Beyond the Waiver Wire: Fantasy Football Moves to Make (Week 9)

Welcome back! Week 8 is in the books, and it’s time to sift through everything we just watched. This article isn’t about charts or graphs anymore — it’s about clear, actionable takeaways. My goal each week is simple: give you the most important moves to make across every game — who to add, drop, buy, sell, start, or stash — based on what actually matters (or what I think does).

I’ve already done the legwork, digging into the data and film. You just get the results — no noise, no overthinking. Expect plenty of notes on players coming off big or confusing performances, because that’s where the edge usually is.

Let’s go beyond the box scores, beyond the headlines… and once again, Beyond the Waiver Wire.

LFG.

Beyond the Waiver Wire: Fantasy Football Moves to Make

Arizona Cardinals

Hold/Add Zonovan Knight | Hold Marvin Harrison Jr. | Add Kyler Murray

Jacoby Brissett made his second start of the NFL season with Kyler Murray out in Week 7 before Arizona’s bye week.

Per NGS… Brissett was productive when passing in rhythm (between 2.5 and 4.0 seconds), completing 13 of 20 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown.

Overall, Brissett completed 25 of 36 attempts for 279 yards and two touchdowns; however, he was pressured on over half of his dropbacks (56.5%) and was sacked 6 times.

His presence has been a boon for Trey McBride, who can finally catch TDs. Guy was pissed that his team was on bye during National TE Day.

Having a bye week on national tight ends day shouldn’t be allowed …

— Trey McBride (@mcbtrey) October 25, 2025

Can’t say the same for the WRs. Marvin Harrison had just two catches despite eight targets. Air yards leader (40% with 66 incomplete air yards). Through 7 games, MHJ is PFF’s 64^th-graded WR. WR45 in XPPG (in line with expectation as the WR42 in PPG). I don’t think it’s going to happen with Marv Jr. with Kyler Murray as his QB.

Also, not in love with the postseason schedule either for Arizona (HOU, ATL, CIN). But this isn’t the week to sell. Dallas is the gift that keeps on giving. If you need a cheap W – trade for Harrison and then flip him after a potential blow-up spot in prime time.

I’d expect Kyler Murray to return after the bye week. So, in theory, that does make Trey McBride a “sell-high,” but elite TEs are a rare commodity. It all depends on the return and what else you have at tight end.

Coach Jonathan Gannon said last Monday (October 20th) that it’s “too early to tell” if Murray (foot) will be able to play in the Cardinals’ next game, Monday, Nov. 3, at Dallas, following a Week 8 bye, Darren Urban of the Cardinals’ official site reports. Adam Schefter also expects Murray to return ahead of a great matchup on MNF.

But if we get more news about Jacoby Brissett being the starter…that’s a plus for this offense.

As for the backfield, it’s a mess.

Zonovan Knight is the “starter” leading the way with 14 carries for 57 scoreless yards (four targets). Also, the goal-line back (3 RZ touches).

Michael Carter had seven carries for 11 yards with two catches for 25 yards. Knight did get hurt in this game, though, dealing with a concussion. Monitor his injury status out of the bye week.

Carter was also released from the team, which suggests the team feels good about Demercado/Benson’s health-wise.

D’Ernest Johnson was active for this game and also chipped in snaps (mostly on third downs).

• Knight – 45%
• Carter – 37%
• Johnson RB- 18%

With Emari Demercado factoring in post-bye and Trey Benson eventually coming back, you don’t need to hold any Cardinals RB too tightly. RB depth. Nothing more and nothing less.

According to the FantasyPros SOS tool, Arizona’s RB schedule ROS is just okay. If you can sell these guys…do it. They get Dallas after the bye, but that’s the last layup. The only guy I’d try to keep is Knight as the projected starter.

The Cardinals also lost Josh Sweat to an injury in Week 7 (but he returned).

Schedule

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Atlanta Falcons

Buy Drake London | Add Darnell Mooney

Well, this game’s outcome was a bit unexpected. When you zoom out and just take away that Atlanta was missing its No. 1 WR and starting QB…it becomes “slightly” more justified.

But besides that…Bijan Robinson rushing for just 25 yards versus the Dolphins run defense? Wow.

And to add insult to injury, Tyler Allgeier scores the 6-yard rushing TD in the fourth quarter. Robinson lost a fumble.

Darnell Mooney was held to just one catch for 11 yards on five targets (picked up a DPI). 61 incomplete air yards. Bad game, but not for a lack of opportunities. Needs to be added with London’s status up in the air.

Kyle Pitts was the main benefactor of the lack of Drake London – going 9-for-9 and 59 yards.

Just another dud for the Falcons – similar to the Carolina game – but it’s impossible to ignore who they were missing on the offensive side of the ball.

Keep in mind that the Falcons fired their previous WR coach before Week 4, in an effort to get more offensive WR production.

Last games when healthy, London has averaged 12 targets, 7.3 receptions, and 103 receiving yards per game.

Given a tough matchup vs Christian Gonzalez next week…you can probably buy London very cheaply – presuming we get some positive news regarding his hip injury.

Solid playoff schedule as well (TB, ARI, LAR).

The Falcons lost another defender in safety Jessie Bates. This defense has been shredded in back-to-back weeks without linebacker Divine Deablo (slated to miss at least three more games).

Schedule

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Baltimore Ravens

Buy Derrick Henry | Add Isaiah Likely | Sell Mark Andrews

No Lamar Jackson. No problem.

Ravens finally started their other Pro Bowl QB, Tyler Huntley, and they finally got a win after a three-game losing streak.

No standouts, fantasy-wise, besides what’s to be expected. Keaton Mitchell has looked the last few games, as he is the Henry handcuff. Desperate managers could consider streaming him versus the Dolphins’ terrible run defense. Don’t let one game convince you otherwise; this defense has improved versus the run.

Mark Andrews (3-34 on three targets), just can’t be trusted. Even with Lamar Jackson back at some point, he is so TD or bust. At least next week’s matchup is solid versus Miami.

The split with Andrews and Isaiah Likely in Week 8 was a true 50/50 split. Both played 58% of the snaps; however, like before the bye week, Likely ran more routes.

I also think that Andrews could still be traded…hoping up a TE1 path for Likely. Keep him stashed.

If anything, fantasy managers are just more concerned about the status of the Ravens QB1.

Especially with their next game on Thursday night. At least we will all know before we have to set anything else with our fantasy lineups.

Harbaugh said he’s not involved in the injury designations. Admitted team made an honest mistake.
He said he’s hopeful that Lamar will play Thursday.

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) October 26, 2025

Note that OT Ronnie Stanley got banged up toward the end of the game, as did CB Marlon Humphrey.

Schedule

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Buffalo Bills

Add Keon Coleman | Buy James Cook

Buffalo wasted little time out of their bye week in pursuit of points. 40 burger on the Panthers…

James Cook. Good lord. So much for the improved Panthers’ run defense. Guy BURIED ME.

the best part of betting the James Cook rushing yards under was that it was dead almost instantly

just rip that band aid right OFF pic.twitter.com/nYcrjIM22K

— Andrew Erickson™ (@AndrewErickson_) October 26, 2025

DT Derrick Brown also got hurt in this game. Brutal blows for the Panthers’ trenches.

Khalil Shakir delivered another big YAC play (6-88-1) on seven targets (30% target share).

Keon Coleman was quiet again – 3-30 – on just four targets. The lack of pop from Coleman since the season-opener has been sad to see. I don’t think he’s had the best matchups, but the second-year WR has not done enough. With Josh Palmer still hurt…I imagine Buffalo will look to improve their WR room before the trade deadline.

Fans will clamor for Rashid Shaheed…when they will undoubtedly land Brandin Cooks instead.

Ronald Curry is the Bills QB coach.

Spent 2016-2023 with the Saints.

Rashid Shaheed you are a Buffalo Bill.

— Andrew Erickson™ (@AndrewErickson_) October 27, 2025

Still, Bills OC Joe Brady talked about how he does want to get Coleman more involved in the passing game – putting less of the blame on the second-year WR.

Dalton Kincaid entered the game with the Q tag and had just one catch for 23 yards. He barely played (23% snap share). Still clearly not 100%.

As noted by the Buffalo Bill senior writer Tim Graham in the Athletic:

Buffalo was missing linebacker/captain Terrel Bernard and safety Taylor Rapp, and then lost defensive tackle Ed Oliver to a biceps injury late in the second quarter. But defensive linemen Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi (six-game PED suspensions) and rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston (knee injury) were solid in their Bills debuts. Hoecht recorded 1 1/2 sacks and forced a fumble. — Tim Graham, Buffalo senior writer.

Next Gen Stats: In his season debut in Week 8, Michael Hoecht generated five pressures and 1.5 sacks on 21 pass rushes (23.8%), his most pressures in a game since Week 16, 2022.

Hoecht generated three quick pressures (under 2.5 seconds), the most by any Bills defender in a game this season, including a 3rd-quarter strip sack in which he got off the line of scrimmage in 0.33 seconds (fastest by any Bills player this season) and recorded the sack in 3.33 seconds (3rd-fastest Bills sack this season).

Schedule

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Carolina Panthers

Buy Tetairoa McMillan | Add Jalen Coker | Sell Chuba Hubbard

The Panthers’ backfield is the Seahawks’ backfield.

One guy is more efficient but gets fewer total touches…while the other guy gets the TDs.

So sick.

seahawks backfield vibes pic.twitter.com/rxDQqItZKM

— Andrew Erickson™ (@AndrewErickson_) October 26, 2025

Per Mike Florio…

• Chuba Hubbard: 59% snaps, 12 carries, 11 routes, one target (34 yds, TD)
• Rico Dowdle: 34% snaps, eight carries, nine routes, zero targets (54 yds)

However, the carries were 7/7 in the first half. And it looks like Dowdle might have lost out on a series after an Andy Dalton fumble (Hubbard took the next series even after Dowdle’s was cut short).

So, the touches are somewhat skewed in favor of Hubbard when they are still splitting drives.

Not ideal. Because I don’t think they will change their approach unless there is an injury.

And keep in mind that Hubbard might still be knocking off some rust after missing time with an injury.

However, it’s becoming increasingly obvious to anyone watching which Panthers RB should be seeing more work.

If I am selling anybody from this backfield, it’s Hubbard after he scored.

Note that this OL got WRECKED by injuries.

Panthers season might've ended today

lost starting C, RG and RT https://t.co/DXH0CsiiKl

— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) October 26, 2025

Sell this backfield to whoever wants it. Packers up next. Not good.

Tetairoa McMillan was fueled to fantasy success with Andy Dalton under center. Always a buy. 60% air yards share. 7-99 on 10 targets (42% target share and 2 more red-zone targets).

The rookie WR is 15th in XPPG this season.

However, getting Bryce Young back is important, as they need more mobility behind a broken O-Line. Dave Canales said post-game that Young was pretty close to being active.

Every other WR was a non-factor. Worth noting that Jalen Coker out-produced Xavier Legette after the reverse was true last week.

Coker’s better, but I thought last week Legette might have had some connection with Dalton.

Nope. Add Coker. Snaps were up to 66% along with his route participation at 77%.

Schedule

Chicago Bears

Add Kyle Monangai & Colston Loveland | Hold D’Andre Swift & Rome Odunze

The Bears didn’t face nearly as strong a game script vs the Ravens, and therefore, they were forced to run less.

D’Andre Swift led with 45 yards and 11 carries (Kyle Monangai went for 24 yards on seven carries). The first half was a 50/50 split. Swift played 50% of the snaps to the rookie’s 45%. This is a 1A/1B backfield. Although Swift did see 4 GL carries.

The Bears’ run game should rebound versus Cincy next week. However, expect their defense to struggle with more DL injuries: Shermar Turner and Dominique Robinson. Shootouts are coming.

The upcoming schedule is GREAT, and Swift looks much better post bye week through three games. Probably a better hold than sell – unless you can get someone to overpay.

Swift is a fantasy RB2. Always has been, and likely always will be. No more, no less.

Also, the Bears have the worst schedule for RBs in the playoffs: CLE, GB, and SF. Eventually, you will need to get off this ride. Maybe not now…but something to keep in mind if somebody offers Swift to you in a trade.

But Rome Odunze. My buy-low from last week. So back.

7-114 on 11 targets (another target on an illegal contact call). 26% target share with seven targets of 10-plus air yards.

Odunze caught seven receptions for 114 yards on 10 targets against the Ravens defense, with most of his production coming against Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins.

When matched up directly with Wiggins, Odunze hauled in 5 receptions for 78 yards on six targets across 14 total matchups. While Wiggins recorded an interception in the 4th quarter, he allowed eight total receptions for a career-high 99 yards on 11 targets (Next Gen Stats).

This is why we chase usage (especially with good players) when their production just isn’t there. Odunze is WR10 in XPPG this season.

D.J. Moore was second with seven targets (4-73), and Olamide Zaccheaus went 7-for-33 on seven targets.

Colston Loveland was somewhat uneventful without Cole Kmet – 3-38 on just five targets. Fell short of scoring on his red-zone target from the 3-yard line. 80% snap rate and 77% route participation were season-highs, as were his five targets and yardage totals.

Still, he can be added because the matchup next week is the best for fantasy TEs.

Luther Burden suffered a concussion. Zacchaeus also hurt his knee.

With some WR injuries, Loveland should continue on an upward trajectory with a breakout week in sight for Week 9.

Worth noting that this playoff schedule could be tough on Caleb Williams. Look to sell high after Bengals/Giants.

Schedule

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Cincinnati Bengals

Hold Chase Brown | Buy Tee Higgins | Add Samaje Perine

Crazy game.

But last week’s buy-low at RB delivered!

Chase Brown went 12-73-1, although his usage was yet again split with Samaje Perine (not ideal).

Still, Brown saw more targets (3 vs 1) and scored again through the air.

But over the last month, it has still been closer to a 60/40 split.

In Week 8 (via NFL.com’s Michael Florio)

• Chase Brown: 53% snaps, 12 carries, 17 routes, three targets (105 yds, 2 TDs)
• Samaje Perine: 43% snaps, nine carries, eight routes, one target (100 yds, TD). He also played all the 3rd-down snaps.

Nothing really actionable – besides Perine looking more like an actual handcuff for Brown, with some standalone value as the Bengals’ schedule ROS is awesome for RBs.

The Bears are a cakewalk in Week 9.

And if this Joe Flacco boost continues to work in good matchups…then Brown REMAINS a top-tier buy candidate.

Just keep some tabs on a few Bengals OL injuries (Dylan Fairchild, Dalton Risner).

From Weeks 14-16, it’s the Bills, Ravens, and Dolphins. Great matchups.

Ja’Marr Chase had 19 targets. 12-91. Nobody else had more than 3.

In fact, Tee Higgins would have been a BUST if he hadn’t caught a 44-yard TD.

Noah Fant has been a floor player in every game he’s played in full this season, with at least 3-plus receptions for 26-plus yards. Even if Tanner Hudson back this week it was more of the same from Fant.

And don’t forget…that Flacco overlapped with Fant during the tight end’s rookie season in Denver back in 2019. Wild times.

Now for the Bengals QB with stats provided by Next Gen Stats…

Joe Flacco was efficient against the Jets, finishing 18 of 24 for 146 yards and one touchdown under 10 air yards.

Flacco got rid of the ball quickly (2.59-second time to throw) and skewed toward shorter passes (6.1 air yards per attempt), leading to only eight pressures taken (22.2% pressure rate) and one sack.

The Bengals’ recipe for success has been getting the ball out lightning-quick.

My season-long concern is if the Bengals’ offensive line struggles in certain matchups…that could bottom this offense. Flacco can operate from a clean pocket, but not a broken one.

And the 40-year-old QB got banged up toward the end of this game…and has been listed as day-to-day.

But when you look at the schedule…Cincy plays zero defenses that are inside the top-10 in pressure rate. And the two highest-ranked pressure teams are the Packers/Steelers – the teams they have already held up against.

I listed Ja’Marr Chase as my “sell-high” trade three weeks ago. Naturally.. I don’t feel great about how well he played. This volume pace is insane.

There’s no denying that the Flacco acquisition is a major positive for Chase, and this sheer volume will make him WR1 overall eligible every week.

That could be deadly in the fantasy playoffs. Doesn’t hurt to do a price check on Chase.

Tee Higgins less so – as I think his production will be extremely volatile – whereas the Bengals offense runs through Chase.

He got out of this game with a long TD…but was narrowly close to posting a complete dud.

Luckily, next week is another great matchup.

Higgins might actually be a sharp buy low if there’s panic about him seeing just 2 deep targets. This game looks like an outlier compared to Higgins’ two other games with Flacco under center. But considering Flacco’s injury…I’m not sure it’s worth the risk unless we get more positive injury news regarding Flacco’s shoulder.

Schedule

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Cleveland Browns

Add Dylan Sampson & Cedric Tillman | Hold Harold Fannin Jr.

The Cleveland Browns’ offense struggled to generate consistency in their Week 8 matchup against New England, compounded by a slew of injuries that derailed both sides of the ball.

Running back Quinshon Judkins exited in the third quarter with a shoulder injury, paving the way for Dylan Sampson to take over the backfield duties. Sampson, who had not recorded a touch before Judkins’ departure, played 46% of the offensive snaps and handled the majority of work down the stretch — clearly establishing himself as the handcuff should Judkins miss time.

Jerome Ford mixed in for just 23% of the snaps, serving primarily as a change-of-pace option.

Rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. quietly played a massive role, logging the second-most snaps among Browns skill players and continuing to solidify himself as an every-down contributor. David Njoku returned from injury and played 30 snaps, serving as a safety valve but not commanding heavy volume as he eased back into action.

The passing game was largely stagnant.

But Fannin has been the lone bright spot. Considering Njoku is a very realistic candidate to be traded…hold/add Fannin. 10.4 PPG with Dillon Gabriel as his QB…with a 21% target share in the last two games.

Jerry Jeudy continued to disappoint, running 30 routes but seeing only two targets, a concerningly low involvement rate for a player expected to be a key part of the offense. The HC continues to double down on how much he believes in Jeudy. Eventually, Jeudy will pop. But it will almost certainly be on somebody’s bench.

And besides, Cedric Tillman will return after the Week 9 bye week. Add him before other managers realize he is going to come back from his IR stint prior to Week 10.

Injuries piled up for the defense as well — Tyson Campbell, Carson Schwesinger, Rayshawn Jenkins, and Judkins all left the game, marking a brutal day for the team overall.

Fortunately, the Browns enter their Week 9 bye at a critical time, giving both the offense and defense an opportunity to regroup and get healthy before returning to action.

Schedule

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Dallas Cowboys

Buy CeeDee Lamb | Add Jaydon Blue

It was a rough afternoon for the Dallas Cowboys, who were dominated from start to finish and ultimately pulled their starters with seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter of a blowout loss.

Despite the lopsided score, Javonte Williams remained heavily involved, playing 75% of the offensive snaps in his “revenge game.” He led the backfield with 13 carries for 41 yards (3.2 yards per carry) and scored both of Dallas’s touchdowns on short-yardage runs. Williams also added one reception for eight yards.

Williams ranks 7th in rushing success rate this season. He is also PFF’s 8th-highest graded RB.

Rookie Jaydon Blue mixed in as the change-of-pace option, handling eight carries for 29 yards (3.6 YPC with a fumble) — including five in the first half to Williams’ eight — while Deuce Vaughn and Hunter Luepke saw minimal touches late.

Dak Prescott struggled against heavy defensive pressure, completing 19 of 31 passes for 188 yards with two interceptions and no touchdowns, finishing with a 51.5 passer rating. He gave way to backup Joe Milton in the fourth quarter once the game was out of reach. Milton completed three of four passes for 58 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown strike to Jalen Tolbert during garbage time — Tolbert’s lone score coming on his only two targets.

CeeDee Lamb was the focal point of the passing attack, drawing 10 targets and catching seven for 74 yards. He also saw three red-zone looks (two in the end zone) and had three additional targets wiped out by penalties, continuing to dominate opportunity even in a poor offensive showing. He will bounce back.

Lamb has averaged a 27% target share the last two weeks. Buy low.

George Pickens led the team in receiving yards with seven receptions for 78 yards on nine targets, working effectively in the intermediate areas of the field. Tight end Luke Schoonmaker chipped in two catches for 25 yards, while rookie tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford caught his lone target for nine yards.

Jake Ferguson bombed with just one target.

Overall, Dallas’ offense was disjointed and turnover-prone, undone by two Prescott interceptions and inconsistent line play. The lone bright spot was Javonte Williams‘ goal-line efficiency and workload stability, while Lamb remained a high-volume receiver despite the blowout context.

Schedule

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Denver Broncos

Buy RJ Harvey | Sell J.K. Dobbins | Hold Courtland Sutton | Sell Bo Nix

Bo Nix led the Denver Broncos to one of their most efficient offensive outings of the season, completing 19 of 29 passes for 247 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception in a 117.4 passer rating performance.

Troy Franklin was the clear star of the afternoon, catching six of eight targets for 89 yards and two touchdowns. He lined up nearly evenly between the slot (52%) and wide (48%) alignments, scoring once from each spot and recording three end-zone targets overall (NGS). Franklin’s production came against four different Cowboys defenders, underscoring his versatility and route precision.

Courtland Sutton added four receptions for 67 yards on six targets, though a potential touchdown was nullified by an offensive pass interference call. He also had a bad drop in what could have been a 24-yard TD. Good opportunity to buy-low on the Broncos No. 1 WR. Although maybe just wait one more week with the Texans up next. This Broncos offense is in for a full 180 experience going from Dallas to Houston.

Sutton and the Broncos overall have a tougher remaining schedule – bottom-10 per FP SOS tool, so don’t be afraid to SELL HIGH on a QB like Bo Nix.

Pat Bryant continued to carve out a complementary role as Denver’s WR3, catching two of four targets for 40 yards and a touchdown.

Tight end Evan Engram caught all four of his targets for 36 yards but saw his route participation dip below 60%, as the offense leaned more heavily on multi-receiver sets.

The Broncos’ rushing attack was spearheaded by J.K. Dobbins, who logged 54% of the snaps and turned 15 carries into 111 yards (7.4 yards per attempt), adding two goal-line carries. RJ Harvey made his touches count, finding the end zone three times on just seven carries for 46 yards (6.6 YPC) and catching his lone target for a 5-yard score. Harvey played 28% of the snaps and also handled two red-zone carries, showcasing exceptional efficiency and finishing ability. Had a 40-yard rush plus for a house call.

But the schedule gets tougher now. Houston might be the best defense in the NFL. Harvey is forcing his way onto the field.

And the playoff schedule is also not great (GB, JAX, KC).

Dobbins is just RB25 in XPPG this season due to his lack of receiving role. He doesn’t play on third downs. IE. He feels somewhat maxed out. And we know his long injury track record. I’m just afraid he might not be available during the fantasy postseason.

Denver’s offensive rhythm was marred by injuries on the defensive side, with cornerback Pat Surtain II and defensive lineman Zach Allen both leaving the game, and Marvin Mims exiting late with a concussion. Still, the offense looked dynamic and balanced, powered by Nix’s accuracy, Franklin’s breakout performance, and the explosive one-two punch of Dobbins and Harvey out of the backfield.

Schedule

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Detroit Lions

Buy Jameson Williams

Jameson Williams was a non-factor in Week 7. He had a 14-yard catch wiped off on an OPI call. Zero catches despite leading the Lions in routes run.

Detroit Lions WR Jameson Williams via Instagram this morning ???? pic.twitter.com/mndjo96F45

— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) October 21, 2025

Managers will drop him over the bye week. Add the upside for free.

According to Next Gen Stats…

Jahmyr Gibbs recorded 218 scrimmage yards in the Lions’ Week 7 victory over the Buccaneers, including a 78-yard touchdown run where he reached 22.23 mph. It was the 3rd-fastest speed by a ball-carrier this season and 2nd-fastest by Gibbs – who has recorded the two fastest speeds as a rusher so far in 2025 (22.34 mph in Week 2). Gibbs gained 125 yards (+77 over expected) and 2 touchdowns on 9 runs between the tackles, exceeding his previous career high by 44 yards. In the passing game, Gibbs added 94 yards after the catch and +38 yards after catch over expected, both career-highs for the running back.

David Montgomery could only be so lucky. 13 for 21 rushing yards back in Week 7. His role has reduced dramatically with Gibbs entering superstardom.

Montgomery was my big “sell” three weeks ago game. And I hope you did because he laid another dud on prime time. I’ve been talking about this throughout my articles this season, but he is seeing significantly less work under new OC Jon Morton.

Monty played 44% of the snaps (29 snaps) versus the Buccaneers. It was his second-highest rate of the season. 13 carries was also second-highest (just 4 in the first half). But zero came in the red zone.

Gibbs’ explosion made it hard for any of the other Lions to do much of anything.

Buy low on guys Williams/Sam LaPorta if you need help at those positions. The Lions have a good schedule ROS for QBs. There last outdoor game is at Washington/Philly in Weeks 10-11.

Other than that…they are playing indoors until Week 18.

Schedule

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Green Bay Packers

Add Christian Watson & Emanuel Wilson | Buy Josh Jacobs

Jordan Love delivered one of his best outings of the season in the Green Bay Packers’ win, completing 29 of 37 passes for 360 yards and three touchdowns with a sparkling 134.2 passer rating. The offense was efficient and explosive, benefitting from the long-awaited return of Christian Watson, who played 55% of the snaps in his first game back from a torn ACL. Watson caught all four of his targets for 85 yards and accounted for 38% of the team’s air yards, immediately reasserting himself as Green Bay’s vertical weapon. I knew after the first play my “UNDER” on Watson’s 1.5 receptions was immediately cooked.

Tight end Tucker Kraft was the star of the afternoon, leading the team in both targets (nine) and yards (143) while scoring two touchdowns. He consistently exploited soft spots in coverage and showed big-play ability with a 59-yard reception. YAC Monster.

Romeo Doubs provided steady production, catching three of six targets for 44 yards, while Malik Heath added three receptions for 29 yards as the WR3.

Rookie Matthew Golden, who entered the game questionable with a hip issue, saw his snaps dip to 65% but still caught all three of his short-area targets for four yards. Rookie wideout Savion Williams contributed his first career touchdown on his lone target, an eight-yard grab in the red zone.

In the backfield, Josh Jacobs (54% snaps) handled lead duties despite nursing a calf injury, rushing 13 times for 33 yards and punching in a goal-line touchdown. Emanuel Wilson (41% snaps) looked more explosive, turning 11 carries into 61 yards (5.5 yards per carry), though Jacobs maintained control of short-yardage and red-zone opportunities. Both backs were equally involved in the passing game — running 12 routes each — with Wilson catching three passes for 26 yards and Jacobs adding three receptions for 12 yards.

Not ready to say this backfield is a split…but Wilson is worth adding if you are just looking for a high-end handcuff – especially if you are the Jacobs manager.

Buy Josh Jacobs if a manager is freaking out about the Wilson usage. GB has one of the easiest schedules for ROS. Jacobs is also PFF’s 7th-highest graded RB this season. RB3 in XPPG.

But if bye weeks got you in a tight spot…Wilson might be serviceable versus a depleted Panthers run defense. Wilson’s snaps have increased in back-to-back weeks (32% and 41%). He has also averaged over 9 opps per game in the last four weeks with 6 RZ touches over that span.

Schedule

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Houston Texans

Hold Woody Marks | Add Jaylin Noel & Jayden Higgins

More backfield split.

Week 8 RB Usage per Michael Florio

• Nick Chubb: 43% snaps, 17 carries, 10 routes, 2 targets (69 yds). 19 total RB opportunities.
• Woody Marks: 41% snaps, 11 carries, 14 routes, 4 targets (111 yds)

Woody Marks went 11 for 62 yards, while Nick Chubb went 17 for 56.

Marks did more damage as a receiver, catching 4-49 on four targets. Marks broke free on a 50-yard catch and run.

Marks is getting the high-value opportunities, which matter the most for fantasy football. 4 goal-line carries in the last three games.

He will have to take advantage of those high-value touches to overcome tough matchups versus the Broncos in Week 9.

Without Nico Collins, Jayden Higgins led the team with 8 targets (21% target share), catching four for 34 and 1 TD (2 RZ targets).

However, be wary that Higgins’ role might be reduced if Collins returns (given he plays the Collins role).

Conversely, Xavier Hutchison (5-59-1) and Jaylin Noel (5-63) both saw six targets, and that’s more likely to be somewhat sticky if/when Collins returns. Noel was praised post-game by his HC for his big-time playmaking in now back-to-back weeks. His usage hasn’t been great – but there’s no denying that the talent is evident.

6-plus targets and 60-plus yards despite running a route on fewer than 50% of the routes the last 2 games.

Biggest bad call for me this week? Dalton Schultz. Woof. Serves me right. Never be too bullish on these catch-and-fall-down TEs. 2-24 on three targets.

What’s also bizarre is that Houston was dead set on getting Braxton Berrios the ball.

He was targeted 5 times in the first half (five catches for 38 yards). He did get banged up later in the game. I’d feel better about Noel if Berrios were to miss next week.

Schedule

Indianapolis Colts

Buy Josh Downs | Add Alec Pierce

Daniel Jones delivered one of his sharpest performances of the season for the Indianapolis Colts, completing 21 of 29 passes for 272 yards and three touchdowns with no turnovers, guiding the offense efficiently in a balanced attack.

The Colts’ passing game was anchored by Michael Pittman Jr., who drew nine targets (21% target share) and caught eight passes for 95 yards and a touchdown, continuing his role as the reliable go-to option.

Rookie tight end Tyler Warren added steady production with four receptions for 53 yards on five targets, while Alec Pierce provided the deep threat, recording two catches for 69 yards, including a 50-yard strike that set up a score.

Josh Downs made the most of his limited opportunities, catching all three of his targets for 39 yards and a touchdown, showing his continued knack for separating underneath.

Downs is a very good player and had been turning it on in the last couple of games. 6-42-1 on seven targets (4 RZ targets, 23% target share) in Week 6.

Super high grade per PFF (7th). Back-to-back weeks leading Colts WR in targets before his concussion.

Jonathan Taylor was heavily involved as both a runner and receiver — turning 12 carries into 153 rushing yards (an incredible 12.8 yards per carry) and two touchdowns, including an 80-yard breakaway run. Taylor also contributed as a receiver, catching both of his targets for 21 yards and another score to cap a dominant all-around day.

The rest of the backfield and supporting cast saw minimal usage, with Ameer Abdullah totaling 8 yards from scrimmage on three touches. Overall, Indianapolis’ offense was explosive and efficient, powered by Taylor’s dynamic performance on the ground and a highly efficient outing from Daniel Jones through the air.

Schedule

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Jacksonville Jaguars

Sell Travis Etienne | Hold Travis Hunter | Sell/Hold Brian Thomas Jr. | Add Bhayshul Tuten

Tough day at the overseas office for the Jags before their buy week.

From the jump, they looked like the team that arrived in London fewer than 48 hours before kickoff (that was the Rams).

Per Next Gen Stats, Trevor Lawrence completed 23 of his 48 pass attempts for 296 yards and a touchdown in the Jaguars’ loss to the Rams.

Lawrence targeted in-breaking routes on 41.7% of his passes but completed only 9 of 20 for 142 yards (-16.7% CPOE). When the Rams used split safety coverages, Lawrence completed 7 of 19 for 96 yards, while against single-high coverages Lawrence completed 16 of 29 for 200 yards and a touchdown.

Travis Hunter was the WR who stepped up the most because every other WR seemed to be dealing with an injury at one point or another.

Brian Thomas Jr., Tim Patrick and Dyami Brown all got banged up. Parker Washington had 10 targets.

Regardless, Hunter was the focal point of the offensive game plan, while remaining a complete afterthought on defense.

#FFIDP – Jacksonville Jaguars WR/CB Travis Hunter in Week 7:

Hunter played 87% of the offensive snaps this week, running 90% of possible routes.

Hunter played just 19% of the team's defensive snaps, as the focus for him this week was offense…and it worked!

1st career TD and… pic.twitter.com/7pIDWrxj9b

— Jon Macri (@PFF_Macri) October 19, 2025

According to Next Gen Stats…Hunter caught eight of his 14 targets for 101 yards and a touchdown, all career highs, against the Rams (also 3 red-zone targets).

From the slot, Hunter caught seven of eight targets for 90 yards, including his 34-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter. Hunter was more efficient against zone coverage, catching 6 of 10 targets for 51 yards, but more explosive against man coverage, catching 2 of 4 targets for 50 yards and a touchdown. Playing 12 snaps on defense, Hunter had one pass defensed while matched up against Davante Adams.

Listed him as a sell/hold two weeks ago – noting I’d only part ways if I was blown away with an offer. That’s because his route participations marked a season-high in Week 6. And his route depth increased back to Week 5 levels – so he was actually being used as a short-area target.

Now begs the question… do they keep him on offense after this breakout game…or put him on defense after that unit just got COOKED by the Rams?

The answer might be both. Play full-time both ways.

Even before Thomas’ injury…this was a bad game. More drops over the middle – and a struggle connecting with T-Law.

3-31 on eight targets. Just seems like it’s one step forward, two steps back with BTJ this season. With him also dealing with an injury heading into a bye week, you might be able to trade him away. At this point, I think the only think we can bank on for BTJ is some high highs and low lows. If you can flip him and sell for a decent return, I think you should. But selling low with an injured player on a bye week seems like a bad process play. Hold for now unless you can package him away.

Thomas also plays the Jets/Broncos in the fantasy playoffs (bottom-5 in the playoffs). Tough matchups even if he was playing well. Bottom-8 schedule rest of season for WRs.

This year, Thomas is scoring the 5^th-fewest points compared to expectation (ahead of him are Jerry Jeudy, Isaiah Bond, Chris Olave and Jauan Jennings). He also has a bottom-20 PFF grade through 7 weeks.

Travis Etienne was bottled up for the third straight game vs the Rams. 8 for 44 yards on just 54% of the snaps. Been talking about his fall off in efficiency, tough schedule and potential for a healthy Bhayshul Tuten to seize a larger role. Tuten has been on the IR with a shoulder all year, something that might not hinder out of the bye week.

All of these things are starting to become very apparent for Etienne’s fantasy value. Remains a sell with the Jags coming off their bye week.

I’ve talked about Etienne as a sell…and the tougher matchups he has had are hurting his production (although his efficiency was better in Week 7 with center Robert Hainsey back in the lineup).

The Jags schedule doesn’t get much easier after the BYE with the Raiders, and Texans in the next month.

Schedule

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Kansas City Chiefs

Sell Travis Kelce | Hold Xavier Worthy | Add Brashard Smith & Kareem Hunt

Patrick Mahomes guided the Kansas City Chiefs to another productive offensive outing, completing 25 of 34 passes for 299 yards, three touchdowns, and two first-quarter interceptions — including one off a Travis Kelce drop.

Travis Kelce bounced back with a strong performance, catching six of eight targets for 99 yards and a touchdown while reclaiming his role as the focal point in the intermediate passing game. Rashee Rice was electric once again, catching all nine of his targets for 93 yards and a touchdown while adding two carries for 12 yards. Rice was inches away from an even BIGGER day — he was ruled down at the 1-yard line on one rushing attempt and narrowly missed scoring twice more in the red zone. He finished second on the team in routes run (31, 86% snap rate) and logged three more red-zone opportunities, continuing his ascension as Mahomes’ most dangerous after-the-catch threat.

Xavier Worthy led the team in routes run (32) and turned eight targets into five receptions for 53 yards, serving as a key downfield complement to Rice. JuJu Smith-Schuster and Noah Gray chipped in short gains, combining for four receptions and 52 yards. Meanwhile, rookie Brashard Smith‘s role cratered after an early fumble — he logged just 13% of the snaps and saw zero targets on five routes.

Worthy and Kelce both did more compared to last week in a more competitive game (at least compared to last week). Rice is the alpha, but Mahomes is showing he is more than capable of supporting multiple fantasy assets – even with Hunt scoring 2 TDs. Kelce would be the “sell” just based on the larger sample size of him playing with Rice – as his targets are usually nuked. TDs will always be part of the equation, but Kelce ripping off two plays of 30-plus yards is not sustainable.

Per Next Gen Stats…Kelce recorded 6 receptions on 8 targets for 99 yards and 1 touchdown, with all his production coming against zone coverage.
This marks Kelce’s most receiving yards against zone coverage since Week 3, 2023 against the Chargers (103 yards). He also recorded 55 yards after catch on the night, his most in a game this season.

On the ground, Isiah Pacheco handled 58% of the snaps and led the team with 12 carries for 58 yards (4.8 YPC) but remained a non-factor in the passing game (zero targets) and saw only two red-zone opportunities. Late in the game, Pacheco appeared to injure his knee but managed to finish; his status will be worth monitoring. Kareem Hunt vultured two short touchdowns on nine carries for 40 yards, playing 32% of the snaps and seeing three red-zone touches, effectively capping Pacheco’s fantasy ceiling despite the latter’s solid rushing efficiency.

Schedule

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Las Vegas Raiders

Buy Ashton Jeanty & Brock Bowers | Add/Hold Tre Tucker | Add Jack Bech | Hold Jakobi Meyers

Welp, so much for the Raiders playing close against the Chiefs back in Week 7. Total blow-out, not much to take away here.

Tre Tucker (5-33 on 6 targets) was the leading receiver with Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers out.

I think there’s a strong chance that Meyers gets traded. Hold for now on fantasy benches.

Jack Bech played a bigger role as well (and would see a large boost if Meyers is dealt). But Michael Mayer bombed with just one catch for 10 yards.

The Raiders also lost DT Adam Butler and pass rusher Maxx Crosby (not expected to be serious).

This team desperately needs its bye week.

So the advice remains the same as last week.

The Raiders – per the SOS tool – have a top playoff schedule for fantasy RBs.

Per the SOS tool…Raiders have No. 1 schedule for RBs in the fantasy playoffs. Although being fully transparent – at the Eagles/Texans aren’t amazing matchups even if they are somewhat plus-spots on paper.

It’s not perfect, but there are some decent spots for a three-down workhorse like Jeanty who ranked 8^th in the NFL in total touches before his bye week. RB16 in both XPGG and FPPG.

However I will admit that this really does need to be a buy-low. The Broncos x2, Eagles and Texans aren’t ideal – even if the Chargers/Cowboys/Giants are fantastic. Week 17 versus Giants might be worth it to acquire Jeanty for a championship level performance.

Still want to buy Jeanty. Advice from two weeks ago was literally…”Wait until Jeanty underwhelms on the road vs KC…and then go buy.”

The earliest we could see Brock Bowers is right after the bye week.

Gotten a lot of questions regarding Bowers…and I think he is worth kicking the tires on if you are just streaming tight ends.

He can be a difference-maker when healthy.

Anybody in fantasy that can be a true difference-maker can be a needle-mover. If he can do his best Puka Nacua impression from last season…make a move. Chances are, the Bowers manager has a losing record and would be willing to sell for pennies on the dollar.

Note the Raiders have a tough schedule for QBs ROS – No. 32 per FP SOS tool.

Schedule

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Los Angeles Chargers

Hold Oronde Gadsden | Hold Ladd McConkey | Sell Quentin Johnston

Justin Herbert piloted a sharp and balanced Los Angeles Chargers offense in Week 8, completing 18 of 25 passes for 227 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception while adding 62 rushing yards on seven scrambles (8.9 YPC).

The passing attack flowed primarily through second-year standout Ladd McConkey (last week’s buy-high candidate) who commanded a massive 40% target share and caught six of 10 targets for 88 yards and a touchdown.

Tight end Oronde Gadsden II continued his breakout stretch, playing 79% of the snaps with an 85% route participation rate. He was perfect on the day, catching all five of his targets for 77 yards and a 40-yard touchdown, further cementing his role as the team’s most reliable chain-mover and red-zone threat.

Gadsden hardly a flash in the pan given his high-end usage since emerging as TE1 for the Bolts.

Third game in a row that Gadsden COOKED.

Two weeks ago, he went 7-68 on eight targets (3 in RZ). He’s popped in four games this season – Week 4 posted a 47% target rate per route run – and the usage was very strong in Week 6 and the production followed in Week 7+8. His routes (85%) and snaps (79%) also continue to climb. Last three weeks…

Gadsden has hung a 19-307-2 line on 22 targets over the last three games. Hold him. Rookie tight end that break out like this aren’t a mirage. I’m just kicking myself that i wasn’t higher on him entering Week 8 – as I feared somebody would be left out among a crowded Chargers room. Somebody was….but it wasn’t Gadsden.

Keenan Allen provided steady veteran production, catching four of five targets for 44 yards, while Tre Harris made the most of limited usage, scoring a touchdown on both of his receptions (eight yards total).

Quentin Johnston, meanwhile, failed to draw a single target, as his role has sharply diminished following Gadsden’s emergence.

Once we finally felt safe to rank Johnston as a top-24 guy…he gets hurt and immediately loses all his targets to a Day 3 rookie tight end. I’m being tongue-and-cheek here, but this is a major red flag. With Gadsden emerging and McConkey reclaiming WR1 status…QJ is really tough to trust now and difficult for fantasy managers to deal with.

It’s now 2 games since his injury that his targets have tanked. It’s easy for me as a QJ offseason fader to just completely bury the guy…but I felt that the start of the year was really strong. Maybe he is still getting over the hamstring injury. I think that’s a legitimate concern. But selling him for nothing when he has shown upside as a top-5 weekly finisher should not be underrated.

The Chargers play Dallas in Week 16. Even if QJ rides your bench until Week 16…that one game alone could make him worth targeting.

That being said…he is still PFF’s 31st-lowest graded WR this season. The lowest among the top-3 Bolts WRs.

Through 8 weeks, the lowest No. 1 Chargers WR has finished is WR21 in half-PPR. And only twice in eight games has Herbert failed to get at least two of his pass-catchers to strong finishes (sometimes three).

1. 2, 10, 25
2. 17, 18
3. 11, 23, (TE16)
4. 7
5. 21
6. 6, (TE12)
7. 6, (TE1)
8. 4, (TE3)

Long story short – all these Chargers WRs/TEs have tremendously weekly upside. If somebody is undervaluing that week-winning potential. I’d take advantage.

Like we saw with QJ’s injury…just takes one guy to miss for the production floodgates to open for the other Chargers pass-catchers.

But if the volatile nature of QJ is too much – or he just can’t be dealt than I think you have to hold him. A very price-dependent player that should be traded a lot. I think there’s a price where QJ is useful, but he projects to be very boom-or-bust.

When the Chargers get Omarion Hampton back they could lean on the ground game more. Also FWIW, the Chargers ROS for WRs in near the bottom of the league (playoffs withstanding of course).

On the ground, Kimani Vidal handled feature-back duties with Hassan Haskins sidelined, playing 75% of the snaps and rushing 23 times for 117 yards (5.1 YPC) and a touchdown. Vidal also caught one of two targets for 10 yards, showcasing strong vision and burst in a workhorse role. Vidal forced a season-high five missed tackles after entering Thursday with only three missed tackles forced since entering the lineup in Week 4 (Next Gen Stats).

Jaret Patterson filled in as the No. 2 back, logging 11 carries for 30 yards but averaging just 2.7 yards per attempt.

Despite strong offensive execution, the Chargers endured key injuries on defense — Derwin James suffered a low-ankle sprain, and offensive tackle Mekhi Becton also exited with a knock. Still, the offense was clicking on all fronts, with McConkey and Gadsden commanding the passing game and Vidal proving capable of leading the backfield in Haskins’ absence.

Schedule

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Los Angeles Rams

Add Blake Corum | Hold Kyren Williams | Add Jordan Whittington

No Puka? No problem.

Matthew Stafford completed 13 of his 19 pass attempts against the blitz for 97 yards and 5 touchdowns in the Rams’ Week 7 win over the Jaguars (Next Gen Stats).

Stafford’s five touchdowns against the blitz are tied for the most in a game by a quarterback in the NGS era (since 2016). Stafford was also exceptional when using play-action, completing 14 of 15 attempts for 146 yards and 3 touchdowns (+28.9% CPOE).

Davante Adams caught five of his eight targets for 35 yards and three touchdowns in the Rams’ win over the Jaguars in London.

Adams scored all three of his touchdowns from within the 2-yard line, with all three against different cornerbacks – Montaric Brown, Greg Newsome II and Jourdan Lewis (NGS). Adams predominantly faced Brown (9 routes) and Newsome (7 routes), with 3 of 5 receptions and 32 of 35 yards coming against Newsome, a recent trade acquisition from the Browns.

My WR1 for Week 7 delivered. That’s why we chase red-zone targets, folks.

However, Nacua is expected to return from his sprained ankle to play Sunday against the Saints.

So don’t chase the tight end usage for LA from Week 7.

They used more TEs with Nacua out, which hurt WRs like Jordan Whittington (4 targets) and Tutu Atwell (1 target that drew a DPI). However we got more news post bye week that Atwell was placed on IR. Clears path for Whittington to be the No. 3 guy in the offense.

The Rams utilized 13 personnel (1 RB, 3 TEs) on 38.7% of their offensive plays in Week 7, the highest usage rate by an offense in the Next Gen Stats era (since 2016).

Tyler Higbee seems like the front-runner at tight end (6 targets), but he’s marginal at best.

As for the backfield, it was a split day between Kyren Williams (60% snaps) and Blake Corum. Both has 12 carries despite the Rams playing with a strong lead.

Corum didn’t seem to be limited by his injury last week. 6 of Corum’s carries came on Matthew Stafford‘s last drive (Williams had one carry on this drive). Both guys also drew 3 red-zone opportunities (Corum actually seeing more goal-line carries than Kyren).

Kyren is still RB1, but Corum will continue to mix in. High-end handcuff option, which I would make sure to keep on benches if Williams were on my roster.

It’s also not a “take over” in effect, but just a usage note that Corum has a weekly role in the Rams offense and might eat into Williams’ production at times. Makes Williams more of a “hold” than a true buy/sell.

As another transactional note, the Rams improved their secondary by acquiring Roger McCreary from the Titans.

Schedule

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Miami Dolphins

Add Malik Washington & Ollie Gordon II | Buy Jaylen Waddle

I had a strong feeling Miami’s offense would bounce back in this spot. Indoors, Falcons starting a backup QB etc.

Jaylen Waddle has been a stud without Tyreek Hill, besides last week at Cleveland. Another 99 yards plus a score for him here in Week 8 with 7 targets and five receptions (also logged a DPI call) – 73% air yards share.

95-plus yards in three of his four games this season without Hill.

Without Hill playing (sub-50% or inactive) Waddle is averaging over 7 targets and 78 receiving yards per game (8-game sample size). Waddle is 8th in PFF grade this season.

Buy low if possible; however, buy cautiously. The Dolphins are in a weird spot with their HC and QB. If Tua gets benched…that hurts Waddle. I could see both buying and selling Waddle – so I think he’s worth putting on the block to gauge prices.

We know Miami (even when they were good) flames out in the colder months when they have to play outdoors against good teams. However 6 of their last 9 games are at home. So yeah- let’s buy. Be greedy while others are fearful.

Malik Washington finally scored after seeing strong red-zone usage (4-36 on 5 targets).

Per Next Gen Stats: Ollie Gordon II posted a rushing success rate of 70.0% in Week 8 against the Falcons, tied for the 5th-highest rate of any player in a game this season (min. 10 carries).

Miami suffered more defensive injuries (Storm Duck, Minkah Fitzpatrick).

Schedule:

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Minnesota Vikings

Hold Jordan Mason | Buy Justin Jefferson | Sell Jordan Addison

The Minnesota Vikings offense sputtered in Week 8 as quarterback Carson Wentz struggled under heavy pressure, completing 15 of 27 passes for 144 yards, one touchdown, and one interception before being relieved late by backup Max Brosmer. Wentz absorbed several big hits behind an offensive line that lost star left tackle Christian Darrisaw to injury, a key factor in the offense’s uneven performance.

JJ McCarthy is expected to start in Week 9 if cleared to return. Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell said he felt good about Brian O’Neill and Darrisaw being available alongside his second-year QB.

Justin Jefferson continued to be the focal point of the passing game, commanding 11 targets and a massive 70% share of the team’s air yards. He caught seven passes for 74 yards but was held out of the end zone. Jordan Addison provided one of the few bright spots, catching three of four targets for 26 yards and a touchdown. Tight end T.J. Hockenson added two catches for 26 yards, while running back Aaron Jones chipped in two receptions for 15 yards in his first game back from injured reserve. Zavier Scott also contributed two catches for eight yards on limited touches.

The Vikings’ backfield was split primarily between Jones and Jordan Mason, with Jones playing 53% of the snaps to Mason’s 34% in his return. Jones led the team with five carries for 15 yards and appeared to handle most of the early-down work, while Mason managed just three yards on four carries. Rookie Zavier Scott mixed in for two carries totaling 16 yards, providing a brief spark but limited involvement overall.

I was worried about what could happen with Mason with Jones’ return. And it sucks because Mason never really got a chance to get going with all the QB/OL injuries in Jones’ absence. He’s a hold now because you’ll get nothing for him after a total prime time dud. The hope is that Minnesota can right the ship offensively and he can take advantage of softer matchups – Ravens, Giants, Bears, Cowboys – while being an easy bench candidate in tougher spots.

In total, the offense never found its rhythm — hindered by protection issues, inconsistent quarterback play, and a banged-up offensive line. Jefferson’s heavy target share and Addison’s continued scoring ability were encouraging, but the Vikings clearly missed stability at quarterback and along the trenches heading into Week 9.

Both Vikings WRs this season rank 13^th and 7^th, respectively, in XFPPG The Vikings playmakers have performed at an extremely high level with Carson Wentz under center.

Jefferson has averaged nearly 100 receiving yards per game with Wentz as this QB.

But Minnesota’s not winning games because of Wentz…and J.J. McCarthy is coming back (Week 9).

Wentz is not coming back at all…after he was placed on IR.

When buying/selling, it’s about believing in the player. Obviously, Jefferson is a top-5 real-life WR. So, if you can “buy” that player…I think it’s worth it. Even if the game splits suggest that Wentz is better for McCarthy…I think the QB that gives the Vikings the best chance to win…should ultimately help Jefferson in fantasy circles. McCarthy’s still a very small sample size…and I still want to believe in the Kevin O’Connell offense.

5th in the NFL in target share (29%). Third in air yards share (42%). 17th in PPG. He continues to get it done in this offense regardless of the QB (something he has always done).

Solid stretch of matchups as the fantasy playoffs come into play for the Vikings. Top-10 schedule rest of season for WRs and for QBs.

That being said, it would seem Addison, as the Vikings’ No. 2 WR, would take the biggest hit if there is any downgrade with J.J. McCarthy back under center.

I’d be more concerned about Addison – so he would be the one I’d look to flip after he scored on Thursday night. We have a zero game sample of McCarthy with Addison this season. Considering Addison is 10th in PPG (four weeks) this would logically be his cooling off part to his season. Jefferson is just 17th in PPG despite ranking 5th in receiving yards (only one TD).

Schedule

New England Patriots

Buy Stefon Diggs | Add Kayshon Boutte | Hold TreVeyon Henderson

Drake Maye continued his breakout second-year campaign with another poised and efficient performance, completing 18 of 24 passes for 282 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in the New England Patriots’ Week 8 win over the Cleveland Browns. The rookie’s +15.5% completion percentage over expected marked his seventh straight game over 200 passing yards and a 100+ passer rating — tying Dan Marino (1984) and Patrick Mahomes (2018) for the longest such streak by a quarterback age 23 or younger (Next Gen Stats). Maye operated with surgical precision, spreading the ball to multiple weapons and once again flashing the elite accuracy that has fueled his early-season rise.

Mack Hollins led the team in targets (seven), receptions (seven), and yards (89), operating as the top chain-mover while ranking third in routes run. Kayshon Boutte delivered one of his best outings as a pro, catching three of five targets for 75 yards and a 39-yard touchdown, leading the team with a 36% air yards share.

Stefon Diggs played fewer than 50% of the offensive snaps but still commanded five targets, including three in the red zone, converting three catches for 14 yards and a short touchdown. The veteran is 5th in target share over the last four weeks (30%). He is also PFF’s 14th-highest graded WR this season. Tied with Hollins for the highest catch rate in the NFL (86%) among qualifiers.

Tight ends Hunter Henry (1 catch, 7 yards, 1 TD) and Austin Hooper (2 catches, 38 yards) contributed in complementary roles, while DeMario Douglas made a splash with a 44-yard reception on his only target (fourth in WR usage).

On the ground, Rhamondre Stevenson handled 72% of the offensive snaps and maintained his lead role, rushing 14 times for 34 yards and catching one pass for 15 yards while running 22 routes. He also received the team’s lone goal-line carry. Rookie TreVeyon Henderson, however, provided the spark, rushing 10 times for 75 yards (7.5 YPC) in just 22% of the snaps and generating +21 rushing yards over expected — though he did lose a fumble in the red zone. Henderson saw three red-zone carries compared to Stevenson’s one, but was used exclusively on the ground, not logging a single target. Drake Maye added mobility to the mix, scrambling seven times for 50 yards, including a 28-yard burst.

I felt that last week’s usage for Henderson would rebound – and it was nearly a perfect outing had he not fumbled. Then again…

TreyVeon Henderson fumbled

But….

considering Vrabel Track record

Bell cow usage next week

Lfg

— Andrew Erickson™ (@AndrewErickson_) October 26, 2025

Good for Henderson to finally flash the juice. Again. Rookies always have bigger roles in the second halves of seasons. Be patient.

Fantasy playoffs – Pats have Bills/Ravens/Jets. If Henderson can just hit during this three-week stretch, he can salvage his rookie campaign.

Schedule

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New Orleans Saints

Sell Alvin Kamara | Add Devin Neal

The New Orleans Saints’ offense struggled to find rhythm in this one, as quarterback Spencer Rattler was benched mid-game for Tyler Shough after throwing an interception. Rattler completed 15 of 21 passes for 136 yards, while Shough went 17 of 30 for 128 yards with a pick of his own, as neither passer managed a touchdown.

Kellen Moore has yet to commit to a QB1.

Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave dominated the target share, each drawing 12 looks from the quarterback duo (8 targets each in the second half). Shaheed led the team in receptions with nine for 75 yards before exiting late with an injury (although he seemed to be okay), while Olave caught eight passes for 63 yards, highlighted by a 28-yard gain.

Tight end Juwan Johnson was active in the intermediate passing game, catching five of eight targets for 53 yards (76% snap share).

Alvin Kamara added two catches for 24 yards, while Devin Neal hauled in all three of his targets for 11 yards in limited work. Neal, however, played 45% of the snaps and out-targeted Kamara (3 vs 2) while running more routes.

Devaughn Vele (1 catch, 10 yards on five targets despite 59 incomplete air yards) and Taysom Hill (1 catch, 6 yards) rounded out the receiving group. Hill played just five offensive snaps (3 touches). But part of that is situational. No RZ trips means no Hill packages.

The run game never got going, with Kamara leading the team with just six carries for 21 yards (3.5 YPC) on just a 52% snap rate.

The Saints RB1 continues to look like a shell of himself. Bottom-dwelling offense. And he has been adamant about not being traded, so he’s stuck on the Saints. Not to mention, the schedule gets much tougher over the next few weeks.

He’s PFF’s second-lowest graded RB this season. No one has scored fewer points under expectation than Kamara. He should be RB12. He’s instead RB29.

Also, it is possible he was dealing with an injury in last week’s game versus the Bucs. Add Neal just in case.

Shough and Rattler each scrambled three times for 12 yards, and Hill added two carries for six yards as part of his gadget role.

Schedule

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New York Giants

Add Tyrone Tracy | Add Theo Johnson & Darius Slayton | Hold Jaxson Dart

Cam Skattebo suffered a brutal ankle injury that will sideline him ROS. Gut-wrenching. Prayers go out to the guy for a speedy recovery. Such a fun player to watch and cheer for.

Tyrone Tracy is the next man up. 10 carries for 39 yards in Week 8 on a 64% snap rate. As a proven RB producer, he is worth an aggressive bid. However, the schedule does Tracy no favors…as the schedule is the toughest according to the FP SOS tool.

Darius Slayton commanded a 30% air yards share (58 incomplete air yards). Finished just 2-26 but also had a 68-yard TD nullified on a ticky-tacky OPI call. Also had a team-high six targets.

Wan’Dale Robinson was quiet – with zero catches in the first half. Finished with just three catches for 48 yards on four targets.

Daniel Bellinger also suffered a neck injury. Theo Johnson played 98% of the snaps.

Secondary also took another blow, with CB Cor’Dale Flott getting hurt. Their defense is banged up…which will force this offense to make more plays.

They will play an equally banged-up defense in Week 9.

Hold Jaxson Dart – No.1 schedule for QBs ROS and during the fantasy playoffs.

Schedule

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New York Jets

Sell Breece Hall | Hold Mason Taylor | Add Isaiah Davis

According to Next Gen Stats….

Breece Hall recorded season highs across the board with 133 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries, generating 60 rushing yards over expected and forcing six missed tackles for 48 yards gained after missed tackles.

Hall posted a 61.1% success rate on the ground while also throwing the game-winning touchdown to Mason Taylor with 2:00 remaining in the fourth quarter. The pass had an 18.0% completion probability, making it the most improbable completion by any running back in the NGS era (since 2016).

Breece Hall absolutely balled out in this super-plus matchup.

Even Isaiah Davis was productive with seven carries for 65 yards (also caught a 2-point conversion attempt).

Hall played 57% snaps with 18 carries, 13 routes, three targets (147 yds, 2 TDs). 7.4 YPC.

Davis played 44% snaps with seven carries, 12 routes, and 5 targets (109 yds) for a 15% target share. 9.3 YPC.

He also played 67% of the third downs.

Hall has been a buy-low target because of this matchup and the fact that he could be traded.

But I think this might be the perfect time to sell high with the Jets’ vibes at an all-time high.

Post bye week, it’s a brutal matchup versus the Browns and then the Patriots.

Weeks 15-16 are both on the road, and Week 17 is the Pats. Love Hall, but there’s a lot of risk being too heavily invested in the Jets in the fantasy postseason – I think you’ve got to sell high.

Obviously, if he gets traded to a better situation, I will 100% be cold-take exposed. But my guy I trust most for NFL intel – Tony Pauline of SportsKeeda – says the Jets are hesitant to trade Hall.

And there is a slight chance that Braelon Allen does return sometime in December…further complicating Hall’s outlook.

Again…the Bengals defense is TERRIBLE. Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson also left Sunday’s game with a right hip injury.

Without Garrett Wilson or Josh Reynolds…

Rookie tight end Mason Taylor was the target leader (5-34-1) with eight targets. 5 targets came in the red zone (one being the Hall TD pass).

Trust the process. The Bengals cannot stop tight ends.

Tyler Johnson was the leading receiver (3-64-1).

Schedule

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Philadelphia Eagles

Moves to Make: Add Tank Bigsby | Sell A.J. Brown | Buy DeVonta Smith

DeVonta Smith caught 6 of 9 targets for 84 yards in the Eagles’ win on Sunday (45% target share).

Smith hauled in every one of his receptions from wide alignment, with 5 of 6 receptions (for 75 yards) coming against single-high shells, with one catch (for 9 yards) against split-safety coverage.

Smith turns into a fantasy monster when one of A.J. Brown or Dallas Goedert misses times. This is nothing new.

He is the WR33 in XPPG.

Tank Bigsby operated as the next man up in the Eagles’ backfield after Saquon Barkley left with an injury (groin). He had a 3-yard gain from the 10-yard line.

Played ahead of Will Shipley…rushing 9 times for 104 yards.

Shipley only had three carries.

But this situation is tricky, given that the Eagles will have a Week 9 bye week to get guys like Barkley and A.J. Brown healthy.

Barkley was confident following Sunday’s 38-20 win against the Giants that he’ll be available for the Eagles’ next game, Monday, Nov. 10, at Green Bay, Eliot Shorr-Parks of Sports Radio 94 WIP Philadelphia reports.

But guys say this all the time. Add/stash Bigsby.

And what I said last week remains true for these Eagles WRs…

Their inconsistent passing game creates a shaky floor for at least one of these three pass-catchers every week. These dud games are always going to be possible in the current way the Eagles offense is constructed. Once they boom, I think you should flip for a high ROI if possible.

After two strong weeks, you could get a ton for Smith. A.J. Brown should return after the bye week (although hamstring injuries can be tricky). Or even trading AJB should still be on your radar. The Eagles’ offense was fine on Sunday without jamming their targets.

And as I think about this situation more…shouldn’t Smith be valued over AJB?

This season, Smith is PFF’s 9th-highest graded WR. Brown is 23rd. Through 7 games, they have nearly identical target shares. However, Smith has been much more efficient. Has more yards/catches by a substantial margin. Smith is averaging 2.24 yards per route. Career high.

I always talk about No. 2 WRs being undervalued…and Smith feels like that guy because of AJB’s alpha-ness. But given the way AJB has carried him self this season, I think Smith might finish this season as the Eagles’ No. 1 WR. We have seen teams phase out alphas post bye weeks.

And don’t forget that Brown still needs to overcome this hamstring, which might be a contributing factor to his lack of efficiency in 2025.

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Pittsburgh Steelers

Buy Jaylen Warren | Buy/Hold DK Metcalf

Aaron Rodgers efficiently led the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense, completing 24 of 36 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns with no turnovers. The veteran quarterback leaned on a balanced group of pass catchers, highlighted by second-year WR Roman Wilson, who continued to shine as a dynamic downfield threat. Wilson caught four of five targets for 74 yards and a TD with a 45-yard long pass, accounting for an impressive 44% of the team’s air yards.

DK Metcalf served as Rodgers’ top red-zone weapon, drawing two red-zone targets and finishing with five receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown on seven targets — a 20% target share — though two additional targets were negated by penalties. However, he was used closer to the LOS – averaging nine air yards per target (although he did have 39 incomplete air yards).

Calvin Austin remained heavily involved, ranking second on the team in routes run and catching four of six targets for 28 yards, working primarily underneath. Tight ends Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth combined for five receptions, with Smith catching two passes for 17 yards and Freiermuth adding three grabs for 13 yards before briefly leaving with an injury but later returning. Out of the backfield, Jaylen Warren caught two passes for 11 yards, while Kenneth Gainwell added two receptions for four yards.

The ground game was led by Warren, who handled 65% of the snaps and paced the backfield with 13 carries for 62 yards (4.8 YPC). Gainwell mixed in on 35% of the snaps, rushing five times for 31 yards (6.2 YPC) but lost a costly fumble that stalled a promising drive.

Gainwell was used than last week…although his snap share was essentially the same as Week 6-7 (35%-37%).

After being a potential sell for me…I am buying Warren. He’s been great at forcing missed tackles this season.

He is 9th in rushing success rate and 5th in PFF rush grade this season. The Steelers RB is also the RB15 in XPPG.

The schedule gets easy again (with some plus spots in the fantasy playoffs).

And after going on the FantasyPros Trade Show for Week 9…I am doubling down on Warren as a buy candidate. I think he could be a league-winner in the second half of the season. He is RB15 in XPPG without a rushing TD…He has one TD this season.

Injuries struck the Steelers beyond Freiermuth, as starting guard Isaac Seumalo, safety DeShon Elliott, and defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale all exited the game. Despite those setbacks, Pittsburgh’s offense looked cohesive with Rodgers spreading the ball efficiently and Wilson emerging as a legitimate big-play threat alongside Metcalf’s continued red-zone dominance. Darnell Washington and Smith each drew two-point conversion attempts.

And the defense is still bad. Via the Athletic, “It’s the fourth time in seven games the Steelers’ defense has surrendered more than 30 points.”

I listed DK Metcalf as a sell before the bye week. Right after the bye, I was eating the L.

But he did have a slight down game here versus the Bengals with the TEs feasting. But in Week 8, he was back in business.

Versus the Bengals, Metcalf went three for 50 on five targets with more deep targets. Two games following the bye week…Metcalf is averaging over 16 air yards per target. It was below 8.5 before the Week 5 bye week. But the air yards dipped back down in this game with Austin/Wilson filling that air yards void.

Even so…Metcalf’s usage is trending in the right direction for his ROS outlook. The fact that he is only competing with mainly TEs and beta WRs for targets ensures his target share should stay high.

Metcalf is playing extremely well – PFF’s 20^th-highest graded WR – and the schedule is awesome from here on out. I might have gone full 180….going from selling, to holding, to now buying Metcalf.

He’s already had his bye week and seems destined to be a fantasy WR2 at worst ROS, even if he doesn’t score a TD every single week (even though it seems like it happens every week).

However, I think you can wait…given his price might get cheaper if the Steelers trade for a WR before the November 4th deadline.

Steelers ROS schedule is GREAT for WRs, and No.1 in the fantasy playoffs: Dolphins, Lions, and Browns.

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San Francisco 49ers

Sell Kendrick Bourne | Hold Christian McCaffery | Buy Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall & George Kittle | Buy Brian Robinson Jr.

CMC is mortal. 8 carries for 25 yards and just three catches for 43 yards on six targets.

I think this is more matchup-related than anything else. So, whatever side of the sell/hold you are with McCaffrey, this shouldn’t change your perspective.

I still think CMC is not “untouchable” as a trade asset because of his injury history…but we can never be sure when/if that will happen. I’d just be 100% going after Brian Robinson Jr.

I get it if you just want to ride it out. I’m just saying that if you can get a really strong return (Jonathan Taylor, etc.) I’d be willing to part ways with CMC.

The Texans’ defense is LEGIT. Houston has allowed 103 points through its first seven games of 2025, the fewest in the NFL. No other team that is below .500 has allowed fewer than 150 points.

Other than George Kittle bouncing back – 4-43-1- not much to report from the 49ers’ passing attack in a brutal matchup.

Kendrick Bourne did NOT do it AGAIN.

3-44 on three targets. He won’t be this bad every week with Mac Jones as the QB…but his fantasy value is on life support.

Brock Purdy will be back under center at some point (expected to be this week), along with several other 49ers WRs.

Jauan Jennings is not a surefire long-term bet to stay healthy, given all the injuries he is playing through.

His injuries seemed to hamper his production. Given he caught just one pass for 7 yards on three targets in Week 6, followed up by 4-31 on seven targets in Week 7 (27% target share).

But in Week 8, it was again another team-high seven targets, going 4 for 45 (79 incomplete air yards, 22% target share). Targets have been there, but the production has not. Jennings had a bad, bad drop on a deep ball from Jones that would have likely resulted in a long TD.

Presuming he is getting healthier with Purdy returning…Jennings might be the sneaky-buy candidate here. In the last two games, he is the WR target leader for the 49ers (14 targets (25% target share) and 36% air yards share.

He has a real connection with Purdy, and maybe another week passing has improved his health. He’s “due” to produce, ranking 7th in xPPG, scored under expectation.

If Ricky Pearsall starts practicing this week, it’s possible he could return this week. Another buy among this 49ers WR room. PFF’s 17th-highest graded WR in four games played.

Brandon Aiyuk is also eyeing a Week 10 return.

The 49ers also suffered more defensive injuries. They can’t catch a break.

But combine their bad defense with a good schedule…and this is a recipe for fantasy success on offense.

An excerpt from the 49ers Athletic beat reporter Matt Barrows regarding their injuries:

Rookie defensive tackle Alfred Collins briefly left the game with what looked like an arm or shoulder issue. In the next series, Jordan Elliott left for good with an ankle injury. Elliott was one of the few 49ers defensive linemen who hadn’t been on the team’s practice report. Then, defensive end Sam Okuayinonu hobbled off the field with an ankle injury in the fourth quarter. Elliott and Okuayinonu have started the last five games. Meanwhile, Kalia Davis is playing with a broken hand, CJ West has a broken thumb, Mykel Williams has a wrist issue, and Kevin Givens just returned from a pectoral injury.

Veterans Nick Bosa (ACL), Bryce Huff (hamstring), and Yetur Gross-Matos (hamstring) were unavailable Sunday in Houston. The defensive line’s medical issues contributed to the team’s struggles to pressure Stroud on Sunday and will likely inspire more calls for the 49ers to acquire a defensive lineman before the NFL’s Nov. 4 trade deadline. — Matt Barrows, 49ers writer.

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Seattle Seahawks

Kenneth Walker saw the most carries (17) for the Seahawks, going for 66 yards, but Zach Charbonnet scored both rushing TDs with 12 carries of his own for 49 yards back in Week 7.

It’s a committee, like it’s been all season. And unfortunately for Walker managers, despite him being the superior rusher, Charbonnet is beloved in the red zone by the current coaching staff.

Per Next Gen Stats — Charbonnet logged 34 snaps (51%) to Kenneth Walker III‘s 29 (44%). Walker out-touched him 17 to 14, but Charbonnet handled both of Seattle’s goal-line carries, converting each for touchdowns and finishing with 19.5 PPR points. On the season, Charbonnet has handled five goal-line carries to Walker’s one.

We love the volume for Walker—and the coaches talked him up this week to get more work. His 17 carries were the second-most in a game this season.

The usage is frustrating. And the schedule is just average ROS for RBs. If you are hurting at RB – I don’t hate buying Walker dirt cheap. But for now, he’s just an obligatory hold. And the same goes for Charbonnet. I still like Walker over Charbs rest of season (better talent), but there’s no denying Charbs has the better role for fantasy.

In the six games they have played together…Charbonnet is scoring more real and expected fantasy points (RB20 in XPPG) than Walker.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba recorded his fifth 100-yard game of the season against Houston. JSN is having a special season.

According to NGS, JSN caught 8 of 14 targets for 123 yards and a touchdown, finishing with 26.3 PPR points. He dominated in the intermediate range (10-19 air yards), catching 5 of 6 targets for a career-high 89 yards and the score. Across seven matchups against Derek Stingley Jr. in coverage, JSN caught 3 of 4 targets for 49 yards and a TD. He’s now accounted for 46.3% of Seattle’s total receiving yards in 2025 — the highest team receiving yardage share in the NFL.

Elijah Arroyo popped in this game, seeing targets on the team’s opening drive and in the red zone (2). The rookie tight end played 38% of the snaps, which was actually his lowest snap rate since Week 1. But the 4-42 on five targets were all season highs. Nothing actionable with the Seahawks coming off the bye – but something to store for the future. Post-rookie bye usage bumps are a real thing.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Buy Emeka Egbuka | Add Tez Johnson

Baker Mayfield completed 15 of 24 passes for 152 yards without a touchdown or interception, managing the offense efficiently but without much explosiveness through the air. His leading target was Emeka Egbuka, who drew a team-high nine targets, catching three passes for 35 yards. Down game for the rookie, but the usage was solid again for a second straight game.

58% air yards share and a 38% target share (67 incomplete air yards) to go with two more end-zone targets.

It’s ironic that finally Egbuka is getting alpha usage, but the production has been lackluster. When to start the year, he was overproducing based on a sub-par role.

Either way, you want to go aggressively after Egbuka in his bye week. 10-plus targets per game over the last two weeks. Four end zone targets. Over 180 incomplete air yards.

Remember…Egbuka hurt his hamstring two weeks ago and almost didn’t play versus the Lions. After the bye week, he should be closer to full go.

Tez Johnson remained a reliable short-to-intermediate option, securing five of six targets for 43 yards (25% target share), while tight end Cade Otton hauled in four of five targets for 40 yards and provided a steady presence underneath. Running back Rachaad White caught both of his targets for 26 yards, adding modest production as a receiver.

On the ground, the Buccaneers split touches between Sean Tucker and Rachaad White. Tucker led the backfield with 12 carries for 42 yards (3.5 yards per carry) and scored the team’s only touchdown, while White logged 13 carries for 35 yards (2.7 yards per attempt). Tucker had 4 RZ carries, including three at the goal line (he also fumbled). White failed to score on his 3 GL carries.

White only saw two carries in the second half while playing just 57% of the snaps to Tucker’s 34%.

The Buccaneers have a Week 9 bye week, so I think we might see some of their injured guys return in Week 10 for the stretch run.

Managers with a strong record should be looking to buy Buccaneers on the injury discount.

Weeks 16-17: Panthers/Dolphins. ROS? Top-10 schedule for WRs, RBs, and QBs.

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Tennessee Titans

Buy Tyjae Spears | Hold Tony Pollard | Add Chimere Dike & Elic Ayomanor

Cameron Ward put together a steady performance for the Tennessee Titans, completing 22 of 38 passes for 259 yards with one touchdown and one interception. The passing attack flowed primarily through rookie wide receiver Chimere Dike, who led the team with eight targets (21% target share) and seven receptions for 93 yards, showcasing strong chemistry with Ward.

Tight end Chig Okonkwo continued his reliable involvement, catching four of five targets for 53 yards, while fellow rookie Elic Ayomanor added four receptions for 52 yards on eight targets, including a 26-yard grab downfield (73 incomplete air yards)

Running back Tyjae Spears contributed both as a rusher and receiver, recording nine carries for 59 yards (6.6 yards per carry with a long of 41 yards) and a 3-yard touchdown run — the Titans’ lone score on the ground. The third-year RB also had a GL carry (3 red-zone attempts).

He also caught all three of his targets for 23 yards through the air while leading the backfield with a 51% snap rate. Spears had been sitting on nine touches per game, but it went up to 12 in this contest.

Tony Pollard handled the bulk of early-down work with 11 carries for 44 yards (4.0 YPC, 48% snap share) and caught one pass for nine yards, maintaining a complementary role to Spears’ explosiveness (and he hit 12 touches for the fourth straight game). Spears also reclaimed his receiving usage.

ROS, I think a healthy Spears should be the preferred Titans RB ROS. Pollard can be dropped in shallower formats (but he’s a decent hold next week versus a suspect Chargers run defense).

Also, it doesn’t hurt to hold Pollard one more week, given he has been floated around in trade talks…with the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and New England Patriots sniffing around the RB market per Ari Meirov.

Tight end Gunnar Helm made the most of limited usage, hauling in two of three targets for 23 yards and Ward’s lone passing touchdown (2 EZ targets).

Van Jefferson was targeted eight times but managed just one catch for six yards, failing to connect consistently with Ward. Overall, Tennessee’s offense was fueled by Spears’ big-play ability and Dike’s emerging role as a reliable chain-mover, though inconsistent protection and inefficiency in the red zone limited the unit’s overall output.

As for Calvin Ridley – still possible he is dealt (Steelers,

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Washington Commanders

Buy Jacory Croskey-Merritt | Sell Deebo Samuel

Marcus Mariota and the Washington Commanders leaned on a short-area passing attack in Week 8, but turnovers and injuries ultimately stalled their offensive rhythm in a 213-yard, one-touchdown, two-interception outing from the veteran quarterback. Mariota completed 21 of 30 passes and added 28 rushing yards on eight scrambles, but a deflected pass off Deebo Samuel‘s visor turned into a costly interception that halted an early drive that could have resulted in a touchdown.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt once again operated as the lead back, playing 57% of the snaps and carrying nine times for 25 yards while mixing in on early downs. Jeremy McNichols handled the passing-down duties in a game script that leaned heavily toward the air — he played 43% of the snaps and logged 91% of the third-down work. McNichols led the Commanders in receiving with five catches on six targets for 64 yards, showcasing strong efficiency and reliability in checkdown situations.

The Commanders still have a decent schedule rest of season for RBs. Specifically in the fantasy playoffs, the Giants/Cowboys is very juicy, especially if Jayden Daniels is back and healthy by then. Bill’s stock has tanked with back-to-back bad games, but he is still the best pure runner in Washington. Not many starting RBs you can get cheaper than JCM right now. Get him for free and sit him on the bench versus Seattle. He gets Miami in Week 11. Patience.

Terry McLaurin was the clear top option downfield, securing 3 of 4 targets for 54 yards and Washington’s lone touchdown while commanding 53% of the team’s air yards. Unfortunately, he left the game late with an injury after playing fewer than half the snaps. The aftermath of TMC’s offseason holdout continues to deliver blows to his fantasy value.

Deebo Samuel continued his frustrating recent trend, catching just 3 of 6 targets for 11 yards despite two red-zone looks and a carry for one yard.

If you can sell “high” Samuel based on McLaurin’s injury…do it. Samuel is probably still not over his heel injury, and tends to never play better as the season progresses.

Luke McCaffrey filled in as the WR3, catching all three of his targets for 24 yards and finishing second on the team in routes run while playing 51% of the snaps. Jaylin Lane rotated in as the WR4 (43% snaps) but caught just one pass for no gain.

Tight end usage was spread thin — Zach Ertz caught four passes for 16 yards on six targets, while John Bates and Ben Sinnott each added one explosive reception of 22 yards.

Washington’s offense faced added adversity as key players went down, including star tackle Laremy Tunsil and defensive linemen Javon Kinlaw and Jer’Zhan Newton. In all, the Commanders struggled to find rhythm after McLaurin’s exit and Mariota’s turnovers, relying heavily on McNichols’ passing-game involvement while Croskey-Merritt provided limited ground efficiency.

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