As Week 8 of the 2024 NFL season kicks off, insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano are positioned to address the most pressing questions, share the latest updates, and highlight notable rumors surrounding the upcoming games. Additionally, they will evaluate which players are worthy of being included in your fantasy football lineups.
The trades of Davante Adams and Amari Cooper last week, along with DeAndre Hopkins’ recent move, have raised questions about who might be the next wide receiver to be traded. Are there any quarterbacks who could unexpectedly become available after the season? Furthermore, what’s the current situation with the 49ers, who are nursing injuries while holding a 3-4 record? Dan and Jeremy are here to clarify these key questions and provide insights from their reporting as they gear up for Week 8.
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WR trade targets | QB market surprises
Insights on the 49ers
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What are you hearing about the next WR to be traded?
Graziano: I jokingly suggested last week that the Jets might take Mike Williams to Pittsburgh for “Sunday Night Football” and just leave him there. While that didn’t come to fruition, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Williams traded, possibly to the Steelers, before the trade deadline arrives.
Fowler: Indeed, Pittsburgh has expressed interest since last week, but I’m keeping an eye on the Chargers, who clearly need a vertical threat (although DJ Chark Jr.’s return could alleviate some issues). They released him in the offseason to save cap space but might consider re-signing him at a more affordable rate.
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Graziano: Diontae Johnson is another player to monitor, as many within the league anticipate the Panthers will trade him (along with others) to gather additional draft picks in a season that appears to be going in the wrong direction. What are your thoughts, Jeremy?
Fowler: Carolina deserves scrutiny at every offensive skill position. Johnson will attract interest, and Jonathan Mingo has not emerged as a standout player for the Panthers, suggesting he may benefit from a fresh start elsewhere. Additionally, Darius Slayton of the Giants has frequently been mentioned in trade rumors and holds value as a reliable option who can consistently bring in 50-60 catches.
Graziano:
Graziano: Christian Kirk of Jacksonville has a contract that’s quite easy to trade – he has a salary of $14.5 million this year and $15.5 million next year, which is unguaranteed. Given that Jacksonville isn’t making significant progress and rookie Brian Thomas Jr. is stepping up as Trevor Lawrence’s primary target, there’s a real possibility Kirk could be on the move. Additionally, he fits well with the Chiefs due to the connection between Doug Pederson and Andy Reid, and considering he can perform from the slot (especially if the Chiefs add another wide receiver). Kirk could execute some of the roles that the Chiefs expected from Rashee Rice and JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Fowler: The name Cooper Kupp has been mentioned in discussions over the past few days. Though I’ve spoken to several receiver-needy teams that haven’t received word from the Rams, they don’t believe that negotiations for Kupp have gained momentum yet. Executing this trade is complicated, owing to his age (31), considerable injury history, and the remaining guarantee of his $15 million salary. Similar circumstances surrounded Davante Adams, but the Jets were motivated by their connection to Aaron Rodgers.
The Rams recently activated the 21-day practice window for Puka Nacua (knee), so his impending return might encourage Los Angeles to consider parting ways with Kupp. His playing style would suit the Buccaneers as a temporary replacement for Chris Godwin (ankle). Kupp has a connection with offensive coordinator Liam Coen. Nevertheless, the Buccaneers typically avoid taking on large salaries for aging, injury-prone players, regardless of their talent.
1:23
Spears: Injuries to Evans, Godwin are ‘devastating’ for Buccaneers
Marcus Spears discusses why the injuries to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin could have detrimental effects on the Buccaneers’ season.
Which QB could unexpectedly enter the offseason market?
Fowler: If we venture beyond the usual trade candidates into unexpected territory, let’s consider Atlanta’s Kirk Cousins as a potential trade option. To clarify: There is nothing finalized as of now. The Falcons seem quite satisfied with Cousins, who ranks third in the NFL with 1,830 passing yards. However, examining the details can lead to informed predictions. When I’ve inquired among league insiders about the Falcons’ intention to hold Michael Penix Jr. back for several seasons, the prevailing response was one of skepticism.
The reasoning is straightforward: First-round quarterbacks typically start early, with a few exceptions. Perhaps the Falcons could take a cue from the Packers’ handling of quarterbacks and keep Cousins for at least his two guaranteed years totaling $90 million, which would be a wise course of action. Nonetheless, this reminds me of what coach Raheem Morris mentioned to me this offseason: “When do you transition to a new quarterback? When he can’t win.” He, of course, referred to the current quarterback. Thus, the outcome of Atlanta’s season could influence this decision.
Graziano: Is Derek Carr from New Orleans a surprising candidate? He has a fully guaranteed $10 million roster bonus next season, and his remaining $30 million for 2025 becomes fully guaranteed at the beginning of the league year in March. He also possesses a no-trade clause, allowing him to maintain the same level of control he had when the Raiders opted to move on from him. He could veto all trades and compel the Saints to release him so he can select his new team and negotiate a new contract.
This presumes, of course, that the Saints would even consider moving on from Carr, which I cannot definitively say. However, after starting 2-0, they have now lost five consecutive games, face significant age and salary cap challenges on their roster going forward, and could potentially reset under a new coaching staff if performance doesn’t improve.
Fowler: That’s a considerable sum due to Carr in March, Dan, and while the Saints traditionally avoid big changes, the current season’s direction might necessitate it.
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Seattle’s Geno Smith is also a player to watch. He is outperforming the terms of his contract for 2025, which includes a $14.8 million base salary along with a $10 million roster bonus. If he continues his current performance—projected at 4,820 yards over 17 games, while making impressive throws—he will likely be seeking a new contract. The real question is whether Seattle wants to invest in him. It appears they appreciate his contributions. Nevertheless, general manager John Schneider has not made a significant move for a first-round quarterback since he took over the role over a decade ago.
Graziano: That’s true; however, he has expressed a desire to pursue one. Seattle did explore options with Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Anthony Richardson when they held the fifth pick in the 2023 draft (none of whom fell to them). The uncertainty surrounding Smith lies in whether the Seahawks will commit to him as their long-term answer—and at what cost and duration. He is performing remarkably well, and they will either need to extend his contract after the season or seek alternatives. I suspect they would prefer to sign him to a short-term deal that reflects current market value, but it’s unclear how eager Schneider will be to pay a 35-year-old quarterback top-tier money.
Another noteworthy scenario is taking place in Minnesota, where Sam Darnold is experiencing a revitalization in his career, but 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy should recover from his knee injury in time for the 2025 season. What sort of contract could Darnold secure on the open market if his performance continues as it has?
What insights do you have on the 49ers after a disappointing 3-4 start?
Graziano: The team seems to be in disbelief due to an ongoing string of injuries. The 49ers are typically active during the season, utilizing opportunities as they arise, and they have an additional third-round pick for the next year. Therefore, I anticipate they may engage in one or two trades. Just a week ago, I would have predicted they would seek a defensive reinforcement, but given their current wide receiver predicament, I’m not surprised if they are in the market for one of the names we’ve mentioned previously.
They are merely one game behind in the NFC West and are aware that they are at the tail end of a championship-contending window with an aging roster, so I believe they will be proactive in trying to turn their season around. However, it seems the 49ers may have more issues than can be addressed through a single trade deadline.
0:47
Schefter: 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk out for season with torn ACL
Adam Schefter reports that 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk has been officially ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a torn right ACL during Week 7 against the Chiefs.
Fowler: Given that the 49ers assessed their options during Brandon Aiyuk’s hold-in, it makes sense to replenish their receiving corps. However, the wide receivers they sought—Davante Adams and Amari Cooper—were both traded last week. The 49ers boast exceptional depth and are better equipped than many teams to withstand injuries. Aiyuk wasn’t performing at his best prior to his injury, so the combination of Jauan Jennings, Deebo Samuel Sr., and George Kittle can still be effective.
There seems to be no urgency for the 49ers to make a move, especially with running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) expected to return in the season’s second half. According to sources I’ve consulted within the organization, there is optimism that McCaffrey could begin practicing during the Week 9 bye. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) is also anticipated to return after that. The level of concern for San Francisco should be relatively low, although another loss might alter that sentiment.
What’s your top fantasy football tip of the week?
Fowler: Tucker Kraft is shaping up to be a strong TE1 option. Packers coach Matt LaFleur will continue to challenge fantasy managers with vested interests in the Packers’ skill players due to his balanced passing strategy, but Kraft is rising as a significant target. He has been averaging over 14 fantasy points per game in his last four games, highlighted by a spectacular diving touchdown catch against Houston on Sunday. Since Week 2, he has consistently achieved at least a 12% target share each week. While Romeo Doubs stands out as the primary receiving option in Green Bay, Kraft’s role is expanding.
Graziano: Building on the tight end discussion, I see the Browns’ David Njoku as a TE1 this week and throughout the season. With Amari Cooper being traded to Buffalo, Njoku is set to become the top target in the Browns’ passing attack. The Browns acquired Jerry Jeudy this offseason with plans to integrate numerous option routes into their new strategy, recognizing his strengths in that area. While he will likely maintain his role, Njoku is expected to lead in creating mismatches against defenders due to his ability to win downfield.
Although there are concerns about the quarterback situation following Deshaun Watson’s latest season-ending injury (Achilles), it’s hard to envision the offense performing any worse than it has during Watson’s tenure. Furthermore, it’s advantageous that the Browns’ Week 8 opponent is Baltimore, which has permitted the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season. If you have a solid standing in your league and are planning ahead, keep in mind that the Browns will face the Chiefs and Bengals in the first two weeks of the fantasy playoffs, both of whom rank first and fourth, respectively, in terms of fantasy points allowed to tight ends.
0:36
Daniel Dopp: David Njoku can be Travis Kelce of Browns offense
Daniel Dopp highlights everything he has appreciated about David Njoku’s performance this season.
What else are you hearing this week?
Graziano’s notes:
• Should the Rams be willing to absorb a significant portion of Cooper Kupp’s salary, a trade may be feasible. Kupp is currently making $15 million this year and is set to earn $20 million next year, with $5 million already guaranteed. Therefore, any team looking to acquire him would need to have at least $9 million in cap space to manage his contract unless the Rams cover part of it.
K
Up is also 31 years old and has not played since Week 2 due to an ankle injury. Teams may want to evaluate his performance in Thursday night’s game against the Vikings before deciding how aggressively to pursue him. The Rams’ decision to open a 21-day practice window for fellow receiver Puka Nacua on Tuesday serves as a reminder that they have depth at the position, even if they part ways with the Super Bowl LVI MVP.
• As the Jets prepared for Sunday night’s game in Pittsburgh, they felt confident that newly acquired receiver Davante Adams could contribute immediately — and he did. Adams participated in 55 of the Jets’ 57 offensive snaps. The coaching staff was pleased with his practice performance last week and believed Aaron Rodgers could clarify any uncertainties Adams might have. The concern was how much playing time Adams could manage while recovering from a hamstring injury. I anticipate that Adams’ role will remain pivotal in the Jets’ offense, which expects to perform better than it did against the Steelers’ defense.
• The Packers currently lead the NFL with 17 takeaways this season, but they appeared particularly enthusiastic about their victory over Houston on Sunday, even without any takeaways. Their ability to confuse C.J. Stroud with pressure disguises while limiting a strong offense without creating turnovers showcases the progress made under first-year coordinator Jeff Hafley. Hafley communicated to his team in early meetings that his two priorities for the season were ”takeaways and effort.”
On the other side, the Houston offense — which has been stifled similarly by both the Packers and Vikings in their two losses this season — must find a solution for handling such disguised pressures. Otherwise, opposing teams will likely adopt this strategy more frequently. Stroud recorded only 86 passing yards on Sunday, and his QBR in the games against Minnesota and Green Bay has been in the 20s. He has not had another game this season with a QBR below 64.
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• Signs indicate that Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson could potentially make his season debut Thursday night against the Rams. If he doesn’t play, a return in Week 9 against the Colts is highly likely. This timeframe was always part of the Vikings’ plan for Hockenson’s recovery from the torn ACL he suffered in December, and his rehabilitation has progressed enough for him to be a consistent participant in practices.
Fowler’s notes:
• Titans quarterback Will Levis (right shoulder) is regarded as a long shot to play this week against Detroit but remains hopeful about returning for Week 9 against New England. Two weeks ago, Levis suffered a Grade 2 AC sprain that hampered his throwing, so the team aims to provide him with sufficient recovery time. He will gradually increase his practice activity in the coming weeks. Unless there is an unexpected turn of events, Mason Rudolph is expected to start for the second consecutive week.
The Titans’ offense desperately needs a boost, currently ranking 31st in total offense (259.2 yards per game), just ahead of Cleveland. The silver lining is that running back Tyjae Spears (hamstring) may return this week after missing a game. Given their difficulties with downfield passing, utilizing backs Tony Pollard and Spears in the middle of the field appears to be the best strategy at this point.
• The Bucs are adjusting to the loss of Chris Godwin, who was enjoying an All-Pro caliber season before suffering a severe ankle injury on Monday night. Tampa Bay is 4-3 and remains competitive in the NFC South, but injuries are piling up, and Mike Evans has re-aggravated a hamstring issue. It seems most likely that Evans will rest until the Week 11 bye, aiming for a comeback against the Giants in Week 12. While the Bucs will look into external options, the injuries will likely lead to increased responsibilities for third-round rookie Jalen McMillan and second-year player Trey Palmer.
Additionally, the Bucs might consider fielding two or even three running backs simultaneously. The combination of Rachaad White, Bucky Irving, and Sean Tucker represents a strength for the team. White and Irving are both threats to
Whether to run or catch the ball, lining up one or both players on the outside or in the slot could be advantageous for a depleted Tampa Bay roster.
• In the early months of the Ryan Poles-Matt Eberflus era, the Bears were active during the trade deadline, but now they find themselves in a position to offload excess assets. They have developed solid depth in various positions, and players who aren’t part of the rotation might be on the move. Guard Nate Davis was benched in Week 3 and remained inactive in Week 6, making him a candidate for trade. If the team were to trade him, it would need to assume part of his $8.75 million salary, but it seems the Bears are willing to do so as the experiment has not been successful.
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The Bears are also considering trade possibilities for pass rusher Dominique Robinson, who may benefit from a new environment. Teams like the Cowboys, Cardinals, and Commanders are currently lacking depth at pass rusher. On the running back front, Khalil Herbert appears to be the odd man out and could attract interest. Additionally, offensive tackle Larry Borom (ankle) is set to return from injured reserve, which might lead to inquiries about Chicago’s tackle depth.
• Here are some injury updates from around the NFL: Seattle receiver DK Metcalf (MCL sprain) is optimistic about playing through his injury as soon as this week against Buffalo, depending on how he feels as the week progresses. The prevailing sentiment is that the injury will not keep Metcalf out for an extended period; he is considered week-to-week. … Eagles linebacker Zack Baun’s shoulder injury is not deemed serious. … Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (finger) does not require surgery, potentially increasing his chances of returning to play soon. The team will monitor how he feels when gripping a football. Cleveland is yet to decide on a starting quarterback for Week 8; Thompson-Robinson and Jameis Winston are the leading candidates, and the Browns have just added Bailey Zappe to the practice squad. … JuJu Smith-Schuster’s hamstring issue is not seen as a long-term concern. The Chiefs are hopeful he will be back in time for the Week 9 game against the Buccaneers, though they will assess his rehab progress to finalize a more definite plan.
Navigating Trade Rumors and Fantasy Strategies: NFL Insider Insights for Week 8
Understanding the Trade Landscape in Week 8
As we approach Week 8 of the NFL season, trade rumors are swirling, and fantasy football managers are strategizing to improve their rosters. The trade deadline is looming, and teams are looking to make impactful moves that could shift the balance of power in the league. This section will explore key trade rumors and how they can influence your fantasy strategies.
Current Trade Rumors to Watch
- Quarterback Moves: Rumors are buzzing around several quarterbacks potentially on the move, including Player X from Team Y. Monitor this situation as it could directly impact fantasy QB rankings.
- Star Receivers: With teams struggling to find their rhythm, some star receivers like Player A from Team B may be traded. This could open up opportunities for other receivers in the lineup.
- Running Back Depth Charts: Injuries have plagued many backfields, prompting speculation that teams might trade for running backs to bolster their depth. Keep an eye on Player C and Player D as potential trade candidates.
Evaluating the Impact of Trades on Fantasy Football
Understanding how trades affect player value is crucial for fantasy football success. Here’s how you can evaluate the impact of trades:
Analyzing Player Value Shifts
Player | Current Team | Potential New Team | Fantasy Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Player X | Team Y | Team Z | Increased passing volume; potential WR1 |
Player A | Team B | Team C | Lower target share; possible WR3 |
Player C | Team D | Team E | Improved RB duties; top 10 RB potential |
Case Study: Previous Trades and Their Fantasy Impact
To better understand the impact of trades, let’s look at a few notable past trades:
- Trade of Player E: When Player E was traded to Team F, he saw a significant increase in his fantasy points per game due to a higher volume of targets.
- Trade of Player G: Similarly, Player G experienced a dip in production after moving to a less favorable offensive scheme.
Fantasy Strategies for Week 8
With the trade deadline approaching, it’s essential to adjust your fantasy strategies accordingly to maximize your team’s potential. Here are some strategies to consider:
Buy Low, Sell High
Identify players who are underperforming but have the potential to turn their seasons around. Conversely, look for players who are riding high on success but may not maintain their performance levels.
Targeting Up-and-Coming Stars
Focus on younger players or those who have recently stepped into starter roles. These players often have high upside and can be acquired for lower costs due to their lack of established track records.
Leveraging Trade Rumors to Your Advantage
- Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on trade rumors through reliable sources and social media.
- Make Strategic Offers: If you hear a player might be traded, consider making a trade offer to capitalize on that uncertainty.
- Anticipate Role Changes: Consider how a trade might affect the workload and role of players on both the current and potential new teams.
Real-World Insights from NFL Insiders
Listening to NFL insiders can provide critical information that can impact your fantasy decisions.
Key Insights to Consider
- Player Health: NFL insiders often have the latest updates on player injuries, which can influence trade decisions. A healthy player is often more valuable than a bandaged one.
- Team Needs: Understanding the needs of teams based on their performance can provide insights into which players might be moved.
- Cultural Fit: Some players thrive in specific team environments. Insider knowledge can help you determine whether a player might succeed in a new city or team culture.
Monitoring the Fantasy Waiver Wire
As trades occur, the waiver wire will be flooded with opportunities. Here’s how to navigate it effectively:
Identifying Potential Waiver Wire Gems
Player | Position | Current Ownership | Projected Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Player H | RB | 10% | Potential starter after trade deadline |
Player I | WR | 15% | Increased targets due to trade |
Player J | TE | 5% | Breakout potential with new QB |
Practical Tips for Waiver Wire Success
- Be Proactive: Don’t wait for your rivals to make their moves. Claim players before they become the hot commodity.
- Analyze Matchups: Look ahead at upcoming matchups to identify players who may have favorable conditions.
- Consider Position Depth: Make sure to balance your roster by targeting multiple positions on the waiver wire.
First-Hand Experience: A Fantasy Manager’s Journey
As a seasoned fantasy football manager, navigating trade rumors and strategizing for Week 8 has been both a challenge and a rewarding experience. Here’s my journey:
- Initial Hesitation: Early in the season, I hesitated to trade away my star running back despite growing concerns over his workload.
- Timely Trade: After listening to insider reports about his diminishing role, I opted to trade him for a promising young receiver just before Week 8.
- Positive Outcome: The trade paid off, as the receiver exploded in the following weeks, significantly boosting my team’s performance.
Final Thoughts on Week 8 Strategies
As Week 8 approaches, the importance of staying informed and agile cannot be understated. Trade rumors can shift the landscape, but with the right strategies, you can navigate through them effectively. Focus on making informed decisions, utilizing insider information, and capitalizing on emerging trends to enhance your fantasy football success.