NFL Week 8 Fantasy Football Inactives: Lamar Jackson and Brock Purdy Out – Major Lineup Shifts Ahead

In a devastating blow to fantasy football managers across the league, star quarterbacks Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens and Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers have been officially ruled out for NFL Week 8, sending shockwaves through rosters and forcing last-minute scrambles on the waiver wire. As injuries continue to plague the 2023 season, these absences highlight the unpredictable nature of the NFL, where one snap can derail a team’s – and a fantasy owner’s – entire strategy.

Lamar Jackson’s Wrist Injury Sidelines Ravens’ MVP in Pivotal AFC North Battle

The news hit hard for Ravens fans and fantasy enthusiasts alike: Lamar Jackson, the 2023 NFL MVP favorite and dual-threat sensation, will miss his first game of the season due to a lingering wrist injury sustained during Week 6 against the Tennessee Titans. Baltimore’s dynamic quarterback, known for his electrifying runs and pinpoint passes, practiced limitedly throughout the week but was ultimately deemed unfit to play against the rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday afternoon at Acrisure Stadium.

Jackson’s absence is monumental not just for the Ravens’ offense but for fantasy football leagues everywhere. Entering Week 8, Jackson was averaging 22.5 fantasy points per game, ranking him as the QB5 in standard PPR scoring formats. His ability to accumulate rushing yards – over 400 already this season – made him a must-start in superflex and best-ball leagues. Without him, the Ravens turn to veteran backup Tyler Huntley, who steps in for his third start since 2021. Huntley’s career stats are modest: 1,049 passing yards and just 119 rushing yards in limited action, translating to an average of 12.8 fantasy points per start.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh addressed the media post-practice, saying, ‘Lamar’s toughness is unmatched, but we’re prioritizing his long-term health. Tyler’s got the arm and the legs to keep us competitive.’ Fantasy analysts, however, are less optimistic. According to ESPN’s fantasy football projections, Huntley’s output could drop the Ravens’ passing game efficiency by 25%, potentially capping his fantasy ceiling at 15 points against a stout Steelers defense that ranks top-5 in sacks and interceptions.

This injury adds to a growing list of setbacks for Jackson, who has battled ankle and knee issues in previous seasons. In 2022, he missed four games due to similar woes, leading to a 2-2 record without him. For fantasy managers, the ripple effects are immediate: those who streamed Jackson in DFS contests on DraftKings or FanDuel now face payout shortfalls, while season-long owners must pivot to available options like Geno Smith or Jordan Love, both of whom face favorable matchups this week.

Brock Purdy’s Shoulder Strain Forces 49ers to Rely on Sam Darnold in High-Stakes NFC West Showdown

Out West, the San Francisco 49ers confirmed that Brock Purdy, their breakout rookie quarterback and the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, is sidelined for Week 8 with a shoulder strain from the team’s Thursday Night Football loss to the Cleveland Browns. Purdy, who has engineered the 49ers to a 5-2 record and positioned them as NFC contenders, was seen wincing after a late hit in the fourth quarter, and subsequent MRIs revealed inflammation that rules him out against the Los Angeles Rams.

Purdy’s fantasy impact has been subtle yet significant; he’s QB9 with 18.2 points per game, bolstered by the 49ers’ explosive supporting cast including Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel. His completion percentage of 68.4% and low turnover rate made him a reliable starter in two-QB leagues. Now, the 49ers pivot to Sam Darnold, acquired in the offseason trade from the Carolina Panthers. Darnold, a former No. 3 overall pick, has seen minimal action this year but brings a cannon arm that could unlock big plays – or turnovers, given his career 3.1% interception rate.

49ers coach Kyle Shanahan was candid in his presser: ‘Brock’s our guy, but Sam’s prepared for this. We’ve schemed around his strengths to keep the offense humming.’ Projections from Yahoo Fantasy paint a mixed picture: Darnold could flirt with 20 points if McCaffrey stays healthy, but the Rams’ pass rush, led by Aaron Donald, poses a real threat. Last season, backups in similar spots averaged just 14.5 fantasy points against top defenses.

Purdy’s injury is particularly surprising given his resilience; he played through a rib issue in Week 5 without missing time. This marks the first true test for San Francisco’s depth chart, and for fantasy football, it disrupts streaming plans. Managers who invested in Purdy’s upside now eye waivers for alternatives like Baker Mayfield, who’s been a waiver-wire darling with 19.8 points per game over his last four outings.

Wave of Injuries Hits Other Fantasy Stars: From Running Backs to Wide Receivers

Beyond the quarterback carousel, NFL Week 8 inactives list is a minefield for fantasy football rosters, with injuries sidelining a slew of key contributors across positions. In the running back room, Dallas Cowboys’ Tony Pollard is out with a hamstring tweak, forcing Rico Dowdle into a lead role – a boom-or-bust spot against the Eagles’ aggressive front seven. Pollard’s 4.2 yards per carry this season will be missed, as Dowdle has averaged only 3.8 in limited snaps.

Wide receivers aren’t spared either. The Kansas City Chiefs’ Marquez Valdes-Scantling sits with a knee injury, opening the door for Skyy Moore and Justyn Ross to see increased targets from Patrick Mahomes. Valdes-Scantling’s deep-threat role contributed 10.5 fantasy points per game on average; his absence could inflate Moore’s value in PPR leagues, where he’s projected for 12 points. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills’ Gabe Davis is doubtful with an ankle sprain, potentially boosting Khalil Shakir’s snaps against the Patriots.

Defensive injuries add another layer: The Green Bay Packers’ Jaire Alexander is out with a concussion, weakening their secondary and boosting the Vikings’ Justin Jefferson, who’s already WR1 with 25.3 points per game. Statistics from Pro Football Focus show that teams missing top cornerbacks allow 15% more receiving yards to opposing wideouts.

Fantasy platforms like Sleeper and ESPN report a surge in waiver wire activity, with claims up 40% from last week as managers adjust. Expert Mike Clay of ESPN noted, ‘This week’s inactives are a perfect storm – QBs out means RBs and WRs step up, but volatility is high.’ For those in dynasty leagues, these injuries underscore the importance of depth, with trade values for backups like Huntley spiking overnight.

Top Waiver Wire Targets and Streaming Strategies to Salvage Your Week 8 Lineup

As the dust settles on these NFL injuries, fantasy football managers must act fast to mitigate damage. For Lamar Jackson owners, top replacements include the Seattle Seahawks’ Geno Smith, facing a porous Falcons defense that ranks 30th in pass defense (allowing 265 yards per game). Smith has thrown for over 300 yards in three straight, projecting for 22 fantasy points.

Brock Purdy’s void opens opportunities for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Baker Mayfield, who’s on a hot streak with four touchdowns in each of his last two games against the Bills and Falcons. In deeper leagues, consider the Las Vegas Raiders’ Aidan O’Connell, a rookie with upside against the Saints’ middling secondary.

Running back streamers shine too: The New York Giants’ Tyrone Tracy Jr. could see 15+ touches with Devin Singletary questionable, while the Houston Texans’ Dameon Pierce faces a Jaguars run defense that’s surrendered 150 rushing yards per game lately. Wideouts like the Rams’ Puka Nacua remain start-worthy despite the QB change, as his chemistry with Matthew Stafford transcends backups.

• QB Streams: Geno Smith (SEA), Baker Mayfield (TB), Aidan O’Connell (LV)
• RB Adds: Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG), Dameon Pierce (HOU), Rico Dowdle (DAL)
• WR Sleepers: Skyy Moore (KC), Khalil Shakir (BUF), Puka Nacua (LAR)

DFS players should target stacks like Seahawks-Falcons for high-upside correlations. According to FantasyPros consensus rankings, these moves could boost weekly scores by 10-15 points on average. Remember, priority claims close soon – don’t sleep on these gems.

Long-Term Implications: How Week 8 Absences Could Reshape Playoff Races and Fantasy Seasons

These NFL Week 8 inactives extend far beyond one Sunday, potentially altering divisional standings and fantasy playoff trajectories. For the Ravens, Jackson’s projected two-week absence tests their 6-1 record’s resilience; a loss to Pittsburgh could tighten the AFC North, where the Steelers lurk at 4-3. Baltimore’s rushing attack, led by Gus Edwards (12.2 fantasy points per game), becomes paramount, but fantasy owners in keeper leagues may see Jackson’s trade value dip temporarily.

In the NFC West, the 49ers’ 5-2 mark hangs in the balance without Purdy. A Darnold-led win over the Rams keeps them atop, but a slip could invite the Seahawks (4-3) to challenge. Fantasy-wise, Purdy’s injury might accelerate discussions of his rookie contract extension, while Darnold’s performance could revive his career narrative – boosting his free-agent stock in 2024.

League-wide, injuries like these have historical precedents: In 2022, QB absences led to a 12% increase in upset wins for underdogs. For fantasy football, Week 8’s chaos favors bold managers; those who adapt via trades or drops could gain edges in head-to-head matchups. As the season hits its midpoint, waiver wire warriors and dynasty builders should scout return timelines – Jackson’s wrist could heal by Week 10, per team reports, while Purdy’s shoulder might linger into November.

Looking ahead, the NFL’s injury report underscores the need for diversified rosters. With bye weeks for teams like the Eagles and Chargers adding to the mix, fantasy commissioners might consider flex scheduling. Ultimately, these setbacks remind us of the game’s beauty: unpredictability breeds excitement, and smart pivots turn losses into league-winning gains. Stay tuned to official updates, as last-minute returns can’t be ruled out.