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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
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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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Brian Robinson Jr. Oct 25 9:10pm CT
Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. should be viewed as a solid RB2 facing the Chicago Bears, as he could see an increased workload. With rookie QB Jayden Daniels (ribs) being a game-time decision, the Alabama product could be relieved heavily with Marcus Mariota under center. Even though Robinson was sidelined in Week 6 with a knee injury, he was very productive in his return the following week as he tallied 71 yards and a score on 12 carries. Through six games this season, Robinson has averaged 15.1 PPR points per game with six total scores. Facing a Chicago defense that has allowed the 16th-most PPR points to opposing RBs this season makes Robinson a safe RB2 with upside.

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Austin Ekeler Oct 25 9:10pm CT
Austin Ekeler

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler should be poised for a bounce back performance in Week 8 after having his worst game of the campaign last weekend. Facing the Carolina Panthers, the Commanders had a sizeable lead all afternoon and did not need to deploy their primary pass-catching back too often. Ekeler totaled a season-low 4.0 PPR points in this game with just 20 all-purpose yards. However, facing the Chicago Bears, the Commanders may need to keep their foot on the gas throughout the game facing a potent Chicago offense. As a result, Ekeler should be viewed as a solid flex option in PPR formats and a low-end RB3 in standard leagues.

From RotoBaller

Terry McLaurin Oct 25 9:10pm CT
Terry McLaurin

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin should be viewed as a high-end WR2 in Week 8, even if he is without his QB1. Last weekend, with No. 2 QB Marcus Mariota playing most of the game, McLaurin caught six passes for 98 yards. This was his fifth straight game eclipsing double-digit PPR points. During this stretch, he averaged an impressive 83.0 yards per game, at least six targets in each game, with four total scores. Even though the Chicago Bears have allowed the seventh-fewest PPR points to opposing wideouts this season, McLaurin should see a heavy dose of targets, making him a safe WR2 with upside.

From RotoBaller

Noah Brown Oct 25 9:10pm CT
Noah Brown

Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown is coming off his worst game of the season and remains an unreliable WR4 heading into Week 8. After seeing a season-high eight targets and four receptions in Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens, Brown took a significant step back in Week 7 as he caught just one pass (one target) for a mere 16 yards. While the Commanders had a sizeable lead through most of the game, seeing Brown take a backseat was not a promising sign. For now, fantasy managers in deeper 14+ team formats should continue to hold Brown on their bench but not rely on him as a starting option.

From RotoBaller

Zach Ertz Oct 25 9:10pm CT
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz remains a low-end TE1 heading into Week 8 as he faces the Chicago Bears. Last weekend, Ertz found the end zone for the first time in his Washington career last weekend and brought in four of his five targets for 40 yards. Over the past two weeks, Ertz has caught four passes in each game and seen at least five targets in each of them. Without a proven No.2 wideout, the veteran tight end has emerged as a consistent option in the Washington air attack. He remains a low-end TE1 on Sunday due to the reliable volume he has seen on a weekly basis.

From RotoBaller

Austin Seibert Oct 25 9:10pm CT
Austin Seibert

Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert remains a high-end kicking option in Week 8 when he faces the Chicago Bears. Since joining the Commanders in Week 2, Seibert has missed just one attempt and has been perfect on all extra points. He has attempted at least two field goals in all but one game and attempted three or more in three games. Even though the Commanders may be without their QB1, the Washington offense looked just as potent with Marcus Mariota last weekend. As a result, Seibert should have ample opportunities to get on the scoresheet on Sunday afternoon and should be started in all formats with confidence.

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Jonathon Brooks Oct 25 9:00pm CT
Jonathon Brooks

When asked by the media about rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee), Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales did not provide the most jovial of outlooks. Specifically, Canales was asked if it was possible for Brooks not to play this year. "It could be," said the first-year head coach, "but again, we're just going to take it week to week for now, and I'm really hopeful he can stack another good week and see what we got there." It's not exactly a shining endorsement for the second-round pick, but Canales also noted that he wants to make sure he's "fully confident and ready to go" and thinks that's "another week." The door remains open for Brooks to make his NFL debut in 2024. However, it may still be a few weeks away. At 1-6, Carolina hasn't exactly been in a position to rush him.

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Marcus Mariota Oct 25 9:00pm CT
Marcus Mariota

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota could be a viable high-end QB2 in Superflex formats if he is given the starting nod in Week 8. Mariota replaced the injured Jayden Daniels (ribs) early in last week's game and performed quite well as he went 18-for-23 with 205 yards and two scores. He added 34 yards on the ground off 11 carries. This weekend, he will have a much tougher task facing the Chicago Bears, who have allowed the second-fewest points to opposing QBs. However, given how impressive he looked in relief and with his rushing potential, the former first-round pick could be a viable QB2 in Superflex formats, as he may need to push the ball downfield to keep up with a Chicago offense that has continued to improve every week.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Oct 25 8:50pm CT
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (shoulder) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's road tilt against the Detroit Lions. The second-year QB practiced in a limited fashion all week, but his status remains in the air for the team's Week 8 matchup. Levis sustained an AC joint sprain back in Week 4 before the team's bye and has not played since Tennessee's Week 6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. If he can't suit up, quarterback Mason Rudolph will again lead the charge on offense for the Titans. Even if he can, the Kentucky alum would be in line for a tough task his first week back against a stout Lions defense. Levis won't be a recommended option, even in superflex and 2QB formats.

From RotoBaller

Zach Sieler Oct 25 8:50pm CT
Zach Sieler

The Miami Dolphins DST has been a tale of two sides in 2024 and will look to limit the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8. On one side, they are one of the best defenses in the NFL at defending the pass. On the other hand, they are one of the worst at defending the run. On average, Miami has allowed 21.7 fantasy points per game to opposing running backs compared to 12.5 points to wide receivers. To make matters worse, defensive tackle Zach Sieler (eye) will be sidelined due to an orbital fracture he suffered in practice this week. Miami has a home matchup against the Cardinals in Week 8. The Arizona offense ranks fourth in total rushing yards and third in yards per carry. The Dolphins are ranked 16th among DSTs in the latest RotoBaller rankings, making them mainly a deep-league option in Week 8.

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Kirk Cousins Oct 25 8:50pm CT
Kirk Cousins

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins posted another lackluster performance in Week 7 despite facing an undermanned Seattle defense, finishing as QB23 for the week after throwing more interceptions (2) than touchdown passes (1) for the third time in seven games. Looking ahead to Week 8, the 36-year-old has a chance to get back on track against a Tampa Bay team that he faced in Week 5 and completed 42 of 58 pass attempts for 508 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. The Buccaneers have been vulnerable versus both the pass and the run this season, but are allowing 254.0 net pass YPG (fourth-worst) compared to 132.0 rush YPG (19th), and just yielded five touchdown passes to Lamar Jackson in Week 7. Without their top two receiving options, Tampa Bay could look to the ground game in this one, chewing up clock and limiting offensive opportunities for both teams more than they otherwise would have, so view the veteran quarterback as a volatile high end QB2 with QB1 upside in this matchup.

From RotoBaller

Andrei Iosivas Oct 25 8:40pm CT
Andrei Iosivas

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas began the 2024-25 campaign by finding the end zone three times in the team's first three games. However, he's cooled off significantly of late, totaling only four catches in the last four contests. Without question, managers no longer consider Iosivas a starting fantasy option. It's also likely he's worked his way off of fantasy rosters altogether. But if Tee Higgins (quadriceps) isn't available for the Week 8 clash with the Philadelphia Eagles, Iosivas should enter the flex conversation. To be safe, fantasy managers should immediately grab the 25-year-old off waivers, where available.

From RotoBaller

Chase Brown Oct 25 8:40pm CT
Chase Brown

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown now sits atop the depth chart. While Zack Moss remains involved, he had only six carries for seven yards in Week 7 versus the Browns. On the other hand, Brown logged 15 touches for 44 yards to end the day. Although Moss has the edge in red zone opportunities so far this season, Brown is by far a safer fantasy option for Week 8 versus the Philadelphia Eagles. With that in mind, the Eagles have been solid against opposing running backs throughout the 2024-25 campaign, so the 24-year-old is hard to trust in any fantasy format.

From RotoBaller

Zack Moss Oct 25 8:40pm CT
Zack Moss

Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss ran for just seven yards off six carries in the Week 7 win over the Browns. The 26-year-old found the end zone in three of the Bengals' first four games in 2024-25. However, he's gone cold since then, with Chase Brown emerging as the lead back in Cincinnati. While the backfield situation can change at any time, Moss may not be the safest fantasy option for Week 8 against the Eagles. The same can be said for Brown.

From RotoBaller