RADIO
Ohio State Expected to Start Luke Fahey at Quarterback
With starting quarterback Julian Sayin out with an arm injury, Ohio State will turn to freshman Luke Fahey under center, according to CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz. Ohio State is getting ready to take on USC and will do so behind Fahey, who has appeared in three games this season. Fahey is 9 of 13 passing for 203 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions on the year and will now be tasked with leading a Buckeyes passing game that has produced and average of 323.1 yards through the air per game, which is sixth-best in the country. Fahey and Ohio State go up against a Trojans pass defense that has given up 216.4 yards passing per game.
Source: Matt Zenitz
Source: Matt Zenitz
Sam LaPorta a Bounce-Back Candidate in Week 8 Despite Tough Matchup
Across six games in 2026, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta has recorded 28 catches for 334 yards and three touchdowns on 39 targets. The 25-year-old is coming off a rough game in Week 7, in which he logged just one catch for 18 yards on two targets against the Green Bay Packers. LaPorta now faces a tough task in his attempt to bounce back in Week 8, as he will face a Minnesota Vikings defense that currently ranks first in the NFL in both total passing yards allowed (1,085) and passing touchdowns allowed (three). Minnesota has been especially tough on tight ends, allowing just 18 receptions and 233 receiving yards to the position through six games. However, LaPorta has had some success against the Vikings defense in the past, recording six catches for 97 yards and a touchdown on eight targets in his lone outing against them last season. Even coming off a quiet Week 7, LaPorta remains a must-start tight end for fantasy managers in Week 8.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Isaac TeSlaa is Tough to Trust in Difficult Week 8 Matchup
Across six games in 2026, Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa has recorded 10 catches for 197 yards on 21 targets. The 24-year-old has flashed upside at times, but he's also seen his usage scale down recently. Over Detroit's last two games, TeSlaa has logged just one catch for 10 yards on four targets. In Week 8, TeSlaa is now set to face a very difficult matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Through seven weeks, the Minnesota defense ranks first in the NFL in both total passing yards allowed (1,085) and passing touchdowns allowed (three). Between the tough opponent and his diminished role in the Lions' passing game, TeSlaa should be off the starter radar for fantasy managers in Week 8.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kaelan Chudzinski Will Play for Boston College vs. Duke
After previously being expected to miss the entire season due to an Achilles injury, Boston College tight end Kaelan Chudzinski is set to make his 2026 debut on Saturday as the Eagles prepare to take on Duke. Chudzinski is expected to see limited action against the Blue Devils, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. Chudzinski was one of the nation's top tight ends a year ago, recording 24 receptions for 313 yards and four touchdowns during his freshman campaign. He will join a Boston College aerial attack that is in need of a boost, as the Eagles have averaged just 194.7 yards passing per game this season. Duke has done a nice job against the pass this season, allowing just 194.1 yards passing per contest.
Source: Pete Thamel
Source: Pete Thamel
Jameson Williams a High-Risk, High-Reward Wide Receiver Option in Week 8
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams got off to a slow start to the 2026 season, but his production has begun to pick up lately. Over his last three games, Williams has recorded 13 catches for 240 yards and four touchdowns on 21 targets. In Week 8, Williams faces a tough matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Through seven weeks, Minnesota ranks first in the NFL in both total passing yards allowed (1,085) and passing touchdowns allowed (three). Williams specializes in explosive plays, so he does not need Detroit's offense to have sustained offensive success to produce big numbers for fantasy managers. Still, the matchup against the Vikings also makes it more likely that Williams gets shut down completely. All in all, Williams profiles as a boom/bust, low-end WR2 option for fantasy managers in Week 8.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Amon-Ra St. Brown Remains a High-End Wide Receiver Option in Week 8
Across six games in 2026, Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has recorded 46 catches for 525 yards and five touchdowns on 68 targets. The 27-year-old has been the focal point of the Detroit passing game, logging at least eight targets in every game this season and seeing double-digit targets in five out of six contests. St. Brown and the Lions will face a very difficult matchup in Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings. Through seven weeks, Minnesota ranks first in the NFL in both total passing yards allowed (1,085) and passing touchdowns allowed (three). St. Brown also missed practice on Wednesday with an ankle injury, although he was able to return to full practice participation on both Thursday and Friday. As long as he stays healthy throughout the game on Sunday, he should continue to see heavy target volume. Fantasy managers may want to downgrade expectations slightly given the matchup, but St. Brown remains a high-end wide receiver option for fantasy managers in Week 8.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
"No Way" the Jets Trade Garrett Wilson at Deadline
The New York Jets have reportedly "no chance" of trading star wide receiver Garrett Wilson at this year's deadline, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. While the Jets would likely draw significant interest in Wilson, the team has made it clear they have no intention of trading their lead wideout. Wilson showed frustration on the sideline during their 28-25 loss to the Miami Dolphins after catching just two of three targets for 26 yards. In seven games this season, Wilson has hauled in 37 of 51 passes for 444 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 11.6 half-PPR fantasy points per game. With Wilson likely to remain with the Jets through the 2026 season, his fantasy value will be capped by the limited ceiling of quarterback Geno Smith and a crowded receiving room, as rookie wideout Omar Cooper Jr. emerges. Fantasy managers should continue to view the fifth-year receiver as a solid WR2 in fantasy and a must-start every week.
Source: Adam Schefter - ESPN
Source: Adam Schefter - ESPN
Colin Simmons Out Against Mississippi State
Texas star pass-rusher Colin Simmons (ankle) has been declared out, according to the SEC availability report, as the Longhorns prepare to take on Mississippi State on Saturday. Simmons has been one of Texas' top defenders this season, having recorded at least one sack in each of his last five games. He exploded for a 5.5-sack effort during a 20-17 win over Tennessee on Sept. 26, but will now miss his second straight game due to an ankle injury. Without him against Ole Miss last week, Texas intercepted Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss three times but failed to record a sack. Mississippi State will be without starting quarterback Kamario Taylor, who is out for the rest of the season due to a toe injury.
Source: SEC availability report
Source: SEC availability report
Sione Vaki Unlikely to See Significant Workload in Week 8
Despite holding his team's RB2 role, Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki has played a minimal role on offense in 2026. Across six games, the 25-year-old has recorded 108 yards from scrimmage on 20 touches. The Lions have leaned very heavily on star RB1 Jahmyr Gibbs, leaving very little opportunity for Vaki to rack up fantasy-relevant production. Gibbs missed practice on Wednesday of this week with a shoulder injury, but he returned to full participation on both Thursday and Friday and is off the injury report heading into Detroit's Week 8 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Vaki may see a few extra touches if Gibbs is battling a minor injury, but Minnesota has been one of the best defenses in football in 2026 and enters Week 8 ranked third in the NFL in total rushing yards allowed (587). All in all, Vaki should not be in starting consideration for fantasy managers on Sunday against the Vikings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kyrie Irving Drops Season-High 35 Points in NBA Cup Opener
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving scored a season-high 35 points with four rebounds and nine assists in Friday's 116-111 NBA Cup win over the Houston Rockets. Irving shot 12-for-19 from the field, 5-for-8 from deep and 6-for-6 at the line, pouring in 26 points after halftime as Dallas erased an 11-point deficit. His jumper with just over two minutes left broke a 100-100 tie, while Cooper Flagg added 33 points. Irving is averaging 21.4 points and 4.8 assists through five games, and this was easily his best offensive showing of the young season.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Michael Penix Jr. a Volatile QB2 with QB1 Upside in Week 8
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. defied the odds and guided his team to a win over the previously undefeated 49ers last week, completing 25 of 34 passes for 213 yards and tallying three touchdown passes for the second week in a row. It also marked the fourth straight contest in which the left-handed quarterback did not throw an interception, and he brings a sterling 9:1 TD:INT ratio into Week 8's road matchup against the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay has made life difficult for opposing signal callers so far this season, ranking as the seventh-stingiest unit in terms of allowing fantasy points to opposing QBs, recording eight interceptions (second-most) through seven games and racking up five sacks against Carolina in their Week 7 contest. But they've been one of the best units against the run, too, which could force Atlanta to pass more. With legit stars on offense, Atlanta can come at teams through the air or on the ground, which could make Penix a volatile play on a week-to-week basis, and he ranks as a mid-range QB2 at RotoBaller for Week 8. However, with back-to-back weeks finishing as a top-10 fantasy QB, the 26-year-old has some upside for those looking for a streamer.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jahmyr Gibbs a Must-Start Running Back in Week 8
Through his first six games played this season, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has combined productivity with a massive workload. The 24-year-old has rushed for 620 yards and seven touchdowns on 134 carries and also hauled in 32 catches for 270 yards and two scores on 40 targets. Gibbs has a very tough matchup in Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota's defense enters the week ranked third in the NFL in total rushing yards allowed (587) and has allowed just three rushing touchdowns in six games. However, Gibbs has topped 30 touches in each of his last two contests and has recorded at least 27 touches in four out of Detroit's six games. As long as he continues to see that type of volume, Gibbs should have a good chance to produce like a high-end running back for fantasy managers in Week 8.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Growing Belief that Jaguars Could Trade Brian Thomas Jr.
After the Jacksonville Jaguars stated they have no intention of trading wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., league sources believe the team will move him by this year's trade deadline. Since his monster rookie season, when he totaled over 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns, Thomas has struggled in Liam Coen's offense, hauling in just 57 of 111 targets for 812 yards and three touchdowns over his last 20 games. With Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers, Travis Hunter, and even rookie Josh Cameron emerging as the lead receivers in Jacksonville, Thomas has seen his role reduced over the last two games. Teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, and Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to be in the market for a wide receiver by this year's trade deadline. While it's unclear whether the Jaguars have changed their stance on Thomas, his name will be one to watch before the November 10 deadline.
Source: Tom Pelissero - NFL Network
Source: Tom Pelissero - NFL Network
Jared Goff Remains a Low-End Starter in Tough Week 8 Matchup
Across six games in 2026, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has completed 67.3% of his pass attempts and thrown for 1,788 yards, 14 touchdowns, and zero interceptions. The 32-year-old has thrown multiple touchdown passes in five out of his games this season and currently leads the NFL in passing yards per game (298.0). However, Goff and the Lions face a tough Week 8 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Through seven weeks, Minnesota ranks first in the NFL in both total passing yards allowed (1,085) and passing touchdowns allowed (three). Goff also struggled against the Vikings in 2025, throwing two interceptions and taking 10 sacks across two games. Still, Detroit's offense is healthier than it was in 2025, and the Lions may have to throw the ball to stay in the game. All in all, Goff profiles as a low-end QB1 option for fantasy managers in Week 8.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Bailey Stockton Trending Toward Being Available
Per the SEC availability report, Florida wide receiver Bailey Stockton (undisclosed) has been upgraded from doubtful to questionable and is trending toward being available for the Gators against Georgia on Saturday. Florida will need all the help it can get, as the Bulldogs' defense has been strong when defending against opposing passing games this season. Georgia has limited its opponents to just 185 yards through the air per game and held Auburn to 174 yards passing in a 27-24 defeat on Oct. 17. Stockton is Florida's second-leading receiver, having amassed 289 yards on 27 receptions while finding the end zone twice. Fellow Florida wide receiver Vernell Brown III (knee) appears unlikely to play, as he has been downgraded from probable to questionable.
Source: SEC Availability Report
Source: SEC Availability Report
