FantasyPros - Fantasy Football Podcast

Episode: The Biggest Fantasy Football Questions For Each Team in Week 8

Date: October 24, 2025
Hosts: Ryan Wormley, Derek Brown (D-Bro), Pat Fitzmaurice (Fitz)

Episode Overview

This episode tackles the most pressing fantasy football question for each team in the Week 8 NFL slate. With six teams on bye (Cardinals, Lions, Jaguars, Rams, Raiders, Seahawks), the hosts provide in-depth analysis to help managers survive “bipocalypse” by breaking down committee headaches, rising stars, tough matchups, and waiver-wire opportunities game by game. Expect actionable advice rooted in matchup data, injury news, and evolving usage trends.

[00:35–11:01]

Thursday Night Recap: Chargers 37, Vikings 10

Major Storylines:

• Both the Vikings and Chargers are new minefields for fantasy lineups due to injuries and depth chart volatility.

Vikings Backfield: Dark Clouds Ahead

• Fitz: “Dark storm clouds on the horizon for fantasy managers because the Jordan Mason, Aaron Jones situation is going to be really hard to navigate going forward, and whether either of those guys can give you like flex value in a given week.” (02:06)
  • Vikings O-line was exposed, further clouding Mason/Jones outlook.
  • Upcoming schedule: “brutal for their rushing attack” – even Week 15–17 only viable for the desperate or deep leagues. (04:48)
• D-Bro: Recommends considering a trade for Vikings RBs only if you are "stacking up" for fantasy playoff matchups—otherwise, avoid.

Chargers Pass Catchers: Who’s the Must-Start?

• Irande Gadsden: Emerges as a must-start, surprising even the experts.
  • Fitz: “I was totally wrong about him.... Last night Justin Herbert threw 25 passes, 5 of them to Irande for a 20% target share. And he made some hay and he did it early on.” (03:25)
  • Quentin Johnston: “No targets,” and not reliable (03:50)
  • Keenan Allen: Floor remains, but “ceiling is getting a little smaller with a ronde asserting himself.” (03:59)
  • Lad McConkey: Inconsistent usage, only matchup-flexible.
• D-Bro: “We are going to have to play matchups with the Chargers wide receivers moving forward... could he [QJ] be not the WR1 unquestioned play every week? I think that maybe could be out the window.” (06:48)

Notable Quote:
Fitz, on Gadsden: “I whiffed on that one. Mea culpa.” (04:35)

Kamani Vidal’s Emerging Opportunity

• Big night: 23 carries, 117 yards, TD. “Looked really good doing it … just even eye test, you could say, this guy just looks like an awesome running back in this game.” (09:54)
• Both hosts agree: Vidal is a set-and-forget RB2 while Amarion Hampton is sidelined (possibly until Week 12–13).

[11:01–12:32]

Dynasty Tight End Talk: How High is Irande Gadsden?

• Gadsden labeled “top five TE in Dynasty” by some.
  • D-Bro: “That’s lofty. I’m not there yet ... I put him up to TE9 for the rest of the year.”
  • Fitz: Can’t put him above Bowers, Warren, McBride, Laporta.
  • Consensus: Aggressive to call him top-5, but he’s top-8 for now (12:20).

[12:32–16:03]

Dolphins at Falcons: RB Bonanza Week?

Bijan Robinson vs. Dolphins’ Leaky Run Defense

• Over/under: 95.5 rushing yards (“feels ... not even half what it needs to be” – Wormley)
• D-Bro prediction: “18 carries, 140 on the ground, 35 through the air, and I think he gets in the end zone twice. I think it’s a week defining kind of performance.” (13:20)
• Fitz prediction: “18 carries for 117 yards and a touchdown... Tyler Allgeier goes over 50 rushing yards.” (14:28)
• Allgeier is a strong flex play in any Falcons win script, especially in bye week hell.

[16:18–23:07]

Bears at Ravens: Trust the Chicago Run Game

• Ravens are healthier on defense, but still missing Matabike.
• Big question: “Bears running game or passing attack vs. Baltimore?”
  • Fitz: “I do kind of like the Bears running game in this matchup... the offensive line has just been mashing up front.” (17:04)
• Secondary is back for Baltimore; run defense remains soft, so Fisher and D-Bro favor Chicago RBs.
• Flex-worthy backs: Kyle Manungai “at RB27” (D-Bro, 20:57); both hosts agree he’s playable in heavy bye.
• D-Bro: “Swift isn’t healthy... Manungai will be a part of this backfield ... play him over Woody Marks, Tony Pollard, a host of other guys.” (20:57)
• Wormley on line: “If you’re a team who expects the Bears to lose by a touchdown, can you play both RBs?” D-Bro: Yes—“if it’s neutral game script, they keep running.” (22:11)
• Key stat: Ravens D has “given up the seventh most rushing yards per game, fourth highest yards after contact per attempt” (19:36)

[23:07–27:49]

Bills at Panthers: Is Ted McMillan QB-Proof?

• Andy Dalton likely to start; raises McMillan's weekly ceiling.
  • D-Bro: “The floor is higher for Ted McMillan with Andy Dalton back there ... probably 2-3 more catchable targets when Dalton is the starter.” (23:18)
  • Fitz: “I've got him wide receiver 14... McMillan is really, really good. ... Pretty much an auto start every week.” (24:39)
• James Cook: Both hosts have him RB8 (vs RB6 ECR)—acknowledge improved Carolina run D since Week 4: “fewest rushing yards per game in the NFL since then.” (26:07)
  • Key stat: Panthers “highest stuff rate and the fourth lowest yard to contact per attempt” (26:07)
• Fitz: Giving credit to DT Derek Brown for Panthers’ big defensive turnaround. (27:03)

[32:07–37:49]

Jets at Bengals: Resurrection of Bengals’ Stars Under Joe Flacco

• Garrett Wilson/Sauce Gardner both out.
• Chase Brown: “Week 8, I've got him at RB19 ... only played 58% of the snaps. ... I think he's like a low end RB2.” (33:15 – D-Bro)
• Counterpoint (Fitz): “I'm solidly above on both counts. ... I just think Chase Brown is going to be among the ships lifted by the rising Joe Flacco Tide in this offense.” (34:18)
• Fantasy preference: Breece Hall or Flacco? – Both lean Hall by position, but Flacco is playable with matchup.

[37:49–41:49]

49ers at Texans: Texans Offense “Empathically Broken”

• Texans crushed by Seattle; now face another injured D, but not expecting a bounce-back.
  • Fitz: “Closer to another ugly performance like the one against Seattle. ... Nico Collins is far and away the best playmaker ... and likely out.” (37:02)
  • D-Bro: Flames OC Nick Caley – "clueless about the depth chart ... can't have faith in this offense because Nick Caley is an utter buffoon." (38:06)
• Startable WRs? Neither host trusts rookie WRs Jaylen Noll or Jaden Higgins to be useable—even with byes.

[41:49–45:38]

Browns at Patriots: May vs. Myles Garrett

• Browns D is for real (#1 in DVOA run defense). May is startable but not a ceiling play.
• D-Bro: “Pass rush has to get home and they have to expose the Patriots offensive line ... If not, Drake May is going to roll.” (42:01)
• Fitz: “Cleveland can make New England one dimensional.” (42:45)
• Both agree: No way to trust Travion Henderson, despite narrative fun (43:33).
• Drake Maye expectations: Both playing him in 6-team bye, but with tempered confidence in this spot.

[46:38–51:01]

Giants at Eagles: Rematch (Who Rises, Who Regresses)

• Eagles: Devonta Smith seen as top beneficiary if A.J. Brown (hamstring) sits—potential for WR1 output. (46:38)
  • “Dallas Goddard could have another big day, but not as big as last time.” (46:38)
• Giants: Barkley should have a better day than first matchup (was only 12-58), gaming positive script as Philly is healthier now.
  • Cam Scattaboo unlikely to have another 3-TD “miracle” (47:57)
• Ranking dilemmas:
  • Scattaboo sits at RB12 for D-Bro—must start in byes, but don’t expect a crazy ceiling like last time.
  • Rashad White vs. Scattaboo? D-Bro leans White for projected volume.
• A.J. Brown: If active, tough to trust due to hamstring, but in most leagues you’ll play him unless you’re loaded.

[51:01–54:43]

Buccaneers at Saints: Who’s WR1—Olave or Egbuka?

• D-Bro: “Sky high on Olave ... coverage matchup is fantastic ... I’ve already bet Olave over.” (52:02)
  • Both are top 10, and he views Igbuka as less than 100% (hamstring).
• Fitz: Slight lean to Igbuka with “better QB in Baker ... not that Rattler has been awful, but he’s no Baker Mayfield.” (53:04)

[54:43–57:17]

Cowboys at Broncos: Are We Confident in the Fireworks?

• Fitz is fading Bo Nix relative to consensus (“He’s above Dak Prescott in ECR. That’s a travesty.” 54:30)
  • Both have Nix as top-10, but not pushing above Dak/Herbert.
  • Dak is playing at MVP level: “13 TD passes, no picks last 4 games, 8.1 YPA.” (54:53)
• D-Bro: Playing all key skill guys from both teams. “Sutton, Troy Franklin, Mims all flex-worthy.”
• CeeDee Lamb: Tough matchup with Surtain, but Dallas can move him around to free him up.
• Point total call: Slightly lean over on 51, but see paths to disappointment.

[57:17–62:22]

Titans at Colts: Bijan, Taylor, or McCaffrey for RB1?

• Fitz: Taylor as RB1 overall—“Touchdown outlook ... Titans have allowed only team with double digit rushing TDs ... Taylor has 11 TDs in 7 games.” (58:16)
• D-Bro: Bijan is his RB1—sees this as a “week-defining performance,” but acknowledges Penix/ATL passing game could eat into potential if they chase the Dolphins shaky secondary.
• Humorous note: Fitz and Worm rib each other over college fandoms influencing RB ranking.

[62:22–66:23]

Packers at Steelers: Positional Finishes—TE2 for Kraft?

• Fitz: “I have Kraft ranked TE2 ... I think he has the easier path to be a top three fantasy scorer tight end.” (63:20)
• D-Bro agrees; favorable matchup (Steelers giving up 5th-most TE yards).
• Steelers pivots: DK Metcalf at WR12/11 in consensus—hosts both bullish due to YAC shift this year and Green Bay’s defense.

[66:23–72:23]

Commanders at Chiefs: RB Trust & Rashee Rice’s Ceiling

• Pacheco vs. Bill (Ja’Cory Croskey-Merritt):
  • Fitz: “I have pivoted to Pacheco ... want the guy on the high-powered offense on a team that’s favored by 12.5 points.”
  • D-Bro: Leans “Bill for volume ... Pacheco’s role not as appealing ... Chiefs are passing inside the 10 at a 63% rate.”
• Rashee Rice:
  • D-Bro: “KC’s Amon-Ra St. Brown ... as soon as he came back, he was going to be the guy. ... Clear and emphatic WR1 in this offense.”
  • Fitz: “Jaw-dropping production ... 19 routes, 10 targets ... 4 targets within the 10 ... high-end WR1 for rest of season, top 6 every week.” (70:30)
  • Slight disagreement: Fitz sees Worthy still as flex/WR3 play due to KC’s elite passing volume; D-Bro sees him falling behind Rice plus other Chiefs ancillary targets.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Fitz on Vikings’ RB mess: “Dark storm clouds on the horizon ...” (02:06)
• D-Bro on Chargers WRs: “We are going to have to play matchups ... QJ not unquestioned WR1 anymore.” (06:48)
• D-Bro on Texans OC Nick Caley: “Utter buffoon ... clueless about the depth chart ... can’t have faith in this offense.” (38:06)
• Discussion on Gadsden’s Dynasty value top-5 claim sparked debate—consensus: “Top 8, not Top 5.” (12:20)
• On Drizzle Maye concern vs. Cleveland: “Do you have any serious questions, Worm?” – Fitz (44:12)
• Running joke: Devonta Smith and Scattaboo regression, A.J. Brown cryptic tweets, and the classic Dak vs. Bo Nix dichotomy.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:35–11:01: Chargers/Vikings recap; Chargers WR & Vikings RB mess, Kamani Vidal
• 11:01–12:32: Dynasty TEs debate (Gadsden)
• 12:32–16:03: Dolphins at Falcons—Bijan’s big week?
• 16:18–23:07: Bears at Ravens—Chicago RBs flexes
• 23:07–27:49: Bills at Panthers—McMillan’s floor
• 32:07–37:02: Jets at Bengals—Chase Brown, Flacco’s impact
• 37:49–41:49: Texans’ broken offense
• 41:49–45:38: Browns at Patriots—Maye’s ceiling
• 46:38–51:01: Giants at Eagles—Smith/Barkley up, Scattaboo/Scatterboo regression
• 51:01–54:43: Buccaneers at Saints—Olave vs. Igbuka
• 54:43–57:17: Cowboys at Broncos—QB ranks
• 57:17–62:22: Titans at Colts—RB1 for the week
• 62:22–66:23: Packers at Steelers—Kraft/Jacobs, Metcalf/Warren/Rodgers
• 66:23–72:23: Commanders at Chiefs—Pacheco, Bill, and Rashee Rice’s role

Episode Takeaways

• Surviving Week 8’s massive byes is all about flex plays and exploiting matchups with high-floor options and trending breakout backs like Kamani Vidal, Chicago’s committee, and dependable TEs (Kraft, Gadsden).
• Bijan, Taylor, and McCaffrey remain top running backs, but monitor usage and the ceiling in pass-heavy games.
• Keep playing the matchups with volatile pass catchers (Chargers/Chiefs WRs) but lock in new weekly studs like Rashee Rice and Gadsden.
• Limit exposure to muddled committees (Vikings, Texans) and be wary of thin WR situations unless absolutely desperate.
• Sideline expectations for run games facing revived defenses (Browns, Panthers).
• Watch injury reports closely—late-breaking news on A.J. Brown, Nico Collins, and others could flip start/sit calls.
• Have fun, survive, and set your lineup early using every depth advantage in “bipocalypse” Week 8!

This summary is crafted to help anyone make informed decisions and feel up-to-date—even if they didn’t catch the full show. The hosts’ banter, bold calls, and humility in their misses add both entertainment and transparency to their expert analysis.