RADIO
Cam Ward Playing Clean Football with Touchdown Upside
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward is off to an impressive start this season, stringing together back-to-back turnover-free performances for just the third time in his young career. Ward has yet to surpass 183 passing yards in a single game this season, but his decent touchdown upside and rushing ability have vaulted him onto the fantasy radar in Year 2. Specifically, the 24-year-old rushed for two scores in last week's contest against a solid Eagles defense. Fantasy managers would surely like to see higher passing yardage totals, but it's hard to complain about a stat line that includes three touchdowns and zero turnovers through two games. Ward ranks as the QB19 in fantasy football this season, but he has fringe top-12 upside heading into Week 3 against a Giants team that is limping on both sides of the ball.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
High Volume Makes Geno Smith an Appealing Waiver Wire Target
New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith is far from a flashy name in fantasy football, but his high passing volume and mistake-free streak put him on the radar as a solid waiver wire target. Smith threw 41 times in Week 2, completing 27 passes for 247 yards, one touchdown, and zero turnovers. He took four sacks, but he also logged 17 rushing yards. Smith has only one touchdown through two weeks, but it's also worth noting that he doesn't have any turnovers so far. He has been a steady presence at quarterback for the Jets, leading drives and supporting the fantasy stocks of Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall. Now, he's getting on the fantasy radar himself, albeit as a QB2. The Jets will likely have to throw the ball a lot again in Week 3 against the Detroit Lions, so Smith's projected high volume gives him top-16 upside in fantasy football.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kerby Joseph Hits a Snag in Recovery
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (knee) continues to rehab his knee injury, but the process has taken longer than anticipated. Head coach Dan Campbell discussed his status on Tuesday, noting that Joseph won't return until after fellow safety Brian Branch (knee) is back. Joseph and Branch are both on the PUP list, and while the latter could return as soon as he's eligible to be activated on October 5th, it doesn't sound like that's the case for the former. Campbell stopped short of saying Joseph had a true setback, but he did admit that "there was a time there where we weren't able to do everything we needed to do." He said that Joseph won't play until his knee has returned to its maximum strength and he feels confident in the body part, presumably while running and making cuts. Joseph has spent all four of his pro seasons with the Lions, and he was a First-Team All-Pro in 2024 after picking off nine passes that season. Last year, he had 18 tackles and three interceptions before the knee issue cut his campaign short.
Source: Detroit Lions
Source: Detroit Lions
Brian Branch Getting Closer to a Return?
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch (Achilles) appears to be making progress in his recovery, even though a return isn't imminent. Head coach Dan Campbell fielded questions about his injured safeties Tuesday, saying that Branch is closer to returning than Kerby Joseph (knee). That doesn't necessarily narrow down the timeline, but it's worth noting that Branch is eligible to be activated from the PUP list as early as October 5th. Thomas Harper and offseason addition Chuck Clark have filled in at safety in the meantime. The Lions would welcome a Branch return with open arms, as the former first-round pick made the Pro Bowl in 2024 before registering 75 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and five tackles for loss in 2025.
Source: Detroit Lions
Source: Detroit Lions
Seahawks Leaving the Door Open for Sam Darnold to Play in Week 3
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (glute) continues to recover exceptionally well, and the team isn't ready to rule him out for Week 3 against the Washington Commanders. Darnold will return to practice on Wednesday, and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com didn't shut down the possibility of Darnold playing this week. Specifically, he said that we may see Drew Lock at quarterback for one more game, but that it wasn't certain. The fact that the door is even somewhat open for Darnold to play this week is remarkable, given that he's less than two weeks removed from suffering a pulled muscle against the Patriots on the opening night of the 2026 NFL season. Right now, it seems like the safe bet would be that Darnold returns in Week 4. However, he's already so far ahead of schedule in his recovery that it wouldn't completely shock us to see him get ready in time for Week 3, either. Managers should stay tuned to the Seahawks' injury reports for more clarity.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Ceddanne Rafaela Set to Return From Injured List on Wednesday
The Boston Red Sox plan to activate second baseman/outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela (quadriceps) from the 10-day injured list on Wednesday, manager Chad Tracy told Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. Rafaela should be back in the starting lineup for Boston in Game 2 of the series against the Cleveland Guardians. He has been out since Sept. 6 with a strained right quad but did not play in a minor-league rehab game. The 26-year-old continues to contribute across most fantasy baseball categories, but he could be a little rusty upon his return to the big leagues as the Red Sox try to get him going again before the wild-card series against the division-rival New York Yankees begins next week. Rafaela made the All-Star team for the first time in his career in 2026 and will return to a nice .282/.317/.443 slash line, a career-high .760 OPS, 16 home runs, 70 RBI, 17 stolen bases, and 67 runs scored across 135 games played. If Rafaela hits a home run by the end of the weekend, he will have a new career high in home runs in his fourth year in the majors.
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Alex Bregman to Avoid IL, Could Return Before End of Regular Season
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that third baseman Alex Bregman (face) will not be placed on the injured list and could return to the team's lineup before the end of the regular season, per Russell Dorsey of Yahoo Sports. Bregman was struck in the face by a foul ball while standing in the on-deck circle during Chicago's game against the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. The 32-year-old suffered multiple facial fractures, but he was able to avoid surgery and appears to be on track to return to the Cubs for the postseason. Across 693 plate appearances in 2026, Bregman is hitting .262/.352/.452 with 26 home runs, 89 RBI, 89 runs scored, and three stolen bases. He's been one of the best hitters in baseball in the second half of the season, hitting .296 with 17 home runs across 262 plate appearances since the All-Star break. With Bregman in the middle of it, the Cubs lineup profiles as arguably the best in MLB in 2026.
Source: Yahoo Sports - Russell Dorsey
Source: Yahoo Sports - Russell Dorsey
Aroldis Chapman Should Be Cleared "in the Next Day or Two"
Boston Red Sox manager Chad Tracy said that closer Aroldis Chapman (lat) "should be cleared in the next day or two," per Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. Chapman has not pitched since September 13 due to lat tightness, but it appears as though the 38-year-old is on the doorstep of a return to his role in the ninth inning for the Red Sox. Across 50 2/3 innings (52 games) in 2026, Chapman has recorded a 1.95 ERA and 1.14 WHIP with 68 strikeouts and 34 saves. The veteran left-hander has not been quite as dominant as he was in his first season with Boston in 2025, but he's still posted an excellent 32.4% strikeout rate and blown just two save chances. When healthy, Chapman remains a must-start closer for fantasy managers.
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Joc Pederson Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Texas Rangers designated hitter Joc Pederson (hand) has been placed on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to September 19) due to a fracture in his left hand. The 34-year-old had been attempting to play through the injury, but it appears that he and the team ultimately came to the conclusion that a trip to the IL was necessary. Pederson bounced back from a brutal 2025 campaign with a solid year at the plate in 2026, hitting .235/.329/.487 with 26 home runs, 53 RBI, 56 runs scored, and two stolen bases. The veteran lefty slugger re-established himself as an excellent source of big-side platoon power, posting an 11.2% barrel rate and a 50.7% hard-hit rate. With Pederson now sidelined through at least the remainder of the regular season, Texas has rotated shortstop Corey Seager and backup catcher Elias Diaz through its DH spot.
Source: Texas Rangers
Source: Texas Rangers
Landen Roupp Shut Down for Remainder of 2026
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Landen Roupp told reporters on Tuesday that his 2026 season is over, per Justice delos Santos of The Mercury News. Per delos Santos, Roupp feels fine physically, but is being shut down because he has already blown past his previous career high in innings pitched. Across 155 innings (29 starts) this year, the 28-year-old recorded a 9-14 record with a 4.01 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 143 strikeouts. Roupp limits power (0.64 HR/9), which has helped him develop into a capable innings eater for fantasy managers. However, the right-hander's production upside is limited by his middling strikeout rate (21.8%) and his poor walk rate (11.4%). Between his penchant for allowing walks and generating ground balls, Roupp is unlikely to be an asset in the WHIP category without a change in his approach on the mound.
Source: The Mercury News - Justice delos Santos
Source: The Mercury News - Justice delos Santos
Andres Munoz Avoids Major Injury, Could Be Available on Tuesday
Seattle Mariners closer Andres Munoz (knee) "should be ok" and could be available to his team on Tuesday night after undergoing an MRI on his injured knee, per Shannon Drayer of Seattle Sports 710. Munoz was pulled from his most recent appearance on Sunday after tweaking his right knee, but he appears to have avoided serious injury. It's been a disappointing year overall for the 27-year-old, who has recorded a 4.24 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 89 strikeouts, and 28 saves across 57 1/3 innings (61 games). Munoz has struggled with home runs (1.41 HR/9) and has blown a career-high 10 saves. However, the hard-throwing right-hander is still averaging 99.7 miles per hour on his fastball and has logged an elite 37.1% strikeout rate. Heading into 2027, Munoz could be an excellent buy-low candidate for fantasy managers.
Source: Seattle Sports 710 - Shannon Drayer
Source: Seattle Sports 710 - Shannon Drayer
Blake Snell Set to Start for the Dodgers on Saturday
Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell (groin) is scheduled to start against the San Francisco Giants on Saturday, per David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports. Snell exited early from his most recent start on September 16 due to a groin issue. However, it appears that Snell will be able to make one final start before the postseason. It's been a lost season due to injury for the 33-year-old, who has missed time due to elbow and shoulder troubles. Still, Snell has been effective when healthy, recording a 4-1 record with a 1.86 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 52 strikeouts across 38 2/3 innings (eight starts). Fantasy managers may be able to get one more solid outing from Snell on Saturday, but the Dodgers also have little incentive to push his pitch count deep into the game.
Source: AM 570 LA Sports - David Vassegh
Source: AM 570 LA Sports - David Vassegh
Ronald Acuna Jr. Exits Early on Tuesday with Shin Contusion
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (shin) exited early from his team's 4-0 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday after fouling a ball off his leg. Per Mark Bowman of MLB.com, X-rays on the leg were negative, and the star outfielder is now being listed as day-to-day with a shin contusion. Acuna Jr. was hitless in one plate appearance before leaving the game. While it appears that he's avoided a serious injury, Atlanta could still choose to be extremely cautious with Acuna Jr. in the final week of the regular season. The Braves have already clinched the National League East title and are likely locked into the number three seed in the NL. Across 455 plate appearances in 2026, Acuna Jr. is hitting .259/.352/.462 with 20 home runs, 55 RBI, 60 runs scored, and eight stolen bases. If he misses any time, Braves outfielders Brewer Hicklen and Mike Yastrzemski would likely see an increase in at-bats.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Kirk Cousins is an Intriguing Add Ahead of Week 3
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins has played above expectations through the first two weeks of the season. The 38-year-old has thrown for over 400 yards and has six touchdowns in two games. He has helped the Raiders get to a 2-0 record as they head into a Week 3 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Cousins won't be the long-term solution in Las Vegas, but the Raiders are going to ride with him for now. With that being said, fantasy managers looking for a viable streaming option should consider picking up Cousins. He has been playing well enough to be trusted as a starting option against the Saints defense in Week 3.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Will Shipley Could be a Deep-League Stash Option
Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley saw more involvement than expected during the Week 2 win over the Tennessee Titans. Normally, Shipley only gets a carry or two, but he played over 50 percent of the offensive snaps on Sunday. His increased playing time was because Saquon Barkley (stinger) was forced to exit the game in the first half. Shipley did a nice job filling in as he carried the ball seven times for 24 yards, while hauling in both targets for five additional yards. At the moment, it's unclear if Barkley will be ready to go for the Monday Night matchup against the Chicago Bears. Given the fact that Barkley is banged up, Shipley is worth a look as a deep league stash with the possibility of an increased workload in Week 3.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
