The Bills and Buccaneers mostly spread the scoring around on Thursday, but with most key fantasy football contributors having good games, there are more than a few teams staring at some noticeable deficits heading into Week 8's Sunday action.
Fortunately, there are no byes this week. Unfortunately, there are a lot of big injuries affecting start 'em, sit 'em decisions. Justin Fields, Daniel Jones, Deshaun Watson, Ryan Tannehill, David Montgomery, Deebo Samuel, Robert Woods, and Zay Jones have already been ruled OUT, and Trevor Lawrence, Brock Purdy, Zack Moss, Raheem Mostert, Jerome Ford, Tyler Lockett, Michael Thomas, Curtis Samuel, Joshua Palmer, Darren Waller, Taysom Hill, Luke Musgrave, and Gerald Everett are all "questionable."
We'll be here to help all morning, reacting to injury news, monitoring the active/inactive lists for any surprises, watching the weather, and providing start 'em, sit 'em advice based on all the latest developments.
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Fantasy football live news for NFL Week 8
Live updates will begin at 9 a.m. ET.
Injury updates for NFL Week 8
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that Indianapolis' Zack Moss (heel) will test out his foot in pre-game warmups to determine if he can play against the Saints.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that Cleveland's Jerome Ford (ankle) will determine during pre-game warmups whether he's healthy enough to play against the Seahawks. RB Jordan Wilkins was elevated from the practice squad on Saturday, which is a possible sign that Cleveland is preparing for Ford to be out, but Ford reportedly "intends to play."
UPDATE (9:20 a.m.): NFL Network's James Palmer reported Sunday morning that Jaguars' QB Trevor Lawrence is expected to play against Pittsburgh. Start him as usual.
UPDATE (9:20 a.m. ET): NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning that "there's optimism" that Washington's Curtis Samuel (foot) will play on Sunday against the Eagles. He's worth a flex spot in 12-team leagues if he's out there.
UPDATE (9:20 a.m. ET): NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning that Saints' TE Taysom Hill (chest) is expected to play against the Colts. He's worth a TE1 spot in all formats even with the return of Juwan Johnson.
UPDATE (9:20 a.m. ET): NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning that Dolphins' RB Raheem Mostert (ankle) is expected to play against the Patriots. Start him as usual.
UPDATE (9:20 a.m. ET): NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning that there is "more optimism" that Chargers' WR Josh Palmer (knee) can play against the Bears than TE Gerald Everett. Given the late kickoff, it's tough to wait for either, but you definitely need a prime-time pivot if you plan on starting on them.
UPDATE (11:30 a.m. ET): Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes reportedly came down with a bout of the flu on Saturday, but he's fully expected to play against the Broncos, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini. Fantasy owners shouldn't consider him benching him unless he's scratched.
NOTABLE OFFICIAL EARLY ACTIVES (11:35 a.m. ET): Raheem Mostert, Curtis Samuel, Zack Moss, Taysom Hill, Trevor Lawrence, Luke Musgrave, Darren Waller, Michael Thomas, Jalen Ramsey, Jaire Alexander, Brian Burns
NOTABLE OFFICIAL EARLY INACTIVES (11:35 a.m. ET): Robert Woods, Zay Jones, Ryan Tannehill, Daniel Jones, Zach Evans, Tyron Smith, Andrew Thomas,
WEEK 8 INJURY UPDATES:
QBs | RBs | WRs/TEs | Josh Palmer
Playing time updates for NFL Week 8
Rookie Will Levis is expected to start at QB against the Falcons for the Titans, but Malik Willis will also be involved. Neither is an option in single-QB leagues, but if you're looking for a superflex/No. 2 QB in superflex/2-QB leagues, Levis is the better option.
The return of Juwan Johnson, who hasn't played in over a month, could impact how Taysom Hill is used. Hill has effectively broken out as New Orleans' TE1 in addition to being a short-yardage back, so his fantasy appeal, at least in PPR leagues, is up in the air. We still recommend starting Hill this week given the matchup, but pay attention to his snaps and targets.
The Dolphins' D/ST only gets stronger with the return of Jalen Ramsey. They're a virtual must-start in a great home matchup against New England.
Tank Dell (concussion) missed Houston's last game, but he should be busy against Carolina, especially with Robert Woods (foot) out.
Zack Moss (heel) was a legit game-time decision, and with Jonathan Taylor increasing his snap share every week, it seems likely we start to see Moss fade into the background. Given the matchup, he's a risky start today, especially with no teams on bye.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Sunday morning that Chuba Hubbard will likely operate as the Panthers' early-down back, with Miles Sanders being mixed in more on third downs. Hubbard is the optimal starting option between the two, but Sanders can still work as a flex in deep leagues thanks to the favorable matchup.
Weather updates for NFL Week 8
For a full breakdown of all of the Week 8 weather worries, click here.
We're going to have some cold, rain, wind, and maybe even a little snow this week, but the bottom line is weather shouldn't affect many of your start 'em, sit 'em decisions. The windiest game will likely be Patriots-Dolphins, where gusts will be up to 25 mph. The wettest game will likely be in New York for Jets-Giants, where there's a 90-percent chance of rain but low winds. Jaguars-Steelers and Falcons-Titans will also likely see some showers. It will be somewhat rainy and cold for the Vikings-Packers, but there won't be much wind, and there's a low chance of snow and temps below 30 degrees for Chiefs-Broncos. You shouldn't force any kickers or secondary receiving options for the rainy and windy games, but unless the forecasts worsen closer to kickoff, most normal starters should remain in your lineups.
UPDATES: Most of the heavy rain in Pittsburgh is done, but spotty showers will remain during the early part of the game. Heavy rains are falling in New York and could linger in the first half. Don't take any chances with any Jets or Giants pass-catchers other than Garrett Wilson and Darren Waller, and look for different kickers.
Who should I start in fantasy football today?
Advice based on 12-team, half-point PPR leagues
The recommendations below are from Vinnie Iyer's Week 8 start 'em, sit 'em column.
Must-starts
QB: Lamar Jackson, Ravens (at ARI), Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs (at DEN), Jalen Hurts, Eagles (at WAS), Justin Herbert, Chargers (vs. CHI), Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins (vs. NE), Josh Allen, Bills (vs. TB), Joe Burrow, Bengals (at SF)
RB: Christian McCaffrey, 49ers (vs. CIN), Travis Etienne, Jaguars (vs. PIT), Austin Ekeler, Chargers (vs. CHI), Alvin Kamara, Saints (at IND), Tony Pollard, Cowboys (vs. LAR), Raheem Mostert, Dolphins (vs. NE), Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions (at BAL), Breece Hall, Jets (at NYG), D'Andre Swift, Eagles (at WAS), Isiah Pacheco, Chiefs (vs. LAC), Saquon Barkley, Giants (vs. NYJ), Bijan Robinson, Falcons (at TEN), Jonathan Taylor, Colts (vs. NO), Derrick Henry, Titans (vs. ATL), Aaron Jones, Packers (vs. MIN), Kenneth Walker, Seahawks (vs. CLE), Josh Jacobs, Raiders (at DET), Alexander Mattison, Vikings (at GB)
WR: Tyreek Hill, Dolphins (vs. NE), A.J. Brown, Eagles (vs. WAS), Stefon Diggs, Bills (vs. TB), Keenan Allen, Chargers (vs. CHI), Ja'Marr Chase, Bengals (at SF), Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions (vs. LV), Cooper Kupp, Rams (at DAL), CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys (vs. LAR), Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers (vs. CIN), Davante Adams, Raiders (at DET), Puka Nacua, Rams (at DAL), Adam Thielen, Panthers (vs. HOU), Chris Olave, Saints (at IND), Zay Flowers, Ravens (at ARI), Christian Kirk, Jaguars (vs. PIT), DeVonta Smith, Eagles (at WAS), DJ Moore, Bears (at LAC), Mike Evans, Buccaneers (at BUF), Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins (vs. NE), Garrett Wilson, Jets (at NYG), Nico Collins, Texans (at CAR), Jakobi Meyers, Raiders (at DET), Terry McLaurin, Commanders (vs. PHI), Calvin Ridley, Jaguars (at PIT), DK Metcalf, Seahawks (vs. CLE), Jordan Addison, Vikings (vs. GB), Josh Downs, Colts (vs. NO), Courtland Sutton, Broncos (vs. KC)
TE: Travis Kelce, Chiefs (at DEN), Mark Andrews, Ravens (at ARI), T.J. Hockenson, Vikings (at GB), George Kittle, 49ers (vs. CIN), Sam LaPorta, Lions (vs. LV), Darren Waller, Giants (vs. NYJ), Dallas Goedert, Eagles (at WAS), Kyle Pitts, Falcons (at TEN), Evan Engram, Jaguars (at NO)
D/ST: Eagles (at WAS), Ravens (at ARI), Jets (at NYG), Bills (vs. TB), Cowboys (vs. LAR), Chiefs (at. DEN), Jaguars (at PIT), Browns (at SEA)
Smart sits
QB: Sam Howell (vs. PHI), Matthew Stafford (@ DAL), Gardner Minshew (vs. NO), Russell Wilson (vs. KC), Geno Smith (vs. CLE)
RB: Brian Robinson Jr. (vs. PHI), Kareem Hunt (@ SEA), Darrell Henderson Jr. (@ DAL), Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren (vs. JAX), Zack Moss (vs. NO), Emari Demercado (vs. BAL)
WR: Tyler Lockett (vs. CLE), Tank Dell (@ CAR), Rashee Rice (@ DEN), Jerry Jeudy (vs. KC), Michael Thomas (@ IND), DeAndre Hopkins (vs. ATL), Kendrick Bourne (@ MIA)
TE: Jonnu Smith (@ TEN), David Njoku (@ SEA), Tyler Higbee (@ DAL), Cole Kmet (vs. MIN), Hunter Henry (@ MIA)
D/ST: Giants (vs. NYJ), Texans (@ CAR), Steelers (vs. JAX), Packers (vs. MIN)
Read more coverage from Sporting News' team of fantasy football experts, including Week 8 rankings for PPR and standard formats, sleepers, busts, DFS picks, and other projections below.
WEEK 8 FANTASY ADVICE: Sleepers | Busts
WEEK 8 DFS: DK lineup | FD lineup | Best values | Best stacks
WEEK 8 TOOLS: RotoBaller "Who To Start?" tool | Draft Sharks' Week 8 projections
Fantasy football rankings Week 8
Below are Sporting News' updated fantasy football rankings for Week 8. Rankings based on full-point PPR scoring.
Quarterback
Rank Player
1 Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs @ Broncos
2 Lamar Jackson, Ravens @ Cardinals
3 Jalen Hurts, Eagles @ Commanders
4 Josh Allen, Bills vs. Buccaneers
5 Justin Herbert, Chargers vs. Bears
6 Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins vs. Patriots
7 Jared Goff, Lions vs. Raiders
8 C.J. Stroud, Texans @ Panthers
9 Kirk Cousins, Vikings @ Packers
10 Dak Prescott, Cowboys vs. Rams
Running back
Rank Player
1 Christian McCaffrey, 49ers vs. Bengals
2 Austin Ekeler, Chargers vs. Bears
3 Raheem Mostert, Dolphins vs. Patriots
4 Travis Etienne, Jaguars @ Steelers
5 Isiah Pacheco, Chiefs @ Broncos
6 Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks vs. Browns
7 Tony Pollard, Cowboys vs. Rams
8 Breece Hall, Jets @ Giants
9 D'Andre Swift, Eagles @ Commanders
10 Aaron Jones, Packers vs. Vikings
11 Alvin Kamara, Saints @ Colts
12 Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions vs. Raiders
13 Josh Jacobs, Raiders @ Lions
14 Saquon Barkley, Giants vs. Jets
15 Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots @ Dolphins
16 Derrick Henry, Titans vs. Falcons
17 Gus Edwards, Ravens @ Cardinals
18 D'Onta Foreman, Bears @ Chargers
19 Dameon Pierce, Texans @ Panthers
20 James Cook, Bills vs. Buccaneers
Wide receiver
Rank Player
1 Tyreek Hill, Dolphins vs. Patriots
2 Stefon Diggs, Bills vs. Buccaneers
3 A.J. Brown, Eagles @ Commanders
4 Cooper Kupp, Rams @ Cowboys
5 Ja'Marr Chase, Bengals @ 49ers
6 Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions vs. Raiders
7 Keenan Allen, Chargers vs. Bears
8 Davante Adams, Raiders @ Lions
9 Adam Thielen, Panthers vs. Texans
10 CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys vs. Rams
11 Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers vs. Bengals
12 DJ Moore, Bears @ Chargers
13 Puka Nacua, Rams @ Cowboys
14 Garrett Wilson, Jets @ Giants
15 Chris Olave, Saints @ Colts
16 Mike Evans, Buccaneers @ Bills
17 Michael Pittman Jr., Colts vs. Saints
18 Jakobi Meyers, Raiders @ Lions
19 Zay Flowers, Ravens @ Cardinals
20 Christian Kirk, Jaguars @ Steelers
21 George Pickens, Steelers vs. Jaguars
22 DK Metcalf, Seahawks vs. Browns
23 Jordan Addison, Vikings @ Packers
24 Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins vs. Patriots
25 Marquise Brown, Cardinals vs. Ravens
Tight end
Rank Player
1 Travis Kelce, Chiefs @ Broncos
2 Sam LaPorta, Lions vs. Raiders
3 T.J. Hockenson, Vikings @ Packers
4 Darren Waller, Giants vs. Jets
5 Mark Andrews, Ravens @ Cardinals
6 Evan Engram, Jaguars @ Steelers
7 George Kittle, 49ers vs. Bengals
8 Dallas Goedert, Eagles @ Commanders
9 Jake Ferguson, Cowboys vs. Rams
10 Logan Thomas, Commanders vs. Eagles
Defense/Special teams
Rank Player
1 New York Jets @ Giants
2 Detroit Lions vs. Raiders
3 Buffalo Bills vs. Buccaneers
4 San Francisco 49ers vs. Bengals
5 Baltimore Ravens @ Cardinals
6 New Orleans Saints @ Colts
7 Seattle Seahawks vs. Browns
8 Cleveland Browns @ Seahawks
9 Philadelphia Eagles @ Commanders
10 Dallas Cowboys vs. Rams
WEEK 8 STANDARD RANKINGS:
RBs | WRs | TEs | Kickers
