Mon Sep 16 8:52am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Kamara scores four touchdowns
Offenses came alive this week. Well, not all of them, but it was a lot better than the previous one for fantasy owners. The tight end position still kind of stunk, but we had plenty of big games at running back and receiver. We actually had a couple game-winning players in Alvin Kamara and Marvin Harrison Jr. It was good to see some of these monster games once again. Let’s hope it is a trend going forward.
Bills 31, Dolphins 10
Fantasy Stud: James Cook. Cook carried fantasy teams to wins this week despite getting just 12 touches. He scored three touchdowns on those touches. Cook ran 11 times for 78 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught a pass for a 17-yard score. Cook is off to a fast start this season, having at least 13 fantasy points and 95 total yards each of his first two games. Cook is looking like a legit No. 1 fantasy back
Fantasy Dud: Josh Allen. His team won big and Allen played fine, but he was a bust for fantasy teams this week. He was 13-of-19 for 139 yards and a touchdown without a turnover. He ran just two times for two yards. Allen scored just 11.15 fantasy points. You just didn’t expect this type of game of him but it happens. The game script just didn’t play in his favor. He’ll be fine going forward, though.
Game Notes: Devon Achane was iffy to play but played and had a huge game. He ran 22 times for 96 yards and caught seven passes for 69 yards. Achane looked healthy and had 165 total yards.
Tua Tagovailoa suffered another scary concussion during this game. He could be out a long time with this latest setback. He was 17-of-25 for 145 yards and a touchdown with three interceptions before the unfortunate injury.
Chargers 26, Panthers 3
Fantasy Stud: J.K. Dobbins. Dobbins is off to a great start to his season, having back-to-back 100-yard games. He ran 17 times for 131 yards and a touchdown. He also caught a pass, giving him 20.1 fantasy points. He has 20-plus points each of his first two games. Dobbins is looking to be a steal right now in fantasy drafts, leading a run-first Chargers defense
Fantasy Dud: Diontae Johnson. Johnson continues to do little with the entire Panthers offense struggling. He caught three passes for 15 yards. Johnson has five receptions for 34 yards on 12 targets in two games. He is not worth using for fantasy teams right now. This offense is a mess.
Game Notes: Bryce Young failed to throw for 100 yards. He was 18-of-26 for 84 yards with an interception. Young is not off to the start Panthers hoped in year two.
Quentin Johnston found the end zone twice. He had five receptions for 51 yards and two touchdowns.
Packers 16, Colts 10
Fantasy Stud: Jonathan Taylor. Taylor had his first 100-yard rushing game on the season and did it on just 12 carries. He rushed 12 times 103 yards and caught two passes for 32 yards. Taylor had a solid 15.5 fantasy points.
Fantasy Dud: Michael Pittman. Pittman caught just three passes for 21 yards. Pittman has fewer than 40 yards each of his first two games. He has seven receptions for 52 yards. The only positive is he is getting a lot of looks, having 16 targets. He still has time to get it going.
Game Notes: Malik Willis played a solid game in a starting role for the Packers. He didn’t turn the ball over and was 12-of-14 passing for 122 yards and a touchdown. Willis also ran six times for 41 yards.
Josh Jacobs got a ton of work with the Packers being more run heavy. He had 32 carries for 151 yards. Jacobs has more than 100 total yards each of his first two games.
Saints 44, Cowboys 19
Fantasy Stud: Alvin Kamara. Kamara had a monster game, leading a lot of fantasy teams to victory. He had four total touchdowns. He ran 20 times for 115 yards and three touchdowns. He also had two receptions for 65 yards and another touchdown. Kamara is sure looking like an elite back once again
Fantasy Dud: Ezekiel Elliott. Elliott did next to nothing after finding the end zone last week. He ran six times for just 16 yards and caught two passes for 16 yards. He is looking like a touchdown-dependent player for fantasy teams, making him boom or bust from week to week.
Game Notes: Rashid Shaheed had four receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown. He has scores each of his first two games and at least 70 yards each of those games.
Jalen Tolbert had a good showing, getting more chances. He had six receptions for 82 yards. He was targeted nine times after getting just two in Week 1.
Vikings 23, 49ers 17
Fantasy Stud: George Kittle. Kittle was a huge part of the offense, catching seven passes for 76 yards and a touchdown. It was a great showing for the star tight end, showing his big-time weekly potential in this offense
Fantasy Dud: Brandon Aiyuk. Aiyuk had another mediocre performance. He had four receptions for 43 yards. The 49ers had 300-plus passing yards, so you hoped for a lot better from Aiyuk. His slow start could be attributed to his long holdout, so maybe he will get it going once he gets back in the swing of things.
Game Notes: Justin Jefferson was banged up in this game and had to leave early with some sort of leg injury. He was awesome before the injury, having four receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown. Jefferson is dealing with a quad injury but after the game, he sounded optimistic about playing Week 3.
Ty Chander outplayed starter Aaron Jones in this game. Chandler ran 10 times for 82 yards, averaging 8.2 yards per carry. Jones ran nine times for 32 yards and lost a fumble at the goal line.
Commanders 21, Giants 18
Fantasy Stud: Austin Seibert. Seibert was just signed this week and made his presence felt immediately. He scored all 21 points for the Commanders. He made seven field goals. For any of the fantasy teams that took a chance on him this week, Seibert likely won a lot of fantasy games
Fantasy Dud: Jayden Daniels. Daniels was not much of a help to fantasy teams this week, getting shut out of the end zone. He didn’t play badly but scored just 15.7 fantasy points. He was 23-of-29 for 226 yards and ran 10 times for 44 yards.
Game Notes: Malik Nabers had his best game as a pro. He had 10 receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown. The rest of the Giants' pass catchers had just six catches total.
Devin Singletary had his best game as a Giant, rushing 16 times for 95 yards and a touchdown. He also caught a pass for no gain.
Jets 24, Titans 17
Fantasy Stud: Calvin Ridley. Ridley was a huge bright spot for the Titans offense. He had four receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown. And Ridley added another touchdown on a 10-yard rush attempt. Ridley scored an impressive 24.7 fantasy points. It was a nice rebound game after a so-so Week 1
Fantasy Dud: DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins had just a catch for nine yards. He had six different Titans finish with more receptions. He is not a player fantasy teams can trust right now despite his great track record.
Game Notes: Braelon Allen got more chances this week and found the end zone two times. He had seven carries for 33 yards and a touchdown. He also caught two passes for 23 yards and a touchdown.
Breece Hall continues to be a huge focal point of the Jets offense. He had 21 touches. Hall ran 14 times for 62 yards and caught seven passes for 52 yards and a touchdown.
Seahawks 23, Patriots 20
Fantasy Stud: DK Metcalf. Metcalf rebounded in a huge way after a disappointing opener. He had 10 receptions for 129 yards and a touchdown. Metcalf will be just fine in this offense. He even did this against a pretty good Patriots defense. Metcalf can have a huge game any given week
Fantasy Dud: Tyler Lockett. Lockett led the Seahawks in Week 1 but that wasn’t the case this week. He caught two passes for just 15 yards. The other two Seahawk top receivers had 22 receptions. Lockett is going to be hit or miss in this offense but certainly has the potential for the big game.
Game Notes: Jaxon Smith-Njigba had double-digit receptions. He had 12 receptions for 117 yards.
Hunter Henry showed he is the top target in the Patriots offense. Henry had eight receptions for 109 yards.
Browns 18, Jaguars 13
Fantasy Stud: Travis Etienne. Etienne was one of the few bright spots for the Jaguars offense. He had 13 carries for 52 yards and a touchdown. He caught three passes for six yards, giving him 14.8 fantasy points. Etienne has scores each of his first two games and double-digit fantasy points each of those games
Fantasy Dud: Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence was not a help to fantasy teams. He failed to score a touchdown. Lawrence was 14-of-30 for 220 yards without a score or turnover. He has fewer than 20 fantasy points each of his first two games. Lawrence is not worth playing until he shows something on the field.
Game Notes: Brian Thomas led the Jaguars in receiving yards. He had two receptions for 94 yards. Thomas has topped 11 fantasy points each of his first two games.
D’Onta Foreman actually had the most rush attempts for the Browns. He had 14 carries for 48 yards compared to seven carries for 64 yards for Jerome Ford.
Raiders 26, Ravens 23
Fantasy Stud: Davante Adams. Adams showed he remains an elite fantasy receiver. He had nine receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown against a good Ravens defense on the road. If Gardner Minshew can keep playing well, Adams has some potential for big things going forward
Fantasy Dud: Isaiah Likely. Likely came back down to earth after his monster Week 1. He had two receptions for 26 yards. Mark Andrews was the tight end that produced for the Ravens this week, catching four passes for 51 yards. Likely is going to be an erratic fantasy play all season long in this offense.
Game Notes: Zay Flowers had a huge game. Flowers caught seven passes for 91 yards and a touchdown.
Brock Bowers continues to get a lot of weekly work for the Raiders. He had nine receptions for 98 yards. Bowers has 15 receptions on 17 targets his first two games.
Bucs 20, Lions 16
Fantasy Stud: Chris Godwin. Godwin had his second straight game with a touchdown, putting behind him all those concerns about a lack of scores after the last few seasons. Godwin had seven receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown. Godwin has more than 22 fantasy points each of his first two games
Fantasy Dud: Sam LaPorta. LaPorta was a huge disappointment, especially if you consider the Lions topped 300-passing yards. LaPorta caught just two passes for 13 yards. LaPorta will be just fine in this offense but his start has not been a good one for fantasy teams. He has fewer than 60 yards in two games and only eight targets.
Game Notes: Amon-Ra St. Brown got back on track after his disappointing Week 1. St. Brown had 11 receptions for 119 yards.
Jared Goff was unable to find the end zone. He attempted 55 passes and threw for 307 yards but was picked off twice.
Cardinals 41, Rams 10
Fantasy Stud: Marvin Harrison. All those Marvin Harrison owners can breathe sigh of relief. He looked great and like a true No. 1 fantasy receiver this week. Harrison had four receptions for 130 yards and two touchdowns. He was targeted eight times in the game after getting just three in Week 1
Fantasy Dud: Tyler Johnson. Johnson played better last week when the Rams had more of their top receivers in their lineup. Johnson was a bust for any owner that used him in Week 2, catching just two passes for 20 yards. He is going to be a hard fantasy player to trust even if Cooper Kupp now has to miss some time. Johnson just has too many similar options to compete with for targets.
Game Notes: Cooper Kupp left the game early with an ankle injury. This is one to watch with his injury history in recent seasons. Kupp had four receptions for 37 yards before getting hurt.
Kyler Murray played his best game in a few seasons, going 17-of-21 for 266 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover. He had a perfect passer rating. He also ran five times for 59 yards.
Steelers 13, Broncos 6
Fantasy Stud: Steelers defense. This unit pretty much won the game for the Steelers, shutting down the Broncos. Pittsburgh allowed just two field goals and 293 total yards. The Steelers also had two sacks and two interceptions. The Steelers defense is very good and is going to keep the team in a lot of games. They should be one of the top fantasy defenses all season long
Fantasy Dud: Courtland Sutton. There were a ton of duds in this game, but we give it to Sutton. He had just a catch for 26 yards in a game the Broncos threw the ball 35 times. Sutton had 12 targets in Week 1 but just five this week and connected on just one of those. He is going to be a very hard fantasy player to trust in this offense despite being the top target for the Broncos.
Game Notes: The Broncos running game is a mess. Javonte Williams led Broncos running backs in rushing but ran for just 17 yards on 11 carries. Tyler Badie was the second leading rusher and ran once for 16 yards. Jaleel McLaughlin rushed three times for six yards.
Justin Fields played another mistake-free game and led his team to a win, so don’t be surprised if he keeps starting for the Steelers. He was 13-of-20 for 117 yards and a touchdown without a turnover. Fields also ran eight times for 27 yards.
Chiefs 26, Bengals 25
Fantasy Stud: Rashee Rice. Rice continued his hot play to start the season, catching five passes for 75 yards and a touchdown. Rice scored 18.5 fantasy points, giving him 17-plus points each of his first two games. Rice is the top target for the Chiefs and on his way to a huge season in that role
Fantasy Dud: Ja’Marr Chase. Chase did little in a game that Bengals needed him to come up big. Chase caught four passes for 35 yards. Chase has not done a whole lot his first two games, having fewer than 65 yards each of those games. He has been targeted just 11 times. Look for that to change in the coming weeks. Chase needs to be more involved for the Bengals to be successful.
Game Notes: Mike Gesicki led the Bengals in receptions and receiving yards. He was a favorite target of Joe Burrow, having seven receptions for 91 yards.
Patrick Mahomes had a very down game for his standards, going 18-of-25 for 151 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions. He has fewer than 20 fantasy points each of his first two games.
Texans 19, Bears 13
Fantasy Stud: Nico Collins. Collins is quickly establishing that last season wasn’t a fluke for him. He is one of the best receivers in the game right now. He had eight receptions for 135 yards and a touchdown. He has two straight 100-yard games to start his season and 17-plus fantasy points each of those games
Fantasy Dud: Tank Dell. Dell had just a catch and it went for negative three yards. He did have positive yards running the ball but not enough to help fantasy teams. Dell ran three times for 16 yards. Dell scored just 2.6 fantasy points. He has fewer than double-digit fantasy points each of his first two games and just four receptions for 37 yards. He is looking like a boom or bust weekly play.
Game Notes: Joe Mixon injured his ankle in the game and eventually left for good. Mixon ran nine times for 25 yards and caught three passes for 25 yards before getting hurt.
Caleb Williams played better but made too many mistakes and failed to throw a touchdown pass. And the Bears offensive line gave him little time to throw, facing heavy pressure nearly every pass. Williams finished 23-of-37 for 174 yards with two interceptions.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 5
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (knee) has been ruled out for the second week in a row for Sunday night's contest against the visiting Dallas Cowboys, according to sources. With Warren out again, the Steelers will look to Aaron Shampklin and Jonathan Ward as RB depth behind starter Najee Harris. Even while working in tandem with Harris, Warren was a weekly RB3/flex option for fantasy managers last year. That hasn't been the case so far in 2024 with dual-threat quarterback Justin Fields running the offense. In the three games that Warren has played, he has only 14 carries for 54 yards (career-low 3.9 yards per tote) while catching all five of his targets for only 28 yards. Warren is still rostered in just over 50% of Yahoo leagues, but he obviously belongs on benches yet again in Week 5. With Warren out for the second week in a row, Harris should see plenty of volume in a good matchup, making him a solid RB2 in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (abdomen, oblique) is in pads and practicing for the third time this week on Friday. However, The Athletic's James Boyd reports that veteran Joe Flacco is taking most, if not all, of the first-team repetitions in practice as Richardson stands behind Flacco to watch him throw. Richardson was relieved by Flacco in the Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. The 22-year-old's injury isn't believed to be serious, but perhaps they let Flacco make the Week 5 start against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday. Either way, Richardson has fallen to low-end QB1/high-end QB2 territory after a disappointing start to his sophomore season in which he leads the league with six interceptions thrown. Check back for Richardson's final Week 5 status going into Sunday's game. The Colts will also be without star running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) this week.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee) has officially been ruled out for the Week 5 contest versus the Washington Commanders as he continues to work his way back from a devastating left-knee injury he suffered in Week 2 of 2023. Chubb returned to practice for the first time this year on Wednesday and is being eased back into action. There really isn't a firm timetable for when the 28-year-old might make his 2024 debut, and the Browns could use the full 21-day window to make sure Chubb is fully up to speed before working him back into the backfield on game days. Fantasy managers should have Chubb stashed in all formats, but there's no guarantee he'll return for a Week 6 tilt against the Philadelphia Eagles. In the meantime, Jerome Ford will continue to operate as Cleveland's lead back, with D'Onta Foreman being sprinkled in as a change-of-pace option.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (thigh) finds himself in the flex conversation once again in Week 5. Lockett has earned at least seven targets in three of four games this season and that volume will keep him fantasy relevant. Unfortunately, Lockett has only cleared 61 yards in one game. He also has yet to score a touchdown after scoring at an incredibly high clip earlier in his career. However, Lockett is still a trusted safety valve for quarterback Geno Smith and will see his fair share of targets even with the emergence of second-year wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Lockett enters a matchup with a New York Giants team that has lost several playmakers in the defensive backfield in recent years. The Seahawks should have no trouble moving up and down the field against this team which could give Lockett his first chance to score this season.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (toe) continues to stay off the fantasy radar. After a big Week 3 in which Fant caught six passes for 60 yards, he was back to his usual two catches per game in Week 4. Fant is far from his days in Denver when he was a high-end fantasy starter. He is far more necessary to the Seahawks offense than he is to fantasy teams. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb focuses more on his talented group of wide receivers than Fant, and rightfully so. If you have an extra roster spot than Fant may be worth a stash, but you should not even think about starting him until he proves any kind of fantasy worth.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is a solid play at quarterback in Week 5. He is coming off a game in which he threw for 395 yards and a touchdown. A late interception dampened the day, but the output was huge. Smith has thrown for exactly one touchdown in all four games this season. This Seahawks offense feels like it is on the cusp of an explosion which could come in Week 5. Smith should have a chance to finally break through with a multiple-touchdown game. He should also push for 250 or more passing yards. Smith has been serviceable all year which is evidenced by his current standing as the QB9 in fantasy. If you need a bye-week fill-in for Jalen Hurts or Jared Goff, or you have an underperforming starter such as Patrick Mahomes, then Smith is a fine option to deploy.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) was limited in his return to practice on Friday, but he has been ruled out for Week 5 against the New York Jets and will not come off the Physically Unable to Perform list just yet. The Vikings opened Hockenson's 21-day practice window on Friday, but he'll have to wait until at least Week 7 against the Detroit Lions -- the Vikings have their bye in Week 6 -- before potentially making his 2024 debut. We'll have a better idea in a few weeks of whether the 27-year-old will be able to return in Week 7 by his practice participation. Hockenson deserves to be stashed in all fantasy formats and should have TE1 utility when he's back in a Vikings offense that has looked great under quarterback Sam Darnold so far in 2024. Until Hockenson returns, fantasy managers can continue to ignore Johnny Mundt.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers had a tough day in Week 4 against the Detroit Lions. Myers missed a long field of 62 yards at the end of the first half and only kicked three extra points to make up for it. It is not every day that kickers attempt career long field goals at the end of the half, so Myers' dud is unlikely to be a trend. Myers should continue his accurate kicking spree in Week 5. Additionally, the Seahawks D/ST should be in plenty of scoring positions all day. Do not be surprised if Myers delivers two to three field goals and two to three extra points. That should be enough for another double-digit fantasy day.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been a two-faced player in 2024. He has two games with 12 or more targets with 13.1 fantasy points in each of those games. He also has two games with three or less targets with 6.9 or less fantasy points in each of those games. His inconsistency makes him difficult to trust but his talent is intriguing. The Seahawks have made it clear that they would like Smith-Njigba to touch the ball far more than he did in 2023. However, whether or not it is by design, the team has not been able to consistently scheme plays for Smith-Njigba. He has a chance to shine against a middle-of-the-road New York Giants defense in Week 5. He should be a flex-play with upside but do not be surprised if he delivers another dud performance.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet finds himself in a secondary role to Kenneth Walker III (oblique) once again. Upon Walker's return from injury in Week 5, Charbonnet was out-touched 16 to seven. With their actions, the Seahawks have made it clear that they heavily prefer Walker over Charbonnet. Charbonnet did see a 42% snap share to Walker's 59%. However, the Seahawks clearly would like Walker to have the ball in his hands over Charbonnet. What is more, five of Charbonnet's touches in Week 4 were receptions on a day in which quarterback Geno Smith threw the ball 56 times. That type of volume will not be available to Charbonnet in every game. He is worth a roster spot, but he is merely a hand cuff for Walker until proven otherwise.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said that running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) is "trending in the right direction" to play in Week 5 against the Cleveland Browns despite not practicing on Wednesday or Thursday. Robinson returned to practice on Friday, although his status for Sunday's contest could come down to a game-time decision. Fantasy managers should expect him to be listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report. With Austin Ekeler (concussion) returning to action in Week 5 after sitting out the Week 4 win over the Arizona Cardinals, B-Rob won't have nearly as much upside as he did heading into last week's game with Ekeler ruled out. If the 25-year-old were to be ruled out, Jeremy McNichols, who had two rushing touchdowns last week, would split backfield touches with Ekeler. If B-Rob is active, he'll be an RB2 for fantasy managers against Cleveland.
From RotoBaller
The Seattle Seahawks defense/special teams is headed into a matchup against the New York Giants in Week 5. The Giants will be playing without star rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (concussion) who has meant everything to this offense. Running back Devin Singletary (groin) may not play in this game either, however, he did manage to return to practice on Friday. Without either of those players, the Giants are left with very little playmakers on offense and a shaky offensive line. The revamped Seahawks defensive front should have a field day getting to quarterback Daniel Jones in this game. As such, they should have plenty of sacks and could force several turnovers as a result of the pressure. While this squad was annihilated by the Detroit Lions in Week 4, they should absolutely be in your lineup in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) is coming off a huge three-touchdown performance against the Detroit Lions in Week 4. What is even more impressive is that Walker had not played in two weeks and immediately regained his starting job as a workhorse running back. This coaching regime loves Walker, and his stronghold over his workload will continue as long as he is healthy. The Giants are No. 14 against opposing running backs in fantasy. As such, Walker should feast in a game that the Seahawks should win handily. Fire Walker up as an RB1 in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
The Indianapolis Colts officially ruled out running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) for the Week 5 game this weekend against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Things were trending this way after Taylor suffered what was described as a minor right high-ankle sprain in the Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 25-year-old isn't going on Injured Reserve but he's out for this week and could be up in the air to face the division-rival Tennessee Titans in Week 6. It's a big blow for Indy's offense, which could also be without quarterback Anthony Richardson (abdomen, oblique) against Jacksonville. With Taylor out, Trey Sermon is expected to be the Colts' primary back in Week 5, giving him RB2/3 plug-and-play fantasy appeal off the waiver wire if you have Taylor or are desperate for some RB help this week. In addition to Sermon having a bigger role, Tyler Goodson will also see more work as the backup.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (hand) has been nothing short of excellent in 2024. Metcalf has 24 receptions for 366 yards and two touchdowns this season. He has dominated three weeks in a row with over 100 receiving yards. The New York Giants are the No. 14 team against opposing wide receivers but there is no one on their defense who should scare you away from Metcalf at home. It is noteworthy that Metcalf is nursing a hand injury. He was able to practice fully on Wednesday but was downgraded to limited on Thursday. Metcalf's practice participation will need to be closely monitored as we head into the weekend. However, if Metcalf plays then he will be a no-brainer starter in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
As expected, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) was removed from the final Week 5 injury report on Friday after he put in a second straight limited practice. Johnson was given a DNP in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, but the Panthers all along expected him to play this Sunday against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The 28-year-old needs to be locked into all starting fantasy lineups despite the tough matchup against Chicago's defense on the road. In two games since quarterback Andy Dalton took over for Bryce Young under center, Johnson has caught 15 of his 27 targets for 205 yards and two touchdowns. High volume should be expected yet again with Adam Thielen (hamstring) still on Injured Reserve.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (illness) missed some practice time this week while being under the weather, but he was removed from the final Week 5 injury report on Friday and will suit up on Sunday at Soldier Field to face the Chicago Bears. The 27-year-old was able to practice in full on Friday after missing the sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. Especially against a stout defense on the road, fantasy managers should have better flex options at the RB position than Sanders in Week 5. Through the first four weeks as the backup to starter Chuba Hubbard, Sanders has 25 carries for 91 yards (3.6 yards per carry) and has found the end zone once, adding eight catches for 32 yards. His fantasy stock is going to plummet even further once rookie RB Jonathon Brooks (knee) comes off the Non-Football Injury list soon to make his NFL debut.
From RotoBaller
The Dallas Cowboys' defense has had a very up-and-down season through the first month. They looked like the unit we were all used to a season ago in Week 1 against Cleveland, but quickly fell off a cliff for Weeks 2 and 3. Week 4 against the Giants was no tough test, and now Dallas will face a conservative Pittsburgh Steelers offense in Week 5. Quarterback Justin Fields has been on a hot streak, accounting for six touchdowns and one turnover in the past three games. There are better streaming options available this week. Dallas is a fringe startable unit, but check free agency first for a better option against a weaker offensive unit.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson has been one of the few consistent tight end options this season. With Brandin Cooks (knee) ruled out for Sunday night's game in Pittsburgh, Ferguson should figure to see a consistent target share again. Ferguson has seen 21.6% of passes come his way when in the lineup this season, accounting for the second-highest percentage of targets on the team behind only CeeDee Lamb. The 25-year-old should be thrown into lineups this weekend in all formats despite going up against a tough Pittsburgh secondary. Dallas has leaned on the passing game and should continue to do so in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey has been the top option at his position this season. The Cowboys play in Pittsburgh on Sunday night in what could be a lower-scoring game. Despite the tough matchup, Aubrey should remain in all lineups. The number one kicker in fantasy cannot be cut from rosters, forcing him into lineups in a tough matchup. Downgrade expectations for Aubrey this week, although he still remains a top-three option at the position.
From RotoBaller