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Broncos Want to Acquire Jonathan Taylor
The Denver Broncos are reportedly interested in acquiring superstar running back Jonathan Taylor from the Indianapolis Colts, per Zac Stevens. The Indianapolis Colts are reportedly looking to move Taylor ahead of the upcoming trade deadline. The Broncos recently placed RJ Harvey (knee) on Injured Reserve and are now looking to make an upgrade to their running back room. Taylor would no doubt be an immediate upgrade over J.K. Dobbins and rookie Jonah Coleman, who are the current featured backs in Denver. It's unclear what the asking price is for Taylor or if the Broncos would need to give up one of their backs in order to acquire him. There are likely going to be plenty of suitors for Taylor, but it sounds like the Broncos are making it known that they want him in Denver.
Source: Zac Stevens
Source: Zac Stevens
Royals Decline 2027 Club Option on Carlos Estevez
The Kansas City Royals have declined their $13 million team option on right-hander Carlos Estevez (shoulder) for the 2027 season, per the MLBPA. Estevez is now a free agent and is free to sign with any team this winter. The 33-year-old had a completely lost season due to injury in 2026, making just one appearance for Kansas City this past season. Estevez may also be set to miss a significant chunk of 2027 as well, as he underwent shoulder surgery in early September. The veteran right-hander was a highly productive closer for fantasy managers as recently as the 2025 season, when he recorded a 2.45 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP with 54 strikeouts and 42 saves across 66 innings (67 games). However, he faces a long road back to fantasy relevance at this point, given his current health situation.
Source: MLB Players Association
Source: MLB Players Association
Jahmyr Gibbs Posts Best Efficiency Numbers of the Season
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs totaled 23 carries, 153 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown during Sunday's Week 8 win over the Minnesota Vikings. He also caught two of his four targets for an additional 15 receiving yards. Interestingly, this was Gibbs' lowest catch and receiving yard totals of the season. However, that's a testament to just how elite he has been in the passing game this year. Although his receiving workload was scaled back Sunday, Gibbs made a huge impact in the rushing game. Despite facing a top-tier Vikings run defense, the 24-year-old running back averaged 6.7 yards per carry, which is his highest single-game mark of the season. He will remain the undisputed overall RB1 heading into next week's lopsided matchup against the 1-6 Miami Dolphins, who just allowed 120 rushing yards to the duo of Rhamondre Stevenson and Corey Kiner.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jeremy McNichols Questionable to Return with Foot Injury
Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols (foot) is considered questionable to return during Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. McNichols was forced to exit during the second half of this game due to a foot issue, and it's unclear if he'll be able to finish out this game. Before leaving, McNichols carried the ball five times for 21 yards and also hauled in one pass for seven additional yards through the air. If he's unable to return, Rachaad White and Austin Ekeler will see a slight uptick in workload over the final quarter of this game.
Source: Zach Selby
Source: Zach Selby
Chase Brown Handles Enormous Receiving Volume in Win
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown rushed for 55 yards on 12 carries during Sunday's Week 8 win over the Tennessee Titans. He also caught eight of his nine targets for an additional 46 receiving yards. Finally, he also lost a fumble. Brown turned in a modest rushing stat line, but he had a terrific performance in the passing game. His eight catches were particularly useful in half-PPR and full-PPR leagues, where he used his receiving volume to post double-digit fantasy points. The 26-year-old has done a good job maintaining a large workload despite the Bengals' offense having plenty of other impactful contributors, including Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and even Mike Gesicki, who has a five-game touchdown streak. Brown should continue to be treated as a high-end RB2 with RB1 upside in Week 9 against the Falcons, who just gave up 324 rushing yards to Tampa Bay.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zach Eflin Has 2027 Mutual Option Declined by Orioles
Baltimore Orioles right-hander Zach Eflin (elbow) had his $25 million mutual option for the 2027 season declined, per the MLBPA. Eflin is now a free agent. Declining the pricey option was a no-brainer decision for Baltimore, as Eflin underwent Tommy John surgery in April and is likely to miss most or all of the 2027 season as a result. The 32-year-old made just one appearance in 2026 before suffering the season-ending elbow injury. Eflin also battled through an injury-marred 2025 campaign, recording a 6-5 record with a 5.93 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and 50 strikeouts across 71 1/3 innings (14 starts). The veteran right-hander could find a home with a team that wants to have him rehab in their facilities with an eye toward 2028. However, he's unlikely to factor for fantasy managers in 2027.
Source: MLB Players Association
Source: MLB Players Association
Patrick Mahomes Bounces Back with Strong Performance in Week 8
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was able to rebound during Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. Before this game, Mahomes hadn't thrown a touchdown in back-to-back games. The two-time MVP was carving up the Broncos defense through the first three quarters of this game. The Chiefs were unable to finish the job, but this was still a masterful performance by Mahomes. He completed 30-of-41 passing attempts for 321 yards with three touchdowns and zero interceptions in the loss. This marked the second time this season that Mahomes has thrown for over 300 yards with three touchdowns in a single game. He should continue to succeed against the shaky New York Jets defense in Week 9.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Kyle Pitts Sr. Slowed Down in Week 8 Shutout Loss
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. was unable to keep his touchdown streak alive during the Week 8 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Coming into this game, Pitts had found the end zone in three straight games, but the Bucs defense held Pitts in check on Sunday. Pitts hauled in two of his five targets for six yards during the Week 8 loss. This was a nightmare game for the entire Falcons offense as they were unable to score on Sunday. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. completed only eight passes and threw four interceptions. Fantasy managers can expect better results from Pitts next weekend, considering it's almost impossible to do worse than six receiving yards. He should rebound against the inconsistent Cincinnati Bengals defense in Week 9.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Josh Bell Enters Free Agency After Twins Decline 2027 Team Option
The Minnesota Twins have declined a $10 million team option on first baseman/designated hitter Josh Bell for the 2027 season, per Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Bell will now hit free agency and appears unlikely to be back in Minnesota next year. The 34-year-old had a solid season for the Twins in 2026, hitting .255/.319/.419 with 21 home runs, 96 RBI, 78 runs scored, and two stolen bases across 631 plate appearances. The veteran switch-hitter does not offer much defensive value at this point in his career, but he's a proven run producer and an adequate power source. If he lands in a spot where he can earn everyday playing time once again in 2027, Bell profiles as a four-category compiler who can provide value in deeper fantasy leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Joe Ryan Has Mutual Option Declined, Remains Under Team Control
The Minnesota Twins are declining their half of a 2027 mutual option for starting pitcher Joe Ryan, per Dan Hayes of The Athletic. However, Hayes notes that Ryan remains under team control via arbitration for 2027. Thus, this is a cost-cutting maneuver for Minnesota, as Ryan's $9.6 million arbitration projection comes in below the value of the $13 million option. Ryan dealt with some injury issues in 2026 but still put together a productive season, recording a 7-10 record with a 3.79 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 159 strikeouts across 144 2/3 innings (27 starts). If declining the mutual option signals that Minnesota is not looking to sign Ryan Long-term, the 30-year-old could be a trade candidate this winter ahead of his final season of team control.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Tyler Warren Fails to Produce on Sunday
Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren failed to impress during Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Warren continues to see a high target share, but he failed to do anything with it on Sunday. He hauled in four of his 10 targets for 18 yards during the blowout loss. The 24-year-old made his return to the field this week after two straight absences, and it looks like he didn't even show up. It's not all his fault, as the Colts offense is struggling to move the ball right now. It's possible that both running back Jonathan Taylor and wide receiver Josh Downs get traded in the coming days. If that happens, Warren will probably see an increased role in the offense going forward. Fantasy managers can be hopeful for a bounce-back outing against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 9.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tony Pollard Continues to Be Bright Spot for Struggling Titans
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard rushed 21 times for 117 yards (5.6 yards per attempt) and two touchdowns, while adding three receptions for 20 yards (6.7 yards per reception), in a heartbreaking 43-36 loss in overtime to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 8. Pollard did have one fumble, but the Titans did not lose the ball on the play. Pollard and quarterback Cam Ward were the only two players to carry the ball for the Titans on Sunday. With the loss, the Titans fell to 1-7 on the 2026 season and will have a bye week in Week 9. However, Pollard has been a bright spot for the team, rushing for 595 yards on 133 carries (4.5 yards per attempt) and six touchdowns through eight games. Pollard has also tallied 14 receptions for 70 yards (5.0 yards per catch). After the bye week, Pollard and the Titans have a matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars' stout rushing defense, but Pollard remains a high-volume running back who should be started.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Emilio Pagan Becomes a Free Agent
The Cincinnati Reds announced on Saturday that right-handed reliever Emilio Pagan declined his $10 million 2027 player option to become a free agent. Pagan did not pitch for the Reds from May 5 to July 3 due to a strained left hamstring. He finished the 2026 campaign with a 5-1 record, 3.38 ERA, and 25 saves in 28 chances while making $10 million. The 35-year-old veteran has 90 saves in his 10 seasons in the big leagues, with the last three coming with the Reds. The former 10th-round pick in 2013 out of Belmont Abbey College by the Seattle Mariners should attract plenty of interest on the open market for a multi-year contract after recording 57 saves in the last two seasons in Cincy, but he might not be guaranteed a primary closing job with a new organization. Pagan also had 20 saves in 70 innings pitched in his third year in the majors in 2019 with the Tampa Bay Rays. He has 90 career saves in 549 1/3 innings pitched in his 10 years in the league with six different teams. The journeyman reliever had a nice 6.3% walk rate this year, but his strikeout rate dropped from 30% in 2025 to 25.9% in 2026.
Source: Cincinnati Reds
Source: Cincinnati Reds
DK Metcalf Disappoints in Win Over Browns
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf recorded one catch for four yards in a 27-6 win over the division-rival Cleveland Browns in Week 8. Metcalf saw six targets, but he was only able to reel in one single reception for an incredibly low yardage total in a highly disappointing day for fantasy managers. Unsurprisingly, the one reception and four yards were both season lows for Metcalf in 2026. Tight end Darnell Washington led the Steelers with three receptions (on five targets) for 94 yards on Sunday. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for just 172 yards on a day when the Steelers leaned on running backs Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle in the ground game, rushing for 200 yards as a team. Through eight games, Metcalf has recorded 33 receptions for 378 yards and a touchdown in 2026. Following a bye week, Metcalf will look to bounce back in a Week 10 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
James Cook III Furthers Touchdown Streak in Week 8 Win
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III put together yet another productive game in his team's 36-10 Week 8 win over the Baltimore Ravens, recording 101 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 23 touches. Cook III is in the midst of an excellent season in 2026, logging 707 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 138 carries. The 27-year-old has scored at least one touchdown in six consecutive games, and he's topped 100 yards from scrimmage in five out of those six outings. Between his own production and the dominant Bills offense's ability to consistently move the ball up and down the field, Cook III profiles as an elite running back option for fantasy managers.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
