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Aaron Rodgers is a Desperation QB Pickup for Week 8
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is not a worthwhile bet as a fantasy contributor in Week 8 and beyond in a typical single-QB league. However, if you are in a 2-QB league or are pressed to find a bye week fill-in, Rodgers can be a useful fantasy asset. Rodgers has strung together a solid start to the season, throwing for 13 touchdowns in seven games (1.86 TDs/game), and has accumulated almost 1,700 passing yards. He is currently slotted in as QB18 in fantasy points per game headed into a Week 8 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. The Browns' Defense comes in with the eighth-fewest fantasy points allowed to opposing QBs per game, only allowing 15.5 per game. This is notable for fantasy managers looking to stream a QB as a bye week replacement in Week 8, as they may want to look elsewhere. Better times should be ahead for Rodgers, though, if wide receivers Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman Jr. can return from the injured reserve and strengthen the Steelers' shallow receiving corps. For now, Rodgers remains an average QB2 and a desperate bye-week/injury replacement without much upside.
Source: Fantasy Points
Source: Fantasy Points
More Recent News
Tony Pollard Emerging as Likely Trade Candidate
According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard is more likely to be traded at the deadline than other star running backs Saquon Barkley or Jonathan Taylor. Graziano notes that both Barkley and Taylor are also possible trade candidates, but Pollard would be the most likely if the Titans receive a compelling offer. In seven games this season, Pollard has 112 carries for 478 yards and four touchdowns, plus 11 receptions for 50 yards. Pollard has no more guaranteed money on his salary, and the team would save $7.25 million in cap space if they move him. Teams such as the New York Giants, Seattle Seahawks, Cincinnati Bengals, or even his former team, the Dallas Cowboys, could be options for Pollard. Fantasy managers should also monitor both Tyjae Spears and rookie Nicholas Singleton if Pollard is moved, as both backs would see increased roles.
Source: Dan Graziano - ESPN
Source: Dan Graziano - ESPN
Chiefs Appear Poised to Make a Move for a Wide Receiver
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Kansas City Chiefs appear poised to make a move for a wide receiver at this season's trade deadline. Fowler notes that injuries to Rashee Rice (hamstring) and Tyquan Thornton (ankle) have created holes in the passing game, and there are plenty of good wide receiver options available. Currently, the Chiefs' leading receiver at the position is Thornton, with 219 yards, which ranks 80th among all players this season. The team has made moves for receivers at the deadline in the past, trading for Kadarius Toney and DeAndre Hopkins. Players like Brian Thomas Jr., Josh Downs, and Jerry Jeudy could be options for the Chiefs as they chase their fourth Super Bowl in eight years. If they are unable to acquire a receiver at the deadline, a free agent like Tyreek Hill could be on the table as well.
Source: Jeremy Fowler - ESPN
Source: Jeremy Fowler - ESPN
Brian Thomas Jr. to Be Traded by Jaguars?
Several NFL executives believe that Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.'s days with the team are numbered, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Fowler notes Thomas's diminished role and, like the now-Texans wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., suggests that a change of scenery could bring out the best in Thomas. In six games, Thomas has caught nine of 20 targets for 105 yards and a touchdown, a severe decline from his historic 2024 rookie season. The third-year receiver has not caught a pass since Week 4 and played just 21% of snaps in Week 6, while Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers, and rookie Josh Cameron played significantly more. With the Jaguars' crowded receiving room and Thomas's high draft capital and stellar rookie production, teams could pay up for the former 1,300-yard receiver.
Source: Jeremy Fowler - ESPN
Source: Jeremy Fowler - ESPN
Chiefs Sign Justin Tucker to their Practice Squad
The Kansas City Chiefs have signed veteran kicker Justin Tucker to their practice squad, according to The Kansas City Star's Sam McDowell. They also worked out Ben Sauls and Harrison Mevis during the week but opted for Tucker. Tucker has played 13 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, making 89% of his kicks and earning five All-Pro and seven Pro Bowl honors. With Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker struggling, going 11 for 16 on the season, the team added Tucker to the practice squad. Tucker served a 10-week suspension last season for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, so he is eligible to kick in Week 8, when the Chiefs face the Denver Broncos. While he is a risky fantasy option, Tucker offers upside if he can revert to his old self in this new situation with Kansas City.
Source: Sam McDowell
Source: Sam McDowell
Justice Hill an Intriguing Handcuff Despite Pass-Catching Profile
Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill has emerged as an intriguing handcuff option with some existing low-end standalone value in PPR leagues. Hill has played at least 42% of the snaps in each of his last three games, and he has 10 catches over his last four contests. None of his fantasy outputs have been truly explosive, but he has been relatively steady week over week. In fact, he has managed to rank as the overall RB46 in PPR scoring so far, which gets him closer to RB3/flex consideration. With that being said, regardless of the standalone fantasy value, Hill is an intriguing handcuff. While he is historically more of a pass-catching back, he has also shown that he is capable of handling a medium-sized rushing role, which would be necessary if Derrick Henry were to ever get hurt. A presumptive dual-threat role would immediately vault Hill to fringe top-24 running back territory if this hypothetical scenario were to happen. As a result, he's an intriguing handcuff to stash in 12+ team leagues, especially for managers who already have Henry on their roster.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Time to Consider Stashing De'Zhaun Stribling in Redraft Leagues
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle) is an intriguing player to stash ahead of his projected return from injured reserve in December. Stribling, who has been sidelined since after Week 1, will have WR3/flex potential when he gets back on the field, so it would make sense for fantasy managers to add him before his activation, rather than get involved in the mad waiver wire scramble once he gets activated. Projecting an exact role and volume for Stribling is a bit difficult because he has yet to catch a pass at the NFL level, but his involvement back in Week 1 before he got hurt was encouraging. The 23-year-old won't pass Mike Evans or Deebo Samuel Sr. on the depth chart, but it seemed like he was perfectly capable of coexisting alongside those two receivers in the 49ers' volume-heavy offense. Stribling should be stashed on the IR in 14+ team leagues for now, and managers in 12-team formats should get in on the action relatively soon, too.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Alec Pierce a Glaring Stash Ahead of Return, Teammate's Potential Trade
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (heel) should be a priority stash in all fantasy football leagues ahead of the midway mark in the season. Pierce tried to play through injury for the first two weeks of the season before being placed on injured reserve, and he is now eligible to be activated whenever the Colts feel he is ready. Given that this move could happen at any time, Pierce is a strong stash option in redraft leagues. After all, there will be a mad scramble to add him when he's activated, so savvy managers should beat the rush and add him off waivers now. Plus, there's the potential for Pierce to carve out an even bigger role if teammate Josh Downs gets traded, as recent rumors have suggested. A Downs trade would strengthen Pierce's position atop the wide receiver depth chart, putting him in the WR2 range on a more consistent basis. The 26-year-old should be stashed on the bench in most 10+ team leagues ahead of his eventual return and potential increase in volume with Downs in trade rumors.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ty Johnson a Priority Handcuff to Target on the Waiver Wire
Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson doesn't have much standalone value in fantasy football, but he remains one of the most intriguing handcuffs to roster because of his upside if James Cook III were to ever miss time. Johnson has carved out just a little standalone value this season, catching 12 passes across four games so far. Meanwhile, he has been nearly nonexistent in the rushing attack, which is where Cook and Josh Allen shine. With that being said, if Cook were to ever miss time, Johnson would have a steadier receiving workload while also handling more carries on early downs. Presumably, he and Ray Davis would share early-down work, while Johnson stays on the field almost exclusively for passing plays on later downs. Cook has missed just one game through nearly five years in the NFL, so rostering his handcuff admittedly requires patience and a willingness to be okay with never playing him. However, the upside is too good to pass up. Johnson should be added off waivers in 14+ team leagues going forward, especially by managers who already have Cook on their roster.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Austin Ekeler's Role Increases Coming Out of the Bye Week
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler should have a larger role on offense following the team's Week 7 bye. Ekeler has yet to play more than 27% of the snaps in any of these three games with the Commanders so far this year, but that could change in Week 8 as he steps into a larger role with Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) officially landing on injured reserve. The 31-year-old is particularly worth monitoring in PPR leagues, given his long track record of catching passes out of the backfield at the NFL level. While Washington already had Rachaad White in a similar role, we wouldn't be surprised to see the Commanders give White more of Croskey-Merritt's vacated carries, and then, in an effort to keep White's workload in check, give more receiving volume to Ekeler. Whether it's enough to get him on the flex/RB3 radar remains to be seen, but at the very least, the veteran pass-catching back is on the streaming radar for the duration of Croskey-Merritt's absence.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Josh Cuevas is Best Left on the Waiver Wire For Now
Baltimore Ravens rookie tight end Josh Cuevas has been more involved in the offense in the past three games, hauling in eight passes on 10 targets. Cuevas has season stats totaling 119 receiving yards, which does lead the Ravens' tight end room, and one touchdown. While the increase in production is encouraging, he should be left on the waiver wire until he sees more on-field opportunity. He sits behind both veteran tight end Mark Andrews and rookie Matt Hibner in snap percentage, averaging only 29% over these past three games. In addition to Cuevas having a low snap percentage, the Ravens rank 28th in pass attempts per game at 28.9 attempts. This leaves little room for his production to grow. It is unlikely that Josh Cuevas will see a fantasy-friendly role in the 2026 season, so he can remain on the waiver wire even in deep formats.
Source: Fantasy Points
Source: Fantasy Points
Michael Pittman Jr. Could be Long-Term Stash Option
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) won't suit up for the Week 8 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Pittman will remain on the Injured Reserve, but he has a chance to return in Week 10. He won't play this weekend, and the Steelers have a bye during the following week. Fantasy managers willing to wait two weeks should consider stashing Pittman. Before going down, Pittman hauled in seven receptions for 89 yards in three games. He figures to be a significant part of the passing attack once he's back in the mix. Fantasy managers who are willing to be patient might get a nice payoff down the road once Pittman is back in the mix.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Tanner McKee Could Offer Deep-League Streaming Value
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee made his second straight start during Monday's game against the Dallas Cowboys. McKee delivered a lackluster performance, completing 23-of-35 passing attempts for 211 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the loss. Despite some mixed results, the Eagles are expected to stick with McKee, given they don't really have any better options right now. Fantasy managers in a pinch due to bye weeks could snag McKee as a desperation streaming option. McKee has thrown for over 200 yards with at least one touchdown over his last two starts. He could offer superflex value for the Week 8 matchup against the Washington Commanders.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Rachaad White is a Decent Streaming Option for Week 8
Washington Commanders running back Rachaad White is expected to remain the lead back ahead of the Week 8 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Fellow back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) is still on the Injured Reserve, so White should continue seeing a larger role in the backfield. In Week 6, White carried the ball seven times for 27 yards, but he did most of his damage in the receiving game. White hauled in four of his five targets for 30 yards and a touchdown in the loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The 27-year-old is a dual-threat back who could help needy fantasy managers in Week 8. There's probably not a ton of long-term value here with White, but he'll be a decent flex option for this weekend.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Brevyn Spann-Ford is Seeing a Larger Role
Dallas Cowboys tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford has been seeing his snap count grow in recent weeks. The third-year tight end has been consistently getting more reps than Luke Schoonmaker throughout most of the season. Jake Ferguson remains the top option at tight end, but Spann-Ford has been getting the ball thrown his way more frequently. In Week 6, Spann-Ford hauled in four of his five targets for 35 yards. He saw his most playing time of the season this past week when he played 53 percent of the offensive snaps during the win over the Philadelphia Eagles. He hauled in both of his targets for 11 yards in the victory. The 26-year-old could be a dynasty stash for managers willing to be patient with him.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Darius Cooper Offers Deep-League Stash Value
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Darius Cooper saw an increased snap count during Monday's Week 7 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Cooper was asked to play more with DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) both sidelined for Monday's contest. Despite seeing a lot of the field, Cooper only hauled in one of his three targets for 17 yards. The second-year wideout has seen more time on the field lately, but he hasn't been able to make much of an impact. Cooper has two receptions or fewer in three straight games. Cooper is worth considering as a deep league or dynasty stash with the Eagles banged up at wide receiver right now.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Micah Parsons has a Chance to Practice Next Week
When asked if he expects All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons (knee) to start practicing next week, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said, "I sure hope so," according to The Athletic's Matt Schneidman. "I'm saying there's a chance." Parsons was hoping he would have a chance to return from Injured Reserve to make his season debut in Week 6 on Sunday Night Football against his old team, the Dallas Cowboys, but that did not happen. The 27-year-old star pass-rusher will not be back on a short week this Thursday night against the Carolina Panthers either, but if he makes enough progress and returns to practice next week, there is a possibility that he could play for the first time this year in a Week 9 matchup against the New England Patriots on the road. Parsons is recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered last Dec. 14. When healthy, Parsons is a game-changer on defense for the Packers after recording 41 tackles (19 solo), 12.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 27 QB hits, and two forced fumbles in 14 games in his first year with Green Bay in 2025. The five-time Pro Bowler should be stashed in all IDP fantasy leagues. He has a whopping 65 sacks in just five NFL seasons.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
Source: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
Matthew Golden "Working Through it" Before Thursday's Game
When asked if second-year wide receiver Matthew Golden (shoulder, foot) will be available to play on Thursday night against the Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said, "I sure hope so. We're kind of working through it," according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Golden is dealing with two injuries and has been an estimated non-participant twice this week on Monday and Tuesday at Packers practice. He played a team-high 85% of the offensive snaps in Sunday's Week 7 loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions, but Golden came out of that physical contest a little banged up, and he is now questionable to suit up to begin Week 8. The 23-year-old will probably need to practice in at least a limited fashion on Wednesday to avoid being ruled out altogether on a short week. Golden had six receptions on 12 targets for a disappointing 39 yards against Detroit, but if he plays on Thursday night, he will have a great chance to bounce back against a Carolina defense that allowed over 40 points to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7. Golden already has three 100-yard games, has scored three times, and has at least 12 targets in four of his seven games so far in 2026 in the midst of a second-year breakout.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
Source: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
Chiefs Sticking With Kicker Harrison Butker
Per the league's transaction report on Tuesday, the Kansas City Chiefs did not hold any kicker tryouts amid Harrison Butker's struggles. Butker continued to miss kicks in Sunday night's 20-3 loss on the road to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 7, coming up short on a 58-yard attempt and later missing a 45-yard try wide right in the fourth quarter. The 31-year-old three-time Super Bowl winner has been a staple for fantasy managers in years past in KC's explosive offense, but that is no longer the case. So far through the first six games in 2026 in his 10th year in the league, Butker has made only 68.8% of his 16 field goal attempts, including going 2-for-6 from 50-plus yards out. He has also missed one of his 15 extra-point tries. At least for one more week this Sunday against the division-rival Denver Broncos, though, head coach Andy Reid will stick with the veteran placekicker. For Week 8 fantasy lineups, managers should consider him a borderline starting kicker with increased risk, although the thin air in Denver should help his distance.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Cowboys Waive Running Back Emari Demercado for a Second Time
The Dallas Cowboys waived running back Emari Demercado on Tuesday for a second time this year, leaving one roster spot open, according to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Demercado was brought to Dallas to give the team more depth behind starter Javonte Williams, but the 27-year-old has only appeared in two games for the Cowboys and carried the ball five times for 15 yards. He was not targeted in the passing game. Tyler Goodson has settled in as Dallas' No. 2 back behind Williams, leaving Demercado out on the street once again. The former undrafted free agent from TCU could return to the Cowboys for a third time in 2026 if he goes unclaimed on waivers. In his first three years in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals, Demercado had 126 rushing attempts for 819 yards (6.5 yards per carry) and three touchdowns while adding 50 receptions on 70 targets for 324 yards and another score through the air in 40 games played (two starts). Right now, Demercado should remain on the waiver wire in all fantasy leagues.
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram - Nick Harris
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram - Nick Harris
WR-Needy Teams Calling Colts About Josh Downs
Wide receiver-needy NFL teams have called the Indianapolis Colts on wide receiver Josh Downs, several league sources told Jordan Schultz. The Colts traded away Pro Bowl offensive guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday, and Downs could be next to go as the 2-5 Colts continue to clean house for draft capital. The 25-year-old Downs caught just two of his four targets for 18 yards in Sunday's Week 7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings as he continues his disappointing 2026 season. The former third-rounder from North Carolina has yet to find the end zone through seven weeks and has 26 receptions on 46 targets for 307 yards (11.8 yards per catch ) to begin his fourth year in the NFL. Downs' production, or lack thereof, is even more disappointing when considering that Alec Pierce (heel) has been on Injured Reserve after aggravating his surgically repaired heel in the Week 2 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. In addition to Downs, the Colts could trade away veteran receiver Keenan Allen and star running back Jonathan Taylor before the Nov. 10 deadline.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
More News About Aaron Rodgers
