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FFL: Week 8 | NFL: Week 8

Mac Jones to start vs. Texans, Brock Purdy out again

Fri Oct 24 6:18pm ET
Field Level Media

Mac Jones will again be the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers after Brock Purdy was ruled out of Sunday's game against the Houston Texans due to his toe injury.

It will mark the fourth straight game and sixth overall that Purdy has missed this season. He was injured in a Week 1 victory over the Seattle Seahawks and aggravated the toe during a Week 4 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

San Francisco is 4-1 when Jones starts this season. He has passed for 1,404 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions.

Receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) will miss his fourth straight game. Also ruled out on Friday were center Jake Brendel (hamstring) and defensive ends Bryce Huff (hamstring) and Yetur Gross-Matos (knee/hamstring).

Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (quadriceps), linebacker Luke Gifford (hamstring) and offensive lineman Spencer Burford (knee) are questionable.

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The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 8

Player Notes
Jaylen Wright Oct 24 7:10pm CT
Jaylen Wright

Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright started the season sidelined by a knee injury, but he has been available since Week 4. However, Wright still doesn't have a target, a carry, or even an offensive snap. He was a healthy scratch in Week 5 and Week 6, but in Week 7, he was active. He was still not involved in the offense; however, still playing behind De'Von Achane and Ollie Gordon II. Wright showed flashes of upside last year as a rookie, and his name has been floated in trade rumors this season. However, it's hard to get a real idea of how good he can be when he's so uninvolved. If the Dolphins give him some work this week against the Falcons, he could at least boost his trade value. Since he hasn't done anything all year, Wright is the No. 73 RB in RotoBaller's rankings. He is off the fantasy radar for now, but it's worth monitoring to see if he gets any work this week.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Oct 24 7:00pm CT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara rushed 11 times for just 28 yards and added one yard on three receptions in the Week 7 loss to the Bears. Kamara's struggles continue, as he's posting career-low marks in yards per carry, yards per touch, yards per target, and receiving yards per game. Head coach Kellen Moore remains committed to feeding him the ball, but Kamara has been held to 31 or fewer rushing yards in three straight games, and hasn't found the end zone since Week 1. He was limited in practice throughout the week with an ankle injury but is good to go in the Week 8 matchup against the Buccaneers. Kamara ranks as an RB2, and is in desperate need of a get-right game.

From RotoBaller

Spencer Rattler Oct 24 6:50pm CT
Spencer Rattler

New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler completed 20-of-32 passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns in the Week 7 loss to the Bears. After turning the ball over just once through his first six games, Rattler unraveled in this one, throwing three interceptions and losing a fumble. Head coach Kellen Moore said Rattler will remain the starter, though it will be a "week-to-week thing," which adds a layer of risk to his outlook. The second-year quarterback draws a decent bounce-back spot in Week 8 against a Buccaneers defense allowing 229.0 passing yards and 25.0 points per game. Rattler should remain on the QB2/Superflex radar, but turnovers could start to become a concern if the trend continues.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Oct 24 6:50pm CT
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is the No. 26 QB in RotoBaller's rankings for Week 8, which isn't a good thing when there are only 26 teams playing this week. It has been a rough season for the Dolphins and Tagovailoa all year, but it reached new depths last week in a 31-6 loss to the lowly Browns. Tua completed only 12 of his 23 passes for 100 yards and no touchdowns while throwing three interceptions last week. He was replaced by rookie Quinn Ewers, but Tua will be back on the field to start this week against the Falcons. He is averaging 187.6 passing yards per game and has 10 interceptions to go with his 11 touchdowns. On top of all his struggles, he's in a brutal matchup against the Falcons, who have allowed the second-fewest yards per attempt and the fewest passing yards per game this season. If you have anyone else who is playing this week, they're probably a better option than Tagovailoa at this point, especially since he may not finish the game or have his job by the end of Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Vita Vea Oct 24 6:40pm CT
Vita Vea

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (foot) missed a second straight day of practice on Friday due to a foot injury and is listed as questionable for the Week 8 divisional tilt on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. However, head coach Todd Bowles said that Vea is expected to play. It's good news for the Bucs' defensive line, as Vea is having one of his best seasons so far in 2025, with 17 tackles, 2.5 sacks, three tackles for loss, and six QB hits in seven games. The 30-year-old two-time Pro Bowler isn't really an option for IDP fantasy leagues, but his presence on the interior of Tampa's defensive line makes running up the gut extremely difficult for opposing offenses. With Vita expected to play on Sunday, it will make life more difficult for struggling Saints running back Alvin Kamara.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Oct 24 6:40pm CT
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane remains one of the few players from his team who can be relied on for fantasy football purposes. This week, he and the Dolphins are visiting the Falcons after taking a 31-6 beating last week in Cleveland. Achane still had a decent game in the loss, producing 82 rushing yards on 13 carries and adding three catches for 16 receiving yards. He didn't get into the end zone, but he still has six total touchdowns in his seven games this season. He'll look to get back into the end zone against the Falcons, who rank in the middle of the pack against running backs. They did give up two touchdowns to Christian McCaffrey last week, and Achane is very involved as both a rusher and receiver, giving him a high ceiling as this week's No. 5 RB in RotoBaller's rankings.

From RotoBaller

Brian Burns Oct 24 6:30pm CT
Brian Burns

New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns (hip) is listed as questionable to play in Week 8 when the team takes on the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday for the second time this year, according to Giants.com's Dan Salomone. Despite missing practice time this week, the NFL's leader in sacks is expected to be active this weekend as the Giants look to sweep Philly in 2025. As long as the 27-year-old is active, fantasy managers will want him in their starting lineups, as Burns has recorded 34 tackles (23 solo), a league-leading 12 tackles for loss, nine sacks, four pass breakups, and a forced fumble through seven weeks. In the Week 6 win over the Eagles on Thursday night, he had two sacks of Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. The Giants' defense/special teams unit is probably best avoided in Week 8, but Burns is a must-start in IDP leagues at linebacker if he's active on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Graham Gano Oct 24 6:20pm CT
Graham Gano

New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (groin), who remains on Injured Reserve, is considered questionable to make his return for the Week 8 divisional rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, according to Dan Salomone of Giants.com. Gano was limited in practice all week but is expected to be officially activated from IR on Saturday and play on Sunday. The 38-year-old veteran placekicker was the team's starting kicker for the first three weeks of the season before injuring his groin, making all six of his field-goal tries (one from 50-plus yards) and all four of his extra-point attempts. Fantasy managers should be settling for safer kicking options this weekend, but with New York's offense on the upswing thanks to rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart and rookie running back Cam Skattebo, Gano could be on the streaming radar in the coming weeks now that he's on the cusp of his return.

From RotoBaller

Cairo Santos Oct 24 6:20pm CT
Cairo Santos

Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos (thigh) is listed as questionable to play in the Week 8 game on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens despite practicing in full on Thursday and Friday. Santos should be on the right side of questionable to play this weekend after missing the last two games with a right-thigh injury. Even though Jake Moody filled in admirably the last two weeks with Santos ailing, the Bears should go back to Santos as their primary placekicker if they feel comfortable about his health. The 33-year-old veteran made six of his seven field-goal attempts and all 11 of his extra-point opportunities in his four games for Chicago before his thigh injury. With his health up in the air, though, fantasy managers should be looking elsewhere for a streaming kicker in Week 8. The Ravens defense hasn't really been able to stop anyone in 2025, but they have gotten healthy on that side of the ball coming off their Week 7 bye.

From RotoBaller

Theo Johnson Oct 24 6:10pm CT
Theo Johnson

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson is a boom-or-bust streaming option in Week 8, checking in as the 12th-ranked fantasy TE this season and averaging 7.6 fantasy points per game. Johnson is heavily touchdown-dependent, as evidenced by his four touchdowns since rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart took over, but his Week 6 performance against the Eagles yielded just 27 receiving yards. The matchup is difficult; the Eagles' defense is the 4th-ranked defense against fantasy tight ends, allowing only 8.00 points per game, one of the lowest marks in the league. Johnson's high 77.2% snap percentage confirms his consistent presence on the field, but he is a shaky TE1 due to his opponent's track record of neutralizing the position.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Pitts Oct 24 6:10pm CT
Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. hauled in seven of his 10 targets for 62 yards in Week 7, which was his second seven-catch performance in six games thus far and the first time he recorded double-digit targets, now averaging just over six targets per game. The 6-foot-6 tight end owns a solid 19.3 percent target share, putting him in the low-end TE1 conversation most weeks, however, he's been able to find theend zone just one time all season, leaving him as just the 16th-overall TE in half-point PPR leagues. Still, the 25-year-old is back in the TE1 conversation in a home game against the Dolphins, a defense that has given up 29 points per game over the last three weeks. Teams have preferred to run against Miami, but with six teams on bye and it being National Tight Ends' Day (he caught two TDs last year on that day), the formerfirst-round draft pick sets up as a low-end TE1 again.

From RotoBaller

Brandon McManus Oct 24 6:00pm CT
Brandon McManus

Green Bay Packers kicker Brandon McManus (quad) is listed as questionable ahead of the Week 8 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. McManus has been limited in practice for each of the last two games. He has missed the last two games, but is hopeful to play this weekend. Lucas Havrisik has been the starting kicker in his place over the last two weeks. The 26-year-old has been perfect on all his kicks and could be a possible streaming option if McManus remains sidelined for a third straight week.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Huntley Oct 24 5:50pm CT
Tyler Huntley

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley was signed to the active roster on Friday. It was revealed on Friday that Huntley would start under center if Lamar Jackson (hamstring) is unable to go this weekend. Huntley has been on the practice squad, but did play against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 6. Huntley completed 10-of-15 passing attempts for 68 yards without any touchdowns or interceptions. He wouldn't be a recommended streaming option against the Chicago Bears defense. It's worth noting that Jackson did practice in full on Friday. It seems likely that Jackson will be good to go, but if not Huntley will be under center.

From RotoBaller

Wan'Dale Robinson Oct 24 5:50pm CT
Wan'Dale Robinson

New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson is riding a hot streak and warrants a starting spot in Week 8 as the team's unquestioned top target. He is the 21st-ranked fantasy WR on the season, averaging 10.61 Fantasy Points Per Game, and is operating with an 81.3% snap percentage. Robinson torched this Eagles secondary two weeks ago with six catches, 84 yards, and a touchdown, a performance he followed up last week with 95 yards on 12 targets. Although the Eagles' defense has been stingy against receiving touchdowns, Robinson has a favorable matchup, facing an opponent that ranks 22nd against fantasy WRs (allowing 34.11 points against). His high volume and recent success against this divisional foe make him a reliable WR2/Flex option.

From RotoBaller

Trey Hendrickson Oct 24 5:40pm CT
Trey Hendrickson

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (hip) is currently listed as questionable heading into the Week 8 matchup against the New York Jets. Hendrickson was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday before not practicing at all on Friday. The stud pass rusher sat out last Thursday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bengals will likely wait until closer to Sunday's contest before making a final decision on Hendrickson. If he sits, Shemar Stewart and Myles Murphy figure to have larger roles on defense.

From RotoBaller

Cam Skattebo Oct 24 5:40pm CT
Cam Skattebo

New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo is a confident start in Week 8, as he looks to repeat his dominant performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. Skattebo has been a fantasy workhorse since taking over the backfield, ranking as the 8th-ranked fantasy RB for the season while averaging 15.46 Fantasy Points per game (FPPG). In the Week 6 matchup against the Eagles, Skattebo exploded for 98 rushing yards on 19 carries and found the end zone three times, demonstrating his elite scoring upside. Though Philadelphia's defense allows an average of 23.39 points to the position (ranking 25th against fantasy RBs), its stout 3rd-ranked red zone defense could be a factor. Skattebo's high 53.4% timeshare and his red-zone usage, evidenced by his five rushing touchdowns, cement him as a must-start despite the Eagles looking for revenge.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Oct 24 5:30pm CT
Deebo Samuel

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) was able to get through a full practice session on Friday. This marks back-to-back days that Samuel has been able to get through practice without any issues. All signs are pointing to Samuel being active for the Monday night matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Samuel sat out of last week's game, but should be ready to go in Week 8. His fantasy value figures to take a hit with Jayden Daniels (hamstring) sidelined. However, Samuel should still be able to help fantasy value with Marcus Mariota under center. Fantasy managers will need to check back on Saturday for official word on his status.

From RotoBaller

Terry McLaurin Oct 24 5:20pm CT
Terry McLaurin

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (quad) was a full participant in practice for the second straight day. This is a good sign heading into the Week 8 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. McLaurin will need to get through one more practice session, but it sounds like he'll be ready for this Monday night contest. McLaurin has missed the last four games due to a lingering quad issue. The 30-year-old figures to have decreased value with quarterback Jayden Daniels (hamstring) sidelined. Fantasy managers will need to check back on Saturday for official word on McLaurin's status.

From RotoBaller

Andy Dalton Oct 24 5:20pm CT
Andy Dalton

Andy Dalton is making his first start of the 2025 season for the Carolina Panthers. Regular starter Bryce Young is listed as doubtful to start in Week 8 with an ankle injury. This week, Dalton faces Buffalo's run-funnel defense. The Bills have allowed 13.6 fantasy points per game to QBs over the last four weeks, which is fourth-best in the league. That number may be skewed because the Bills also rank 30th in fantasy points per game allowed to running backs in that span. The backup quarterback for Carolina started in five games for the team last season. In those outings, he registered 13 fantasy points on average, with two of those performances being under five points each. He passed for 989 yards, seven touchdowns, and six interceptions in those starts. Compared to 2024, Dalton has better receivers, such as standout rookie WR Tetairoa McMillan, and improving second-year receiver Xavier Legette. Because the Panthers may lean on the running game, Dalton may only be an adequate QB2 to start in Superflex formats.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Oct 24 5:20pm CT
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. remains a volatile, low-end flex option for the Week 8 road rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles, despite flashing with a 31-yard touchdown run last week. Currently ranked as the RB54 for the 2025 season and averaging only 5.48 Fantasy Points Per Game, Tracy is operating as the clear backup to Cam Skattebo. The divisional matchup presents a favorable rushing environment, as the Eagles defense ranks 25th against fantasy RBs, yielding an average of 23.39 points per game to the position. However, Tracy was completely shut down by this same defense in Week 6, logging just four carries for 6 yards and zero receptions, severely limiting his floor and making him reliant solely on an explosive play to hit value.

From RotoBaller