Malik Washington Still Looking for a Breakthrough
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington had his best game of the season last week, setting new high marks for catches, targets, and receiving yards. However, he still only had five catches, for 30 yards on eight targets. Washington has at least four catches in each of his three games since the season-ending injury to Tyreek Hill (knee) but he has not been able to turn them into much production. He has a tough matchup against the Falcons in Week 8, who have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points in the NFL to wide receivers. The Dolphins' passing game has looked pretty awful with Tua Tagavailoa all season, so this matchup seems an unlikely spot for it to get on track. Still, the chances are there for Washington because he's getting the catches, so there he does bring a little bit of upside. In RotoBaller's Week 8 rankings, he is the WR56, meaning he should not be started in almost any formats this week.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Eddy Pineiro A Solid Option Despite Matchup
San Francisco 49ers kicker Eddy Pineiro has evolved from a streaming option into a weekly starter. Pineiro now ranks third among kickers in total fantasy points and is at the top of the leaderboard in fantasy points per game. In San Francisco's 20-10 win over Atlanta last week, Pineiro was good on all four of his kicks. He connected on both extra point attempts as well as his field goal tries, the first from 55 yards out and the second from 43. The 55-yarder was his fifth field goal from 50 or more yards away, tying his previous season-long best, set in 2023. In Week 8, Pineiro runs into the Houston Texans, who have seen opponents make just four field goals on ten attempts. San Francisco has done well at advancing into enemy territory, so even if they struggle against Houston's elite defense, Pineiro should be set up for another good day.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
San Francisco D/ST Carries Potential Against Poor Houston Offense
The San Francisco 49ers' D/ST unit has done little to stand out this season aside from keeping points off the board. In three of their seven games, they have limited opponents to 13 points or fewer. In Week 8, they have a choice matchup to this end in the Houston Texans. Houston's offense is putting up 20.2 points per game, but that figure is buoyed by a 44-point fluke in Week 5. Remove that aberration, and their average falls to 15.4. Bryce Huff (hamstring) has been declared out and won't be able to take advantage of Houston's poor offensive line. In the secondary, Deommodore Lenoir (quadricep) is questionable, but Renardo Green and Upton Stout have been cleared to play. Don't expect a boom week with San Francisco's D/ST, but for streamers searching for a floor play, the unit is a good option given their matchup.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
George Kittle Still A Projected TE1 In Tough Matchup
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle returned from injured reserve last Sunday and promptly put up a goose egg. It was the first game in his career that he didn't record a reception. Kittle, who was used almost exclusively as a blocker last week, should see his involvement in the passing attack increase, even with Mac Jones (knee, oblique) once again starting in place of Brock Purdy (toe). Jauan Jennings (ankle, ribs, shoulder) practiced in full all week and carries no designation, but Ricky Pearsall (knee) has been declared out, leaving extra targets on the table. In Week 8, the 49ers square off against the Texans, who are allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends and have given up just one touchdown to the position. Kittle is still a must-start, as his abilities as a receiver give him TE1 potential even in a difficult matchup.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Demarcus Robinson Unreliable Despite Ricky Pearsall's Injury
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Demarcus Robinson has been unable to capitalize on the myriad injuries plaguing the team's offense. After serving a three-game suspension, Robinson had a one-game tuneup in Week 4 before being thrust into the starting lineup with Ricky Pearsall (knee) and Jauan Jennings (ankle, ribs, shoulder) both succumbing to injuries. Robinson managed just three catches for 39 yards on seven targets with both receivers out in Week 5. After Jennings returned to action in Week 6, Robinson's snaps and targets plummeted. Pearsall has been declared out for Week 8, but with Jennings on the mend and George Kittle in his second week back from injured reserve, Robinson has no place on San Francisco's offense. Robinson projects as a WR6/7 this week and can be safely left on benches, if not the waiver wire.
Source: 49ers.com
Source: 49ers.com
Kendrick Bourne Expected To Start In Tough Matchup
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne will likely be in the team's starting lineup for Week 8 with Ricky Pearsall (knee) declared out. With Pearsall out in Weeks 5 and 6, Bourne exploded for 142 receiving yards in both games. His production cratered in Week 7, however, to two catches for 14 yards on two targets, while Jauan Jennings (ankle, ribs, shoulder) earned seven. An increasingly healthy Jennings could remain a focal point on offense, and George Kittle's target share will assuredly grow after being used almost exclusively as a blocker in his return from injured reserve last week. Bourne's rapport with Mac Jones (knee, oblique), who will start again in Week 8, may be for naught with the increasing number of mouths to feed. Bourne projects as a borderline WR3/4 and will be a tough start against a Houston defense that ranks fourth in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers.
Source: 49ers.com
Source: 49ers.com
Jauan Jennings A Projected WR3 For Week 8
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle, ribs, shoulder) logged an entire week of full practices for the first time this season. Week 8 won't be the best time to bet on a Jennings rebound, though. The emergence of Kendrick Bourne and the return of George Kittle mean Jennings won't necessarily be quarterback Mac Jones' (knee, oblique) primary focus, despite Ricky Pearsall (knee) being out again. Considering Houston's defensive prowess (fewest points allowed; 57.8% pass completion allowed), the 49ers are in for another run-heavy slog akin to their Week 7 matchup against the Falcons. Given his track record and the matchup, it is hard to see Jennings beating his projection as a WR3. Fantasy football managers are justified in leaving him on the bench.
Source: 49ers.com
Source: 49ers.com
Christian McCaffrey Faces Challenge In Week 8
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey overcame a challenging matchup last week to eclipse 100 rushing yards in a game for the first time this season. Against the Falcons' surprisingly stout defense, he finished with 129 and two touchdowns on 24 carries, and had another 72 yards through the air on seven catches. Another tough defense awaits McCaffrey and the 49ers in Week 8 against the Houston Texans. Houston has not given up 100 rushing yards to a back yet this year, and is allowing just 3.85 yards per carry. McCaffrey will be hard-pressed to repeat as the overall RB1, but another top-12 finish can be expected given how often San Francisco puts the ball in his hands. Fantasy football managers can ignore the matchup and lock McCaffrey into starting lineups for Week 8.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Mac Jones To Start Again On Sunday
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (knee, oblique) will see his sixth start of the season as Brock Purdy (toe) has been ruled out once again. Jones' record improved to 4-1 after last week's win over the Atlanta Falcons, despite it being his least productive game of the season, finishing 17-for-26 with 152 yards and one interception. In Week 8, Jones will be up against the Houston Texans, who feature one of the best defenses in the league in 2025. The Texans have allowed the fewest points in the league, the second-worst collective completion percentage for opposing quarterbacks (57.8%), and just four passing touchdowns. Jones has worked his way into two top-12 finishes already this year, but with another potential defensive slog in the works, he ranks as a mid-range QB2. Jones should be kept out of starting lineups in Week 8, though he deserves consideration in two-QB and superflex formats.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Arian Smith Could Lead Jets' WR Room
New York Jets wide receiver Arian Smith should again see a substantial uptick in playing time when his team squares off with the hosting Cincinnati Bengals in Week 8. The rookie played a season-high in snap share (92%) last weekend, with fellow wideout Garrett Wilson (knee) tending to injury. However, he failed to net positive yardage on 1-of-3 receiving. Smith will get another chance to make an impact this Sunday, although it's currently difficult to trust any of the Jets' skill position players with the offense failing to perform. Furthermore, head coach Aaron Glenn's refusal to name a starting quarterback muddies the situation further, adding an extra variable. With Wilson set to miss another game, and Josh Reynolds (hip) questionable with an injury of his own, Smith will have a chance to lead New York's WR corps if both are inactive. Even still, he's nothing more than a long shot with New York's offense looking woefully outmatched.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Isaiah Davis Could See More Work With Hall Dinged Up
In three games since seizing the New York Jets' backup running back role, second-year pro Isaiah Davis has yet to make an impact. That said, it could come to fruition this Sunday when the team takes on a sieve-like Cincinnati Bengals defense. When teammate Braelon Allen (knee) went down with a knee injury, Davis immediately stepped into the latter's role, backing up starter Breece Hall (knee). In those three games, though, the South Dakota State product has accumulated just 17 yards on five carries, adding 49 yards through the air on 6-of-9 receiving. It isn't very inspiring, but the stage is set for him to see more work while Hall battles a knee injury. The sentiment appears to be that Hall will play. If that doesn't work out, the 23-year-old will handle a majority of New York's backfield touches with teammate Khalil Herbert working behind him. If Hall is active, Davis figures to occupy his primary role as a change-of-pace option, potentially garnering a slight boost in work due to the former's knee issue. He's RotoBaller's PPR RB34 ahead of Sunday's contest with the Bengals.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Josh Reynolds to Work as Jets' WR1 if Active
Barring health, New York Jets wide receiver Josh Reynolds (hip) is slated to operate as the team's No. 1 wideout in this Sunday's road clash with the Cincinnati Bengals. The veteran led New York in targets in last weekend's 13-6 loss to the Carolina Panthers, and will have a chance to do so again with teammate Garrett Wilson (knee) deemed inactive for a second straight contest. Unfortunately for Reynolds, he was a late-week addition to the injury report with a hip ailment, subsequently missing Friday's practice. Due to the timing of the injury, it's possible that the 30-year-old, who is listed as questionable, doesn't suit up himself. In that instance, rookie Arian Smith figures to lead New York's WR corps in snaps, with Allen Lazard and Tyler Johnson vying for playing time behind him. If Reynolds plays, he'll rank as RotoBaller's PPR WR57 for Week 8.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Mason Taylor to Capitalize on Expanded Week 8 Role?
New York Jets tight end Mason Taylor (quad) could not come through for fantasy managers in last Sunday's loss to the Panthers, but will look to rebound in Week 8's meeting with the Cincinnati Bengals. The LSU product tied for the team lead in receptions (three) in their 13-6 loss. Although he could only record 31 yards as New York's offense bottomed out against an underrated Panthers defense. Taylor should have increased opportunity again, as in addition to wide receiver Garrett Wilson (knee) being ruled out for a second consecutive contest, Josh Reynolds (hip) is in danger of missing after a late-week hip injury. While it's unclear precisely who will quarterback for New York this weekend, the rookie is at least poised for a juicy matchup. He'll slot in as RotoBaller's PPR TE15 ahead of this weekend's slate of action.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Breece Hall Eyes Bounce-Back Game Against Leaky Bengals' D
New York Jets running back Breece Hall (knee) is in store for an excellent Week 8 matchup with the hosting Cincinnati Bengals. Hall picked up a minor knee issue in last weekend's loss to the Panthers that held him to a season-low in snap share (54%). Per head coach Aaron Glenn, he's trending toward suiting up for Sunday's contest, and the Jets could use him with wide receiver Garrett Wilson (knee) set to miss another appearance. If Hall is active, he'll be poised for a significant workload against a very beatable Bengals defense. Through seven weeks, Cincinnati has afforded opposing rushing attacks the sixth-most yards on the ground per game (137.3), and the second-most points per game (30.6). This is a superb spot for Hall, although his touchdown upside remains low in a struggling Jets' attack. The 24-year-old lands as RotoBaller's PPR RB16 for his meeting with the Bengals.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tyrod Taylor a Dubious Play if Starting
New York Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor (knee) will be difficult to bet on if he plays in Week 8 when his team takes on the hosting Cincinnati Bengals. The Jets are lined up for a juicy matchup against one of the league's worst defensive units. However, it's unclear who will be New York's starting quarterback. Justin Fields has all but played himself out of a job, but Taylor, who is questionable, is dealing with a knee issue that's kept him to a limited status at practice this week. If the 36-year-old does end up leading the offense, fantasy managers can take a chance on him as a streamer in superflex/2QB formats, particularly against a vulnerable Bengals defense. Cincinnati is allowing the third-most passing yards (257.1) and eighth-most fantasy points per game to QBs. Taylor ranks as RotoBaller's QB22 ahead of Sunday's outing.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
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