RADIO
Pittsburgh Steelers DST A Must-Start in Week 6
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense managed just one sack and no turnovers in last week's win over the Indianapolis Colts, but it carries plenty of upside in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While Tampa Bay quarterback Jalon Daniels impressed last week against the Dallas Cowboys, there is still a path for the Steelers to find success against an undrafted rookie making just his third career NFL start. Through five weeks, Tampa Bay is allowing the second-most sacks and giving up the sixth-most turnovers per contest. Additionally, Steelers cornerback Jamel Dean (ankle), who was inactive in Week 5, appears to be trending toward returning against his former team on Sunday, bolstering Pittsburgh's secondary. Fantasy managers should confidently deploy the Steelers DST as a top-five option this week.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cam Skattebo Fumble Issues Could Cost Him Playing Time
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo could see a reduced role in the backfield during Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. Head coach John Harbaugh was recently asked if the team would need to make adjustments following the fumbling issues. Harbaugh responded by saying, yes he believes it has reached that point. Skattebo rushed 13 times for 59 yards during last week's tie with the Washington Commanders. He also lost a fumble, which could've cost the team a potential game-winning field goal. Skattebo has four fumbles through the first five games. Fantasy managers shouldn't be shocked if Skattebo loses some touches this weekend.
Source: SNY Giants
Source: SNY Giants
Chris Boswell A Strong Fantasy Option Against Buccaneers
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell connected on both of his field goal attempts and all four of his extra-point tries in Week 5 and will look to stay consistent in a Week 6 bout with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Boswell's fantasy output has been a bit up and down to start the season, but his viability this week is apparent, with Tampa Bay surrendering the second-most fantasy points per contest to opposing kickers. Pittsburgh's offense has been clicking as of late, leading to more scoring opportunities for the 35-year-old veteran. Boswell profiles as a top-10 option at the position this week and should be viewed as a quality starter in most fantasy leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jonathon Cooper is Reinstated From Comissioner Exempt List
Denver Broncos pass rusher Jonathon Cooper (personal) was reinstated from the Commissioner Exempt List on Friday, per Mike Klis. Cooper was placed on the Exempt List in late August while under investigation for domestic violence. The NFL is still conducting its own investigation, but Cooper is now eligible to play as of Week 7 versus the Arizona Cardinals. Cooper hasn't played or practiced all season, so we'll see when he's actually ready for game action. The 28-year-old registered 50 tackles and eight sacks across 17 games with the Broncos last season. Once he's ready to play, his return will be a welcoming sight for this defense.
Source: Mike Klis
Source: Mike Klis
Pat Freiermuth Primed for Featured Role in Week 6
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth scored twice in Week 5 and should remain a focal point of the team's passing attack against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6. The Steelers' wide receiver room is thin, with Michael Pittman Jr. (foot), Roman Wilson (finger), and Ben Skowronek (calf) out and DK Metcalf (illness) questionable to suit up. If Metcalf can't go, Freiermuth and rookie receiver Germie Bernard will be expected to lead the way for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, with running back Jaylen Warren and fellow tight end Darnell Washington also contributing in the passing game. The Buccaneers are surrendering the 10th-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, making this a matchup worth targeting. Freiermuth leads all Steelers offensive weapons with four touchdowns and five red-zone targets already this season. The 27-year-old checks in as the TE12 in RotoBaller's Week 6 rankings and carries plenty of upside as a starting option on Sunday.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Austin Ekeler Remains Limited on Friday
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (chest) remained a limited participant during Friday's practice session, per John Keim of ESPN. The veteran back has been limited in back-to-back days ahead of Monday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. Lead back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) hasn't practiced yet this week, and Rachaad White (shoulder) was downgraded to limited on Friday. Ekeler could see a larger role than normal if one or both backs are unable to play this week. Fantasy managers should check back for another update on his status.
Source: John Keim
Source: John Keim
AJ Dybantsa Exits Preseason Finale with Ankle Injury
Washington Wizards forward AJ Dybantsa (ankle) left Friday's preseason finale against the New Orleans Pelicans in the second quarter after rolling his ankle while landing on a running jumper, according to The Athletic's Josh Robbins. The 19-year-old walked to the locker room on his own, and Washington has yet to provide an update on the severity. Dybantsa averaged 13.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.0 steals through his first three exhibitions despite going 1-for-8 from three. With Wednesday's opener against Milwaukee approaching, his status is worth watching closely. Bilal Coulibaly could see more wing minutes if Dybantsa can't go.
Source: Josh Robbins
Source: Josh Robbins
Germie Bernard Trending Up, Carries Flex Value Against Buccaneers
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard had his most productive outing yet in Week 5 and will look to carry that momentum into a Week 6 meeting with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Although Tampa Bay's defense has been solid, it ranks in the middle of the pack against fantasy wideouts. Bernard should earn plenty of looks on Sunday with teammates Michael Pittman Jr. (foot), Roman Wilson (finger), and Ben Skowronek (calf) inactive and DK Metcalf (illness) questionable to play. The rookie's early chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been on display when he sees an uptick in snaps. In two games this season with more than 70% of offensive snaps, Bernard has earned a total of 17 targets. While running back Jaylen Warren and tight end Pat Freiermuth are also sure to be involved in the passing game, Bernard's opportunity is hard to ignore, making him an intriguing WR3 or flex option in most fantasy formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cam Christie Returns to Clippers on Two-Way Deal
The Los Angeles Clippers have signed guard/forward Cam Christie to a two-way contract after he cleared waivers, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. Los Angeles waived the 21-year-old Wednesday before his $2.3 million salary became guaranteed. Christie appeared in 55 games last season, averaging 2.8 points and 1.4 rebounds in 8.7 minutes while shooting 24.5% from three. He showed more as a rookie with the G League's San Diego Clippers, averaging 18.2 points per game. The two-way deal keeps him in the organization, but he'll need injuries or a big developmental jump to earn enough NBA minutes for fantasy consideration.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Rachaad White Gets Through a Limited Practice Session
Washington Commanders running back Rachaad White (shoulder) practiced in a limited capacity on Friday, per John Keim of ESPN. White practiced in full on Thursday, but now he gets downgraded to limited due to a shoulder injury. This could be the team just being cautious with White, who has been dealing with this shoulder injury since Week 4. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the next few days. Lead back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) hasn't practiced yet this week. There's a chance that White operates as the lead back for Monday's game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Source: John Keim
Source: John Keim
Stefon Diggs is Limited During Friday's Practice
Washington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs (hamstring) was spotted back on the practice field on Friday. Diggs was able to get through a limited practice session on Friday, per John Keim of ESPN. The veteran wideout missed practice to begin the week on Thursday, but a limited session on Friday is encouraging ahead of the Monday Night matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Diggs wasn't able to play last week, and it looks like he'll be questionable for Monday's game. The Commanders are banged up on offense right now, so his return to the field would be huge for this offense. Fantasy managers will need to check back for another update on his status.
Source: John Keim
Source: John Keim
Aday Mara's NBA Debut Challenged by Former Spanish Club
Oklahoma City Thunder center Aday Mara is facing a contract dispute with former Spanish club Basket Zaragoza ahead of Tuesday's season opener at San Antonio. Zaragoza claims the 21-year-old remains under contract through 2026-27, but Oklahoma City says the NBA advised the team that no clearance is required after Mara spent three seasons in the NCAA. There is no indication yet that he will be forced to sit. Mara averaged 13.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.4 blocks in five preseason games while shooting 78.8% from the field, so fantasy managers should monitor the situation without overreacting.
Source: Donatas Urbonas
Source: Donatas Urbonas
Mikel Brown Jr. to Remain on Minutes Restriction
Brooklyn Nets guard Mikel Brown Jr. will remain on a minutes restriction for Wednesday's season opener against Charlotte, according to the New York Post's Brian Lewis. Head coach Jordi Fernandez said he wants a player cleared for more than 24 minutes before putting him in the starting lineup, and Brown isn't there yet. The No. 6 overall pick missed Brooklyn's first three preseason games with a sprained left ankle before scoring 15 points with three rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 18 minutes against Miami. Egor Demin is in line to start at point guard, while Brown's fantasy upside should grow as the restriction eases.
Source: Brian Lewis
Source: Brian Lewis
Julian Strawther to be Re-Evaluated in Six Weeks
Denver Nuggets guard/forward Julian Strawther (knee) will be re-evaluated in six weeks after suffering a left knee sprain in Wednesday's preseason loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, according to Katy Winge. The 24-year-old had been one of Denver's better preseason performers, averaging 13.3 points in 18.5 minutes while shooting 43.5% from three. Strawther also averaged 7.2 points across 57 games last season and is entering a contract year. With Spencer Jones (hamstring) still limited to non-contact work, Alpha Diallo has a better chance to earn rotation minutes while Strawther is sidelined.
Source: Katy Winge
Source: Katy Winge
Deebo Samuel Sr. has Not Practiced This Week
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) missed a second straight practice on Friday, according to Harrison Rich of The San Francisco Chronicle. Although the 49ers do not plan to place Samuel on Injured Reserve at this time following his hamstring injury on Sunday in the Week 5 win over the division-rival Seattle Seahawks, the 30-year-old veteran is expected to miss several weeks, including Monday night's clash against the Washington Commanders in Week 6. Fantasy managers should not realistically expect him to make a return until their Week 9 game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Nov. 8 after their bye in Week 8. San Francisco is running out of healthy bodies at the receiver position, with veteran Mike Evans (ribs, Achilles) also hobbled and not practicing yet this week. It is possible that Christian Kirk (calf) makes his return from Injured Reserve this weekend to give the team some reinforcements. Samuel was seeing increased usage in 2026 in his return to the Niners given all their injuries and had 16 catches on 20 targets for 206 yards and three touchdowns before his hamstring injury on Sunday.
Source: The San Francisco Chronicle - Harrison Rich
Source: The San Francisco Chronicle - Harrison Rich
