NFL Player News

None of the players above are fantasy relevant so fire up your Lions as you normally would.

Schultz was able to run more routes in Week 8 and finished tied for second on the team in targets behind Stefon Diggs. It’s possible Schultz’s role grows further sans Diggs, but with so little production to date this season even as injuries have mounted for the Texans, he’s only a fringe TE1 play against the Jets in Week 9.

Bateman’s long gain came on the Ravens’ first drive of the game. Late in the fourth quarter, Bateman lost a deep pass from Lamar Jackson in the sun for a gain that would’ve gone for over 50 yards, only adding to his struggles on the day. Bateman had gone for 58 or more yards in each of his previous three games heading into this week. While we’d expect an eventual bounce-back, we wouldn’t count on it coming in Week 9 against the Broncos. He’ll be a hard player to trust outside the deepest of fantasy leagues.

Pierce has become a Joe Mixon bystander since Week 6’s blowout win, with just three offensive touches to his name the last two weeks. He’s not a must-roster if you’re in a tough bye week situation, though he would be in line for quite a bit of workload in the event of another Mixon injury.

All was targeted twice in the Bengals’ loss, highlighted by a 28-yard catch in the first half. Mike Gesicki was the lead tight end, though with him running more wide receiver routes, All saw a small increase in opportunity. The rookie is still not fantasy relevant, but is quietly averaging a pair of receptions per game this season.

Dell could conceivably be in line for a workload boost on Thursday night with Stefon Diggs (knee) ruled out and Nico Collins not quite ready to come back off IR yet. Dell took a receiving touchdown right before halftime on a seven-yard catch in the back of the end zone. He also had another 19-yard catch waived off by an illegal formation penalty. Dell has yet to put up a truly impressive game this season, but the anticipated target increase might get him close to the WR2 line in Week 9.

Gesicki was the Bengals’ No. 2 pass-catcher on the day, finishing second in targets and receptions to Ja’Marr Chase with Tee Higgins (quad) out. He led the team in receiving yards, running many wide receiver-like routes and operating as Joe Burrow’s safety valve. If Higgins remains out, Gesicki will be a high-end TE2 against the Raiders in Week 9.

While a 72-yard outing goes down as a quiet outing for Hill, it’s his second-highest total of the year and his best performance since Week 1. Miami also set a season-high in points as a team with 27. It was their first game over 20. Hill led the Dolphins in all receiving categories while logging a 24 percent target share. He was also Tagovailoa’s favorite target on deep shots, one of which he reeled in for a 30-yard game. This should be considered a floor game for him now that Tagovailoa is back under center. He will look to hit a ceiling performance versus the Bills in Week 9.

With Mike Evans and Chris Godwin sidelined, Otton functioned as the Bucs’ top pass-catching option and made the most of his opportunity. Otton how has 17 catches for 181 yards and two scores over his past two games and appears to be a top tight end option in the deleted Tampa offense. Baker Mayfield looks to Otton first on critical plays, including near the end zone. He has a chance to be a top three or four option in Week 9 against Kansas City.

Since coming back from his long-term ankle injury, Mixon has put up three-straight 100-yard games on the ground with four rushing scores, to go along with eight catches and a receiving touchdown. That’s about as much as you could ask of a back you likely didn’t have to spend a first-round pick on in fantasy. His angry touchdown through Jaylon Johnson tied up the game in the second quarter. Mixon will be on the RB1 line next week against a Jets defense that has been strong but exploitable on the ground so far this year.

Burton has been rotating in and out of the wide receiver rotation with Trenton Irwin, but both were active this week with Tee Higgins (quad) out. Burton was targeted three times, catching 41-yard long ball along the sideline for his only catch. He notably also had an endzone target that was broken up. Meanwhile, Irwin caught his sole target for four yards. Neither player is fantasy relevant for next week.