RADIO
Efton Chism III Remains an Intriguing Streamer with Teammate Ruled Out
New England Patriots wide receiver Efton Chism III is expected to take on a substantial role in Week 8 against the Miami Dolphins. With teammate A.J. Brown (knee) ruled out and both Mack Hollins (calf) and Romeo Doubs (shoulder) on injured reserve, Chism enters this weekend as the projected No. 2 wide receiver. He presumably finds himself ahead of Kyle Williams and behind DeMario Douglas in the pecking order, although he'll likely also operate behind tight end Hunter Henry. Still, being the No. 3 target on offense is enough to generate some fantasy appeal, especially for someone who is in such a strong offense like the Patriots and finds themselves playing against a weaker team like the Dolphins. Chism has just one catch over his last two games, but he has played at least 62% of the snaps in each of his last three contests. Presumably, his snap and target share will jump in Week 8, and we'd expect to see him on the field for at least 70% of the offensive plays. Looking specifically at the matchup, we do have some concerns about game script. Offenses have consistently run the ball against Miami this year because the Dolphins have been weak on both sides of the ball, so this may be a better spot for the Patriots' running backs than their receivers. With that said, Chism's recent volume (and projected increase in snaps) should continue to get him on the low-end WR3/flex radar in deeper 14+ team leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Travis Hunter Back on the Fantasy Radar in Two-Way Role
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter appears to be taking on a larger role offensively, which puts him back on the fantasy radar for Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts. When the Jaguars last played in Week 6, Hunter handled a low 13% snap share, but he was targeted four of the nine times he got on the field. He finished that game with four catches, 59 yards, and one touchdown. He also logged his second interception of the season. Predicting Hunter's week-by-week involvement on offense and defense is difficult, which makes him a riskier play for Week 8 against Indianapolis. However, he does remain an intriguing fantasy starter, especially as the Jaguars appear to reshuffle their depth chart. Brian Thomas Jr. has become a non-factor and Josh Cameron is still adjusting to the NFL, which leaves Hunter in the mix to be the team's No. 3 receiver behind Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers. The former first-round pick's increased volume in Week 6 is enough to get him on the low-end WR3/flex radar in deeper leagues this Sunday. He ranks as the overall WR55 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 8.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cam Little Remains a Top-Tier Kicker Against Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little remains a top kicking option in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts. The Jaguars offense should have no problem moving the ball against the Colts' defense, especially coming off a bye. Little is 10 of 12 on field goals and 16 of 17 through six games, and his season-long field goal is 60 yards. With his combination of power and accuracy, it is hard to imagine Little ever not being viewed as a top fantasy kicker this season as long as the Jaguars offense continues to hum. The Colts franchise is trending in the wrong direction, meaning a potential blowout is in store, confirmed by the Jaguars being viewed as double-digit home favorites according to betting lines. That is great news for fantasy managers. Just as he has all season, Little should be viewed as a top-tier fantasy kicker in Week 8.
Source: RotoBaller K Rankings
Source: RotoBaller K Rankings
Jacksonville Jaguars D/ST Arguably at Top of Rankings in Week 8
The Jacksonville Jaguars defense/special teams unit takes on turnover-prone Daniel Jones and the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8. The Colts franchise is trending in the wrong direction currently, meaning a potentially tough game for them this weekend. That is a great recipe for a top performance out of the Jaguars defense, who have shown easily capable of boom weeks this season with a 13-point and 16-point performance earlier this season. The defense hasn't quite been as potent as last season when it comes to forcing turnovers, but they have a chance to improve their stats drastically this week. The Colts have 12 total turnovers on the season and have allowed 19 sacks, both ranking close to the worst in the league. As one of the better defenses in the NFL going against one of the most mistake-prone offenses in the league, it is hard to do better than the Jaguars D/ST in Week 8.
Source: RotoBaller D/ST Rankings
Source: RotoBaller D/ST Rankings
Raiders Activate Jack Bech From Injured Reserve
The Las Vegas Raiders have activated wide receiver Jack Bech (forearm) from injured reserve. Bech is technically still listed as questionable for Week 8 against the New York Jets, but his return from injured reserve indicates that he will be active for Sunday's contest. Bech was off to a mediocre start to the season before getting injured. In two games (plus part of Week 3), he caught five passes for 48 yards and one touchdown. Now, he'll return to a passing attack that has been heavily anchored by Brock Bowers and Tre Tucker. In the receiver room, Bech may have a chance to occupy the No. 2 role behind Tucker, but he'll first have to beat out Jalen Nailor, who handled a season-high 75% snap share last week. For now, he's the No. 3 receiver behind Tucker and Nailor, leaving him off the fantasy radar in redraft leagues with 14 or fewer teams.
Source: Las Vegas Raiders
Source: Las Vegas Raiders
Colston Loveland Cleared to Play in Week 8 Against Seahawks
Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (neck) has been removed from the injury report and will play in Monday's Week 8 contest against the Seattle Seahawks, according to Sean Hammond of the Chicago Tribune. Loveland popped up on the injury report Friday as a limited participant in practice, but he has since been cleared to suit up against Seattle. His availability will give quarterback Caleb Williams another reliable target alongside Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. Loveland got off to a quiet start this season, but he has recently turned a corner with 21 catches, 210 yards, and two touchdowns over his last four games. He ranks as a mid-range TE1 in fantasy football, but he'll also have to endure a tougher matchup against the Seahawks, who have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends in 2026.
Source: Sean Hammond
Source: Sean Hammond
Brenton Strange a Borderline TE1 in Potentially Larger Role Against Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange has potential for a great outing in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts after practicing in full all week. The two franchises are heading in opposite directions, meaning a blowout could be brewing. With teammate Jakobi Meyers not practicing Friday, Strange could be second in line after Parker Washington for looks from Trevor Lawrence this weekend. The Colts rank just 20th against tight ends in fantasy, considerably worse than their 10th rank against wide receivers. If Meyers is ruled out, suddenly Strange has very little target competition in a great matchup. At a shallow position in fantasy, that combination makes Strange a clear top tight end option this week. Even if Meyers does play, he could be limited, meaning Strange should be viewed as a solid starter no matter what. With 19 of his 26 receptions coming in the last three weeks through six games, Strange seems destined to continue his recent success in Week 8.
Source: RotoBaller TE Rankings
Source: RotoBaller TE Rankings
Brandon McManus Could Have Low Field-Goal Volume Again
Los Angeles Rams kicker Brandon McManus is a low-volume option for Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers. McManus made his season debut last week after signing with the Rams midseason. He went 5-for-5 on extra points but didn't attempt a field goal. This workload has become a pattern for Rams kickers all year long, whether it be McManus, Blake Grupe, or Harrison Mevis. The Rams' kickers have consistently found themselves handling a low volume of field goals because the team often scores touchdowns or goes for it on fourth down. We could see the Rams score plenty of touchdowns on Sunday against the 0-6 Chargers, so while McManus does have some extra points in his future, he's a riskier fantasy play with a lower volume of field goal attempts. He ranks as the K17 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 8.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Nick Martinez Declines his 2027 Mutual Option With Rays
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Nick Martinez declined his $20 million mutual option for the 2027 season to become a free agent this winter, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Martinez will instead take a $4 million buyout and enter the open market. The 36-year-old veteran unsurprisingly will be looking for a new team to play for in 2027 and beyond after making his first All-Star team in 2026 and helping the Rays advance to the World Series, where they lost in five games to the Milwaukee Brewers. In 31 starts for Tampa this year, Martinez went 15-6 with a strong 3.10 ERA (3.96 FIP) and 1.09 WHIP with 109 strikeouts and 26 walks in a career-high 180 innings pitched during the regular season. It was the first time in his nine-year MLB career that Martinez made all of his appearances in a starting role. Despite his age, Martinez should have some multi-year offers after his impressive year for the Rays, but it will also depend on whether interested teams view him as more of a reliever as he nears the end of his career.
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Tatsuya Imai Not Opting Out of his Deal With Astros
Right-hander Tatsuya Imai will not opt out of his deal with the Houston Astros this offseason, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Imai has $36 million and two years left on his deal with the team and has another opt-out clause in his contract after the 2027 season. The 28-year-old Japanese hurler showed some flashes in his first year in the big leagues in the United States, but ultimately, he was a disappointment for Houston and fantasy managers, going 6-4 with a 4.93 ERA (4.25 FIP) and 1.42 WHIP with 97 strikeouts and 51 walks in 76 2/3 innings across his 23 appearances (15 starts) for the Astros in 2026. Imai's fantasy stock fell drastically towards the end of the season, when he was deployed out of the bullpen in the final two months. Depending on how the team's starting-rotation options are looking in spring training next year, it is possible that the Astros could keep Imai in a relief role, which would make him avoidable in nearly all fantasy formats in 2027. As a reliever in a small sample size of just eight appearances, Imai was much more effective for Houston, allowing only four earned runs on eight hits while walking 11 and striking out 25. Better control would help Imai bounce back in his sophomore season in the big leagues.
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Luis Robert Jr. Expected to Have Option Declined by Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are expected to decline outfielder Luis Robert Jr.'s $20 million option for the 2027 season, sources told Francys Romero. The Orioles would pay a $2 million buyout to make Robert a free agent this winter at the age of 29. The always-enticing power/speed option was one of the New York Mets' big free-agent additions last offseason, but he did not pan out and quickly found himself on the injured list and stayed there for almost three months due to a lumbar spine disc herniation. In just 58 games played this year, the Cuban right-handed slugger hit a disappointing .223/.303/.399 with 11 home runs, 26 RBI, 26 runs scored, two stolen bases, 24 walks, and 55 strikeouts in 61 plate appearances in total with the Mets and Orioles. Robert played in only three games with the O's to close out the year and will now find himself back on the open market. Baltimore picked him up after he was waived by the Mets in August. Robert is still young enough to have some upside, but MLB teams will not be willing to pay him too much given all the injuries he has endured that have essentially made him a bust.
Source: Francys Romero
Source: Francys Romero
Ryan Helsley Opts into his 2027 Player Option
Baltimore Orioles right-handed reliever Ryan Helsley (elbow) will opt into his $14 million player option for the 2027 season to stay in Baltimore for another year, a source told Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner. Helsley had a strong start to his first year in Baltimore in 2026, but it was short-lived, and he ended up pitching only 15 1/3 innings out of the bullpen for the O's due to a right-elbow injury. The 32-year-old veteran and two-time All-Star was attempting to bounce back following a rough finish to the 2025 campaign after being traded from the St. Louis Cardinals to the New York Mets. In 22 appearances in relief for the Mets to finish that season, Helsley had a 7.20 ERA, 1.80 WHIP, and zero saves in 20 innings pitched. He had a 4.11 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, eight saves, and a 21:9 K:BB in his limited showing for Baltimore this year. Helsley should be healthy for the start of next season, but it is fair to wonder if he will be the team's primary ninth-inning option or approach his form from the 2024 campaign, when he led the league with 49 saves in St. Louis.
Source: The Baltimore Banner - Andy Kostka
Source: The Baltimore Banner - Andy Kostka
Michael Soroka Declines his 2027 Player Option
Arizona Diamondbacks veteran right-hander Michael Soroka declined his end of a $10 million mutual option for the 2027 season to make himself a free agent this winter, a source told Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. The 29-year-old is looking to cash in on his solid season with the Di-backs in 2026 after recording a 3.41 ERA with 114 strikeouts in 116 innings pitched. Arizona signed him to a deal last December that included a $6.5 million base salary, and he ended up making another $1.35 million in performance-based bonuses. The one-year deal included a mutual option for next year with a $1 million buyout. Piecoro writes that the Diamondbacks are expected to be interested in re-signing Soroka, but that they will likely be priced out of his market. The team already has more than $170 million forecast for next season and is expected to reduce its payroll from last year's $200 million-plus figure. Additionally, Arizona already has five capable starting pitchers in Corbin Burnes, Eduardo Rodriguez, Brandon Pfaadt, Merrill Kelly, and Ryne Nelson. Soroka did most of his damage in 2026 in the first half of the season, going 8-3 with a 3.07 ERA, 79 strikeouts, and only 17 walks in 82 innings in 15 starts before the All-Star break.
Source: The Arizona Republic - Nick Piecoro
Source: The Arizona Republic - Nick Piecoro
Blake Corum Maintains Standalone Value in Week 8 Against Chargers
Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum has boosted his fantasy stock recently, mostly because he has put together a three-game touchdown streak. Despite operating as the clear No. 2 option behind Kyren Williams, Corum has carved out standalone value with his nose for the end zone and his increased contributions in the passing game. He also posted a 44% snap share and a season-high 17 carries last week, showing what he can do when occupying the lead-back role in garbage time. That pattern could continue in Week 8, as plenty of garbage time opportunities could be waiting for Corum with the Rams favored by 6.5 points over the Chargers. He also has a good chance to extend his scoring streak, as the Chargers have allowed the seventh-most rushing touchdowns to opposing running backs in 2026. As a result, Corum ranks as the overall RB25 in RotoBaller's latest half-PPR fantasy football rankings for Week 8.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Thunder Back Out of Ochai Agbaji Signing
The Oklahoma City Thunder are no longer signing free-agent guard/forward Ochai Agbaji, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Oklahoma City had agreed to bring in the 26-year-old on Friday but is now re-evaluating how to use its open roster spot after Chet Holmgren (knee) was ruled out for eight to 10 weeks. With Jalen Williams (leg) and Cason Wallace (shoulder) also facing lengthy absences, the Thunder may look for more frontcourt help instead. Isaiah Hartenstein should remain heavily involved, while rookie Aday Mara has already shown some promise with an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double against Phoenix. If Oklahoma City adds another big, Mara's path to regular minutes could get tighter.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
