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Dylan Sampson's Receiving Upside Makes Him Worth an IR Stash
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson (knee) is approaching his earliest possible return from injured reserve, making him worth a look for fantasy managers with an open IR spot. Sampson injured his knee on a kickoff return in Week 1 and was placed on IR on Sept. 15, leaving Week 6 against Baltimore as the earliest he can play again. Cleveland has not announced a return timetable, but the potential receiving role makes him interesting. Sampson caught 33 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie, and the Browns have sent 25.2% of their targets to running backs through four weeks, the third-highest rate in the league. Quinshon Judkins remains the lead back, with Raheim Sanders handling much of the complementary work during Sampson's absence. There is no guarantee Sampson immediately takes those opportunities back, especially after missing several weeks. Still, his receiving ability gives him some appeal in PPR leagues, and managers who can afford to wait should consider stashing him before Cleveland gets closer to activating him.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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Isaac TeSlaa Emerging as a Big-Play Option for Lions
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa has started making a bigger impact after a quiet first two weeks. He caught four of eight targets for 95 yards against Carolina, including a 57-yard gain, one week after a three-catch, 66-yard performance against the Jets. Those two games account for 161 of his 187 receiving yards this season. The playing time is worth watching, too. TeSlaa logged 58 snaps Sunday, an 82% share after playing 48% in Week 3. Detroit was using more three-receiver sets while trailing, though, so there is no guarantee he stays on the field that much every week. He also still has Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta competing for targets. TeSlaa has only nine catches overall, but he is averaging 20.8 yards per reception and just drew a season-high eight targets. His recent production has made him more interesting in deeper fantasy leagues, even if the weekly volume is not quite there yet.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Davis Mills' Contract Restructured by Texans
The Houston Texans have restructured quarterback Davis Mills' contract to create $2.707 million in salary-cap space, according to Aaron Wilson. Houston converted $3.721 million of his salary into a signing bonus, lowering his 2026 cap hit from $8.134 million to $5.427 million. The agreement also adds void years from 2027 through 2030 for accounting purposes, but Mills is still scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after this season. His new base salary of $1.2 million is fully guaranteed. The 27-year-old remains C.J. Stroud's backup and hasn't attempted a pass through Houston's first four games. Mills made three starts last season while appearing in six contests overall, finishing with 915 passing yards, five touchdowns and one interception. The restructure doesn't change his role or immediate fantasy outlook.
Source: Aaron Wilson
Source: Aaron Wilson
Tre Tucker's Fantasy Value Fading with Teammate Healthy
With the return of star tight end Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker has seen his targets decline over the past two weeks. After a hot start, in which he had 146 yards and a touchdown in the first two weeks, he's struggled to produce, totaling just 87 yards on eight receptions. Bowers returned in Week 3 after a knee procedure that cost him two games. With the Raiders using Bowers as a wide receiver over the past two weeks, Tucker is playing just 59% of snaps and running 72% of routes when Bowers is healthy. With Bowers dominating the target share, Tucker is the second- or third-best option in the passing game alongside tight end Michael Mayer. Fantasy managers should not trust Tucker as a starting option moving forward and could be a few more dud performances away from being droppable in leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Blake Corum Losing Ground in Rams' Backfield
Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum has struggled to produce in back-to-back weeks, and his limited usage significantly limits his fantasy value. After an efficient start in Weeks 1 and 2, when Corum had 23 touches for 146 yards, he's totaled just 36 scrimmage yards on 14 touches over the past two weeks. Starting running back Kyren Williams has been fantastic as both a runner and a receiver in Weeks 3 and 4 and appears to have a firm grasp of the Rams' backfield. In that span, Williams has played 75% of snaps, while Corum has played just 23%. While the Rams will continue to use the third-year back, Williams' role in the passing game and the red zone will limit Corum's fantasy value moving forward.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Baker Mayfield Pushing to Play in Week 6
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) could return in Week 6 after missing the past two games. Mayfield was seen wearing a small brace on his right thumb, and a close-up photo showed minimal swelling or bruising. Reporter James Palmer said Mayfield is pushing to play against the Pittsburgh Steelers next week, though it's too soon to know whether he can grip a football or throw without pain. Mayfield has completed 61 of 96 passes for 615 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions in three games. While undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels played well in the 24-16 win over the Dallas Cowboys, Mayfield is expected to reclaim the starting role upon his return. Fantasy managers can view Mayfield as a low-end QB2 once he returns to the field, and his return should help wideouts Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin Jr.
Source: James Palmer
Source: James Palmer
Patrick Surtain II Could Avoid the Injured Reserve
Denver Broncos star cornerback Patrick Surtain II (ankle) might avoid the injured reserve list after an ankle sprain in the 24-14 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Surtain suffered a non-contact ankle injury that cost him most of the second half in Week 4 and appeared likely to head to the IR, which would cost him at least four games. However, head coach Sean Payton said on Wednesday that he doesn't expect Surtain and wide receiver Pat Bryant to be placed on the list. The star corner has allowed 107 receiving yards on nine receptions while in coverage, well below his previous coverage stats. While he's expected to miss multiple weeks, Surtain could return before Week 9 and should be a tough test for any wide receiver moving forward.
Source: Zac Stevens - DNVR
Source: Zac Stevens - DNVR
Pat Bryant Could Avoid the Injured Reserve
Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant (ankle) may avoid the injured reserve after the ankle injury he sustained in the 24-14 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Bryant had his ankle trapped beneath him and was carted off the field, prompting reports that he would be placed on the IR. However, both Bryant and star cornerback Pat Surtain might avoid the list despite reports that they would miss the next four weeks. To start his second season, Bryant has hauled in nine of 12 targets for 133 yards and a touchdown, while adding 16 rushing yards on one carry. While he's expected to miss multiple weeks, if Bryant stays off the injured reserve, that would be good news for his fantasy outlook this season, though he should only be rostered in deeper leagues.
Source: Zac Stevens - DNVR
Source: Zac Stevens - DNVR
Lamar Jackson Not Looking Great for Week 5
Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) is not looking great for the Week 5 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Jackson suffered an ankle sprain late in the first half of Week 4's win over the Tennessee Titans and couldn't return. He hasn't practiced on Wednesday or Thursday, and Rapoport says, "It's not looking great for his status for Sunday night." In four games this season, Jackson has completed 68 of 96 passes for 967 yards, with six touchdowns and one interception, and has added 144 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. Friday's practice will be key to determining Jackson's status against Atlanta, but if he is unable to play in Week 5, Tyler Huntley will take over as the starter.
Source: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
Source: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
CeeDee Lamb Suffers Quad Bruise on Thursday Night
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (quad) suffered a quad bruise in the 24-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Lamb was listed as questionable to return in the fourth quarter and made several attempts to reenter the game but couldn't produce late. After a hot start to his 2026 season, the star receiver caught only two of five targets for nine yards on Thursday night, marking the fourth-worst game of his NFL career. While the injury cost him playing time in Week 4, it was only a bruise, not a strain, which is good news for his outlook, especially with a few extra days before they face the Green Bay Packers in Week 6. If his injury is worse than expected, George Pickens and Ryan Flournoy should see a bigger role, though it seems unlikely Lamb will miss time.
Source: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
Source: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
Kyren Williams Boasting Workhorse Volume
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams has separated himself from teammate Blake Corum over the past few weeks, potentially cementing his role as the team's workhorse. In the first two games, Williams and Corum split rushing attempts 23-22, while the former was the primary receiving option. Flip ahead to the previous two weeks, and Williams handily led the attack with 31 carries to 11. Additionally, the 26-year-old has handled a massive receiving workload over that span (16/137[20 targets]). While you can't expect that kind of monster line weekly, the Rams' offense has a consolidated target tree and boasts the ninth-highest throw rate (61.96%). If the receiving usage sticks, Williams could take his game to a whole new level.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
RJ Harvey Flaunting Receiving Upside
Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey has been central to the offense's passing attack, leading the team with 20 receptions. The second-year pro has capitalized on quarterback Bo Nix's willingness to throw it underneath, hauling in at least four receptions in each of his appearances. Harvey has been excellent; only he and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (16) have hit double digits in catches, and he could remain frequently utilized if wideout Pat Bryant (ankle) misses Sunday's divisional matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers. Some of the offensive flow may change with head coach Sean Payton slated for playcalling duties, but Harvey is trending positively despite limited production on the ground. Encouragingly, he's outpaced backfield mate J.K. Dobbins in snaps twice in three games.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tucker Kraft Poised for Second-Half Surge?
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft has shown well thus far in 2026 despite working back from a significant injury. Kraft tore his right ACL during Green Bay's Week 9 loss to the Panthers in 2025, but it hasn't slowed him much. The South Dakota native has eclipsed 90% of the team's snaps twice in four appearances and drew at least six targets in all but one. It isn't all roses for Kraft, as wide receivers Matthew Golden and Christian Watson are legitimate earners in the offense. However, the 25-year-old should only get more effective as the season wanes. Kraft was a force before the knee injury derailed his 2025 campaign, and he could be rounding into form just in time for a series of softer matchups.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
DK Metcalf in Command of Steelers' WR Corps
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf is emerging as the team's undisputed WR1 in the early portion of 2026. Metcalf's first season with Pittsburgh was fine, although there was definitely meat left on the bone. Fast forward to this year, and the situation is already vastly superior. For starters, the eighth-year pro is at 33 targets through four weeks, putting him on pace for 140 over 17 games. That's nearly a 50% increase from his 99 in 2025. Furthermore, Metcalf is the clear leader in Pittsburgh's WR corps, easily outpacing the team's second-leading target-getter, Roman Wilson (24). There will always be some boom-bust in the former Ole' Miss product's game, but his role is valuable, and he's being targeted like a true alpha for the time being. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers appears to have his trust. The spike weeks will come.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Deebo Samuel Sr. Finding His Groove Back in San Fran
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. has wasted no time reacquainting himself with head coach Kyle Shanahan's system in 2026, as evidenced by strong early-season production. The 30-year-old is already up to three touchdowns in San Francisco's first four games, half of his total from a 2025 stint with the Commanders. There may be some inconsistency, since Samuel currently ranks fourth in targets and receptions behind fellow wideout Mike Evans (ribs), tight end George Kittle, and running back Christian McCaffrey. Still, he's involved in the rushing game and is tied with Kittle for the team lead among pass catchers with five red-zone opportunities. Samuel is slated for an imposing Seattle defense in Week 5, though he could get some extra work with Evans banged up a bit.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Ryan Flournoy Could See Fantasy Value Rise After Teammate's Injury
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy caught three of his four targets for 90 receiving yards in his team's upset loss in Week 5 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Cowboys WR1 CeeDee Lamb (quad) aggravated a quad injury he was dealing with early in the week before the game, and if he's not able to return to action for Week 6, Flournoy would immediately have value as a fantasy football WR3/flex with upside. Additionally, Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson failed to haul in a deep pass late in the fourth quarter on Thursday Night Football, which resulted in a ricochet that was intercepted by a Tampa Bay defender. This gaffe led to a game-sealing first down by the Bucs. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott could become more reluctant to throw the ball Ferguson's way, and would naturally look to Flournoy to step up and absorb more targets. With two important factors pointing to a potential increase in Flournoy's involvement in the passing game, his fantasy value is on the rise ahead of a Week 6 showdown with the struggling Green Bay Packers.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Emeka Egbuka's Value Bounces Back After Productive Week 5 Outing
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka got a small boost after he rushed one time for 14 yards and a touchdown and caught six of his nine targets for 38 yards in his team's Week 5 win over the Dallas Cowboys. His yardage totals have been severely lacking so far this season, and he mustered just 52 yards total in the game, but his starting quarterback was out with a thumb injury. The touchdown rush accounted for over 43 percent of his fantasy production, but it's refreshing to see him getting goal-line work regardless. Tampa Bay's offense has been one of the most disappointing in the league, but Egbuka reaffirmed his WR1 status, and when QB1 Baker Mayfield (thumb) returns, they'll have a chance to turn things around. For now, the road remains rocky, as undrafted free agent QB Jalon Daniels is set to start again in Week 6. But there is a glimmer of hope that Egbuka can remain heavily targeted and start to pay off his fourth-round redraft ADP.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Bucky Irving's Fantasy Stock Skyrocketing After Monster Outing In Win
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving channeled his inner rookie season in his team's stunning Week 5 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football. The third-year pro rushed 21 times for 165 yards and one touchdown and caught two of three targets for 10 yards and another score. He gashed the hapless Cowboys defense multiple times, including on a special rush in which he juked multiple defenders to break through the defensive line and ran down the sideline for a huge explosive play. Irving dominated backfield touches for his team, with no other Bucs RB handling more than five carries, which is excellent news for his fantasy value moving forward. He appears to have put any injury concerns behind him and slammed the door shut on any ideas of a committee backfield moving forward. Dallas' defense is one of the worst in the NFL, and that certainly contributed to Irving's big night, but he made a strong case to be a workhorse RB1 moving forward. A Week 6 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers looms -- they have a middling run defense, which should allow Irving to have another solid outing. He's pushed back into low-end RB1 territory for now.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jake Ferguson's Fantasy Value Continues Slide After Low Production
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson remained involved in his team's offense in Week 5, as he was targeted six times in the upset loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football. He only caught three of those passes for 19 yards, though, and didn't find the end zone. Additionally, he wasn't able to reel in his final target, an accurate pass from quarterback Dak Prescott that hit him in the hands, which led to a ricochet and the game-losing interception. Ferguson's egregious drop might cost him targets moving forward, as the Cowboys could look to third-string WR Ryan Flournoy to get more involved. He's shown flashes in previous seasons, and has likely done enough to earn a bigger role. Dallas may have no choice but to continue to throw to Ferguson in Week 6, as their WR1, CeeDee Lamb (quad), aggravated a quad injury in Week 5 and could miss time. But it's hard to trust a pass-catcher in fantasy after two minimally productive games in a row. Ferguson should be parked on benches in Week 6 -- Lamb was hardly targeted in the loss, yet that didn't lead to a big day for the struggling TE.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Dak Prescott's Fantasy Value On Shakier Ground After Week 5 Loss
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was poised to heavily exploit the porous secondary of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their Week 5 contest on Thursday Night Football. Instead, he threw two interceptions and managed just one passing touchdown, though his 316 passing yards were adequate. One of the picks wasn't his fault, though -- it was tight end Jake Ferguson who failed to corral a pass that hit him in the hands, and the ricochet flew high in the air and landed in the hands of a Bucs defender. Prescott's fantasy value is likely to take a hit due to the injury to his elite WR1, CeeDee Lamb (quad), but Prescott still scored over 14.6 PPR fantasy points in the loss. It was his lowest output all season. Even if Lamb misses Week 6, though, the duo of WRs George Pickens and Ryan Flournoy are more than acceptable to keep him out of single-digit scoring territory. Prescott can be treated as a QB2 for his Week 6 game against the Green Bay Packers, as it seems Lamb may need time to recover to avoid another re-aggravation of his quad injury.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Kimani Vidal Becoming More Involved in Chargers' Backfield Committee
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal saw five carries for 25 yards and caught two of his three targets for 11 yards and his first touchdown of the 2026 season in the Week 4 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. The 25-year-old played 25 offensive snaps, which matched Omarion Hampton, while Keaton Mitchell handled 26 snaps. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel said that the Chargers have not lost faith in Hampton, a former first-rounder who is the RB1 on the team's RB depth chart. L.A. is trying anything they can to try to pick up their first win of the season, and Vidal, Hampton, and Mitchell will all continue to be involved in some capacity as long as they are all healthy. Going into Week 4, Vidal had just one rushing attempt for six yards and one reception for a 14-yard gain in the first three games of the season. Vidal's fantasy arrow is pointing slightly up after his involvement last week, but he still is not close to having standalone value going into a Week 5 tilt against the division-rival Denver Broncos.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
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