It's Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season, and we're under two weeks away from the trade deadline. Insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano have been calling sources around the league for the latest news and notable buzz.

Which teams are most likely to bring in help before the Nov. 10 deadline? Which players are likeliest to end up in a new city? And will the Colts continue dealing away players? Jeremy and Dan have updates on the trade market. Plus, we look into what's happening with the struggling Jets and what's going on in the chaotic AFC North, where the Browns are in first and the Ravens are in last.

It's all here, as Jeremy and Dan answer big questions, hand out useful fantasy football nuggets and empty their reporting notebooks heading into Week 8.

Jump to:
Aggressive teams at the deadline
Players likely to move | Colts dealing
Jets changes | AFC North chaos
Fantasy advice

Which team is most likely to be aggressive in acquiring help at the deadline?

Fowler: The Chiefs appear poised to do something at wide receiver. Injuries to Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton have created holes in the passing game that running back Kenneth Walker III can't mask alone. The Chiefs have managed to win games despite those injuries, but Sunday night in Seattle was a reminder of how ugly things can look without adequate downfield playmakers.

Enough receivers will be available in the coming weeks, so the Chiefs can get good value trading for the high-impact players or lower-cost options. The Colts' Josh Downs would be a fit for the Chiefs. The Browns' Jerry Jeudy would also fit, though Cleveland is not inclined to deal him now barring a significant offer.

Graziano: The Chiefs always seem to do something at wide receiver at the deadline. Usually it's a smaller move such as Kadarius Toney or late-career DeAndre Hopkins, but the team has a history of targeted trade-deadline additions at the position. I expect Kansas City to be active in trying to add a player or two to boost the offense, be that another pass catcher, an offensive lineman or both.

The teams that are most interesting to me are the surprises. Would the first-place Giants believe they're in position to trade a draft pick or two for a win-now player? Would the AFC North-leading Browns feel compelled to reward their current roster for its surprising first-half success by adding a player who can help take them to the next level? We saw the Colts do this last year with the big swing for Sauce Gardner.

Of course, last year's Colts are proof that this approach doesn't always work, but what do you think? Would the Browns veer from their long-term building plans to try to make a 2026 run with Deshaun Watson at QB?

Fowler: Cleveland is a low-key team to watch at the deadline. The Browns are 5-2 and like to make deals. Defensive line help will be available if they tap into it. And adding a versatile blocker, either at tight end or H-back, would be timely, perhaps providing a player similar to what Todd Monken had in Baltimore with Patrick Ricard.

Seattle has already made a move with the deal for Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson. Edge rusher and running back are positions Seahawks GM John Schneider could monitor, as well.

Graziano: Yeah, Tuesday was a big day in the NFC West arms race. It makes me wonder what the Rams are thinking. They obviously made their big moves in the offseason, but things haven't worked, and everyone's favorite superteam has fallen behind the 49ers and Seahawks in the division. I wonder whether there's another move for the Rams to make -- they could use a speedy wide receiver if one is available -- and whether they still have the draft picks and/or desire to add more to a roster that was already supposed to be loaded.

I'm also very curious to see what the Jaguars do. They see themselves as a top AFC contender. I agree with them, but they could use one more piece up front on defense. Remember, the Jags were kind of a surprise at last year's deadline with their move for Jakobi Meyers, who helped fuel their second-half run.

Which player are you most confident will get traded somewhere before the deadline?

Fowler: Let's go with Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. Several execs I've spoken to believe Thomas' days in Jacksonville are numbered due to his diminished role in Year 3. He has trade value, and the Jaguars would be smart to explore that option. One potential deterrent: Jacksonville is in a winning window and needs all hands on deck for the stretch run. Thomas, at worst, still commands defensive coverage, but he hasn't caught a pass in the past two games and was essentially benched in London in Week 6.

None of the top trade options around the league is a slam dunk to happen, but place Thomas in the Marvin Harrison Jr. category of a receiver badly needing a fresh start. The safer bet might end up being Vikings wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who isn't a primary option in that offense and is also a trade candidate.

Graziano: Thomas is my answer, too. He clearly hasn't been a big part of Jacksonville's offense since coach Liam Coen arrived last season. Thomas would surely prefer to either be a bigger part of the Jaguars' offense or go to a team where he can have a sizable role. And there are plenty of teams around the league that still view him as a high-end talent at a premium position and would give up something of value to get him.

Like you said, this closely mirrors the Harrison situation. Thomas is two months younger than Harrison, was also drafted in the first round in 2024 and showed enough promise as a rookie that there's reason to believe a change of scenery could bring out the best in him. Thomas hasn't made any public noise about wanting out, but neither did Harrison. Still, Harrison and his agents were able to work with the Cardinals behind the scenes to find a solution that made everyone happy. I expect the same thing to happen for Thomas.

Going back to your Jennings mention, I agree that the most likely guys to be traded are the slightly lower-profile names if simply because they won't cost as much to add. But I also imagine Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat will be of interest to teams needing defensive help over the next couple of weeks.

Fowler: Yeah, Dan, Sweat certainly fits the profile of a prime trade candidate, and some around the league have linked the Cowboys to his services.

What about the Colts? Are more moves coming after they dealt Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner?

Graziano: With the Colts tearing things down, veteran wideouts such as Keenan Allen and Laquon Treadwell might have appeal as depth players on contenders that need help at receiver. Defensive tackle Grover Stewart and wide receiver Josh Downs are also on expiring contracts and didn't get extensions this offseason.

The guy who did get an extension, running back Jonathan Taylor, might be the most interesting of the bunch. Even after his recent extension, Taylor has a tradeable contract. The Colts would have to absorb $10 million in dead money next year, and the acquiring team would have to take on whatever prorated portion of Taylor's $8 million salary plus bonus compensation is left for this season. He's scheduled to make $16.02 million next year, and right now that's not guaranteed, though it converts to a full guarantee five days after the Super Bowl.

So technically, you could acquire Taylor without any commitment beyond this season, but you'd also retain the ability to keep him past 2026 if you are comfortable with that price. I believe Tennessee's Tony Pollard is the more likely running back to be dealt, ahead of Taylor or Saquon Barkley, but if the Colts are in full rebuilding mode, you can't rule anything out.

Fowler: Talks are heating up quickly. Nelson had interest from several suitors before going to the Seahawks, including the Packers, thus expediting his market. Assistant GM Ed Dodds' phone will be lighting up this week. Buckner was also a player people were watching before he was dealt to the 49ers on Tuesday.

Downs has emerged as a hot name this week because multiple teams looking for receiver help have shown interest. But the Colts are thin at receiver already, so trading Downs would severely limit the offense, though my sense is he would not be against a change of scenery. And as multiple people around the league pointed out Tuesday, trading Taylor isn't a slam dunk because unlike Buckner and Nelson, he is not an impending free agent. He will also be a boon for whoever is coaching the Colts in 2027, be it current head man Shane Steichen or an outside hire.

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Marcus Spears: DeForest Buckner trade a win-win for 49ers, Colts

How long until we see changes for the Jets?

Graziano: Most people I talk to think Aaron Glenn will get to coach through the end of this season before the team evaluates the two-year sample and decides whether to bring him back for a third. The caveats are that owners are unpredictable and that this particular owner fired his last head coach relatively early in the 2024 season. Glenn has some things going for him that Robert Saleh didn't, mainly his connection with the franchise from his time as a Jets player. Ownership likes Glenn and wants to be proved right about him being a good head coach.

That said, he has struggled with a few tasks specific to head coaches, most prominently end-of-half clock management. And his choice of Frank Reich as offensive coordinator after one year of Tanner Engstrand is coming under criticism as the offense struggles to score points. A defensive head coach is often done in by his inability to find the right offensive coordinator, so unless the Jets get things turned around on offense by the end of this season, that could be a detrimental data point for Glenn's chances to stick around.

Fowler: My sense after asking around to those in the industry who closely follow such things is that Glenn likely will get some time to attempt to right the ship, but the hot seat conversation is real, and this job is on the radar for potential change at some point. It's important to note that the Jets were not viewed as a playoff-caliber team in the offseason or preseason. They're a young team in transition, and they're right to expect modest progress. On that front, they look more competitive and more capable, but they're still 2-5, which sort of offsets those first two points.

Glenn can lift his standing in two areas: better game management/situational football and maximizing the playmakers on offense with improved overall play. This stat from ESPN Jets reporter Rich Cimini is shocking: The Jets have been outscored 107-6 in the final two minutes of the second quarter under Glenn. Glenn must prove that he can manage the clock better at the end of halves. And this offense should rank better than 27th in the NFL given its talent level. Garrett Wilson is already frustrated -- again.

Graziano: And that's not good. One reason the Jets moved on from Aaron Rodgers after the 2024 season was concern over his relationship with Wilson and their belief that they had to make sure the wideout was happy and wanted to be there long term.

So here's the way I see it with the Jets. Glenn doesn't have to make the playoffs this season to keep his job and never did. But this is a team with three first-round picks in April and a plan to somehow, some way, finally find its long-term franchise quarterback. What the Jets want to have established by the end of this season is at least a foundation of a winning culture and an environment in which a young quarterback would be in position to quickly thrive and be happy. It's hard to look at the Jets right now and think they're on either one of those tracks. There is time to turn it around, but if it keeps going the way it has so far, this is absolutely a situation we'll be watching for a potential change.

Fowler: I also suspect that any major changes would be limited to the coaching staff. General manager Darren Mougey is ascending and has acquitted himself well through the past two years. His trades have New York positioned for three top-12 picks in April's draft as it currently stands. The roster is improved. Whoever the head coach is in 2027 will be in a good situation ... on paper. Ownership is viewed as a hurdle in some league circles, though it sounds like Woody Johnson wants to change that narrative and could be patient with Glenn as a result.

Browns in first? Ravens in last? What are you hearing on the upside-down AFC North?

Fowler: That the Browns are no fluke. I'm not ready to crown them the division winners, but they are well-stocked with young talent. Deshaun Watson has rediscovered (at least some of) his old form, and the schedule is soft. Cleveland has faced three teams with losing records, and three of its next four opponents are also below .500. It's at least a good enough schedule to keep things interesting.

The Steelers aren't lighting it up offensively but are creating an identity with star running back Jaylen Warren and heavy personnel (two tight ends or six offensive linemen). Pittsburgh seems to be in a similar spot to where it was in recent seasons -- good enough to win nine or 10 games and sneak into the playoffs but lacking juice beyond that. But what it's doing with heavier packages, including two-tight-end sets, has me intrigued. And don't discount the Steelers improving their roster at the deadline. Either way, this is shaping up to be the most balanced division in football.

Graziano: I don't believe the Browns or Steelers are as good as their records indicate. I mean, Watson is 27th in the league in QBR, and Cleveland has allowed 13 more points than it has scored. This is a mirage, along with some really good coaching by Todd Monken. And the Steelers just keep eking out these grueling wins against mediocre competition and looking a lot like they did for the past half-decade of the Mike Tomlin era.

But in Cincinnati, the Bengals have the one clearly elite unit in the AFC North, and it's the offense that hung 35 points on the Ravens in the second half Sunday. Cincinnati's defense is also playing at a higher level than we're used to watching. Based on what we've seen (and yes, I watched the Bengals lose in Pittsburgh with my own eyes thanks to two horrible mistakes on punt plays), I have Cincinnati as the class of this division, and I believe that's how it will play out in the end. Sunday was a statement game for the Bengals, and the statement is, "We are better than you are."

Fowler: The Bengals might be the most dangerous. We knew going into the season that they needed just passable defense; Joe Burrow and his side of the ball could handle the rest. That lopsided win in Baltimore on Sunday was a statement on both accounts. Cincinnati is convincing as a whole, but its ground game remains concerning. Last season's rushing attack ranked 29th in the league, and after hoping for improvement, this season's group ranks ... 30th. Teams that rank near the bottom in rushing typically don't make the playoffs. Burrow can overcome this issue at times, but that's hard to do over 17 games.

So while I mostly agree with you on Cincinnati's interdivision potential, I'm taking Baltimore for the division if Lamar Jackson is back this week and for the duration of the season. Here's to expecting Baltimore to tighten up and prove the Cincinnati game was an aberration.

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Where are you at with the Ravens, Dan? History tells us that a hobbled Jackson equates to eight- or nine-win seasons for Baltimore. But the team's ceiling remains high.

Graziano: That seems to be the consensus opinion and has been since the offseason -- that Baltimore has a strong roster and should be a top AFC contender when everyone's healthy. But I have concerns.

The Ravens definitely need Jackson back as soon and as healthy as possible. This isn't graduate-level NFL analysis. He is as big a difference-maker as there is in the league. The Ravens can get by without him, but they cannot excel in that state -- and excel is what they're going to have to do to win this division (even if I'm not with you yet on the level of good play being displayed by the two teams atop the AFC North right now). The big problem the Ravens have is that the two games they've lost without Jackson are to the Browns and Bengals, both of whom are ahead of them in the division and now have a tiebreaker edge as well.

Jackson's health isn't the only issue. Derrick Henry looks a step slow for the first time and is getting stuffed at a high rate in short-yardage situations. The defense's disappearance in the second half Sunday must sound some alarm bells, doesn't it? Wasn't this supposed to be the Trey Hendrickson revenge game? The new coaching staff is unproven and hasn't had to manage a team through the inevitable ups and downs of a season. I believe Jesse Minter is a good coach who can do it, but we have not seen whether he can or will. We don't really know what the current, post-Harbaugh version of the Ravens is or how it will hold up as the season goes along.

What is your best piece of fantasy football advice for this week?

Graziano: After the week I just had in fantasy, my best advice is to not ask me for advice. But since you're insisting ... try to trade for Seahawks RB Jadarian Price. He's back at practice this week after missing the past four games while on injured reserve with a chest injury. I have no idea whether he'll play this week or how much, but he'll be back at some point soon. He was their first-round pick this year, and they just traded for Nelson, a move that will help their run game immensely.

Yes, Zach Charbonnet is close to returning, but he's also Zach Charbonnet, not Bijan Robinson. At best, the Seahawks will use Charbonnet the way they always have, which leaves room for someone else to produce at a high level. Price has had fumble issues and rookie growing pains, but the Seahawks drafted him because they saw him as a ready-made prospect who could help this season. Given how much Nelson can improve the run game, that Seattle's remaining schedule is friendly for fantasy running backs and that Price is probably sitting in someone's IR spot in your league, you might be able to get a steal.

Fowler: Grab insurance plays at RB such as the Colts' Seth McGowan. This is the time of year when RB depth thins due to injury. The Colts' trade plans could result in a deal for Jonathan Taylor, which would open up the backfield for McGowan. Even if they don't trade Taylor, McGowan is probably worth the roster spot if you have one to spare. The Titans' Tyjae Spears is also tempting if Tennessee gets a great offer for Tony Pollard.