Azeez Al-Shaair Questionable To Return Against Chiefs
Jan 18, 2025, 4:23 PM ET
Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) exited during the first half of Saturday's Divisional Round contest against the Kansas City Chiefs. Al-Shaair registered a tackle in the opening quarter but was unable to add another stat before departing. The 27-year-old amassed six tackles last week, and he had two sacks throughout the regular season. Neville Hewitt should earn more defensive snaps at linebacker until Al-Shaair is able to return.--Andersen PickardSource: Houston Texans
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Omarion Hampton Risky Flex Option in Week 6 vs. Chiefs
Wyatt McClintock
Wyatt McClintock
Oct 17, 2026, 12:36 PM ET
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton has become a borderline flex starter in all league formats. Over five weeks, Hampton is the PPR RB23 in overall scoring, averaging 9.4 fantasy points per game. The 23-year-old has become a touchdown-dependent fantasy player and has seen his role diminish over the last three weeks. Hampton enters Week 6 as RotoBaller's PPR RB28 in a tough matchup against division rival Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs defense has allowed the third-fewest rushing touchdowns and the sixth-fewest yards per carry this season. Additionally, the Chiefs are coming off their bye week, giving them a week of rest and extra time to game plan for a struggling Chargers offense. Hampton is a risky flex play and will likely need to find the end zone to be a viable fantasy option in Week 6.--Wyatt McClintockSource: NFL.com
DK Metcalf Removed From Injury Report, Will Play Sunday
Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez
Oct 17, 2026, 12:35 PM ET
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (illness) has been removed from the injury report and will not have an injury designation for Sunday's game in Week 6 versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The Steelers listed Metcalf as questionable on Friday's final injury report after he did not practice due to an illness. However, he is feeling better a day later and will be good to go this weekend for the Steelers and fantasy managers. Through five games in the 2026 season, Metcalf has caught only 19 of his 37 targets for 225 yards and one touchdown, which makes him the WR41 in half-PPR scoring going into this weekend's games. Metcalf had his best game of the year in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Cleveland Browns on Thursday night, catching five of his nine targets for 115 yards, but he regressed with just three receptions for 12 yards in last Sunday's 34-22 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. With Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) on Injured Reserve, Metcalf should have a safer target floor, and that will be especially true if tight end Pat Freiermuth (calf), who was added to the injury report on Saturday, cannot play in Tampa.--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Justin Herbert Hard to Trust in Week 6 vs. Chiefs
Wyatt McClintock
Wyatt McClintock
Oct 17, 2026, 12:33 PM ET
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has become unplayable in one-quarterback fantasy football leagues. Herbert's the QB25 in overall scoring and is averaging 12.1 points per game through five weeks. He hasn't scored over 15 points in a single game and is coming off back-to-back performances under 12 fantasy points. Entering Week 6, Herbert is RotoBaller's QB25 in a tough matchup against division rival Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs defense has allowed the second-fewest passing yards and passing touchdowns, while surrendering one passing touchdown and forcing one interception per game. Additionally, the Chiefs are coming off their bye week, giving them an extra week to game plan for a struggling Chargers offense. Herbert should be out of lineups in all fantasy league formats in a tough Week 6 matchup.--Wyatt McClintockSource: NFL.com
Atlanta D/ST a Low-End Streaming Option Against Bears
Jarod Rupp
Jarod Rupp
Oct 17, 2026, 12:25 PM ET
The Atlanta Falcons defense/special teams unit came into last week's contest allowing just 48.3 rush yards per game but ended up yielding a whopping 208 yards on the ground to the Ravens, with an additional 201 yards allowed through the air and three total touchdowns. On the bright side, for a unit that was having trouble getting to the quarterback and forcing turnovers, the Falcons recorded four sacks and recovered a fumble, which was returned for a touchdown in the contest. Unfortunately, the team will be without CB C.J. Henderson (groin), who leads the defense with 23 solo tackles and six passes defended while also logging one of the unit's four forced fumbles thus far. Also, with one of the highest over/unders on the slate this week (52.5), there is expected to be a lot of offense. Whether or not that means Caleb Williams will be under center for the Bears has yet to be determined, but it could mean there are more reliable options available to stream on the waiver wire. Atlanta is ranked as the No. 18 defense this week at RotoBaller.--Jarod RuppSource: RotoBaller
Ja'Kobi Lane "Good to Go" For Week 6
Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez
Oct 17, 2026, 12:20 PM ET
Baltimore Ravens rookie wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (wrist) is "good to go" after a full practice slate this week, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. It should facilitate Lane's activation from Injured Reserve for Sunday's Week 6 game against the division-rival Cleveland Browns. The Ravens should officially activate the 22-year-old third-rounder from USC on Saturday, and he should be active on Sunday. Lane caught one of his three targets for 11 yards in his NFL debut in the Week 1 win over the Indianapolis Colts before injuring his wrist and missing the last four games. Now that he is back in the fold, he will have an opportunity to jump veteran Rashod Bateman as the team's WR2 behind Zay Flowers. Lane was a standout performer for the Ravens during training camp and the preseason this summer, but it remains to be seen if he can get back to that level of performance following his injury. At the very least, Lane is worth a waiver-wire pickup for receiver depth, although we would not recommend using him in starting lineups this weekend with quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) missing a second straight game.--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Dominic Zvada Looks to Bounce Back Against Saints
Nathan Harvey
Nathan Harvey
Oct 17, 2026, 12:17 PM ET
New York Giants rookie kicker Dominic Zvada missed three costly field goals in the 27-27 tie against the Washington Commanders in Week 5. After making 10 straight kicks to start the season, Zvada struggled, missing from 46, 50, and 56 yards, including an overtime attempt that would've put New York ahead. While Zvada ranks third in field goal attempts this season, if he can't convert those looks, both the Giants and fantasy managers will lose trust in the rookie. He faces the New Orleans Saints in Week 6. The Saints have allowed the third-most points on defense this season and the 10th-most points per game to kickers. Given the volume, Zvada offers legit starting upside this week, but he's a risky option given the inaccuracy he showed against Washington last week.--Nathan HarveySource: RotoBaller
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Expected to be Out for Week 6
Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez
Oct 17, 2026, 12:15 PM ET
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) is expected to be ruled out for the Week 6 contest on Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers, sources told Ben Standig of The Athletic. Croskey-Merritt was not spotted at Saturday's practice after missing practice on Thursday and Friday with a nagging groin injury. Backfield mates Rachaad White (shoulder) and Austin Ekeler (chest) are also on the Week 6 injury report, so Washington's backfield is pretty banged up right now. If one of White or Ekeler cannot play, the Commanders will have to bring up either Craig Reynolds or Devin Neal to the active 53-man roster for Monday's game. Fantasy managers should obviously move the 25-year-old JCM to their bench for this weekend's action, especially with the contest coming on Monday this week. Through five weeks of his second season in the NFL, Croskey-Merritt has seen 67 rushing attempts for 239 yards and two touchdowns while adding five catches on seven targets for 40 yards. He has left a lot to be desired on the ground with a 3.6-yard-per-carry average.--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Ben Standig
Turnovers Are Key for New York Giants D/ST in Week 6
Nathan Harvey
Nathan Harvey
Oct 17, 2026, 12:12 PM ET
The New York Giants' defense struggled mightily in Week 5 against the Washington Commanders and are looking to bounce back this week. They allowed 27 points and 378 yards on offense and couldn't force any turnovers in the 27-27 tie with the Commanders. While they got to Jayden Daniels five times last week, the Giants D/ST managed only 5.0 fantasy points in standard formats. Despite last week's struggles, their defense has been a solid unit in 2026, ranking sixth in turnovers (8) and 11th in fantasy points scored. Now, they face a New Orleans Saints offense that ranks 16th in points and yards this season but has also allowed 11 turnovers (third-most). It's going to come down to turnovers for the Giants D/ST in what could be a relatively high-scoring game in Week 6.--Nathan HarveySource: RotoBaller
Brian Robinson a Volatile RB3/Flex with Low Floor in Week 6
Jarod Rupp
Jarod Rupp
Oct 17, 2026, 12:11 PM ET
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Robinson came back down to Earth last week after a 62-yard, three-touchdown performance the week before, rushing just seven times for 16 scoreless yards. It looks like the 6-foot-1 back will see his involvement drop in games that are closely contested, which was also the case in Week 1 when he carried the ball nine times for 31 yards and no touchdowns, while averaging around 12 carries for 54 yards with four total TDs in the other three games in which the scoring margin was large. Week 6 brings a home matchup against the Bears which, with a 1.5-point spread, could be competitive throughout; however, with one of the highest expected point totals this week (52.5), there should be plenty of offense. View the 27-year-old as a boom/bust RB3/Flex this week, with the fifth-year pro ranked as the No. 32 RB overall at RotoBaller in Week 6.--Jarod RuppSource: RotoBaller
Kyle Pitts Sr. Trending Up, but Still a Risky Play in Week 6
Jarod Rupp
Jarod Rupp
Oct 17, 2026, 12:06 PM ET
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. had his most productive game of the season thus far in Week 5, catching five of his six targets for 42 yards and recording his first touchdown of the season. The 6-foot-6 tight end is trending in the right direction with eight catches over the last two weeks after tallying just two receptions over the season's first three weeks. Week 6 brings a challenging matchup against the Bears, a defense that has yielded the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, aided by the fact that the unit has yet to allow an opposing TE to score a touchdown. However, Chicago will be down multiple pieces on defense this week that could have an impact on the passing game, including the absences of LB T.J. Edwards (hamstring), DE Dayo Odeyingbo (quadriceps), and DE Montez Sweat (suspended). Be that as it may, RotoBaller ranks the former first-rounder as a low-end TE2 this week, but there is certainly upside potential given his momentum and the depleted defensive unit.--Jarod RuppSource: RotoBaller
Fire Up Isaiah Likely as a TE1 Against Saints
Nathan Harvey
Nathan Harvey
Oct 17, 2026, 12:05 PM ET
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely had a monster game in Week 5, hauling in 11 of 13 targets for 94 yards and two touchdowns in the 27-27 tie with the Washington Commanders. After a sluggish start with Jameis Winston taking over as the starter, Likely has snapped off two very productive weeks in a row, totaling 160 yards and two touchdowns on 18 receptions. The former Ravens tight end has emerged as one of the best in the NFL, averaging 13.8 half-PPR fantasy points per game, and is currently the TE2, trailing only Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride. He faces a New Orleans Saints defense that has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season and has struggled mightily in recent weeks. In what projects to be a high-scoring affair, fantasy managers can fire up Likely as a TE1 in Week 6.--Nathan HarveySource: RotoBaller
Drake London a Mid-Range WR1 Versus Banged-Up Bears Defense
Jarod Rupp
Jarod Rupp
Oct 17, 2026, 12:02 PM ET
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London has averaged nine targets, seven catches, and 136 receiving yards over the past three games with Michael Penix Jr. under center, although he has yet to find the end zone in 2026. This week, the 6-foot-4 wideout will go up against a Bears pass defense that has limited teams to just under 180 passing yards per game, which is the third-lowest total in the entire league. While that suggests it could be a tough matchup for the former USC standout, the Bears will be without linebacker T.J. Edwards (hamstring), defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo (quadriceps), and DE Montez Sweat (suspended) this week, leaving the pass rush shorthanded and potentially making getting open less daunting a task. Either way, as Atlanta's clearcut No. 1 receiver, expect the 25-year-old to be targeted early and often in Week 6, setting him up as a mid-range WR1, and this might just be the week he finally finds paydirt.--Jarod RuppSource: RotoBaller
Tim Patrick Has Yet to Establish a Meaningful Receiving Role
Bruno Mulé
Bruno Mulé
Oct 17, 2026, 12:00 PM ET
New York Jets wide receiver Tim Patrick made his 2026 season debut against Cleveland after recovering from a groin injury that kept him sidelined for the opening four weeks. He caught two of three targets for 26 yards, providing New York with another receiving option while Adonai Mitchell (finger) remained unavailable. Mitchell has now been ruled out for Week 6, which could give Patrick another opportunity to earn playing time against New England. However, Garrett Wilson continues to dominate targets, and the Jets also have multiple tight ends involved in the passing game. Rookie Omar Cooper Jr. could further complicate the rotation if activated from injured reserve. Patrick's Week 5 involvement was not enough to establish a meaningful fantasy role, and the Patriots present a difficult matchup for an offense that has struggled to produce through the air. He remains outside starting consideration in standard fantasy leagues.--Bruno MuléSource: RotoBaller
Omar Cooper Jr. Could Return to a Crowded Jets Receiving Group
Bruno Mulé
Bruno Mulé
Oct 17, 2026, 11:59 AM ET
New York Jets wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (ankle) could make his return against New England after missing the last four games with a high ankle sprain. Cooper caught one pass for 30 yards in the season opener before landing on injured reserve, and his absence has prevented him from building an established role in the Jets' offense. The rookie practiced fully Friday and is listed as questionable, although head coach Aaron Glenn has indicated that he expects Cooper to be available Sunday. New York would still need to activate him from injured reserve before he can play. With Adonai Mitchell (finger) ruled out, there is an opportunity for another receiver to earn playing time, but Cooper's workload after such a lengthy absence remains uncertain. His first-round draft pedigree makes him worth monitoring in dynasty formats and deeper redraft leagues, though he should remain on fantasy benches until his role becomes clearer.--Bruno MuléSource: RotoBaller
Isaiah Williams Needs More Consistent Opportunities
Bruno Mulé
Bruno Mulé
Oct 17, 2026, 11:57 AM ET
New York Jets wide receiver Isaiah Williams has provided a few explosive plays this season, but his limited receiving involvement makes him a difficult fantasy option heading into Week 6. His best performance came against Chicago in Week 4, when he caught two passes for 73 yards and a touchdown, including a 58-yard scoring reception. Williams followed that outing with just one catch for 16 yards against Cleveland, despite Adonai Mitchell remaining unavailable. He has 11 receptions for 151 yards and a touchdown through five games, illustrating the occasional upside but also the lack of dependable volume. Mitchell (finger) has been ruled out again, although rookie Omar Cooper Jr. could return from injured reserve and compete for opportunities against New England. Williams remains a speculative deep-league flex option whose fantasy production depends heavily on making the most of limited touches.--Bruno MuléSource: RotoBaller
Malachi Fields Remains Off the Fantasy Radar in Week 6
Nathan Harvey
Nathan Harvey
Oct 17, 2026, 11:56 AM ET
New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malachi Fields caught both of his targets for 20 yards in the 27-27 tie against the Washington Commanders. After scoring his first career touchdown in Week 4 against the Arizona Cardinals, Fields struggled to produce in back-to-back weeks, despite a monster game from quarterback Jameis Winston. Fields' usage has been solid, playing over 70% of snaps and 65% of routes in five games this season. However, with wide receiver Malik Nabers and tight end Isaiah Likely emerging as the top two options in this passing game, Fields will remain a third- or fourth-option in this offense. He faces a New Orleans Saints defense that has struggled in recent weeks, allowing big games to wide receivers Justin Jefferson, Drake London, and Rashod Bateman this season. However, as the less-involved option, Fields doesn't have starting value in Week 6.--Nathan HarveySource: RotoBaller
Kenyon Sadiq's Concussion Status Creates Week 6 Uncertainty
Bruno Mulé
Bruno Mulé
Oct 17, 2026, 11:54 AM ET
New York Jets tight end Kenyon Sadiq (concussion) practiced fully Friday but remains questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Patriots. The rookie exited New York's Week 5 victory over Cleveland early and has spent the week progressing through the concussion protocol. His production has been inconsistent, although his seven-catch, 105-yard performance against Detroit in Week 3 demonstrated his receiving potential. Sadiq has 14 receptions for 146 yards and one receiving touchdown through five games, along with a rushing score. His opportunities could remain limited by the Jets' use of multiple tight ends, particularly with Mason Taylor back in the lineup. Nevertheless, Sadiq offers more explosive-play potential than New York's other options at the position. He carries some streaming appeal in deeper leagues if cleared, but fantasy managers should have another option available until his playing status is officially confirmed.--Bruno MuléSource: RotoBaller
Garrett Wilson Remains the Jets' Most Reliable Fantasy Option
Bruno Mulé
Bruno Mulé
Oct 17, 2026, 11:52 AM ET
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson continues to command an overwhelming share of the passing game, an encouraging development with several other offensive players dealing with injuries. Wilson caught seven passes for 104 yards and a touchdown on 11 targets against Cleveland in Week 5, giving him his second 100-yard receiving performance of the season. He has now accumulated 31 receptions for 374 yards and three touchdowns on 42 targets through five contests. His involvement should remain substantial against New England, particularly with Adonai Mitchell (finger) officially ruled out. The Patriots will have Christian Gonzalez available again, creating a more challenging individual matchup, although their secondary will be missing Carlton Davis III and Karon Prunty. Wilson's weekly target volume provides a dependable foundation even when New York struggles to sustain drives. He remains a strong WR2 in PPR formats and should be started in most fantasy leagues.--Bruno MuléSource: RotoBaller
Braelon Allen Set for Another Heavy Workload With Teammate Out
Bruno Mulé
Bruno Mulé
Oct 17, 2026, 11:50 AM ET
New York Jets running back Braelon Allen should continue handling the majority of the backfield work with Breece Hall (quad) officially ruled out for Sunday's matchup against New England. Allen delivered his strongest performance of the season against Cleveland in Week 5, rushing for 116 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries. His decisive 22-yard scoring run late in the fourth quarter helped secure New York's 17-12 victory. Allen has now accumulated 175 rushing yards on 38 attempts over the last two games, providing encouraging evidence that he can handle substantial volume when called upon. The matchup against the Patriots is not particularly favorable, but his expected workload makes him a viable RB2 regardless. His limited receiving involvement, with seven catches for 19 yards this season, reduces his appeal slightly in full-PPR leagues. Still, Allen has earned starting consideration while Hall remains sidelined.--Bruno MuléSource: RotoBaller
Geno Smith Difficult to Trust Against New England
Bruno Mulé
Bruno Mulé
Oct 17, 2026, 11:49 AM ET
New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith has completed 69.4% of his passes for 1,084 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions through five games, but those numbers have not translated into consistently useful fantasy performances. He managed only 182 passing yards and one touchdown against Cleveland in Week 5, marking his second consecutive outing below 200 yards. Protection remains another concern, with Smith already taking 16 sacks this season. The Jets now travel to New England to face a Patriots defense coming off an impressive performance against Las Vegas, which managed just 17 points in Week 5. Smith's connection with Garrett Wilson provides some upside, but New York has not generated enough offensive production to support dependable quarterback scoring. RotoBaller ranks Smith QB28 for Week 6, leaving him outside the starting conversation in conventional one-quarterback leagues. Even in superflex formats, he profiles as a lower-end option.--Bruno MuléSource: RotoBaller
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