RADIO
Jordyn Tyson a Must-Stash Receiver Despite Delayed Recovery
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) should continue to be stashed in all fantasy leagues, even though rostering him has required more patience than expected. Tyson opened the season on injured reserve, and it was initially reported that he would return around the end of September or the start of October. Instead, we're turning the calendar to November, and Tyson is still on IR. Stashing Tyson has definitely required more patience, but that patience should pay off when he does eventually make his NFL debut. The first-round pick is viewed as one of the most intriguing rookies in dynasty leagues, and he'll have similar upside in redraft fantasy football once he's activated. Presumably, Tyson will step into the No. 2 receiver role behind Chris Olave. The No. 2 receiver role in a productive, pass-heavy offense like New Orleans should make him a fringe WR2/WR3 on a weekly basis. There's no reason a player like that should be on the waiver wire, even in shallower leagues. Managers should quickly add and stash Tyson wherever he's available.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Austin Ekeler a Dart Throw in PPR Leagues for Week 8
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler lacks rushing upside, but he could carve out enough receiving volume to get onto the fringe of the fantasy radar in PPR leagues for Week 8. The Commanders have placed Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) on injured reserve, bumping Ekeler up to the No. 2 running back role behind Rachaad White for Sunday's contest against the Philadelphia Eagles. Although White has a pass-catching background, similar to Ekeler, the Commanders may choose to restructure his role while he temporarily fills in for Croskey-Merritt. If White gets more early-down rushing work, then this will open the door for Ekeler to rotate in on passing downs, giving him some intrigue in PPR leagues. His ceiling is capped, but we do think he has a decent chance to eclipse his previous season-high snap share of 27%. We'd rather find a safer option for the RB3/flex spot this week, but he at least warrants a little bit of consideration in PPR leagues with 14+ teams.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Adonai Mitchell Belongs on Bench After Being Overtaken by Rookie
New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell can be benched in most fantasy leagues ahead of his Week 8 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Mitchell finished last season strong and opened the 2026 campaign on a positive note, but a four-week absence set him back significantly. He returned to action in Week 7 and caught zero of his three targets on a 44% snap share. Evidently, Mitchell had the No. 2 receiver role before his injury, but he has since fallen to No. 3 on the depth chart after being overtaken by rookie Omar Cooper Jr. Now, Cooper and Garrett Wilson are the only Jets receivers who can be started with confidence, while Mitchell is a much riskier play with a very low floor. Mitchell has a favorable matchup against the Raiders this week, but we'd prefer to fill our flex spot with someone who isn't the No. 3 receiver in a bad offense.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kenny Gainwell Not a Reliable Flex Play Against Atlanta
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenny Gainwell (hip) accrued some garbage-time fantasy points last week, but we don't expect that to happen again in Week 8 against the Atlanta Falcons. On the injury front, it's worth noting that Gainwell is listed as questionable but expected to play. Last week was the first time this season that Gainwell had more than five carries or more than 20 rushing yards. It was also just his second game with more than 5.8 fantasy points in PPR leagues. For the most part, Gainwell has spent this season in a clear backup role behind workhorse ball-carrier Bucky Irving. We expect that trend to continue in Week 8, with Gainwell's only clear path to production being a positive game script environment in garbage time. For now, the 27-year-old is best viewed as a handcuff, so he's still worth stashing on the bench for fantasy managers who also have Irving on their roster. However, he shouldn't find his way into the starting lineup in leagues with 14 or fewer teams.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brian Thomas Jr. a Risky Flex Play for Week 8
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has been a non-factor in this offense for weeks. He hasn't recorded a reception since Week 4 against the Cincinnati Bengals. His role has been reduced in recent weeks and it's unclear how much he's going to be involved in the gameplan going forward. The good news is that Thomas does have a plus matchup against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8. The Colts defense ranks 25th in the league in passing yards allowed per game. The Jaguars should be able to move the ball through the air, but it's unclear if Thomas is going to be targeted. The 24-year-old has seen a total of five targets over his last two games. Fantasy managers should view him as a desperation flex play for Week 8.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
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
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 a 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 Elevated to Active Roster 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
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
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
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
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Receives a Boost in a Plus Matchup in Week 8
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba could be the No. 1 wide receiver on the week in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears. The Bears' defense is No. 15 against opposing wide receivers in fantasy. However, this unit does not have any players that are capable of matching up with JSN one-on-one. Smith-Njigba has only scored fewer than 22.80 fantasy points on one occasion this season. He has reached 31.30 fantasy points on three occasions this year, and he has as good a chance to do so in Week 8. Whether Seattle is ahead or trailing, this team heavily targets JSN, who leads the league with a 36.8% target share. If Seattle manages to fall behind in this game, JSN's ceiling will be exceptionally high. Either way, Smith-Njigba should confidently be in your lineup. He is a near guarantee to finish as a WR1 in a matchup that will be favorable.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
