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FFL: Week 8 | NFL: Week 8

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels practices, game-time decision vs. Bears

Fri Oct 25 1:15pm ET
Field Level Media

Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels practiced Friday for the first time since an injury to his ribs forced him out of Washington's Week 7 win over the Carolina Panthers.

Daniels did not practice Wednesday or Thursday and was deemed a game-time decision for Sunday, when the Commanders (5-2) duel with the Chicago Bears (4-2) and rookie No. 1 pick Caleb Williams. Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner at Southern California, was selected one spot ahead of Daniels, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner at LSU, in the 2024 draft.

Commanders coach Dan Quinn said the team won't make a call on Daniels' game status until gauging his recovery from Friday's workout. Backup Marcus Mariota would get the call if Daniels is unable to run the offense.

"Jayden was able to practice (Friday)," Quinn said. "We followed the plan really that we set at the start of the week. ... Think crawl, walk, run.

"We will assess how he responds to the work that we did over the next 48 hours, but we really pushed it today. We'll make the best decision for him and the team."

Mariota jumped into the captain's seat to guide the Commanders to a 40-7 win against Carolina. Daniels left the game after an opening-drive field goal and didn't return. He was hurt on a 46-yard run to open the first drive of the game for Washington and had three carries for 50 yards.

Mariota, who has appeared in 92 career games, shares Daniels' penchant for tucking the ball and running. He had 11 carries for 34 yards last week and completed 18 of 23 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns.

Daniels has 66 rushing attempts -- for 372 yards and four touchdowns -- this season, and the Commanders could be weighing whether to expose Daniels to another hit to the ribs as a ballcarrier.

Quinn insisted he'll play if he withstands a return to practice Friday, but the team won't have the answer until Sunday.

"How does your body respond from really getting pushed to go? I would say that's what we need to see," Quinn said. "The testing is ongoing to get to that spot, but it was a good day."

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 8

Player Notes
Kyler Murray Oct 25 12:50pm CT
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray should be viewed as a mid-tier QB1 in Week 8 when the Cardinals travel to Miami to take on the Dolphins. The team has been committed to creating more opportunities for Murray to use his legs in recent weeks, with at least six carries per game over his last three outings, including multiple touchdown runs of over 40 yards. This bodes well for Murray's fantasy outlook, as rushing stats are a significant driving force behind the top-ranked quarterbacks in fantasy. The Dolphins have a strong pass defense, which could lead the Cardinals to rely more on Murray's legs, making him a strong fantasy start in Week 8 against Miami.

From RotoBaller

Jerome Ford Oct 25 12:50pm CT
Jerome Ford

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (hamstring) was ruled out for Week 8 according to Scott Petrak of The Chronicle Telegram. Ford was able to return to practice on Friday after sitting out on Wednesday and Thursday but did not progress enough to suit up this weekend. As a result, Ford will now set his sights on returning to action in Week 9 against the Los Angeles Chargers. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Nick Chubb to operate as the lead runner against the Baltimore Ravens with Pierre Strong Jr. serving as the No.2 option.

From RotoBaller

Allen Lazard Oct 25 12:50pm CT
Allen Lazard

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (chest) is considered a game-time decision for Sunday's tilt against the New England Patriots according to Connor Hughes of SNY. Lazard did not participate during Wednesday's and Thursday's practice which is not a good sign for his status. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor him throughout the weekend. The 28-year-old has enjoyed a nice start to the season as he has averaged 14.5 PPR points per game. Even with Davante Adams joining the wide receiver room, Lazard still saw a solid four targets last week. If he is able to play, he should be viewed as a WR3 facing the New England Patriots who have allowed the 19th-most PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Ridley Oct 25 12:40pm CT
Calvin Ridley

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (foot) returned to practice on Friday according to Terry McCormick of the Titan Insider. Fantasy managers should monitor the injury report later as Ridley will likely carry an injury designation as he did not practice earlier this week. After catching four passes for 77 yards and a score in Week 2, Ridley has tallied just 53 yards over the past four games with a mere 3.1 PPR points per game. However, Ridley could see an increase in work if he is able to suit up as DeAndre Hopkins was traded to Kansas City. Fantasy managers should view the 29-year-old as a WR3 this weekend facing the Detroit Lions who have allowed the 31st-most points to opposing wideouts this season. If he cannot play, Tyler Boyd and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine will lead the Tennessee passing attack.

From RotoBaller

Michael Pittman Jr. Oct 25 12:30pm CT
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) was not practicing on Friday according to Jake Arthur of Sports Illustrated. This is surprising as Pittman was a full participant during Thursday's practice after sitting out on Wednesday. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the 27-year-old's status throughout the weekend as he may carry an injury designation if he faced a setback. Pittman has been dealing with a lingering back injury over the past few weeks but has been able to play in every game. If he is able to suit up once again, fantasy managers should view him as a low-end WR2 facing the Houston Texans who have allowed the 21st-most PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Taylor Oct 25 12:20pm CT
Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) is "tracking very well" to play on Sunday according to Jake Arthur of Sports Illustrated. This is a great sign for the 25-year-old as he has been sidelined since suffering a high-ankle sprain during Week 4. Taylor also logged a full practice on Thursday after being limited on Wednesday. Fantasy managers should expect Taylor to return to action on Sunday against the Houston Texans. Taylor should be viewed as a high-end RB1 on Sunday as he averaged an impressive 18.1 PPR points per game during the first four weeks of the campaign.

From RotoBaller

Jerome Ford Oct 25 12:10pm CT
Jerome Ford

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (hamstring) returned to practice on Friday according to Scott Petrak of The Chronicle Telegram. This is a great sign for the 25-year-old as he was unable to participate in any team practice sessions earlier in the week. Fantasy managers should monitor the injury report later on Friday as Ford could have a chance of suiting up over the weekend. Ford missed last week's game due to this same hamstring injury. If Ford does return, fantasy managers should expect him to operate as a change-of-pace option behind primary running back Nick Chubb. Ford should be viewed as a low-end flex option facing the Baltimore Ravens who have allowed the 12th-fewest PPR points to opposing RBs.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Oct 25 12:00pm CT
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (foot) was not seen at Friday's practice according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. However, Jackson further reported that head coach Mike McDaniel remains "very optimistic" that his start wideout will be able to suit up on Sunday. Fantasy managers should monitor Friday's injury report in case Hill carries an injury designation into the weekend. The 30-year-old has been unproductive over the past few weeks but should be poised to bounce back with his quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) returning on Sunday. If Hill is able to play, he should be locked into all lineups as a high-end WR1 facing the Arizona Cardinals.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Oct 25 11:50am CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (toe) is in play to suit up on Sunday according to Brianna Dix. The 22-year-old was also spotted at practice on Friday after sitting out on Wednesday and Thursday. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during the weekend as he will likely carry an injury designation into their tilt against the Atlanta Falcons. If Irving is able to suit up, the Buccaneers will likely operate in a three-man backfield situation which would make both him and Rachaad White low-end RB2s with Sean Tucker serving as an RB3. White would have the higher floor given his ability to succeed as a pass catcher. If Irving is unable to play, then both White and Tucker will share the backfield with White seeing the majority of the work.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Oct 25 11:50am CT
Diontae Johnson

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ribs) was ruled out for Week 8 according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. The 28-year-old was unable to participate in any practices this week and will now set his sights on returning in Week 9 to face the New Orleans Saints. In addition, starting quarterback Andy Dalton (thumb) is considered doubtful which would leave presumed starter Bryce Young without his top wideout. Fantasy managers should expect rookie Xavier Legette to lead the air attack with Jonathan Mingo and Jalen Coker behind him. Legette is worth a look as a high-end WR3 from a volume perspective but faces a tough challenge against the Denver Broncos who have allowed the third-fewest PPR points to opposing wideouts.

From RotoBaller

Zay Flowers Oct 25 11:40am CT
Zay Flowers

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (ankle) returned to practice on Friday according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN. This is a great sign for the 24-year-old as he did not participate in any practice sessions earlier in the week. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he may carry an injury designation into the weekend, depending on his participation level during Friday's practice. If Flowers were to sit out on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, Rashod Bateman should be expected to operate as the top wideout. He would become a viable WR3 option facing a Cleveland secondary who has allowed the 24th-most PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Oct 25 11:30am CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels (ribs) was able to practice on Friday and remains in uncertain status for Sunday's tilt against the Chicago Bears. Head coach Dan Quinn expressed, "We will assess how he responds to the work that we did over the next 48 hours. But we really pushed it today" when discussing Daniels' participation during Friday's practice. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status heading into the weekend as he will likely carry an injury designation and be a game-time decision. If Daniels is able to play, he should be locked into all lineups as a high-end QB1. If not, Marcus Mariota will get the nod and be viewed as a high-end QB2.

From RotoBaller

Curtis Samuel Oct 25 11:20am CT
Curtis Samuel

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel (pectoral) will not play on Sunday according to Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN. The 28-year-old has yet to participate in any practices this week and will now set his sights on returning in Week 9 to face the Miami Dolphins. Samuel has had a disappointing campaign in Buffalo so far as he has caught just 12 total passes for 92 yards and no scores. As a result, fantasy managers should expect newly acquired Amari Copper to lead the wide receiver room with rookie Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir behind him. They will be facing a tough Seattle secondary who has allowed the 12th-fewest PPR points to opposing wide receivers.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Oct 25 11:20am CT
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) will likely be a game-time decision on Sunday according to Kainani Stevens. Etienne was sidelined last weekend due to a hamstring injury but has been able to participate during Wednesday's and Thursday's practice in a limited capacity which is a promising sign. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his availability during Friday's practice as it may provide clarity heading into the weekend. In his absence last week, Tank Bigsby tallied an impressive 118 yards and two scores off 26 carries. If Etienne is able to suit up, both running backs will likely share the backfield facing the Green Bay Packers who have allowed the 19th-most PPR points to opposing RBs this season.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Oct 25 11:10am CT
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (hip) is considered doubtful for Sunday's game according to David Lombardi of the San Francisco Standard. Jennings has yet to participate in any team practices this week which is not a promising sign for his status. Fantasy managers should monitor Friday's injury report in case he is able to participate in a limited capacity. No. 1 wideout Deebo Samuel Sr. (wrist/illness) was able to return to practice in a limited capacity on Thursday after sitting out on Wednesday which is a good sign for his potential status as he will likely lead the passing attack. If Jennings cannot play, fantasy managers should expect rookie wideout Ricky Pearsall to see a significant uptick in opportunities. In his NFL debut last weekend he caught three of his five targets for 21 yards.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Oct 25 11:00am CT
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) has cleared concussion protocol and will get the starting nod on Sunday when the Dolphins face the Arizona Cardinals. Tagovailoa has been sidelined since suffering a concussion during the second week of the season. In his absence, the Miami offense has struggled as they never eclipsed 20 total points in a game without him. Fantasy managers in deeper 1QB formats should feel comfortable starting the Alabama product as he scored 22.0 points in the season opener and 13.0 before leaving Week 2 early. The Cardinals have allowed the 28th-most PPR points to opposing QBs. In addition, Tagovailoa's return also gives a significant boost to Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle who should be viewed as must-start options going forward.

From RotoBaller

Joey Slye Oct 25 10:40am CT
Joey Slye

New England Patriots kicker Joey Slye has endured a tough stretch of games and drops off the fantasy radar heading into a Week 8 clash with the New York Jets. Slye has gone 5-for-5 on extra points and just 2-for-3 on field goals over his last three games, seeing reduced volume as the Patriots limp to another losing record. Points have been hard to come by in New England, and that trend should continue on Sunday against a strong Jets defense. Even though New York has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to kickers this season, Slye's recent track record keeps him off the fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller

Jahlani Tavai Oct 25 10:40am CT
Jahlani Tavai

The New England Patriots defense remains off the fantasy radar heading into Week 8 against the New York Jets. While the unit has shown promise with impressive performances from players like Jahlani Tavai, Kyle Dugger, and Christian Gonzalez, New England's defense still ranks 26th in fantasy points, forcing just four turnovers through seven games. They're also allowing an average of 359.6 yards and 24.1 points per game. It's been a particularly rough couple of weeks for the Patriots with tough matchups against the Texans and a very beatable Jaguars team. Over those two games, New England allowed 63 points while registering just one turnover and two sacks. This week, the Patriots face the Jets. Even though New York's offense has allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing defenses, they're trending upward with Aaron Rodgers, Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, and Davante Adams. Even a modest offensive output from the Jets should be enough to overpower the Patriots' struggling defense in Massachusetts on Sunday. Avoid this unit in fantasy football going forward.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Oct 25 10:00am CT
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson is coming off of his worst performance of the season after recording just three receptions for 11 yards in the Week 6 blowout loss to Detroit. Ferguson has yet to score a touchdown in 2024, but has generally seen strong volume and yardage totals which make him a top option at tight end. San Francisco's pass defense is in the upper half of the league, but with the Cowboys leaning heavily on the passing game this season Ferguson remains a TE1 option and should be started in all formats.

From RotoBaller

Hunter Henry Oct 25 10:00am CT
Hunter Henry

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry has returned to the fantasy radar heading into Week 8 against the New York Jets. Henry only had one fantasy-relevant game with Jacoby Brissett as his quarterback, so he didn't appear to have a whole lot of upside when Drake Maye took over the offense. However, he quickly proved to form a strong rapport with the rookie as the duo has combined for 11 completions, 133 yards, and one touchdown over Maye's two weeks as the starter. Henry has finished as a top-eight fantasy tight end in each of those two contests, so he's back on the fantasy radar ahead of Week 8. Fantasy managers should view him as a solid streamer, at the very least, and he'll become a more trustworthy week-over-week fantasy play if he turns in one more good showing on Sunday.

From RotoBaller