RADIO
Jaydon Blue Could be Desperation Flex Play
Philadelphia Eagles running back Jaydon Blue was recently signed to the 53-man roster from the practice squad. Given all the injuries in the backfield, Blue is expected to play a depth role behind lead back Saquon Barkley this weekend. Blue hasn't played this season, but he has a good chance of getting in his first game action during the Week 8 matchup against the Washington Commanders. He'll likely need to battle with Elijah Mitchell for carries behind Barkley. It's unclear how much of the field Blue is actually going to see this weekend. He'll draw a decent matchup against a Commanders defense that ranks 14th in the league against the run. Blue is a deep league stash option because he could be the next man up if Barkley ever goes down. However, he's nothing more than a desperation deep league play for Week 8.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Ryan Preece Cautiously Optimistic About Martinsville Chances
After practice and qualifying at Martinsville Speedway on Saturday afternoon, one thing was clear: Ryan Preece has a good race car this weekend. The No. 60 Ford was the fastest car in the lone practice session of the weekend, and in terms of long-run speed, Preece ranked sixth-best in 30-lap average as well. He also qualified sixth for the Xfinity 500 on Sunday. When talking about adjustments and how track conditions were on Saturday, Preece remarked, "I'm really proud of the adjustments we made to make our car better in the long run. It looks like guys are struggling, and I hope I don't eat my words, but we're really good." At Martinsville specifically, Preece has top-10 finishes in three of the last five races, and hasn't finished worsew than 14th here since 2023. He's a tournament-style play in DFS this weekend.
Source: PitByNumbers
Source: PitByNumbers
Chris Rodriguez Jr. Could Offer Deep League Flex Value
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. is looking to build off arguably his best performance on the ground in Week 6. Rodriguez carried the ball 11 times for a season-high 55 yards during the Week 6 loss to the Houston Texans. The 27-year-old surprisingly almost evenly split the carries with lead back Bhayshul Tuten during that game. It remains to be seen if Rodriguez will once again see double-digit carries or if that was a fluke. He'll draw a favorable matchup against the Indianapolis Colts defense in Week 8. A defensive unit that ranks 22nd in the league, allowing 124.4 rushing yards per game. Rodriguez has been mostly a touchdown-dependent option throughout the season. He should be treated as a low-end flex option in deep leagues for this Week 8 contest.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Darnell Washington is Touchdown-Dependent Option for Week 8
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington is looking to keep his touchdown streak alive in Week 8. Washington has scored in two straight games as he heads into a huge AFC North matchup against the Cleveland Browns. The big tight end has scored in three of his last four games, but he hasn't done much in terms of receiving yardage. Over those four games, Washington has finished with 10 receptions for 68 yards. He'll draw a tough matchup against the Browns defense, which is ranked 6th in the league in opponent passing yards per game. Washington is currently ranked as Rotoballer's TE28 heading into this game. Fantasy managers should consider Washington a touchdown-dependent option for this big divisional matchup.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Elijah Mitchell is Elevated for Week 8
Philadelphia Eagles running back Elijah Mitchell has been elevated from the practice squad ahead of the Week 8 matchup against the Washington Commanders. This is the second week in a row that Mitchell has been elevated to the active roster. Last week, Mitchell carried the ball three times for 11 yards and hauled in three receptions for 23 yards through the air. Saquon Barkley is healthy, so Mitchell will serve as depth in the backfield this weekend. Jaydon Blue is also on the active roster, which means Mitchell could have a minimal role. The Commanders rank 14th in the league, allowing 100.5 rushing yards per game. Fantasy managers should consider Mitchell a bench stash, but he's not worth starting in Week 8.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Jonathan Taylor Expected to See Normal Workload in Week 8
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced that running back Jonathan Taylor and wideout Josh Downs are expected to have their normal workload in Week 8 against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Both players traveled with the team despite being involved in trade rumors ahead of the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday, November 10, at 4:00 pm ET. Downs officially requested a trade Wednesday after the team traded away franchise cornerstones Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner. Taylor announced on Thursday that he met with Colts ownership about his role and future with the organization, but he hasn't requested a trade. Both names will be worth heavily monitoring as we get closer to the trade deadline. Taylor remains a set-it-and-forget-it fantasy player, while Downs will continue to be seen as a flimsy flex option in Week 8.
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd
Sean Durzi Day-to-Day After Missing Saturday's Practice
New York Rangers defenseman Sean Durzi (undisclosed) is day-to-day, The Athletic's Peter Baugh reports. Durzi is banged up and has recently taken regular maintenance days. He's been in the lineup for every game so far in 2026-27 but might be forced to miss Sunday's contest against Edmonton. In 14 outings, Durzi has recorded five points (two goals, three assists), 12 SOG, and 21 blocks. Braden Schneider (illness) is also day-to-day, so the Rangers may need to make several changes to their blue line on Sunday. The team recalled Matthew Robertson from the minors on Saturday, adding another defensive option. Scott Morrow is also available to enter the lineup.
Source: Peter Baugh
Source: Peter Baugh
Joel Eriksson Ek OK for Sunday
Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (undisclosed) will suit up on Sunday against the Washington Capitals, The Athletic's Joe Smith reports. On Friday, it was reported that Eriksson Ek was being evaluated by team doctors after being hurt in Thursday's clash against the Islanders. He was back on the ice Saturday, and Wild head coach John Hynes said Eriksson Ek is "good to go" for Sunday's matchup. Eriksson Ek has five goals and seven assists in 15 games this season, averaging more than one hit per game. He's on a four-game point streak and will look to extend his goal streak to three games on Sunday.
Source: Joe Smith
Source: Joe Smith
Kenny Gainwell Expected to Play in Week 8
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenny Gainwell (hip) is expected to play in Week 8 against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons, according to Greg Auman of Fox Sports. Gainwell was originally listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup, but the team has not elevated anyone from the practice squad, suggesting Gainwell will be active. In addition, the 27-year-old was a full participant in the Buccaneers' final practice on Friday. Gainwell enters Week 8 as RotoBaller's PPR RB41 and should be out of fantasy lineups if possible. He's been unable to replicate his fantasy production from his time in Pittsburgh a year ago and has operated as the RB2 behind Bucky Irving. In seven games, Gainwell has surpassed double-digit fantasy points once, and it took a receiving touchdown to do it.
Source: Fox Sports - Greg Auman
Source: Fox Sports - Greg Auman
Samuel Montembeault Now Day-to-Day
Montreal Canadiens goaltender Samuel Montembeault (lower body) has been upgraded to day-to-day, Sportsnet's Eric Engels reports. The 30-year-old sustained a lower-body injury early in the season and will miss an 11th consecutive game on Saturday night against Pittsburgh. However, with him now day-to-day, Montembeault should be available soon. After making 23 starts last season, Montembeault has yet to appear in a game this season. Montreal has found a strong tandem with Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler, making it difficult for Montembeault to earn playing time.
Source: Eric Engels
Source: Eric Engels
Mike Matheson Out Two Weeks With Lower-Body Injury
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson (lower body) will be unavailable for two weeks. Matheson recently returned from a lower-body injury, but he skated in just three games before suffering another health issue. He will miss a second consecutive game on Saturday against Pittsburgh. The veteran rearguard does a lot for the Canadiens and has averaged 0.5 points per game in eight outings this season. He has one goal and three assists, playing nearly 24 minutes a night. Adam Engstrom is likely to see regular action until Matheson returns, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect much from him.
Source: Sportsnet
Source: Sportsnet
Rashid Shaheed Ruled Out for Week 8
Seattle Seahawks wideout Rashid Shaheed (knee) has been ruled out for Monday night's Week 8 game against the Chicago Bears, according to Gregg Bell of 93.3 KJR FM Seattle. Shaheed did not participate in practice this week leading up to the game. The 28-year-old sustained the knee injury during a collision with Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the end zone during their Week 7 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. This marks the first game Shaheed has missed this season, but he could be in danger of missing more time after missing every practice this week. Shaheed has seen a limited role in the offense, catching 16 of his 29 targets for 163 yards and no touchdowns. In his absence, tight end AJ Barner and wideout Tory Horton could see their role grow in the passing game this week.
Source: Gregg Bell
Source: Gregg Bell
Logan O'Connor Unavailable Saturday
Colorado Avalanche right wing Logan O'Connor (personal) won't play in Saturday's matchup with Calgary, Aarif Deen of Colorado Hockey Now reports. He recently lost his father and has been away from the team. After missing time with a lower-body injury, O'Connor made his season debut only last week. He hasn't made an offensive impact in 13:24 of ice time per game. Gavin Brindley was recalled from the AHL on Friday and will replace O'Connor on Saturday. Brindley has one assist in four NHL outings this season and is unlikely to play a prominent role in Saturday's contest.
Source: Aarif Deen
Source: Aarif Deen
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
Sam Darnold a Potential Streaming Option in Week 8
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is a potential streaming option in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears. The Bears' defense has been suspect at times this season, and Darnold seemed to be more under control in Week 7. The main factor holding Darnold back in fantasy throughout this season has been his turnovers. He has thrown multiple interceptions in three games, and he has thrown at least one interception in each game he has been healthy for. Darnold threw a red zone interception in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs, but he played efficient, mistake-free football otherwise. It was an encouraging sign for his rest-of-season prospects. The Bears are No. 26 against opposing quarterbacks in fantasy, allowing 19.88 points per game. Darnold should be able to deliver in the range of 250 passing yards and multiple touchdowns. He should outperform his ranking as QB22. Given the throws of bye weeks we find ourselves in, Darnold is a potential fantasy option.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
