Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston returned after missing one game due to a hamstring injury, catching two passes for 30 yards and a touchdown on six targets in the team's 38-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Although rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden's breakout performance overshadowed him, Johnston's snap count and high route participation (93.1%) indicate he is physically healthy and remains a key part of the offense. Facing a quick turnaround against the blitz-heavy Minnesota Vikings may limit his downfield opportunities because of Justin Herbert's limited pocket time. However, the Vikings just allowed Jalen Hurts to throw three passing touchdowns on Sunday, which suggests their talented secondary still has vulnerabilities. Johnston's steady red-zone involvement keeps his touchdown upside high, balancing his lower floor. RotoBaller ranks Johnston as WR18. He should be considered a WR2/FLEX with significant touchdown upside.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen reminded managers of his veteran prowess in Week 7, thriving in a negative game script with 11 catches on 14 targets for 119 yards and a touchdown. His elite 30.4% targets per route run shows he is Herbert's most trusted target. Despite the quick turnaround and facing a talented Minnesota Vikings secondary, Allen's route running and precise timing are exactly what's needed against a blitz-heavy defense. If the Chargers' offensive line struggles again, the game script could lead to more short targets to the veteran, reducing the impact of the Vikings' top-five pass defense. RotoBaller has Allen as WR21. He remains a reliable, high-floor WR2, expected to put up solid numbers even against a tough opponent.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal was limited in Week 7, rushing for only 20 yards on nine carries as the Bolts faced a negative game script for most of the day, throwing the ball 55 times. However, he remains the clear lead back, especially since backup running back Hassan Haskins (hamstring) has been ruled out for Thursday. This week, Vidal faces a Minnesota Vikings run defense that is middle-of-the-pack but showed strength last week by holding Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley to just 2.4 yards per carry. With Haskins out, Vidal is expected to get nearly all the early-down work and see more red-zone opportunities. The Chargers might also focus more on the run game to help reduce the pressure on Justin Herbert. RotoBaller projects Vidal as RB23, making him a reliable low-end RB2/FLEX option based on volume and potential red zone touches.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey handled a heavy workload in the team's loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, leading the Bolts in targets for the second consecutive week with 15. McConkey leads the league in total routes run (278) and posted an impressive 28.2% targets per route run last week. He now faces a tough Minnesota Vikings secondary that allows just 26.9 PPR points per game to wide receivers. However, McConkey's reliable and quick routes are an effective counter to the Vikings' blitz-heavy defense, providing Justin Herbert with an immediate outlet under pressure. His three red-zone targets last week also highlight his growing importance near the goal line. RotoBaller ranks McConkey as WR17. His target share and versatile role make him a solid mid-range WR2 start in all league formats.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is coming off a career-best performance with 420 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. However, in last week's loss to the Indianapolis Colts, he faced pressure 35 times, highlighting the ongoing pressure he's been under behind a battered offensive line for most of the season. Herbert now faces a top-five Minnesota Vikings pass defense on a short week, which poses an immediate risk because the Vikings run the second-highest blitz rate in the NFL. Still, volume matters: Herbert is the most-blitzed QB in the league and just threw 55 passes. Additionally, the Vikings recently allowed 326 yards and three touchdowns to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Key offensive linemen Joe Alt (ankle), Trey Pipkins (knee), and Jamaree Salyer (knee) all practiced in some capacity this week and are listed as questionable for Thursday's game. If they play, protection could improve enough to let Herbert continue airing it out in a must-win situation. RotoBaller projects Herbert as QB11. He remains a locked-in QB1 due to his high passing volume and playmaking ability.

From RotoBaller

The Seattle Seahawks released TE Eric Saubert Wednesday, Oct. 22.

From TheHuddle

Detroit Lions LB Zach Cunningham (hamstring) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Wednesday, Oct. 22.

From TheHuddle

Superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings has an outstanding matchup and should be viewed as a top-tier WR1 against the floundering Los Angeles Chargers defense in this week's Thursday Night Football game. The Chargers are giving up points on more than 46% of drives, which ranks 28th in the league, and were just ransacked by the Indianapolis Colts' pass-catchers, who piled up a whopping 288 yards in a Week 7 rout. Minnesota will be stuck starting backup quarterback Carson Wentz for another week, though the veteran QB is still putting up solid yardage numbers and has peppered Jefferson with double-digit targets three games in a row. Ranked as RotoBaller's No. 2 overall receiver heading into Week 8, managers should start Jefferson in every format.

From RotoBaller

With the Minnesota Vikings set to travel to Los Angeles to take on the Chargers this Thursday, tight end T.J. Hockenson is a solid TE2 option with some additional upside. The downside for the big tight end is that he's clearly the team's third option behind two stellar receivers, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, and will be reliant upon backup quarterback Carson Wentz. The positive part is he's still averaging 6.5 targets per game with Wentz, including one red-zone target per week. The Chargers have been strong against fantasy tight ends, but are still allowing points on 46% of opposing drives -- one of the worst rates in the league -- and just surrendered 281 total receiving yards to Indianapolis last week. With the Chargers' foremost concerns likely centered around stopping the run and the Vikings' receivers, Hockenson could have a handful of key chances to do some damage.

From RotoBaller

Following an outsized fantasy performance last week against the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard is a mid-tier option with his team facing a Thursday night matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Reichard is the No. 8 overall fantasy kicker so far in 2025, but largely because of a five-field-goal performance in Week 7 that included a make from beyond 50. However, Minnesota is still starting turnover-happy backup quarterback Carson Wentz, whose offense scored only one touchdown from six tries last week. Reichard is now 13-for-14 on field goals this year and a capable fantasy kicker, but managers should try to find a higher-volume option with a better matchup this week.

From RotoBaller

The Minnesota Vikings will give Carson Wentz (shoulder) another start at the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday, during which managers should view him as a volatile Superflex option. At this point in his career, managers should know what they're getting with the veteran quarterback. Wentz could lead a surgical game-winning drive like Week 5, throw a horrific pick-six (Week 7), be a low-volume game manager (Week 3), or chuck it for 300-plus yards (Weeks 4 and 7). The suddenly struggling Chargers are middle of the pack against fantasy quarterbacks, presenting a decent matchup, though it should be mentioned that Wentz was openly grimacing last week due to the lingering injury to his non-throwing shoulder. He is still throwing to receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison against a defense that has had its fair share of issues, however, so there is a reasonable chance for a big fantasy game. Ultimately, managers will have to gauge their risk tolerance for a gunslinging backup on a short week.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (back, shoulder) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. Schultz appears to be dealing with a pair of injuries, but that didn't stop him from having success on Monday. He hauled in nine receptions for 98 yards in the loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The Texans are banged up right now, so Schultz could see a heavy workload again this weekend. If he sits, Harrison Bryant would be asked to pick up the slack during the Week 8 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason has an enticing matchup, but might not have full control of the Vikings' backfield in a Thursday game at the Los Angeles Chargers. Backfield mate Aaron Jones (hamstring) is eligible to come off injured reserve as of this week, had his practice window opened, and is listed as questionable, which is a variable worth watching prior to the game. This week brings a good matchup for any Minnesota rusher as they take on a Chargers defense ranked 28th in yards per carry allowed, 31st in rushing touchdowns allowed, and 29th in expected points added from rushing defense. Mason has earned at least 15 touches in four games in a row, giving him a solid fantasy floor as a steady RB2 option. Ultimately, managers should check back in to see if Jones is active before making a final decision.

From RotoBaller

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (hamstring) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. It has been an injury plagued first half of the season for Mooney who has only played in four games so far. He posted a decent game last week where he hauled in three receptions for 68 yards in the loss to the San Francisco 49ers. His status is worth monitoring throughout the week, but he hasn't been a consistent option when healthy. His absence would likely just mean an increased workload for Drake London and Kyle Pitts Sr. for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins.

From RotoBaller

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (hamstring) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. Slayton returning to practice is a good sight considering he has been sidelined since injuring his hamstring in Week 5. The fact he was able to get on the practice field at all is a good sign. Fantasy managers will need to monitor his status over the next few days. If active, Slayton could offer some flex value against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

New York Giants PK Graham Gano (groin) was designated to return from the Reserve/Injured list Wednesday, Oct. 22.

From TheHuddle

Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (knee, hip) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. He's a new addition to the injury report as Allgeier is dealing with a few minor issues. Allgeier hasn't done much on the field lately as he rushed for 16 yards on four carries during last week's loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He has seen double digit carries in four games this season, but it hasn't resulted in a ton of fantasy value. Whether he's healthy or not, Allgeier isn't going to have much value while Bijan Robinson is healthy and running like he has been in the backfield.

From RotoBaller

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (hamstring) was unable to practice on Wednesday. Ridley continues to deal with a lingering hamstring issue that he suffered during the Week 6 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. He sat out in Week 7 and is missing practice to begin the week here. Fantasy managers will need to continue monitoring his status throughout the week. If Ridley sits again, Elic Ayomanor and Van Jefferson figure to start against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8. Also, Chimere Dike is a sleeper player to see more work after hauling in four receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown last week.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (knee) was unable to suit up for practice on Wednesday. It's worth noting that Jeudy was limited in practice last week due to a knee issue. However, Jeudy did end up suiting up for last week's game against the Miami Dolphins. He was quiet once again as he hauled in two of his four targets for 17 yards in the win. The expectation is that Jeudy will be fine in time for the Week 8 matchup against the New England Patriots. If he sits, Isaiah Bond would likely see an increased role this weekend. Neither player has offered much to fantasy managers this season.

From RotoBaller

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (hamstring) might not be able to return until Week 9 against the Miami Dolphins, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Fantasy Spin: Jackson was a limited participant in practice Wednesday, and it sounds like there is a good chance that he won't be back under center in Week 8. The Ravens certainly aren't going to rush their franchise quarterback back, and with six teams on bye, fantasy owners should start searching for a replacement option.

From TheHuddle