Substation gets KhaDarel Hodge (knee) ahead of W4

Gadsden led LA tight ends in targets and trailed only Ladd McConkey in receiving yards on the day. Operating as a big slot receiver, Gadsden could have some fantasy value if he were to get more snaps and routes in the Chargers offense. In Week 9 against the Texans he’ll be a decent streaming option.

Washington continues to play well as a short-area pass catcher, though he did haul in a 23-yarder downfield. He got leveled on the Dolphins’ fifth drive, and Patriots LB Christian Ellis received an unnecessary roughness penalty for the act. It briefly seemed like Washington’s day might be over, but he returned a few plays later to score a one-yard touchdown via a quick out route after going in motion pre-snap. Today’s stat line allowed Washington to clear the century mark in career catches (103). Among NFL wide receivers with at least 100 receptions from 2021-26, Washington’s 8.4 yards per reception ranks dead last. He is a WR4/FLEX against the Lions in Week 9.

Wilson started the week off by practicing in a non-contact jersey. Now we know why. Wilson told reporters post-game that the Cardinals’ organization has changed his life, and he doesn’t believe in “taking, taking, taking,” adding that if he “can muster up the strength to go play, even at 60 percent,” he’s going to. Wilson will be in the WR3 ranks against the Seahawks next week.

Vidal was second on the team in rushing attempts behind Omarion Hampton (9) and ran the second most pass routes behind Keaton Mitchell. Vidal won’t be a legit fantasy option unless Hampton misses time in the coming weeks. He’s a decent stash in deeper formats for now.

Willis practiced in full this week despite being listed with a groin injury. Perhaps the soft tissue issue made him play a little more restrained than we would have liked him to. The Dolphins’ quarterback continues to hold the ball too long. He took five sacks today. His interception was not totally his fault. He was hit by a pass rusher, altering the pass’s trajectory, which bounced off a defensive lineman’s helmet before flying 29 yards downfield, where a Patriots defender picked it off. Willis had another interception called back due to defensive offsides, which was lucky. The Dolphins’ young wide receivers are learning the ropes and could help him churn out usable fantasy line as the season progresses. Willis will be a high-end QB2 against the Lions in Week 9.

It was yet another down game for Johnston, who did his work underneath in this one. He now has one game this season with more than two receptions in a Chargers offense that can be described as utterly dysfunctional on every level. Johnston should not be rostered in most fantasy formats.

It was business as usual for the plodding Hampton, who breaks no tackles and does nothing beyond what is blocked for him. Hampton, who now has less than 50 rushing yards in five games this season, was third in pass routes among LA running backs on the day and tied with Keaton Mitchell with three targets. Hampton’s role doesn’t offer much: Coming into Week 8, he ranked 31st among running backs in expected fantasy points per game (and 37th in actual fantasy points per game). With no ceiling of which to speak, Hampton should stay on benches in Week 9 against the Texans.

Kiner’s most notable usage note is that he was trusted with a carry on 3rd-and-1 during the Patriots’ eighth drive. He was unable to convert it for a first down. Kiner was involved today because TreVeyon Henderson (illness) was inactive. Kiner does not need to be stashed on fantasy football benches in 12-team formats.

Stevenson was held out of the end zone against the Dolphins, but comfortably paced his team with 22 touches and was handed the ball on each of the Patriots’ first three plays. Stevenson ran hard on inside runs and played well as a receiver, as usual. A fake pitch from inside the Dolphins’ five-yard line had at least one Dolphins defender convinced that Stevenson was headed for the end zone, but Drake Maye kept the ball and ran it into the end zone himself. Stevenson remains firmly in play as an RB2 next week against the Packers.

Mitchell, as usual, was third in rushing attempts, behind Omarion Hampton (9) and Kimani Vidal (8). His three targets led the backfield but didn’t amount to much. With the Bolts’ backfield being split three ways, Mitchell is going to struggle to get anything going without an explosive play or two. He should remain on most waiver wires ahead of Week 9.