The Vibe: It's National TE Week, and the Chargers' Oronde Gadsden kicked off the celebration with a huge TNF performance. Milton feels for TJ Hockenson, who was left out of the fun thanks to a painful-looking Carson Wentz, and for anyone who started the now-dead Quentin Johnston.
TNF Recap: The Chargers dominated the Vikings 37-10. The story was the rise of Oronde Gadsden, who led the team in routes and has 19 catches for 309 yards in his last three games. Meanwhile, Quentin Johnston hit season lows across the board, seeing 0 targets for the first time in his career.
The News: The injury report remains a novel.
QB Updates: Brock Purdy is out, so it's the Mac Jones show again. Vikings hope JJ McCarthy is ready for Week 9. Jayden Daniels might only miss one week.
WR Woes: Garrett Wilson, Nico Collins, Christian Kirk, and Calvin Ridley are all ruled out. AJ Brown is questionable after not practicing all week.
Positive Signs: Lamar Jackson, Stefon Diggs, Terry McLaurin, and Deebo Samuel are all on track to return.
Trade Rumors: The Packers have reportedly called the Dolphins about De'Von Achane.
The Game Script: Navigating a six-team bye week:
Jets at Bengals (-6.5): The Joe Flacco Revenge Game is on! The Jets are banged up and won't name a starter.
Bills at Panthers (+7.5): A sneaky-good spot for the Panthers' top-10 run defense against a shaky Bills O-line.
Giants at Eagles (-7.5): The Eagles look to take out their frustrations after the Giants were fined for a concussion protocol violation.
SNF: Packers at Steelers: Aaron Rodgers claims it's not a revenge game, but a win would make him the 5th QB ever to beat all 32 teams.
MNF: Commanders at Chiefs: A "lamb going to the Arrowhead slaughterhouse."
The Depth Chart: Finding starts during the bye-pocalypse:
WR: Rome Odunze (CHI - vs. BAL's 28th-ranked pass D), Troy Franklin (DEN - vs. DAL's terrible secondary)
RB: Rico Dowdle/Chuba Hubbard (CAR - vs. BUF's 31st-ranked run D), Isaiah Davis (NYJ - if Breece Hall is out)
TE: Kyle Pitts (ATL - target share rising), Dalton Schultz (HOU - if he plays, volume is there)
QB/DEF/K: Joe Flacco (CIN - revenge game), Bo Nix (DEN - shootout potential). Stream the Falcons (vs. MIA) or Patriots (vs. CLE) D/ST.
Lock It In: Our strongest picks for Week 8 are Joe Flacco, Rome Odunze, and the Falcons D/ST.
Tune in for the full breakdown to conquer the byes. And just like Carson Wentz's performance, we are DONE!
