NFL Fantasy Football Week 8: Lamar Jackson and Brock Purdy Out as Injuries Force Major Lineup Shifts

In a devastating blow to fantasy football managers across the league, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and San Francisco 49ers signal-caller Brock Purdy have been officially ruled out for Week 8, sending shockwaves through NFL lineups and prompting urgent roster tweaks just hours before kickoff. As the NFL season hits its midpoint, a surge of injuries and inactives is reshaping fantasy football strategies, with owners scrambling to adapt to the chaos of Thursday Night Football and beyond.

Jackson, the reigning MVP and a top-5 fantasy QB this season with over 2,100 passing yards and 12 rushing scores, suffered a lingering ankle injury in Week 7 that has sidelined the dual-threat star. Meanwhile, Purdy, who has been a revelation for the 49ers with 1,800 yards and 14 touchdowns, is dealing with a concussion protocol issue that coaches confirmed will keep him out. These absences aren’t isolated; a league-wide wave of injuries means fantasy managers must pivot quickly to avoid disastrous weeks in their Week 8 matchups.

According to ESPN’s fantasy analytics, these inactives could cost owners an average of 25-30 points per game, depending on their reliance on these players. “It’s a bloodbath out there,” said fantasy expert Matthew Berry in a pre-game tweet. “Week 8 injuries are hitting harder than a blindside sack—adjust or perish.” With games kicking off in London and across the U.S., here’s how these developments are impacting the NFL landscape and your fantasy football team.

Lamar Jackson’s Injury Derails Ravens’ High-Powered Offense

The news hit hardest for Ravens fans and fantasy owners alike when Baltimore confirmed Lamar Jackson‘s inactive status for their crucial matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Jackson’s unique ability to scramble and throw has made him a cornerstone of many fantasy football rosters, averaging 22.5 fantasy points per game before the injury. But after tweaking his ankle late in the Week 7 win over the Buccaneers, medical evaluations deemed him unfit for the turf at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh addressed the media post-practice: “Lamar’s our leader, but we’re prepared. Tyler Huntley steps in, and we’ve got a plan.” Huntley, a mobile backup with 68 rushing yards in limited action last season, will take the reins. Fantasy managers who rostered Jackson now face a scramble for alternatives. Experts recommend streaming options like the Browns’ Deshaun Watson, who faces a depleted Baltimore secondary, or even bench stashes like the Giants’ Daniel Jones if available.

The ripple effects extend beyond the QB position. Without Jackson’s rushing prowess— he’s on pace for another 800+ ground yards—running back J.K. Dobbins could see increased touches, boosting his PPR value. However, wide receiver Rashod Bateman might suffer from reduced targets. In Week 8 NFL trends, backup QBs like Huntley have historically underperformed, averaging just 14.2 fantasy points in starts this year, per Pro Football Focus data. For fantasy football leagues, this means a potential 10-15 point hit; owners should monitor waiver wires for high-upside replacements like the Cardinals’ Kyler Murray, who’s returning from his own injury layoff.

Brock Purdy Sidelined: 49ers Turn to Backup Amid Bye Week Blues

Across the conference, the San Francisco 49ers announced Brock Purdy as inactive for their Week 8 bye—no, wait, the 49ers are actually playing the Rams on Monday Night Football, but Purdy’s concussion from a brutal hit in Week 7 against the Chiefs has forced the team to elevate veteran Joshua Dobbs or rookie Trey Lance as options. Purdy’s efficiency— a league-leading 68% completion rate and 10.2 yards per attempt—has been a fantasy boon, but now managers are left in the lurch.

“Brock’s day-to-day, but we’re erring on caution,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said in a press conference. “The offense doesn’t skip a beat with our system.” Yet, fantasy projections tell a different story. Dobbs, acquired mid-season, brings scrambling upside with 400 rushing yards in his last full start, but his passing accuracy dips to 58%. Lance, the former No. 3 pick, has shown flashes but remains raw, completing just 55% of throws in preseason.

For fantasy football owners, Purdy’s absence (averaging 20.8 points) means pivoting to matchups like the Eagles’ Jalen Hurts against a soft Giants defense or the Packers’ Jordan Love in a favorable dome game. Stats from the past three seasons show backup QBs in San Francisco average 12-15 fantasy points, a stark drop. Tight end George Kittle and running back Christian McCaffrey could benefit from checkdown passes, but wideouts like Deebo Samuel might see fewer deep shots. In this Week 8 NFL slate, the 49ers’ injury bug is part of a broader trend: five starting QBs are questionable, per NFL.com injury reports.

League-Wide Inactives: Stars Like Christian McCaffrey and Tyreek Hill in Jeopardy

Beyond the marquee names, Week 8 is plagued by a cascade of inactives and injuries that are redrawing the NFL map. Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey, the consensus RB1 with 1,200 total yards and 14 touchdowns, is listed as questionable with a calf strain. If he sits, Chuba Hubbard steps up, but his 4.2 yards per carry pales against McCaffrey’s explosiveness. Fantasy impact? A potential 18-point swing, according to Yahoo Fantasy projections.

Miami Dolphins speedster Tyreek Hill is nursing a hamstring tweak, which could limit his snaps against the Eagles. Hill’s 800 receiving yards lead the league, but backups like Jaylen Waddle have thrived in expanded roles—Waddle averaged 15.5 fantasy points without Hill last year. Meanwhile, the Chiefs’ Travis Kelce is dealing with an ankle sprain, forcing Patrick Mahomes to lean on wideouts like Rashee Rice, who’s emerging as a sleeper with 450 yards already.

• Key Inactives Confirmed: Lamar Jackson (QB, BAL), Brock Purdy (QB, SF), and edge rusher Nick Bosa (DE, SF) out for the 49ers.
• Questionable Stars: Christian McCaffrey (RB, CAR), Tyreek Hill (WR, MIA), and Derrick Henry (RB, TEN) all game-time decisions.
• Defensive Impacts: The Bills’ Von Miller is inactive, weakening their pass rush against the Jets.

Defensive injuries are equally brutal. The Dallas Cowboys’ Micah Parsons is questionable with a shoulder issue, potentially boosting opposing QBs like the Eagles’ Hurts. In fantasy football, IDP leaguers should target streamers like the Ravens’ defense, now facing a hobbled Browns offense. NFL injury data shows Week 8 typically sees 15-20% more inactives due to mid-season fatigue, per a 2023 Sports Illustrated report.

Fantasy Football Lineup Strategies: Streaming Options and Waiver Priorities

As fantasy football managers digest these NFL injuries, the focus shifts to actionable strategies for Week 8. With Jackson and Purdy out, streaming quarterbacks becomes paramount. Top targets include the Buccaneers’ Baker Mayfield, who’s thrown for 300+ yards in four straight games, or the Falcons’ Desmond Ridder in a boom-bust spot against the Titans.

For running backs, monitor handcuffs like the Chargers’ Joshua Kelley if Austin Ekeler remains sidelined with his ankle woes. Wide receivers offer value too: the Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase could explode without Tee Higgins (hamstring), posting 200-yard potential. “Don’t sleep on sleepers,” advises CBS Sports analyst Dave Richard. “Inactives create opportunities—grab ’em now.”

1. QB Streams: Mayfield (vs. ATL), Watson (vs. BAL), or Love (vs. LAR) for 18+ point upside.
2. RB Flex Plays: Hubbard (if McCaffrey out), D’Andre Swift (DET vs. OAK) amid injuries.
3. WR Boom Candidates: Waddle (MIA), Rice (KC), or Jauan Jennings (SF with Purdy out).
4. TE Differentials: Dallas Goedert (PHI) or Evan Engram (JAX) in favorable matchups.

Waiver wire implications are massive post-Week 8. Players like the Rams’ Kyren Williams (calf) could return, but for now, prioritize emerging talents. League-wide, fantasy football apps report a 40% spike in trades and drops on injury news days, underscoring the volatility.

Historical context adds depth: In 2022’s Week 8, similar inactives led to a 12% increase in upset wins for underdog teams, per FiveThirtyEight. This year, with primetime games like Chiefs-Eagles rematch on deck, NFL parity could make or break playoff pushes.

Looking Ahead: How Week 8 Injuries Shape NFL Playoff Races and Fantasy Seasons

As the dust settles from Week 8‘s inactives and injuries, the NFL playoff picture gains sharper edges. The Ravens, now 5-2 without Jackson, risk a slip in the AFC North, opening doors for the Steelers. In the NFC, the 49ers’ stumble could tighten the race with the Lions and Eagles, both largely healthy entering the week.

For fantasy football, these developments signal a waiver wire frenzy heading into Week 9. Targets like Huntley or Dobbs might stick around if starters linger on IR, while healthy studs like the Vikings’ Justin Jefferson (confirmed active) solidify as must-starts. Analysts predict a 15-20% roster turnover rate this weekend, with long-term implications for championship contenders.

“Injuries test your depth,” noted NFL Network’s Rich Eisen. “The teams—and fantasy owners—that adapt fastest will thrive.” As bye weeks ramp up and trade deadlines loom, Week 8 serves as a pivotal turning point. Managers should lock in adjustments now, eyeing streaming gems and trade bait to fortify against future NFL uncertainties. The season’s second half promises more twists, but savvy owners will emerge stronger from this injury-riddled gauntlet.