RADIO
Jacksonville Jaguars D/ST a Top Option Against Inexperienced QB
The Jacksonville Jaguars D/ST was just a decent starting option in Week 9, but with Joe Fagnano starting at quarterback, the unit is suddenly among the absolute best defenses to stream this week. They are coming off their best game of the season against the Indianapolis Colts, allowing just seven points, forcing three turnovers, earning four sacks, and scoring a defensive touchdown. If Lamar Jackson were starting, they would most likely be considered a mid-tier option, but Lamar's injury changes everything for the Ravens' offense. They scored just 10 points last week against the Buffalo Bills, a weaker defense than the Jaguars. The Jaguars also have had a great run defense all year, meaning they have a good shot at slowing down Derrick Henry, which likely correlates with slowing down the offense altogether. Fantasy managers who had the Jaguars D/ST in their lineups last week should be ecstatic to have them in their Week 9 lineups as well.
Source: RotoBaller D/ST Rankings
Source: RotoBaller D/ST Rankings
Giants Among Most Active Teams as Trade Deadline Approaches
The New York Giants have been among the most active teams in making calls and showing interest in buying from teams willing to sell players, sources told NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The tricky part is that the Giants do not have a fourth- or fifth-round pick next year. Still, it sounds as though they are pushing for bigger names who would require higher picks. Signing Greg Newsome to a contract extension on Tuesday has helped New York create salary cap space for a potential big addition. The Giants are reportedly focusing most of their attention on running back and the interior of their defensive line. At the RB position, Tyrone Tracy Jr. is on Injured Reserve, Cam Skattebo is nursing a hamstring injury, and Najee Harris is no longer with the organization. They might be a serious contender to land Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor or New York Jets RB Breece Hall (quadriceps), but it remains to be seen if they have enough draft capital to pull off a deal of such magnitude. A high-end addition like Taylor or Hall to their backfield would obviously be devastating news for Skattebo's future fantasy outlook. Stay tuned.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Cowboys Open to Making Roster Moves Ahead of NFL Trade Deadline
With the Dallas Cowboys falling to 3-5 after an upset overtime loss to the Arizona Cardinals, executive vice president Stephen Jones said during his Monday radio appearance on 105.3 The Fan that the team is still open to making a roster move. With just over a week remaining before the league's November 10 trade deadline, Jones said, "We think we're close. We think we can get this ship righted and that we can have success." With the rest of the NFC East also struggling, the Cowboys trail only the 4-2-1 New York Giants, who have turned to former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy as their third starting quarterback of the season, and with whom Dallas still has one remaining matchup in Week 17.
Source: Jon Machota
Source: Jon Machota
Seahawks Could Make Another Move Before the Trade Deadline
The Seattle Seahawks acquired guard Quenton Nelson from the Indianapolis Colts last week, and they might not be done making moves ahead of the Nov. 10 trade deadline. According to Corbin K. Smith of Emerald City Spectrum, the Seahawks "have been linked to several other potential deals." Smith noted that while the Seahawks could make another move, he doesn't expect them to swing a deal for Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor. A source told Smith that Seahawks general manager John Schneider actually called the Colts about Taylor last week, but when those talks stalled, the two sides quickly pivoted to striking a deal involving Nelson. If Taylor isn't an option for Seattle, we could see them pivoting to defensive upgrades, specifically in the trenches.
Source: Corbin K. Smith
Source: Corbin K. Smith
Brian Schottenheimer Retains Jerry Jones' Support After Cowboys' Loss
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer continues to have the support of owner Jerry Jones, who said he is not considering any coaching changes following Sunday's 33-30 overtime loss to the Arizona Cardinals, according to ESPN's Todd Archer. Dallas held a 24-10 lead early in the fourth quarter before allowing Arizona to rally and force overtime, where Chad Ryland kicked the game-winning 42-yard field goal. The defeat dropped the Cowboys to 3-5, marking their third loss in four games. Jones referenced his decision to fire Wade Phillips during the 2010 season but indicated he does not envision making a similar move with Schottenheimer. Despite the team's disappointing start, the Cowboys appear committed to keeping their current coaching staff intact.
Source: Todd Archer
Source: Todd Archer
Myles Garrett Expected to Practice Ahead of Week 9
Los Angeles Rams pass-rusher Myles Garrett (knee) is expected to practice ahead of Week 9, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Although the Rams were optimistic that Garrett would practice last week and that didn't happen, they're much more optimistic about his ability to get on the practice field leading up to Week 9. That doesn't necessarily mean that Garrett will suit up next weekend against the Commanders, but it's certainly a step in the right direction. Garrett hasn't played since the season opener, and even then, he clearly wasn't his usual self. The 31-year-old will look to get back to his pre-Los Angeles form, such as when he racked up 23 sacks with the Browns last year. As the Rams look to get back above .500 and stay in the playoff mix, having Garrett healthy and available to attack opposing offenses is pivotal.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Maxx Crosby Not Seeking Trade, Raiders Plan to Keep Him
Las Vegas Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby "doesn't want to go anywhere," according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Additionally, Schefter reports that the Raiders "currently have no plans of trading him." Last year around this time, there was speculation that Crosby could be dealt, and he even requested a trade following the 2025 season. That led to the framework of a deal with the Ravens that ultimately fell through due to a failed physical. However, all is now quiet on the trade front, as the Raiders want to keep Crosby beyond the 2026 trade deadline, and the talented defender is satisfied staying in Las Vegas. The 29-year-old has continued to disrupt the offensive backfield this season, racking up 18 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. His presence will be key down the stretch for the 3-4 Raiders, who are technically still in the mix for a playoff spot despite losing four games in a row.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Chicago Bears D/ST an Effective Week 8 Starting Option
The Chicago Bears D/ST projects as a valuable fantasy asset this week when they take on the hosting Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Chicago's defense has been solid this season. Despite being beatable through the air, the Bears allow the third-fewest rushing yards per game (87.6). While Chicago hasn't truly excelled in any other area, they've been sound across the board. Through seven weeks, they're tied for fifth with 11 takeaways, and rank fourth with 19 sacks. Moreover, the team's recent acquisition of defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons should strengthen an already formidable squad. If Chicago can throw off quarterback Sam Darnold's timing, they'll stand a good chance to make an impact, as Darnold entered Week 7's matchup against the Chiefs completing a mere 38% of throws under pressure. The Bears rank as RotoBaller's D/ST10 for what should be a fun Monday night contest.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Seahawks D/ST a Fringe Starter in Week 8
The Seahawks D/ST is a borderline starting option in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears. RotoBaller currently has the unit ranked as D/ST13, which is in line with their status this week. The Bears present a very tough matchup for opposing defenses. With Bears quarterback Caleb Williams in the lineup the past two weeks, Chicago has reached 30 points in both games. With that being said, Chicago has not faced a unit like Seattle's yet this season. Seattle is allowing a measly 89.4 rushing yards per game and an almost unfathomable 144.4 passing yards per game. The Bears are a run-first team, but they could run into problems against this unit, which could spell trouble for the passing game as well. Seattle's greatest success-determining factor of the week will be its health. With several important pass rushers and depth pieces on the injury report, there is reason for concern. However, all of the team's defensive studs are slated to play this week, providing a source of optimism. Nonetheless, there are potentially safer options available on waivers this week. Seattle is a great unit, but the Bears offense could go nuclear at any time.
Source: Seattle Seahawks
Source: Seattle Seahawks
New England Patriots D/ST Should Feast on the Road in Week 8
The New England Patriots D/ST unit should be started in all fantasy leagues ahead of a very enticing Week 8 road matchup against the Miami Dolphins. The Patriots rank near the middle of the pack in fantasy scoring this season, and they're coming off a shaky loss against the Bears in which they allowed 405 yards with zero turnovers. However, the Bears and Dolphins are two very different teams, and New England should bounce back with a much softer matchup on Sunday afternoon. The Dolphins have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing D/ST units so far in 2026. Their eight turnovers isn't an outrageous number, and they rank near the middle of the league in terms of sacks allowed. However, the biggest issue for Miami has been a mere lack of production. They have scored just 98 points on offense this season, which is the second-lowest mark in the NFL. The Dolphins and Chargers are the only teams with fewer than 108 points this year. We expect that New England's defense will have no trouble limiting points and capitalizing on mistakes this Sunday, making them a must-start D/ST for fantasy purposes. The Patriots rank #4 among D/ST units in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 8.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals Defense In A Smash Spot Against Tennessee
The Cincinnati Bengals defense will take on the Tennessee Titans at home in Week 8. The Bengals defense has continued to be one of the most improved units this season and they take that momentum into a matchup against one of the worst offenses in football. The Titans have scored just 15.4 points per game this season, which ranks 31st in the league just ahead of the Los Angeles Chargers. The Bengals will be without safety Kyle Dugger, who has already been ruled out with a quad injury, but should be mostly healthy heading into the contest. The Bengals are overwhelming 12.5-point home favorites ahead of Sunday, meaning that they are expected to have no issues taking care of the Titans. The Bengals are the top-ranked defense in our RotoBaller Week 8 rankings, making them a must-start unit with a terrific matchup.
Source: Cincinnati Bengals - Twitter
Source: Cincinnati Bengals - Twitter
Los Angeles Rams D/ST a Top-Tier Option for Week 8
The Los Angeles Rams D/ST should be started in all fantasy leagues ahead of a very favorable Week 8 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Rams' defense has quietly been one of the lower-scoring units in fantasy football this season, but they have a glaring opportunity to get right against the Chargers. Sitting at 0-6, the Chargers have allowed the most fantasy points per game to opposing D/ST units, and it's not particularly close. The Bolts have an NFL-most 15 turnovers this season, and their 21 sacks rank fourth-most in the league. The Rams march forward without Myles Garrett (knee) for the time being, but this is still a very talented and well-coached defense. The Rams rank #3 among D/ST units in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 8.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Travis Hunter Back on the Fantasy Radar in Two-Way Role
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter appears to be taking on a larger role offensively, which puts him back on the fantasy radar for Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts. When the Jaguars last played in Week 6, Hunter handled a low 13% snap share, but he was targeted four of the nine times he got on the field. He finished that game with four catches, 59 yards, and one touchdown. He also logged his second interception of the season. Predicting Hunter's week-by-week involvement on offense and defense is difficult, which makes him a riskier play for Week 8 against Indianapolis. However, he does remain an intriguing fantasy starter, especially as the Jaguars appear to reshuffle their depth chart. Brian Thomas Jr. has become a non-factor and Josh Cameron is still adjusting to the NFL, which leaves Hunter in the mix to be the team's No. 3 receiver behind Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers. The former first-round pick's increased volume in Week 6 is enough to get him on the low-end WR3/flex radar in deeper leagues this Sunday. He ranks as the overall WR55 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 8.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars D/ST Arguably at Top of Rankings in Week 8
The Jacksonville Jaguars defense/special teams unit takes on turnover-prone Daniel Jones and the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8. The Colts franchise is trending in the wrong direction currently, meaning a potentially tough game for them this weekend. That is a great recipe for a top performance out of the Jaguars defense, who have shown easily capable of boom weeks this season with a 13-point and 16-point performance earlier this season. The defense hasn't quite been as potent as last season when it comes to forcing turnovers, but they have a chance to improve their stats drastically this week. The Colts have 12 total turnovers on the season and have allowed 19 sacks, both ranking close to the worst in the league. As one of the better defenses in the NFL going against one of the most mistake-prone offenses in the league, it is hard to do better than the Jaguars D/ST in Week 8.
Source: RotoBaller D/ST Rankings
Source: RotoBaller D/ST Rankings
Bills Defense Faces Bolstered Ravens Offense
The Buffalo Bills' defense will go up against a bolstered Baltimore Ravens offense in Week 8, as the Ravens will see the return of quarterback Lamar Jackson as they head to Buffalo. Jackson has been out the past three weeks due to a high-ankle sprain, but will make his comeback against the Bills, who have been one of the worst teams in the NFL defensively. Buffalo has allowed 386.8 yards per game this season, the second-worst mark in the league, and will go up against a Jackson-led offense that averaged 31.5 points per game over the first four games of the year. The Bills' defense is RotoBaller's 22nd-ranked unit and is projected to score five fantasy points against Baltimore.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
