Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is expected to start against the Detroit Lions in Week 9, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. While Rapoport had previously reported that McCarthy would be the starter when healthy, his exact timetable for returning remained up in the air. Now, we have some clarity that the second-year quarterback should be active next weekend, barring a setback. Minnesota has managed to play 3-4 football despite starting Carson Wentz for five of its seven games, but it still ranks last in the NFC North as the division's only team below .500. McCarthy will face a tough task in his first game back, as the Lions are 5-2 with a strong defensive front. On a positive note, Detroit's defense has allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2025, so Minnesota's signal-caller could have a solid performance. The 22-year-old ranks as a mid-range QB2 ahead of his third game this season -- and his first since Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Updating a previous report, Kansas City Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt (ankle, knee) will play in Week 8's game versus the Washington Commanders.

Fantasy Spin: Hunt was removed from the injury report after fully participating in practice Saturday, Oct. 25. Prior to that, he had been held out of practice Thursday, Oct. 23, and was only a limited participant Friday, Oct. 24. Hunt has only seen a handful of touches in recent weeks and is unlikely to see an uptick in usage on Monday night, so he is not a recommended fantasy lineup option.

From TheHuddle

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco has momentum on his side as he prepares for a favorable Week 8 matchup against the New York Jets. Flacco is coming off one of his best games in recent memory, completing 31 passes for 342 yards and three touchdowns while surrendering zero turnovers. He looks like a completely different quarterback than the Flacco who was benched by the Browns and subsequently traded just a few weeks ago. While we don't expect the veteran to replicate last week's line every game, it was encouraging to see him break out because it confirms that he's at least capable of throwing the football effectively while limiting turnovers. It also provided optimism for fantasy managers with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The 40-year-old is on track to have another productive game against the 0-7 Jets, who have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks despite having a secondary anchored by Sauce Gardner. Flacco is a mid-range fantasy QB2 with legitimate QB1 upside.

From RotoBaller

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (hip) is expected to play in Sunday's Week 8 contest against the New York Jets, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The 30-year-old had played in six games, registering 15 tackles and four sacks, before missing last week's contest against the Steelers. He is now healthy again and will return to the defensive mix following a one-game absence. Widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in the league, Hendrickson should offer an immediate boost to Cincinnati's defense in his return.

From RotoBaller

New York Giants edge rusher Brian Burns (hip) told reporters that he expects to play in Sunday's Week 8 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles despite being listed as questionable, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. Burns missed two practices this week before logging a limited session on Friday. The 27-year-old has not yet missed a game this season, amassing 34 tackles, nine sacks, and one forced fumble while ranking as one of the best defensive players in fantasy football. His presence on Sunday is huge for the Giants' defense, as well as fantasy managers in IDP leagues.

From RotoBaller

Cincinnati Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson (hip) will play in Week 8's game versus the New York Jets, according to a source. He had been listed as questionable on the injury report after logging two limited practice sessions during the week.

From TheHuddle

New York Jets tight end Mason Taylor (quad) is expected to suit up for Sunday's Week 8 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. He popped up on the injury report on Thursday and was able to get through a limited practice session on Friday. Barring any setbacks, Taylor should be out there for this weekend's matchup. Taylor could have a larger role than normal with the Jets shorthanded on offensive playmakers. If healthy, the rookie tight end makes for a possible flex play.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson is expected to handle a significant workload against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 8 after Nico Collins (concussion) and Christian Kirk (hamstring) were both ruled out. Hutchinson played a season-high 78 percent of the snaps last weekend, so we know he's capable of getting on the field at a high rate. He only caught one pass in that game, but in Week 5 against Baltimore, he had three catches for 18 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The 25-year-old may still lose some opportunities to Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, but if there's ever an opportunity for Hutchinson to break out, it's this Sunday with Collins and Kirk sidelined. Hutchinson has low-end WR3/flex appeal in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (hip) was a late addition to the injury report on Friday. The organization plans to check on London on Sunday morning to determine whether or not he'll be able to play against the Miami Dolphins in Week 8. His absence would be a huge hit to this offense. If he's unable to play, Darnell Mooney and Kyle Pitts Sr. would see their value skyrocket with Kirk Cousins under center this weekend. If active, London is a solid WR1, but fantasy managers will need to check back soon for another update.

From RotoBaller

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers hasn't been quiet about wanting to be traded. Despite that, the Raiders aren't going to let Meyers go for free. The organization said they're only willing to trade Meyers if they get strong value in return. Coming into Week 8, Meyers has 29 receptions with 329 receiving yards and no touchdowns. The 28-year-old hauled in a career-high 87 receptions last season, but isn't having the same success. The Raiders offense is struggling and Meyers could certainly benefit from a move elsewhere. We'll see if any organization is willing to pay the right price to acquire the 28-year-old.

From RotoBaller

The Tennessee Titans are reportedly open to making trades ahead of the deadline. Unsurprisingly, the struggling Titans are likely to move some veterans given their season is basically a lost cause. Names such as Tony Pollard, Calvin Ridley, and many others veterans should be available. However, the Titans have made it known they aren't willing to trade rookie quarterback Cameron Ward or star defensive end Jeffery Simmons. It sounds like the Titans are willing to trade, but won't move their most important players.

From RotoBaller

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks could be dealt ahead of the trade deadline. The Saints season isn't going anywhere, so they might as well get something for the veteran wideout. If traded, Cooks would make history as the most traded player before the deadline. Ahead of Week 8, Cooks has 14 receptions for 127 receiving yards and has been held out of the end zone. The 32-year-old hasn't experienced much success in 2025, but can still contribute in this league. The Saints offense has struggled badly, so a move elsewhere should help Cooks' value.

From RotoBaller

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is reportedly available for trade ahead of the deadline. The Saints don't appear willing to move Chris Olave, but Shaheed can be moved for the right price. Coming into Week 8, Shaheed has 30 receptions for 356 receiving yards with two touchdowns. The 27-year-old is set to be a free agent after this season. He's not a No.1 wideout, but could still help a contending organization in need of a wideout. His fantasy value would likely rise on a better offense.

From RotoBaller

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, New York Jets running back Breece Hall (knee) is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Bengals. The 24-year-old was limited to 38 yards off 11 carries in the Week 7 loss to the Carolina Panthers. He also picked up a knee injury, limiting him in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. While Hall managed to log a full session on Friday, his presence still wasn't enough to dodge a questionable designation for Week 8. The Jets' injury report is loaded, with Garrett Wilson (knee), Tyrod Taylor (knee), and Josh Reynolds (hip) all ruled out. As a result, it could be a busy day for Hall versus a Bengals defense that has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing backs throughout the 2025 campaign, giving him plenty of upside for managers in any format.

From RotoBaller

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (groin) is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. The 26-year-old has been dealing with the groin issue for a few weeks. However, it didn't stop him from suiting up for the Week 7 win over the New Orleans Saints. It also didn't prevent him from amassing 124 yards and a touchdown off 19 touches. While Swift should continue to split carries out of the backfield with rookie Kyle Monangai, he's still a solid fantasy option for the meeting with the Ravens, a team that has struggled to slow down opposing fantasy running backs throughout the 2025 campaign.

From RotoBaller

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (shoulder) has already been ruled out for Sunday's divisional clash with the New York Giants. However, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the wideout "is expected to have a realistic chance to return" in the Week 10 meeting with the Green Bay Packers. The Eagles will have a much-needed bye in Week 9. Philadelphia will also play the Week 10 game on a Monday night, so Brown will have a little more recovery time. Of course, things are subject to change, and there will presumably be countless updates along the way. For now, fantasy managers should anticipate additional targets for DeVonta Smith, who had nine grabs for 183 yards and a touchdown in the Week 8 win over the Vikings. The same can be said for Dallas Goedert and Saquon Barkley.

From RotoBaller

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins will get the start in Sunday's meeting with the Dolphins. Michael Penix Jr. (knee) was limited during the week because of a bone bruise. Although it appears he's moving in the right direction, potentially returning in Week 9 versus the New England Patriots, he won't be out there in Week 8. As far as Cousins is concerned, he's not getting any younger. However, there's no denying he's had a productive career in the National Football League. The 37-year-old has appeared in 165 regular-season contests, throwing for 43,008 yards, 288 touchdowns, and 126 interceptions while completing 66.9% of his throws. He's also found the end zone 19 times on the run. Cousins has a favorable matchup against a Dolphins defense that hasn't looked the best. While he's still not the safest or trustworthy fantasy option, desperate managers can look his way for streaming purposes, considering the number of injured quarterbacks along with six teams getting the week off for their bye.

From RotoBaller

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) "has a real chance" to play in Week 9 against the New England Patriots. The signal-caller was limited in practice throughout the week because of a bone bruise in his knee. Although Rapoport added that Penix might have been on the field had it been a playoff game, it appears Kirk Cousins will get the start in Sunday's meeting with the Miami Dolphins. Cousins has had a productive career in the National Football League. He's appeared in 165 regular-season contests, throwing for 43,008 yards, 288 touchdowns, and 126 interceptions while completing 66.9% of his throws. The 37-year-old has a favorable matchup on the horizon versus a Dolphins defense that has allowed 29.3 points per game during the 2025 campaign. Granted, Cousins still may not be the safest fantasy option. However, with players like Lamar Jackson (hamstring), Bryce Young (ankle), Brock Purdy (toe), and Jayden Daniels (hamstring) ailing along with more than a handful of teams on a bye, Cousins at least warrants consideration for Superflex formats. The same can be said for single-QB setups.

From RotoBaller

Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins is expected to start against the Miami Dolphins in Week 8.

Fantasy Spin: With Michael Penix Jr. sidelined, Cousins will make his first start of the season. With six teams on bye and the Dolphins among the worst teams in the league, Cousins could be a streaming option as a QB2.

From TheHuddle

Tennessee Titans TE Chig Okonkwo, CB Roger McCreary and LB Arden Key are among the players the team is willing to listen to trade offers for, according to sources.

From TheHuddle