Vikings D/ST a Fringe Option in Difficult Week 8 Matchup
Justin Herbert, a top-10 fantasy quarterback so far this season. Though Minnesota has still rushed the quarterback well without Andrew Van Ginkel (neck), the Week 8 situation isn't ideal. Ultimately, it's a road game on a short week against a winning team with a good starting quarterback, so chances are high that managers can find a more favorable fantasy matchup elsewhere.
Source: RotoBaller
The Minnesota Vikings defense/special teams will face tough circumstances in Week 8 when they travel to play the Los Angeles Chargers on short rest for this week's Thursday Night Football game. Minnesota is still pressuring quarterbacks on 29% of dropbacks, which is one of the highest rates in the NFL, but its defense surrendered several long passes last week against Philadelphia, and now will play Source: RotoBaller
After Big Week, Back To Normal For Will Reichard?
Will Reichard is a mid-tier option with his team facing a Thursday night matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Reichard is the No. 8 overall fantasy kicker so far in 2025, but largely because of a five-field-goal performance in Week 7 that included a make from beyond 50. However, Minnesota is still starting turnover-happy backup quarterback Carson Wentz, whose offense scored only one touchdown from six tries last week. Reichard is now 13-for-14 on field goals this year and a capable fantasy kicker, but managers should try to find a higher-volume option with a better matchup this week.
Source: RotoBaller
Following an outsized fantasy performance last week against the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings kicker Source: RotoBaller
T.J. Hockenson A Mid-Tier Option On Thursday Night
T.J. Hockenson is a solid TE2 option with some additional upside. The downside for the big tight end is that he's clearly the team's third option behind two stellar receivers, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, and will be reliant upon backup quarterback Carson Wentz. The positive part is he's still averaging 6.5 targets per game with Wentz, including one red-zone target per week. The Chargers have been strong against fantasy tight ends, but are still allowing points on 46% of opposing drives -- one of the worst rates in the league -- and just surrendered 281 total receiving yards to Indianapolis last week. With the Chargers' foremost concerns likely centered around stopping the run and the Vikings' receivers, Hockenson could have a handful of key chances to do some damage.
Source: RotoBaller
With the Minnesota Vikings set to travel to Los Angeles to take on the Chargers this Thursday, tight end Source: RotoBaller
Excellent Matchup For Justin Jefferson In Week 8
Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings has an outstanding matchup and should be viewed as a top-tier WR1 against the floundering Los Angeles Chargers defense in this week's Thursday Night Football game. The Chargers are giving up points on more than 46% of drives, which ranks 28th in the league, and were just ransacked by the Indianapolis Colts' pass-catchers, who piled up a whopping 288 yards in a Week 7 rout. Minnesota will be stuck starting backup quarterback Carson Wentz for another week, though the veteran QB is still putting up solid yardage numbers and has peppered Jefferson with double-digit targets three games in a row. Ranked as RotoBaller's No. 2 overall receiver heading into Week 8, managers should start Jefferson in every format.
Source: RotoBaller
Superstar wide receiver Source: RotoBaller
Quality Matchup, But Possible Changes For Jordan Mason In Week 8
Jordan Mason has an enticing matchup, but might not have full control of the Vikings' backfield in a Thursday game at the Los Angeles Chargers. Backfield mate Aaron Jones (hamstring) is eligible to come off injured reserve as of this week, had his practice window opened, and is listed as questionable, which is a variable worth watching prior to the game. This week brings a good matchup for any Minnesota rusher as they take on a Chargers defense ranked 28th in yards per carry allowed, 31st in rushing touchdowns allowed, and 29th in expected points added from rushing defense. Mason has earned at least 15 touches in four games in a row, giving him a solid fantasy floor as a steady RB2 option. Ultimately, managers should check back in to see if Jones is active before making a final decision.
Source: RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Source: RotoBaller
Dalton Schultz Limited During Wednesday's Practice
Dalton Schultz (back, shoulder) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. Schultz appears to be dealing with a pair of injuries, but that didn't stop him from having success on Monday. He hauled in nine receptions for 98 yards in the loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The Texans are banged up right now, so Schultz could see a heavy workload again this weekend. If he sits, Harrison Bryant would be asked to pick up the slack during the Week 8 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
Source: Texans PR
Houston Texans tight end Source: Texans PR
Fringe Superflex Opportunity for Carson Wentz on Thursday Night
Carson Wentz (shoulder) another start at the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday, during which fantasy managers should view him as a volatile superflex option. At this point in his career, managers should know what they're getting with the veteran quarterback. Wentz could lead a surgical game-winning drive like Week 5, throw a horrific pick-six (Week 7), be a low-volume game manager (Week 3), or chuck it for 300-plus yards (Weeks 4 and 7). The suddenly struggling Chargers are middle of the pack against fantasy quarterbacks, presenting a decent matchup, though it should be mentioned that Wentz was openly grimacing last week due to the lingering injury to his non-throwing shoulder. He is still throwing to receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison against a defense that has had its fair share of issues, however, so there is a reasonable chance for a big fantasy game. Ultimately, managers will have to gauge their risk tolerance for a gunslinging backup on a short week.
Source: RotoBaller
The Minnesota Vikings will give Source: RotoBaller
Darius Slayton Limited at Wednesday's Practice
Darius Slayton (hamstring) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. Slayton returning to practice is a good sight considering he has been sidelined since injuring his hamstring in Week 5. The fact he was able to get on the practice field at all is a good sign. Fantasy managers will need to monitor his status over the next few days. If active, Slayton could offer some flex value against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8.
Source: Dan Salomone
New York Giants wide receiver Source: Dan Salomone
Darnell Mooney Logs Limited Practice Session on Wednesday
Darnell Mooney (hamstring) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. It has been an injury plagued first half of the season for Mooney who has only played in four games so far. He posted a decent game last week where he hauled in three receptions for 68 yards in the loss to the San Francisco 49ers. His status is worth monitoring throughout the week, but he hasn't been a consistent option when healthy. His absence would likely just mean an increased workload for Drake London and Kyle Pitts Sr. for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins.
Source: Marc Raimondi
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Source: Marc Raimondi
Tyler Allgeier Limited on Wednesday
Tyler Allgeier (knee, hip) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. He's a new addition to the injury report as Allgeier is dealing with a few minor issues. Allgeier hasn't done much on the field lately as he rushed for 16 yards on four carries during last week's loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He has seen double digit carries in four games this season, but it hasn't resulted in a ton of fantasy value. Whether he's healthy or not, Allgeier isn't going to have much value while Bijan Robinson is healthy and running like he has been in the backfield.
Source: Marc Raimondi
Atlanta Falcons running back Source: Marc Raimondi
Calvin Ridley Unable to Practice on Wednesday
Calvin Ridley (hamstring) was unable to practice on Wednesday. Ridley continues to deal with a lingering hamstring issue that he suffered during the Week 6 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. He sat out in Week 7 and is missing practice to begin the week here. Fantasy managers will need to continue monitoring his status throughout the week. If Ridley sits again, Elic Ayomanor and Van Jefferson figure to start against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8. Also, Chimere Dike is a sleeper player to see more work after hauling in four receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown last week.
Source: Turron Davenport
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Source: Turron Davenport
Jerry Jeudy Misses Wednesday's Practice
Jerry Jeudy (knee) was unable to suit up for practice on Wednesday. It's worth noting that Jeudy was limited in practice last week due to a knee issue. However, Jeudy did end up suiting up for last week's game against the Miami Dolphins. He was quiet once again as he hauled in two of his four targets for 17 yards in the win. The expectation is that Jeudy will be fine in time for the Week 8 matchup against the New England Patriots. If he sits, Isaiah Bond would likely see an increased role this weekend. Neither player has offered much to fantasy managers this season.
Source: Daniel Oyefusi
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Source: Daniel Oyefusi
Garrett Wilson Picks Up Another DNP, Could be Looking at Another Missed Game
Garrett Wilson (knee) day-to-day, he was unable to practice on Wednesday, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN. Wilson has not practiced since hyperextending his knee in the Week 6 loss to the Denver Broncos in London, and he did not take the field in last week's loss to the Carolina Panthers. The 25-year-old is trending towards missing a second straight game in Week 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals unless he can return to practice in the next two days. If he does return, it looks like he could be taking passes from veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor, too. As of right now, fantasy managers should keep Wilson on their benches. The team has its bye coming in Week 9, so it would make sense for the Jets to hold him out another week and hope he can return in Week 10 against the Cleveland Browns.
Source: ESPN New York - Rich Cimini
Although New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn called wide receiver Source: ESPN New York - Rich Cimini
Mike Evans Officially Placed on Injured Reserve, Could be Back for Playoffs
Mike Evans (collarbone) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday after he broke his clavicle in Monday night's loss to the Detroit Lions, according to Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com. Evans will be forced to miss at least four games while on IR, but his absence is expected to be much longer than that. However, he reportedly suffered a clean break of his collarbone and could return to the team in under eight weeks if his rehab goes well. Head coach Todd Bowles said it would be "touch and go" as to whether Evans will be able to get back on the field before the end of the regular season. Fantasy managers can go ahead and drop the future Hall of Famer in redraft leagues. It's a tough blow for Evans, who had just returned from a three-game absence due to a hamstring strain. He will finish shy of 1,000 receiving yards in 2025 for the first time in his 12 NFL seasons.
Source: Buccaneers.com - Scott Smith
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers officially placed veteran wide receiver Source: Buccaneers.com - Scott Smith
Dallas Goedert Dealing With Calf Injury Heading into Week 8
Dallas Goedert (calf) is dealing with a calf injury and was limited in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to the team. Goedert scored five touchdowns in a four-game span leading into the Week 7 win over the Minnesota Vikings last Sunday, but he managed only three receptions for 18 yards in that game and broke his touchdown streak. Still, the 30-year-old remains a big part of Philly's passing attack, as evidenced by his 21.7% target share through six games played. Where Goedert really excels is in the red zone, as he's been quarterback Jalen Hurts' go-to target there. His calf injury doesn't appear to be all that serious, so we expect Goedert to suit up in the divisional rematch against the New York Giants in Week 8. Goedert had by far his best game of the year two weeks ago against New York, catching nine of 11 targets for 110 yards and a touchdown.
Source: Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles tight end
Source: Philadelphia Eagles