Who should you start? Who should you sit? We will provide updates and analyses relevant to fantasy as NFL teams make their official inactives lists available, assisting you in setting your fantasy football lineups and steering clear of selecting an offensive player who won’t be playing. The rankings referenced in this article are derived from our ESPN Fantasy staff.
Official inactives for Sunday are expected to start coming in around 90 minutes prior to the scheduled kickoff times: approximately 11:30 a.m. ET for the early games and 2:30 p.m. ET for the late-afternoon matchups.
Stay updated by refreshing frequently for the latest information.
1 p.m. ET games
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Keaton Mitchell, RB, BAL: Knee — OUT
Impact: His 21-day window for a return is now active. Upon his return, he might take over as the No. 2 RB, replacing Justice Hill.
Rasheen Ali, RB, BAL: Ankle — OUT
Impact: Considering the prior information, Ali may only be engaged on special teams once he returns.
Zay Flowers, WR, BAL: Ankle — Questionable
Impact: He will likely attempt to play, but don’t be surprised if Rashod Bateman performs better this Sunday.
Tee Higgins, WR, CIN: Quad — Questionable
Impact: His last-minute addition to the injury report on Friday is not encouraging. Andrei Iosivas may see a slight increase in fantasy value.
Jerome Ford, RB, CLE: Hamstring — OUT
Impact: Nick Chubb will be replaced by Pierre Strong Jr.
Deshaun Watson, QB, CLE: Achilles — OUT/IR
Impact: Jameis Winston will have the opportunity to fend off Dorian Thompson-Robinson (finger) for future starting considerations.
Jameson Williams, WR, DET: Suspension
Impact: He will be absent this week and next. Kalif Raymond and Tim Patrick will see boosted value.
Travis Etienne Jr., RB, JAX: Hamstring — Questionable
Impact: This will be a game-time decision, with Tank Bigsby and D’Ernest Johnson prepared to step in if he cannot play.
Tua Tagovailoa, QB
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, MIA: Concussion — Questionable
Impact: Having successfully navigated the league’s concussion protocols, he is set to return to action on Sunday. Tyler Huntley (shoulder) has been placed on IR.
Tyreek Hill, WR, MIA: Foot — Questionable
Impact: If Hill isn’t fully healthy, Jaylen Waddle could be positioned as Tua’s primary WR target upon his return.
Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, NE: Concussion — OUT
Impact: Currently in the league’s concussion protocol, Kayshon Boutte now stands as the most reliable receiver for the Patriots at this moment.
Allen Lazard, WR, NYJ: Chest — Doubtful
Impact: This situation may come down to a game-time decision. Even if Lazard plays, the Jets acquired Davante Adams to utilize him as much as possible.
Dallas Goedert, TE, PHI: Hamstring — OUT
Impact: Grant Calcaterra will step in to fill the gap left by Goedert.
Bucky Irving, RB, TB: Toe — Questionable
Impact: While he’s expected to play, Sean Tucker remains a consideration.
Mike Evans, WR, TB: Hamstring — OUT
Impact: With Chris Godwin (ankle/IR) out for the season, Evans may return by Week 12 if recovery goes as planned.
Rakim Jarrett, WR, TB: Knee — Questionable
Impact: Activated from IR this week, Jarrett adds depth to a thin receiver corps for the Bucs.
Will Levis, QB, TEN: Shoulder — Questionable
Impact: Mason Rudolph took the majority of first-team reps this week, indicating Levis may not be ready to go.
Tyjae Spears, RB, TEN: Hamstring — OUT
Impact: Tony Pollard is likely to handle the majority of carries, with Julius Chestnut receiving any leftover touches.
4 p.m. ET games
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Curtis Samuel, WR, BUF: Pectoral — OUT
Impact: Although he is aiming for a return in Week 9, his significance has diminished with Amari Cooper joining the team.
Andy Dalton, QB, CAR: Thumb – Doubtful
Impact: Due to his recovery from Tuesday’s car accident, Bryce Young will take the starting role.
Jonathon Brooks, RB, CAR: Knee – OUT
Impact: Chuba Hubbard will lead the backfield for the Panthers for at least one more week.
Tommy Tremble, TE, CAR: Back – Questionable
Impact: Ja’Tavion Sanders (groin/wrist) has also been limited in practice this week, meaning either tight end could start.
Diontae Johnson, WR, CAR: Ribs — OUT
Impact: Despite feeling ready to play, he will not participate. Xavier Legette and Jonathan Mingo will be in the starting lineup.
Adam Thielen, WR,
CAR: Hamstring — OUT
Impact: Still not ready to return from IR; we could see whether David Moore or Jalen Coker get opportunities.
Travis Homer, RB, CHI: Finger — Questionable
Impact: Recently coming off IR, he will have a chance to back up D’Andre Swift.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, KC: Hamstring — OUT
Impact: At least he is not on IR. Newly signed DeAndre Hopkins will join Xavier Worthy in this matchup.
Will Dissly, TE, LAC: Shoulder — Questionable
Impact: He recorded eight receptions last week with Hurst sidelined but is likely a game-time decision.
Hayden Hurst, TE, LAC: Groin — Questionable
Impact: If both Hurst and Dissly are unavailable, Eric Tomlinson could emerge as a TE sleeper.
DJ Chark Jr., WR, LAC: Groin — Questionable
Impact: He had been on IR going into the week, but there are numerous WR opportunities available.
Derius Davis, WR, LAC: Hamstring – Doubtful
Impact: If he is unable to play, either Brenden Rice or Simi Fehoko may see some snaps by default.
Quentin Johnston, WR, LAC: Ankle — Doubtful
Impact: Joshua Palmer appears to be the only reliable starter among the Chargers’ wideouts. Jaylen Johnson and Jalen Reagor were both elevated from the practice squad.
Ladd McConkey, WR, LAC: Hip — Questionable
Impact: Despite missing two practices this week, he is expected to play out of necessity on Sunday.
Aidan O’Connell, QB, LV: Thumb — OUT/IR
Impact: Gardner Minshew, whose mustache has often drawn more attention than his performance, will take the helm once more.
Jakobi Meyers, WR, LV: Ankle — Questionable
Impact: Expected to return after a lengthy absence, he may be placed on a limited snap count.
Derek Carr, QB, NO: Oblique – Doubtful
Impact: Spencer Rattler is set to start again while Carr continues his recovery.
Cedrick Wilson Jr., WR, NO: Hip — OUT
Impact: Chris Olave, however, is anticipated to return this week after missing time due to a concussion.
DK Metcalf, WR, SEA: Knee — Doubtful
Impact: Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba will be crucial for the team’s passing game.
Jayden Daniels, QB, WAS: Ribs – Questionable
Impact: This will be a decision made at game time; Marcus Mariota is ready to step in if necessary. Sam Hartman remains on the practice squad, which is a positive sign.
Sunday night game
John Stephens Jr., TE, DAL: Knee — OUT/IR
Impact: His season has concluded. The opened roster spot allowed for RB Dalvin Cook’s elevation from the practice squad.
Jake Moody, K, SF: Ankle — OUT
Impact: Anders Carlson will take over again, despite having missed an extra point last week.
Jauan Jennings, WR, SF: Hip — OUT
Impact: With Jennings and Brandon Aiyuk (on IR with a corresponding injury), the depth is affected.
Ricky Pearsall, WR, SF: Torn ACL — Out
Impact: With Pearsall sidelined, the starting role may fall to him.
Deebo Samuel Sr., WR, SF: Illness — Questionable
Impact: As Samuel battles pneumonia, Jacob Cowing and Chris Conley could receive additional targets, although Samuel is anticipated to play.
George Kittle, TE, SF: Foot — Questionable
Impact: Considering the concerns with the wide receivers, Kittle is likely to continue playing despite the injury.
Week 8 Fantasy Football Inactives and Injury Updates: Key Decisions for Your Lineup
Understanding the Impact of Inactives
Week 8 of the NFL season brings critical decisions for fantasy football managers. As teams finalize their lineups, inactives and injury updates can drastically affect your roster. Knowing who is in and who is out can help you make informed choices when setting your lineups.
Week 8 Injury Report Overview
As we approach Week 8, several players are dealing with injuries that could impact their availability. Here’s a breakdown of key players to watch:
| Player | Position | Status | Injury Type</th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christian McCaffrey | RB | Doubtful | Calf |
| Tyreek Hill | WR | Questionable | Hamstring |
| Justin Fields | QB | Out | Thumb |
| Davante Adams | WR | Probable | Back |
Key Players to Monitor
Here are some key players whose statuses could significantly impact your fantasy football lineup for Week 8:
1. Christian McCaffrey (RB, San Francisco 49ers)
McCaffrey has been one of the top fantasy performers this season. However, his calf injury raises concerns about his availability. If he’s ruled out, look to backup players like Elijah Mitchell or Jordan Mason who could see increased touches.
2. Tyreek Hill (WR, Miami Dolphins)
Hill’s hamstring issue could limit his effectiveness if he plays. Monitor his practice reports closely leading up to Sunday. If he is active, he’s still a must-start, but consider his health status when evaluating your lineup.
3. Justin Fields (QB, Chicago Bears)
Fields has been ruled out for Week 8 due to a thumb injury. This creates an opportunity for backup Tyson Bagent to step in. However, this could also affect the performance of receivers like DJ Moore, so tread carefully.
4. Davante Adams (WR, Las Vegas Raiders)
Adams is listed as probable with a back injury. If he plays, he remains a strong WR1 option. Monitor his status leading up to game time, as even a limited snap count could impact his production.
Analyzing the Matchups
Understanding the matchups can help you make better decisions regarding inactives and injuries. Here are some notable matchups for Week 8:
Top Matchups to Consider
- Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots: If Hill plays, he’s a must-start against a Patriots secondary that has struggled.
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks: A favorable matchup for McCaffrey if he plays. Look for a heavy run game.
- Chicago Bears vs. Los Angeles Chargers: Without Fields, the Bears might struggle offensively, affecting the fantasy outlook of all Bears players.
Benefits of Monitoring Injury Reports
Staying updated on injury reports can significantly benefit your fantasy football strategy:
- Better Lineup Decisions: Knowing who is active and healthy allows for more strategic selection of players.
- Identify Sleepers: Injuries can create opportunities for lesser-known players to step up, potentially leading to a breakout performance.
- Avoiding Risky Starts: Understanding injuries helps prevent starting players who may be limited or out entirely.
Practical Tips for Week 8
Here are some practical tips for navigating Week 8:
- Check for Last-Minute Updates: Injuries can change rapidly, so keep an eye on the news right up until the game starts.
- Utilize Fantasy Platforms: Use fantasy platforms that provide real-time injury reports and updates to stay ahead.
- Consider Weather Conditions: Weather can also impact performance; check forecasts for potential rain or wind, especially for quarterbacks and receivers.
Case Studies: Previous Weeks’ Inactives Impact
Looking at previous weeks can provide insight into how inactives and injuries can influence fantasy outcomes. Here are a few cases:
Case Study 1: Week 5 – DeAndre Hopkins
Hopkins was a late scratch due to a hamstring injury. His absence allowed rookie Treylon Burks to step up, providing a solid performance that many fantasy managers overlooked. This highlights the importance of spotting emerging players as injury replacements.
Case Study 2: Week 6 – Drake London
London was listed as questionable due to a knee issue but ultimately played. His managed snaps led to a reduction in production, demonstrating the risks of starting players who are not fully healthy.
First-Hand Experience: Navigating Injuries
As a seasoned fantasy football player, I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs due to injuries. For instance, last season, I relied heavily on a star receiver who ended up injured just before game time. I learned the hard way that having a solid bench and backup options is crucial. Being proactive in monitoring injuries can make all the difference in the world.
Final Thoughts on Lineup Decisions
Week 8 is pivotal in the fantasy football season. Staying on top of injury reports and inactives can give you the edge you need to secure a win. Remember to consider all factors, from matchups to player health, when making your lineup decisions. Good luck!
