Thu Oct 3 9:05am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
This is not a great week for fantasy owners. Not only do the byes start and several big-time players are out, but this injury page is as big as it has been all year. This is going to be a tough one for a lot of fantasy owners. Hopefully, you can fill out a competent lineup in Week 5. The only positive is a few marquee players are close to returning from major injuries. This could provide a lift for some fantasy teams.
Brandin Cooks, WR, Cowboys. Cooks has already been ruled out for Week 5 and could miss more time. He is dealing with an infection in his knee after having a procedure done. Jalen Tolbert should slide into a starting role for the Cowboys while Cooks is out.
Nick Chubb, RB, Browns. Chubb is back practicing after missing the first four weeks of the season. He is recovering from a devastating knee injury but has progressed very well. He is looking pretty good on the practice field and a return could happen sooner than later. Chubb is not expected to play this week but could be back in another week or two.
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Colts. Taylor suffered the dreaded high-ankle sprain last week. He is out of practice to start the week. He still has a chance to play this week but will need to get in some work before the week is out if he hopes to play. At this point, we think he misses this week but won’t be out too long with this injury. The Colts claim it is a pretty mild sprain. Trey Sermon will start while Taylor is out of the lineup.
Devin Singletary, RB, Giants. Singletary is out of practice to begin the week because of a groin injury. This is a new one and could make him sidelined for the week. Keep an eye on the practice reports the rest of the week to see if Singletary gets in any work. If he does, look for Singletary to play Week 5. If Singletary misses, look for Tyrone Tracy and Eric Gray to split the work at running back for the Giants.
Anthony Richardson, QB, Colts. Richardson was forced from last week’s game because of an abdomen injury. He is out of practice right now and his status is up in the air for Week 5. We think the Colts will sit Richardson since he likely won’t be 100 percent for the game and has been struggling on the field. Look for Joe Flacco to get a start in Week 5.
Malik Nabers, WR, Giants. Nabers is in the concussion protocol after getting knocked from last week’s game. The good news is the Giants had the Thursday game, giving him more time to get ready for Week 5. We think he has a decent chance to play but keep an eye on the practice reports to be sure. We should know before the week is out if he is cleared to play.
Bijan Robinson, RB, Falcons. Robinson is dealing with a hamstring injury and been limited in practice this week. He says he is ready to go for the game, though, and should be just fine. We wouldn’t worry too much about his status. He might get a few less touches but should be just fine to play for fantasy owners.
Trey McBride, TE, Cardinals. McBride missed last week because of a concussion but is about to be cleared to play for Week 5. He should be ready to go, barring a late-week setback. And as long as he is active, McBride is a must start for fantasy owners.
Austin Ekeler, RB, Commanders. Ekeler is another player trying to return from a concussion. He is trending the right way and has a good chance to be cleared before the week is out. He should return to his backup and pass-catching back role immediately.
T.J. Hockenson. TE, Vikings. Hockenson is back officially practicing with the team. He is trying to return from his torn ACL, suffered very late last season. He has made quick progress from the injury and could be back sooner than later. Most think a Week 7 or 8 return is most likely for Hockenson. And once he returns, he will be a must start for fantasy owners.
Khalil Shakir, WR, Bills. Shakir suffered an ankle injury last week and is out of practice to start the week. This is not a good start for Shakir. He did play with the injury last week after getting hurt, though, so it might not be too serious. If he can get in some practice the next day or two, Shakir should be able to play Week 5. But if he keeps missing, get other options ready.
Diontae Johnson, WR, Panthers. Johnson is dealing with an ankle injury but expected to be ready for the Week 5 game despite missing practice to start the week. The veteran is resting as much as anything, so don’t get too worried about this injury. It seems fairly minor.
Joe Mixon, RB. Texans. Mixon continues to deal with an ankle injury and remains out of practice. It is looking like he will miss another week of action. And backup Dameon Pierce is in the same boat with his hamstring injury. Look for Cam Akers to get another start for the Texans in Week 5.
Brian Robinson, RB, Commanders. Robinson is dealing with some sort of knee injury. This is a new one. We aren’t sure the severity just yet but missing practice to open the week is not a great sign. We would not rule him out by any means, though, Hopefully, the Commanders reveal more on the injury in the coming days. If he were to miss, look for Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols to split the work at running back for the Commanders.
Evan Engram, TE, Jaguars. Engram is back practicing on a limited basis this week. This is a step in the right direction for Engram after missing the last few weeks because of his hamstring injury. He could make his return this week. Consider him a game-time decision for now but things are finally trending the right way for Engram.
Tank Dell, WR, Texans. Dell missed the game last week because of a chest injury. He is practicing on a limited basis but expected to make his return to the lineup Week 5. He should be ready to go and be just fine to use for fantasy owners this week.
David Njoku, TE, Browns. Njoku has been out since Week 1 but is practicing on a limited basis this week. He is finally back on the practice field, trying to return from his high-ankle sprain. He still isn’t 100 percent to be cleared to play this week but does have a chance to play Week 5. Consider him a game-time decision.
George Kittle, TE, 49ers. Kittle returned from injury last week but now has a new injury. He injured his ribs last week and is out of practice to open the week. He is being called day-to-day. The 49ers aren’t ruling him out but he is questionable to play right now. Hopefully, he can get in some practice before the week is out. If that happens, look for Kittle to play.
Davante Adams, WR, Raiders. Adams missed last week because of a hamstring injury. He is expected to miss another week of action. Plus, he wants to be traded, so Adams won’t rush back until he is fully healthy. Jakobi Meyers will serve as the No. 1 receiver for the Raiders while Adams is out.
Christian Watson, WR, Packers. Watson sprained his ankle last week and left the game early. He is going to be out a few weeks of action because of this injury. Dontayvion Wicks and Romeo Doubs should play bigger roles in the passing game while Wicks is out.
Cooper Kupp, WR, Rams. Kupp remains out of action because of a sprained ankle. He is not practicing and likely to miss a few more weeks of action.
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.
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 10
In Week 10, Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze struggled to make an impact in the team's 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots. Odunze finished the game with just three receptions for 23 yards, failing to find the end zone. His performance was indicative of the Bears' overall offensive woes, as the team only managed 120 yards passing throughout the game. Behind a battered offensive line that allowed nine sacks, Odunze and his fellow receivers had little opportunity to get into rhythm. The Bears' offense could barely sustain drives, punting eight times and turning the ball over on downs twice. While Odunze showed flashes of potential earlier in the season, this performance was a reminder of how difficult it can be for any skill player to thrive when the offense is struggling. Odunze and the Bears will look to bounce back next week against the well-rested Green Bay Packers defense.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers rookie tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders only had two receptions for eight yards in Sunday's 20-17 win over the New York Giants, but one of those receptions was a five-yard touchdownthe first of Sanders' career. The score came on a nifty Bryce Young scramble, which froze the defense and left Sanders alone in the back of the end zone. The fourth-round pick was due for his moment after recording 51 yards per game in Carolina's previous four weeks. Still, Sanders has had fewer than 10 yards in two of his last three games, making him a risky streaming option. Carolina has a bye in Week 11 and will take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12 coming off the bye.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Jalen Coker led all Panthers wideouts with 41 yards on three receptions against the New York Giants. Coker has received increased snaps since his 68-yard performance in Week 5 and garnered a team-high eight targets in this matchup. While the Panthers' passing attack has been anything but electric this season, the rookie from Holy Cross has managed to find his footing in the NFL. His talent and production likely contributed to the decision of Carolina's front office to trade wide receiver Jonathan Mingo to the Cowboys at the NFL deadline. While he'll rest on a bye next week, seeing how Coker develops throughout the season will be interesting. Coker will look to build on Sunday's performance when the Panthers face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12, coming off the bye.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette recorded three receptions for 40 yards in Carolina's 20-17 win over the New York Giants in Munich, Germany. It was Legette's second-most receiving yards in a game this year, as he has only eclipsed the 50-yard mark once. The rookie, who has emerged most as a red-zone threat, did not receive a target in that area of the field. While Carolina has a Week 11 bye in the future, Legette remains a touchdown-dependent streaming option in deep leagues. The Carolina passing attack is not dynamic enough to properly feed the mouths they have, making Legette a flex play against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12 coming off the bye.
From RotoBaller
For the first time in his career, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has initiated a winning streak as the Panthers defeat the New York Giants 20-17. While not spectacular, Young played his role and didn't turn the ball over, contributing 126 yards, a touchdown, and a 60% completion rate. The 23-year-old also added 30 rushing yards on two attempts in Sunday's win. Since taking over for veteran Andy Dalton, Young has a 4:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio, and the Panthers are (2-1). Carolina has a Week 11 bye and will face the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs in late November. Head coach Dave Canales declined to name Young the foreseeable starting quarterback, but given the win streak and serviceable play, he would be expected to continue manning the helm.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard set a career-high with 153 rushing yards while catching four of six targets for 16 yards in Sunday's 20-17 win against the New York Giants in Munich, Germany. He achieved the feat on 28 rush attemptsa season-highand tied a career-high in missed tackles with nine. Hubbard also recorded his seventh touchdown of the season. It was a European trip to remember for the Panthers' leading rusher, who signed a four-year contract extension earlier this week. He's remained a consistent, high-value fantasy player throughout the season, outproducing his ADP. The Panthers have a bye in Week 11 before returning to face the mighty Kansas City Chiefs on November 24.
From RotoBaller
On Sunday, Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen had a frustrating and underwhelming performance in the team's Week 10 loss to the New England Patriots. Allen finished the game with just five receptions for a modest 44 yards, a far cry from the dynamic playmaker he was last season. Throughout the contest, he struggled to gain separation from the Patriots' defensive backs, who were able to neutralize him for much of the game. This lack of production was symptomatic of the Bears' overall offensive struggles, as the team managed just 120 passing yards behind a battered offensive line that allowed nine sacks. Beyond a lone field goal drive, the Bears punted on eight of their ten possessions and turned the ball over on downs twice, leaving little opportunity for Allen or any other receiver to make a significant impact. Looking ahead, Allen and the Bears' offense will have a chance to rebound next week against the well-rested Green Bay Packers defense, coming off their bye week.
From RotoBaller
In Week 10, Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet had a frustratingly quiet performance in the team's 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots. Kmet finished the game with just two receptions for 13 yards, a far cry from many expectations for him heading into the matchup. What made his lack of involvement even more baffling was that Kmet didn't see a target until midway through the third quarter, despite the Bears' offense struggling to move the ball all game. This performance was particularly disappointing for fantasy managers. Kmet has shown flashes of potential as a red-zone target earlier this season, but he remains a boom-or-bust player. The Bears managed only 120 yards passing, with a battered offensive line allowing nine sacks, which made it difficult for any of the receivers, including Kmet, to get into a rhythm. Kmet and the Bears will look to bounce back in Week 11 against the well-rested Green Bay Packers defense coming off their bye.
From RotoBaller
On Sunday, Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson had a minimal impact in the team's Week 10 loss to the New England Patriots. With a limited role in the offense, Johnson carried the ball just once and finished with an unfortunate total of negative four rushing yards. His involvement in the passing game could have been more extensive, as he caught just one pass for five yards. The Bears' offense struggled to gain traction throughout the game, punting on eight of their eleven possessions and turning the ball over on downs twice. With the offense unable to sustain drives, Johnson and other skill players had little opportunity to make an impact. Johnson and the Bears offense will look to rebound next week against the Green Bay Packers, who will be coming off a bye week and ready to face the challenge.
From RotoBaller
In Week 10, Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore had a frustratingly quiet performance in the team's 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots. Moore finished the game with just three receptions for 24 yards, but he failed to reach the end zone, leaving fantasy managers disappointed by his lack of production. Additionally, Moore contributed minimally in the rushing game, recording just one rush for three yards. His struggles were largely due to the Bears' anemic offense, which managed a mere 120 yards passing behind a beleaguered offensive line that allowed nine sacks throughout the game. With the offense unable to sustain drivespunting on eight of their ten possessions and turning the ball over on downs twiceMoore and the rest of the receiving corps found it difficult to generate momentum. Looking ahead, Moore and the Bears will have a chance to bounce back next week against a tough Green Bay Packers defense, which will be well-rested after their bye week.
From RotoBaller
This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams faced a tough test against the New England Patriots in Week 10. Despite showing flashes of potential, Williams struggled in the face of relentless pressure from the Patriots' defense. He completed 16 of 30 passes for a modest 120 yards and failed to find the end zone, contributing zero passing touchdowns to the scoreboard. To make matters worse, Williams was sacked an astounding nine times, as the Bears' offensive linealready banged upfailed to provide consistent protection. While Williams did lead one scoring drive, the Bears offense was primarily stagnant, punting on eight of their ten possessions and turning the ball over on downs twice. Heading into Week 11, Williams and the Bears offense will look to bounce back against a well-rested Green Bay Packers defense, which will be coming off their bye week and is sure to be prepared for the challenge.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle scored a touchdown for the seventh time in eight games during a 23-20 victory over the Buccaneers in Tampa on Sunday. He caught three of four targets for 57 yards, including the touchdown. Kittle's score was an important fourth-quarter toe-tapping snag in the corner of the end zone. As we saw Sunday, Kittle's target share will likely take a hit with the return of Christian McCaffrey and the emergence of Jauan Jennings coupled with the evident competence of rookie Ricky Pearsall. Kittle has been by far the most productive tight end in fantasy this year. With many leagues facing the trade deadline this week, the joyful 31-year-old is a sell-high candidate for those looking to bolster at other positions. On the other hand, Kittle has the red zone skills to overcome diminished volume, especially at a perennially thin position. Kittle has a plus matchup in Week 11 when the 49ers host the Seattle Seahawks.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall caught his first NFL touchdown in a 23-20 win over the Buccaneers in Tampa on Sunday. The 2024 first-rounder caught four of six targets for 73 yards, including a 46-yard catch-and-run to the pylon on a crossing route. The 49ers clearly have something in the 24-year-old but in the Shanahan era, they have not been able to support three wide receivers in fantasy. It's possible that Pearsall jumps ahead of Jauan Jennings in production, and indeed he did today due to the long TD, but Jennings -- who had 11 targets on Sunday -- isn't likely to go away. As a result, Pearsall projects as what he was today -; a touchdown-dependent deep-league or bye-week FLEX. Pearsall and the 49ers will host the Seattle Seahawks in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
The Philadelphia Eagles had a field day against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, moving to 7-2 on the season with a big 34-6 win on the road. The Eagles' defense played a key part in the victory, holding Dallas to just six points, 97 rushing yards, and 49 net passing yards. The unit also intercepted one pass, recovered four fumbles, and tallied three sacks. Numerous players contributed to the dominant effort, including linebacker Zack Baun (eight tackles, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery) and defensive tackle Milton Williams (two tackles, one sack, and one fumble recovery). Philadelphia's performance was largely inflated by the poor quarterback play of Cooper Rush and Trey Lance, and while the Eagles' defense still has rest-of-season fantasy appeal, they're tough to trust against the flashy Washington Commanders offense in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling hit paydirt in Week 10. On just three catches he racked up 109 yards and scored two touchdowns. For his first score, he reeled in a 40-yard bomb from Derek Carr. On the Saints' next drive, Carr hit MVS on another deep route for a 67-yard gain, setting up his second touchdown from two yards out. With injuries to several Saints receivers thinning the depth chart, the door was wide open for the few still standing to make an impact and MVS ended up being the biggest beneficiary. It was the first time he scored a touchdown since Week 7 of 2023 and the first time he topped 100 yards since 2022. Released by the Bills after they acquired Amari Cooper, Valdes-Scantling now has the inside track to become the Saints' new WR1 as they head into a matchup against the Cleveland Browns in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert converted his three targets into two catches for 25 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Week 10 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Although his volume was quite low, he salvaged his fantasy performance by finding the end zone in Philadelphia's big 34-6 win. The 29-year-old is averaging 12.9 fantasy points per game (PPR) this year and should be treated as a mid-to-low TE1 heading into Week 11 versus the Washington Commanders.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara came into Week 10 needing 12 yards to overtake Mark Ingram as the franchise's all-time leading rusher and achieved that milestone on his second touch of the game. On the day he took 17 carries 55 yards on the ground and caught five of his six targets for 54 receiving yards. With the Saints' receiving corps depleted by injury, Kamara led the team in receptions and targets. With just under two minutes left in the game, Kamara was left wide open downfield but what would have been the game-sealing touchdown pass bounced off his hands. The Saints held on for a 20-17 win over the Falcons but Kamara's scoreless streak extends to four games. His next chance will come against the Cleveland Browns in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Taysom Hill had four rushing attempts for 14 yards and caught both of his targets for 36 receiving yards in the New Orleans Saints 20-17 upset of the Atlanta Falcons. Hill could have had a much more lucrative fantasy score had it not been for a teammate's miscue. The 34-year-old utilityman was on the receiving end of the Saints' opening play, a play-action bootleg that he took 88 yards to the end zone, but the score was nullified due to a holding penalty on Foster Moreau. Hill's usage disappointed fantasy managers hoping he would build off of a solid Week 9 performance, especially with the Saints' offense decimated by injuries. Hill has at least six touches in five of the six games where he has been active. A similar workload can be expected in Week 11 when the Saints face the Browns, with his fantasy value hinging on him finding the end zone.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back Hassan Haskins scored the first touchdown of his NFL career in a Week 10 win over the Tennessee Titans. Haskins only carried the ball twice and gained four yards total, but one of those runs was a goal-line plunge in the fourth quarter. He remains third at best on the depth chart, with both J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards well ahead of him. Haskins is a solid depth piece on an NFL team, but isn't worth consideration in any fantasy formats at this point.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr went 16-for-25 for 269 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 20-17 upset of the Atlanta Falcons. He also picked up 17 yards on the ground. Overall, it was his best performance (fantasy or otherwise) since the season's opening weeks when the Saints looked like an offensive powerhouse in the making. Carr also avoided being sacked for the first time this season and also did not throw an interception. Ironically, he set a new season-high in passing yards even with the Saints' wide receiver room thinned out by a spate of injuries. Journeyman Marquez Valdes-Scantling was the big winner, catching both of Carr's touchdown passes and running back Alvin Kamara remained his favorite target, seeing six balls thrown his way. In Week 11, Carr will face the Cleveland Browns who will be coming off their bye but gave up 282 yards and two touchdowns to Justin Herbert in Week 9.
From RotoBaller