Everything that happens in the NFL has additional context when viewed from a fantasy football perspective. From position battles to injuries and so much more, the news cycle will constantly affect player values.
Our fantasy football buzz file, with contributions from our ESPN fantasy writers and our NFL Nation reporters, aims to provide fantasy managers with the intel they need as news breaks around the league.
Nov. 2: Notebook for Week 8
By Eric Moody
The box score doesn't tell you everything. Here are the roles and usage trends from Sunday that stood out to me.
Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills
Derrick Henry's playing time has declined over the last two weeks, falling below 50% of snaps against the Bills. On Sunday, he rushed for 53 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, marking his third straight game with fewer than 60 rushing yards. Justice Hill played on more snaps and ran more routes compared to Henry's nine, benefiting from Baltimore playing from behind. With Lamar Jackson headed for IR due to a thumb injury, the Ravens could struggle to sustain drives and generate red zone opportunities, making Henry's fantasy outlook even more concerning going forward.
Dalton Kincaid played through a chest injury against the Ravens and delivered his second-best fantasy performance (18.6 fantasy points) of the season, catching four out of six targets for 86 yards and a touchdown. Kincaid continues to share playing time with Dawson Knox, but his involvement in the passing game remains encouraging. He ran 23 routes (compared to Knox's 17) and his targets per route remain high despite a slight decline in snaps. Kincaid has now stockpiled 14 targets over his last two games and remains a solid TE1 heading into Week 9 against the Vikings.
Tennessee Titans at Cincinnati Bengals
Wan'Dale Robinson continues to be Tennessee's most reliable receiver. He led the Titans in both snaps and routes against the Bengals, catching six out of seven targets for 57 yards and a touchdown. He's now drawn at least six targets in four straight games and remains a flex option. Chimere Dike caught five passes for 71 yards and a touchdown while filling in for Carnell Tate, but his role could shrink after the Week 9 bye. TE Gunnar Helm had his best game of the season with five receptions for 76 yards on nine targets, despite playing on a season-low percentage of snaps. Daniel Bellinger's increased involvement makes Helm difficult to trust outside deeper leagues.
Chase Brown led Cincinnati's backfield in snaps, routes and touches against the Titans. Brown finished with 55 rushing yards on 12 carries and caught eight out of nine targets for 46 yards, scoring 16.1 fantasy points. He also ran more than twice as many routes as Samaje Perine, highlighting his significant role in the passing game. Perine finished with just five touches for 19 yards but remains involved in the red zone. Brown's workload keeps him firmly in the RB2 conversation heading into Week 9 against a Falcons defense that ranks among the top five in fantasy points per game allowed to running backs. Perine remains as merely an insurance back.
Mike Gesicki set a season-high in snaps against the Titans following injuries to Erick All Jr. and Tanner Hudson. He ran three times as many routes as Drew Sample, and caught four out of six targets for 76 yards and a touchdown (17.6 fantasy points). Gesicki has now scored a touchdown in five straight games, but what's even more encouraging is his increased involvement on early downs and in 2-TE sets. With All and Hudson out for the rest of the season, Gesicki's expanded role should continue. He's worth adding for fantasy managers needing help at tight end.
Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys
Tyler Allgeier took over Arizona's backfield against the Cowboys after Jeremiyah Love aggravated his ankle injury and Bam Knight suffered a concussion. Love opened the game as the primary back, with Knight taking over early-down work following his departure. Once Knight exited, Allgeier played every running back snap in the second half and overtime. He finished with 147 rushing yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, adding five receptions for 44 yards and another score for a season-high 36.1 fantasy points. Allgeier should be a priority waiver pickup with RB2 upside if Love and Knight miss Week 9 against the Seahawks. His performance could also earn him a larger role even when both return.
Arizona's receiving corps continues to battle injuries. Kendrick Bourne suffered an ankle injury, Reggie Virgil exited late, and Michael Wilson played through broken ribs. Trey McBride and Wilson dominated snaps and routes, with Wilson drawing a team-high 15 targets and finishing with 111 yards and a touchdown. McBride added seven receptions for 72 yards and a score. He's now caught at least seven passes in 10 straight games -- the third-longest streak in NFL history. Both remain must-start fantasy options as targets continue to be concentrated between them. Gardner Minshew II also replaced Jacoby Brissett and could start in Week 9.
The Cowboys rank seventh in passing attempts per game, creating plenty of opportunities for their receivers. George Pickens has dealt with shoulder and hamstring injuries over the last two weeks, leading to more frequent substitutions and increased playing time for Ryan Flournoy. When Pickens has rotated out, Flournoy has handled most of the available snaps in single-receiver sets and taken on additional work in two-WR formations. Flournoy has now drawn at least four targets and scored at least 12 fantasy points in four straight games. Monitor Pickens' practice participation this week. If he remains limited, Flournoy could be an intriguing sleeper against a vulnerable Colts defense in Week 9.
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions
The Vikings used a three-man backfield against the Lions, with no running back playing more than 40% of snaps. Aaron Jones Sr. led the way, followed by DeeJay Dallas and Jordan Mason. Mason led the backfield with eight carries for 20 yards, while Jones had five carries for 22 yards and caught both of his targets for 18 yards. Dallas handled most of the third-down work but finished with just one touch. Jones and Mason remain difficult to trust as anything more than flex options until their roles become clearer. However, the Vikings face a Bills defense in Week 9 that has allowed the fourth-most RB fantasy points per game.
Jordan Addison has seen increased playing time in the slot over the last two games, giving him more opportunities in the Vikings passing game. Against the Lions, Addison led Minnesota receivers in snaps and caught three out of eight targets for 11.6 fantasy points. Justin Jefferson led the team with nine targets, while Jauan Jennings had just two. Addison's eight targets were a season high, which is encouraging for managers. The Vikings face the Bills and Packers over their next two games, both of whom rank among the top 10 in terms of the most WR fantasy points per game.
Las Vegas Raiders at New York Jets
The Raiders made a surprising change in their backfield against the Jets, giving Mike Washington Jr. the start over Ashton Jeanty. Washington dominated early-down and goal-line work, finishing with 83 rushing yards on a career-high 25 carries after never having reached double-digit attempts in any previous game this season. Jeanty played on a season-low number of snaps, managing just nine yards on two carries but catching three passes for 64 yards. Coach Klint Kubiak said the change wasn't disciplinary and expects both backs to remain involved. Washington should be a priority waiver pickup, while Jeanty's reduced workload makes him a riskier fantasy option.
Braelon Allen led the Jets' backfield in snaps, routes and touches (23), finishing with a season-high 23.3 fantasy points. Breece Hall missed his fifth straight game, despite practicing on a limited basis throughout the week. Allen remains a must-hold for fantasy managers regardless of whether Hall is traded or stays in New York. He's played well enough to maintain a significant role, either as the lead back or in a committee with Hall. The Jets also have one of the more favorable remaining schedules for running backs, particularly after their Week 9 matchup against the Chiefs, making Allen worth holding for the stretch run.
Adonai Mitchell had a breakout performance against the Raiders, catching seven of his nine targets for 27.2 fantasy points. Garrett Wilson led the Jets with 12 targets, finishing with 14.3. Omar Cooper Jr. wasn't targeted, despite playing more snaps than Mitchell. Cooper continues to get more opportunities in two-WR sets, although Mitchell ran more routes against the Raiders. Mitchell will be a target on waivers, but the competition for playing time makes both receivers difficult to trust consistently. Wilson remains the safest fantasy option in this receiving corps.
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers
Dylan Sampson led the Browns backfield in snaps, routes run and fantasy points (12.9), largely because Cleveland was playing from behind. Quinshon Judkins still led the backfield with 13 touches, compared to only seven for Sampson. This is something fantasy managers will have to live with when rostering Judkins, whose workload is more favorable when the Browns are playing with a lead or keeping games competitive. Cleveland should have an easier time moving the ball against the Saints in Week 9, keeping Judkins in the volume-based RB2 conversation.
KC Concepcion was held to four targets and 6.7 fantasy points against the Steelers after finishing with 10 targets and a season-high 23.2 fantasy points against the Titans in Week 7. Despite leading Cleveland in routes run, Concepcion was out-targeted by both Harold Fannin Jr. (12) and Denzel Boston (11). The playing time is encouraging, but the inconsistent target volume makes Concepcion and Boston difficult to trust in fantasy lineups. Fannin has been the more reliable option, drawing at least nine targets and scoring at least 13 fantasy points in consecutive games. He remains a low-end TE1.
Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bucky Irving rushed for 170 yards and a touchdown against the Falcons, finishing with 21 fantasy points. Irving and Kenny Gainwell split snaps evenly after Irving played on 64% of snaps over the first seven weeks. Irving remained the primary early-down back with 27 carries, while Gainwell handled all the passing-down snaps and rushed for 140 yards on 25 attempts. Poor weather conditions led Tampa Bay to run the ball on 90% of its plays, so I wouldn't expect this kind of split every week. Irving remains a must-start, having scored at least 21 fantasy points in three of his last four games.
Kyle Pitts Sr. has seen a slight dip in playing time over the last two weeks as he continues to split snaps with Charlie Woerner and Nick Muse, but his involvement in the passing game remains encouraging. He's drawn at least five targets in four straight games and scored at least 13 fantasy points in three of them.
Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars
The Colts continued to lean on Jonathan Taylor and Josh Downs against the Jaguars despite trade rumors surrounding both players. Taylor played on 79% of snaps before garbage time but finished with just 12 touches and 6.7 fantasy points. Downs led Indianapolis in routes and caught four out of five targets for 12.3 fantasy points, thanks to a receiving touchdown. His playing time increased as the Colts used more three-WR sets while playing from behind. Their fantasy outlooks could change considerably, depending on what happens before the trade deadline.
Tyler Warren returned after missing the last two games due to a groin injury and led the Colts' TE room in snaps, routes, targets (10) and fantasy points (5.8). He saw a slight dip in playing time against the Jaguars compared to the first five weeks of the season, as Will Mallory took some additional snaps in 11 personnel. Although Warren had his second-worst fantasy performance of the season, he could take on a larger role in the Colts offense if either Taylor or Downs is traded.
Los Angeles Chargers at Los Angeles Rams
Kyren Williams led the Rams backfield in snaps, routes and touches (17), but Blake Corum led the way with 13.3 fantasy points. Corum finished with 11 touches and both backs scored rushing touchdowns. Corum averaged 6.6 yards per carry, compared to 3.3 for Williams. He's now scored at least 13 fantasy points in four straight games and handled at least 10 touches in three of them. The Rams continue to lean heavily on their running game, keeping both Williams and Corum fantasy relevant.
The Chargers continued their three-man backfield rotation against the Rams, with Omarion Hampton and Keaton Mitchell splitting early-down work while Kimani Vidal handled passing situations. Vidal led the backfield in snaps and routes run, while Mitchell and Hampton saw similar playing time. Hampton finished with 27 total yards on 11 touches, while Vidal had 30 yards on 10 touches and Mitchell added 23 yards on seven touches. The Chargers offense has been a disaster, ranking last in points, touchdowns and turnovers this season. Limited opportunities and a three-man rotation make this a backfield fantasy managers should continue to avoid.
Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos
Jonah Coleman took control of the Broncos backfield against the Chiefs with RJ Harvey sidelined by a knee injury. Coleman led the Broncos backfield in snaps and routes and finished with 41 rushing yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, adding four receptions for 63 yards (20.4 fantasy points). J.K. Dobbins managed just 13 yards on seven carries. Coleman also handled goal-line work and most of the second-half snaps, making him a must-add and a solid RB2 heading into Week 9 against a Panthers defense that's allowed the second-most RB fantasy points per game.
It was frustrating for Kenneth Walker III's fantasy managers to see Emmett Johnson finish with six touches and 25.3 fantasy points, compared to Walker's 25 touches and 12.3 fantasy points. However, context is important. Johnson played on a season-low number of snaps against the Broncos, while Walker continues to dominate touches in Kansas City's backfield. Walker has handled at least 20 touches in seven out of eight games this season. Johnson remains one of the top insurance backs worth rostering, but Walker's consistent workload should keep fantasy managers confident in his outlook.
New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins
DeMario Douglas led Patriots pass catchers with 16.6 fantasy points while A.J. Brown was ruled out and Romeo Doubs remained on IR. Douglas tied for the second-most routes run despite ranking fourth in snaps among New England's pass catchers. However, he's played primarily in 11 personnel this season, which could make his weekly production inconsistent, despite the strong performance.
Ollie Gordon II remains the Dolphins' clear lead back, playing on more than 80% of offensive snaps for the second straight week. He rushed for 69 yards on 19 carries against the Patriots but failed to catch his only target, finishing with 6.9 fantasy points. Gordon handled a season-high share of early-down snaps despite Jaylen Wright being fully healthy, while Kaytron Allen didn't see any offensive snaps. Gordon has averaged nearly 18 touches over his last four games, keeping him in the RB2 conversation. However, he has caught just one pass during that stretch, making him heavily dependent on rushing production and touchdowns.
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders
The Commanders adjusted their receiving rotation with Terry McLaurin on IR. Treylon Burks and Antonio Williams took over as Washington's primary outside receivers against the Eagles. Both played season-high shares of snaps and ran more routes than Stefon Diggs, who continued to work primarily from the slot. Burks caught three passes for 81 yards, while Williams led the team with seven targets, finishing with five receptions for 54 yards. Diggs caught three passes for 38 yards and a touchdown. Burks and Williams are worth adding in deeper leagues, while Diggs remains a TD-dependent flex option heading into a difficult Week 9 matchup against the Rams.
Nov. 1: Week 8 scoring leaders through Sunday's games
Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals-- 39.48
Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals -- 37.5
Tyler Allgeier, RB, Arizona Cardinals -- 36.1
Ja'Marr Chase, RB, Cincinnati Bengals -- 31.1
Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars - 29.9
Tony Pollard, RB, Tennessee Titans - 28.7
Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders - 28.2
Kirk Cousins, QB, Las Vegas Raiders - 28.18
Adonai Mitchell, WR, New York Jets - 27.2
Michael Wilson, WR, Arizona Cardinals -- 26.8
Click here for the complete list of Week 8's top scorers.
Oct. 30: Packers' ground game cause for concern
By Adam Rank
Jordan Love throws multiple touchdown passes. Matthew Golden looks good. I mean, Christian Watson left and arrived back at Lambeau Field from an ambulance in a move that would make Triple H say, "no way this is real." And yet, I get a note from my editor (a Packers fan, mind you) complaining about the (lack of a) Green Bay Packers running game.
I mean, the Milwaukee Brewers just won the World Series, but we need to focus on the Packers' rushing attack? Well, I guess that is the best place to start.
The Packers won the game despite rushing for just 66 yards. They have been held to fewer than 90 rushing yards in all eight games, the club's longest streak in the Super Bowl era. The Packers' 485 rushing yards are the fewest by any team through eight games since the 2019 Bengals. I mean, what in the name of Eddie Lee Ivery is going on here?
The short answer is the offensive line is bad. The playcalling is bad. I mean, you think the guy who favored Dion Lewis over Derrick Henry when he was offensive coordinator in Tennessee was ever going to have a solid running game in Green Bay? It's just the facts.
And it's not going to get much easier in the coming weeks, either. The New England Patriots, Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams aren't great matchups. It's not until the New Orleans Saints in Week 13 that the schedule softens for Josh Jacobs. If you kept him on your roster all this time, you're likely going to be compelled to start him, but the matchups aren't ideal.
Some other notes from Thursday night:
Love has accounted for multiple touchdowns in all eight games this season, but this was his first game of the season with three touchdown passes. He's a set-and-forget quarterback moving forward. It is wild to think he wasn't drafted as a QB1 this year.
Watson is nearing ace territory this season. He recorded his 12th reception of 20-plus yards, second in the league behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Golden is also a must-start, but he registered two drops Thursday. Love has seen 20 drops by his receivers this season. I feel like that total would double if you counted the number of interceptions that are dropped. Or maybe it just seems that way to me, a Bears supporter.
Is the "Bryce Young as a QB1" era over already? Well, for starters, the Carolina Panthers need to do a better job of protecting him. He was hit. A lot. I'm not rushing him back into my lineup next week against the Denver Broncos. You might want to take a look at the waiver wire right now for a streamable option if Young is your only quarterback. Kyler Murray against the Buffalo Bills next week could do the trick.
Chuba Hubbard was good, however. He scored a touchdown, rushed for 81 yards and caught seven balls for 38 more yards. Again, playing the Bills next week makes him a prime RB1.