Fancy Football IX - Week 8

Starosta Crafts a Kraft Coronation

Week 8 — Fancy Football IX

Sunday-night surge seals the crown

Congratulations to Jonathan Starosta, who posted 188.9 points and won Week 8 by a commanding 25.3-point margin. His lineup combined the week’s highest scorer, Jonathan Taylor (40.4), with a Sunday-night eruption from Tucker Kraft (36.3). Taylor ran for 153 yards and three touchdowns, including an 80-yard score, while Kraft delivered 143 receiving yards and two touchdowns as Green Bay rallied from a nine-point halftime deficit.

Jonathan received another 23.5 points from Michael Pittman Jr., 24.8 from Bo Nix, and 19.1 from Derrick Henry. Even 1.8 points from Marvin Mims Jr. could not make the finish particularly close. The victory was Jonathan’s first crown of the season and raised his season high to 188.9.

Michael Bordes finished second at 163.6 behind 36.6 points from James Cook III and 26.9 from Troy Franklin. Nick Rohrbeck landed just 2.9 points behind Michael in third, pairing Franklin with Chase Brown and Rashee Rice.

Two picks delivered wins across the board

The four contestants who drafted Tucker Kraft finished first, fourth, sixth, and seventh. Jonathan led that group, with Alex Richter, Bryan Daley, and Ryan Christensen all comfortably joining him in the money.

Troy Franklin was nearly as reliable. His 26.9 points at a $4,200 salary appeared in five lineups, and every one finished in the top half: Michael Bordes in second, Nick Rohrbeck in third, Ryan in seventh, Dan Cecchin in 16th, and Jake Chrystal in 18th.

Meanwhile, the week’s most popular selection was a major obstacle. Bijan Robinson appeared on 20 of 37 rosters but managed only 6.8 points at an $8,800 salary, finishing with 25 rushing yards and a lost fumble. Nick still reached the podium despite the miss, while several other Robinson lineups survived to get paid.

A defensive pick decides the cut line

Brian Salisbury grabbed the final winning spot with 119.0 points, edging Kyle Gagnon by six-tenths. Brian was the only contestant to draft the Buccaneers D/ST, whose four takeaways and pick-six produced 26 points. That inspired choice countered just 1.6 points from Jordan Mason and pushed Brian across the line.

Jake Chrystal finished only one-tenth ahead of Brian at 119.1, making the boundary especially unforgiving. Kyle’s 118.4 missed despite solid contributions from Dallas Goedert, Derrick Henry, and the Chargers D/ST.

At the other end of the defensive spectrum, nine contestants used the Bengals D/ST and received minus-4 points after the Jets scored three fourth-quarter touchdowns. Ryan still climbed to seventh, but the selection contributed to several narrow losses farther down the standings.

Streaks continue—and one finally ends

Michael Petty’s eighth-place result extended his winning streak to five weeks and moved him into first place in the season standings. Ben Maier also reached five consecutive wins by taking 17th.

Sean O’Neil had the week’s most welcome turnaround. His 132 points were good for 11th place, snapping a seven-week losing streak and producing his first top-half finish of the season. Jonathan Taylor supplied 40.4 points, while Chimere Dike added 16.4 at a $3,400 salary.

MIN

LAC

CLE

NYG

PHI

CHI

BAL

HOU

BUF

CAR

MIA

ATL

NYJ

CIN

DAL

DEN

TEN

IND

PIT

WAS

Houston Texans 26, San Francisco 49ers 15

Recap

C.J. Stroud threw for a season-high 318 yards and two touchdowns as Houston controlled the game early and held on for the victory.
The Texans led 13–0 before San Francisco answered with Mac Jones’s 17-yard touchdown pass to George Kittle before halftime.
San Francisco briefly cut the deficit to one possession in the third quarter when Jake Tonges scored on a two-yard touchdown, but Houston closed out the game.
Xavier Hutchinson had a career-high 69 receiving yards and a touchdown, while rookie Jaylin Noel caught five passes for 63 yards. Dalton Schultz added two receptions for 24 yards.
Christian McCaffrey was held to 25 rushing yards on eight carries and added 43 receiving yards.
Deommodore Lenoir intercepted Stroud before halftime, ending San Francisco’s seven-game streak without an interception. The 49ers’ defense also suffered several injuries during the game.
Houston won its first game against San Francisco since 2009.

Injuries

Jordan Elliott, 49ers defensive tackle — ankle: Left in the second quarter and did not return. He stopped producing after leaving.
Alfred Collins, 49ers defensive tackle — shoulder: Briefly left during the game but returned. He stopped producing during the period he was out, then resumed playing after returning.
Dee Winters, 49ers linebacker — knee: Was shaken up in the third quarter, briefly returned, then exited again and was ruled out. He stopped producing after his final exit.
Sam Okuayinonu, 49ers defensive lineman — ankle: Limped off in the third or fourth quarter and did not return. He stopped producing after leaving.
Braxton Berrios, Texans wide receiver — chest: Left in the third quarter but returned to the game. He stopped producing while he was out, then returned to action.
Dylan Horton, Texans defensive end — knee: Was injured in the third quarter. He left the game and did not record further production afterward.
Nico Collins, Texans wide receiver — concussion: Inactive before the game and did not play. He produced nothing because he was unavailable.
Christian Kirk, Texans wide receiver — hamstring: Inactive before the game and did not play. He produced nothing because he was unavailable.
Brock Purdy, 49ers quarterback — toe: Inactive before the game; Mac Jones started in his place. He produced nothing because he was unavailable.
George Kittle: Played and caught a 17-yard touchdown; no injury or early exit was reported.
Christian McCaffrey: Played the entire game without a reported injury or early exit.
Dalton Schultz: Played without a reported injury or early exit.
Jaylin Noel: Played without a reported injury or early exit, finishing with five catches for 63 yards.
Texans D/ST and 49ers D/ST: Neither defensive unit was inactive; the 49ers D/ST recorded Lenoir’s interception, while Houston’s defense helped limit McCaffrey and preserve the win.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23, New Orleans Saints 3

Headlines

Tampa Bay improved to 6–2 and strengthened its hold on the NFC South, while New Orleans fell to 1–7. The Saints’ only points came on Blake Grupe’s 48-yard field goal.
The Buccaneers’ defense forced four New Orleans turnovers, including two interceptions, two fumbles, and a pick-six. Tampa Bay held the Saints scoreless after the first quarter.
Baker Mayfield struggled early under heavy pressure, taking three first-half sacks and losing a fumble. Tampa Bay still pulled away with a third-quarter 1-yard touchdown run and a fourth-quarter defensive touchdown.
Tampa Bay played without several key offensive players, including Bucky Irving, Chris Godwin Jr., Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan, Luke Goedeke, and Cody Mauch.
Tez Johnson led Tampa Bay’s receiving corps with five catches for 43 yards. Cade Otton added four catches for 40 yards, Emeka Egbuka caught three passes for 35 yards, and Sterling Shepard had one catch for eight yards.
Alvin Kamara finished with six carries for 21 yards and two receptions for 24 yards. Chris Olave caught eight passes for 63 yards but had the ball taken away by Antoine Winfield Jr. on an interception. Taysom Hill caught one pass for six yards.
New Orleans replaced Spencer Rattler with Tyler Shough with 3:57 remaining in the third quarter. Rattler finished 15-of-21 for 136 yards with a lost fumble and a pick-six; Shough went 17-of-30 for 129 yards and threw an interception.

Injuries

Baker Mayfield: Managed a knee/oblique issue during the game after entering with the knee listed on Tampa Bay’s injury report. He remained in the game and did not leave early; therefore, he did not stop producing after leaving.
Emeka Egbuka: Entered the game with a hamstring issue after missing Wednesday’s practice and being limited Thursday, but he was upgraded to full participation Friday and was active. He did not leave early, returned/continued throughout the game, and caught three passes for 35 yards.
Alvin Kamara: Played despite an ankle issue and was limited in all three practices during the week. He did not leave early, returned/continued throughout the game, and finished with six carries and two receptions.
Chris Olave: Played after missing Wednesday’s practice with an ankle issue and being upgraded to full participation Friday. He did not leave early, returned/continued throughout the game, and finished with eight receptions for 63 yards.
Taysom Hill, Cade Otton, Sterling Shepard, and Tez Johnson: No notable inactive designation, in-game injury, or early exit was reported for these players; they continued playing and producing through the game.
Buccaneers D/ST: No notable defensive injury or early exit affecting the drafted unit was reported. Tampa Bay’s defense produced four turnovers, including a pick-six.

Green Bay Packers 35, Pittsburgh Steelers 25

Final score

Green Bay overcame a 16–7 halftime deficit by scoring 28 second-half points, including 21 in the fourth quarter. Pittsburgh scored only nine second-half points.
Jordan Love finished 29-of-37 for 360 yards and three touchdowns, while Aaron Rodgers passed for 219 yards and two touchdowns. Love completed 20 consecutive passes, tying Brett Favre’s franchise record.
Tucker Kraft led Green Bay with seven catches for 143 yards and two touchdowns. DK Metcalf caught a two-yard touchdown for Pittsburgh, and Josh Jacobs scored a fourth-quarter rushing touchdown.

Important headlines

The game was framed as a passing-of-the-torch matchup between Jordan Love and his mentor, Aaron Rodgers, with Love leading Green Bay’s comeback.
Green Bay improved to 5-1-1, while Pittsburgh fell to 4-3.
The Packers entered halftime down nine points but dominated the final quarter, scoring three touchdowns and two field goals.

Injuries

Daniel Ekuale, Steelers DT: Left with a knee injury in the second quarter and did not return; he stopped producing after leaving.
Isaac Seumalo, Steelers G: Suffered a chest/pectoral injury in the second half and did not return; he stopped producing after leaving.
DeShon Elliott, Steelers S: Exited with a potentially serious right-knee injury in the third quarter and did not return; he stopped producing after leaving.
Nick Niemann, Packers LB: Left with a chest injury in the second half; no return was reported, so he stopped producing after leaving.
Zach Tom, Packers OL: Was slow to get up in the fourth quarter after a play involving Tucker Kraft. The game report did not confirm an early exit or whether he returned; he had no further reported production after that play.
Rasheed Walker, Packers OT: Got up slowly late in the fourth quarter, around the two-minute warning, and was replaced by Anthony Belton. No return was reported; he stopped producing after leaving.
Matthew Golden, Packers WR: Was active despite a hip issue and played; he was not reported as injured during the game.
Jordan Love, Pat Freiermuth, Tucker Kraft, Josh Jacobs, DK Metcalf, Aaron Rodgers, and Christian Watson: No notable in-game injury or early exit was reported. Kraft, Jacobs, Metcalf, Love, and Rodgers all produced after halftime or late in the game; Watson played in his 2025 debut.
Rico Dowdle and Michael Pittman Jr.: Neither was listed among the 2025 Week 8 Packers-Steelers inactives, and neither was reported as participating in or leaving this game.

Kansas City Chiefs 28, Washington Commanders 7

Headlines

Kansas City erased a 7–7 halftime tie by scoring touchdowns on each of its first three second-half possessions, pulling away for a 28–7 victory. Patrick Mahomes completed 25 of 34 passes for 299 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Travis Kelce caught six passes for 99 yards and a touchdown. His score was the 83rd regular-season touchdown of his career, tying Priest Holmes for the most in Chiefs history.
Rashee Rice added nine receptions for 93 yards and an 18-yard touchdown, while Xavier Worthy caught five passes for 53 yards.
Kareem Hunt scored twice for Kansas City. Washington quarterback Marcus Mariota started for the inactive Jayden Daniels, and the Commanders managed only seven points.
Terry McLaurin returned after missing four games with a quad injury and scored Washington’s only touchdown, finishing with three catches for 54 yards before aggravating the injury late in the game.

Injuries

Terry McLaurin, Washington — quad: Reaggravated the injury in the fourth quarter and did not return. He stopped producing after leaving, having finished with three catches for 54 yards and a touchdown.
Laremy Tunsil, Washington — hamstring: Hurt on the opening offensive series in the first quarter, briefly returned in the second quarter, then exited again and did not return. He stopped producing after his final exit.
Javon Kinlaw, Washington — shoulder: Injured during the game and did not return; he stopped producing after leaving.
Jayden Daniels, Washington — hamstring: Inactive before kickoff and did not play, so he recorded no production. Marcus Mariota started in his place.
Matt Gay, Washington — back: Inactive before kickoff and did not play, so he recorded no production; Matthew Wright handled Washington’s kicking duties.
Trey Smith, Kansas City — back: Inactive before kickoff and did not play, so he recorded no production.
Rashee Rice, Kansas City — knee: Played the entire game without a reported in-game injury, producing nine catches, 93 yards, and a touchdown.
Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City — no reported injury: Played the entire game and produced 299 passing yards and three touchdowns.
Travis Kelce, Kansas City — no reported injury: Played the entire game and produced six catches, 99 yards, and a touchdown.
Xavier Worthy, Kansas City — no reported injury: Played without a reported early exit, finishing with five catches for 53 yards.
Zach Ertz, Washington — no reported injury: Played without a reported early exit; he was not listed among the game’s notable injury absences.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington — no reported injury: Played without a reported early exit and received nine carries.
Brashard Smith, Kansas City — no reported injury: Played without a reported early exit; his listed toe issue did not keep him out.
Rachaad White and Stefon Diggs: Neither player was a participant in this Chiefs–Commanders game, so neither had game production or a game injury to report.

Earned Badges

Rank	Username	Score	Best Pick	Worst Pick	Chalk Rating The higher your chalk rating, the higher the popularity of players you picked based on everyone's lineups
1	JJSTAR14	188.88	Tucker Kraft 6.7x Value $5400.00 - 36.30 points	Marvin Mims Jr. 0.5x Value $3900.00 - 1.80 points	15.02
2	michaelbordes	163.58	Troy Franklin 6.4x Value $4200.00 - 26.90 points	Rico Dowdle 0.9x Value $6300.00 - 5.40 points	18.62
3	fleetfoot43	160.68	Troy Franklin 6.4x Value $4200.00 - 26.90 points	Bijan Robinson 0.8x Value $8800.00 - 6.80 points	20.42
4	RichterAlex	147.10	Tucker Kraft 6.7x Value $5400.00 - 36.30 points	Brashard Smith 0.2x Value $4100.00 - 0.80 points	13.81
5	GiovanniVincenzo	145.98	Justin Herbert 4.2x Value $6300.00 - 26.28 points	Marvin Mims Jr. 0.5x Value $3900.00 - 1.80 points	17.42
6	bryandaley4	140.16	Tucker Kraft 6.7x Value $5400.00 - 36.30 points	Matthew Golden 0.7x Value $5000.00 - 3.40 points	17.72
7	christensenr1002	138.22	Tucker Kraft 6.7x Value $5400.00 - 36.30 points	Bengals D/ST -1.5x Value $2700.00 - -4.00 points	16.82
8	Mpetty22	135.38	Bills D/ST 5.2x Value $3300.00 - 17.00 points	Bijan Robinson 0.8x Value $8800.00 - 6.80 points	22.52
9	dwrichter	134.02	Joe Flacco 4.5x Value $5400.00 - 24.32 points	Bengals D/ST -1.5x Value $2700.00 - -4.00 points	🙄 27.93 🙄
10	coliver1721	133.70	James Cook III 5.5x Value $6700.00 - 36.60 points	Cowboys D/ST -0.8x Value $2400.00 - -2.00 points	🙌 8.41 🙌
11	sean8771	131.98	Jonathan Taylor 4.3x Value $9500.00 - 40.40 points	Baker Mayfield 0.8x Value $6400.00 - 5.08 points	12.91
12	TheDraftKingCJ	130.28	Breece Hall 5.9x Value $6100.00 - 35.86 points	Vikings D/ST 0.0x Value $2500.00 - 0.00 points	13.21
13	devoee	129.08	Chase Brown 4.7x Value $5400.00 - 25.50 points	Drake London 0.0x Value $6400.00 - 0.00 points	20.72
14	richhomiewand	122.18	Bo Nix 4.1x Value $6000.00 - 24.78 points	Hollywood Brown 0.0x Value $4800.00 - 0.00 points	15.02
15	cootyshot	122.00	Jordan Love 5.3x Value $5900.00 - 31.30 points	A.J. Brown 0.0x Value $6100.00 - 0.00 points	20.12
16	cecchin2	121.48	Troy Franklin 6.4x Value $4200.00 - 26.90 points	Bijan Robinson 0.8x Value $8800.00 - 6.80 points	23.42
17	sw1sh103	121.36	Harold Fannin Jr. 4.2x Value $4400.00 - 18.40 points	Bijan Robinson 0.8x Value $8800.00 - 6.80 points	17.72
18	TheHoradricDraft	119.06	Troy Franklin 6.4x Value $4200.00 - 26.90 points	Bengals D/ST -1.5x Value $2700.00 - -4.00 points	16.82
19	bnazty	119.02	Buccaneers D/ST 7.6x Value $3400.00 - 26.00 points	Jordan Mason 0.3x Value $6200.00 - 1.60 points	12.91
20	KyleGagnon	118.36	Dallas Goedert 4.2x Value $4200.00 - 17.80 points	Christian McCaffrey 1.1x Value $9000.00 - 9.80 points	12.91
21	kmm0811	118.08	Bo Nix 4.1x Value $6000.00 - 24.78 points	Panthers D/ST -0.9x Value $2200.00 - -2.00 points	10.51
22	jimmyc134	115.98	Rashee Rice 3.9x Value $6600.00 - 25.50 points	Baker Mayfield 0.8x Value $6400.00 - 5.08 points	20.42
23	inzo54	115.38	Bills D/ST 5.2x Value $3300.00 - 17.00 points	Bijan Robinson 0.8x Value $8800.00 - 6.80 points	14.41
24	letsgoredwings	115.10	Jordan Love 5.3x Value $5900.00 - 31.30 points	Emeka Egbuka 0.9x Value $7000.00 - 6.50 points	15.02
25	charlieweller	114.12	Breece Hall 5.9x Value $6100.00 - 35.86 points	Bengals D/ST -1.5x Value $2700.00 - -4.00 points	18.32
26	baweller	113.82	Jonathan Taylor 4.3x Value $9500.00 - 40.40 points	Luther Burden III 0.2x Value $3800.00 - 0.90 points	10.21
27	mmck3	111.88	Bo Nix 4.1x Value $6000.00 - 24.78 points	Bengals D/ST -1.5x Value $2700.00 - -4.00 points	25.83
28	mfior41	111.30	Jordan Love 5.3x Value $5900.00 - 31.30 points	Bengals D/ST -1.5x Value $2700.00 - -4.00 points	14.71
29	iowahawk06	111.08	Michael Pittman Jr. 4.2x Value $5600.00 - 23.50 points	Bengals D/ST -1.5x Value $2700.00 - -4.00 points	21.62
30	JordanRana	110.96	Rashee Rice 3.9x Value $6600.00 - 25.50 points	Jets D/ST -1.3x Value $2300.00 - -3.00 points	18.32
31	WillBeller	107.82	Kyle Pitts Sr. 3.8x Value $3900.00 - 14.90 points	Bijan Robinson 0.8x Value $8800.00 - 6.80 points	19.52
32	CPENNINO22	107.06	Michael Pittman Jr. 4.2x Value $5600.00 - 23.50 points	Bijan Robinson 0.8x Value $8800.00 - 6.80 points	14.41
33	alyciah	106.10	Chase Brown 4.7x Value $5400.00 - 25.50 points	Bijan Robinson 0.8x Value $8800.00 - 6.80 points	15.32
34	ewilde	104.42	Joe Flacco 4.5x Value $5400.00 - 24.32 points	Bijan Robinson 0.8x Value $8800.00 - 6.80 points	15.92
35	chmielewski99	100.02	Joe Flacco 4.5x Value $5400.00 - 24.32 points	Bijan Robinson 0.8x Value $8800.00 - 6.80 points	18.62
36	sclam	94.78	Bo Nix 4.1x Value $6000.00 - 24.78 points	Bengals D/ST -1.5x Value $2700.00 - -4.00 points	21.92
37	leShartswell	89.02	Joe Flacco 4.5x Value $5400.00 - 24.32 points	Bengals D/ST -1.5x Value $2700.00 - -4.00 points	19.82