Butker

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.

From RotoBaller

Travis Kelce Oct 26 3:30am CT
Travis Kelce

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.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Oct 26 3:30am CT
Xavier Worthy

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.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Oct 26 3:20am CT
Patrick Mahomes

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.

From RotoBaller

Kareem Hunt Oct 26 3:20am CT
Kareem Hunt

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.

From RotoBaller

Jacob Cowing Oct 26 2:50am CT
Jacob Cowing

San Francisco 49ers rookie Jacob Cowing should see some involvement at wide receiver when the team hosts the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. The fourth-rounder spent the first weeks of the season on the active roster returning punts before seeing his first career offensive action in Week 7. He delivered two catches on three targets for 50 yards against Kansas City, which led all 49ers receivers with Jauan Jennings (hip) out, and Deebo Samuel Sr. (illness/wrist) and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) leaving the game early. Cowing's fantasy value this week hinges on the health of Samuel Sr. and George Kittle (foot). If both play, Cowing is a touchdown-dependent shot in the dark and not recommended in standard leagues. But if both miss, he becomes the second in line for targets behind fellow rookie Ricky Pearsall, with 2023 seventh-round pick Ronnie Bell and journeyman Chris Conley in the mix. WR-desperate fantasy managers in deeper leagues are advised to keep an eye out and consider Cowing if the 49ers get more bad injury news this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Ricky Pearsall Oct 26 1:20am CT
Ricky Pearsall

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall will suit up for his second NFL game in Week 8 at home against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. The 31st-overall pick in the 2024 draft was modestly involved in his debut, producing three catches on five targets for 21 yards in a game that saw Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel Sr. leave early. Pearsall's outlook on Sunday depends heavily on the status of the questionable Deebo Samuel Sr. (wrist/illness) and George Kittle (foot). He'll get his snaps regardless with Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Jauan Jennings (hip) out, but if Samuel Sr. and Kittle can't go, Pearsall becomes the most talented option on the field for quarterback Brock Purdy. Pearsall managers should monitor the status of Samuel Sr. and Kittle, as Pearsall becomes a bonafide fantasy starter with both out, but falls back to a dicey WR3/FLEX if both play.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Oct 26 12:40am CT
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy takes his snaps in Week 8 at home against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. Purdy had a bad game against Kansas City last week, but it wasn't his worst game in fantasy due to two QB sneaks for touchdowns. He went 17-of-31 for 212 yards passing with three interceptions. This week, there is good news and bad news. The good news is that Dallas' pass defense is tied for the fourth-worst at holding opposing fantasy quarterbacks, most recently allowing Detroit's Jared Goff to go over 300 yards and toss three touchdowns. Plus, Dallas pass rush menace Micah Parsons (ankle) and CB Daron Bland (foot) will remain out, with two other starters questionable. The bad news is that the 49ers offense is also depleted, missing Christian McCaffrey (Achilles/calf), Brandon Aiyuk (knee), Jauan Jennings (hip), and potentially George Kittle (foot) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (wrist/illness). Purdy managers can only hope that San Francisco's depth options can step up, starting with rookie first-rounder Ricky Pearsall in only his second-career game. If Kittle and Samuel Sr. play, Purdy is a back-end QB1. If not, he's firmly in QB2 territory.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Huntley Oct 25 11:30pm CT
Tyler Huntley

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley (shoulder) was placed on the Injured Reserve list on Friday. With Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) missing the last few games, Huntley has been under center. However, he didn't do much with his afforded opportunity, throwing for 377 yards, one touchdown, and one interception off 59.1% passing. Fortunately for the Dolphins, Tagovailoa will be back on the field for the Week 8 meeting with the Cardinals, which will hopefully provide a much-needed spark to a stagnant offense.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Oct 25 11:20pm CT
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) underwent successful surgery on Friday. He's expected to make a full recovery. The signal-caller suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in the divisional matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals, ending his season. Watson had a year to forget in 2024-25, throwing for 1,148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. He also completed only 63.4% of his attempts. For now, Watson will focus on his rehab efforts, although it will be a while before he returns to the field. But it's unknown If he's already played his final game as a Cleveland Brown. Without Watson at the helm, Jameis Winston will take over under center. While the Browns offense isn't the best, Winston has a place in multi-quarterback formats for Week 8 versus the Baltimore Ravens.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Chark Oct 25 11:20pm CT
D.J. Chark

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. (groin) is questionable for Sunday's meeting with the New Orleans Saints. The 28-year-old has yet to take the field as a Charger. However, he's moving in the right direction after logging three limited practices throughout the week. Los Angeles is hurting on the offensive side of the ball, with Quentin Johnston (ankle) doubtful and Ladd McConkey (hip) questionable. If Chark is active for this one, he could see limited snaps. But if McConkey and Johnston are ruled out, Chark would enter the flex conversation

From RotoBaller

Drake London Oct 25 11:10pm CT
Drake London

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London has produced six consecutive games with at least six receptions while scoring a touchdown in five of seven overall. It is the kind of consistency fantasy managers look for in their top wideout, and this week brings a favorable matchup for the 23-year-old versus Tampa Bay. In Week 5, the 6-foot-4 receiver caught 12 of 13 targets for 154 yards and a score against the Buccaneers. The Bucs have allowed the fourth-most passing yards per game and 11 receiving touchdowns on the season, although five of those were scored last week alone against the Ravens. Nevertheless, with London's 12 red zone targets thus far (second-most in NFL) and 26.7% target share, he'll be a mid-range WR1 in this matchup with a high floor and a high ceiling.

From RotoBaller

Jakobi Meyers Oct 25 9:20pm CT
Jakobi Meyers

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (ankle) is officially deemed questionable for Sunday's home matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. If he suits up, it will be his first in-game action since Week 5, when he ripped off 72 yards on 6-of-9 receiving in the 34-18 loss to the Denver Broncos. Tashan Reed of The Athletic reported earlier in the day that Meyers is expected to play, though the questionable designation contradicts that slightly. Still, a full practice session on Friday is undoubtedly a boon to his outlook. The 27-year-old will line up against one of the more staunch units in the league this weekend but projects to get a ton of work if he is healthy enough to play. He'll be a WR2/3 for the outing.

From RotoBaller