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FFL: Week 8 | NFL: Week 8

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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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 8

Player Notes
Deebo Samuel Oct 26 10:30pm CT
Deebo Samuel

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (illness, wrist) is expected to play in Sunday night's game against the Dallas Cowboys. The wideout has been battling a wrist issue for a few weeks. He also was dealing with a case of Pneumonia, forcing his premature exit from the Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Fortunately, Samuel started to feel better over the last few days, so barring a setback, he should be good to go. The 49ers are hurting on the offensive side of the ball, with Brandon Aiyuk (knee) done for the year and Jauan Jennings (hip) missing another contest. There's also a chance George Kittle (foot) isn't available. As such, expectations are high for Samuel in Week 8, even if he still has some residual symptoms related to the illness.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Oct 26 10:26pm CT
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith has been a solid quarterback streaming option in 2024. He should deliver solid value again in Week 8 against the Buffalo Bills, but you should temper expectations with DK Metcalf (knee) unlikely to play in this game. The Bills are also an absolute run-funnel. Teams have been able to run on them with ease which suggests this could be a big Kenneth Walker III (illness) day. Even so, they are relatively unproven as a pass defense. They have not faced a passing attack as voluminous and high-powered as the Seahawks in 2024. Still, any quarterback without a stud such as Metcalf in the lineup would experience a downgrade against most opponents. Smith is still a quality option this week but consider making other arrangements if your roster can handle it.

Noah Fant Oct 26 10:25pm CT
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant has come alive in recent weeks. Fant has ten receptions in his last two games combined and he has at least 63 receiving yards in both games. He has a chance to deliver numbers like that once again in Week 8 when the Seahawks host the Buffalo Bills. The Seahawks are likely going to hand the ball off quite a bit given the Bills' poor rushing defense. However, the Bills offense is potent and should force the Seahawks to air it out at least a fair amount. Top Seahawks target DK Metcalf (knee) does not look like he will play in this game. The Seahawks are very top-heavy in the wide receiver room and Fant would likely be the next man up in line for targets. He should be a safe play this week, especially in the tight end landscape we currently find ourselves in.

Chigoziem Okonkwo Oct 26 10:25pm CT
Chigoziem Okonkwo

Tennessee Titans tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo faces the Lions in a cross-conference matchup this Sunday in Detroit. Okonkwo had his highest yardage total of the season last week with 50, almost tripling his next highest output (16). It's been that kind of year for the young tight end and this Titans' offense as a whole. DeAndre Hopkins being moved to Kansas City opens up some extra targets that could go Okonkwo's way, but he is about to face a defense that has allowed the second-fewest yards to tight ends on the year. Mason Rudolph drawing the start would give Okonkwo the slightest viability in deeper-leagues, but his upside is still limited.

Christian Kirk Oct 26 9:10pm CT
Christian Kirk

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk has generated significant trade buzz ahead of the Nov. 5 deadline. With wideouts changing hands left and right over the last few weeks, it appears Kirk could be one of the next on the move. The seventh-year WR is in his third campaign with Jacksonville, who, after another loss on Sunday, "might make it more likely they would be willing to entertain offers for players such as Kirk," according to Schefter. Despite a solid three-week stretch, the 27-year-old has mostly taken a backseat to first-round rookie wideout Brian Thomas Jr. in the passing game thus far. That trend could continue with tight end Evan Engram back in the fold. The ESPN Insider noted that Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ribs) is a highly-sought trade piece as well, so it could be an eventful upcoming two weeks before the trade deadline. A change of scenery would undoubtedly boost his outlook.

From RotoBaller

Greg Joseph Oct 26 9:10pm CT
Greg Joseph

New York Giants kicker Greg Joseph enters the Week 8 Monday Night Football matchup against the Steelers looking to build consistency amid a season marked by ups and downs. Joseph has made 9 of 12 field goal attempts (75%), with all three misses coming in the 40-49 yard range, though he did connect from 38 yards last week against the Eagles, his only attempt in a 28-3 loss. With the Giants' offense struggling to finish drives, Joseph's scoring opportunities could increase against a very good Steelers defense. In a tough, low-scoring matchup, Joseph is not a viable fantasy option for managers needing kicker stability.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Oct 26 8:50pm CT
Diontae Johnson

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Carolina Panthers have received multiple calls about wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ribs) and his availability ahead of the Nov. 5 trade deadline. Reportedly, the Panthers are looking to receive a mid-round draft pick as compensation for the 28-year-old wideout. Per Schefter, he and Jacksonville Jaguars WR Christian Kirk are the hottest names on the market, and "it wouldn't be a surprise to see at least one of -- and possibly both" traded. We've already seen three top-flight wide receivers shipped off to contending teams thus far, and according to Schefter, "more trades are expected." Johnson has been ruled out for Week 8 due to a rib injury that forced him to miss the week of practice, and it's apparently highly likely he joins a new squad before the deadline. Stay tuned.

From RotoBaller

Wan'Dale Robinson Oct 26 8:50pm CT
Wan'Dale Robinson

New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson heads into the Week 8 Monday Night Football showdown against the Steelers as the team's most targeted player this season, with 67 targets (he's compiled 43 receptions on those targets). Robinson has averaged 12.4 fantasy points per game, though his modest 7 yards per catch highlights his role as a short-yardage option rather than a deep threat. Despite leading the team with six catches last week, Robinson managed only 23 yards against the Eagles, his lowest fantasy output of the season. He'll look to bounce back against a Steelers defense ranked 10th against fantasy WRs but vulnerable in yardage, allowing 217.3 passing yards per game and eight touchdowns through the air.

From RotoBaller

Darious Williams Oct 26 8:40pm CT
Darious Williams

The Los Angeles Rams are reportedly open to trading cornerback Tre'Davious White, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. The former All-Pro has not appeared in the team's last two games after defensive back Darious Williams returned from his hamstring injury. LA would also be okay with keeping White, as they know "things can change over a long season," but a move to a team with a cornerback need is not out of the question. The 29-year-old has recorded 12 tackles and defended two passes in his four appearances this season. For now, it appears he could continue to be a healthy scratch until his services are required.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Oct 26 8:40pm CT
Malik Nabers

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers heads into a promising Week 8 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football. Nabers has been productive this season, averaging 19.9 fantasy points per game with 427 receiving yards and three touchdowns, and he's seen consistent volume with 60 targets. After returning from a two-week concussion absence, Nabers led the team with 41 receiving yards on four catches against the Eagles in Week 7, though the Giants' passing game struggled overall. Facing a Steelers defense ranked 22nd in pass defense (allowing 217.3 yards per game) and with eight receiving touchdowns allowed, Nabers could be poised for a bounce-back, especially given his five end zone targets on the season.

From RotoBaller

Devin Singletary Oct 26 8:30pm CT
Devin Singletary

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary faces a daunting matchup in Week 8 on the road against the Steelers' elite run defense. Singletary has averaged 10.9 fantasy points per game this season with 239 rushing yards and two touchdowns, but his Week 7 return from injury yielded just 18 rushing yards and three receiving yards as he played second fiddle to Tyrone Tracy Jr. The Steelers' defense, ranked second in the NFL against the run and allowing only 81.1 rushing yards per game, has stifled opposing backs, giving up just three rushing touchdowns all season. With a limited share of backfield touches and Pittsburgh's eighth-best fantasy defense against RBs, Singletary faces long odds of breaking out in this matchup.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Oct 26 8:20pm CT
Tua Tagovailoa

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) has been officially activated off the team's injured reserve ahead of Sunday's outing against the Arizona Cardinals. The Dolphins released quarterback Tim Boyle in a corresponding move. It's merely a formality, as Jonathan Jones of CBS reported on Friday that Tagovailoa would be getting the start in Week 8. It is fantastic news for the Dolphins and fantasy managers, as the team has scored just three offensive touchdowns in his absence. The Alabama product should be an immediate boost to the outlook of all Dolphins' skill players. Arizona is one of the league's better matchups for opposing passing attacks, letting up the second-most yards per pass play (7.4). The 26-year-old will be a high-end QB2 for the contest and is RotoBaller's QB14 in this week's rankings.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Oct 26 8:10pm CT
Tee Higgins

According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (quad) will be a game-time decision for Sunday's outing against the Philadelphia Eagles. Higgins picked up a quad injury in Friday's practice, and per Graziano, there's "pessimism" around his status for the team's Week 8 matchup. Reportedly, Cincinnati will push it right until game time to give him a designation. Fantasy managers will want to have a contingency plan in place in case he can't suit up. Fortunately, the Bengals and Eagles square off in Sunday's main slate of games, so we'll know early on whether or not he's a go. If Higgins can't play, wide receiver Andrei Iosivas will slot in for two wide-receiver sets, while rookie wideout Jermaine Burton should slide in as the team's third option. Keep an eye on the 25-year-old's status.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Oct 26 8:10pm CT
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. faces a tough matchup in Week 8 against a formidable Steelers rush defense on Monday Night Football. Tracy has averaged 7.7 fantasy points per game with 231 rushing yards, one touchdown, and a 42.4% timeshare. Despite being the lead back in Week 7, he managed only 23 rushing yards and nine receiving yards in a 28-3 loss to the Eagles. The Steelers boast the NFL's second-ranked rushing defense, allowing just 81.1 yards per game and only three rushing touchdowns all season. With Pittsburgh's eighth-best defense against fantasy RBs, Tracy may struggle to find openings, making him a risky play in fantasy formats this week.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Oct 26 8:00pm CT
Daniel Jones

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones heads into a challenging Monday Night Football matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers' top-tier defense in Week 8. Jones, averaging 13.2 fantasy points per game with six passing touchdowns and zero rushing scores on the season, has yet to break 300 passing yards in any game. Coming off a 28-3 loss to the Eagles where he completed 66.7% of his passes but failed to reach the end zone, Jones faces a Steelers unit that allows only 12.18 fantasy points to QBs, ranking fourth-best in the league. Although the Giants are healthy at the skill positions, the loss of All-Pro LT Andrew Thomas compounds Jones's struggles against Pittsburgh's eighth-ranked defense, which has held opposing passers to just eight touchdowns and limits teams to 298.4 total yards per game.

From RotoBaller

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