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New England Patriots Defense Limps Into Week 5 Against a Solid Raiders Offense
The New England Patriots D/ST is dealing with numerous key injuries ahead of Sunday's Week 5 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Vegas has played significantly better than expected this season, starting the year 3-1 with the seventh-most points per game in the NFL. Even last week's loss against the Chiefs showed that Vegas could put up a fight, as the Raiders scored 27 points. Their offense has been playing at a high level, led by Kirk Cousins, who has a whopping 11 passing touchdowns through just four games. Star tight end Brock Bowers has consistently proven challenging to slow down, and that task could be even more difficult for the Patriots, who will enter Week 5 without cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez (shoulder) and Carlton Davis III (neck). The unit is at risk of losing even more players with linebacker Christian Elliss (chest), linebacker Dre'Mont Jones (shoulder), and defensive tackle Christian Barmore (shoulder) all listed as questionable. This is not the week to start the Patriots D/ST. Managers should look to stream a different unit in Week 5.
Source: New England Patriots
Source: New England Patriots
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Hunter Henry Looks to Build on Momentum in Week 5
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry finally seemed to turn a corner last Sunday, breaking out of a slump with five catches and 62 yards against the Buffalo Bills. The Patriots' passing game finally found a rhythm, and it directly resulted in Henry posting new season highs in catches and yards, despite having a season-low 64% snap share. Managers won't like to see that Henry's snap share dropped while rookie tight end Eli Raridon's snap share hit a new season-high mark. Alternatively, though, it's also encouraging to know that if Henry produced as well as he did on a 64% snap share, his ceiling will be even higher if his involvement increases in future weeks. This could be one of those weeks, as Henry is facing a Las Vegas Raiders defense that has allowed the second-most touchdowns and the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends in 2026. The 31-year-old tight end is back on the streaming radar in Week 5, and managers in deeper leagues could justify starting him as bye weeks and injuries begin to thin out the tight end position across the NFL.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rams Not Expected to Open Myles Garrett's Practice Window in Week 6
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett (knee) is unlikely to have his practice window opened next week, head coach Sean McVay told Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. A player like Garrett is eligible to return from injured reserve after a minimum of four games, but teams can first choose to open a 21-day window that allows the player to practice like normal without counting toward the 53-man roster. Garrett's fourth game missed will be on Sunday, so the Rams could choose to have Garrett practice ahead of Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals. However, McVay's latest comments seem to suggest that the 30-year-old defensive superstar isn't quite ready to resume practicing, which means he'll remain on IR without a practice window for at least another week. Los Angeles certainly won't rush Garrett back before he's ready, but they'd also love to have their prized offseason acquisition healthy and on the field. After all, he had an elite 2025 season with 23 sacks and three forced fumbles. That level of production could pay dividends for the Rams in a competitive division that features the Sam Darnold-led Seahawks and the undefeated Brock Purdy-led 49ers.
Source: Gary Klein
Source: Gary Klein
Van Jefferson Added to 53-Man Roster with Terry McLaurin's Status in Doubt
The Washington Commanders have elevated wide receiver Van Jefferson from the practice squad to the 53-man roster ahead of Week 5 against the New York Giants. Jefferson's addition to the roster provides the Commanders with security in case Terry McLaurin (hamstring, questionable) can't suit up on Sunday. Any time a team calls up a player at a position where injuries are a factor, fantasy managers should take notice. This move certainly doesn't mean McLaurin's status is getting worse, but it also means he's far from a lock to play. It looks like he could be a game-time decision for the second week in a row, requiring fantasy managers to check back for a status update when the Commanders post their list of inactive players at 11:30 a.m. local time on Sunday. If McLaurin can't play, Jefferson would likely be active, but he's too far down the depth chart to have any real fantasy relevance. A McLaurin absence would benefit Stefon Diggs' fantasy outlook the most.
Source: Washington Commanders
Source: Washington Commanders
Efton Chism III Set for Another Big Game in Week 5?
New England Patriots wide receiver Efton Chism III is coming off an impressive performance against the Buffalo Bills last Sunday, and he continues to trend in the right direction with some low-end WR3/flex appeal in deeper leagues for Week 5. Fresh off a 42-yard, one-touchdown outing, Chism will look to keep the momentum going against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday afternoon. Fortunately for the 24-year-old, he'll take on an expanded role with AJ Brown (ankle) and Mack Hollins (calf) both on injured reserve. Chism's story has been remarkable, as he went from an undrafted free agent and healthy scratch on game days to occupying a potentially fantasy-relevant role for a legitimate playoff contender. Chism had four targets and a 45% snap share last week, so we'd expect him to match or exceed those numbers in Week 5 now that Hollins is out of the picture. You can probably find a safer option on waivers in most standard-sized leagues, but Chism's upside is definitely worth a look as a streamer in deeper redraft formats. There's some big-play potential here, too, as the Raiders have allowed a whopping 16.9 yards per catch through the first four weeks of the 2026 NFL season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Eagles Elevate Zach Ertz to 53-Man Roster for Week 5
The Philadelphia Eagles have elevated tight end Zach Ertz from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of Sunday's Week 5 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to Zach Berman of The Athletic. This is the third week in a row that Ertz is being elevated from the practice squad for game day. Over his last two games, he has six targets, three catches, and 22 receiving yards. He's been a solid depth target for Jalen Hurts, but those numbers aren't nearly enough to get him on the fantasy radar. Additionally, tight end Dallas Goedert is returning from a two-week absence on Sunday, and with Goedert, Johnny Mundt, and E.J. Jenkins all in the tight end room, we don't even know if Ertz is a lock to suit up. The veteran tight end can be left on waivers in all fantasy football leagues.
Source: Zach Berman
Source: Zach Berman
Raiders Elevate Roman Hemby Amid Teammate's Questionable Status
The Las Vegas Raiders have elevated running back Roman Hemby from the practice squad ahead of Sunday's Week 5 contest against the New England Patriots, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. This news is particularly noteworthy given that Hemby would likely be active if Ashton Jeanty (foot, ankle) isn't able to suit up. Jeanty's participation in practice declined every day this past week, leading to a DNP on Friday. He's officially questionable for Week 5, and there's a real chance that he doesn't play given his progression over the past few days. If Jeanty isn't able to suit up, Vegas would likely turn to Mike Washington Jr. to lead its backfield. In that scenario, Hemby and Dylan Laube would round out the depth chart in supporting roles.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Chris Brooks Placed on Injured Reserve with Ankle Injury
Green Bay Packers running back Chris Brooks (ankle) has been placed on injured reserve, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Brooks had handled a larger snap share through the first four weeks with Josh Jacobs on the commissioner's exempt list, but it amounted to just 15 carries, 70 rushing yards, three catches, and 24 receiving yards. The 26-year-old will now miss a minimum of four games, leaving Green Bay's backfield more short-staffed than ever. We expect to see an unappealing rotation of MarShawn Lloyd, Kaleb Johnson, and Pierre Strong Jr. going forward. Lloyd and Johnson are fine stashes in deeper fantasy leagues, but neither of them is worth starting in Week 5 against the Chicago Bears.
Source: Matt Schneidman
Source: Matt Schneidman
Romeo Doubs Looks to Stay Hot in Week 5 Against Raiders
New England Patriots wide receiver Romeo Doubs shook off an ugly season opener in Week 1 and has contributed at a much higher level over his last three games. Throughout the last three weeks, he has caught 12 passes for 203 yards and two touchdowns, ranking as the overall WR14 in PPR leagues during that span. The 26-year-old has done a great job stepping up as the de facto No. 1 receiver with AJ Brown (ankle) sidelined, and that trend should continue in Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Brown will be eligible to return from IR starting next week, so this is Doubs' last guaranteed opportunity to operate as Drake Maye's favorite target. Vegas has effectively limited receptions and receiving touchdowns this year, but there's still plenty of big-play upside against a secondary allowing 16.9 yards per catch. Ironically, Doubs himself is averaging 16.9 yards per catch this year, so we wouldn't be surprised to see him contribute several plays downfield. He remains a high-end WR3/flex option in Week 5.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Aaron Donald Feels "Great," Plans to Play in Week 5
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (back) told Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times that he feels "great" and plans to play in Monday night's Week 5 contest against the Buffalo Bills. "I don't feel like my wind's off," he said. "I don't feel like I'll be out there exhausted. I think the way we're able to rotate helps me a lot." Donald, who came out of retirement to sign a one-year deal with the Rams this past summer, has played in two of the Rams' four games so far. He has four tackles but is still searching for his first sack of the 2026 campaign. Even at 35 years old, Donald is one of the most powerful defensive linemen in football, and his presence could be key as the Rams look to slow down the two-pronged rushing attack of Josh Allen and James Cook III.
Source: Gary Klein
Source: Gary Klein
Tyler Bass Remains a Viable Week 5 Kicker
Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass has made all six of his field-goal attempts through four games, but the opportunities haven't exactly been plentiful. Three of those attempts came in the season opener, and he's attempted only three field goals over the last three weeks. Bass connected from 27 and 38 yards against New England, his first multi-field-goal game since Week 1. Buffalo now faces a Rams defense that has allowed just 582 passing yards, while Joshua Palmer is out and DJ Moore remains questionable. Those injuries add some uncertainty to an offense that has struggled to maintain its early-season production. RotoBaller ranks Bass as K12 for Week 5, putting him on the fringe of the starting conversation in 12-team leagues. His accuracy has been excellent, but the inconsistent field-goal volume limits his appeal.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Anthony Richardson Sr. Can be Dropped in Most Dynasty Leagues
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. remains firmly entrenched in the backup role, keeping him off the fantasy radar, even in dynasty leagues. There was plenty of trade chatter surrounding Richardson during the offseason, but the Colts ultimately kept him to back up Daniel Jones. That would seem to indicate that none of the other 31 teams felt like Richardson was worth acquiring, and that should continue as long as he remains off the field without opportunities to boost his trade value. As it stands, the only real path to production for Richardson would be an injury to Jones, but even in that scenario, Richardson would likely rank outside the top 24 fantasy quarterbacks. The 24-year-old has a career 21-17 touchdown-to-turnover ratio, including 12 interceptions across 11 games in 2024. He can be dropped to waivers in most dynasty leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Khalil Shakir Could See Increased Opportunities in Week 5
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir finally had a productive afternoon against New England, catching seven of eight targets for 82 yards after totaling just eight receptions for 94 yards over the first three games. He also lost a fumble, but the increased involvement was encouraging. Now Buffalo heads into Monday without Joshua Palmer, who has been ruled out with a shoulder injury, while DJ Moore is questionable with his own shoulder issue. That leaves Shakir with a potentially larger role in the passing game, although Keon Coleman is also coming off a 116-yard performance. The Rams have been one of the NFL's toughest defenses against the pass, so there isn't much room to assume another big game. Shakir is WR36 in RotoBaller's Saturday rankings and offers flex appeal in PPR formats, particularly if Moore cannot play.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dalton Kincaid Looking for More Targets After Quiet Stretch
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid has seen his production drop considerably after a terrific start to the season. Kincaid caught 12 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown in the first two games, but he's managed only three receptions for 45 yards over the last two weeks. The bigger concern is his involvement, with just two targets against both the Chargers and Patriots. Buffalo's receiving situation could create more opportunities Monday, with Joshua Palmer ruled out and DJ Moore questionable because of a shoulder injury. That doesn't guarantee Kincaid will suddenly return to his early-season workload, particularly against a Rams defense that has allowed only 582 passing yards through four games. Still, RotoBaller has him at TE5 in its updated Week 5 rankings. Kincaid remains a strong fantasy starter, but his recent usage is worth watching closely.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
DJ Moore's Shoulder Injury Leaves Week 5 Status Uncertain
Buffalo Bills wide receiver DJ Moore (shoulder) is officially questionable for Monday night's game against the Rams. Moore missed practice Thursday and Friday before returning Saturday in a red non-contact jersey, and head coach Joe Brady said the team will make a decision closer to kickoff. Moore originally injured the shoulder against Detroit in Week 2 before aggravating it last Sunday against New England, when he caught one pass for 11 yards before leaving. He's now exited two games early with the same injury, making his workload a concern even if he's cleared to play. Joshua Palmer (shoulder) has also been ruled out, leaving Buffalo short on experienced receivers. Moore has 12 receptions for 178 yards and a touchdown through four games and sits at WR42 in RotoBaller's Week 5 rankings. Fantasy managers should have another Monday night option available rather than assuming Moore will play his usual snaps.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Keon Coleman Could Have a Bigger Role in Week 5
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman is coming off his best game of the season, catching six of seven targets for 116 yards and a touchdown against New England. He has been much more productive when DJ Moore has left games early, totaling 12 receptions for 179 yards in those two contests compared with just two catches for 38 yards in the other two. That trend becomes especially relevant this week. Moore (shoulder) is questionable for Monday, and Joshua Palmer (shoulder) has been ruled out after getting injured during Friday's practice. Coleman could be one of Josh Allen's primary receiving options regardless of whether Moore suits up. Los Angeles has been outstanding against the pass, so the matchup isn't particularly friendly, but the available targets make Coleman interesting. He's WR35 in RotoBaller's Saturday rankings and carries flex appeal for Week 5.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
James Cook III Remains an RB1 After Lighter Week 4 Workload
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III carried only 12 times against New England, exactly half his workload from the previous week, but still managed 75 rushing yards and a touchdown. That gives him a rushing score in three consecutive games and 421 yards on 70 attempts through four weeks. The workload reduction was frustrating considering Cook averaged 6.3 yards per carry against the Patriots, especially after his back-to-back 100-yard performances. Buffalo has shown it can lean heavily on him, although Josh Allen continues to take some of the short-yardage opportunities. The Rams have a strong defensive front, with Aaron Donald potentially returning Monday after missing Week 4. Cook sits at RB8 in RotoBaller's latest rankings. One game with fewer carries shouldn't change his standing as a dependable RB1, particularly with how efficiently he's been running.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Trey Benson Faces Extremely Difficult Path to Production Upon Return
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (knee) is already set to miss the entire 2026 season, and he will likely have trouble carving out a meaningful role when he returns to action next year. This Cardinals team features a very impressive one-two punch of Jeremiyah Love and Tyler Allgeir, and there's no real opportunity for a third running back to carve out fantasy value as long as those two backs are healthy. At this point, fantasy managers might be rooting for the Cardinals to release Benson from IR with an injury settlement. He has already missed a full year with a meniscus injury, so he's presumably somewhat close to being healthy. If a new opportunity presents itself with a different team, Benson could have some fantasy relevance, depending on the landing spot. However, as long as he's a Cardinal and playing behind Love and Allgeier, he has no dynasty value. Managers should feel okay about dropping Benson at this point.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Josh Allen's Rushing Touchdowns Keep Him Atop Week 5 Rankings
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has thrown three interceptions over his last two games, but his rushing production continues to cover up those mistakes for fantasy managers. Allen finished with 253 passing yards, one touchdown, and an interception against New England, adding another score on the ground to give him seven rushing touchdowns through four games. The Rams present a difficult matchup Monday night, having allowed just 582 passing yards this season, the second-lowest total in the NFL. Cornerback Trent McDuffie has been particularly effective, and Los Angeles could have Aaron Donald back after he missed last week's game with a back injury. Still, Allen has enough rushing involvement to produce even when the passing game isn't clicking. He remains RotoBaller's QB1 for Week 5.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jayden Higgins an Appealing Dynasty Option Despite Injury
Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins (knee) will miss all of the 2026 season with a torn ACL, but he should continue to be rostered in all dynasty leagues because of his anticipated role next year. Higgins still looks like the Texans' No. 2 receiver of the future (behind Nico Collins), given that none of the team's other pass-catchers have truly stepped up into standout roles this year. The closest effort came from Jaylin Noel, but he has just eight catches through four games and ranks as the WR63 in PPR leagues. Higgins was the WR47 as a rookie last year, and barring a substantial wide receiver signing or trade from Houston, he should pick up right where he left off once he's healthy in 2027. Therefore, Higgins is worth stashing in dynasty leagues, and he could even have some value as a trade target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chris Brazzell II Still Worth Stashing After Lost Rookie Season
Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Chris Brazzell II (knee) will miss the entire 2026 season after suffering a torn LCL in his left knee during training camp. The third-round pick was placed on injured reserve July 31, cutting short an encouraging summer in which he had impressed Carolina's coaching staff and was expected to challenge Xavier Legette for playing time behind Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker. Brazzell brought plenty of upside into the NFL after catching 62 passes for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns during his final season at Tennessee. At 6-foot-4 with 4.37 speed, he offered the Panthers a different option in their receiving corps. Now he'll have to wait until 2027 for his first opportunity to contribute, and there's no guarantee what his role will look like when he returns. That uncertainty hurts his dynasty value, but it doesn't erase the talent or draft investment.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
