Sit or Start for Week 9

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Sit J.J. McCarthy vs Lions With Carson Wentz (shoulder surgery) done for the season, McCarthy is expected to return to starting duty this Sunday following a six-week absence due to a high-ankle sprain that he suffered during the Vikings' Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. It is unclear if this is a good thing or not for the Vikings' pass-catchers, most notably Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. McCarthy played only about one quarter of good football through two games, although this is essentially his rookie season after he missed all of last year. He won't catch much of a break from the opponent, as the Lions rank inside the top five in sacks (23) despite having only played seven games.

Player Expected Output Comp. Att. Comp % Pass Yds Rush Yds TDs INTs 20.49 33.73 60.74 240 14 1.35 0.86

Sit Bo Nix vs Texans Nix has produced four scores for fantasy managers in consecutive appearances, using his arm for all four trips to the end zone against a depleted Dallas secondary this time around. The sophomore signal-caller leaned on his younger receiving options Sunday, dialing up second-year wideout Troy Franklin in the end zone twice and rookies Pat Bryant and RJ Harvey once each. Nix is proving his standout rookie campaign was no fluke, checking in with 1,803 passing yards and 15 touchdowns to five interceptions near the midpoint of the regular season. The 25-year-old will look to keep his hot streak alive against Houston's stingy defense next Sunday. The Texans rank #5 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Expect modest production unless Denver's line gives him time to push the ball downfield.

Player Expected Output Comp. Att. Comp % Pass Yds Rush Yds TDs INTs 19.55 32.9 59.42 217 24 1.95 0.75

Risks...

Josh Allen vs Chiefs
-  The Chiefs rank #4 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Allen's modest passing numbers were a direct byproduct of how the game unfolded, as the Bills ultimately didn't need to put to much on the shoulders of their MVP. James Cook and the defense helped ensure a relatively easy day at the office for Allen with their exploits, but the star signal-caller still delivered for fantasy managers via a 54-yard touchdown pass to Khalil Shakir early in the third quarter, as well as a pair of one-yard scoring runs in the second and third quarters. Allen has multiple touchdowns in all but one game heading into a Week 9 home showdown with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs next Sunday afternoon.

JOE FLACCO vs Bears
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). Flacco appears to have injured his shoulder during Cincinnati's dramatic 39-38 loss to the Jets in Week 8 in which the veteran signal-caller completed 21 of 34 passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing twice for 14 yards and another score. Taylor said Flacco is "sore" Monday. In three starts since being traded to the Bengals, Flacco has rejuvenated Cincinnati's offense, throwing multiple touchdowns and compiling over 200 passing yards in all of those contests. His health will need to be closely monitored as the Bengals prepare to host the Bears in Week 9 on Sunday, Nov. 2. If Flacco is limited, or if backup Jake Browning is thrust into the lineup, it will represent a blow to the fantasy value of all of WRs Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins and RB Chase Brown.

Lamar Jackson vs Dolphins
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). Jackson's listed activity level to begin Week 9 prep backs up language from coach John Harbaugh earlier Monday, when he told Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, "I feel very confident about it. I expect him to be out there Thursday." Jackson thus appears to have a good chance to put an end to a three-game absence due to a right hamstring injury for the Ravens' Week 9 contest at Miami.

PATRICK MAHOMES vs Bills
-  The Bills rank #1 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week. He should be a NO BRAIN start this week and every week unless he is on a bye or injured. Mahomes got off to a rocky start when he was picked off on Kansas City's first two offensive drives in Monday's primetime matchup. The resilient superstar settled in after halftime, rattling off three touchdown passes on consecutive drives out of the break. It was Mahomes' first start committing multiple turnovers this season, but it also was his third-straight appearance recording three scores for fantasy managers. The 29-year-old is putting up elite numbers again in 2025 after taking a step back over the previous two years. Mahomes checks in with 2,099 passing yards and 21 total touchdowns through eight starts as the Chiefs prepare to face Josh Allen and the Bills on Sunday in a Week 9 showdown of elite quarterbacks.

Drake Maye vs Falcons
-  The Falcons rank #2 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. He should be a NO BRAIN start this week and every week unless he is on a bye or injured. Maye has the Patriots at 6-2, has thrown for over 2,000 yards and now has 15 touchdowns and just three interceptions on the season. While the coaching change to Mike Vrabel has clearly helped, Maye has taken a monster step forward this year, becoming a top-10 dynasty quarterback in the process. His ADP and ranking continue to rise each week and that won't stop in this one.

Michael Penix Jr. vs Patriots
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). Morris said the same of top wideout Drake London (hip), who joined Penix on the sideline during Atlanta's loss to the Dolphins in Week 8. Veteran backup Kirk Cousins struggled to move the offense in place of Penix, completing 21 of 31 passes for 173 yards with no touchdowns (or interceptions) during the 34-10 loss while also rushing twice for two yards. It will bode well for the Falcons offense if both Penix and London are able to get back on the field as the team prepares for a Week 9 road matchup against New England. Penix was limited in practice all of Week 8 due to a bone bruise in his knee, so he may need to resume handling full reps before being cleared to return to the starting lineup.

Brock Purdy vs Giants
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). One week removed from Shanahan saying it was a "stretch" for Purdy to play this past Sunday in Houston, the coach was more tepid in his phrasing, indicating that the 49ers are keeping the door open this week for the fourth-year pro to see his first game action since Week 4. Shanahan also told David Lombardi of SFStandard.com that fill-in QB Mac Jones emerged from Week 8 action with a knee contusion and is "day-to-day." As a result, the situation under center in San Francisco bears watching as the week continues to get a sense of if Purdy will resume starting duties Week 9.

Cam Ward vs Chargers
-  The Chargers rank #3 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Ward makes some good players here and there but he just isn't quite to the point where he makes a difference in terms of winning games for the Titans. With just five touchdown passes and six interceptions on the season, Ward is just struggling to make the leap to the NFL. The Titans are 1-7 on the year and look like one of the worst teams in the league. With a new Head Coach on the way and little hope shown thus far, Ward will need to perform better to ensure his replacement isn't taken in the NFL Draft this Spring.

Bryce Young vs Packers
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). Analyzing various factors very carefully, we do not expect him to post quality fantasy stats this week. Canales also confirmed that Young remains day-to-day. If the third-year quarterback is able to get back on the field as at least a limited participant Wednesday, it will lend credence to the notion that he could retake the field Week 9 on the road against Green Bay. Andy Dalton drew the start during Carolina's blowout 40-9 loss to the Bills in Week 8, with Young having suffered a high-ankle sprain Week 7, but the veteran signal-caller was unable to get anything going under center. High-ankle sprains typically require multi-week absences to heal, but the Panthers have yet to rule Young out versus the Packers.

Start Jaxson Dart vs 49ers His rookie season is clearly going to be remembered more for what could have been instead of what will be as he's now lost both Malik Nabers and likely Cam Skattebo for the season. Still, Dart has clearly proven to be the quarterback of the present and future in New York and the injuries around him may actually create a bit of a "buy low" window for him in dynasty leagues. In short, he's arrived and not much can change that. Jaxson Dart continues to find fantasy success. His style of play leads to upside, given his rushing upside and big play capabilities. The 49ers have some issues on defense, most recently, getting sliced and diced by the Houston Texans on Sunday. Without a strong running game, it will all be on Dart in this spot, making him a worthwhile QB1.

Player Expected Output Comp. Att. Comp % Pass Yds Rush Yds TDs INTs 14.47 22.71 63.71 166 20 1.41 0.61

Start Daniel Jones vs Steelers Fantasy players can keep an eye on Jones this week to see if he misses any practice time. He has thrown at least two touchdowns in each of his last four games and should have success against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who rank #31 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. We just watched Jordan Love light up this defense and he was close to a massive 10 yards per attempt. At this point Daniel Jones is a weekly starter but this week, he has upside to be QB1 overall.

Player Expected Output Comp. Att. Comp % Pass Yds Rush Yds TDs INTs 22.72 33.42 67.98 253 19 1.81 0.46

Rewards...

Jayden Daniels vs Seahawks
-  The Seahawks rank #30 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). No matter how the testing unfolds, Daniels will still miss Monday night's game against the Chiefs, but he's made enough progress during the week to create some optimism for next week. Marcus Mariota will start on Monday night in Daniels' stead versus Kansas City.

JARED GOFF vs Vikings
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week. Goff was able to lead his team to victory on Monday Night Football, but it came at the expense of his first multi-turnover game of the season. It also was the veteran signal-caller's third time scoring one touchdown or less this year. Goff has thrown 12 touchdowns to just one interception in his four other starts, so his whole body of work has been positive as Detroit enters its Week 8 bye. The 30-year-old should continue to be treated as a starting-level option in fantasy when the Lions host the Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 2.

Kyler Murray vs Cowboys
-  The Cowboys rank #32 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). Gannon also reiterated what he told Tyler Drake of ArizonaSports.com after Sunday's 27-23 loss to the Packers: that Murray will resume starting duties once he's healthy enough to do so. While Murray has missed the last two contests due to a mid-foot sprain, Jacoby Brissett has directed the offense during that stretch, completing 52 of 80 passes for 599 yards, four touchdowns and one interception, rushing nine times for 45 yards and losing his only fumble. Murray himself hasn't surpassed 220 passing yards in any of his five starts and has combined for a 6:3 TD:INT so far this season.

AARON RODGERS vs Colts
-  The Colts rank #29 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Rodgers failed to lift Pittsburgh to its fifth win after coming up short against his former club on the national stage. The 41-year-old still produced a solid fantasy score after throwing multiple touchdowns for the fifth time in seven starts with the Steelers. With 16 touchdown passes on the year, Rodgers is on pace to finish with 30-plus touchdowns for the first time since 2022, his final season as a member of the Packers. The future Hall of Famer will have to overcome a tough matchup against the Colts next Sunday in order to get Pittsburgh back in the win column following consecutive losses.

GENO SMITH vs Jaguars
-  The Jaguars rank #28 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. The futility of the Raiders offense can be stated in many different ways, and Smith was at the center of the lack of production. The unit ran only two offensive plays in Chiefs territory, totaled only three first downs, and ran only 30 offensive plays, the final of which was the second-fewest in the Super Bowl era, per Josh Dubow of The Associated Press. Needless to say, it was a disastrous fantasy performance, and Smith has now thrown for less than 200 yards in four of his seven starts and has zero scores in three contests. He was also replaced by Kenny Pickett late in the game due to the score, but there is no indication that the team is considering a change at quarterback.

MATTHEW STAFFORD vs Saints
- When we last saw him way back in Week 7, Stafford had just posted his first five-touchdown game since 2016 and first ever with the Rams. It inexplicably came with Puka Nacua out but Stafford hit ten different receivers in what can only be described as a masterpiece. He remains a strong play this week for a variety of reasons: it looks like Puka will be back, the Rams are rested coming off their bye and hapless Saints are in their sights.

Caleb Williams vs Bengals
-  The second-year quarterback was able to move the ball early, but Williams' inability to get the ball into the end zone eventually cost the Bears after their first two drives ended in field goals. It's the second straight game in which he's failed to produce a TD, and both came against what were statistically poor defenses in New Orleans and Baltimore. Williams will try to get back on track against another vulnerable unit in Week 9 as Chicago faces a Cincinnati defense that just squandered a late lead and handed Justin Fields and the Jets their first win of the season.

Sit Chuba Hubbard vs Packers Against the Bills, Hubbard notably out-touched backfield mate Rico Dowdle by a 12-8 margin on the ground, and although the latter was the more efficient of the two by far, Hubbard was the only one of the two to get into the end zone. The fifth-year pro's three-yard scoring run early in the fourth quarter marked his first time in the paint this season, and the two backs may continue working in a fairly close timeshare during a Week 9 road matchup against the Packers next Sunday afternoon. The Packers rank #2 in our Run Defense Power Rankings.

Player Expected Output Att. Yards Rec. Rec. Yards TDs 11.89 45 1.85 10 0.44

Sit ALVIN KAMARA vs Rams With Kendre Miller (knee) being placed on injured reserve this week, Kamara finished Sunday's contest as the only Saints RB to record a carry. However, that did not lead to a fruitful fantasy day after New Orleans abandoned the run early, passing 51 times compared to 15 rush attempts in the one-sided loss. Kamara's lack of involvement in the passing game has been concerning through eight weeks, as he is currently on pace to finish with a career-worst 306 receiving yards. Starting QB Spencer Rattler was benched in the second half of Sunday's loss, so a potential change under center could help unlock Kamara as a receiver against the Rams in Week 9. Still, the Rams rank #5 in our Run Defense Power Rankings.

Player Expected Output Att. Yards Rec. Rec. Yards TDs 14.32 57 3.4 23 0.39

Sit Jaylen Warren vs Colts The Colts rank #4 in our Run Defense Power Rankings. Warren cooled off following last week's 127-yard rushing performance, reverting to the modest production he's logged most weeks as the Steelers' starter this season. The 26-year-old actually finished Sunday's primetime tilt right at the 62.2 yards he averaged over his previous five contests. Backup Kenneth Gainwell finished with 31 yards on five carries, but he coughed up Pittsburgh's only fumble on the evening. Warren carries a high floor as the Steelers' lead back heading into a Week 9 matchup against the Colts.

Player Expected Output Att. Yards Rec. Rec. Yards TDs 11.47 54 3 24 0.38

Risks...

J.K. Dobbins vs Texans
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we do not expect him to post quality fantasy stats this week. Dobbins took full advantage of Dallas' porous rush defense Sunday, rumbling for his second 100-plus yard rushing game this season. Fantasy managers will be annoyed to see rookie backup RJ Harvey gobble up three touchdowns on just eight total touches, as even just one of those scores going to the starter would have elevated his fantasy score from good to great. Touchdown vultures aside, Dobbins has been as steady as they come leading Denver's rushing attack in 2025, maintaining a stellar 5.0 per-carry average through eight starts.

Isiah Pacheco vs Bills
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). Pacheco finished as the Chiefs' leading rusher a week after scoring his first touchdown of the season. His 58 rushing yards also represented a new high-water mark through eight appearances, which also highlights his capped production as part of a backfield committee. Teammate Kareem Hunt still finished with the superior fantasy score after cashing in a pair of touchdowns in the lopsided win. Pacheco did absorb a hard shot to his knee late in the contest, but he was seen moving freely on the sidelines after being checked out by the medical staff. Fantasy managers will want to monitor the rotation piece's status during the practice week ahead of a potential shootout against the Bills in Week 9.

Bijan Robinson vs Patriots
-  The Patriots rank #1 in our Run Defense Power Rankings. Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week. Robinson came into the matchup against a Dolphins defense that had been an absolute sieve against the run all season with sky-high expectations, making his dud of a fantasy performance all the more alarming. The star back could never get going on the ground, and his game-long 17-yard reception in the first half served as the highlight of an otherwise forgettable afternoon. Robinson's early third-quarter fumble was also costly, as it came on the Dolphins' 10-yard line with Atlanta trying to address a 17-3 deficit at the time. Following this season-worst performance, Robinson seemingly has nowhere to go but up in a Week 9 road matchup against the Patriots next Sunday afternoon.

Start Josh Jacobs vs Panthers Jacobs was headed towards his worst fantasy performance of the season before punching in a touchdown late in the fourth quarter on Sunday Night Football. Green Bay's workhorse was held to 2.5 yards per carry, opening the door for backup Emanuel Wilson to lead the team with 61 rushing yards on 11 attempts. Jacobs was dealing with a calf injury during the practice week, which could help explain his poor efficiency in Sunday's victory. The late score extended Jacobs' touchdown streak to four games, rewarding fantasy managers with seven trips to the end zone over that span. Assuming he escaped this contest unscathed, Jacobs should be treated as an elite asset in a soft matchup against the Panthers next Sunday.

Player Expected Output Att. Yards Rec. Rec. Yards TDs 19.57 93 2.23 20 1.19

Start D'Andre Swift vs Bengals The Bengals rank #30 in our Run Defense Power Rankings. The 26-year-old running back accounted for Chicago's only TD of the day on a two-yard run early in the fourth quarter that briefly brought the team within a field goal at 16-13. Swift has a four-game touchdown streak going, scoring three on the ground and one through the air, and over that stretch he's averaged 111 scrimmage yards a contest. Swift could be headed for another big performance in Week 9 against a vulnerable Bengals defense that just got gashed by Breece Hall for 133 rushing yards and two TDs, plus a four-yard touchdown toss on a trick play.

Player Expected Output Att. Yards Rec. Rec. Yards TDs 15.18 67 2.5 21 0.7

Start Kimani Vidal vs Titans The Titans rank #29 in our Run Defense Power Rankings. Following an impressive Week 6 showing against the Dolphins where Vidal compiled a career-best 124 yards, the 2024 sixth-round pick was stymied by the Colts to the tune of 20 yards on just nine carries Sunday. However, the second-year pro bounced back in spectacular fashion Thursday, averaging just over 5.0 yards per tote while rattling off three runs of double-digit yardage. He also added a three-yard scoring run early in the second quarter for his first NFL touchdown, rounding out his night nicely. Vidal appears fully capable of holding down the fort in the ground attack until Omarion Hampton (IR, ankle) is ready to return, and he could well put together a successful encore on the road in Week 9 when Los Angeles faces the vulnerable Titans on Nov. 2.

Player Expected Output Att. Yards Rec. Rec. Yards TDs 13.76 66 1.88 12 0.68

Rewards...

De'Von Achane vs Ravens
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week. Achane crossed the goal with a three-yard touchdown reception late in the first quarter to cap off a marathon 13-play drive that absorbed over eight minutes of clock. The speedy running back was generally contained on the ground while recording a long run of just 12 yards, and he also saw rookie backfield mate Ollie Gordon log a career-high 10 carries. Nevertheless, Achane's workload on the ground qualified as his second highest of the season, and he now has at least Sunday's yardage tally in three straight games, his best stretch of the season. Achane and the Dolphins will aim to carry over the momentum from their unexpectedly successful performance into a Week 9 home matchup against the Ravens on Thursday night.

DERRICK HENRY vs Dolphins
- With Lamar Jackson (hamstring) out again, Baltimore needed Henry to step up, and while he didn't break any gains longer than 10 yards, he came through when it counted with a pair of two-yard TD plunges in the second and fourth quarters. In the process, he moved past the legendary Walter Payton into sole possession of fifth place on the NFL's all-time rushing touchdowns list with 112. Six of those scores have come this season, along with 510 rushing yards in seven games, and he'll look to add to that total in Week 9 against the Dolphins.

KAREEM HUNT vs Bills
-  Hunt overcame a pair of minor injuries and a limited practice week in order to suit up for Monday's primetime tilt. The 29-year-old rewarded steadfast managers with his second multi-score performance this season. Isiah Pacheco (12-58-0) led the team in rushing yards, but Hunt's pair of scores lifted the veteran to the superior fantasy line. With a five total touchdowns to Pacheco's one, Hunt should continue being the favored back near the opponent's goal line for Sunday's road tilt against Buffalo. The Bills rank #28 in our Run Defense Power Rankings.

Christian McCaffrey vs Giants
-  The Giants rank #31 in our Run Defense Power Rankings. Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week. He should be a NO BRAIN start this week and every week unless he is on a bye or injured. McCaffrey's fantasy outlook was a bit dimmer than usual coming in due to the quality of the Texans' defense, but the way the game unfolded made matters even more of an uphill battle. McCaffrey's carry, rushing yardage, receiving yardage and catch totals were all season lows, and nearly all his production as a receiver came on San Francisco's penultimate drive when he accrued 39 of his 43 receiving yards on a pair of receptions. Given McCaffrey's body of work prior to Sunday, the downturn could certainly be labeled an outlier that the star back should have ample opportunity to bounce back from in a favorable Week 9 road matchup against the Giants next Sunday afternoon.

Jonathan Taylor vs Steelers
-  He should be a NO BRAIN start this week and every week unless he is on a bye or injured. Taylor is this year's fantasy MVP and it isn't really remotely close at the moment. With a whopping 14 touchdowns on the season, Taylor has been a one-man wrecking crew and putting up ridiculous numbers all year. The Titans offered little resistance to Taylor today and he took advantage early and often. We're seeing a player hit his prime at 26 years old and he's essentially untouchable in dynasty leagues at the moment as his value hits its absolute career apex.

Javonte Williams vs Cardinals
-  He should be a NO BRAIN start this week and every week unless he is on a bye or injured. The Cowboys are 3-4-1 but you can hardly blame Williams, who is having a career-best season with eight touchdowns in his first eight games. There is no committee in Dallas and while he's destined to cool off, Williams looks like an amazing target for a contending dynasty team moving forward this year.

Sit Kayshon Boutte vs Falcons The Falcons rank #2 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Don't look now but Boutte has four touchdowns over his past three games and is scoring like a top-ten wide receiver in the process. The problem here is he does seem pretty reliant on the deep balll, making him a more volatile play in dynasty leagues. Still, Drake Maye is playing at an elite level and Boutte is going to be a very popular lineup play moving forward. His arrow is still pointing up.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 2.31 32 0.3

Sit Romeo Doubs vs Panthers Christian Watson (knee) made his season debut in Week 8, finishing with 85 receiving yards behind Tucker Kraft's monster receiving line (7-143-2). This left Dobbs finishing third in receiving for the Packers, although he finished second in team targets. While he didn't cash in any of Jordan Love's three touchdown passes, Doubs was able to find the end zone on a successful two-point conversion attempt to give managers a minor boost to his final fantasy score. Doubs should continue starting alongside Christian Watson when Green Bay hosts Carolina next Sunday.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 3.27 44 0.47

Sit Troy Franklin vs Texans The Texans rank #5 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Franklin matched his previous season highs in receptions (eight) and yards (89) set back in Week 2, but he usurped that fantasy score by hitting pay dirt twice in Week 8. The second-year wideout finished below 20 receiving yards in three out of the five contests in between his standout performances, highlighting his volatility as a fantasy asset on a week-to-week basis. Managers should be wary of Franklin's downside before starting him ahead of more-proven options in a tough matchup against the Texans next Sunday.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 3.22 38 0.34

Risks...

Elic Ayomanor vs Chargers
-  The Chargers rank #3 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Ayomanor had a mixed showing, as he connected with Cam Ward for long gains of 26 and 14 yards to turn in his highest yardage total since Week 2. However, he also had an apparent miscommunication with Ward on a potential deep catch early in the second quarter, one play after being called for offensive pass interference. Ayomanor has been overshadowed by fellow rookie Chimere Dike in recent weeks, but he earned a career-high eight targets in Sunday's loss and should retain a key role in Tennessee's offense for the rest of the season.

Hollywood Brown vs Bills
-  The Bills rank #1 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. In two games since Rashee Rice returned, Brown has been targeted five times, catching two for 14 yards and a touchdown. It's a small sample size, so if you want to hold onto Brown for another week to see if he's more involved versus Buffalo, you can, but those in standard leagues can consider moving on from Brown if there's a player of interest on the waiver wire.

Keon Coleman vs Chiefs
-  The Chiefs rank #4 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Coleman finished a distant second to Khalil Shakir in receptions, receiving yards and targets, turning in his sixth straight sub-50-yard effort following his 112-yard tally against the Ravens in Week 1. The second-year wideout is averaging just 9.9 yards per reception and has taken just three of his 27 catches for 20-plus yards, a sharp contrast to the outstanding 19.2 yards per grab he averaged as a rookie in 2024. Coleman will aim to make a bigger impact in a Week 9 home showdown against the Chiefs next Sunday afternoon.

Nico Collins vs Broncos
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). Meanwhile, Christian Kirk (hamstring) has also been deemed out for the contest. Per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2, in the absence of Collins and Kirk, look for the Texans to lean heavily on TE Dalton Schultz, along with rookie wide receivers Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins as well as Xavier Hutchinson. Wilson adds that both of Houston's injured WRs -- who didn't practice this week -- have a chance to return to action Nov. 2 against the Broncos.

STEFON DIGGS vs Falcons
-  The Falcons rank #2 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Drake Maye didn't need to air it out too much, but the second-year quarterback still tossed three TDs in the third quarter to ice the game, with Diggs catching a one-yard score as part of the barrage. It was the veteran wideout's first touchdown of the season, a welcome sight for fantasy investors even if it came along with a season-low yardage total. Diggs will take a 42-470-1 line on 49 targets through eight games into a Week 9 clash with the Falcons.

Chimere Dike vs Chargers
-  The Chargers rank #3 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. With Calvin Ridley banged up, the fourth round rookie has clearly taken advantage with 12 catches for 163 yards and a touchdown over the past two weeks. While this pace is likely unsustainable, he's very much on the radar and worthy of roster consideration in dynasty leagues at this point.

Anthony Gould vs Steelers
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). The Colts hold a commanding lead late in the fourth quarter, so Gould wouldn't likely return to Sunday's game even if he was cleared to do so. Adonai Mitchell and Tyler Goodson were the Colts' two kickoff returners in Gould's absence.

MACK HOLLINS vs Falcons
-  The Falcons rank #2 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. After combining for five catches on six targets for 81 yards over his four previous games, Hollins -- who logged a 72 percent snap versus Cleveland -- topped those marks Sunday in his most productive outing of the season. While his Week 8 output was notable, with Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte and DeMario Douglas also in the Patriots WR mix and Hunter Henry getting significant looks at tight end, Hollins' weekly volume figures to fluctuate, a context that limits his fantasy utility to deeper formats.

Xavier Hutchinson vs Broncos
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we do not expect him to post quality fantasy stats this week. Hutchinson tied for the team lead in both receptions and for second in targets while also setting the pace in receiving yards. All three components of Hutchinson's stat line were also career-best figures, making it quite the banner day for the third-year pro while making up for the absence of Nico Collins (concussion) and Christian Kirk (hamstring). Hutchinson's third touchdown reception of the season came on a 30-yard grab just before the halfway point of the third quarter, and if at least one of Collins or Kirk happens to remain sidelined for a Week 9 home matchup against the Broncos, the former could see an expanded role again.

Jalin Hyatt vs 49ers
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we do not expect him to post quality fantasy stats this week. Hyatt didn't log a single snap through the first two weeks of the season, and then, despite getting into the wideout rotation, he didn't record a single target in Weeks 3 and 4. From Weeks 5-7, Hyatt received nine targets, but he hauled in only three, which all came during the Giants' Week 6 upset win over the Eagles on Thursday Night Football. With Hyatt unavailable, Beaux Collins and Gunner Olszewski are candidates for snaps behind Wan'Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton and Lil'Jordan Humphrey.

Christian Kirk vs Broncos
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). With Nico Collins (concussion) and Kirk both ruled out, the Texans are left with Xavier Hutchinson, Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel and Braxton Berrios as the favorites for playing time at wide receiver. Noel made a splash last week with four catches for 77 yards on seven targets in a 27-19 loss at Seattle, but that doesn't necessarily mean he'll be the main beneficiary in terms of playing time this week. Kirk, meanwhile, has now missed Weeks 1, 2, 7 and 8 with hamstring injuries.

Drake London vs Patriots
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). Morris called both London and quarterback Michael Penix (knee) day-to-day in the wake of both players having missed Atlanta's 34-10 loss to the Dolphins in Week 8. Veteran backup quarterback Kirk Cousins looked ill-prepared to command the Falcons offense without London on the field, finishing with just 173 passing yards with no touchdowns or interceptions despite facing off against a deeply flawed Miami secondary. Whether it ends up being Penix or Cousins under center on the road against New England on Sunday, it will bode well for Atlanta's aerial attack if London is able to retake the field alongside Darnell Mooney and TE Kyle Pitts. The star wideout was a late addition to the Week 8 injury report.

Marvin Mims Jr. vs Texans
-  The Texans rank #5 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). Mims was injured late in the win over Dallas. Prior to getting hurt, the 2023 second-round pick didn't catch his only target and rushed three times for 18 yards. He also had three kickoff returns for 93 yards, two punt returns for 26 yards and drew a 32-yard defensive pass interference penalty. Mims will need to clear concussion protocol to have a chance to play in Week 9 against the Texans.

Puka Nacua vs Saints
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week. Nacua appears on track to resume practicing for the first time since suffering a low left-ankle sprain Week 6 against the Ravens, lending optimism to the notion that he'll retake the field Sunday versus the Saints. Los Angeles is fresh off a Week 8 bye, which provided a crucial period for Nacua to rest up. While Nacua's status for Week 9 won't be made official until the team has had a chance to thoroughly monitor him in practice, the third-year wideout will be a must-start fantasy option as soon as he's cleared for game action, and Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that he's expected to suit up against New Orleans.

Joshua Palmer vs Chiefs
-  The Chiefs rank #4 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). With Palmer unavailable, look for Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir to lead the Bills' Week 8 WR corps, while Curtis Samuel, Tyrell Shavers and Elijah Moore will be available to mix in. Palmer's next chance to see game action will arrive Sunday, Nov. 2 against the Chiefs.

KALIF RAYMOND vs Vikings
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we do not expect him to post quality fantasy stats this week. Raymond was able to secure his first catches since Week 4, playing 42 percent of the team's offensive snaps in Week 7. The wide receiver still appears to have the edge on rookie Isaac TeSlaa for the No. 3 spot on the depth chart, logging 18 more offensive snaps than TeSlaa in the contest. Raymond has now caught nine of 12 targets for 64 yards over seven games this season.

Rashee Rice vs Bills
-  The Bills rank #1 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Rice stayed red-hot following his two-score debut in Week 7 with another trip to the end zone against the Commanders on Monday Night Football. In addition to his stellar receiving totals, the 25-year-old chipped in a pair of rare rushing attempts, matching the combined number of attempts from his first two seasons as a pro. Rice has accumulated 147 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns on 21 touches while reclaiming the No. 1 receiver role for Kansas City in two starts since returning from a six-game suspension. Fantasy managers have to feel great about Rice's role and production heading into a potential shootout against Buffalo on Sunday.

CALVIN RIDLEY vs Chargers
-  The Chargers rank #3 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. With Ridley slated to miss his second straight game, Elic Ayomanor, Van Jefferson and Chimere Dike will continue to lead the Titans' WR corps this weekend. Ridley's next chance to play will arrive Sunday, Nov. 2 against the Chargers.

Khalil Shakir vs Chiefs
-  The Chiefs rank #4 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Shakir helped break the game open with a nifty 54-yard catch-and-run touchdown to cap off the opening drive of the second half, extending a 19-3 halftime lead. Shakir's catch total tied a season-best figure, while his yardage tally served as a new high-water mark for him on the campaign. Shakir has at least five receptions in three of his past four games heading into a Week 9 home showdown against the Chiefs.

COURTLAND SUTTON vs Texans
-  The Texans rank #5 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Sutton took a back seat to Denver's younger receiving options Sunday, watching Troy Franklin, Pat Bryant and RJ Harvey collect all of Bo Nix's touchdown passes in the blowout win. The veteran starter still produced adequate receiving totals despite failing to reach the end zone, duplicating the 67.0 yards/game average he posted over his previous seven appearances. Fantasy managers are hoping Sutton can return to the end zone against the Texans in Week 9 after scoring all three of his touchdowns in Denver's first four games of the season.

Xavier Worthy vs Bills
-  The Bills rank #1 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Worthy saw only four targets for the second consecutive game, a concerning trend given the return of Rashee Rice in Sunday's shutout win. Rice immediately came back to lead the team in every receiving stat and will likely remain Patrick Mahomes' favorite target moving forward. That will leave Worthy reliant on big plays to produce strong fantasy performances and make him more of a boom-or-bust option in future weeks.

Start KEENAN ALLEN vs Titans Ladd McConkey and Oronde Gadsden posted a combined 11-165-2 line, which rendered Allen a clear tertiary component of the air attack on the night. Nevertheless, the veteran receiver continued to offer serviceable real-world and fantasy production -- all of his receptions Thursday resulted in first downs -- and he extended his season-opening streak of games with at least four receptions to eight contests overall. Allen will take a 48-479-4 line on 70 targets into a Week 9 road matchup against the Titans on Sunday, Nov. 2.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 4.68 50 0.51

Start Marvin Harrison Jr. vs Cowboys The Cowboys rank #32 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Harrison came out of a Week 6 loss in Indianapolis with a concussion that limited him at Wednesday's walkthrough and Thursday's practice, but his ability to handle every practice rep Friday followed by avoiding a Week 7 designation indicates he's been cleared by an independent neurologist. QB Kyler Murray (foot) is listed as questionable for Sunday's contest after being listed as limited all week, but Jacoby Brissett took all the visible reps with the first-team offense, suggesting the latter is more likely than the former to be tossing passes Harrison's way this weekend.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 4.59 68 0.55

Start DK Metcalf vs Colts The Colts rank #29 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Metcalf found his way back into the end zone after watching his scoring streak of four games come to an end in Week 7. The five receptions tied the athletic wideout's previous high through seven games with his new club, signaling a dip in volume following his transition from Seattle to Pittsburgh this past offseason. The Steelers' No. 1 receiver currently sits at 27 receptions on 43 targets through seven starts, a pace well off the 66 receptions he recorded in each of his last two seasons as a member of the Seahawks. Metcalf has offset the decreased usage with improved red-zone prowess, matching the five touchdowns he recorded in 2024 in less than half of the games played. The total package is good enough to warrant starting consideration in the majority of fantasy formats heading into next Sunday's tilt against Indianapolis.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 4.48 68 0.54

Rewards...

Calvin Austin III vs Colts
-  The Colts rank #29 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Austin missed Pittsburgh's last two games due to a shoulder injury, but he played 78 percent of the team's offensive snaps in his return to the field Sunday, which ranked second among the team's wide receivers. However, DK Metcalf and Roman Wilson accounted for most of the Steelers' receiving yards Sunday, while Austin was held under 30 yards for the third time in his last four appearances. Austin has secured 14 of 23 targets for 167 yards and two touchdowns over his first five outings in 2025.

Ja'Marr Chase vs Bears
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week. He should be a NO BRAIN start this week and every week unless he is on a bye or injured. Chase has a ridiculous 42 targets over the past two weeks, with 28 catches produced in the stretch. It's a crazy target share and something that's simply unsustainable. Still, the addition of Joe Flacco has clearly raised his floor as the game plan looks like simply having Flacco throw it to him on virtually every offensive play. While his ceiling is limited without the accuracy of Joe Burrow, Chase's floor is just fine. He remains nearly untouchable in dynasty leagues.

Josh Downs vs Steelers
-  The Steelers rank #31 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Downs returned from a one-game layoff after clearing the league's concussion protocol to reclaim a starting role in Indianapolis' receiver rotation. The 23-year-old picked up where he left off when he scored his first touchdown of the season in his last appearance against the Cardinals in Week 6. Downs will attempt to hit pay dirt for the third time in as many appearances when the Colts visit the Steelers next Sunday.

Justin Jefferson vs Lions
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week. The star wideout was in the familiar position of leading the Vikings in receptions, receiving yards and targets, although that didn't lead to anything beyond just a solid stat line. Jefferson has worked well overall with fill-in signal-caller Carson Wentz over the last five games, recording at least five catches and 74 receiving yards in each of those contests. However, he should be back to operating with J.J. McCarthy (ankle) as his quarterback for a Week 9 road divisional showdown with the Lions on Sunday, Nov. 2, a game Jefferson will take a 41-602-1 line into.

ZAY JONES vs Cowboys
-  The Cowboys rank #32 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Jones had catches of 43 and 24 yards, jelling nicely with fill-in Jacoby Brissett, who arguably has been moving the offense better through the air in the past two games than Kyler Murray. While the yards per reception was nice for Jones, he needs more catches and targets to bump up his fantasy value. For now, he is only worth a look in deeper leagues, and he cannot be used again until at least Week 9 with a bye upcoming.

Ladd McConkey vs Titans
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week. McConkey paced the Chargers across the board in receptions, receiving yards and targets on the night, and his 27-yard, in-stride touchdown reception just before halftime served as his third scoring grab of the season. After a lackluster four-game stretch between Weeks 2 and 5, McConkey has come alive with a combined 22-255-2 line on 34 targets over the last three contests. The second-year wideout has a good chance of carrying over his momentum into Week 9, as a road date with the vulnerable Titans defense is on tap Sunday, Nov. 2.

TERRY MCLAURIN vs Seahawks
-  The Seahawks rank #30 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). McLaurin left the game in the fourth quarter with the Commanders trailing by multiple touchdowns, so perhaps it was a bit precautionary on Washington's end to keep him out for the remainder of the contest. However, it does sound like the veteran wideout did aggravate the previous quad injury that kept him out the previous four games prior to his return to action Monday. The Commanders now are on a short week ahead of next Sunday's home game against the Seahawks. McLaurin should be considered questionable for the Week 9 affair.

Jakobi Meyers vs Jaguars
-  The Jaguars rank #28 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Meyers missed his first game of the season during Las Vegas' blowout 31-0 loss to the Chiefs in Week 7 while Bowers hasn't played since Week 4, but the Raiders anticipate having both pass catchers back in the lineup versus Jacksonville on Sunday, Nov. 2 in Week 9. Trade rumors have also surrounded Meyers in recent weeks, and back in late August he in fact requested to be dealt elsewhere by Las Vegas. The team's midseason respite could provide a space for the Raiders to explore options on that front prior to the NFL's trade deadline on Tuesday, Nov. 4, but as long as he remains on the roster, Meyers projects to resume handling his usual starting role moving forward.

Ricky Pearsall vs Giants
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week. Pearsall hasn't practiced since September and will now miss a fourth straight game. Meanwhile, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday that Brandon Aiyuk (ACL) may return to practice next week, per Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. For now, Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne are the team's starting wide receivers.

George Pickens vs Cardinals
-  He should be a NO BRAIN start this week and every week unless he is on a bye or injured. Pickens delivered a nearly identical stat line to CeeDee Lamb, as the former had one fewer target but four more yards. After a five-game, six-touchdown streak, Pickens has now gone consecutive games without scoring. He'll try to end that drought in a Week 9 home game against the Cardinals while continuing to work as a key cog in a high-powered Dallas offense.

Alec Pierce vs Steelers
-  The Steelers rank #31 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Pierce followed up a season-high 98 receiving yards in Week 7 with his second-highest total through six starts in 2025. Michael Pittman stole the show with a 8-95-1 receiving line in the win, but Pierce still left his mark on the contest with a game-high reception of 50 yards. Pierce is averaging 64.3 receiving yards per game this season, but a lack of scoring (zero touchdowns) holds him back from standard-league relevance against the Steelers next Sunday.

Michael Pittman Jr. vs Steelers
-  The Steelers rank #31 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Pittman finished Sunday's decisive victory leading his club across the board in targets, receptions and receiving yards. The Colts' top wideout also cashed in his sixth touchdown of the season, matching his previous career high from 2021 in nine fewer games. Pittman will carry a healthy 43-446-6 receiving line into next Sunday's road tilt against the Steelers.

Deebo Samuel vs Seahawks
-  The Seahawks rank #30 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Samuel's return from a one-game absence did next to nothing to boost the offense, one that was led by QB Marcus Mariota due to Jayden Daniels' (hamstring) absence. The veteran wideout tied a season low in receiving yards, and he has an anemic 7-26-0 line on 11 targets over his last two appearances overall. Samuel could be a primary beneficiary if Daniels is able to return for Sunday night's Week 9 matchup against the Seahawks.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba vs Commanders
-  He should be a NO BRAIN start this week and every week unless he is on a bye or injured. Smith-Njigba turned in another stellar fantasy performance while pacing the Seahawks in every receiving category on Monday Night Football. It was the budding superstar's third consecutive game recording at least 100 receiving yards while also scoring a touchdown. Smith-Njigba bumped his season totals up to 50-819-4 heading into Seattle's upcoming Week 8 bye, which has the Ohio State product on pace to finish 11 yards shy of a 2,000-yard campaign. He'll continue his ascension towards the peak of fantasy stardom when the Seahawks take on the Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 2.

Tre Tucker vs Jaguars
-  The Jaguars rank #28 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Tucker benefited from the absence of Jakobi Meyers (knee) and Brock Bowers (knee), but the performance of the Raiders' offense muted his stat line. Tucker led the team in every receiving stat, though three of his catches went for five yards or fewer. The Raiders will now head into a Week 8 bye, which will likely allow both Meyers and Bowers to get healthy and push Tucker down in priority for targets in the offense when the team retakes the field against the Jaguars in Week 9.

Michael Wilson vs Cowboys
-  The Cowboys rank #32 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. One day removed from being limited at Wednesday's walkthrough due to a foot injury, Wilson logged every on-field rep, paving the way for him to be available Sunday against the Packers. The same can't be said for fellow WRs Marvin Harrison (concussion, limited) and Zay Jones (knee, DNP), who maintained their activity levels into Thursday. Wilson thus is the healthiest among the Cardinals' top three at the position, but there's also the question of who will be under center Week 7, as Kyler Murray remained limited due to a mid-foot sprain. Jacoby Brissett will earn another spot start this weekend if Murray is out.

Sit HUNTER HENRY vs Falcons The Falcons rank #2 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Fortunately for those who had Henry in Week 8 lineups, his season low in targets still yielded fantasy production. Looking ahead to the Patriots' Week 9 game against the Falcons, Henry -- who was on the field for 52 of 68 snaps on offense versus Cleveland, per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com -- merits fantasy consideration given that he continues to see steady playing time and has compiled a 25-317-4 receiving line on 37 targets through eight games.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 3.5 38 0.41

Sit Dalton Kincaid vs Chiefs The Chiefs rank #4 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Making his return from a one-game absence that predated the Week 7 bye, Kincaid made a splash on his one catch but otherwise was quiet. The third-year tight end had posted a 108-yard performance against the Patriots in Week 5 before sitting out Week 6, but he's now recorded 48 receiving yards or less in four of his other five games heading into a Week 9 clash with the Chiefs at home next Sunday afternoon.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 3.65 39 0.3

Risks...

EVAN ENGRAM vs Texans
-  The Texans rank #5 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Engram has been the definition of an underneath option, and despite logging at least four catches in five straight games, he hasn't topped 42 yards in any of those contests. With little in the way of upside, Engram a middling TE2.

Gunnar Helm vs Chargers
-  The Chargers rank #3 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Analyzing various factors very carefully, we do not expect him to post quality fantasy stats this week. Helm logged at least a 50 percent offensive snap rate for the third time in his last four games. He was outperformed by Chig Okonkwo in most offensive stats, though Helm did manage the first touchdown on a one-yard reception early in the second quarter. Helm could continue to emerge in the second half of the season, particularly if the Titans move on from Okonkwo via trade.

Julian Hill vs Ravens
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). Hill did not practice in any capacity en route to being ruled out for Miami's win over the Falcons in Week 8, and he now appears to be trending in the wrong direction for Week 9, given the short turnaround facing the Dolphins ahead of Thursday's home matchup against the Ravens. For any chance of suiting up for Thursday Night Football, Hill will need to resume handling at least limited reps Tuesday and/or Wednesday. With Darren Waller (pectoral) on IR, Tanner Conner and Greg Dulcich will dominate reps at tight end again if Hill is unable to go.

TRAVIS KELCE vs Bills
-  The Bills rank #1 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Kelce turned back the clock with a vintage stat line while leading his club in receiving in a one-sided victory. It also was the most yards the star tight end has recorded in a game through eight starts in 2025. The return of top wideout Rashee Rice in Week 7 has not cut into Kelce's production, with the latter averaging 4.5 receptions and 76.5 yards in the two games QB Patrick Mahomes' top targets have been active together this year. Look for Kelce to remain involved against the Bills in a matchup between AFC contenders Sunday.

Cole Kmet vs Bengals
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). Kmet will miss a regular-season game for the first time in his NFL career after starting his career with a 90-game ironman streak. Rookie first-round pick Colston Loveland is expected to see increased usage in Kmet's absence. Head coach Ben Johnson deemed Kmet "week-to-week" Friday but said the tight end isn't a candidate to go on injured reserve, per Scott Bair of Marquee Sports Network.

JOHNNY MUNDT vs Raiders
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we do not expect him to post quality fantasy stats this week. With Brenton Strange (hip) missing the second half of the game, Mundt logged 34.5 percent of the Jaguars' offensive snaps in Week 5, but he was targeted just the one time. Even if Strange misses time, Mundt won't be a recommended fantasy target.

Start Colston Loveland vs Bengals The rookie tight end got the start in place of Cole Kmet (back), and it looked like Loveland might be headed for a breakout performance after he caught Caleb Williams' first pass of the afternoon for an 18-yard gain. Loveland and the Bears' offense both struggled to gain consistent yards after that, however. Kmet had never missed a regular-season game in his career before Sunday and isn't expected to go on injured reserve, but even if he sits out a Week 9 tilt against the Bengals, Loveland will still be tough to rely on.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 3.05 34 0.28

Start Tyler Warren vs Steelers The Steelers rank #31 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. He should be a NO BRAIN start this week and every week unless he is on a bye or injured. Warren couldn't extend his scoring streak to five games after not being on the receiving end of any of QB Daniel Jones' three touchdown strikes Sunday. The 23-year-old Warren didn't leave fantasy managers empty-handed on National Tight End Day after recording at least 50 receiving yards for the sixth time in eight starts this year. The impressive rookie is up to 492 receiving yards on 37 receptions with four combined touchdowns as the Colts prepare to face the Steelers in Week 9.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 4.92 56 0.37

Rewards...

Brock Bowers vs Jaguars
-  The Jaguars rank #28 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week. Bowers hasn't played since Week 4 due to a lingering PCL injury and bone bruise, but the star tight end is expected to be back in the lineup Week 9 versus the Jaguars on Sunday, Nov. 2. Carroll said the same of wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (knee/toe), who joined Bowers on the sideline during the team's blowout 31-0 loss to Kansas City in Week 7. Bowers surpassed 100 receiving yards Week 1 but then logged three consecutive games below the 50-yard mark and without a touchdown while playing through his knee injury, so fantasy managers will hope he's able to return to both full health and his usual productivity levels when back in the lineup.

ZACH ERTZ vs Seahawks
-  The Seahawks rank #30 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Ertz's yardage total was his lowest for any game this season where he recorded a catch, even as he hit the six-target threshold for the third consecutive game. The veteran tight end's late first-quarter grab was also the subject of some controversy, as Ertz appeared to gain the necessary six yards for a first down on a fourth-down play before a virtual measurement reduced the gain to five yards, leading to a turnover on downs. Ertz has eclipsed 43 receiving yards just once this season, leaving him with muted fantasy prospects heading into a Week 9 home matchup against the Seahawks on Sunday night.

GEORGE KITTLE vs Giants
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week. Kittle commemorated the National Tight End Day quasi-holiday he helped bring about by recording his second touchdown of the season on a 17-yard grab just before halftime. Kittle had been shut out altogether in his Week 7 return from a hamstring injury, so Sunday's production was a particularly welcome sight for fantasy managers and included a new season-high yardage total for the veteran tight end. Kittle draws another favorable matchup irrespective of who his quarterback is when the 49ers face the Giants on the road in Week 9.

Tucker Kraft vs Panthers
-  He should be a NO BRAIN start this week and every week unless he is on a bye or injured. Kraft scored the Packers' first and final touchdowns in a thrilling comeback victory, fittingly resulting in a career night on National Tight End Day. The 24-year-old was already riding a hot streak after scoring in each of his previous two outings, and he managed to surpass the combined production from those two starts with Sunday's statistical explosion. Kraft bumped his season line up to 29-469-6 through seven games, making him a premier fantasy option for next Sunday's tilt against Carolina.

Trey McBride vs Cowboys
-  The Cowboys rank #32 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week. The fourth-year tight end hasn't missed a beat with Jacoby Brissett under center instead of Kyler Murray (foot). McBride hauled in scores of 15 yards in the second quarter and 12 yards in the third, and through two games working with Brissett, he's delivered an 18-146-3 line on 24 targets as Arizona's clear No. 1 downfield option. With the Cardinals on bye Week 8, Murray could get enough time to recover, but no matter who he's catching passes from, McBride could be poised for another impressive performance Week 9 against the Cowboys.

JONNU SMITH vs Colts
-  The Colts rank #29 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Although Smith led the Steelers' tight ends in playing time by taking the field for 60 percent of the team's offensive snaps, he had yet another disappointing performance as a pass catcher. The 2017 third-rounder has been held under 30 receiving yards in each of his first seven appearances of the season. In total, he's secured 22 of 29 targets for 134 yards and two touchdowns, putting him well off the pace of his career-best season with the Dolphins last year in which he secured 88 of 111 targets for 884 yards and eight touchdowns.

Darnell Washington vs Colts
-  The Colts rank #29 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Analyzing various factors very carefully, we do not expect him to post quality fantasy stats this week. Although Washington ranked second among the Steelers' tight ends by playing 46 percent of the team's offensive snaps, he went without a target for the first time since Week 3. Washington had a slightly encouraging role in his two appearances after the Week 5 bye, securing six of 10 targets for 68 yards and a touchdown during that time, but Sunday's performance against the Packers marked the third time that he's been held without a target over his first seven appearances of the season, making him difficult to trust in fantasy.

Sit DANIEL CARLSON vs Jaguars The Raiders finished with just 95 yards of total offense on 30 plays and 17:52 of possession time. Carlson has gone 11-of-14 on field-goal tries and 8-of-8 on extra-point attempts in 2025, though his opportunities have been limited by the Raiders' offensive struggles.

Player Expected Output FGM FGA XPM 1.87986 2.24005 1.96931

Sit Cam Little vs Raiders After missing a field goal and an extra point last week versus Seattle, Little again failed to convert a 50-yard field goal Sunday in London. The 2024 sixth-round pick missed just two kicks as a rookie last year but has struggled to find his footing in 2025, going 10-for-14 on field goals through seven games.

Player Expected Output FGM FGA XPM 1.95384 2.35632 2.23467

Risks...

GRAHAM GANO vs 49ers
-  Gano was activated from injured reserve Saturday and cleared to return from a four-game absence due to a groin injury he sustained during pregame warmups in Week 3 against the Chiefs. He connected on a 47-yard field goal late in the second quarter before nailing a 34-yard try late in the third frame. Gano has made all eight of his field-goal attempts and all six extra-point tries across four regular-season games.

MATT PRATER vs Chiefs
-  Prater scored the Bills' first six points of the game with field goals from 45 and 43 yards in the first half. His first extra-point try in the second quarter sailed wide left, but he was perfect on his next four PATs. Prater has done a serviceable job as the Bills' placekicker as Tyler Bass remains on injured reserve due to a left hip/groin injury. Prater has gone 12-for-13 on field-goal attempts and 21-for-22 on extra-point tries through seven regular-season games.

Start Cameron Dicker vs Titans Dicker missed a 49-yard field-goal try wide left in the first quarter before later adding makes from 43, 34 and 45 yards in the second half. The miss was his first of the year on any kick, field goal or extra point, and he's now gone 18-for-19 on field-goal tries over eight games this year.

Player Expected Output FGM FGA XPM 1.91879 2.12856 3.14372

Start Chad Ryland vs Cowboys Ryland opened Sunday's scoring with a 32-yard chip shot midway through the first quarter, and the third-year kicker connected on two more field goals from 40 and 39 yards in the second and fourth quarters, respectively. It was the first time this season that Ryland connected on three field goals in a game, and he has not missed a kick in each of his last four outings. The 2023 fourth-rounder is 13-for-15 on field-goal tries and 16-for-16 on extra-point attempts through the first seven games of the regular season.

Player Expected Output FGM FGA XPM 1.77031 2.21262 2.83651

Rewards...

Andy Borregales vs Falcons
-  Borregales was responsible for the Patriots' first nine points of the game after connecting on field goals from 36, 32 and 42 yards in the first half. It's the second time this season that he has made at least three field goals in a game, and he has been perfect on his kicks since Week 3. The rookie sixth-rounder is 12-for-13 on field-goal attempts and 21-for-23 on point-after tries through the first eight regular-season games of his NFL career.

Tyler Loop vs Dolphins
-  Loop helped the Ravens build their lead in the second and third quarters after connecting on field goals from 42, 28 and 32 yards. Week 8 marked the first time this season that the rookie sixth-rounder connected on three field goals in one game, and he is 12-for-13 on field-goal attempts and 18-for-19 on point-after tries through the first seven regular-season games of his NFL career.

Sit Miami Dolphins vs Ravens Miami Dolphins D/ST held the Atlanta Falcons to only 10 points in Sunday's upset win. They also had one sack and one fumble recovery. The Dolphins bounced back after allowing 24 points in Week 7's game against the Browns. However, despite the solid showing, the Dolphins should not be considered a streamable defense unless major changes are made.

Player Expected Output Sacks Interceptions Fumble Recoveries 1.89 1.61942 0.679794

Sit New Orleans Saints vs Rams The New Orleans Saints defense surrendered 23 points in their Week 8 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They generated three sacks and forced one fumble. It was a subpar fantasy performance for the Saints D/ST. Allowing 23 points while securing only three sacks and one turnover resulted in a low fantasy score. They will face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 9.

Player Expected Output Sacks Interceptions Fumble Recoveries 1.33 1.40052 0.469722

Risks...

Carolina Panthers vs Packers
- The Carolina Panthers sacked Bills QB Josh Allen twice in their 40-9 loss to Buffalo. They failed to generate a turnover. It was a rough showing against one of the best offenses in the country. Carolina should bounce back, as they've been surprisingly decent this year after an abysmal showing last season.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Colts
- The Steelers D/ST allowed 35 points on 454 yards on Sunday. The Steelers did not force a turnover or sack Jordan Love once. They are tough for fantasy managers to trust right now.

Start Los Angeles Chargers vs Titans The Chargers' D/ST logged five sacks and an interception while allowing just ten points in Thursday nigh Los Angeles' defense looked terrific on Thursday night. They held the Vikings to just ten points over the course of the game and were also able to log several big plays to help the offense out. This unit can be started in another great matchup against the Titans in Week 9.t's win over the Minnesota Vikings.

Player Expected Output Sacks Interceptions Fumble Recoveries 1.39 2.67527 0.663333

Start Los Angeles Rams vs Saints The Rams' defense is averaging 8.7 fantasy points per game and has put up 17 and 11 points in its last two contests. The Rams went into their Week 8 bye ranked second in the NFL in sacks with 26, led by EDGE rusher Byron Young, who has nine. They have also forced 10 turnovers in their first six games. This week, the Rams get a home date with the Saints, who had allowed the 11th-most fantasy points to opposing defenses entering Week 8. The Saints are in limbo at quarterback, having benched Spencer Rattler for rookie Tyler Shough. It's possible the Rams will be facing a rookie quarterback making his first NFL start.

Player Expected Output Sacks Interceptions Fumble Recoveries 1.39 2.10808 0.679794

Rewards...

Green Bay Packers vs Panthers
- The Packers D/ST allowed 25 points on 295 total yards with three sacks and one fumble recovery on Sunday against the Steelers. Aaron Rodgers threw two touchdowns, but the Steelers was still held in check for most of the second half until garbage time late. The Packers defense draws the Panthers next week.

New England Patriots vs Falcons
- The Patriots D/ST allowed 13 points on 213 total yards with two interceptions and one sack on Sunday. The Patriots defense made it tough on Dillon Gabriel for most of the afternoon. They will hold some streaming appeal next week against the Falcons.

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