Six weeks into the 2026 fantasy football season, we’re reaching the point where changing workloads and declining production deserve more attention than preseason expectations. Several players are establishing themselves as legitimate weekly difference-makers, while others are losing opportunities or struggling to produce despite substantial playing time. I’m looking beyond individual fantasy scores to evaluate touches, targets, efficiency, injuries, and the sustainability of each player’s role. Here are the biggest risers and fallers in my rest-of-season fantasy football rankings entering Week 8.
Full Rest-of-Season Fantasy Football Rankings
Looking for the complete rankings? Jump to the full rest-of-season rankings below to see where every QB, RB, WR, and TE currently stands in PPR, Half-PPR, and Standard formats.
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Rankings Risers
Caleb Williams, QB (CHI)
Caleb Williams continues climbing my rest-of-season rankings following an impressive performance against New England, completing 22 of 33 passes for 308 yards and two touchdowns in Chicago’s 30-24 victory. Williams averaged 9.3 yards per attempt and finished with a 116.7 passer rating, demonstrating the improvements in passing efficiency that have helped Chicago’s offense become considerably more dangerous. His connection with Luther Burden and Colston Loveland has been particularly encouraging, with the two combining for 199 receiving yards and two touchdowns against the Patriots. Williams also contributes enough rushing production to provide additional fantasy upside when passing touchdowns are limited. Chicago’s upcoming schedule offers opportunities to maintain this momentum, although the continued development of its young receiving options is the bigger reason for my optimism. I’m moving Williams up to QB6 because his improved efficiency, expanding supporting cast, and rushing ability give him legitimate top-six fantasy potential.
J.J. McCarthy, QB (NYG)
J.J. McCarthy has earned a significant rankings increase after throwing for 243 yards and a touchdown in relief against New Orleans in Week 6, followed by 252 passing yards in his first start against Houston. He completed 20 of 28 passes against the Texans, averaging 9.0 yards per attempt without an interception, although he finished with just 10.18 fantasy points because he didn’t score a touchdown. His efficiency outside the numbers was particularly encouraging, completing eight of 13 passes for 169 yards on those throws. Malik Nabers also recorded seven receptions for 111 yards, extending his streak of consecutive 100-yard performances to four games and giving McCarthy an established primary receiving option. His limited rushing production remains a concern, but the passing efficiency and involvement of Nabers and Malachi Fields create reasons for optimism. I’m moving McCarthy to QB19 as an intriguing superflex option, although New York’s Week 8 bye limits his immediate value.
Josh Jacobs, RB (GB)
Josh Jacobs delivered 20.1 PPR points against Detroit despite rushing for just 36 yards on 11 carries, catching five of seven targets for 55 yards and a touchdown. His receiving involvement was particularly encouraging because Green Bay’s rushing attack struggled, finishing with just 60 team rushing yards. However, Jacobs played only 52% of the offensive snaps, while MarShawn Lloyd handled six carries and two targets, demonstrating that his workload isn’t as secure as it once was. The increased receiving opportunities provide an encouraging counterbalance to that reduced rushing involvement, particularly in games where Green Bay struggles to establish the run. I’m moving Jacobs up to RB17 because his receiving role provides a valuable fantasy floor, although he’ll need more consistent rushing opportunities and goal-line involvement to regain RB1 consideration.
Bucky Irving, RB (TB)
Bucky Irving continues climbing my rankings after delivering one of his strongest performances of the season against Carolina, rushing 24 times for 106 yards and two touchdowns while adding one reception for four yards. His 110 scrimmage yards and two scores demonstrated the upside he can provide when Tampa Bay commits to its rushing attack. More importantly, Irving played approximately 75% of the offensive snaps through the first three quarters before sitting out the fourth quarter of a blowout victory. That followed an 83% snap share against Pittsburgh in Week 6, providing strong evidence that he remains the clear centerpiece of Tampa Bay’s backfield during competitive situations. Baker Mayfield’s return from a thumb injury should also benefit Irving by improving the offense’s overall efficiency and creating more opportunities near the goal line. I’m moving Irving up to RB14 because his substantial workload, receiving ability, and scoring opportunities give him dependable RB2 value with legitimate RB1 upside.
Tony Pollard, RB (TEN)
Tony Pollard delivered one of the biggest fantasy performances of Week 7, rushing 25 times for 129 yards and three touchdowns while adding three receptions for 26 yards against Cleveland. His 36.5 PPR points demonstrated the upside he can provide when Tennessee commits to the rushing attack, particularly with Tyjae Spears unavailable. Pollard handled 25 of the Titans’ 28 running back carries, accounting for approximately 89% of the backfield’s rushing attempts, and played roughly 75% of the offensive snaps. That combination of rushing volume, receiving involvement, and goal-line opportunities gives him a much stronger fantasy outlook than he had earlier in the season. Tennessee’s offense remains inconsistent, and future matchups won’t always provide the same favorable game script, but Pollard’s current workload is difficult to ignore. I’m moving him to RB21 because his volume creates legitimate RB2 value, although I don’t expect three-touchdown performances to become a regular occurrence.
Blake Corum, RB (LAR)
Blake Corum is becoming considerably more interesting after handling 17 carries for 93 yards and a touchdown against Las Vegas, adding one reception for eight yards. Corum actually outcarried Kyren Williams, who finished with 16 rushing attempts for 99 yards and a touchdown, demonstrating that Los Angeles is becoming more comfortable distributing opportunities between its running backs. According to the Rams’ Week 7 snap counts, Corum played a season-high 32 offensive snaps compared with Williams’ 37, accounting for approximately 44% of the team’s offensive plays. More importantly, Corum had 17 carries compared with Williams’ 11 before the final drive, suggesting his increased involvement wasn’t simply the result of late-game opportunities. The Rams’ productive rushing attack creates an opportunity for both players to remain involved, although Williams still maintains a slight playing-time advantage. I’m moving Corum up to RB25 because his increasing workload gives him legitimate flex potential, while an injury to Williams would create considerably more upside.
Jonah Coleman, RB (DEN)
Jonah Coleman immediately earned a meaningful role in Denver’s backfield following his return from injured reserve, rushing nine times for 54 yards while adding two receptions for 15 yards against Arizona. According to PFF, Coleman played 50% of the offensive snaps, compared with 25% for RJ Harvey and 21.4% for J.K. Dobbins. He also led Denver’s running backs in early-down, third-down, and short-yardage usage, suggesting he could eventually become the most valuable option in the rotation. His immediate involvement was particularly impressive considering he was making his first appearance since Week 2, although Dobbins still received the team’s only goal-line running back snap and converted it into a touchdown. Denver’s upcoming matchups provide opportunities for the rushing attack to remain productive, but the distribution of touches will ultimately determine Coleman’s fantasy ceiling. I’m moving Coleman up to RB31 because his immediate workload creates significant upside, although Dobbins’ goal-line involvement and Harvey’s presence prevent me from treating him as a dependable starter just yet.
Luther Burden III, WR (CHI)
Luther Burden delivered his most explosive performance of the season against New England, catching all four of his targets for 130 yards and a touchdown while adding a seven-yard rush. His 58-yard reception highlighted the big-play ability that makes him such an exciting fantasy option, and he has now caught 12 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown over his last two games. However, his underlying usage remains more concerning than the production suggests. According to PFF, Burden ran routes on approximately two-thirds of Chicago’s dropbacks against the Patriots, while his target rate was actually below his season average. Kalif Raymond also continued playing more offensive snaps, demonstrating that Burden hasn’t established a full-time role despite his recent production. Cole Kmet’s knee injury could create additional opportunities for Chicago’s receiving options, but I’m not assuming that automatically guarantees Burden more playing time. I’m moving him to WR18 because I believe his explosiveness and connection with Caleb Williams give him substantial second-half upside, although his limited route participation makes this one of my more aggressive projections.
Omar Cooper Jr., WR (NYJ)
Omar Cooper Jr. has quickly become one of the most interesting young receivers in fantasy football after consecutive 100-yard performances. He caught six passes for 103 yards and a touchdown against New England in Week 6 before following that with five receptions for 115 yards and another touchdown against Miami. His 11 receptions for 218 yards and two touchdowns over that stretch are particularly encouraging because he recently returned from an ankle injury that sidelined him for four games. Cooper also played 82% of New York’s offensive snaps in Week 6, demonstrating that his production is supported by a meaningful receiving role rather than occasional deep shots. His target totals remain relatively modest, and the Jets’ inconsistent passing attack creates some weekly volatility, but his ability to generate explosive plays gives him a legitimate path toward continued fantasy relevance. I’m moving Cooper to WR34 because his recent production and growing involvement create WR3 upside, even with Garrett Wilson and other receivers competing for opportunities.
Tre Tucker, WR (LV)
Tre Tucker delivered another encouraging performance against the Rams, catching five of 12 targets for 103 yards and a touchdown. His 12 targets were particularly important because they demonstrated that Las Vegas is willing to feature him as a primary receiving option rather than relying exclusively on occasional deep shots. Tucker played approximately 82% of the offensive snaps and has recorded at least four receptions in six consecutive games, while scoring three touchdowns over his last two appearances. His explosive plays have become an important part of the Raiders’ offense, particularly with Kirk Cousins looking for receivers capable of creating yards after the catch. However, Las Vegas continues to struggle with offensive consistency, and Tucker’s weekly production could remain volatile when the passing attack fails to generate sustained drives. I’m moving Tucker up to WR35 because his increasing target volume gives him a more dependable foundation, although Cousins’ inconsistent passing production could still create weekly volatility.
KC Concepcion Jr., WR (CLE)
KC Concepcion Jr. delivered the best performance of his young career against Tennessee, catching eight of 10 targets for 129 yards while adding three carries for 23 rushing yards. His 23.2 PPR points demonstrated the upside he can provide when Cleveland makes him a focal point of its offense, particularly because his receiving production nearly doubled his previous season-high of 64 yards. Concepcion played approximately 79% of the offensive snaps and accounted for roughly 29% of Cleveland’s passing targets, giving him a substantial role rather than simply benefiting from a handful of explosive plays. His rushing involvement also provides another opportunity to generate fantasy production, although I’m not expecting that usage to become a consistent weekly advantage. The biggest question is whether Cleveland can maintain enough passing efficiency to support his increased target volume. I’m moving Concepcion up to WR36 because his breakout performance and expanding role suggest he could become a valuable WR3 or flex option, although he’ll need to demonstrate more consistency before earning a higher ranking.
Colston Loveland, TE (CHI)
Colston Loveland has become one of Chicago’s most important receiving options after another productive performance against New England. He caught seven of 12 targets for 69 yards and a touchdown, finishing with 19.9 PPR points while continuing to establish himself as one of Caleb Williams’ preferred targets. Loveland has now recorded at least six receptions, 65 receiving yards, and a touchdown in consecutive games, demonstrating that his breakout is supported by consistent receiving volume. His 30.2% target share over those two games is particularly encouraging at a position where dependable opportunities are difficult to find. According to PFF, Loveland’s playing time has remained relatively steady throughout the season, but his target rate has increased considerably, suggesting his improved production is being driven by greater involvement in the passing game rather than simply additional snaps. I’m moving Loveland up to TE6 because his combination of receiving volume, red-zone opportunities, and growing connection with Williams gives him legitimate top-five upside.
Rankings Fallers
Patrick Mahomes, QB (KC)
Patrick Mahomes falls to QB12 following another disappointing performance in Kansas City’s 20-3 loss to Seattle. He completed 19 of 33 passes for just 165 yards, throwing no touchdowns and one interception while adding 14 rushing yards, finishing with 6.0 fantasy points under conventional four-point passing-touchdown scoring. More concerning than the single performance is his recent decline in passing production, as Mahomes has thrown no touchdowns and two interceptions over his last two appearances after recording nine passing touchdowns through his first four games. The Chiefs’ passing attack has struggled with injuries, including the absences of Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton, while offensive line concerns have made it more difficult to consistently generate explosive plays. Seattle’s defense deserves credit for limiting Kansas City’s offense, but the broader decline in efficiency is difficult to ignore. I’m moving Mahomes down to QB12 because his current supporting cast and inconsistent production make it difficult to justify ranking him as a dependable top-five fantasy quarterback, although his established talent still gives him significant rebound potential.
Chuba Hubbard, RB (CAR)
Chuba Hubbard drops to RB13 following another disappointing performance against Tampa Bay, rushing seven times for 33 yards in Carolina’s 43-13 loss. His playing time was more encouraging than the box score suggests, as Hubbard handled 34 offensive snaps and played approximately 61% of the team’s offensive plays, compared with 17 snaps and 30% for Trevor Etienne. According to PFF, eight of Etienne’s 17 snaps came during garbage time, meaning he played just nine of Carolina’s first 43 offensive snaps before the game got out of hand. That distinction is important because Hubbard’s declining opportunity share doesn’t necessarily indicate that he’s losing his primary role during competitive situations. However, Carolina’s offensive inconsistency remains a concern, particularly when negative game scripts prevent the Panthers from establishing the rushing attack. I’m moving Hubbard down to RB13 because his weekly ceiling has become less dependable, although his substantial lead role keeps him firmly in the RB2 conversation rather than suggesting a complete backfield takeover by Etienne.
Chase Brown, RB (CIN)
Chase Brown falls to RB16 despite continuing to dominate Cincinnati’s backfield playing time. He handled 11 carries for 39 yards and caught four passes for 19 yards against Baltimore, finishing with just 9.8 PPR points. Brown played approximately 75% of the offensive snaps and handled 11 of Cincinnati’s 18 running back carries, but Samaje Perine received four rushing attempts and scored a touchdown. His receiving involvement remains encouraging, and the underlying workload suggests better fantasy performances should follow. However, the Bengals’ inconsistent rushing production and Perine’s involvement near the goal line create concerns about how frequently Brown can convert his substantial playing time into high-end fantasy performances. I’m keeping Brown in the RB2 range because of his substantial workload, but his recent production and reduced control of scoring opportunities have lowered my confidence in his weekly ceiling.
Aaron Jones Sr., RB (MIN)
Aaron Jones falls to RB33 after suffering another lower-body injury against Indianapolis in Week 7, creating additional concerns about his availability and workload moving forward. Jones entered the game dealing with a previous knee injury and required further evaluation following the setback. His playing time was already concerning because Jordan Mason returned from injured reserve and immediately reclaimed a significant role in Minnesota’s backfield. According to PFF, Mason played 19 of the team’s final 25 relevant offensive snaps after the first four drives, while Jones handled just four and DeeJay Dallas played two. Mason also led Minnesota with 68 rushing yards, demonstrating that he remains capable of handling a substantial workload. The combination of Jones’ recurring injury concerns and Mason’s return makes it difficult to project dependable weekly opportunities, even if Jones avoids an extended absence. I’m moving him down to RB33 because his health and changing role make him a risky fantasy starter until Minnesota’s backfield becomes more predictable.
RJ Harvey and J.K. Dobbins, RB (DEN)
RJ Harvey and J.K. Dobbins both take significant hits in my rest-of-season rankings following Jonah Coleman’s return from injured reserve. Coleman immediately played 50% of Denver’s offensive snaps against Arizona, compared with 25% for Harvey and 21.4% for Dobbins, while also leading the backfield in early-down, third-down, and short-yardage involvement. Harvey managed 60 scrimmage yards on five touches, while Dobbins rushed six times for 23 yards and scored a touchdown on Denver’s only goal-line running back snap. Both players remain capable of producing useful fantasy performances, but Coleman’s immediate workload makes it difficult to project dependable weekly touches for either option. Harvey’s explosiveness gives him occasional big-play upside, while Dobbins could retain a valuable scoring role near the goal line, but neither has demonstrated a secure enough workload to trust as a weekly starter. I’m moving Harvey to RB41 and Dobbins to RB42 until the rotation becomes clearer.
Nico Collins, WR (HOU)
Nico Collins falls to WR14 following one of his most disappointing performances of the season against the Giants, catching just two of five targets for six yards in Houston’s 27-21 loss. Collins accounted for approximately 18% of C.J. Stroud’s 28 passing attempts, while Xavier Hutchinson earned six targets, Marvin Harrison Jr. received four, and Jaylin Noel finished with two. Harrison and Hutchinson also scored Houston’s two receiving touchdowns, demonstrating how the expanded receiving rotation can limit Collins’ fantasy production even when he remains involved. Collins continues to be one of the most talented receivers in the offense, and I’m not treating one poor performance as evidence that he’s suddenly lost his ability. However, the additions and emergence of other receiving options have created more competition for targets and scoring opportunities than he faced earlier in the season. I’m moving Collins down to WR14 because his weekly volume has become less predictable, although his talent and established connection with Stroud keep him firmly in the high-end WR2 conversation.
Garrett Wilson, WR (NYJ)
Garrett Wilson falls to WR20 as Omar Cooper Jr.’s emergence creates additional competition in New York’s passing attack. Wilson caught just two of three targets for 26 yards against Miami, accounting for approximately 10% of Geno Smith’s 29 passing attempts. Meanwhile, Cooper caught all five of his targets for 115 yards and a touchdown, continuing his impressive emergence after recording 103 yards and a score against New England the previous week. Cooper’s 11 receptions for 218 yards and two touchdowns over that stretch demonstrate that the Jets now have another receiver capable of generating significant fantasy production. Wilson remains one of New York’s most talented offensive players, and one three-target performance doesn’t automatically mean his role has permanently declined. However, the combination of Cooper’s emergence, inconsistent quarterback production, and increased competition for receiving opportunities creates legitimate concerns about Wilson’s weekly ceiling. I’m moving him down to WR20 because I no longer view him as a dependable high-end WR1, although his talent still gives him considerable rebound potential.
A.J. Brown, WR (NE)
A.J. Brown continues sliding in my rankings as his production struggles to match his playing time in New England. Brown played approximately 91% of the offensive snaps against Chicago but caught just three of six targets for 48 yards, finishing with 7.8 PPR points. His six targets accounted for approximately 19% of Drake Maye’s 31 passing attempts, and he finished second on the team in targets behind Hunter Henry. That involvement is important because Brown’s role remains relatively secure, particularly with Romeo Doubs sidelined by a shoulder injury, but his production hasn’t consistently matched the opportunities he’s receiving. New England’s offense also distributed significant receiving volume to its tight ends and running backs against Chicago, limiting Brown’s ability to dominate targets despite playing nearly every snap. I’m moving him down to WR21 because his inconsistent production and target quality make him difficult to trust as a dependable WR1, although his substantial playing time provides a stronger foundation than his recent fantasy totals suggest.
Michael Wilson, WR (ARI)
Michael Wilson falls to WR28 as Arizona’s passing attack continues struggling to generate consistent fantasy production. Wilson caught four of eight targets for 55 yards against Denver while adding two carries for 11 yards, finishing with 10.6 PPR points. He played approximately 90% of the offensive snaps and accounted for roughly 17% of Jacoby Brissett’s 48 passing attempts, demonstrating that his involvement remains substantial even when the production disappoints. Wilson has earned at least seven targets in every game this season, but he’s exceeded 56 receiving yards only twice through seven appearances. Trey McBride also commanded 13 targets against Denver, catching 10 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown, demonstrating how heavily Arizona continues to rely on its tight end. Wilson’s consistent playing time and target volume remain encouraging, but the lack of explosive production and scoring opportunities limits his fantasy ceiling. I’m moving him down to WR28 because I view him as a lower-end WR3 whose weekly production remains heavily dependent on Arizona’s inconsistent passing efficiency.
Jaylen Waddle, WR (DEN)
Jaylen Waddle falls to WR40 after suffering a chest injury during Denver’s Week 7 victory over Arizona, exiting the game after catching four of seven targets for 48 yards. However, his disappointing fantasy outlook extends beyond the latest injury. According to PFF, Waddle has run routes on approximately 76.6% of Denver’s dropbacks this season while earning targets on 24.4% of those routes, demonstrating that his receiving efficiency hasn’t been the primary problem. Instead, Denver’s changing personnel usage has limited his opportunities, contributing to an average of just 8.8 PPR points per game. Waddle also played a season-low 55.7% of the offensive snaps against Arizona, with Denver’s increased use of single-receiver formations contributing to that decline before the injury occurred. His ability to generate explosive plays remains valuable, but the combination of reduced playing time, inconsistent offensive opportunities and uncertain health creates significant fantasy risk. I’m moving Waddle down to WR40 until his availability and role become more dependable.
Juwan Johnson, TE (NO)
Juwan Johnson falls to TE19 following another disappointing performance against Pittsburgh, catching just one of three targets for seven yards. Johnson has now recorded only 23 receiving yards over his last three games without a touchdown, a concerning stretch for a player who previously appeared capable of becoming a dependable fantasy starter. His playing time has also become less secure, with Noah Fant receiving additional third-down opportunities and Oscar Delp becoming more involved in multiple-tight-end formations. According to PFF, Johnson has run routes on fewer than 60% of New Orleans’ dropbacks in consecutive games, significantly limiting his opportunities to earn targets. The Saints’ Week 8 bye creates another reason to look elsewhere, particularly because his recent usage doesn’t suggest an immediate rebound when New Orleans returns. I’m moving Johnson down to TE19 and would be comfortable dropping him in standard one-tight-end leagues.
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