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Fantasy Football Risks Rise with Six Teams on Bye

10/21/2025

43 5 Full Breakdown

Center

Fantasy Football Risks

Week 8 of the NFL season creates fantasy risk with six teams on bye.
Chase Brown (NFL running back), Chris Olave (NFL wide receiver), and Joe Flacco (NFL quarterback) are under consideration after strong performances.
The SportsLine model recommends avoiding Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys quarterback) against a tough Denver Broncos defense.
Tetairoa McMillan (Carolina Panthers wide receiver) is gaining attention facing a Bills defense.

Left

Winning Streaks Highlighted

NFL Week 8 features three teams—Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, and New England Patriots—each with four-game winning streaks.
The Denver Broncos earned a dramatic comeback win against the New York Giants.
The Carolina Panthers have won three straight, but Bryce Young's ankle injury creates uncertainty.
Upcoming matchups include the Bears at the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills visiting the Panthers.

History

Historical Context

The NFL implemented a bye week system in 1978 to improve team performance and player safety, allowing teams to rest and strategize. Research from 2002 to 2010 showed teams returning from a bye had a 2.2-point advantage, though this diminished to 0.3 points by 2023 due to rule changes. This evolution continues to influence player management strategies in the league.

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Fantasy Football Risks

Week 8 of the NFL season creates fantasy risk with six teams on bye.
Chase Brown (NFL running back), Chris Olave (NFL wide receiver), and Joe Flacco (NFL quarterback) are under consideration after strong performances.
The SportsLine model recommends avoiding Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys quarterback) against a tough Denver Broncos defense.
Tetairoa McMillan (Carolina Panthers wide receiver) is gaining attention facing a Bills defense.

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