Sunday morning observations -- Week 8

Good morning, Fools! The Bengals and Redskins are already going at it in London. Let's see what else is brewing around the NFL as we prepare to dominate for another week...

The Vikings will go without Jerick McKinnon on Monday night, which sets Matt Asiata up as a sneaky start for bye-week-challenged and injury-depleted teams (like mine). Ronnie Hillman is also expected to get some work in McKinnon's place.

Jay Cutler is back under center for the Bears, for better or for worse. He picked a tough matchup to return to, though. As I said in my Starters/Benchwarmers column, this is a positive development long-term for Alshon Jeffery, but probably not on Monday night. It will be interesting to see how Cameron Meredith's role develops with Brian Hoyer no longer at QB. Also, it looks like Eddie Royal will miss this game.

Shady McCoy will rest his bum hammy, so look for a heavy workload for Mike Gillislee. Though I wouldn't count on huge production against the Pats.

Robert Woods should be back at WR for the Bills, which is good news if you are counting on Tyrod Taylor.

Because I'm struggling at RB in my "big money" league -- with only David Johnson available while Shady and Tevin Coleman are rehabbing -- I made a trade for Jeremy Hill (which I'm starting to regret) and picked up Alfred Blue as a possible flex play if Lamar Miller couldn't go today. But they've just announced that he is active, so Blue will remain on my bench. That said, don't be surprised if Miller struggles, or leaves this game early.

Looks like Dez Bryant will be returning tonight against the Eagles. Tough to know how effective or involved he'll be, but I'd love him in my flex position.

Randall Cobb is expected to miss today's tasty matchup with the Falcons due to a hamstring. Look for Jordy to rebound against the Falcons' generous secondary, and Davante Adams will have a chance to build on his stellar game in Week 7. I like Ty Montgomery here as well.

John Brown should return today for the Cards, but Michael Floyd will sit with his hammy. Hopefully Brown's return will coincide with a big outing for Carson Palmer.

After some concern throughout the week, it now appears that Hunter Henry (concussion) will suit up. Still, he's a very risky play in Denver.

Eric Ebron is expected to return for the Lions today.

That's it for now. Will be tweeting inactives and late-breaking news shortly. Now go getcha a W!