September 30, 2025
Denver Broncos quarterback
Bo Nix threw for 326 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns while adding a rushing touchdown as well to help the Broncos roll past the Bengals on Monday night, 28-3. Nix completed 29 of his 42 pass attempts and continued to show a strong connection with
Courtland Sutton. He could have had an even bigger night if he hadn't thrown his interception inside the Bengals' five-yard line, and the Broncos' pass catchers hurt Nix with a few costly drops as well. The 2-2 Broncos face a tough test next Sunday on the road against the Eagles, and Nix will remain a borderline QB1 with a high ceiling despite that tough matchup for as long as he keeps this offense humming. Denver has scored at least 20 points in each of their four games this season.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN.com
September 30, 2025
Cleveland Cavaliers forward
De'Andre Hunter expects to have a starting role this season, Chris Fedor of the Plain Dealer reports. "I feel like that's a role I will probably have," Hunter said during media day on Monday. After arriving from the Atlanta Hawks as part of a mid-season trade, Hunter started only five of 27 appearances with the Cavaliers last term. He still made a positive impact, averaging 14.3 points in 25.0 minutes, but Hunter should be even more productive as a starter. The 27-year-old last played an entire campaign as a starter in 2022-23, averaging 15.4 points and 4.2 rebounds in 31.7 minutes with the Hawks. Given the potential absence of
Darius Garland (toe), Hunter could have a major role in the Cavaliers' offense at the start of the season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Chris Fedor
September 30, 2025
Los Angeles Clippers guard
Bradley Beal (knee) is healthy for the start of the season, Law Murray of The Athletic reports. Last season, Beal dealt with inflammation in his right knee and had it scoped during the summer. He now feels "good" and is ready to go for the 2025-26 campaign. Beal's fantasy stock has nose-dived in recent years, and it will be interesting to see how he performs with the Clippers. He hasn't been available for more than 60 games in six consecutive seasons, so staying healthy will be key for the former All-Star.
--Taavi PailkSource: Law Murray
September 30, 2025
Portland Trail Blazers point guard
Damian Lillard (Achilles) told reporters during media day that he doesn't plan to play this season. "I don't plan on it," Lillard said. "I feel like if this team is a one seed [without me], they probably got it. I'm trying to be as healthy as possible." Lillard underwent surgery to repair his left Achilles tendon in early May. There's no reason to rush back from such a serious injury, and it makes sense for him to sit out the entire 2025-26 campaign. With
Scoot Henderson (hamstring) also unavailable,
Jrue Holiday and
Shaedon Sharpe will have a massive role to play in the Portland backcourt at the start of the season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sean Highkin
September 30, 2025
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Miami Dolphins wide receiver
Tyreek Hill (knee) tore multiple ligaments in his knee, including his ACL, in addition to his dislocated knee during the victory over the New York Jets on Monday evening. Hill exited this contest in the third quarter after making a catch along the sideline. The star wideout was eventually carted off the field and taken to the hospital for further evaluation. Given this recent update, Hill is expected to miss the remainder of the season and potentially face a lengthy recovery timeline given the extent of these injuries. Before exiting, Hill caught all six of his targets for 67 yards. Through the first three games, Hill tallied 198 yards and a score on 15 catches. With Hill sidelined,
Jaylen Waddle projects to be the team's clear WR1, while
Malik Washington and
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine will have an increased role behind him.
--Andy SmithSource: Adam Schefter
September 30, 2025
Houston Rockets forward
Kevin Durant is planning a multi-year stay in Texas. "I do see myself signing a contract extension," Durant told reporters during Monday's media day. "I can't tell you exactly when that will happen, but I do see it happening." Durant is eligible to sign a two-year extension worth over $120 million. However, there have been suggestions that the Rockets aren't willing to offer him a max deal. Durant turned 37 on Monday, but if last year is any indication, he appears poised to remain a top-tier fantasy producer this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Danielle Lerner
September 30, 2025
Milwaukee Bucks forward/center
Giannis Antetokounmpo (illness) was absent from Monday's media day due to COVID-19, ESPN's Jamal Collier reports. "I'm just waiting for a negative test, so I can leave my house and get on a plane and travel," Antetokounmpo said via Zoom. "I don't want to put anybody at risk." The Bucks start training camp without Antetokounmpo, but this shouldn't impact his readiness for the season too much. Antetokounmpo had a busy summer, helping Greece win bronze at EuroBasket 2025, and he should be in good condition. On Monday, Antetokounmpo confirmed reports that he's open-minded about a move elsewhere. "The same thing I've been saying my whole career, I want to be in a team that allows me and gives me a chance to win a championship," the former MVP said. "I think it's a disservice to basketball, just to the game, to not want it to compete in a high level, to want your season to end in April."
--Taavi PailkSource: Jamal Collier
September 30, 2025
Denver Nuggets center
Nikola Jokic decided not to sign an extension this offseason, but he still sees his long-term future with the team. "My plan is to be with the Nuggets forever," Jokic told reporters during Monday's media day. Jokic was eligible for a three-year, $212-million max extension during the offseason. Next summer, he can sign a four-year extension worth nearly $300 million, so financial reasons mainly drove his decision to turn down the extension this year. Jokic appears happy in Denver, and that can only benefit fantasy managers. The three-time MVP averaged a triple-double last season and looks bound to crush it again if he avoids injuries.
--Taavi PailkSource: Chris Dempsey
September 30, 2025
New York Jets wide receiver
Garrett Wilson caught six of eight targets for 82 yards and a touchdown against the Dolphins on Monday night. Wilson has caught a touchdown in three of four games to begin the 2025 season, and he could have had two if he hadn't gotten called for a very questionable offensive pass interference call. The entire Jets' passing offense has been centered around Wilson, and he has been peppered with targets. His 38 targets through four games are the fifth most in the NFL. But the Jets continue to be very run-heavy with
Justin Fields, which limits the opportunities and upside for Wilson in fantasy. He's so talented that he is still able to make it work. Wilson should be viewed as a WR1 for next week's matchup against Dallas.
--Kyle McCarthySource: ESPN.com
September 30, 2025
The Pittsburgh Pirates announced on Monday that they extended the contract of manager
Don Kelly, according to Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Donnie has earned the respect of the players, front office, and our fans - and he has certainly earned mine," owner Bob Nutting said. Pittsburgh put Kelly in the interim managerial role after firing Derek Shelton on May 8. The Pirates were 12-26 at the time of Shelton's firing, but they went 59-65 once Kelly took over, including going 32-33 after the All-Star break in mid-July. "I think really over the course of the last five months, it's just become very clear ... that this is the right choice," general manager Ben Cherington said. In addition to Kelly returning as the skipper in the Steel City, Cherington and team president Travis Williams will be back in 2026. There is internal optimism that the Pirates can contend next year behind a young up-and-coming pitching staff headlined by reigning National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young contender
Paul Skenes.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Colin Beazley
September 30, 2025
New York Jets running back
Breece Hall rushed for 81 yards on 14 carries and caught five of his six targets for 30 yards on Monday night against Miami. Hall handled the most rushes on the team after
Braelon Allen (knee) was injured in the first quarter. Hall's 20 total opportunities, rushes plus targets, are the most since he had 21 in Week 1 against Pittsburgh. He had only 12 and 13 opportunities in Weeks 2 and 3, where he was also largely ineffective. That number should stay near the 20 mark if Allen were to miss any extended amount of time. Hall has looked healthy and explosive this season, and now, with potentially a full workload again, he could be getting ready to take off. The rushing efficiency will be there with the threat of
Justin Fields, but he does limit the receiving upside for his running backs. Hall should still be viewed as a high upside RB2 moving forward if Allen is out.
--Kyle McCarthySource: ESPN.com
September 30, 2025
The Texas Rangers announced on Monday night that the club and manager Bruce Bochy have mutually agreed to end his managerial tenure with the organization. Bochy has been offered a front-office role to remain with the Rangers in an advisory capacity. The winningest active manager will not return as the skipper in Texas after a three-year run at the helm that started with the franchise's first World Series title in 2023. However, the Rangers did not make it back to the playoffs in Bochy's final two years and have not had a winning record, either. Texas finished 81-81 in 2025, their first .500 record since they started as the Washington Senators in 1961 before moving to Texas in 1972. Bochy, who ranks fifth all-time among MLB managers with 2,252 wins, went 249-237 in his three years with the Rangers. The Giants, with whom Bochy won three World Series, also fired their manager, Bob Melvin, on Monday. Bochy may have an interest in returning to the Bay Area.
--Keith HernandezSource: Texas Rangers PR
September 30, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Quentin Johnston was one of the few bright spots in the team's 21-18 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday. He continued to deliver, leading the team with eight catches on 13 targets for 98 yards while scoring his fourth touchdown of the season. Johnston is now the WR3 overall in PPR formats, becoming the breakout star fantasy managers hoped for when he was drafted in the first round in 2023. His size and downfield ability make him
Justin Herbert's top big-play target so far this season. Johnston now faces a Washington Commanders' defense that has struggled against the pass, setting up another big opportunity for the wideout. With consistent volume and scoring upside, Johnston should be treated as a strong WR2 with WR1 potential in Week 5.
--Don FanelliSource: NFL
September 30, 2025
Miami Dolphins tight end
Darren Waller caught three of four targets for 27 yards and two touchdowns on Monday night against the New York Jets. In his first game since January 2024, Waller caught two touchdowns, including a highlight catch rising over Sauce Gardner. It was the third two-touchdown game of his career. The 33-year-old moved well and looked good for the most part after missing a lot of time. He played only 25% of the snaps in the first week back, but that number should increase as he gets conditioned and acclimated. With
Tyreek Hill injured and likely out for the season, other Miami pass catchers will have to step up, which could open a window for Waller. His value as a red zone threat is clear, and his role in the offense could expand. He'll be a name to consider on waiver wires this week.
--Kyle McCarthySource: ESPN.com
September 30, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Ladd McConkey experienced the worst game of his career during the team's 21-18 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday. He caught only one of six targets for 11 yards and dropped some critical passes. After appearing reliable over the past three weeks, his struggles stood out in the tight loss. McConkey has consistently been behind
Quentin Johnston and
Keenan Allen in targets and yards as he tries to carve out a meaningful role in the offense. He now faces a favorable matchup against the Washington Commanders, who are allowing the sixth-most passing yards per game this year. While the floor remains safe in PPR formats, managers should temper expectations until he demonstrates more consistency. He's best viewed as a WR4/FLEX dart throw in Week 5.
--Don FanelliSource: NFL
September 30, 2025
Miami Dolphins running back
De'Von Achane rushed for 99 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries while catching one of his two targets for two yards on Monday night against the Jets. Achane continues to look fantastic early in the season and has put up big points for fantasy managers. The star running back unusually only caught one pass tonight after averaging over five coming into the game, but he made up for it somewhat in rushing volume. The 20 carries were the second most of Achane's young career. The usage is extremely favorable for Achane, and now with
Tyreek Hill injured and likely out for the season, more volume and designed touches will be directed to Achane. He should continue to be viewed as one of the best running backs in fantasy moving forward.
--Kyle McCarthySource: ESPN.com
September 30, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back
Omarion Hampton impressed in the team's first loss of the season to the New York Giants, 21-18. He rushed 12 times for 128 yards and a touchdown, and caught all five of his targets for 37 yards. His 54-yard touchdown showcased his strength and speed, as he continues to be one of the league leaders in forced missed tackles this season. With
Najee Harris (Achilles) out for the year, Hampton played over 90% of the snaps and led in the two-minute offense, solidifying his role as a bell-cow running back. In Week 5, he faces a Washington Commanders' defense that is decent against the run but just allowed Atlanta Falcons' running back
Bijan Robinson to dominate them through the air. He's heading toward RB1 status, with top-five weekly potential if he maintains this pace.
--Don FanelliSource: NFL
September 30, 2025
New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore said that offensive guard Cesar Ruiz (ankle) will miss the Week 5 game against the New York Giants this Sunday and will be week-to-week after that with an ankle injury that he suffered in the Week 4 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, according to Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.football. Tests on Ruiz's ankle will determine if he'll need to miss additional time. Depending on the results of the 26-year-old offensive lineman's tests, there's a chance that he'll be placed on Injured Reserve, which would mean a four-game absence. With Ruiz out for at least one week, Torricelli Simpkins and Dillon Radunz will be the candidates to take over at right guard as the Saints look for their first win of the 2025 season this weekend against the visiting Giants.
--Keith HernandezSource: NewOrleans.Football - Mike Triplett
September 30, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback
Justin Herbert struggled in the team's 21-18 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday. He completed 23 of 41 passes for 203 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, along with a 24-yard run. The offense appeared out of sync, plagued by drops and constant pressure from New York's front four, which often forced Herbert out of the pocket. Losing left tackle Joe Alt (ankle) early made things even more difficult. In Week 5, they face the Washington Commanders, a team that ranks near the bottom of the league in passing yards allowed. If the line holds up, Herbert should bounce back against a weaker secondary. He remains a top-tier QB, though fantasy managers might expect some volatility until Alt returns.
--Don FanelliSource: NFL
September 30, 2025
New York Jets quarterback
Justin Fields completed 20 of 27 passes for 226 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 81 yards and a touchdown on seven carries in Monday night's 27-21 loss to the Dolphins. He also took two sacks for a loss of 19 yards. Fields put up another strong fantasy performance primarily due to his elite rushing ability, although he was able to rack up some passing production late in the game. Star wide receiver
Garrett Wilson came down with a spectacular touchdown grab and had another touchdown called back due to a highly questionable offensive pass interference penalty. So the day could have been even bigger for Fields. He remains locked in as a solid fantasy QB1 when he is healthy.
--Kyle McCarthySource: ESPN.com
September 30, 2025
New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore said that tight end
Foster Moreau (knee) will return to practice this week in his first week back eligible from the Physically Unable to Perform list, according to Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.football. Fellow tight end
Taysom Hill (knee) is also returning to practice as they both look to return this year from torn ACLs. The Saints are opening their practice windows, which means they'll now have 21 days to officially activate them from the PUP or else lose them for the rest of the year. So while Moreau and Hill will practice this week, it doesn't mean they are on the verge of making their 2025 debuts in Week 5 against the New York Giants. It's unclear how Moreau will be used in Moore's offense when he returns, but he's expected to be behind both Hill and
Juwan Johnson on the TE depth chart. Moreau caught 53 of 68 targets for 606 yards and six touchdowns in his first two seasons with the Saints in 2023 and 2024.
--Keith HernandezSource: NewOrleans.Football - Mike Triplett
September 30, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders left tackle Kolton Miller (ankle), who limped off the field on the team's final drive on Sunday in the Week 4 loss to the Chicago Bears, is believed to have suffered a high-ankle sprain, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Miller was undergoing an MRI exam on Monday, but it's potentially a multi-week absence for quarterback
Geno Smith's blind-side protector. Depending on the severity, high-ankle sprains can knock players out for up to four to six weeks, so this is a pretty notable injury for the Raiders' offensive line as they head into a Week 5 game against the Indianapolis Colts on the road. The 29-year-old former first-rounder could even be forced to the Injured Reserve, which requires a four-week absence. With Miller out going forward, the Raiders will be forced to start Charles Grant at left tackle.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
September 29, 2025
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said that safety Malik Hooker (toe) could miss a couple of weeks with the toe injury that he suffered in Sunday night's tie to the Green Bay Packers in Week 4, according to Todd Archer of ESPN. Hooker was getting more tests on Monday. Meanwhile, left tackle Tyler Guyton was placed in the league's concussion protocol, but there's a chance he'll be cleared to play on Sunday against the New York Jets in Week 5. Hooker had four tackles (two solo) before he left with his toe injury in the second quarter on Sunday night. He should not have to go on Injured Reserve, but look for Hooker to sit out the upcoming games against the Jets and possibly the Carolina Panthers in Week 6. In Hooker's absence, look for Dallas' secondary to give more snaps to both Markquese Bell and Juanyeh Thomas at safety.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN Dallas - Todd Archer
September 29, 2025
Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (calf), who was ruled out with a calf injury in Sunday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4, is expected to miss a couple of weeks, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Humphrey's injury could have been worse, but it's more bad news for an already beleaguered Ravens defense. They also lost defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike (neck) for the year and All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring) for a couple of weeks. Before departing early on Sunday, the 29-year-old Humphrey had five solo tackles on 26 defensive snaps. With Humphrey not sidelined for a couple of weeks, Baltimore's secondary will look for Jaire Alexander and T.J. Tampa to step up, starting with a Week 5 tilt against the Houston Texans. Humphrey has been a big part of the Ravens' defense since he entered the league in 2017, and he's been named to four Pro Bowls and is a two-time All-Pro.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
September 29, 2025
Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike (neck) will miss the rest of the 2025 season with a neck injury, according to head coach John Harbaugh. The Ravens also lost All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring) and cornerback Marlon Humphrey (calf) for several weeks after they were injured in the Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. The Ravens' beleaguered offense is a dumpster fire through four weeks, although they will get a soft matchup in Week 5 against the Houston Texans and their terrible offensive line. Still, with Madubuike now out for the year and with Smith and Humphrey sidelined, too, fantasy managers should be looking for other options at defense/special teams. In his last two full seasons with Baltimore, the 27-year-old Madubuike was very productive, putting up 99 total tackles and 19.5 sacks.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley
September 29, 2025
Baltimore Ravens All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring) was diagnosed with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Smith will miss a few weeks. The hits just keep on coming for Baltimore's banged-up defense. In addition to Smith, they also lost defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike (neck) for the season and cornerback Marlon Humphrey (calf) for a couple of weeks. The 28-year-old Smith suffered his hamstring injury in the second quarter of the Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. If he lands on Injured Reserve, Smith would be forced to miss at least four games. In IDP fantasy formats, Smith deserves to be stashed. The three-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro had 34 tackles (24 solo) and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown in four games to begin the year. Both Trenton Simpson and Jake Hummel will see increased snaps at linebacker now for a Ravens defense/special teams unit that can no longer be trusted in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
September 29, 2025
Carolina Panthers wide receiver
Xavier Legette (hamstring) remains day-to-day, according to David Newton of ESPN. Legette picked up a hamstring injury in Week 2 and hasn't played since. With Legette banged up and
Jalen Coker (quadriceps) still week-to-week and not particularly close to returning from Injured Reserve, the Panthers are looking forward to getting rookie
Jimmy Horn Jr. involved going forward. The 24-year-old Legette was unable to practice at all last week, although he could have a shot at returning for a Week 5 matchup against the Miami Dolphins if he gets back on the field this week. The Panthers need all the help they can get in the passing attack behind rookie first-rounder
Tetairoa McMillan, who has been the only consistent target for quarterback
Bryce Young. Legette has caught only four of his 15 targets in two games for eight yards. He should be on the waiver wire in 12-team leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - David Newton
September 29, 2025
The Los Angeles Rams listed tight end
Tyler Higbee (hip) as a non-participant on their estimated practice report on Monday, according to Adam Grosbard of the Los Angeles Daily News. Meanwhile, fellow tight end
Colby Parkinson (shoulder) was estimated as limited. Higbee was limited last Thursday and then didn't practice on Friday, but he still played through a questionable tag in the Week 4 win over the Indianapolis Colts and led all TEs on the team with a 55% snap share. The 32-year-old caught just two of five targets for 25 yards, though, and won't be a realistic starting fantasy TE for Thursday night's matchup against the San Francisco 49ers if he's active. Through four weeks in 2025, Higbee has caught six of 11 targets for 62 scoreless yards. He hasn't caught a pass in two of his four games and should remain a low-volume TE2 with receivers
Puka Nacua and
Davante Adams hogging most of the targets from quarterback
Matthew Stafford.
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Daily News - Adam Grosbard
September 29, 2025
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll said that he expects that rookie first-round quarterback
Jaxson Dart (hamstring) will be able to practice on Wednesday, according to Patricia Traina of SI.com. Dart apparently injured his hamstring in his first career win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4 on Sunday, but he finished out the game and should be alright to make his second career start in Week 5 in a great matchup against the winless New Orleans Saints. The 22-year-old went 13-for-20 passing for 111 yards and a touchdown against L.A., rushing 10 times for 54 yards and another touchdown. Dart gave the G-Men a spark and helped them beat a strong defense, but the news of receiver
Malik Nabers' (knee) season-ending injury puts a damper on the offense moving forward. Still, Dart has the potential to be a nice QB2 streamer with upside in the Big Easy in his second NFL start, given his dual-threat abilities.
--Keith HernandezSource: SI.com - Patricia Traina
September 29, 2025
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said that quarterback
Lamar Jackson (hamstring) was not in a position to return to Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4 after he tweaked his hamstring. "There was no way Lamar was going back into the game. The injury precluded it," Harbaugh said. Before Jackson left the game, he went 14-for-20 passing for 147 yards with a touchdown and an interception, adding six carries for 48 yards on the ground. Backup
Cooper Rush replaced the 28-year-old superstar, who is now in danger of missing the Week 5 contest against the Houston Texans. At the time of Jackson's injury, the Ravens were down by multiple scores, leading many to believe the Ravens simply thought it was pointless to bring him back with the game likely already lost. Jackson's status will be closely watched this week. If Rush is forced to start against a stingy Texans defense, it will be a downgrade in fantasy for all of Baltimore's other offensive weapons.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baltimore Ravens
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