New Orleans Saints running back Devin Neal didn't have a carry in Week 8, but he played almost half of the team's offensive snaps, logging 33 snaps compared to 37 for veteran Alvin Kamara. He was the clear second running back this week, following the loss of Kendre Miller (knee) for the season in Week 7 against the Bears. The sixth-round rookie from Kansas did haul in all three of his targets for 11 yards in his first opportunities as a receiver out of the backfield. While he only had three carries for 10 yards all season, he is clearly the next man up for the Saints, which could make him extremely important for fantasy if the team decides to trade Alvin Kamara. If you are in a deep league and looking to get ahead of a rush to the waiver wire, stashing Neal is a move that makes sense. He could get more of a chance to audition for a role in the young offense even if Kamara sticks around, so he makes sense to at least monitor in all leagues when the Saints face the Rams in Week 9.

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Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford is worth a look on waiver wires in deep leagues this week, if you're trying to get ahead of a roster crunch down the road. Ford has been playing behind rookies Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, but he could be in a much bigger role after the team's bye in Week 9 since Judkins is day-to-day, dealing with an AC joint sprain in his shoulder. Ford hasn't gotten much work lately as a rusher, but he did have multiple catches in five of his last seven games, including a pair of five-catch performances. While Sampson would likely headline the backfield if Judkins misses the team's Week 10 contest with the Jets, Ford would also likely get enough playing time to be a deep-league flex consideration. Last season, Ford led the team with 565 rushing yards, while scoring three rushing touchdowns and posting eight plays of at least 20 yards.

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Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (knee) will miss at least one more game before his potential return, but he could be worth grabbing from the waiver wire this week if you have the roster flexibility to do so. Before his meniscus injury that required surgery, he had stepped in as the early-down workhorse after the season-ending foot injury to James Conner. The Cardinals released Michael Carter, which indicates something is in motion at the position, which could mean a trade or that Benson will be back to take over the job very soon. Bam Knight will likely continue to carry the load this week, with Emari Demercado potentially mixing in as well. The Cardinals have a great running back schedule the rest of the way, so whoever gets the playing time should have good value, and Benson would seem to have the inside track for that spot once he returns.

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Houston Texans running back Woody Marks led the team with 62 rushing yards on his 11 carries in Week 8 against the 49ers, outproducing Nick Chubb, who had 56 rushing yards on 17 carries. Marks also added four catches for 49 yards, hauling in all four of his targets in the Texans' balanced passing game. Marks and Chubb split time almost evenly in the Week 8 victory, with Chubb playing 35 snaps and Marks 32 snaps. While Chubb still has a grasp on early-down work and clock-killing responsibility, Marks is the preferred option in passing situations. In Week 7 against Seattle, he out-snapped Chubb 48-to-19 based on the game script of Houston having to play catch-up against the Seahawks. Both running backs will continue to get work, but Marks is definitely worth a look on the waiver wire since he's a dynamic playmaker getting enough work to be a flex consideration, and he has a high ceiling when he gets the work, as he has shown in several games this season.

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Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai continues to share time with D'Andre Swift and has had about a 50% snap share the last two weeks. In Week 8, he played 29 snaps while Swift played 31 against the Ravens. The rookie from Rutgers had 13 carries for 81 yards and a touchdown in Week 7 against the Saints, but he only managed 24 yards on seven carries against the Ravens. Swift had a little more success, but Monangai had the longest running back run with his 15-yard carry. He wasn't targeted in the passing game this week, but he has shown he can be a good receiver out of the backfield when called upon. Even though he didn't have huge numbers this week, he remains a strong pickup from the waiver wire based on his playing time. He's also in a great matchup in Week 9 against the Bengals, who have been an exceptional matchup for running backs this season.

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Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier found paydirt again in Week 8's 34-10 loss to the Dolphins, scoring the team's only touchdown of the day. The six-yard score came late in thefourth quarter and marked Allgeier'sfourthtouchdown of the season, which is tied for the team lead with Bijan Robinson, who has two rushing scores and two scores through the air. While the touchdown volume can't be ignored, the pace feels tenuous at best, as the 25-year-old garnered onlysix touches in the game and had three rushes fornegativetwo yards prior to the TD plunge. For the season, the BYU product has registered just 3.4 yards per carry, compared to Robinson's 5.2 YPC. Had the score been closer and not 34-3 at the time of the touchdown run, Allgeier may not have even been in the game. Nevertheless, he's become a potential Flex option due to his nose for the end zone, but fantasymanagers need to be aware that there is a high chance of busting if he doesn't score. Things won't get easier in Week 9 on the road in New England against a defense allowing the fourth-fewest points per game (18.3), second-fewest rush yards per game (76.0), and second-fewest rush yards per attempt (3.5).

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Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols only had one carry for four yards against the Chiefs in Week 8, but he had a strong game as a receiver out of the backfield. He actually led the team in catches, targets, and receiving yards, hauling in five of his six targets for 64 yards. Marcus Mariota wasn't able to get much going, especially in the second half, so the team will hope to have Jayden Daniels (hamstring) back next week against the Seahawks. McNichols remains in a backfield committee with rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez Jr., but for now, it looks like he's the preferred passing-down option. He played 42% of snaps since the Commanders were trying to rally. Next week, he'll be a high-risk flex play against the Seahawks, getting a boost if Mariota has to start again since the two have such a strong connection.

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AtlantaFalcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. was the lone bright spot on offense during theteam's 34-10 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday, reeling in all nine of his targets from Kirk Cousins, albeit for just 59 scoreless yards. With No. 1 receiver Drake London (hip) out, the 25-year-old was able to gobble up looks, with no other pass-catcher tallying more than three receptions on the day. While the absence of both London and Michael Penix Jr. (knee) led to some unexpected results in this contest, Pitts has at least shown that he has a role in this offense regardless of the personnel around him, and it appears he can be trusted to be in the TE1 conversation most weeks based on volume alone. He's registered just three red zone targets all season, but that is only two fewer than London, so he's not far down in the pecking order when they get in close. The fifth-year pro has several tight-end-friendly matchups in the coming weeks that should hopefully translate to some touchdowns, and he'll take on the Patriots in Week 9, a defense that allowed 10 catches for 99 yards and two touchdowns this past week to Browns tight ends.

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Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota threw a pair of tough interceptions, and the team only managed seven points in their Monday night loss to the Chiefs. The fill-in starter completed 21-of-30 passes for 213 yards and one touchdown, and he also led the team in rushing with 28 yards on eight carries. Mariota and the offense looked decent in the first half, and the game was tied at halftime, but they struggled in the second half against a strong Chiefs' defense. Mariota could be in line to start again this week at home against the Seahawks, but the Commanders will hope that Jayden Daniels (hamstring) is able to return. Mariota would be tough to trust for fantasy against the solid Seahawks defense next week, and Daniels' return would boost the rest of the Commanders' playmakers as well.

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle, ribs, shoulder) led the team in targets and yards in their 26-15 loss to the Houston Texans in Week 8. Jennings mirrored his Week 7 totals with four catches on seven targets, but produced more yards this time around, finishing with 45. It was a tepid offering on a day when Mac Jones (knee) and the 49ers generated only 223 net yards on offense. It is yet to be seen if Brock Purdy (toe) will be healthy enough to resume starting quarterback duties in Week 9. Regardless of who is under center, Jennings should be one of the 49ers' top target earners alongside Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle. Ricky Pearsall (knee) is awaiting evaluation on Wednesday, and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is still likely a few weeks away from his return. The 49ers next face the Giants, who have given up the most receiving yards and the second-most receptions to opposing wide receivers.

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) will be reevaluated on Wednesday and thereafter monitored day-to-day, according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner. Pearsall suffered a PCL injury in Week 4 and has not appeared in a game since. Pearsall thrived in the absence of Brandon Aiyuk (knee), George Kittle (hamstring), Jauan Jennings (ankle, ribs, shoulder), catching 30 passes for 327 yards in his four games. With Jennings and Kittle back in action and Aiyuk potentially returning to practice this week, one wonders how the 49ers' target shares will look upon Pearsall's eventual return. If Pearsall can get back to game shape in time for Week 9, he would benefit from a meeting against the Giants, who have given up the most receiving yards and second-most receptions to opposing wide receivers.

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San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle caught four of his five targets for 43 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 26-15 loss to the Houston Texans. It was a lukewarm observance of National Tight Ends Day for the unofficial holiday's founder, but on a day when the 49ers' offense generated just 223 net yards, Kittle's performance stood out. The production was reassuring for fantasy managers who were left hanging in Week 7, when Kittle posted a goose egg in his first game back from injured reserve. Kittle's five targets were third-most on the team, after Jauan Jennings (ankle, ribs, shoulder) and Christian McCaffrey. He should remain a priority target even after Ricky Pearsall (knee) returns to action. Next on the docket for the 49ers is a potential rebound game against the Giants, who allowed Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert two touchdowns in their Week 8 meeting.

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Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt logged nine carries for 40 yards and a touchdown while adding another score on a two-yard reception in Monday night's 28-7 win over the Washington Commanders. Hunt has recorded exactly one target and one reception in six of eight games this season and caught his first receiving touchdown since Week 1 of the 2022 season, back when he was with the Cleveland Browns. The 30-year-old back has been a reliable, high-success rate runner for Kansas City this season, helping to keep the offense on schedule. He's only averaging 3.9 yards per carry, but he's scored four rushing touchdowns, and his 47% success rate is the seventh highest among running backs with at least 50 carries this season, per SumerSports. Hunt is a touchdown-dependent option in fantasy, but he gets another good matchup in Week 9 against the Buffalo Bills.

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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce caught six of his eight targets for 99 yards and a touchdown on Monday Night Football against the Washington Commanders. It was a milestone day for the legendary tight end, scoring his 83rd career regular-season touchdown, tying Chiefs' legend Priest Holmes for the most in franchise history. He also became the fifth tight end all-time with at least 80 receiving touchdowns, joining Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez, Rob Gronkowski, and Jimmy Graham. Kelce has put together a nice bounce-back campaign in his age-36 season, and has now caught at least six balls in three of his last four games. He'll be overshadowed a bit now with Rashee Rice back in the mix, but he's still racked up 37 receptions for 474 yards and three touchdowns on 48 targets in eight games this season. The veteran tight end will be firmly in the TE1 mix for next week's highly anticipated matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice caught all nine of his targets for 93 yards and a touchdown while adding two rushes for 12 yards in Monday night's 28-7 win over the Washington Commanders. Rice has picked up right where he left off last season as a target hog and dominant after-the-catch threat. The 25-year-old had seven receptions while playing roughly 40% of the offensive snaps in his first game back in Week 7 against the Raiders, but was back to a full-time role in this one, playing 85% of the snaps. Rice nearly had another touchdown on one of his two rushing attempts, coming just inches shy of his second career two-touchdown day. Rice is the clear-cut favorite target for Patrick Mahomes and is set to crush for fantasy managers for the rest of the season. He'll be an elite WR1 for Week 9's game of the week against the Buffalo Bills.

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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 25 of 34 pass attempts for 299 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions while adding four rushes for 30 yards in a 28-7 Monday night win over the Washington Commanders. Mahomes had a rocky first half, throwing interceptions on each of the Chiefs' first two drives, although the second one wasn't his fault as it doinked off of Travis Kelce's hands right into Bobby Wagner's lap. In the second half, the superstar quarterback put on a masterclass, continuously extending plays and finding the open man. He had only two incompletions in the second half and had a near-perfect passer rating at 154.3. Mahomes effectively distributed to his top three targets, with Rashee Rice and Kelce both going over 90 yards and scoring touchdowns, and involving Xavier Worthy for five catches and 53 yards. Kansas City's offense is in top form, and now they head on the road for an epic Week 9 showdown against the Buffalo Bills.

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Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (quad) left Monday night's game against the Chiefs in the second half after reaggravating the quad injury that sidelined him for four weeks. McLaurin spoke postgame and said that his quad is "alright," but will take things day by day for now, according to Tashad Reed of the Washington Post. The 30-year-old wideout made a big impact in his return to the field, catching three of his four targets for 54 yards and Washington's only touchdown of the night. He also made another spectacular diving catch near the sideline late in the third quarter and somehow had the body control to stay in bounds. However, he did not return after that play. His status will be updated in the coming days, and hopefully, he's able to suit up on a short week for Sunday Night Football in Week 9 against the Seahawks. If he's unable to play again, Deebo Samuel Sr. would again take on a heavy target share with Chris Moore, Luke McCaffrey, and Jaylin Lane chipping in.

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The Arizona Cardinals plan to re-sign running back Michael Carter after releasing him on Monday, a source told Josh Weinfuss of ESPN. Carter initially took over as the team's lead running back for one game after Trey Benson (knee) landed on Injured Reserve, but it didn't take long for Bam Knight to take over lead-back duties. The Cardinals are coming off their bye in Week 8 to face the Dallas Cowboys this weekend, and the 26-year-old Carter is expected to return to his duties as the RB2 behind Knight. In the Week 7 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Carter had just seven carries for 11 yards. It's hard to even recommend Carter as an RB3/flex in deeper leagues as long as he's playing second fiddle to Knight in what has been a very inconsistent Cardinals offense, even in a plus upcoming matchup against Dallas.

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are bracing for safety DeShon Elliott (knee) to miss the rest of the season, sources told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Elliott's ACL is intact, and he's working through the nature of his leg injury, but it's considered unlikely that he'll be able to return in 2025. It's a tough blow to a Steelers defense that hasn't quite been the same this year, especially in back-to-back losses to the Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers. The 28-year-old Elliott recorded 38 tackles (20 solo), a sack, one interception, and a forced fumble in his five games played for Pittsburgh in his second year in the Steel City. With Elliott now sidelined for the foreseeable future, expect Chuck Clark to serve as a starter in the Steelers' secondary moving forward.

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Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) exited late in his team's Week 8 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs and is officially listed as questionable to return due to a quad injury. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that it is the same injury that sidelined McLaurin from Weeks 4-7. If McLaurin is unable to return against Kansas City, he'll finish Week 8 with three catches for 54 yards and a touchdown on four targets. The 30-year-old's injury status will be one for fantasy managers to monitor closely coming out of the week. If McLaurin is forced to miss more time, Commanders wide receivers Deebo Samuel Sr., Chris Moore, Luke McCaffrey, and Jaylin Lane are the likely candidates to see an uptick in targets.

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