RADIO
Padres Decline Nick Pivetta's 2027 Option
The San Diego Padres declined the $14 million 2027 option on right-hander Nick Pivetta's contract on Saturday, making him a free agent, according to Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune. After a breakout 2025 campaign in his first season in San Diego, Pivetta injured his right forearm/elbow early on in 2026 and ended up making only eight starts (34 2/3 innings) during the regular season in his 10th year in the big leagues. Pivetta was strong when available to the Friars, though, going 3-2 with a 2.86 ERA (2.21 FIP), 1.01 WHIP, and 42:8 K:BB. In his two postseason starts versus the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers, Pivetta gave up three earned runs on eight hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out eight in 7 2/3 innings. The Padres may have declined Pivetta's 2027 option, but they should be very interested in signing him to a lesser deal coming off his injury, especially since right-hander Michael King is now on the open market. Acee writes that there is still some concern about Pivetta's elbow, but the Padres could work out a deal that protects the team if he gets hurt again while also rewarding Pivetta if he stays healthy.
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Kevin Acee
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Kevin Acee
Joe Burrow Lights Up Titans in Overtime Victory
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow picked apart the Tennessee Titans defense in a 43-36 overtime victory in Week 8. Burrow completed 38 out of 48 pass attempts (79.2%) for 462 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions, while adding 10 rushing yards and an additional touchdown on the ground. The yards and touchdown passes were both a season-high for Burrow, although the three picks were the most he has thrown in a game in 2026 as well. Burrow engineered a game-tying touchdown drive with 1:11 to go in the game, finding wide receiver Tee Higgins for an 18-yard score. In overtime, Burrow had what ultimately became a game-winning nine-yard touchdown run. Burrow connected with Higgins for 10 receptions for 155 yards and a touchdown, and found fellow wideout Ja'Marr Chase 11 times for 141 yards and a touchdown. Burrow's strong 2026 campaign continues, and he remains locked in as a strong QB1.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Rays Exercise 2027 Option on Drew Rasmussen
The Tampa Bay Rays announced on Saturday that they exercised their $20 million 2027 option on right-hander Drew Rasmussen, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Rasmussen's option went from $8 million to $20 million for next year after he made 30 starts during the regular season and spent fewer than 45 days on the injured list. It was a successful season for the 31-year-old, who has a lengthy history of arm injuries. Despite the increase in the value of his 2027 option, the Rays will bring Rasmussen back after he went 16-5 with a 2.67 ERA (2.82 FIP) and a league-leading 0.91 WHIP with a career-high 174 strikeouts and 32 walks in 172 innings pitched across his 30 regular-season starts. It was his second straight season making the All-Star team at the top of Tampa's starting rotation. Rasmussen kept it going in the postseason to help the Rays reach the World Series, where they were defeated in five games by the Milwaukee Brewers. In five starts during the playoffs, he allowed seven earned runs (2.20 ERA) and 21 hits (two homers) with only five walks and 21 strikeouts in 28 2/3 innings pitched.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Michael Wilson Dominates Despite Playing Through Broken Ribs
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (ribs) had a huge game in his team's 33-30 Week 8 win over the Dallas Cowboys, recording eight receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown on 15 targets. It was a much-needed breakthrough for Wilson, who had failed to record more than four catches or 55 receiving yards in three straight games entering Week 8. Wilson's production took off after Arizona benched quarterback Jacoby Brissett for veteran journeyman Gardner Minshew II midway through Sunday's win. After the game, Wilson revealed that he is playing through broken ribs, which adds some uncertainty to his fantasy outlook going forward. Still, Arizona's offense may have some new life with Minshew II under center, and Wilson should continue to see heavy target volume as long as he's active in Week 9 and beyond.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Bhayshul Tuten Continues Breakout Season with Dominant Week 8 Showing
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten dominated in his team's 42-7 Week 8 win over the Indianapolis Colts, recording 16 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown, and hauling in two catches for 55 yards and an additional score. Tuten has been very consistent in 2026, recording at least 87 yards from scrimmage in five out of six games heading into Week 8. The star production is starting to follow now as well, as he's logged two touchdowns in consecutive games. Between Tuten's ability to make explosive plays as both a rusher and a receiver and Jacksonville's potent offensive attack, the 23-year-old profiles as a must-start running back heading into the Jaguars' Week 9 showdown against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Omarion Hampton Continues to Struggle
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton was hopeful for better results coming out of the bye week, but that wasn't the case on Sunday. Hampton continues to struggle to find any room to run and was once again unsuccessful on Sunday. The 23-year-old carried the ball nine times for 20 yards and hauled in two receptions for seven yards in the loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Hampton is really struggling right now and hasn't surpassed 35 rushing yards in a single game since Week 4. At this point, the Chargers are using a three-back committee with Kimani Vidal and Keaton Mitchell. Hampton is giving the Chargers no reason to believe in him or give him an increased look going forward. He might be a low-end flex option for next week's matchup against the Houston Texans.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jonathan Taylor Appears Emotional on the Sidelines Amongst Trade Rumors
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor might've played his last game with the team on Sunday. There has been a lot of trade speculation over the last few days. Taylor did suit up for the Colts in Week 8 despite the organization saying they've been discussing trades involving the stud running back. Taylor appeared to be emotional during the final few minutes of Sunday's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 27-year-old saw a reduced role during Sunday's blowout loss. He carried the ball a season-low eight times for 23 yards in the loss. The Colts might've been trying to limit Taylor to keep him healthy in case they finalize a trade over the next few days. It certainly seems like Taylor believes that was his final game in Indy. It's unclear what the Colts would get in return for Taylor, but Seth McGowan is probably worth stashing in most fantasy formats right now.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Mike McDaniel to Continue Calling Plays for Chargers' Offense
Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel will continue calling plays, Fernando Ramirez reports. Despite the team's offensive struggles, McDaniel is going to continue calling the plays for the offense going forward. The Chargers dropped to 0-7 on the season after scoring only nine points against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. This team continues to struggle to produce offensively, with only one game with over 20 points this season. The Chargers have now been held to under 10 points in two straight games. It's clear that something needs to change in Los Angeles, but the Chargers are going to stick with McDaniel for now.
Source: Fernando Ramirez
Source: Fernando Ramirez
Emmett Johnson Plays Massive Role in Receiving Game
Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson played a major role in Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. So far this season, Johnson has mostly been a non-factor with Kenneth Walker III leading the way on the ground. Johnson was once again quiet on the ground with one carry for 15 yards. However, Johnson played a huge role in the receiving game during the Week 8 loss. Johnson hauled in all five of his targets for 128 yards and a touchdown. His biggest play of the game came on a 73-yard touchdown grab mid-way through the second quarter. Johnson has seen an increased role in the passing game in recent weeks. The expectation is that he'll continue seeing a handful of targets given his recent success. He's still off the fantasy radar in most formats ahead of the Week 9 matchup against the New York Jets.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jonah Coleman Sees Increased Role in Win
Denver Broncos running back Jonah Coleman saw an increased workload during Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Fellow back RJ Harvey (knee) was recently placed on the Injured Reserve, so Coleman moved into the No. 2 role in the backfield. The rookie back carried the ball 11 times for 41 yards and a touchdown in the win. He also hauled in four of his five targets for an additional 63 yards through the air. Coleman took advantage of his expanded role and figures to stay heavily involved going forward. The 23-year-old will likely take over Harvey's role as the primary receiving back in Denver. It wouldn't be shocking if Coleman jumps J.K. Dobbins on the depth chart soon. Coleman should be a safe flex option against the Carolina Panthers in Week 9.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Javonte Williams Delivers Fantasy Dud Despite Heavy Workload
Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams received 24 carries in Sunday's 33-30 overtime loss to the Arizona Cardinals but managed just 56 rushing yards, a sharp reversal from his 155-yard performance against Philadelphia in Week 7. He averaged only 2.3 yards per attempt, with no run longer than six yards, as Dallas struggled to establish its ground game. Williams also missed out on a first-quarter scoring opportunity when he fumbled near the goal line and tight end James Mitchell recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown. He was not charged with a lost fumble, but his lone reception went for just one yard on two targets, leaving him with 6.7 PPR fantasy points. Williams had scored at least once in six of his previous seven games, making Sunday's touchdown-free performance particularly disappointing. His workload remains encouraging heading into Week 9 against Indianapolis, especially with Tyler Goodson managing just 14 yards on seven carries.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jake Ferguson Diagnosed With Low-Ankle Sprain
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (ankle) suffered a low ankle sprain during Sunday's Week 8 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Ferguson injured his ankle on Dallas' opening offensive possession and was eventually ruled out for the remainder of the contest, finishing without a reception or target. With Luke Schoonmaker (groin) inactive, Brevyn Spann-Ford and James Mitchell handled the remaining tight end duties. Fowler did not provide a recovery timetable, leaving Ferguson's availability uncertain for next Sunday's Week 9 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Hunter Henry Ruled Out With Foot Injury Against Dolphins
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (foot) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's Week 8 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, according to Evan Lazar of Patriots.com. Henry initially exited during the second quarter after making a four-yard reception and was listed as questionable to return. The 31-year-old attempted to test his injured foot several times on the sideline but was unable to return to action. He finished with three receptions on three targets for 30 yards. Rookie Eli Raridon is New England's primary remaining tight end, with Cameron Latu and Tanner Arkin also available.
Source: Evan Lazar
Source: Evan Lazar
Treylon Burks Active Against Eagles in Week 8
Washington Commanders wide receiver Treylon Burks (foot) is officially active for Sunday night's Week 8 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Commanders PR. Burks was listed as questionable after being limited Wednesday, missing Thursday's practice, and returning to limited participation Friday. The 26-year-old caught four passes for 66 yards against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6 before Washington's bye. He has recorded nine receptions for 152 yards and two touchdowns across five games this season. With Terry McLaurin (knee) on injured reserve, Burks joins Stefon Diggs, Dyami Brown, and Van Jefferson among Washington's available receiving options against Philadelphia.
Source: Commanders PR
Source: Commanders PR
Mike Washington Jr. Sees Heavy Involvement in Win
Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. saw his workload surge during Sunday's game against the New York Jets. Coming into this game, Washington has primarily been the backup with fewer than 10 carries in every game. That changed on Sunday when Washington carried the ball 25 times for 83 yards in the win over the Jets. Lead back Ashton Jeanty only saw two rushing attempts during this game, which could be a concern for fantasy managers. Head coach Klint Kubiak said after the game that the reduced workload for Jeanty was by design. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect Washington to get 25 carries every week, but he has probably earned a bigger role in the backfield going forward. He could be a flex option for the upcoming Week 9 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
