September 16, 2025
The Athletic's Dan Duggan writes that New York Giants rookie running back
Cam Skattebo "might have already surpassed
Tyrone Tracy Jr." as the team's top RB. Skattebo played seven more snaps and took six more carries than Tracy in the Week 2 overtime loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The rookie from Arizona State broke a 24-yard run in the fourth quarter and then had a one-yard touchdown plunge, his first career TD. Skattebo finished with 11 carries for 45 yards and the TD, while also catching two passes for 14 yards. Meanwhile, Tracy had only five carries for 15 yards and added four catches for 36 yards. The Giants putting Tracy back in a kickoff-return role also "suggests a reduced offensive role." Tracy returned three kickoffs as a rookie in 2024, but that role ceased when he became the starting RB in Week 5. Skattebo will be a popular waiver-wire target going into Week 3, while it's looking like Tracy might be the 1B option in a backfield committee.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Dan Duggan
September 16, 2025
The Minnesota Vikings signed running back
Cam Akers to their practice squad on Tuesday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Aaron Jones Sr. (hamstring) was also placed on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, so the Vikings are bringing back a familiar face to serve as RB depth behind
Jordan Mason and
Zavier Scott heading into a Week 3 tilt against the Cincinnati Bengals. This will be Akers' third different stint with the organization, and he could surpass Scott on the RB depth chart sooner than later. The 26-year-old spent training camp with the New Orleans Saints but was unable to make their 53-man roster. He had a healthy 4.3 yards per carry on 104 rushing attempts for 444 yards and two touchdowns while adding 14 catches for 68 yards and three TDs as a pass-catcher last year with the Houston Texans and Vikings. Akers is worth a look for RB depth in deep leagues if you just lost Jones.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
September 16, 2025
The Minnesota Vikings are placing running back
Aaron Jones Sr. (hamstring) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Jones suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night and will now be knocked out for at least the next four games.
Jordan Mason now becomes Minnesota's unquestioned RB1 and a must-start in fantasy every week. For more RB depth, the Vikings signed
Cam Akers to their practice squad. The Vikings have a bye in Week 6, so the earliest Jones would be able to return would be in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The 30-year-old veteran needs to be stashed in all fantasy leagues while he heals up, but he averaged just 3.5 yards per carry the first two weeks and looked like the second-best RB in Minnesota's backfield before his injury.
Zavier Scott will be elevated to No. 2 duties behind Mason for the foreseeable future.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
September 16, 2025
The Minnesota Vikings signed free-agent quarterback
Desmond Ridder to their 53-man roster on Monday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The Vikings need some depth at the QB position with
J.J. McCarthy out two to four weeks after suffering a high-ankle sprain in the Sunday night loss to the Atlanta Falcons. With McCarthy out for Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals and possibly beyond, veteran
Carson Wentz will step into starting duties under center for Minnesota, with undrafted rookie
Max Brosmer serving as his backup. Given Brosmer's lack of experience in the NFL, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Ridder be elevated to the No. 2 role sooner than later once he learns the offense. Ridder, a third-round pick in 2022 by the Falcons, quickly wore out his welcome in Atlanta and spent last year as the backup for the Las Vegas Raiders.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
September 16, 2025
St. Louis Cardinals first baseman
Willson Contreras (biceps) is out of the starting lineup on Tuesday against the Cincinnati Reds after he was pulled from Monday's series opener at Busch Stadium with tightness in his right biceps.
Alec Burleson is taking over at first base and will bat cleanup for the Cards against Reds left-hander
Andrew Abbott. Contreras is considered day-to-day right now and could return to action as early as Wednesday. He was hit by multiple pitches on Saturday and received the day off on Sunday due to general soreness, so he's a little beat up right now towards the end of the season. Burleson will be one to fade for DFS lineups against the southpaw on Tuesday. He's hit only three of his 17 home runs against lefties this year and is hitless in nine career at-bats against Abbott. Burleson has also gone 6-for-29 (.207) with eight K's in seven games so far in September.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
September 16, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback
Justin Herbert looked sharp in Monday night's 20-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. He completed 19-of-27 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 31 rushing yards on nine carries. Herbert again appeared poised and confident, demonstrating good pocket awareness and using his legs when necessary. In Week 3, he faces a tough Denver Broncos defense. Denver has elite talent, but they just allowed 29 points to the Indianapolis Colts. Herbert and OC Greg Roman should find ways to exploit weaknesses even in a challenging matchup. Fantasy managers shouldn't hesitate, as he remains a safe top-10 QB option.
--Don FanelliSource: NFL
September 16, 2025
The Baltimore Orioles announced on Tuesday that they reinstated infielder
Jordan Westburg (ankle) from the 10-day injured list and designated infielder
Emmanuel Rivera for assignment in a corresponding move. Westburg will serve as the designated hitter and bat cleanup in his return in Tuesday's game against the hosting Chicago White Sox and right-hander
Shane Smith. The 26-year-old will return for the tail end of the 2025 season after missing almost a month with a sprained right ankle. It's been an injury-plagued campaign for Westburg, as he's played in only 73 games while slashing .276/.326/.473 with 15 home runs, 34 RBI, and 53 runs scored. Despite all the missed time, Westburg needs only four homers to set a new career high after he hit 18 as an All-Star in 2023. The O's will ease him back in as the DH, but normally, he operates as their starting third baseman.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baltimore Orioles
September 16, 2025
Chicago Cubs outfielder
Seiya Suzuki (illness) still isn't feeling good enough to join the starting nine for Tuesday's contest against the division-rival Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.
Willi Castro will make another start in right field and bat out of the eight-hole against Pirates right-hander
Paul Skenes. Suzuki will miss his fifth straight game while being under the weather. The 31-year-old is with the club on their road trip to Pittsburgh, so he remains day-to-day and could be back as soon as Wednesday. With
Kyle Tucker (calf) on the injured list, Castro has been playing regularly for Chicago in right field lately. The 28-year-old Puerto Rican switch-hitter offers modest power/speed numbers for fantasy managers, but he's hit just .182 (16-for-88) with a homer and six RBI in 30 games since joining the Cubs. He's also hitless in three career at-bats against Skenes.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
September 16, 2025
Updating from a previous report, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia said he is not seeking a seventh year of collegiate eligibility. After a report came out suggesting his attorney is challenging the NCAA for another season, Pavia took to X and said, "This is my last year." The 24-year-old has played in 43 games over the last four seasons with New Mexico State and Vanderbilt, tallying 7,361 passing yards, 2,361 rushing yards, and 87 total touchdowns. After beating South Carolina last week, the Commodores are seeking consecutive bowl berths for the first time since 2012 and 2013 when James Franklin was the head coach in Nashville.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Diego Pavia on X
September 16, 2025
The Milwaukee Brewers are saying that left-hander
Jose Quintana (calf) is dealing with a mild left-calf strain, according to Jack Stern of Brewer Fanatic. Quintana will be re-evaluated when he plays catch on Tuesday to determine his availability for his next outing. Manager Pat Murphy said Quintana suffered the injury while covering first base in his last start on Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals, and he will undergo an MRI exam. Even if the 36-year-old veteran's MRI results come back encouraging, he could land on the injured list as a precaution so the Brewers can get him fully healthy for the start of the postseason in October. Quintana's next scheduled start comes this Saturday against St. Louis. The soft-tossing left-hander has only 89 K's in 131 2/3 innings, but he also has an ERA under 4.00 with a 1.29 WHIP in 24 starts for the Brew Crew.
--Keith HernandezSource: Brewer Fanatic - Jack Stern
September 16, 2025
San Diego Padres infielder
Luis Arraez (head) is starting at second base and will hit second in Tuesday's series opener in New York against the Mets and right-hander
Clay Holmes. Arraez was hit in the head by a throw during warmups on Saturday and got the day off in Sunday's series finale against the Colorado Rockies, but he's back in there at Citi Field after a travel day on Monday. As always, the 28-year-old offers virtually zero power, but he does make contact often and helps fantasy managers with a high batting average. He's been swinging a hot bat for the Friars of late, so you'll want to get him back into your starting lineups. Arraez has gone 7-for-17 in his last four games and is batting a cool .333 in 12 games in September. He has hit .600 with a 1.714 OPS and two RBI in just five career at-bats against Holmes.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
September 16, 2025
Athletics outfielder
Tyler Soderstrom (groin) is still out of the starting lineup for Tuesday's game at Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox.
Max Schuemann is making the start in left field and will hit ninth against Red Sox left-handed rookie
Connelly Early. This will be the fifth straight game that Soderstrom has missed due to groin tightness, so he's definitely a candidate to go on the injured list and potentially miss the rest of the season if he cannot get back on the field soon. The 23-year-old left-handed hitter has been one of the bright spots for a young A's ball club this year, hitting .275 (144-for-523) with 24 home runs, 88 RBI, 70 runs, and eight stolen bases. The former first-rounder will be even more valuable in fantasy going into 2026 with outfield eligibility. Schuemann will be a weak DFS sleeper in the nine-hole. He's hitting just over .200 with two homers in his 167 at-bats.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
September 16, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback
Aaron Rodgers was a fantasy letdown in Week 2 after throwing four touchdowns in the season opener. He completed just 18 of 33 passes for 203 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in the 31-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. However, the box score doesn't tell the whole story. In the first quarter, Rodgers delivered a perfect 50-yard strike while on the run that was dropped by tight end
Pat Freiermuth. He was later picked off in the end zone on a pass that bounced off the hands of wide receiver
Calvin Austin III. While his second interception was on an errant throw, it came late in the game with Pittsburgh down two scores and desperately trying to push the ball downfield. At 41, Rodgers' best days may be behind him, but he still appears to be a quality QB. Fantasy managers should view him as a bounce-back candidate against the New England Patriots in Week 3.
--Jorden HillSource: ESPN
September 16, 2025
The Atlanta Falcons really did not need to rely on the left arm of quarterback
Michael Penix Jr. in Week 2 in their 22-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football. Penix attempted only 21 passes on the night, completing 13 of them for 135 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He carried the ball just once for a loss of a yard and was sacked three times for a loss of 27 yards. The Falcons were content to let running backs
Bijan Robinson and
Tyler Allgeier carry the load in a game in which Atlanta was ahead from start to finish. When Penix dropped back to pass, he mostly worked the short areas of the field. This type of game script could happen again in Week 3 versus the division-rival Carolina Panthers, but Penix showed in Week 1 that he can sling the ball around the yard when needed, as he nearly threw for 300 yards and a touchdown. Penix is a solid QB2 stash with upside in his first year as the Falcons' full-time starter under center.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
September 16, 2025
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop prospect Elijah Hainline was promoted to Double-A Tulsa on Monday, just in time for the Double-A playoffs, which will begin Tuesday night. The 2024 seventh-rounder began the season at Single-A and was promoted to High-A after 66 games. The Oregon State product played in 40 games for the Loons, batting .273 with four home runs and seven steals, while maintaining a strong 15.2 percent walk rate that helped him to a .394 OBP. He even had a brief five-game stint at Triple-A midseason when
Alex Freeland went on the injured list. Double-A is where he'll likely spend his time next year, with the possibility of a major league debut by 2027, although he is not considered a dynasty stash at this point.
--Jarod RuppSource: MiLB.com - Transactions Page
September 16, 2025
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver
Jalen Nailor operated as the clear WR2 behind All-Pro
Justin Jefferson in the team's 22-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football in Week 2. Nailor finished the night second in both targets (five) and yardage (31) while tying for the team lead in catches (three) in a game in which quarterback
J.J. McCarthy (ankle) looked like a rookie. The 26-year-old could have had a much bigger game had McCarthy not overthrown him on what could have been a long touchdown reception. Nailor really hasn't been anything special through two weeks in a Vikings offense that has mostly struggled in McCarthy's first two career games, as he's caught four passes on eight targets for 59 yards and no scores.
Jordan Addison has one more game to serve on his suspension, so Nailor might have one final chance for flex value in a plus Week 3 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Minnesota's defense could actually see a boost with the move to backup QB
Carson Wentz.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
September 16, 2025
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said on Tuesday that wide receiver
Christian Kirk (hamstring) is expected to return in Week 3 against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars after he missed the first two games of the year with a hamstring injury. Houston will welcome Kirk back with open arms after opening the season 0-2. While Kirk should operate as the starter out of the slot, he'll be a pretty shaky flex play in fantasy in his Texans debut this Sunday, especially since quarterback
C.J. Stroud has been under pressure on 39% of his dropbacks through two weeks -- seventh-most among starting QBs. The return of Kirk should only help Houston's offense, though, and take some attention off All-Pro wideout
Nico Collins. Rookies
Jayden Higgins and
Jaylin Noel will have an even harder time standing out with Kirk back in the fold.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - DJ Bien-Aime
September 16, 2025
Dallas Cowboys running back
Miles Sanders didn't look great in the season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles as the backup to
Javonte Williams, but he gave fantasy managers a reason to hold on in deeper leagues in the 40-37 overtime win over the New York Giants on Sunday. Sanders scored his first touchdown of the season on a four-yard run in the fourth quarter, but he had only five carries on the day for a total of 15 yards, while Williams ran the ball 18 times for 97 yards and a touchdown. The 28-year-old caught both of his targets for four yards. Sanders isn't going away anytime soon, but with a minimal RB2 role behind Williams, he can remain on the waiver wire in 12-team fantasy leagues. Right now, he's only rostered in 2% of Yahoo leagues. Rookie
Jaydon Blue has been a healthy scratch the first two weeks, but if he starts to get involved, Sanders will lose what little fantasy appeal he has left.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
September 16, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback
Geno Smith struggled in prime time in the 20-9 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football. Smith got off to a bad start in this one, throwing an interception on the first play of the game and failing to lead the Raiders to a single touchdown all night against a suffocating Chargers defense. All in all, the 34-year-old veteran went 24-for-43 for 180 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions. He ran the ball five times for 20 yards and took three sacks. It was a very disappointing performance after Smith threw for 362 yards in a Week 1 win over the New England Patriots. While fantasy managers shouldn't be writing Smith off for the rest of the year, it's a reminder of why he's more of a matchup-based QB. Smith will get a better matchup in Week 3 against the Washington Commanders.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL.com
September 16, 2025
Seattle Mariners infield prospect
Colt Emerson is getting promoted to Triple-A Tacoma to finish out the 2025 season. The Mariners' top-ranked prospect began the season at High-A and was promoted after 90 games in early August, logging 34 games at Double-A Arkansas. All in all, the former first-round draft pick slashed .281/.380/.446 with 14 home runs and 13 steals in 124 games. He also registered better-than-average strikeout (17.3 percent) and walk rates (11.9 percent). The 20-year-old was riding a nine-game hit streak before his promotion and was hitting .360 (18-for-50) in September, with five doubles, five steals, and an 8:9 BB:K in 11 games this month. The left-handed slugger could start at Triple-A next season and should make his major league debut at some point in the 2026 campaign.
--Jarod RuppSource: Tacoma Rainiers
September 16, 2025
Through the first two weeks of his NFL career, Las Vegas Raiders rookie receiver
Jack Bech has caught one ball for 23 yards. The catch came on his only target in Week 1. The second-round pick who became a fan favorite through the pre-draft process has taken the field for only nine offensive snaps to start the year. Reports out of training camp were that fourth-rounder
Dont'e Thornton Jr. was the Raiders' rookie best putting himself in position to make an early impact in the passing game, and through two weeks, those reports have borne some fruit. Thornton has been on the field for 95 total snaps, turning his eight targets into three grabs for 65 yards. While Thornton Jr.'s big-play ability put him on the radar of best ball drafters, he's also worth a look in what is a relatively uninspiring week for waiver pickups. Bech can be dropped in all redraft formats.
--Patrick McGrathSource: ESPN
September 16, 2025
Boston Red Sox pitching prospect
Luis Perales (elbow) is expected to make his debut at Triple-A Worcester this week. Boston's ninth-ranked prospect made his season debut at Double-A on Saturday, pitching one inning where he allowed one walk, no hits, and he did not strike out a batter. The 22-year-old is returning from Tommy John surgery, which he needed after throwing just 33 2/3 innings in 2024. The right-hander has big-time strikeout stuff, fanning 32.3 percent of batters he's faced during his time in the minors, and the walk rate improved a great deal in his limited action in 2024. The 6-foot-1 Venezuelan could make his MLB debut as soon as next year, so even redraft managers should be familiar with him, and if he can keep the walks down, it should be as a starter and not as a reliever.
--Jarod RuppSource: Tommy Cassell
September 16, 2025
In his Week 2 loss to the Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback
Trevor Lawrence dropped back 45 times and attempted 43 passes. Both numbers were the highest that he's put up since Week 18 of 2023. In his ten games in 2024, Lawrence attempted 28.4 passes per game. Through his first two weeks in Liam Coen's offense, that number sits at 37 attempts per game. Facing entirely different game scripts against the Panthers and Bengals, the raw volume he's putting up is an encouraging sign for fantasy managers who are still waiting for
Brian Thomas Jr. to make an impact. Any fears of Thomas Jr. and
Travis Hunter eating into one another's workload can also be put to rest, as the two have combined for 32 targets through the first two weeks. Now it's just a matter of turning those opportunities into points.
--Patrick McGrathSource: ESPN
September 16, 2025
Pittsburgh Pirates first base/catcher prospect
Rafael Flores is getting called up from Triple-A Indianapolis for what will be his major league debut. The Pirates' eighth-ranked prospect came over to Pittsburgh in the trade that sent
David Bednar to the Yankees in early August. During his time at Indianapolis, the 24-year-old hit .281 with six home runs in 36 games, and for the season, he is slashing a solid .280/.354/.470 with 22 home runs. The strikeout rate is somewhat elevated at 25.7 percent, but if he can continue to hit for power while drawing walks at a decent rate, it may not matter. Current Pirate backstops
Joey Bart and
Henry Davis have combined for eight home runs this season and are hitting a combined .201, so Flores could provide an offensive boost at the position, although he won't be fantasy relevant unless he's getting regular starts, which remains to be seen.
--Jarod RuppSource: Noah Hiles
September 16, 2025
Houston Texans rookie wide receiver
Jaylin Noel was on the field for only 15 offensive snaps in Monday night's loss to the Buccaneers, and he was held without a target. Through two weeks, he's seen only two looks, resulting in one catch for seven yards. With the Texans' receiving core currently depleted due to injury, Noel had a prime opportunity to carve out a role. Unfortunately, he has been used primarily as a returner on punts and kickoffs. With
Christian Kirk and
Braxton Berrios expected to return to practice this week, any hope Noel had of making an early impact seems to have vanished. He can be dropped for a better option in all redraft leagues.
--Patrick McGrathSource: ESPN
September 16, 2025
With their worst fears confirmed, the Cincinnati Bengals have officially placed quarterback
Joe Burrow (toe) on IR and signed
Brett Rypien to the active roster. Burrow exited Sunday's game after suffering a Grade 3 turf toe injury while taking a second-quarter sack. Burrow has elected to undergo surgery and is expected to miss at least three months. Rypien will serve as a backup to quarterback
Jake Browning, who was able to step in on Sunday and lead the Bengals to a hard-fought 31-27 victory over the Jaguars. Browning was 4-3 in his seven starts in 2023, the last time he filled in for an injured Burrow, and can be viewed as a desperation play by fantasy managers in 2QB/SF leagues.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Ian Rapoport
September 16, 2025
Washington Nationals pitching prospect
Jarlin Susana (lat) underwent surgery on his ailing right lat sometime last week. The Nats' third-ranked prospect exited his last start on August 30 in clear pain and was placed on the injured list on September 3. The right-hander also missed two months in the middle of the season due to a UCL sprain, so he's been limited to just 11 starts at Double-A this year, where he posted a 3.61 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, and 79 strikeouts in 47 1/3 innings pitched. It isn't clear how long he'll need to recover, but expect the 21-year-old to be back at Double-A next season whenever he returns, with Triple-A and a major league debut at some point both on the table as well.
--Jarod RuppSource: Spencer Nusbaum
September 16, 2025
Chicago Cubs right-handed reliever
Daniel Palencia (shoulder) threw off a mound on Monday for the first time since going on the 15-day injured list on Sept. 8 with a right-shoulder strain. Palencia resumed playing catch on Sept. 12 and has continued his rehab with positive results. While there's no timetable on the 25-year-old's return, it seems he has a good chance to return before the end of the month if he can avoid setbacks as he continues to ramp up. Palencia will be a big part of Chicago's bullpen for the postseason, as he has converted 22 of his 25 save opportunities this year and has a 3.00 ERA in 52 games pitched. With Palencia sidelined, both
Brad Keller and
Andrew Kittredge have picked up saves, but Kittredge is manager Craig Counsell's preferred option in the ninth inning, having saved three games in the last week.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Associated Press
September 16, 2025
In speaking to reporters on Monday, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo touched upon the lack of designed runs by quarterback
Jalen Hurts through two weeks. A staple of the Eagles' offense over the past few seasons, Patullo pointed to the way teams have defended them as a primary reason Hurts has yet to be unleashed, but was quick to point out that designed quarterback runs and zone read keeps would be coming. Through two games, 74 of Hurts' 77 yards on the ground have come on scrambles, with the tush push accounting for the remainder. For context, nearly 300 of his 630 rushing yards last season came on designed runs. With the Eagles' defense dominating through two weeks, the fear is that Philadelphia will continue to grind out wins by doing only what's needed offensively, but Patullo's assurance that there is another gear still to be reached should comfort fantasy managers waiting for the week-winning performances they're used to from Hurts and the rest of the Eagles' offense.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Jeff McLane
September 16, 2025
Chicago Cubs catcher
Miguel Amaya (ankle) is not back to 100 percent, but MLB.com reports he will start at designated hitter for Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday. Manager Craig Counsell is hopeful that Amaya will be able to catch in rehab games later in the week. The 26-year-old backstop landed on the 10-day injured list on Aug. 14 with a left-ankle sprain, but barring a setback on his rehab assignment, he should be able to rejoin the Cubs before the end of September. Amaya suffered an ankle injury in his first game back from the IL since late May due to a strained left oblique, so it's been an injury-plagued year for him, to say the least. When he returns, he'll give the Cubbies another option behind starter
Carson Kelly at catcher for the end of the regular season and in the playoffs. Amaya has played in only 28 games this year and has gone 27-for-96 (.281) with four homers and 25 RBI.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
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