October 1, 2025
After back-to-back top-10 finishes at the Rocket Classic and RBC Classic, Andrew Putnam came back down to earth, making only one cut in his next six starts, including a T11 at the Barracuda Championship. He looks to regain form at the Sanderson Farms Championship, where he has made the cut in four of five trips, with his best finish being T30 in 2023. To find success, he will need to be strong on approach, excel with the flatstick, and make up for a lack of distance off the tee. Putnam ranks 34th in strokes gained approach (+0.348 per round), 14th in putting (+0.428), but just 164th in driving distance. He also sits in the 68th percentile for proximity from 100-150 yards, a distance that accounted for over 33% of approach shots at Sanderson Farms last year. At $7,100 on DraftKings, Putnam offers the kind of upside value you want in this range.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
October 1, 2025
Tennessee Titans wide receiver
Elic Ayomanor has shown plenty of promise through four games of his NFL career. The fourth rounder out of Stanford impressively earned a starting role right out of the gate and hasn't stopped there. He's arguably been the team's best skill player, catching 12 of a team-leading 25 targets for 151 yards and two of the team's three touchdowns on the season. Ayomanor has established great trust with fellow rookie
Cam Ward as they've connected on multiple throws back to the opposite side of the field, including their first touchdown. Despite how bleak the Titans' offense has been, Ayomanor has earned five targets in every game and has managed to produce for fantasy. If the offensive situation improves at all, in addition to the schedule lightening up a bit, Ayomanor could be in a good spot to emerge over the next few weeks.
--Kyle McCarthySource: RotoBaller
September 30, 2025
New York Giants rookie running back
Cam Skattebo recorded 90 yards from scrimmage on 27 total touches in his team's Week 4 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. It was the first full game for New York without running back
Tyrone Tracy Jr. (shoulder), who is facing a multi-week absence after suffering a shoulder injury in Week 3. As long as Tracy Jr. remains sidelined, Skattebo could be in line for a significant number of touches. Overall, the 23-year-old has logged 279 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 48 carries and 12 receptions through the first four games of his NFL career. Heading into a favorable matchup against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5, Skattebo can likely be considered a must-start fantasy running back.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
September 30, 2025
Dallas Cowboys tight end
Jake Ferguson hauled in all seven of his targets for 40 yards and a touchdown in his team's Week 4 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Ferguson has now recorded 34 catches for 223 yards and a score on 39 targets through his first four games of 2025. With Cowboys wide receiver
CeeDee Lamb (ankle) currently sidelined by a high ankle sprain, Ferguson looks like the number two option in the passing game for quarterback
Dak Prescott, behind only wide receiver
George Pickens. Dallas has also attempted the most passes (171) of any team in the NFL this season. Ferguson profiles as a must-start fantasy tight end heading into a Week 5 matchup against the New York Jets.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
September 30, 2025
New York Giants wide receiver
Wan'Dale Robinson has recorded 18 catches for 237 yards and a touchdown on 27 targets so far in 2025. With star Giants wideout
Malik Nabers (knee) set to miss the rest of the season after tearing his ACL in Week 4, Robinson could see a significant uptick in targets going forward. In the two games that Nabers missed in 2024, Robinson recorded 11 catches for 86 yards and a touchdown on 20 targets. The 24-year-old has been far more efficient on a per-catch basis in 2025 than he was last season, so he could be well-positioned to do damage if his targets spike as expected. In all fantasy leagues where he's not already rostered, Robinson should be a priority waiver-wire addition ahead of the Giants Week 5 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
September 30, 2025
New York Giants wide receiver
Jalin Hyatt has neither been targeted nor recorded a catch so far in 2025. However, he could be in line for more opportunities following the unfortunate news that star Giants wideout
Malik Nabers (knee) will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL. In 35 career games with the Giants across two-plus seasons, Hyatt has recorded 31 catches for 435 yards on 59 targets. He will likely remain behind
Darius Slayton and
Wan'Dale Robinson on the Giants' wide receiver depth chart, but Hyatt could carve out a role as the team's WR3. Hyatt is not yet worth rostering in fantasy, but he's a player for managers to monitor in the coming weeks.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
September 30, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back
Bucky Irving (ankle/foot) is "still gathering medical opinions on what's being termed an ankle and/or foot injury," according to Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Garafolo notes that "no one has ruled Irving out" for the team's Week 5 game against the Seattle Seahawks, but Irving is "sore" and his status is "up in the air." The 23-year-old has recorded 430 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 90 total touches through his first four games of 2025. If Irving were to miss time, veteran Buccaneers running back
Rachaad White would likely see a significant workload increase. White has logged 142 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on 31 total touches so far this season. Third-year running back
Sean Tucker could see an increase in touches as well. Tucker has been efficient (career 5.0 yards per carry) in a limited sample over the course of his career. If Irving is facing an extended absence, Tucker would be worth a roster spot in deep fantasy leagues.
--Will BradySource: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo, Ian Rapoport
September 30, 2025
The Arizona Cardinals "could turn to (running back)
Michael Carter as their lead back" if running back
Trey Benson (undisclosed) misses time, according to Theo Mackie of azcentral.com. Benson is currently considered day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. Carter played in his first game of 2025 in Week 4 against the Seattle Seahawks, recording one carry for one yard.
Emari Demercado served as the team's RB2 behind Benson against Seattle, but he is considered a passing-downs specialist. Carter played in three games for the Cardinals in 2024, logging 35 carries for 131 yards and a touchdown. Pending further updates on Benson's status for Week 5, Carter could be a player to add in deeper leagues ahead of Arizona's Week 5 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
--Will BradySource: azcentral.com - Theo Mackie
September 30, 2025
New Orleans Saints running back
Alvin Kamara had another solid workload in Week 4 against the Bills, turning 19 touches into 72 yards. Over the last four seasons, Kamara has averaged 20.3 touches and 97.7 yards per game. So far in 2025, he is averaging 19.5 touches for only 76.3 yards. While the decline in production can be attributed to poor offensive line play and a struggling offense overall, fellow running back
Kendre Miller had a strong outing in Buffalo with 11 carries for 65 yards and a touchdown. Kamara looks to be an RB2 with upside against the Giants, and is worth monitoring if Miller continues to eat away from his usual workhorse load.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: Pro Football Reference
September 30, 2025
New Orleans Saints quarterback
Spencer Rattler is now 0-10 as a starter after Sunday's loss to the Buffalo Bills, though his play has taken a clear step forward. Through four weeks, he's completed 67.1% of his passes for 191 yards per game with five touchdowns and just one interception. The concern remains his lack of downfield aggression, averaging only 5.2 yards per attempt, which ranks 30th in the league. Rattler enters a solid matchup as a QB2/Superflex option against a Giants team coming off an upset of the Chargers, but another loss could open the door for rookie quarterback
Tyler Shough to get his shot.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: Pro Football Reference
September 30, 2025
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, forward
Jonathan Kuminga agreed to a two-year, $48.5 million contract to return to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, ending a long summer of negotiations. The new contract also includes a second-year team option. Kuminga suited up for just 47 regular-season games in 2024-25 due to spraining his right ankle in January. When he was healthy, the 22-year-old averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists across 24.3 minutes per contest. He will likely begin the season coming off the bench and could definitely see some action as a starter as the campaign progresses.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Shams Charania
September 30, 2025
Indianapolis Colts running back
DJ Giddens has been quiet so far in his rookie season. The rookie did not receive a touch nor draw a target while playing on just 7% of the snaps in a Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. That being said, fellow backfield mate
Tyler Goodson injured his groin during the loss to the Rams and could be in line to miss some time. If that happens, Giddens would stand to benefit as the team's clear-cut RB2 and would gain some fantasy value as a handcuff to star running back
Jonathan Taylor. Giddens sets up as a must-roster for those with Taylor on their fantasy squads heading into a Week 5 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
--Matt TerelleSource: NFL.com
September 30, 2025
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher
Connelly Early is the most likely candidate to start a potential Game 3 of the Wild Card round against the New York Yankees. The Red Sox don't have a ton of viable options right now after
Lucas Giolito (elbow) went down.
Garrett Crochet is starting Tuesday's game and
Brayan Bello has been named as the Game 2 starter. On Tuesday, manager Alex Cora confirmed that Early would likely take the ball if there's a Game 3. The southpaw owns a 2.33 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and a 29/4 K/BB ratio across four starts. It's not an ideal situation, but Early has pitched well in his handful of starts.
--Andy WebbSource: Tim Healey
September 30, 2025
Indianapolis Colts tight end
Tyler Warren has been an excellent addition to his team's offense in 2025. The rookie found the end zone for the first time in his young career on a two-yard run in the second quarter of a 27-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3. Warren is leading the Colts in receiving thus far, hauling in 19 passes for 263 yards through four games. He will remain a no-brainer TE1 in fantasy heading into a Week 5 home matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
--Matt TerelleSource: NFL.com
September 30, 2025
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Michael Pittman Jr. has enjoyed a big bounce-back this season after struggling through his 2024 campaign. Pittman has now caught a touchdown in three of his four contests while drawing 29 targets over that span and leading the Colts' wide receivers with 234 receiving yards. Pittman should stay hot as he will host the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 5. Pittman has settled in as an every-week WR3 in fantasy and should be fired up across all leagues for his matchup against the Raiders.
--Matt TerelleSource: NFL.com
September 30, 2025
Cleveland Browns quarterback
Shedeur Sanders has yet to take the field in a regular-season game. That being said, there have been rumors that the team is considering starting rookie
Dillon Gabriel ahead of a Week 5 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in London. If the Browns do end up making the change, it remains to be seen whether Sanders will remain the team's QB3 or if he will move up to QB2 ahead of
Joe Flacco, who has struggled as Cleveland's starter this season. Either way, it would be a minor surprise if the Browns don't find a way to get Sanders on the field at some point this season, if for no other reason than to see what they have in the former Colorado Buffaloes star. Sanders should remain rostered in deep, two-quarterback dynasty formats.
--Matt TerelleSource: NFL.com
September 30, 2025
Cleveland Browns tight end
Harold Fannin Jr. has cooled since a hot start to the season, having caught just five passes for 49 scoreless yards over his past two games. That being said, Fannin has remained a big part of the Cleveland offense, drawing 10 targets over that span. He might see a bump as the Browns are expected to turn to rookie
Dillon Gabriel under center heading into a Week 5 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in London. Fannin should remain rostered in all fantasy formats and is worth a look as a solid TE2 heading into Week 5.
--Matt TerelleSource: NFL.com
September 30, 2025
Cody Taylor of USA Today reports that Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (knee) was able to participate in all non-contact drills during Tuesday's practice. Suggs last played on January 25 and underwent surgery in early March to address a torn ligament in his left knee. The 24-year-old appears to be heading in the right direction and could potentially be available for the Magic's first regular-season contest on October 22 versus the Heat. Before his season abruptly ended, Suggs averaged 16.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game across 35 contests in 2024-25.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Cody Taylor
September 30, 2025
Cleveland Browns running back
Dylan Sampson turned in a quiet outing in a Week 4 loss to the Detroit Lions. Sampson lost two yards on his one carry while failing to corral his lone target in the lopsided loss to the Lions. The rookie running back has barely played over the past two weeks, coinciding with
Quinshon Judkins getting fully integrated into the team's offense and operating as the Browns' bellcow. Sampson still retains a small amount of fantasy value as a handcuff, but he should not be anywhere near fantasy lineups heading into a Week 5 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in London.
--Matt TerelleSource: NFL.com
September 30, 2025
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher
Andrew Kittredge has been named the opener for Game 2 of the wild-card series against the San Diego Padres on Wednesday. Clearly, the Cubs don't have much faith in their starting rotation right now.
Shota Imanaga was expected to start, but now might come in to piggyback off Kittredge. It's worth noting that Kittredge did pitch during Tuesday's victory. He tossed a scoreless inning with one strikeout in the 3-1 victory. However, Kittredge only threw 14 pitches, so he should be able to give the Cubs an inning or two for Game 2. It'll be interesting to see how manager Craig Counsell manages his pitching staff without
Cade Horton (ribs) for this Wild Card series.
--Andy WebbSource: Paul Sullivan
September 30, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers running back
Jaylen Warren (knee) was a surprise inactive before Week 4's win over the Minnesota Vikings. In his absence,
Kenneth Gainwell exploded for 134 total yards and two touchdowns. Though Gainwell's performance could earn him more volume in the coming weeks, Warren was very effective as a pass-catcher through his first three games with quarterback
Aaron Rodgers and should reclaim RB1 duties when he returns. The utilization of
Darnell Washington in Pittsburgh's offense seemed to open up running lanes last week, so fantasy managers should be optimistic about Warren's potential going forward. The 26-year-old will now have the bye in Week 5 to get healthy ahead of a divisional bout with the stingy Cleveland Browns defense.
--Jorden HillSource: ESPN
September 30, 2025
After a swift rise in notoriety and expectations, Luke Clanton has been slow to get going since officially joining the professional ranks in June. His best regular-season finish was a T34, and though he managed to miss only one cut, he didn't do much to instill confidence in taking DFS chances on him. He isn't in jeopardy of losing playing privileges next season due to gaining his card late this year. However, it's clear that the adjustment is taking some time, but he doesn't have many "trial runs" left. The game we know he's capable of should work well at The Country Club of Jackson, as he is one of the longest players in the field (313.3) and generally possesses great ball-striking capabilities; the putter is a streaky piece of the puzzle that can get hot at times. We all know the talent is there, but knowing when it will result in quality finishes again is anyone's guess. Until then, playing him in lineups is basically choosing to live by the sword or die by it.
--Todd McGillSource: PGA Tour
September 30, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back
Rachaad White could be in line for an expanded workload in Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks. White has been efficient to start the 2025 season, totaling 142 yards on 32 touches, including the game-winning touchdown in Week 2 against Houston. His 4.7 yards per carry mark is a career high and currently ranks 18th in the NFL. With starter
Bucky Irving dealing with an injury from the Week 4 loss to Philadelphia, White may be asked to step back into a featured role. If Irving sits, White projects as a strong RB2 option and is a must-own in all fantasy leagues.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
September 30, 2025
Cincinnati Reds outfielder
Austin Hays (back) is returning to the starting lineup ahead of Tuesday's Game 1 of the Wild Card round against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Before this, Hays was held out of the final seven games of the regular season due to back spasms. It doesn't appear the issue was ever serious enough to place him on the injured list. Hays will cover left field and bat cleanup against left-hander
Blake Snell. This will be his first start since September 20, so there could be some rust.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
September 30, 2025
Buffalo Bills wide receiver
Khalil Shakir has reestablished himself as the team's WR1. After a slow start, Shakir has hauled in all nine of his targets for 114 yards and two touchdowns over the past two weeks, ranking as the WR14 during that span. Despite rookie
Keon Coleman's explosive Week 1 performance, Shakir has now surpassed him in nearly every statistical category. Shakir draws a favorable Week 5 matchup against the Patriots, who have allowed the 11th-most fantasy points to wideouts this season. While his usage in Joe Brady's offense remains limited, Shakir profiles as a low-end WR3 for the rest of the 2025 season.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
September 30, 2025
Los Angeles Dodgers infielder/outfielder
Enrique Hernandez is in the starting lineup for Tuesday's Game 1 of the Wild Card round. It looks like Hernandez is going to get plenty of chances in this series. The Dodgers have decided not to include
Michael Conforto on the roster for this series. That being said, Hernandez and
Andy Pages figure to see a majority of the time in left field. Hernandez will cover left field and bat eighth against right-hander
Hunter Greene on Tuesday. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for a DFS option. Hernandez hits much better against left-handed pitching, so he won't be an ideal option here.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
September 30, 2025
Minnesota Vikings running back
Aaron Jones Sr. (hamstring) is targeting a return in Week 8. Jones suffered the injury late in Week 2's loss to the Falcons and was placed on injured reserve afterward. With the Vikings entering the bye in Week 6, that means Jones' next opportunity to return is in Week 8, where they face the Los Angeles Chargers on a Thursday Night. The veteran has a lengthy history of hamstring issues, and with
Jordan Mason performing well during his absence, Jones may struggle to reclaim his early-season workload. Fantasy managers should prepare for a potential timeshare rather than a full return to feature-back duties.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
September 30, 2025
It was an unproductive start to the fall season for Jackson Suber, who missed the cut at the Procore Championship after losing over four strokes in strokes gained on approach, a stat where he ranks 38th on the PGA Tour this year (+0.315). The 25-year-old gets his next chance at improving his 121st FedEx Cup spot this week at the Sanderson Farms Championship. With such consistency throughout the year, a return to baseline for the recent approach struggles is to be expected, and averaging 308.6 yards off the tee will certainly aid in his efforts at such a bomber-heavy course. Like most tournaments, it comes down to the putter. And though Suber is statistically a terrible player with the flat stick, so are most of this event's recent winners. He won't be everyone's cup of tea this week, but the flavor will be worth it to some.
--Todd McGillSource: PGA Tour
September 30, 2025
Toronto Raptors guard/forward
Scottie Barnes has put a lingering hand issue behind him, according to Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca. Barnes said he took a couple of weeks off after the season and is "feeling a lot better" heading into camp. The 24-year-old missed two games in April with a right-hand contusion but is expected to be ready for preseason action. He appeared in 65 games last year, averaging 19.3 points, 7.7 boards, 5.8 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.0 blocks in 32.8 minutes. Even though his field-goal percentage dipped to a career-low 44.6, Barnes still projects as a key fantasy option for 2025-26.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Josh Lewenberg
September 30, 2025
Houston Texans running back
Joe Mixon (ankle) remains without a timetable for return after undergoing offseason surgery. He was placed on the NFI list before the season, and head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed Monday that there are still no updates and Mixon is "nowhere close" to returning. In Mixon's absence, rookie
Woody Marks has taken over the backfield, exploding for 21 touches, 119 scrimmage yards, and two touchdowns in Week 4's win over the Titans. Even if Mixon returns later this year, Houston's offensive struggles could limit the fantasy ceiling for a two-back system. Mixon should stay stashed on fantasy rosters, but expectations need to be tempered, as a repeat of his 2024 production is unlikely.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
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