Welcome back, everybody! We’ve got NFL Week 8 officially in the books and a lot to recap from ALL the action! My goal with this weekly piece is to provide you with the KEY ACTION items – waiver wire pickups, trade, add, drop, stash, buy, sell, start, sit, etc. – for your fantasy football team based on what happened the previous week. Let me do the work of scouring through the data so you can just follow my lead. As my college marketing professor always said, “Keep it simple, stupid.” The KISS mantra is at its finest.
Obviously, I’ll cite data and what I watched on film from the weekend’s past matchups, highlighting what matters most and what’s potentially just noise. I will make a strong effort to feature players coming off polarizing performances, as they are sure to be the ones fantasy managers have the most question marks about.
And I’d be more than happy to include certain tables where I see they fit and/or there is a demand.
Again, the idea behind the Fantasy Forecast has always been about identifying which players are running routes, seeing high snap shares, and earning high-value targets, as these tend to be precursors for future fantasy production. And sometimes, they don’t always appear in the normal box score.
Also new this year. An opening trade advice column and more graphics! Courtesy of FantasyPros in-house data scientist Sam Hoppen!
So, without further ado…let’s unveil the Fantasy Forecast for Week 9 to prepare our rosters for future success.
Because the forecast calls for a SHOCKINGLY fun Week 9 slate with all 30 teams BACK in action!
Week 9 Fantasy Football Forecast
Jump ahead and check out my advice for each team using the table below!
- Use the tools. FantasyPros strength of schedule tool can be a great resource when deciding between two closely ranked players for the rest of the season. I like using it when comparing two top-tier players and with quarterbacks (who are more matchup-dependent).
- Strive for excellence, not perfection. If you try to be perfect with every transaction you make in fantasy football, you aren’t going to be a happy camper. Make the moves following sound process and you’ll be better off in the long run. Loosen up and don’t stress. Remember this is a game after all and supposedly a fun one at that.
- Look at players’ game logs to evaluate the floor/ceiling further. We have eight weeks of data. If player “x” has zero top-12 finishes, it’s likely not going to happen for them, barring any extreme change to their role. You NEED to have week-winners on your roster to make a run in the postseason.
Trade Advice
My thoughts on this week’s trade market.
Minnesota Vikings
Price Check Aaron Jones | Hold Vikings | Add T.J. Hockenson
Quarterback Sam Darnold delivered a strong performance, completing 18 of 25 passes for 240 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Darnold’s completion rate of 72%, a passer rating of 128.8, and 9.6 yards per attempt underscored his efficiency. He also added 6 rushing yards on three carries.
In the ground game, Aaron Jones was the primary back, carrying the ball 19 times for 58 yards, averaging 3.1 yards per carry, with a longest run of 9 yards. Darnold’s six rushing yards complemented Jones’ contribution.
Snap counts: Aaron Jones: 92%, Ty Chandler: 4%
In the receiving corps, star wide receiver Justin Jefferson was Darnold’s go-to target, hauling in eight of nine targets for 115 yards, averaging 14.4 yards per catch with a long of 27 yards. Jefferson had two red zone targets and did not score. The Vikings No.1 WR led with a 39.13% target share, recording 103 air yards (43.64% of the team’s air yards).
Aaron Jones added value through the air as well, catching both of his targets for 37 yards with an impressive 18.5 yards per reception. Josh Oliver, the tight end, made two catches on two targets for 30 yards, scoring a touchdown with a longest reception of 25 yards. Trent Sherfield contributed with a 10-yard touchdown catch, while Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor, and Johnny Mundt each made timely catches to keep the chains moving. Sherfield Sr. saw one red zone target and caught a touchdown.
The Vikings will get a major boost to their offense in the form of tight end T.J. Hockenson, who was activated off the IR.
Minnesota plays vs IND, @ JAC, @ TEN, @ CHI and vs ARI. Then it’s vs ATL, vs CHI, @ SEA and vs GB.
This is a GREAT schedule for the offense to stay on an upward trend. Hold your Vikings tight. However, given that Jones is an older RB who has already had a soft-body tissue injury, don’t drop Chandler if you don’t have to. Also, entertain the idea of “selling high” on Jones based on the injury history and the fact that he is getting an overwhelming amount of touches. He’s pacing for over 300 touches.
Note that Addison’s hearing was originally slated for October 7th, stemming from his off-field incident earlier this offseason. However, as of that date in question, the arraignment and plea hearing for Addison, stemming from two misdemeanor charges in July for DUI, is now scheduled for Dec. 3, according to Superior Court of California online records per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert. That would be before Week 14.
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Los Angeles Rams
Buy Kyren Williams | Hold Jordan Whittington| Drop Colby Parkinson & Demarcus Robinson & Tutu Atwell | Sell Cooper Kupp
Quarterback Matthew Stafford had a great game, completing 25 of 34 passes for 279 yards, throwing four touchdowns and one interception. His 73.5% completion rate, 124.5 passer rating, and 8.2 yards per attempt demonstrated his effectiveness in leading the Rams’ offense.
Per Next Gen Stats, entering Week 8, Stafford was the only qualified quarterback without a touchdown pass over 10 air yards. The last time Stafford threw three touchdown passes over 10 air yards was Week 1, 2021, against the Bears. Stafford was pressured on just 4 of 34 dropbacks, with all four pressures coming when the Vikings rushed four or fewer pass rushers. He was not sacked on the night.
In the backfield, Kyren Williams carried the ball 23 times, accumulating 97 yards at an average of 4.2 yards per carry, with a longest run of 17 yards. Blake Corum contributed with four carries for 9 yards, and Stafford had three carries but lost 4 yards. Williams recorded six red-zone carries with no rushing touchdowns and one target that he converted into a receiving touchdown.
Snap counts: Kyren Williams: 89%, Blake Corum: 11.00%
Wide receiver Puka Nacua led the receiving corps, catching seven of his nine targets for 106 yards, averaging 15.1 yards per reception, with a longest gain of 21 yards and an impressive 55 yards after the catch. Nacua ran a route on just 65% of the dropbacks but didn’t see him hampered by his injury, which has sidelined him since Week 1.
Nacua led the Rams with a 26.47% target share and amassed 105 air yards, accounting for 40.54% of the air yards. According to Nex Gen Stats, Nacua was able to get open often against the Vikings, recording five of his seven receptions and 88 of his 106 yards on open targets (3+ yards of separation).
Cooper Kupp made an impact with five catches on eight targets, totaling 51 yards and a touchdown, with a long reception of 27 yards. Kupp ran a route on 82.35% of dropbacks. Kupp was targeted twice in the red zone, catching one touchdown. Kupp was targeted 23.53% of the time, contributing 38 air yards (14.67%).
Nacua looked like the clear alpha in the Rams’ passing attack over Kupp. If some managers in your league think otherwise, sell high on Kupp. We know his injury history.
Demarcus Robinson caught two passes on three targets for 35 yards, scoring two touchdowns, including a 25-yard catch. Robinson ran a route on 85% of dropbacks and was targeted once in the red zone and scored.
Kyren Williams contributed in the passing game as well, catching 5 of 7 targets for 19 yards and a touchdown. Other contributors included Tutu Atwell, Hunter Long, and Colby Parkinson, each making key catches to support the offense. Parkinson ran a route on 71% of dropbacks. It was an increase compared to last week, but not many Rams players will have value outside the Big Three.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Rams have the No. 1 most favorable schedule for RBs. At this point, Williams is probably a better buy than anything else.
The Rams are getting healthier for the back nine of the season. This week, they @ SEA. Then it’s vs. MIA, @ NE, vs. PHI, @ NO, vs BUF, @ SF, @ NYJ and vs ARI.
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Baltimore Ravens
Hold Mark Andrews | Sell Zay Flowers
Lamar Jackson completed 23 of 38 passes for 289 yards and threw two touchdown passes, ending with a passer rating of 101.8 and an average of 7.6 yards per attempt.
Derrick Henry led the ground game with 11 carries for 73 yards, scoring once on an impressive 39-yard run. Jackson also contributed 46 rushing yards on eight attempts, keeping the defense on their toes.
Snap counts: Derrick Henry: 51%. Justice Hill: 50%
In the receiving department, Zay Flowers stole the spotlight with seven catches on 12 targets for a total of 115 yards, including a 29-yard-long play. Flowers was heavily targeted with a 34.29% share, collecting 195 air yards, representing 53.57% of the team’s air yardage.
Isaiah Likely was a reliable target, hauling in all four of his targets for 47 yards. He has another two targets removed by penalties. Likely received one red zone target without a touchdown.
Nelson Agholor added a receiving touchdown with three catches for 36 yards on five targets, while Mark Andrews scored as well, catching all five of his targets for 36 yards. Andrews was targeted twice in the red zone and scored once.
Agholor was targeted once in the red zone and scored. Mark Andrews ran a route on 63% of dropbacks compared to Likely’s 60%. Andrews commanded a 14.29% target share, adding 29 air yards (7.97% of air yards). Likely had 11.43% of the targets but only 1 air yard (0.27%).
Positive usage for Andrews, as his routes surpassed Likely’s for the first time since Week 2—very much positive development for Andrews (along with all the TD scores).
Rashod Bateman and Justice Hill each had a single catch, with Bateman’s going for 28 yards. Bateman saw five targets but had a killer drop on a deep ball from Jackson that he lost in the sun.
Nose tackle defensive tackle Michael Pierce left the game with an injury.
Baltimore’s defense is in a bad spot, forcing the Ravens into more shootout situations—a recipe for fantasy football greatness.
Baltimore will face the Broncos next, followed by the Bengals, Steelers, Chargers, and Eagles before a bye week.
Per the FantasyPros Strength of Schedule tool, no team has a more difficult schedule for fantasy RBs than the Ravens.
We should continue to see the Ravens lean on their passing game in specific matchups especially after they traded for Panthers WR, Diontae Johnson.
Adding Johnson to the fold into this offense that wants to run the ball makes this a tough situation. Targets are going to be squeezed among the WRs and TEs.
Johnson’s best ability is commanding targets. He’s a winner heading to Baltimore given the QB upgrade. His presence hurts Flowers the most given their overlapping skill sets. Also won’t help Bateman see more targets as this could eat into his playing time.
I don’t think it influences the tight ends too much given that both are TD-dependent. That being said, Johnson leads all WRs in targets inside the 10-yard line this season.
We might see an overreaction to Johnson to panic sell Ravens. Unless you are blown away by an offer, I’d likely just keep them given this team has the highest TD output every week. That won’t change with another weapon added.
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Cleveland Browns
Add Jameis Winston | Add Jerry Jeudy | Hold David Njoku | Add Cedric Tillman | Hold/Buy Nick Chubb
The Cleveland Browns, led by Jameis Winston, showcased a powerful offensive display this week. Winston completed 27 of 41 passes for 334 yards and three touchdowns with zero interceptions, finishing with a passer rating of 115.3 and averaging 8.1 yards per attempt.
Per Next Gen Stats, Jameis Winston became the first Browns quarterback to finish with 300-plus passing yards, three passing touchdowns, and zero interceptions since Week 11 of 2022 (Jacoby Brissett). He has two 300-yard passing games since 2021. Deshaun Watson has zero. Also, Winston finished with +12.2 EPA, his third straight game generating positive EPA. Deshaun Watson recorded -73.9 EPA in Weeks 1-7, the fewest in the NFL.
Nick Chubb led the rushing game with 16 carries for 52 yards, although he didn’t find the end zone. D’Onta Foreman added five carries for 26 yards, with a strong 5.2 yards per carry average. Winston also had two short runs, adding a couple of yards on the ground.
Snap counts: Nick Chubb: 61%, Pierre Strong: 20%, D’Onta Foreman: 19%
Cedric Tillman was the standout in the receiving corps, hauling in seven of nine targets for 99 yards and two touchdowns, including a 38-yard catch. Tillman scored twice despite just one red zone target without scoring or catching. Tillman led in air yards with 159 (38.69%) and commanded a 21.95% target share.
Alpha. Loved him coming out of Tennessee and I am LOVING what I am seeing so far this season with him in a full-time role. He leads the Browns in target share (24%) and air yards share (38% the last two games.
Elijah Moore contributed with eight receptions on 12 targets, totaling 85 yards, while Jerry Jeudy added five catches for 79 yards with a 30-yard long play.
Jeudy saw a 19.51% target share and added 98 air yards (23.84%). Moore had a strong 29.27% target share with 95 air yards (23.11%). I think we might see these guys flip-flop production, so I’m not trying to target either aggressively off waivers.
Still, the schedule is great for Browns WRs. Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Browns have a top-10 schedule for WRs for the rest of the season.
Tight end David Njoku had an effective game, catching all five of his seven targets for 61 yards and a touchdown. Njoku commanded a 17.07% target share with 60 air yards (14.60%).
I think the top two pass-catchers moving forward are Tillman/Njoku. Moore and Jeudy getting a lot of raw volume is more about the specific matchup against the Ravens which won’t always be the case.
Geoff Swaim and Pierre Strong, each had one catch, with Strong gaining 3 yards.
Nick Chubb went catch less on his two targets.
Denzel Ward was diagnosed with a concussion during the Browns’ 29-24 win over the Ravens on Sunday, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was carted off the field late in the third quarter of Sunday’s game against the Ravens with a neck injury and won’t return, Ashley Bastock of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
The Browns stock has hit its highest price since Joe Flacco took over last season. It’s still not too late to hop on the Browns bandwagon.
The cheapest piece is Nick Chubb. He was okay versus Baltimore despite it being a brutal matchup. The hope for holding/buying on Chubb would be based on Weeks 16-17 against the Bengals and Dolphins. Hopefully, Chubb will be back to fuller form by then. And if this offense is good under Winston, you’ll be glad you bought while he was still super affordable.
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Tennessee Titans
Hold Tony Pollard | Sell/Hold Calvin Ridley | Add Mason Rudolph | Add Tyler Boyd
Mason Rudolph completed 22 of 38 passes for 266 yards, throwing one touchdown and two interceptions, finishing with a passer rating of 66.3 and averaging 7 yards per attempt.
In the ground game, Tony Pollard carried the load with 20 attempts, gaining 94 yards and averaging 4.7 yards per carry, with a long run of 17 yards.
Julius Chestnut added 32 yards on seven carries, while Rudolph chipped in with 29 yards on four attempts, including a 14-yard run.
Calvin Ridley led the receiving corps, catching 10 of 15 targets for 143 yards, averaging 14.3 yards per reception, with a 47-yard long and a notable 34 yards after catch. Ridley had already amassed 126 yards in the first half on seven catches and ten targets. Ridley was targeted twice in the red zone but did not score.
Ridley dominated the Titans’ air yards with a 39.47% target share and 167 air yards (45.75%).
According to Next Gen Stats, in his first game without teammate DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley had one of his most productive games with 10 receptions for 143 yards on 15 targets, tied for 3rd-most yards in a game for his career. Ridley finished with at least two receptions to every level of the field (behind the line of scrimmage, short, intermediate, and deep).
What do we do after a breakout game for a WR that has underwhelmed all season? Sell high. The process, the process, the process. However, don’t sell for nothing.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Titans have the second-ranked schedule for WRs for the rest of the season and the No.1-ranked for quarterbacks.
The rest of the schedule: vs. NE, @ LAC, vs. MIN, @ HOU, @ WAS, vs. JAC, vs. CIN, @ IND, and @ JAC.
If Ridley catches Christian Gonzalez‘s shadow coverage, it could be a long day at the office for him.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine was also effective, catching two passes for 39 yards, including a 34-yard touchdown. Westbrook-Ikhine ran a route on 90% of dropbacks (lead team). Westbrook-Ikhine had two red zone targets and scored one touchdown. He’s scored in three straight games.
Tight end Josh Whyle contributed with two catches for 33 yards, showcasing a long reception of 33 yards.
Tony Pollard added value in the passing game, catching 3 of 4 targets for 23 yards. Tyler Boyd, Chigoziem Okonkwo, Nick Vannett, and J. Jackson also saw targets but with limited impact.
Boyd contributed 15.79% of targets with 52 air yards (14.25%).
Boyd was only able to catch three of his seven targets for 14 yards. had two red zone targets without a touchdown. Pain.
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Detroit Lions
Buy Jameson Williams | Sell Sam LaPorta
Jared Goff led the way, completing 12 of 15 passes for 85 yards and three touchdowns, posting a stellar 129.9 passer rating. Backup Hendon Hooker also contributed with 6 yards on two completions, while David Montgomery added a passing touchdown on a trick play to Amon-Ra St. Brown.
The Lions’ rushing attack was highlighted by Jahmyr Gibbs, who broke off several big runs, finishing with 127 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, averaging an impressive 11.5 yards per carry, including a long 70-yard run. David Montgomery also chipped in with nine carries for 33 yards and a touchdown.
In the receiving game, tight end Sam LaPorta led the team, catching all 6 of his targets for 48 yards and a touchdown, with a long of 24 yards and significant yards after catch. LaPorta had four red zone targets and caught one touchdown. LaPorta commanded a high 33.33% target share.
It’s not a coincidence that LaPorta’s best game to date came when Jameson Williams was out due to his suspension. Detroit could pretty much do whatever they wanted to do offensively in this spot, so it makes sense they’d feature Sammy Ballgame after he’s posted lackluster numbers this season. Given that Jamo is only out one more game, strike while the iron is hot with LaPorta.
It will be hard for him to produce when ancillary guys are also chipping in and commanding targets.
Kalif Raymond and Brock Wright each added a receiving touchdown, with Raymond totaling 14 yards on two catches and Wright making a single 8-yard touchdown grab. Raymond also scored a special teams touchdown on a return. He was targeted once in the red zone and scored.
Amon-Ra St. Brown only caught two passes for 7 yards, also scoring a touchdown. Gibbs and Montgomery contributed to the passing game as well, while rookie receiver Isaiah Williams caught two passes for 6 yards.
Tim Patrick ran a route on 69% of dropbacks. Patrick had notable usage, capturing 37.31% of air yards with 25 yards and a 5.56% target share.
Other than LaPorta, there are not many takeaways from the Lions. They are a juggernaut on offense.
Detroit plays @ GB next. Then it’s @ HOU, vs JAC, @ IND, vs CHI, vs GB, vs BUF, @ CHI and @ SF.
Detroit’s scheduling quirk will happen in the second half. At Green Bay, it will be the first time they play outdoors. Then, at Chicago in Week 16, it could get dicey if it’s cold and/or bad weather.
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Indianapolis Colts
Sell Jonathan Taylor | Buy Michael Pittman Jr. & Josh Downs
The Indianapolis Colts had a tough offensive outing in Week 9, led by quarterback Anthony Richardson, who completed 10 of 32 passes for 175 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, finishing with a 31.3 passer rating. Richardson also contributed on the ground with 45 rushing yards on six carries, including a long 26-yard run.
Per Next Gen Stats, Anthony Richardson‘s 31.3 completion percentage was the second-lowest by any player in a single game with 30-plus pass attempts over the last 10 seasons.
Things aren’t going great for A-Rich. All in all, after re-watching this game, I don’t think that it was nearly as bad as the 31.3 completion percentage suggests. He had a lot of balls in tight windows battered by defenders, and his receivers had drops. I’m not saying he’s totally off the hook because his body of work this season doesn’t give him the benefit of the doubt.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, Indianapolis is tied for the No.31-ranked schedule for quarterbacks. With Richardson as the quarterback, it’s hard to be overly confident in any Colts pass-catcher, and the schedule sure doesn’t help.
With the Colts coaches questioning Richardson as QB1, it’s time to give up the dream of Richardson in 2024. On Tuesday, Indianapolis announced they were benching Richardson for Flacco.
Jonathan Taylor powered the Colts’ ground game, amassing 105 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries, averaging 5.3 yards per carry with a longest run of 28 yards. Wide receiver Josh Downs also showcased his explosiveness, gaining 13 rushing yards on a single carry.
Snap counts: Jonathan Taylor: 81%, Trey Sermon: 16%, Tyler Goodson: 3%
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Colts have the bottom-five-ranked schedule for running backs. You can get a lot for JT in trades.
Downs was the standout receiver, catching four of his 10 targets for an impressive 109 yards and a touchdown, highlighted by a 69-yard reception. He was ruled down at the one-yard line on what would have been his second TD. Downs commanded 29.03% of targets, totaling 102 air yards (20.86%).
Michael Pittman, the team’s top wideout, had a quiet day with only one catch for 16 yards on six targets. Pittman led with a 19.35% target share and 132 air yards (26.99%).
For the rest of the season, you want Downs over Pittman, although neither is trustworthy unless Flacco takes over. With now that being the new reality we live in, both guys are major buys, although I do prefer Downs. Pittman might be cheaper though, which makes him a super intriguing buy-low target.
Still Downs’ ability to command targets is elite. His 33% target rate per route run ranks fourth in the NFL. Since Week 3, Downs has a 26% target share (10th overall). With Flacco at QB, he has a 27% target share averaging just over 19 PPR points per game. Pittman has averaged just under 15 PPR points per game with Flacco at QB this season.
Other contributors included Trey Sermon, who caught a single pass for 14 yards, and Taylor, who added 12 receiving yards on his only target.
Alec Pierce, Adonai Mitchell, and Kylen Granson each had one catch as well, though their contributions were limited. Pierce had another TD pass reversed by an offensive pass interference penalty. Pierce captured a 12.90% target share, adding 99 air yards (20.25%).
Tyler Goodson also dropped a TD pass from Richardson (on one of his better throws).
The schedule for Weeks 8-13 before a Week 14 bye week is: @ MIN, vs. BUF, @ NYJ, vs. DET, and @ NE. After the bye week, the schedule is: @ DEN, vs. TEN, and @ NYG.
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Houston Texans
Buy/Hold Tank Dell | Buy Joe Mixon | Add Dalton Schultz | Add John Metchie
Quarterback C.J. Stroud led the Texans’ passing game with an efficient 25 completions on 37 attempts, totaling 285 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions, ending with a 99.5 passer rating. Stroud’s accuracy and control over the game helped the Texans move the ball effectively through the air.
According to Next Gen Stats, C.J. Stroud was pressured on a career-high 57.5% of his dropbacks against the Colts in Week 8. Stroud completed 11 of 21 passes under pressure for 148 yards and a touchdown. Stroud recorded an average time to throw of 3.04 seconds, his 2nd-longest in a game this season. Stroud gained 247 of his 285 total passing yards on attempts with a time to throw over 2.5 seconds (19/27, 247 yards, TD). Stroud recorded a season-high +15.8% completion percentage over expected on passes over 2.5 seconds, his 2nd-highest in a game in his career.
On the ground, Joe Mixon carried the load, rushing 25 times for 102 yards and a touchdown, with a long run of 21 yards. His consistency added balance to the Texans’ offense. Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale each had a single carry for 4 yards, while Stefon Diggs lost 4 yards on a rare rushing attempt.
Snap counts: Joe Mixon: 76%, Dare Ogunbowale: 18%, Dameon Pierce: 6%
In the receiving department, Stefon Diggs was Stroud’s primary target, catching five passes for 81 yards, including a long catch of 49 yards on nine targets. Diggs captured 25% of targets, with 103 air yards (36.79% of air yards). But he left the game with an injury.
News broke Tuesday that Diggs suffered a torn ACL, ending his 2024 season.
Dalton Schultz contributed 52 yards on four receptions, showcasing his reliability with a 17-yard catch (six targets). Schultz led with a 16.67% target share and 52 air yards.
Tank Dell made an impact with four catches for 35 yards, including a touchdown on four targets. Dell had another pass for 19 yards wiped away due to an illegal formation penalty. Dell ran a route on 75% of dropbacks. Dell had one red zone target and scored. Dell saw an 11.11% target share, recording 33 air yards (11.79%).
Dell hasn’t been anywhere near his rookie self, failing to command targets at an elite level. Without Diggs for the rest of the season or Collins on Thursday night, he has to be started based on the pure upside/volume proposition. And I think eventually he will return to form especially with him needed more in the Texans passing game.
Recall that Tony Pollard didn’t feel like himself until Week 11 last year off a similar injury.
Mixon also chipped in with 32 receiving yards on four catches and six targets. John Metchie III and Xavier Hutchinson added 29 and 19 yards, respectively, with Hutchinson’s lone catch going for 19 yards. Hutchinson ran a route on 63% of dropbacks.
Other notable contributors included Cade Stover and Robert Woods, each securing two receptions.
John Metchie went three for 29 on four targets. Metchie III received two red zone targets but did not score. Metchie contributed 11.11% of targets and had 31 air yards (11.07%). He was hyper-targeted, seeing a target on 50% of his routes run.
Among the next Texans WRs to target behind Dell, I think my lean is toward Metchie. The fact that Stroud targeted him so heavily in his most action is telling. He would be the best to take on a larger role in the slot vacated by Diggs.
Hutchinson has played a decent amount since Collins got hurt and hasn’t done much outside a few nice catches. He has five targets since Week 5. Metchie had four targets this past week.
The Texans take on the Jets and Lions in their next two games. Nico Collins is expected to return in Week 10.
Then it’s the Cowboys, Titans, and Jaguars before their bye week. They open the fantasy football playoffs against the Dolphins, Chiefs, and Ravens.
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Jacksonville Jaguars
Drop Christian Kirk | Add Parker Washington | Buy Brian Thomas Jr. | Sell Tank Bigsby | Hold Travis Etienne Jr.
Trevor Lawrence led the Jaguars’ passing attack, completing 21 of 32 passes for 308 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, achieving a 104.7 passer rating. Lawrence effectively spread the ball across the field, helping his team maintain a strong offensive presence.
In the rushing game, Tank Bigsby was the primary workhorse, rushing 18 times for 78 yards, averaging 4.3 yards per carry with a long of 16 yards. Lawrence also contributed on the ground, rushing 4 times for 10 yards and a touchdown.
Bigsby went for two catches on eight yards and three targets. Out-targeted D’Ernest Johnson.
Snap counts: Tank Bigsby: 67%, D’Ernest Johnson: 33%
Bigsby’s more involved role is a receiver was nice to see, with Jags-Packers a relatively close contest. But I still have long-term concerns about his role when Travis Etienne returns. I still have hesitation about what happens if the Jaguars are forced to play from behind in future weeks.
The upcoming schedule: @ PHI, vs. MIN, and @ DET before a Week 12 bye week.
After Week 12, Jacksonville finishes the season against HOU, @ TEN, vs. NYJ, @ LV, @ TEN, and @ IND. Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Jaguars are tied for the No.32-ranked schedule for quarterbacks.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, they also have the third worst-ranked schedule for running backs.
The receiving unit saw contributions from multiple players. Brian Thomas Jr. had a standout performance with three catches for 60 yards and a touchdown, including a 28-yard reception on four targets. Thomas Jr. had one red zone target and scored a touchdown. Thomas Jr. commanded a 13.33% target share with 55 air yards (18.84%).
Christian Kirk also made an impact with two catches for 59 yards, featuring a 33-yard gain on five targets. Kirk managed a 16.67% target share with 105 air yards (35.96%).
Tight end Brenton Strange was reliable, with five receptions for 59 yards on five targets, including a 21-yard catch. Parker Washington chipped in with three catches for 46 yards, averaging 15.3 yards per catch, and Evan Engram recorded four catches for 36 yards and a touchdown on six targets.
Washington saw a 13.33% target share, contributing 57 air yards (19.52%).
Engram had one red zone target and scored a touchdown.
Washington had one red zone target without a catch or score. Washington also ran a route on 73.5% of dropbacks. Tim Jones ran a route on 53% of dropbacks.
Kirk’s left arm was in a sling after Sunday’s 30-27 loss to the Packers, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports. Thomas exited Sunday’s game against the Packers after sustaining a chest injury, and he will be out 2-4 weeks. Pain.
Although some reports say that “everything was good” from his MRI and BTJ hopes to practice soon, per @ESPNdirocco. Maybe a buy-low? Always.
Davis was forced out of Sunday’s game against the Packers with a shoulder injury.
Washington looks like the last man standing, and he was a standout during Jaguars training camp this offseason while Kirk was nursing an injury. He showed out at times during his rookie campaign with two top-36 finishes in his first two starts (scored touchdowns in each game).
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Green Bay Packers
Hold Tucker Kraft | Buy Jayden Reed | Buy Josh Jacobs | Sell Dontayvion Wicks
Quarterback Jordan Love completed 14 of 22 passes for 196 yards with no touchdowns and one interception, ending with a passer rating of 73.3. Malik Willis stepped in and completed 4 of 5 passes for 56 yards and one touchdown, achieving a passer rating of 152.9 and providing a spark for the Packers’ offense.
Love left the game with a groin injury. There’s a high level of concern regarding the injury.
In the ground game, Josh Jacobs was the focal point, carrying the ball 25 times for 127 yards and two touchdowns, including a long run of 38 yards, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. Through eight weeks, Jacobs leads the NFL in touches.
Malik Willis also contributed on the ground with four rushes for 23 yards, showing his mobility. Chris Brooks added 16 yards on 4 carries, while Emmanuel Wilson struggled with four carries for just 5 yards.
Snap counts: Josh Jacobs: 64%, Chris Brooks: 24%, Emanuel Wilson: 17%
Brooks got the first carry after Jacobs, ahead of Wilson. He also sacrificed his first TD on the final rush of the game so the team could kneel on the ball and close out the game. If anything, it’s safe to say you can drop Wilson, as he might not even be the direct handcuff to Jacobs anymore.
Tucker Kraft led the receiving corps, catching all 3 of his targets for 78 yards and a touchdown, including a long gain of 67 yards. Kraft had one red zone target and caught a touchdown.
Romeo Doubs recorded three catches on seven targets for 72 yards, with a long reception of 29 yards. Doubs had one red zone target without catching or scoring. Doubs dominated air yards with a 35.25% share, amassing 98 air yards and holding a 22.22% target share.
Jayden Reed provided a deep threat with two receptions for 55 yards, including a 51-yard catch. However, there were only three targets as Reed ran a route on just 59% of dropbacks. Back-to-back dud games for Reed represent the perfect window to buy (along with the QB injury).
The Lions are the WORST defense against slot WRs this season.
Christian Watson added four catches for 39 yards, showing consistency. He tied for the team lead with six targets. Watson ran a route on 76% of dropbacks, out-pacing Dontayvion Wicks (28%). Watson received a red zone target without a catch or score. Watson garnered a 22.22% target share and collected 66 air yards (23.74%).
All the Packers players are in a holding position right now until we know more about the Love injury. We know the team will go run-heavy, so you’ll be benching the majority of their WRs.
The Packers play Detroit before a Week 10 bye week. This offense will continue to cook. Even if they have to rest Love through the bye week, it’s worth it to acquire them now for the long haul.
Post bye week: @ CHI vs. SF, vs. MIA, @ DET, @ SEA vs. NO, and @ MIN.
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Miami Dolphins
Buy Jaylen Waddle | Hold De’Von Achane & Jaylen Wright | Sell Raheem Mostert
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa showcased accuracy and poise, completing 28 of 38 passes for 234 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions, posting a solid passer rating of 97.9. His precision passing helped the Dolphins maintain offensive momentum throughout the game.
In the backfield, De’Von Achane led the Dolphins’ rushing attack with 10 carries for 97 yards, including a 47-yard breakaway run that underscored his explosive speed. According to Next Gen Stats, Achane recorded season-highs in rushing yards over expected (+31) and yards after contact per carry (7.1).
Raheem Mostert contributed 19 yards on nine carries but was highly effective in the red zone, punching in two touchdowns. Jaylen Wright added 18 yards on just two attempts, averaging an impressive 9 yards per carry.
The schedule is JUICY for Miami’s RBs. @ BUF, @ LAR, vs. LV and vs. NE.
Achane out-touched Mostert 11 to 3 in the first half. Mostert recorded five red-zone carries, scoring twice, and had no targets. Achane recorded one red-zone carry without scoring and converted two targets into a receiving touchdown.
Snap counts: De’Von Achane: 58%, Raheem Mostert: 46%, Jaylen Wright: 5%
Mostert’s threading a narrow path to production with him relying solely on TDs. He’s behind Achane more than he was last season, and Wright is breathing down his neck for opportunities. Sell high after the two-TD performance after Mostert mustered just 2.1 yards per carry, while his RB counterparts both averaged over nine yards per carry against the same defense. I understand that Mostert’s ypc is heavily influenced by the majority of his rushes being inside the red zone, but his rushing success rate (33%) was still very poor. Wright was at 100%, followed by Achane at 60%. Mostert’s 33% success rate this season ranks 42nd out of 52 qualifying RBs this season.
Tyreek Hill led the receivers with six receptions for 72 yards on nine targets, including a long catch of 30 yards, demonstrating his game-breaking ability. Hill was targeted twice in the red zone but did not score. Hill commanded a high 25.71% target share and collected 102 air yards, representing 55.14% of the team’s air yardage.
Achane was also productive in the receiving game, catching all 6 of his nine targets for 50 yards and a touchdown, showing versatility as a dual threat.
Jaylen Waddle contributed 45 yards on four catches, while tight end Jonnu Smith provided short-yardage support with four receptions for 20 yards on six targets.
Waddle captured 17.14% of targets and 49 air yards (26.49%). Waddle didn’t benefit from Tagovailoa like some of his teammates, but the upside is still there for him even after this week. Waddle had a drop that could have boosted his numbers. Waddle’s 314 receiving yards and zero TDs are the third-most for any WR without a TD yet this season.
Julian Hill saw two red zone targets but did not score.
Miami will play @ BUF, @ LAR, vs. LV, vs. NE, @ GB, vs. NYJ, @ HOU, vs. SF, and @ CLE.
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Arizona Cardinals
Add Michael Wilson | Buy James Conner & Trey McBride | Buy Marvin Harrison Jr. | Hold Trey Benson
Quarterback Kyler Murray led the Cardinals with a solid passing performance, completing 26 of 36 passes for 307 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions, boasting a passer rating of 116.3. His accuracy and efficiency were instrumental in keeping the Cardinals competitive throughout the game.
In the ground game, James Conner was the primary rusher with 20 carries for 53 yards and a touchdown, though he averaged a modest 2.7 yards per carry. Murray added 19 rushing yards on five carries, while Trey Benson chipped in with a single carry for 10 yards.
Conner had six red-zone carries, scoring once on the ground without any targets.
Snap counts: James Conner: 80%, Emari Demercado: 12%, Trey Benson: 6%
I get that Benson hasn’t done anything. But he has league-winning upside based on the schedule if an injury hits Conner down the stretch.
The receiving corps was highlighted by tight end Trey McBride, who recorded nine catches for 124 yards on 11 targets, including a long reception of 37 yards. McBride ran a route on 89% of dropbacks. McBride had one red zone target but did not score.
McBride commanded 33.33% of the target share and 76 air yards, making up 27.84% of the team’s air yards. Buy low. McBride leads all players in receiving yards (446) without a receiving TD this season. The big game is coming.
Rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. was a standout as well, hauling in six catches for 111 yards and a touchdown on seven targets, featuring an 18.5-yard average per catch. Harrison Jr. ran a route on 92% of dropbacks. Harrison Jr. commanded a 21.21% target share and accumulated 136 air yards, accounting for 49.82% of the team’s air yards.
This was a much-needed boost for Harrison Jr. Talked about him as a buy last week, and that approach remains the same here. Matchups aren’t great in the short-term, but post-bye-week it’s chef’s kiss.
Michael Wilson also contributed with five receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown on six targets, and Conner added to his versatility with two catches for 16 yards on three targets. Wilson ran a route on 76% of dropbacks. Wilson had two red zone targets and scored once. Wilson had an 18.18% target share, contributing 32 air yards, which represented 11.72% of the team’s total.
The Cardinals’ next games are against the Bears and Jets before their bye week. After their bye week, the schedule is salivating for the playoff run: @ SEA, @ MIN, vs. SEA, vs. NE, @ CAR, @ LAR, and vs. SF. A reminder to make sure that Benson is not available in any league formats for the upside he could deliver if there’s a Conner injury. Conner is eighth in touches this season.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, Arizona has the No.1-ranked schedule for running backs.
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New York Jets
Buy Breece Hall | Buy Garrett Wilson & Davante Adams | Hold Braelon Allen | Sell Allen Lazard | Drop Tyler Conklin
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers efficiently managed the Jets’ offense, completing 17 of 28 passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns, finishing with a passer rating of 111.2. His precise passing played a key role in the Jets’ offensive success.
Breece Hall led the Jets’ ground attack with 16 carries for 80 yards, averaging a solid 5 yards per carry, with his longest run reaching 16 yards. Backup running back Braelon Allen added 32 yards on 12 carries and scored a touchdown in the red zone, contributing to the Jets’ balanced offensive approach.
Allen out-carried Hall (8 to 6) in the first half. Hall only caught one of his five targets for nine yards.
Hall had five red-zone carries with no touchdowns and was targeted once without scoring. Allen recorded two red-zone carries with one rushing touchdown but no targets.
Hall fumbled but was not punished.
Snap counts: Breece Hall: 74%, Braelon Allen: 31%
I’m not reading too much into Allen’s increase. It was a soft matchup against a Patriots bad run defense. Hall got unlucky without finding the end zone and got vultured by Allen.
Garrett Wilson was the top receiver, hauling in five receptions for 113 yards, showcasing his big-play ability with a long catch of 35 yards on eight targets. Wilson had one red zone target but did not catch or score.
Wilson led the Jets with a 32% target share and accumulated 169 air yards, making up 62.59% of the air yards.
Davante Adams also made an impact, catching four passes for 54 yards, including a 16-yard reception on eight targets (penalties removed two). Adams received two red zone targets but did not score. Adams held a 24% target share with 55 air yards (20.37%).
Through two games with Adams…Wilson leads the Jets in target share (26.5%), air yards (266), receiving yards (174, 87 per game), and receptions (10, 5 per game).
Even though Wilson’s volume has dropped since Adams’ arrival – targets and catches both down – his yards and overall efficiency have increased with another weapon added to the offense for the defense to account for.
Adams hasn’t scored yet, which is his main appeal attached to Rodgers.
Given the Jets schedule, you need to be buying BOTH Jets WRs, given how their prices have changed since the Adams trade. At least kick the tires on both of them. Remember, the Jets get the Rams and Jaguars in the first two weeks of the fantasy football playoffs.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Jets have the third-ranked schedule for WRs for the rest of the season.
And as I wrote about the Wilson-Adams debate when the trade first went down…Adams had the tougher slate of CB matchups as the perceived No. 1. Joey Porter Jr. in Week 7. In Week 8, according to Next Gen Stats, Christian Gonzalez lined up against Adams on 23 of his 29 routes (79.3%), allowing just one reception for 16 yards on three targets. Adams continued to align in the slot on 41.4% of his snaps in Week 8 and has now done so on 44.3% of his snaps since joining the Jets; he aligned in the slot on just 25.0% of his snaps with the Raiders in Weeks 1-3. Adams caught both of his targets for 22 yards when aligned in the slot on Sunday.
With Adams’ continued usage in the slot, he will have better matchups moving forward.
Tight end Tyler Conklin contributed with three catches for 42 yards and a touchdown, providing a reliable option for Rodgers in the red zone. Conklin got a boost with Allen Lazard out of the lineup. Houston is the No. 1 defense against tight ends this season, so I’d look elsewhere than Conk Daddy this week.
Xavier Gipson had a single red zone target and turned it into a touchdown.
The Jets will play the Texans in Week 9 (Thursday Night Football). Then it’s, @ ARI, vs IND before a bye week. Post-bye week Gang Green will play vs SEA, @ MIA, @ JAC, vs LAR and @ BUF.
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New England Patriots
Hold Drake Maye | Hold Hunter Henry | Hold Rhamondre Stevenson
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett led the Patriots’ passing attack, completing 15 of 24 passes for 132 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 77.1. Rookie QB Drake Maye started, connecting on 3 of 6 attempts for 23 yards. Maye showed mobility as well, picking up 46 rushing yards on 3 attempts, including an impressive 18-yard run. Alas, the rushing would be the end of Maye in Week 8 as he took a hit to the head and did not return.
Per Next Gen Stats, Brissett kept his passes short against the Jets, with two-thirds of his pass attempts targeting receivers under 10 air yards. Brissett completed 13 of 16 pass attempts under 10 air yards for 86 yards (+1.0% CPOE) while finishing 2 of 7 for 46 yards over 10 air yards (-8.4% CPOE).
Brissett is the king of dink and dunk. RB check-downs and tight-end dump-offs are coming if Maye isn’t ready for Week 9.
On the ground, Rhamondre Stevenson carried the workload with 20 rushing attempts for 48 yards, though he was held to an average of just 2.4 yards per carry. But he scored two rushing touchdowns. Stevenson saw four red-zone carries, converting two into touchdowns. He also had two targets but no receiving touchdowns. Antonio Gibson also fumbled.
Snap counts: Rhamondre Stevenson: 81%, Antonio Gibson: 19%
Stevenson’s been the Amari Cooper of RBs this season. Seven games played this season. Four top-10 finishes (including three inside the top-5). Then three outside the top 40 overall. Woof.
Running backs are usually accompanied by a higher floor, but that’s hardly been the case with Mondre. But I think the ceiling performances are worth holding onto Stevenson, given that he can deliver week-winning upside. And I don’t think that you’ll get nearly that type of return on Stevenson, even if you try to sell high on him after this last game. Nobody “wants” Patriots, especially if Brissett is under center.
In the receiving corps, Kayshon Boutte led with three catches for 46 yards, including a long 34-yard reception on a team-high six targets. Boutte ran a route on 75% of dropbacks. Boutte was targeted twice in the red zone but did not score. The LSU product led in target share with 20.69% and accumulated 98 air yards, accounting for 37.84%.
Tight end Hunter Henry contributed consistently, catching five passes for 45 yards on six targets.
Henry commanded a 21% target share with 40 air yards (15.44% of air yards).
Tyquan Thornton added two receptions for 20 yards, while Stevenson also made an impact in the passing game, catching all three of his targets for 17 yards.
DeMario Douglas was a non-factor, with two catches on three targets.
The Patriots will face the Titans in Week 9.
The rest of the schedule: @ CHI, vs. LAR, @ MIA, vs. IND, BYE, @ ARI, @ BUF, vs. LAC, and vs. BUF.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Buy Cade Otton | Hold Jalen McMillan | Sell Rachaad White | Hold Bucky Irving
Quarterback Baker Mayfield had a busy day, completing 37 of 50 passes for 330 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions, with a completion rate of 74% and a passer rating of 94.6. He averaged 6.6 yards per attempt, showcasing his ability to spread the ball effectively among multiple receivers.
Rachaad White and Bucky Irving led the ground game, with Irving carrying the ball 9 times for 44 yards, averaging 4.9 yards per carry, and White adding 29 yards on six attempts with a 4.8-yard average. White did lose a fumble early in the game.
Mayfield himself chipped in with 11 rushing yards on three carries, while Sean Tucker and Jalen McMillan contributed a few more yards on limited touches.
White and Irving split carries 50/50 in the first half, although White had zero carries in the second half of the contest. White had one red-zone carry and one target, converting the target into a touchdown. Bucky Irving had one red-zone carry but did not score or receive targets.
Snap counts: Rachaad White: 56%, Bucky Irving: 42%, Sean Tucker: 10%
Mayfield’s target share to RBs jumped from 19% in Weeks 1-7 to nearly 30% in Week 8.
According to Next Gen Stats, Irving totaled 84 yards on 16 touches in Week 8 against the Falcons, forcing a career-high nine missed tackles.
Irving has now recorded a missed tackle forced rate of 40.6% this season. Irving also found the majority of his success through the air on Sunday, setting career-highs in targets (7), receptions (70), and yards after the catch (60).
Simply put, he’s the best running back on the Buccaneers. Not White. After White scored again, you best be selling high.
Tampa will play the Chiefs and 49ers before their bye week.
Tight end Cade Otton was a top target, catching 9 of his 10 targets for 81 yards and two touchdowns, with a long reception of 29 yards and 39 yards after the catch. Otton saw three red zone targets and converted two into touchdowns.
Otton commanded a 21.74% target share, contributing 44 air yards.
According to Next Gen Stats, Otton amassed the majority of his production from the slot, hauling in all five of his targets for 48 yards and a touchdown from such an alignment. Otton caught eight of his nine receptions and gained 78 of his 81 receiving yards and both of his touchdowns on short targets (0-9 air yards).
He didn’t inherit the entire “Godwin slot role,” but he took a massive chunk of it on Sunday.
Rakim Jarrett was also productive, securing all three of his targets for 58 yards and averaging 19.3 yards per reception. Irving continued to be involved in the passing game, catching all seven targets for 40 yards, including 60 yards after the catch.
Rachaad White contributed both as a rusher and receiver, catching five of six targets for 38 yards and a receiving touchdown, with a long catch of 18 yards. Jalen McMillan, Trey Palmer (two targets), and Sterling Shepard (five targets) were also effective, with Palmer averaging 14.5 yards per reception on two catches.
McMillan led the WRs with eight targets, catching four for 35 yards. McMillan ran a route on 86% of dropbacks which also led the team. McMillan received one red zone target and did not score. McMillan commanded a 15.22% target share and contributed 95 air yards, making up 31.15% of the team’s air yards. McMillan had all the usage you could ask for in his first game sans Godwin and Mike Evans. Don’t be frustrated and drop him. Mayfield missed him on a deep pattern that could have been a touchdown. McMillan has nearly 200 air yards over the last two weeks.
Palmer ran a route on 74.5% of dropbacks, and Shepard settled at 71%. But Palmer was a complete afterthought, commanding just two targets on 38 routes (5%).
Shepard ran the most routes from the slot, but all of the Buccaneers receivers spent time working inside. Shepard, Ryan Miller, and McMillan all saw two targets from the slot.
Jarrett and Miller were both hyper-targeted, seeing north of a 30% target rate per route run.
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Atlanta Falcons
Hold Kyle Pitts | Hold/Sell Darnell Mooney | Hold/Buy Bijan Robinson & Tyler Allgeier
Quarterback Kirk Cousins had a stellar performance, completing 23 of 29 passes for 276 yards and 4 touchdowns, with no interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 145.9. Cousins distributed the ball efficiently, setting up his team for a strong offensive showing.
According to Next Gen Stats, Week 8 was the Falcons’ sixth game this season that has been decided by one possession.
In the rushing department, Bijan Robinson led the way with 13 carries for 63 yards, averaging 4.8 yards per carry, while Tyler Allgeier contributed 33 yards on 12 carries. Ray-Ray McCloud added a 17-yard run on his sole rushing attempt.
Snap counts: Bijan Robinson: 68%, Tyler Allgeier: 35%
Darnell Mooney was a top target for Cousins, securing five of his seven targets for 92 yards, including an 18.4 yards per catch average and a 30-yard long reception for a touchdown. Mooney led with a 25% target share and recorded 127 air yards, accounting for 65.13% of the team’s total.
Tight end Kyle Pitts also had a big game, catching four of his five targets for 91 yards and two touchdowns, with an impressive 49-yard-long reception. Pitts only ran a route on 56% of dropbacks. Unless this usage continues for another week, don’t be concerned. I try never to let one week sway me to believe that’s a trend until it actually is a trend. I’ve been burned too many times in the past, jumping to conclusions after a one-week dip.
Pitts commanded a 17.86% target share, contributing 39 air yards (20% of air yards).
Robinson made his presence felt in the receiving game as well, catching all 6 of his targets for 37 yards and a touchdown, with a significant 48 yards after the catch.
Drake London contributed with four receptions for 34 yards on six targets, while tight end Charlie Woerner caught a 13-yard pass. London garnered a 21.43% target share and 45 air yards, comprising 23.08% of the air yards.
London’s rare dud might be a buying window.
McCloud was active as well, catching all three of his targets for 9 yards.
The remaining Falcons schedule vs. DAL, @ NO, @ DEN, BYE, vs. LAC, @ MIN, @ LV vs. NYG, and @ WAS.
It’s mostly the status quo with the Falcons. My only recommendation would be to sell high on Mooney, given that he’s been mostly back-end fantasy WR3 in all these games this season when he’s not playing Tampa Bay.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Falcons have the fourth-ranked schedule for WRs.
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Philadelphia Eagles
Buy Eagles
Quarterback Jalen Hurts was efficient in this game, completing 16 of 20 passes for 236 yards and one touchdown, with no interceptions. Hurts recorded an impressive 80% completion rate and a passer rating of 132.5, averaging 11.8 yards per attempt. Hurts also added value on the ground, rushing 10 times for 37 yards and scoring three rushing touchdowns, with a long run of 12 yards.
Saquon Barkley was the Eagles’ primary rusher, carrying the ball 22 times for 108 yards, averaging 4.9 yards per carry, with a long of 19 yards. Kenneth Gainwell contributed an additional 19 yards on five attempts, while Will Shipley had limited success on his two attempts. The rookie actually scored, but it was nullified on a penalty.
In the receiving game, DeVonta Smith led the team with six receptions on seven targets for 85 yards and a touchdown, averaging 14.2 yards per catch and a long of 45 yards on his score. Smith was targeted once in the red zone and did not score. Smith was targeted 36.84% of the time and recorded 67 air yards (37.22%).
A.J. Brown was close behind, hauling in five of six targets for 84 yards, averaging 16.8 yards per reception and a long of 29 yards. Brown took on a 31.58% target share, gathering 79 air yards, which represented 43.89% of the team’s air yards.
Tight end Grant Calcaterra made his mark with three catches for 58 yards, averaging 19.3 yards per catch and a long of 28 yards on three targets.
Maybe my biggest hit from last week was to buy Hurts/Smith. Bang-bang.
But the approach remains the same. Buy Eagles. The Eagles will face the Jaguars, Cowboys, Commanders, Rams, and Ravens. The Eagles’ schedule is very good for the rest of the season.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, it’s the No.1-ranked schedule for quarterbacks and RBs.
Weeks 14-17, Philly plays the Panthers, Steelers, Commanders and Cowboys.
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Cincinnati Bengals
Sell Zack Moss & Mike Gesicki | Buy/Hold Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins & Chase Brown
Quarterback Joe Burrow completed 26 of 37 passes for 234 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. He achieved a 70.3% completion rate, a passer rating of 84.7, and averaged 6.3 yards per attempt. Burrow also contributed on the ground, rushing 3 times for 15 yards with a long run of 8 yards.
On the ground, Chase Brown led the rushing efforts with 12 carries for 32 yards and scored one touchdown, averaging 2.7 yards per carry. Brown had two red-zone carries, scoring once with no targets.
Zack Moss added 11 yards on five carries, while Burrow’s 15 rushing yards added a slight boost to the rushing attack.
Moss caught all four of his targets for 28 yards to Brown’s two catches for four yards. Brown saw all his targets in the first half, along with out-carrying Moss five to three. Moss also fumbled.
Snap counts: Zack Moss: 52%, Chase Brown: 48%
Moss ran more routes, hence his slight snap dominance.
In the receiving game, tight end Mike Gesicki was the standout with seven receptions on eight targets for 73 yards, averaging 10.4 yards per catch and a long of 24 yards. Gesicki posted a 22.22% target share, accumulating 56 air yards (19.24%). His boosted production is a result of no Tee Higgins. Presuming Higgins returns, Gesicki will be tough to trust. He only ran a route on 50% of the dropbacks while playing 53% of the snaps.
Star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase caught 9 of his 11 targets for 54 yards and a touchdown, averaging 6 yards per catch with a long of 13 yards. Chase saw four red zone targets and converted one into a touchdown. Chase captured 30.56% of targets, translating into 86 air yards (29.55%).
Although it doesn’t always happen, Chase seems to benefit from having Higgins healthy. Even if it means fewer targets, Chase’s efficiency tends to skyrocket.
He doesn’t have a game with more than 62 yards without Higgins this season.
Rookie Jermaine Burton contributed a significant deep catch, making a 41-yard reception on three targets. Burton saw 8.33% of targets and contributed 72 air yards (24.74%).
Erick All also made a couple of important catches, totaling 32 yards with a long of 28 yards.
Andrei Iosivas did his earliest Casper impression with Tee Higgins inactive. Zero catches on three targets. Iosivas ran a route on 90% of dropbacks.
Offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. also left the game with an injury.
Matchups are the Raiders as their opponent, followed by the Ravens and Chargers before their bye week. Should see more offensive production. However, don’t be afraid to flip Bengals for equivalent elite pieces.
The playoff schedule between the Titans, Browns, and Broncos in Week 17 isn’t great. And if the Bengals don’t start accumulating wins soon, they are going to fall out of the AFC playoff picture.
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New Orleans Saints
Hold Alvin Kamara | Buy Chris Olave | Add Taysom Hill
Spencer Rattler led the passing attack, completing 12 of 24 passes for 156 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, finishing with a completion rate of 50% and a 70.8 passer rating, averaging 6.5 yards per attempt. Backup quarterback Jake Haener contributed by completing 9 of 17 passes for 122 yards, with a 52.9% completion rate and a passer rating of 76.1, averaging 7.2 yards per attempt. Taysom Hill also attempted one pass, completing it for a short gain of 3 yards.
Derek Carr is expected to return in Week 9 against the Panthers.
New Orleans plays the Chargers, Panthers, Falcons, and Browns in the next four games before its bye week. Post-bye week, the Saints will face LAR, NYG, WAS, @ GB, and LV. It’s a pretty solid playoff schedule around the fantasy postseason.
According to the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Saints’ quarterback schedule is the No. 1 ranking for the rest of the season (7th for WRs).
Alvin Kamara was the leading rusher, gaining 67 yards on 10 carries with an impressive 6.7 yards per carry, including a long run of 24 yards. Hill added 20 rushing yards on four attempts, while rookie Kendre Miller had three carries for 16 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per attempt. Miller left the game with an injury.
Snap counts: Alvin Kamara: 55%, Jamaal Williams: 32%, Kendre Miller: 14%
According to Next Gen Stats, Kamara finished with 10 carries for 67 yards, including two runs of over 10 yards. Kamara’s +26 rushing yards over expected is his highest mark in a game since Week 16, 2020 (+62 RYOE).
Although I entertained the idea of “selling” Kamara last week, it came with the caveat that you needed to wait until AFTER Week 9 against the Panthers.
In the receiving game, Chris Olave led with eight receptions on 14 targets, totaling 107 yards at 13.4 yards per catch. Olave ran a route on 88% of dropbacks and had three red zone targets but did not score a touchdown.
Olave dominated with a 37.84% target share, amassing 156 air yards, which accounted for 57.78% of the team’s total air yards.
Without Rashid Shaheed for the rest of the season, Olave is looking at double-digit targets every single week.
Kamara also contributed significantly through the air with six catches for 55 yards, showing his versatility with a 9.2-yard average and 65 yards after the catch on 11 targets.
Tight end Juwan Johnson made three catches for 48 yards at a solid 16 yards per reception, while Bub Means had a single reception for a 36-yard gain. Hill and wide receiver Mason Tipton each contributed with two catches for 21 and 14 yards, respectively. Tipton ran a route on 84% of dropbacks. Week 8’s cardio king.
Johnson suffered a concussion during the game. Marshon Lattimore also left the game with an injury. Foster Moreau was targeted once in the red zone but did not score. Moreau and Hill should see larger roles if Johnson misses time.
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Los Angeles Chargers
Add Justin Herbert | Buy/Hold J.K. Dobbins & Ladd McConkey | Add Will Dissly & Josh Palmer
Justin Herbert led the Chargers’ passing attack, completing 20 of 32 passes for 279 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. He posted a 62.5% completion rate and a strong passer rating of 111.3, averaging 8.7 yards per attempt. Herbert also contributed on the ground with four carries for 49 yards, including a long run of 38 yards.
Since the bye week, the Chargers are at +5% pass rate over expectation.
J.K. Dobbins was the primary rusher, carrying the ball 17 times for 57 yards and scoring one touchdown, averaging 3.4 yards per carry with a long run of 13 yards. Kimani Vidal added 16 yards on six carries, though he averaged just 2.7 yards per attempt.
Dobbins was also involved as a receiver, with seven targets and four catches for 11 yards.
Snap counts: J.K. Dobbins: 82%, Kimani Vidal: 17%, Hassan Haskins: 2%
If Dobbins can stay healthy, he will be a force in the fantasy football playoffs against the Patriots.
Ladd McConkey was the star in the receiving corps, catching all 6 of his targets for 111 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged an impressive 18.5 yards per reception, with a long catch of 60 yards and 41 yards after the catch. McConkey was targeted twice in the red zone and caught one touchdown. McConkey took on 20.69% of the target share and contributed 73 air yards (32.16%).
According to Next Gen Stats, McConkey caught all 3 of his targets out of the slot for 84 yards and two touchdowns, generating the most receiving yards over expected (+51) on such targets by any rookie in a game this season.
Joshua Palmer also made big plays, recording two catches on four targets for 72 yards, averaging 36 yards per reception, and gaining 45 yards on his longest play. Palmer ran a route on 74% of dropbacks. Palmer dominated the Chargers’ air yards with a 13.79% target share, recording 78 air yards (34.36%). It’s a decent matchup next week against the Browns, who might be without Denzel Ward.
Will Dissly contributed with five catches for 41 yards, averaging 8.2 yards per catch with a 16-yard long. Dissly ran a route on 66% of dropbacks. He commanded a 24.14% target share, gaining 36 air yards. As long as Hayden Hurst is out, Dissly is going to see targets.
Jalen Reagor added 35 yards on two receptions, averaging 17.5 yards per catch.
Simi Fehoko ran a route on 76% of dropbacks, leading the Chargers.
The remaining schedule is as follows: @ CLE, vs. TEN, vs. CIN, vs. BAL, @ ATL, @ KC, vs. TB, vs. DEN, @ NE, and @ LV.
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Buffalo Bills
Buy James Cook | Add/Buy Keon Coleman & Khalil Shakir | Hold Ray Davis | Buy Amari Cooper
Quarterback Josh Allen had an efficient game, completing 24 of 34 passes for 283 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, resulting in a 70.6% completion rate, a 102.9 passer rating, and an average of 8.3 yards per attempt.
In the rushing department, James Cook led with 17 carries for 111 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 6.5 yards per carry and a longest run of 18 yards. Ray Davis contributed 29 yards on six carries, while Allen chipped in with 25 yards on seven carries. Davis had zero recorded carries in the first half because a holding penalty wiped off his first carry.
Cook had five red-zone carries, converting two into touchdowns, but saw no targets.
Snap Counts: James Cook: 55%, Ray Davis: 22%, Ty Johnson: 20%
Get access to the Bills backfield where you can. Lions/Jets/Patriots in the fantasy playoffs.
Khalil Shakir was Allen’s primary target, catching 9 of 10 targets for 107 yards, averaging 11.9 yards per reception with a long of 35 yards and 90 yards after the catch. Shakir ran a route on 70% of dropbacks. Shakir commanded a high 31.25% target share but managed only 14 air yards (6.83%).
He was targeted on 38.5% of his routes run. He remains Allen’s favorite and most efficient target.
Keon Coleman caught five of nine targets for 70 yards and a touchdown, with a longest reception of 25 yards. Coleman ran a route on 70% of dropbacks.
The rookie led in air yardage for Buffalo, with 81 air yards and a 39.51% share, paired with a 21.88% target share.
The rookie is starting to heat up in the Bills offense. According to Next Gen Stats, Coleman hauled in a career-high five receptions for 70 yards. Coleman was targeted on three of his seven routes on third down, catching all three and converting those into a first down.
Coleman had caught just 1 of 7 third-down targets for 5 yards and no first downs during the first seven games of his career. Coleman faced press coverage on a career-high 73.1% of his routes, catching 2 of 4 targets against press coverage for 27 yards and a TD. Coleman was the main vertical threat for the Bills, accounting for 5 of Josh Allen‘s eight passes to vertical routes (3 receptions, 48 yards & a TD). Coleman ran a vertical route on a majority of his routes (57.7%) for the first time in his career.
Tight ends Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid also played key roles, with Knox catching two passes for 50 yards and Kincaid securing four catches on seven targets for 31 yards and a touchdown. Kincaid had two red zone targets, catching one for a touchdown. The Bills tight end received 21.88% of the targets, contributing 50 air yards (24.39%)
Cook contributed as a receiver as well, with three catches for 22 yards.
Amari Cooper busted. One catch for three yards on two targets. Cooper ran a route on 65% of dropbacks. His usage increased, but the production plummeted compared to last week. The roller coaster ride continues. What do we do after Cooper busts?
Buy low, although that comes with the caveat you want to get on the Cooper ride at all.
Buffalo plays the Dolphins next. Buffalo went noticeably more pass-heavy in Week 7 (+10% pass rate over expectation) compared to the -3% PROE Weeks 1-6. In Week 8, it was at +1% despite them controlling the game from the start.
The remaining schedule: @ IND, vs KC, BYE, vs SF, @ LAR, @ DET, vs NE and vs NYJ.
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Seattle Seahawks
Hold Geno Smith | Hold DK Metcalf | Sell Jaxon Smith-Njigba | Add Noah Fant & Tyler Lockett
Quarterback Geno Smith completed 21 of 29 passes for 212 yards, but he threw one interception and no touchdowns, finishing with a completion rate of 72.4%, a passer rating of 78.5, and an average of 7.3 yards per attempt.
In the running game, Smith also contributed with five carries for 16 yards, with a longest run of 13 yards. Kenneth Walker III led the backfield with nine carries for only 12 yards, averaging 1.3 yards per carry and a longest run of 5 yards. Zach Charbonnet added 4 yards on three carries, scoring the team’s only rushing touchdown. Charbonnet had three red-zone carries, scoring once, and caught his only target without a touchdown.
Kenneth Walker III had three red-zone carries without touchdowns or targets.
Snap counts: Kenneth Walker III: 55%, Zach Charbonnet: 45%
Jaxon Smith-Njigba was the primary target in the passing game, catching 6 of 7 targets for 69 yards, averaging 11.5 yards per reception with the longest catch of 18 yards and 37 yards after the catch. Smith-Njigba received one red zone target but did not score.
Smith-Njigba led the Seahawks with a 25.93% target share and accumulated 49 air yards, accounting for 60.49%. If this is the ceiling case for JSN without Metcalf, I’m trading him away. He has one top-24 finish this season.
Metcalf seemed close to playing in Week 8, so I’d expect him to return, barring any type of setback. He is the engine to the Seattle passing game. Buy low before they play the Rams in Week 9. But it has to be a great price.
Because the playoff schedule isn’t ideal. Something to keep in mind when potentially trading Seahawks away as the season progresses.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Seahawks are tied for the No.31-ranked schedule for quarterbacks. Post Bye Week: @ SF, vs ARI, @ NYJ, @ ARI, vs GB, vs MIN and @ CHI.
Tight end A.J. Barner made two receptions for 34 yards, averaging 17 yards per catch. Kenneth Walker III also contributed as a receiver, catching four of his five targets for 33 yards, with a longest gain of 17 yards.
Noah Fant and Zach Charbonnet added 22 and 20 receiving yards on three catches, respectively, while Jake Bobo, Laviska Shenault Jr., and Tyler Lockett each made a single catch for minimal gains. Lockett held an 11.11% target share, adding 6 air yards (7.41%). Unless Metcalf misses, Fant/Lockett can be left on waivers.
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Chicago Bears
Buy Rome Odunze | Hold D’Andre Swift & D.J. Moore & Keenan Allen | Add Khalil Herbert |
Quarterback Caleb Williams struggled in the passing game, completing just 10 of his 24 attempts for 131 yards, resulting in a low completion percentage of 41.7% and a passer rating of 59.5. Williams was at least active on the ground, adding 41 rushing yards on 10 carries.
Running back D’Andre Swift led the ground attack with an impressive performance, rushing for 129 yards on 18 carries, including a long 56-yard run and a touchdown. Roschon Johnson contributed a touchdown as well, though he had just two carries.
Snap counts: D’Andre Swift: 73%, Roschon Johnson: 27%
Wide receiver Rome Odunze was the top target, catching three of his six targets for 41 yards, averaging 13.7 yards per reception. Odunze took on a significant role with a 28.57% target share and 126 air yards (45.32%). The overall production wasn’t great, but the usage for the rookie post-bye week is excellent. Buy the rookie as the ascending WR talent on the Bears.
Per PFF, the Bears have the third-easiest schedule ROS for WRs.
Keenan Allen made some impact with two catches for 39 yards on eight targets, while D.J. Moore added two receptions for 27 yards. Allen led in target share at 33.33%, gathering 96 air yards (34.53%).
Moore received a single red zone target but did not catch or score. Moore earned a 19.05% target share with 39 air yards (14.03%).
The Commanders’ defense is underrated, especially when they play at home. Buy low on the Bears WRs like Odunze. It’s not the time to sell Moore/Allen either after poor games.
They will play the Cardinals, Patriots, and Packers in the next three games. It’s a solid string of matchups for the Bears offense.
Tight end Cole Kmet and DeAndre Carter each added single receptions, with Kmet recording a 14-yard catch with a two-point conversion reception. Kmet ran a route on 48% of dropbacks.
Khalil Herbert (coach’s decision) was inactive for Sunday’s game in Washington. On the trade block? Methinks so. The Raiders could surely use another RB.
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Washington Commanders
Buy Austin Ekeler | Add Noah Brown & Zach Ertz | Hold Brian Robinson
Quarterback Jayden Daniels had a solid outing, completing 21 of his 38 passes for 326 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions, achieving a passer rating of 92.7. Daniels also contributed on the ground with 52 rushing yards on eight carries, averaging 6.5 yards per carry.
Running back Brian Robinson led the ground game with 65 yards on 16 carries, while Austin Ekeler made a significant impact, rushing for 52 yards on just seven attempts, including a long 29-yard run. A little flukey I’ll admit, given the big run came at the last play fo the first half when the Bears defense was playing prevent.
Jeremy McNichols had a brief appearance in the backfield, though he finished with negative yardage on his lone carry.
Robinson Jr. received six red-zone carries but did not score or have any targets.
Snap counts: Austin Ekeler: 57%, Brian Robinson Jr.: 47%, Jeremy McNichols: 7%
I’ve been pumping the Ekeler train the last few weeks, and I’m not hopping off. Still think he’s looked great this season, and he’s a cheap piece of this offense that has been one of the most successful rushing attacks in the NFL this season. His 57% snap share was the highest in a game that Robinson was active in.
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin was the standout in the receiving corps, catching five of his eight targets for 125 yards, including an impressive 61-yard catch. McLaurin led with a 23.53% target share, amassing 176 air yards, which accounted for 42.31% of the team’s air yards.
Tight end Zach Ertz was another key target, hauling in 7 of his 11 targets for 77 yards. Ertz commanded a high 32.35% target share, contributing 113 air yards (27.16%).
Noah Brown also made a splash with three receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown, including a long 52-yard catch Hail Mary catch off a Tyrique Stevenson deflection. Brown ran a route on 74% of dropbacks (lead team). Brown contributed a 17.65% target share and recorded 124 air yards (29.81%).
John Bates contributed a 20-yard reception, while Robinson, McCaffrey, and Ekeler each added minor contributions through the air. McCaffrey received one red zone target and did not score.
Daniels had a pass short left to Olamide Zaccheaus for 32 yards and a TD, but it came back on a penalty.
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Kansas City Chiefs
Buy Xavier Worthy | Hold/Sell Kareem Hunt | Hold/Buy DeAndre Hopkins
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes went 27 of 38 for 262 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception, completing 71.1% of his passes and achieving a passer rating of 96.6. He also contributed on the ground with 17 rushing yards on six carries.
Running back Kareem Hunt led the Chiefs’ rushing attack with 21 carries for 59 yards, including a touchdown, though he averaged only 2.8 yards per carry. Carson Steele chipped in with 6 yards on two carries.
Hunt saw six red-zone carries and scored one rushing touchdown, along with one target, but no receiving touchdowns.
Snap counts: Kareem Hunt: 58%, Samaje Perine: 31%, Carson Steele: 11%
Hunt has been crushing, but Isiah Pacheco‘s eventual return creates some ambiguity about how useful Hunt will be in crunch time during the fantasy football playoffs. Don’t hold onto Hunt too tight before he loses value.
Tight end Travis Kelce was Mahomes’ favorite target, hauling in 10 of his 12 targets for 90 yards and a touchdown, with a long of 25 yards and 37 yards after the catch. Kelce was targeted three times in the red zone and scored once.
The Chiefs tight end dominated with a 34.29% target share and accumulated 78 air yards (31.33%),
Xavier Worthy made an impact with four catches for 37 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. Worthy ran a route on 69% of dropbacks.
He saw two red zone targets and secured one touchdown. The rookie commanded 22.86% of the targets, gathering 63 air yards, representing 25.30% of the team’s air yards. Worthy remains a buy across all formats.
Wide receiver Justin Watson and running back Samaje Perine were efficient in their contributions, with Watson catching all 3 of his targets for 33 yards and Perine adding 30 yards on two receptions.
In his Chiefs debut, DeAndre Hopkins caught two passes for 29 yards on three targets. Ran a route on 33% of the dropbacks. Hopkins received 8.57% of the targets (21% target rate) and accumulated 48 air yards (19.28%). You can never expect too much for a guy the team just traded for, but I’d expect his role to grow.
Again, the schedule is great for Chiefs WRs. Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Chiefs have a top-10 schedule for WRs for the rest of the season.
KC will play the Buccaneers, Broncos, and Bills. Then it’s @ CAR, vs LV, vs LAC, @ CLE, vs HOU and @ PIT.
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Las Vegas Raiders
Buy Brock Bowers | Hold Alexander Mattison | Add Jakobi Meyers
Quarterback Gardner Minshew completed 24 of his 30 pass attempts for 209 yards and two touchdowns, finishing with an impressive completion rate of 80% and a passer rating of 117.9. Minshew also contributed 6 yards on the ground.
Running back Alexander Mattison had a challenging day, managing only 15 yards on 14 carries for an average of 1.1 yards per carry. Mattison had seven red-zone carries but no rushing touchdowns, along with one target and no receiving touchdowns.
According to Next Gen Stats, the Chiefs run defense held Raiders ball carries to 33 yards on 21 carries, -47 rushing yards over expected, the 4th-lowest mark in a game this season.
The Raiders gained only one first down on the ground all game and gained positive EPA on just 19.0% of runs. Chiefs linebackers Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill both forced two run stuffs each; Raiders ball carriers were contacted behind the line of scrimmage on 61.9% of their carries.
Tre Tucker and D.J. Turner contributed small gains on their single rushing attempts, while Zamir White had a tough outing with -1 yard on two attempts.
Snap counts: Alexander Mattison: 66%, Ameer Abdullah: 29%, Zamir White: 3%
Tight end Brock Bowers led the receiving corps with five catches on five targets, totaling 58 yards and averaging 11.6 yards per reception. Bowers earned an 18.52% target share, accumulating 29 air yards.
When every tight end seemed to post bonkers numbers on National Tight Ends Days, Bowers was quiet. Buy low.
Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers followed with six receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown on seven targets. Meyers received two red zone targets, scoring once.
Meyers was targeted on 25.93% of the plays, contributing 28 air yards (20.44%).
Mattison also impacted the passing game, catching five of his seven targets for 29 yards. Turner and Tucker also contributed, with Turner scoring a touchdown on one of his four receptions. Turner received a single red zone target and converted it into a touchdown.
Tucker led in air yard share, capturing 11.11% of targets with 42 air yards, making up 30.66% of the team’s air yards.
Las Vegas will play @ CIN before a Week 10 bye week. Post bye week: @ MIA, vs DEN, @ KC, @ TB, vs ATL, vs JAC and @ NO.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Raiders have the third-ranked schedule for WRs.
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Carolina Panthers
Hold Diontae Johnson | Sell Chuba Hubbard | Buy Jonathon Brooks | Add Xavier Legette & Jalen Coker
Bryce Young completed 24 of 37 passes for 224 yards, throwing two touchdowns and two interceptions. He completed 64.9% of his passes with a passer rating of 76.9, averaging 6.1 yards per attempt.
According to Next Gen Stats, Young generated a season-high 38.1% dropback success rate against the Broncos in Week 8.
Young completed 24 of 37 passes for 224 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Young saw most of his success against man coverage in this matchup, completing 8 of 12 passes for 82 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception. His +18.5% completion percentage over expected against man is his highest rate in a game with multiple such attempts in his career (16/25, 142, INT, +0.9% CPOE against zone coverage).
The Panthers’ rushing attack was led by Chuba Hubbard, who carried the ball 15 times for 56 yards, averaging 3.7 yards per carry. Miles Sanders had one carry for 7 yards, while Young contributed 6 yards on three carries.
Snap Counts: Chuba Hubbard: 74%, Miles Sanders: 34%
Spoke about Hubbard as a “sell” candidate last week, and I think that’s still the move to make.
Jonathon Brooks is going to come back sooner rather than later after his 21-day practice window was opened. He’s the future for the Panthers at running back, not Hubbard, who is on an expiring deal at the end of the season. The clock is potentially ticking on Hubbard’s role as a three-down workhorse, especially when it matters most in the fantasy football playoffs. If you need wins now, Hubbard is a hold (Saints up next). But if you are playing the long-term game, cashing out on Hubbard before Brooks returns seems like the sharp move. Or at least make sure you also have Brooks on your Hubbard rosters.
In the receiving game, Holy Cross product Jalen Coker made a big impact with four receptions on eight targets for 78 yards and a touchdown, averaging an impressive 19.5 yards per catch with a long reception of 29 yards. Coker was targeted three times in the red zone and scored once late in the fourth quarter.
The rookie recorded a 17.65% target share, contributing 103 air yards (34.68%).
David Moore caught four passes for 39 yards, averaging 9.8 yards per reception on five targets, and Miles Sanders contributed in the passing game with seven catches for 38 yards on seven targets. Hubbard had two catches for 15 yards.
Xavier Legette added four receptions for 34 yards and a touchdown, with a long of 23 yards. Legette ran a route on 58% of dropbacks. Legette saw one red zone target and scored.
The rookie held a 20.59% target share and registered 112 air yards (37.71% of the team’s air yards).
Ja’Tavion Sanders‘ usage tanked with Tommy Tremble back in the starting lineup, as the rookie’s routes plummeted to 40%.
With Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen on the trading block, Legette could be WR1 rest of season for the Panthers. Add Coker in deeper formats.
On Tuesday, the Panthers traded Johnson to the Ravens.
Carolina will face the Saints and Giants before a bye week.
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Denver Broncos
Add Bo Nix | Buy/Hold Courtland Sutton | Sell Javonte Williams | Hold Troy Franklin | Hold/Drop Audric Estime & Jaleel McLaughlin
Quarterback Bo Nix led the Broncos’ passing game with an impressive 28 completions on 37 attempts for 284 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions, achieving a 75.7% completion rate and a passer rating of 124.2. Courtland Sutton and Dixon each contributed a perfect pass completion on a single attempt, adding 28 and 3 yards, respectively.
Ravens up next? Start Bo Nix.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Broncos have the No.1-ranked schedule for quarterbacks for the rest of the season (1st for WRs).
On the ground, Jaleel McLaughlin paced the backfield with eight carries for 47 yards, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. Javonte Williams had a busier day with 17 attempts, though he managed only 44 yards, averaging 2.6 yards per carry. Nix himself rushed 5 times but only gained 4 yards. He scored the lone rushing touchdown.
Javonte Williams had three red-zone carries without touchdowns or targets. McLaughlin had two red-zone carries without a rushing touchdown and caught his only target for a touchdown.
Snap counts: Javonte Williams: 58%, Jaleel McLaughlin: 32%, Audric Estime: 7%
The schedule goes @ BAL, @ KC, vs. ATL, @ LV, vs. CLE BYE, vs. IND, @ LAC, @ CIN, and vs. KC.
A very tough draw for the Broncos run game the next two weeks, so the time would be now to get off the Williams ride with the best matchups in the rear-view window. He’s just been too inconsistent to trust for the long haul.
As for the other RBs, if you need roster space cut them over these next two weeks where they won’t have much production.
Per the FantasyPros Strength of Schedule tool, the Broncos have a bottom-five schedule for fantasy RBs rest of season.
In the receiving corps, Courtland Sutton was the standout with eight receptions on 11 targets for 100 yards, with a long of 37 yards and 34 yards after the catch. He was heavily targeted from the jump – seeing nine targets in the first half. Sutton had two red zone targets but no touchdowns. Sutton led the team with a 29.73% target share, totaling 154 air yards (40%). But he fumbled at the goal line.
Adam Trautman made the most of his four targets, catching all 4 for 85 yards and a touchdown. Trautman received two red zone targets and scored one touchdown. Trautman received 10.81% of targets, contributing 53 air yards. It’s not the worst streaming option this week.
Michael Burton contributed a notable 28-yard reception. McLaughlin and Nate Adkins each caught a touchdown pass, with Adkins’ catch being for just 3 yards.
Williams salvaged his day with four catches for 8 yards on five targets.
Lil ‘Jordan Humphrey saw six targets. Humphrey saw two red zone targets without a touchdown. He also fumbled and had a brutal drop. Expect next week’s depth chart to address Humphrey’s performance.
Troy Franklin contributed 5.41% of targets and collected 38 air yards (9.87%). He was third in routes and came short of another deep score from Nix. He’s a rookie. Practice patience. He will benefit from the upcoming matchups.
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Dallas Cowboys
Hold CeeDee Lamb | Buy Rico Dowdle
Quarterback Dak Prescott had a challenging game. He completed 25 of his 38 pass attempts for 243 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, finishing with a passer rating of 79.2. Prescott also attempted a rush but ended with -1 yard.
Ezekiel Elliott led the Cowboys’ backfield, carrying the ball 10 times for 34 yards and finding the end zone once. Dalvin Cook added 12 rushing yards on six attempts, while KaVontae Turpin contributed a single 11-yard carry. The first-half carries were split six to four in favor of Elliott.
Hunter Luepke also had one rushing attempt that resulted in no gain.
Elliott had two red-zone carries, scoring once without targets.
Snap counts: Ezekiel Elliott: 45%, Dalvin Cook: 27%
Rico Dowdle (illness) was inactive Sunday night against the 49ers. He was expected to see a larger role after the bye week, but that didn’t happen based on his illness. He’s got a plus matchup versus Atlanta in Week 9. Buy dirt cheap.
Nothing about what Elliot or Cook did on Sunday Night Football suggests it’s not Dowdle’s job.
CeeDee Lamb was the standout in the receiving game, catching 13 of his 17 targets for 146 yards and two touchdowns, with a long reception of 29 yards. Lamb was targeted four times in the red zone and caught two touchdowns. He was a primary option, holding a 45.95% target share with 149 air yards (43.57%).
Jalen Tolbert was efficient, securing all three of his targets for 44 yards, including a 28-yard reception. He had two more targets that were not counted due to penalties. Until we see more consistency from the Dallas offense, save to leave Tolbert on waivers.
Tight end Jake Ferguson added 23 yards on six receptions from eight targets. Ferguson was targeted twice in the red zone without a touchdown. The Cowboys tight end hung 21.62% target share and 16 air yards (4.68%)
Turpin (four targets), Cook (one catch for 10 yards), and Elliott (one catch for four yards) each made minor contributions in the passing game, while Jalen Brooks and Spann-Ford were targeted but did not record a catch.
Turpin took on 10.81% of targets, accumulating 98 air yards (28.65%).
The schedule is as follows: @ ATL, vs PHI, vs HOU, @ WAS, vs NYG, vs CIN, @ CAR, vs TB, @ PHI.
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San Francisco 49ers
Hold Jordan Mason | Add Jauan Jennings & Ricky Pearsall | Buy Deebo Samuel
Quarterback Brock Purdy had an efficient performance, completing 18 of 26 passes for 260 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions, achieving a passer rating of 114.3 and averaging 10 yards per attempt. Purdy also contributed on the ground, rushing 8 times for 56 yards, with his longest run going for 16 yards and a rushing touchdown.
Isaac Guerendo led the 49ers’ rushing attack with 14 carries, gaining 85 yards and scoring a touchdown, averaging an impressive 6.1 yards per carry. Other contributors included Jordan Mason, with 18 yards on six carries (all in the first half), and Deebo Samuel Sr., who added 15 yards on four carries. Running backs Patrick Taylor and fullback Kyle Juszczyk made minor contributions on the ground.
Mason left the game. After Sunday’s 30-24 win over the Cowboys, Coach Kyle Shanahan indicated that Mason (shoulder) could have come back into the game if necessary, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports reports.
Snap counts: Isaac Guerendo: 63%, Jordan Mason: 16%, Patrick Taylor: 7%
Christian McCaffrey is expected to return after the bye week, regulating Mason to strict handcuff duties. DO NOT DROP HIM. He has been a RB1 all season. Don’t assume anything Until we see CMC play and be healthy.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the 49ers have the No.4-ranked schedule for running backs.
Tight end George Kittle was the star of the receiving game, hauling in 6 of 7 targets for 128 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown catch, and gained a remarkable 73 yards after the catch. Kittle saw a single red zone target and scored a touchdown.
Kittle led with a 29.17% target share, gaining 81 air yards (43.78%).
Deebo Samuel Sr. also made a significant impact, catching four of his seven targets for 71 yards, with a long reception of 47 yards. Samuel had a 66-yard touchdown nullified on an offensive holding penalty. Samuel Sr. captured a 29.17% target share, recording 51 air yards, which made up 27.57% of the team’s total air yards.
Samuel has had an up-and-down year, dealing with a flurry of injuries. But a healthy Deebo without Aiyuk has an elite role for fantasy purposes. Last year, in one game without Aiyuk, Samuel had 12 targets, going for six and 129 yards with a touchdown.
He is risky to trade for but could pay off in a big way. With him on the bye week, send those trade offers.
Ricky Pearsall contributed 38 yards on four catches with a rush of 39 yards on a direct handoff. Pearsall ran a route on 61% of dropbacks. The rookie was targeted on 16.67% of plays, contributing 31 air yards (16.76%).
Guerendo (three catches for 17 yards on four targets), Juszczyk, and others made smaller contributions in the receiving game, while Chris Conley and Ronnie Bell were targeted but did not record catches.
Conley filled in the “Aiyuk role” running a route on 73% of dropbacks. Jacob Cowing ran a route on 12% of dropbacks.
Samuel (ribs) was questionable to return to Sunday’s game against the Cowboys, 49ers team reporter Lindsey Pallares reported.
All in all, if possible, you want to acquire the remaining (healthy) 49ers. Playoff schedule: vs LAR, @ MIA and vs DET.
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Pittsburgh Steelers
Sell Najee Harris | Buy Jaylen Warren | Hold George Pickens | Drop Pat Freiermuth
Russell Wilson completed 20 of 28 passes for 278 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions. He had a strong completion rate of 71.4%, finishing with a passer rating of 114.9 and an impressive 9.9 yards per attempt. He also added 7 rushing yards on three attempts.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Steelers have the No.7th-ranked schedule for quarterbacks for the rest of the season.
Najee Harris carried the ball 19 times for 114 yards, averaging a solid six yards per carry with a long run of 26 yards. In the receiving game, he caught three of his four targets for an additional 17 yards, showing versatility.
Jaylen Warren contributed with nine carries for 46 yards (5.1 yards per carry) and added two receptions on three targets for 13 yards, with a longest reception of 9 yards.
Both Steelers RBs had three touches in the red zone. In the first half, the carries were split 10 for Najee and 7 for Warren.
Snap counts: Najee Harris (59%), Jaylen Warren (39%).
I talked about last week how slow Najee has been traditionally, so I’d like to think this is a sign of things to come. His last three games have been great. But the matchups against the Raiders, Jets and Giants have been extremely soft spots.
I think I’d use this opportunity to sell high on Harris (fifth in the NFL in touches). The schedule gets much tougher in the second half of the season with all six AFC North matchups. Warren is getting healthier and looking good, which could create problems for Harrs in the second half of the season.
The Steelers will be on a Week 9 bye week. After that, they will play @ WAS, vs BAL, @ CLE, @ CIN, vs CLE, @ PHI, @ BAL and vs KC.
Per PFF, it’s the 30th-ranked schedule for the rest of the season for running backs.
George Pickens led the receiving corps with four receptions on five targets for 74 yards, averaging 18.5 yards per catch, including a long of 43 yards and 30 yards after the catch. Pickens had two scoring plays overturned in the end zone.
Van Jefferson matched Pickens in receptions, catching four of his five targets for 62 yards (15.5 yards per catch) with a long of 36 yards and 11 yards after the catch.
Calvin Austin III had three catches on four targets, totaling 54 yards with an 18-yard average and a touchdown, including a 29-yard long reception and 18 yards after the catch. Austin also scored on a punt return touchdown.
Darnell Washington had a single impactful catch for 29 yards, with all 29 yards coming after the catch. Pat Freiermuth caught both of his targets for 19 yards (9.5 yards per catch) with a longest gain of 11 yards.
Freiermuth has five targets in the two games started by Russell Wilson. Do not hold him through the bye week.
MyCole Pruitt added 10 receiving yards on his only catch, with 3 yards after the catch.
Scotty Miller was targeted twice but did not record any receptions.
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New York Giants
Buy Malik Nabers | Sell Wan’Dale Robinson | Buy Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Daniel Jones completed 24 of 38 passes for 264 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception. His completion rate was 63.2%, ending with a passer rating of 72.7 and an average of 6.9 yards per attempt. Jones also rushed three times for just one yard.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Giants have the No.1-ranked schedule for quarterbacks.
Rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. dominated on the ground with 20 carries for 145 yards and one touchdown, averaging 7.3 yards per carry, including a long run of 45 yards for a touchdown. He also contributed in the passing game with two catches for 5 yards.
Devin Singletary had limited touches, rushing twice for 11 yards (5.5 yards per carry) and adding two receptions for 12 yards with 14 yards after the catch (three targets).
Eric Gray caught his only target for 3 yards.
Snap counts: Tyrone Tracy (57%), Devin Singletary (39%).
In the first half, the carries were split 9 for Tracy and 1 for Singletary.
The Giants have a new RB1. And his name is Tyrone Tracy Jr.
According to Nex Gen Stats, Tracy Jr. reached a top speed of 20.60 mph on his 45-yard touchdown run, the fastest speed by a Giants offensive ball carrier over the last two seasons. Tracy gained +38 rushing yards over expected, the most RYOE on a touchdown run by the Giants since Week 17, 2019 (Saquon Barkley).
Tracy did get banged up in this game, though, so monitor his health status leading up to Week 9.
Still, with his pass-catching ability and strong matchups upcoming against the Panthers/Commanders, trade for him.
Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Giants have the No. 1 most favorable schedule for RBs.
Darius Slayton led the receiving effort with four receptions on seven targets for 108 yards, averaging 27 yards per catch with a long of 43 and 32 yards after the catch. Slayton saw 122 air yards.
Malik Nabers was highly targeted, catching seven of his 13 targets (35% target share, 191 air yards) for 71 yards, averaging 10.1 yards per catch and a long of 16 yards.
Wan’Dale Robinson was efficient, catching all five of his targets for 30 yards (6 yards per catch) with 33 yards after the catch.
With Slayton AND Nabers integrated into the fold, Robinson’s hasn’t been nearly as productive the last three weeks. Unless it’s full PPR, he can be dropped.
Theo Johnson contributed with three receptions on four targets for 35 yards, averaging 11.7 yards per reception, including a long of 25 yards.
Chris Manhertz was targeted once but did not record any catches. He had a TD nullified because of a penalty.
The Giants will play the Commanders and Panthers before a bye week.
After the bye week: vs TB, @ DAL, vs NO, vs BAL, @ ATL and vs IND.
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