For several weeks, Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders had been rendered insignificant in their offense, recording just four touches in three straight games. However, Sanders was Carolina's receptions leader in Sunday's 28-14 loss to the Denver Broncos, catching all seven targets for 38 yards. Still, his lack of rushing opportunities remains discouraging, especially considering he produced a productive, gritty third-down conversion early in this game and did not receive another carry. Sanders averages 4.6 yards per carry, but Carolina brass views him as a pure receiving back, as he has averaged just two carries per game over his last four bouts. Despite facing a poor Saints defense in Week 9, Sanders remains off the fantasy radar next week.

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Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard recorded his worst fantasy outing since Week 1 in the Panthers' 28-14 loss to the Denver Broncos. Hubbard finished the day with 15 carries for 56 yards and two receptions for 15 yards. He did not reach the end zone. While still the featured back in Carolina, Hubbard has been trending down in recent weeks as he has recorded progressively fewer points since his Week 3 explosion against Las Vegas. Still, this is his first sub-10-point performance since the season opener. Rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) completed his first whole week of practice in the ramp-up to this game, indicating his debut should be on the horizon. Hubbard should remain Carolina's primary back if Brooks doesn't suit up for Week 9's matchup against the Saints.

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Undrafted Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Jalen Coker recorded the best outing of his young career in Sunday's 28-14 loss to the Denver Broncos. Coker, a Holy Cross product, hauled in four receptions for 78 yards and a touchdowna 15-yard back shoulder catch in the game's waning seconds. With Adam Thielen (hamstring) and Diontae Johnson (ribs) out, Coker took full advantage of his opportunity, becoming a fan favorite and beacon of hope for crestfallen Panthers supporters. The status of Thielen and Johnson is unclear heading into Week 9, and their designation will determine the outlook on Coker's expectations. However, Carolina's diamond in the rough prospect could garner more exposure in next Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints.

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It had been five weeks since Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales announced the benching of second-year quarterback Bryce Young in favor of the veteran Andy Dalton (thumb). In Week 8, with his two top receivers Diontae Johnson (ribs) and Adam Thielen (hamstring) out, Young got another shot in a Sunday afternoon tilt against the Denver Broncos. While his performance was a mixed bag, Young showed more confidence and capability than in his previous two starts. He finished the day with 224 passing yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions, and a 64% completion rate in a 28-14 loss. His two touchdowns went to rookies Xavier Legette and Jalen Cokeran appropriate snapshot of the infantile nature of this Carolina team. Dalton was inactive, and it is still unclear who will start in Week 9 against New Orleans. When asked postgame, Canales said, "We'll make that decision, and we'll have an answer for you in the next couple of days."

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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins caught two passes for 29 yards in the 27-20 win against the Las Vegas Raiders. Hopkins joined the Chiefs this week after being traded from the Tennessee Titans. Hopkins was being eased into the offense, considering his lack of knowledge of the Kansas City playbook, but he will be more involved moving forward. The Chiefs traded for the veteran receiver, and Andy Reid is among the best at scheming plays for his playmakers, so fantasy success should be on the horizon. The height of Hopkins' ceiling in this offense is still unknown, but he could be successful as soon as Week 9. The Chiefs face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who rank 28th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. Hopkins could be in for a big game with such a favorable matchup. Hopkins should be viewed as a high-upside flex play until we see a more defined role for him in the Kansas City offense.

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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 27 of 38 pass attempts (71%) for 262 yards and two touchdowns in the 27-20 win against the Las Vegas Raiders. Mahomes also rushed six times for 17 yards in the contest. Mahomes threw at least one interception for the eighth straight regular season game. The Chiefs quarterback continues to lead the league in interceptions this season, with his total up to nine now. Mahomes put together his best game of the season from a fantasy perspective in the win over the Raiders. The Chiefs field general surpassed 17 fantasy points in a four-point per passing touchdown league for the first time this season. Mahomes will look to keep this momentum rolling into next week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs rank 31st in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks this season, making them one of the most favorable matchups for the position. However, with the loss of star wide receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans to injury, the Buccaneers offense may not provide the firepower needed to make this contest a shootout. Nevertheless, Tampa Bay sports a weak secondary, which Mahomes will have the opportunity to exploit in Week 9. Mahomes is still not in the must-start category amongst quarterbacks, but he could be trending in that direction if the Chiefs become more pass-heavy with the addition of DeAndre Hopkins.

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Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt had 21 carries for 59 yards and a touchdown in the 27-20 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Hunt also had one catch for four yards in the contest. Despite being minimally involved in the passing game, Hunt dominated carries out of the backfield for the fourth straight week since rejoining the team. The Chiefs running back now has four touchdowns in his last three games. It remains to be seen how the carries will be split when Isiah Pacheco returns from injured reserve, but it looks like Hunt's job is safe for now. Hunt will try to keep his scoring streak alive in Week 9 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers rank 24th in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season, so Hunt should be able to succeed in the matchup. Tampa Bay's high-powered offense lost their top two options last week, so the Chiefs defense may be able to slow them down significantly. If the Chiefs defense can hold the Buccaneers at bay, Hunt could be in for another healthy workload in Week 9. As long as he is healthy and Pacheco is still out, Hunt should be considered an RB2 most weeks.

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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had 10 catches for 90 yards and a touchdown in the 27-20 win against the Las Vegas Raiders. Kelce dominated in this contest, leading the Chiefs pass catchers in catches, targets, and receiving yards. The veteran tight end was the only player on either team to earn double-digit targets in this game, as Kelce finished the game with 12 targets. Despite the addition of DeAndre Hopkins, Kelce did not see a reduction in usage. Kelce will look for another strong performance in Week 9 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs rank 23rd in fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends this season, so it will not be a difficult matchup for Mahomes' top target. There is a chance that Kelce's volume will decrease as Hopkins becomes more integrated into the Chiefs passing attack, but Kelce should still be viewed as a set-and-forget TE1 in the foreseeable future.

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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy caught four passes for 37 yards and a touchdown in the 27-20 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Worthy was not involved in the run game in this contest. The Chiefs rookie receiver garnered the second-most targets on the team with eight, just behind Travis Kelce's 12. Worthy found the endzone with a fourth-quarter score to essentially ice the game. Despite being heavily involved in the offensive game plan, Worthy came down with just half of his targets in this game. Worthy will look to build on this performance next week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs rank 28th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season, so Worthy will have an advantageous matchup in Week 9. The arrival of DeAndre Hopkins may negatively impact Worthy's volume, but it could be beneficial for his efficiency. Hopkins should draw the defense's attention, leaving Worthy with lighter coverage. It remains to be seen how the targets will be divided amongst the pass catchers, but Worthy will remain a vital part of the offensive game plan. Worthy should continue to be viewed as a low-end WR3/flex play with upside for now.

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New Orleans Saints "quarterback" Taysom Hill had 20 rushing yards on four carries, caught two of four targets for 21 receiving yards, and connected with Alvin Kamara on his lone pass attempt for a three-yard gain in Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. A jack of all trades for the offense, his biggest contribution in Week 8 came as part of the special teams unit. Chargers punter J.K. Scott mishandled a snap and attempted to scoop it up in his own end zone. Hill raced in and knocked the ball loose, getting credit for the forced fumble which ultimately resulted in a safety. This was Hill's first game back after missing the previous three with a rib injury suffered in Week 4. He should be good to go for Week 9's matchup against the Carolina Panthers.

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New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave was targeted 14 times and made eight catches for 107 yards in Sunday's 26-8 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. He led the team in each category in his first action since suffering a concussion just minutes into Week 6's game against the Buccaneers. It was the first time the third-year wideout crossed the century mark this season and tied his season high in receptions. Olave failed to score in Week 8 which leaves his touchdown count for the season stuck on one. That may change in Week 9, though, as the Saints are heading to Carolina to face the Panthers. Olave had just two catches for 11 yards in the teams' lopsided matchup in Week 1 but should be more heavily involved in the next meeting.

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New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara rushed for 67 yards on 10 carries and had another 55 yards on six receptions in Sunday's 26-8 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. It was the first time since Week 4 that Kamara had over 100 yards from scrimmage. The efficiency was a welcome change compared to the last three weeks when Kamara was gaining just 2.5 yards per carry. Kamara's first touch of the game was a 23-yard run, his longest of the season until he logged a 24-yarder in the fourth quarter. Kamara was also responsible for the Saints' longest play of the day, taking a screen pass 37 yards and showing great patience in staying behind his blockers along the way. In Week 9, New Orleans will take on the Carolina Panthers. In Week 1's blowout victory of Carolina, Kamara had 83 rushing yards and a touchdown and will again be a focal point for the Saints' offense.

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New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener completed 9 of his 17 pass attempts for 122 yards and gained 10 rushing yards on two carries in Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The second-year man out of Fresno State was brought in with just under five minutes left to play in the third quarter. Starter Spencer Rattler's inconsistent play demanded a change be made while the Saints were still in range of a comeback. Unfortunately, Haener was not able to spark the offense as was hoped and the team managed to add just another field goal with him under center. With three weeks of Rattler's struggles in the books and Haener not offering much of an improvement it is unclear who will be under center in Week 9. In postgame comments to the media, head coach Dennis Allen acknowledged Derek Carr (oblique) may be ready to play which would stamp out any brewing quarterback controversy in New Orleans and make both backups obsolete in fantasy.

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New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler completed 12 of 24 pass attempts for 156 yards in Sunday's 26-8 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The rookie's third start in place of Derek Carr (oblique) featured the same inconsistent play as was seen in his other appearances. Rattler avoided big mistakes in the first half and was effective in the two-minute drill, completing five passes for 51 yards to set up a Blake Grupe field goal. After halftime though, Rattler completed just two more passes on his next seven tries. With the offense sputtering he got the hook late in the third quarter in favor of Jake Haener, who closed out the game. When New Orleans first tabbed their fifth-round pick as Carr's replacement they indicated he would get a long leash to acclimate to the NFL. The result has been three weeks of erratic play and inaccurate passing. Carr is getting close to his return but if he needs more time off then the Saints have to decide if they will stand by Rattler or give Haener a shot as the starter in Week 9.

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San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle swept all three team receiving categories and caught his 500th career pass in a 30-24 home win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. He was a clear focal point of the offense and finished with six receptions on seven targets for 128 yards and a touchdown. Kittle has been immensely valuable for fantasy managers this year, as he was drafted as the TE6 by ADP, but has a huge lead over all others as the overall TE1 on a per-game basis. He's at 15.2 PPG in Yahoo default scoring while second place is occupied by Las Vegas' Brock Bowers at 10.8. Looking ahead, Kittle's value should remain stable with Brandon Aiyuk (knee) out for the season, even if Kittle loses a few targets when Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) returns. San Francisco has a Week 9 bye upcoming, followed by a Week 10 date at Tampa Bay.

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Dynasty | 49ers running back Jordan Mason left Sunday night's game early with a shoulder injury. Dynasty Analysis: Mason left the game after posting just 18 rushing yards. This could be the end of a good run in terms of dynasty production as the 49ers may get Christian McCaffrey back after their week nine bye. Mason has the looks of a solid runner, but also one who needs to get better in the passing game to truly unlock his potential. Regardless, he'll remain a very valuable handcuff to McCaffrey with the potential to post a RB1 game at any point when called upon.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dynasty | 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo posted 85 rushing yards, three catches, 17 receiving yards and a touchdown in a win against Dallas. Dynasty Analysis: It;s clear the 49ers have no shortage of talented runners as Guerendo took over for an injured Jordan Mason and the offense didn't miss a beat. While it's been great to see Guerendo productive when he's had the chance, the bye week is going to be critical for his short-term value as Mason and/or Christian McCaffrey could be ready by week ten after the 49ers have a bye. Guerendo is a solid hold in dynasty leagues, regardless.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall contributed to a 30-24 home win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8 on Sunday night. The first-round pick out of Florida got his first bonafide NFL start with Jauan Jennings (hip) and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) out. Pearsall caught all four of his targets for 38 yards and took one carry for 39 yards. While the numbers weren't eye-popping, Pearsall appeared competent in only his second time on an NFL field since he suffered a preseason shoulder injury followed by a gunshot wound. The 49ers have a Week 9 bye before a Week 10 matchup versus the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay. If Jennings returns, he'll have the inside track over Pearsall for fantasy production but it wouldn't be that surprising to see Pearsall start to challenge him for targets as winter approaches.

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts continued his stretch of productivity in Sunday's 31-26 win over the Buccaneers, hauling in four of five targets for 91 yards and two scores. The yardage total was a season-high and it was the first time in his four-year career that the 24-year-old recorded multiple touchdown catches in a game. After failing to catch a pass in Week 4, Pitts has averaged five catches for 79 yards in the four weeks since. In Week 9, the Falcons will take on the Cowboys who had been solid defending TEs prior to Sunday when they allowed George Kittle to log a 6-128-1 line. Regardless, Pitts is still likely a TE1 for fantasy, and he has hopefully put some of the volatility behind him.

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San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo took over for Jordan Mason (shoulder) and performed well in a 30-24 Week 8 home victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. After Mason left in the first half, Guerendo took almost all of the backfield carries, finishing with 14 carries for 85 yards and a touchdown. The performance solidified Guerendo as a viable fantasy starter when given the chance. In two games this year with Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) and Mason out, Guerendo has taken 24 carries for 184 yards and a touchdown with minimal backfield competition from the fourth-string Patrick Taylor Jr. However, Guerendo's fantasy value as a handcuff is likely to crash on the other side of a Week 9 bye as both Mason and McCaffrey could return for a Week 10 trip to Tampa Bay. For as good as Guerendo has looked, San Francisco's rushing game has strictly supported one running back in fantasy dating back to 2023.

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