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Brandon Staley The Leading Candidate To Become Saints Defensive Coordinator
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley, who was a San Francisco 49ers' assistant coach last year, is a leading candidate to become the new defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints under first-time head coach Kellen Moore, according to sources. Moore was the Los Angeles Chargers' offensive coordinator in 2023 when Staley was the head coach. The Saints defense allowed the third-most yards per game in 2024 (379.9), so fixing that side of the ball will be a priority for the offensive-minded Moore in his first year as the head coach in 2025. During his three-year tenure as head coach of the Bolts, Staley went 24-24 with one playoff appearance, which resulted in a wild-card loss. Before joining the Chargers, Staley was the Los Angeles Rams' defensive coordinator in 2020.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
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Baker Mayfield Expects to Return With Protective Glove in Week 7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (right thumb) expects to return Sunday against the Carolina Panthers after missing three games with a dislocated thumb. According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Tampa Bay Rays clubhouse attendant Nick Bond helped create a protective glove designed to prevent the joint from bending backward. Mayfield practiced in full Wednesday and Thursday, saying the glove feels comfortable despite requiring adjustments to his grip and release points. Head coach Todd Bowles plans to decide Friday whether Mayfield or rookie Jalon Daniels will start. Mayfield threw for 615 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions in his first three games this season. That production leaves him as a QB2 option in Superflex leagues if he starts, with limited appeal in standard single-quarterback formats.
Source: Rick Stroud
Source: Rick Stroud
Kalif Raymond Fails to Record a Catch Against Patriots
Chicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond was held without a catch in Week 7's 30-24 win over the New England Patriots. After a hot start to Raymond's 10th season, he has cooled off completely, totaling 30 receiving yards on seven receptions over the last four games. Raymond has continued to see a high snap count (70% in Week 7) but has not produced enough to be fantasy-relevant. Even with quarterback Caleb Williams back in the lineup, along with Luther Burden III, Colston Loveland, Rome Odunze, and a strong running game, Raymond will likely remain the fourth option in this passing offense. While his hot start earned him a roster spot a few weeks ago, fantasy managers should move on from the veteran receiver in most leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
TreVeyon Henderson has Another Disappointing Performance
New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson had three carries for nine yards and two receptions for 14 yards in the 30-24 loss to the Chicago Bears. After a productive rookie season with several explosive plays, Henderson has been phased out of the rushing attack, with Rhamondre Stevenson taking over the starting role. On Thursday night, Stevenson played 69% of snaps, while Henderson played just 24%. Over the last three games, the split has been similar. Henderson reportedly suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 5 but has played through the injury, which may be limiting his role and efficiency. Fantasy managers should not drop Henderson yet, given his high draft capital and explosiveness, but he is not a starting option at this point, as Stevenson handles the bulk of the work.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Cole Kmet Suffers Non-Contact Knee Injury in Week 7
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (knee) suffered a non-contact knee injury, which head coach Ben Johnson said "didn't look very good." Kmet was tackled on the right sideline and immediately grabbed his right knee. He was carted off the field and didn't return in the 30-24 win over the New England Patriots in Week 7. In seven games, Kmet has caught 10 of 14 targets for 87 yards and a touchdown, serving as the second tight end behind Colston Loveland. If Kmet misses the remainder of the season, which seems possible, expect Sam Roush to have a much larger role, and potentially Luther Burden III, as the offense could lean more toward 3-WR sets. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Kmet's status, as his impact could affect the outlooks of players like Burden, Loveland, and Roush.
Source: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
Source: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
T.J. Watt Expected to Play in Week 7
Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt (calf) was limited in Thursday's practice but is expected to play in Week 7's matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Watt is reportedly dealing with a calf issue, but Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy said he doesn't believe it will affect the four-time All-Pro's status on Sunday. In six games this season, Watt has 4.5 sacks, 15 tackles, one forced fumble, and an interception returned for a touchdown. If Watt is unable to play in Week 7, both Alex Highsmith and Jack Sawyer will shoulder more responsibility against the Saints. Fantasy managers in IDP leagues who own the Steelers D/ST should monitor Watt's status, as his on-field impact is crucial to their success.
Source: Mike DeFabo
Source: Mike DeFabo
Rico Dowdle Listed as Questionable to Play in Week 7
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (knee) is listed as questionable to play in Week 7's matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Dowdle was limited in all three days of practice this week due to an apparent knee injury, despite not appearing to be injured in the 26-19 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6. Last week, Dowdle returned from a toe injury that cost him three games, had seven carries for 40 yards, and added three receptions for nine yards. While Jaylen Warren has firmly cemented himself as the lead back in this offense, Dowdle, if healthy, will still have a role, even after Warren's elite production in Dowdle's absence. Fantasy managers should monitor the team's Saturday elevations and Dowdle's status on Sunday morning, especially in a weaker matchup against the struggling Saints run defense.
Source: Nick Farabaugh
Source: Nick Farabaugh
Puka Nacua Believed to Have Suffered Minor Calf Injury
Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua (calf) is believed to have suffered a minor injury during Thursday's practice ahead of their Week 7 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said that Nacua's calf injury was "minor compared to anything else, but not precautionary, and it's not nothing." Nacua has dealt with a hip/groin injury throughout the early part of the season, but it has not hindered his production, with the fourth-year receiver totaling 428 yards and two touchdowns in four games. With Davante Adams (hamstring) expected to miss more than six weeks, the Rams are thin at the position. Fantasy managers will need to check the Friday practice report to determine whether Nacua will miss Week 7 with this calf injury. If Nacua is out, Konata Mumpfield, Jordan Whittington, and the tight ends will be the main beneficiaries.
Source: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
Source: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
Rhamondre Stevenson Rumbles for Long TD in Loss
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson rushed six times for 22 yards and caught five passes for 93 yards and a touchdown (five targets) in a 30-24 loss to the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football. Stevenson led New England's backfield in carries and was the most efficient RB on Thursday, but he made most of his hay in the receiving game, posting a career-high in yards. The sixth-year pro's new personal best was aided in large part by a spectacular catch-and-run in the waning seconds of the first half. Stevenson caught a dump-off on the right side on a play that looked like he was supposed to pitch it back. However, he scampered up the sideline and cut back against the grain, untouched for a 48-yard touchdown. While New England's backfield may be a mess right now, Stevenson is getting most of the snaps and has the most stable role in the receiving game. He'll look to keep this momentum in a divisional clash with the Miami Dolphins in Week 8.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Colston Loveland Leads Bears in Targets Thursday
Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland caught seven passes for 69 yards and a touchdown on a game-high 12 targets in Thursday's 30-24 win over the visiting New England Patriots. Now that's more like it. Loveland built on a strong performance from a week ago in quarterback Caleb Williams' return from a three-game absence and was again a featured part of the game plan. It's the former first-round pick's second straight game with at least six catches, 65 yards, and a touchdown, as Chicago's offense is rounding into form under Williams' direction. Wide receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III will undoubtedly get more involved at times, but things are looking up for Loveland after a string of solid production. Chicago's offense will be put to the test their next time out when they line up against a stingy Seattle Seahawks defense on the road.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
D'Andre Swift Cruises to Another Strong Performance
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift totaled 78 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries in Thursday's 30-24 home win over the New England Patriots. He added 12 yards on four receptions. Swift had another inefficient day on the ground, but he scored for the fourth time in three appearances and still got a decent target share (four). Stats aside, Swift looked spry and is a nice fit in Chicago's outside zone scheme. It doesn't seem likely the 27-year-old will see many more 20-plus-carry games, especially with backfield mate Kyle Monangai (toe, thumb) due back eventually. However, the former doesn't need workhorse volume to remain effective for fantasy when he's an ever-present threat to cash in on a touchdown. Swift and the Bears will face stiffer competition on the road their next time out against the Seattle Seahawks.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Caleb Williams Keeps Rolling in Bears' Win
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams completed 22 of 33 pass attempts for 308 yards and two touchdowns in his team's 30-24 win against the New England Patriots in Week 7. Williams and the Bears' offense were on the attack from their very first drive, and they might have scored another TD had the signal-caller not missed wide receiver Kalif Raymond on third down before settling for a field goal. Regardless, it was another strong effort for the 24-year-old, as he threw for 300-plus yards in consecutive games for the first time in his career. It'd be nice to see Williams use his legs a bit more, but fantasy managers won't have qualms about his output when he looks this comfortable from the pocket. Additionally, that part of his game could return as he's further removed from a hamstring injury. Chicago will face another formidable opponent, the Seattle Seahawks, in Week 8. Williams will again be a solid fantasy play, even with the unfavorable draw.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Drake Maye has Another Superb Effort in TNF Defeat
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye tossed for 321 yards and two touchdowns while throwing one interception in Thursday night's 30-24 loss to the Chicago Bears. He added 26 yards and an additional score on four rushes. It was another impressive, efficient (77% completion rate) outing for the former North Carolina Tarheel, as he's scored at least three total touchdowns in four straight games following a less-than-savory start to the campaign. Over the stretch, Maye has posted a stellar 12:1 TD:INT ratio while averaging 299.5 passing yards per clip. Moreover, he's done well to stay on his feet, taking just four total sacks during his hot streak. Up next for New England is a divisional bout with the Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. He'll be among the top fantasy options at his position once again.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
A.J. Brown has Another Dud in Thursday's Loss in Chicago
New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown was looking for a bounce-back game on Thursday night on the road against the Chicago Bears, but it did not come. Brown came off Injured Reserve last weekend for Sunday's 26-19 victory over the division-rival New York Jets, but he battled drops and finished with only three catches on 10 targets for 27 yards. The 29-year-old three-time Pro Bowler was held in check again in Thursday's loss to the Bears, as he caught only three of his six targets on the night for 48 yards and no touchdowns. Brown's 48 receiving yards were fourth on the team, and his six targets were only one fewer than tight end Hunter Henry. He has not looked all that comfortable in two games since returning from a high-ankle sprain that he suffered in the Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. With more time to rest before the team's Week 8 game on the road against the division-rival Miami Dolphins, fantasy managers will be hoping that Brown can finally make some noise in 2026. He has been one of the biggest fantasy busts at the receiver position through the first seven games of the year.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Luther Burden III Goes Over Century Mark, Scores in Thursday's Win
Chicago Bears second-year wide receiver Luther Burden III looked like the second-year breakout player that many fantasy managers envisioned coming into this season in the team's 30-24 victory on Thursday night over the visiting New England Patriots. Burden had a strong connection with quarterback Caleb Williams and caught all four of his targets for a season-high 130 yards and his second touchdown of the 2026 season. His four targets were tied with running back D'Andre Swift for third on the team behind tight end Colston Loveland's 12 and Rome Odunze's five, but he struck for chunk gains and averaged a strong 32.5 yards per reception on the night. Burden also carried the ball once for a gain of seven yards on the ground. It is a second straight strong game for the 22-year-old wideout after he caught all eight of his targets for 95 yards in last week's win over the Atlanta Falcons. The former second-rounder from Missouri is one of Williams' favorite targets and should be considered a must-start after a slow start going into the Monday night matchup in Week 8 on the road against the Seattle Seahawks.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Cole Kmet Carted Off With Knee Injury on Thursday
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (knee) suffered a serious-looking right-knee injury in the fourth quarter of Thursday night's game against the New England Patriots and has been ruled out, according to Sean Hammond of The Chicago Tribune. Kmet was quickly ruled out for the rest of the contest after being carted to the locker room. Before leaving the game, the 27-year-old caught all three of his targets for 28 yards. Meanwhile, fellow tight end Colston Loveland had another big win in the 30-24 victory, catching seven of a team-high 12 targets for 69 yards and another touchdown. Kmet's injury had the looks of a season-ender, but we will get more information on Friday about the severity of his injury and how long he might be sidelined. Going into the Week 7 contest on Thursday night, Kmet had only seven receptions on 11 targets for 59 yards and one touchdown in his first six games. A lengthy absence from Kmet due to his knee injury would give Loveland an even higher ceiling as a potential breakout candidate in just his second NFL season.
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Sean Hammond
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Sean Hammond
Saquon Barkley Taking his Recovery Day to Day
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring) returned to practice on Thursday and was limited, but he is not ready to say that he will make a return on Monday Night Football against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys in Week 7, according to Zach Berman of The Athletic. "Monday's still a long ways away, just going to listen and trust the trainers...and hopefully continue to get better each day," Barkley said. The 29-year-old, who said he has never dealt with a hamstring before in his career, has missed each of the last two games after injuring his hamstring in the Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. In addition to Barkley, receivers DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and Dontayvion Wicks (ankle), and tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) are banged up going into Week 7, so backup QB Tanner McKee might be working with limited weapons against the Cowboys. Barkley has averaged 5.1 yards per carry in four games this year for 182 rushing yards, but he has not found the end zone on the ground or as a receiver. Dameon Pierce would make a second straight start for Philly on Monday if Barkley is not given the green light to face Dallas. Hopefully, we will have a better idea of Barkley's Week 7 status by Saturday.
Source: The Athletic - Zach Berman
Source: The Athletic - Zach Berman
Multiple Teams Interested in Trading for Jonathan Taylor
Multiple teams would be open to a potential trade for Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, a source told Stephen Holder of ESPN. However, it is unclear if the Colts are going to unload players at the Nov. 10 trade deadline after firing long-time general manager Chris Ballard this week. Taylor is the NFL's active leader in rushing yards per game (89.9) and would be a massive addition for a contending team's backfield if he were to be traded. The Colts signed Taylor to a three-year contract extension in August, but depending on how these next few weeks play out, ownership could decide to sell off some of their key assets. Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon put Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen on notice that progress was expected after last year's disappointing collapse. Significant organizational changes could be coming after Indy hires a new GM. The 27-year-old Taylor is second to only Derrick Henry in rushing yards since entering the league with 8,090 career yards. If Taylor is dealt at this year's deadline, Seth McGowan would become the Colts' lead back for the rest of the season. Despite the Colts' struggles this year, Taylor has still been a top-five fantasy RB with 492 rushing yards and seven touchdowns while adding 163 receiving yards on 15 receptions in six games.
Source: ESPN.com - Stephen Holder
Source: ESPN.com - Stephen Holder
Packers Don't Know if Luke Musgrave Will Return This Year
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said on Thursday that the team does not really know if tight end Luke Musgrave (neck) will play this year, according to Weston Hodkiewicz of the team's official website. "That's tough to say right now. Until proven otherwise, I would say no. But I would never close the door on that," LaFleur said. The 26-year-old was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list before the start of the regular season after getting injured in training camp. Musgrave lost what little fantasy appeal he had left last year when he could not take advantage of Tucker Kraft's season-ending knee injury, as he caught only 24 passes on 31 targets for 252 yards and zero touchdowns in 17 regular-season games (10 starts). The Packers are set at the tight end position this year with Kraft healthy and Jonnu Smith also on the roster. Musgrave should not be rostered in any single-year fantasy leagues and is not very attractive in dynasty/keeper leagues either.
Source: Packers.com - Weston Hodkiewicz
Source: Packers.com - Weston Hodkiewicz
Dallas Goedert Misses Practice With Knee Injury
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) was not able to practice with the rest of the team on Thursday, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane. After losing quarterback Jalen Hurts (blood clots) for the season, Goedert and receivers DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) are banged up going into a Week 7 matchup on Monday night against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. The 31-year-old Goedert did not play in Weeks 3 and 4 after spraining the MCL in his right knee, so his injury is definitely concerning as it pertains to his availability next Monday night. In the first game without Hurts on Sunday in a loss to the Carolina Panthers, Goedert was involved by backup Tanner McKee and finished with six catches on eight targets for 61 yards. Fantasy managers may want to grab an insurance policy at TE for the week with Goedert's game coming on Monday. Both of Goedert's receiving touchdowns came in the season-opening win over the division-rival Washington Commanders. When healthy, Goedert could still have plenty of fantasy potential as a safety valve for the inexperienced McKee.
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane
Dontayvion Wicks Dealing With Ankle Injury, Misses Practice
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) was listed as a non-participant in the first practice of the week on Thursday, according to Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Top Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) was also a non-participant, so the Eagles could be down two of their top receivers for a Monday night matchup against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys in Week 7 if they do not return to practice in the next two days. The 25-year-old injured his ankle late in the Week 6 loss to the Carolina Panthers, but he was able to return to the game, which gives some hope that he will be available to play on Monday night. Wicks has stepped up as Philly's WR2 behind Smith in his first year with the team, catching 19 of his 32 targets for 284 yards and one touchdown through six games. However, his fantasy value as a deep-league flex play diminished when it was announced earlier this week that star quarterback Jalen Hurts (blood clots) would miss the rest of the season. Fantasy managers should look to avoid Wicks if he is trending as a game-time decision for Monday's contest. He caught just two of four targets for 24 yards with backup Tanner McKee running the offense.
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane
