September 28, 2025
Houston Texans running back
Dameon Pierce and wide receiver
Braxton Berrios are both healthy scratches for the Week 4 divisional clash against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Pierce hasn't been active since the Week 1 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, even with
Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) still on the sidelines. It's pretty clear that rookie
Woody Marks is the RB2 now behind veteran starter
Nick Chubb.
Dare Ogunbowale and
British Brooks are active behind Chubb and Marks on Sunday. In Week 1, Pierce had just three carries for five yards and failed to catch his only target in the passing game. Berrios missed the first two weeks of the year with a hamstring injury but has now been a healthy scratch for two straight weeks for Houston.
--Keith HernandezSource: Houston Texans
September 28, 2025
Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (oblique), who was questionable to play in Week 4 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans, is active on Sunday. Stingley did not practice on Wednesday but was limited on Thursday and Friday. The 24-year-old defensive back will be available in a strong matchup for Houston's defense/special teams unit against Titans rookie quarterback
Cameron Ward. Through the first three games of 2025, Stingley has eight tackles and three pass breakups. Although the Texans D/ST hasn't been excellent for fantasy managers in the early going this year, they should be in starting lineups in all leagues this weekend against the 0-3 Titans.
--Keith HernandezSource: Houston Texans
September 28, 2025
New Orleans Saints wide receiver
Devaughn Vele (hip) is officially active for Sunday's Week 4 contest against the Buffalo Bills. He had been listed as questionable after logging three limited practices this week. The 27-year-old has merely occupied a depth role when healthy, catching two passes for 16 yards through two games, though he did add a touchdown. He and
Trey Palmer will continue to compete for the No. 4 role behind established receivers
Chris Olave,
Rashid Shaheed, and
Brandin Cooks. Vele can be left on waivers in all fantasy leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: Chris Brown
September 28, 2025
Carolina Panthers wide receiver
Tetairoa McMillan (calf) is officially active for Sunday's Week 4 contest against the New England Patriots. He was listed as questionable after being limited in back-to-back practices. The rookie receiver has looked solid this season, catching 14 of his 27 targets for 216 yards while ranking as the overall WR31 in PPR leagues. He should continue to be started as a WR3/flex, especially against a Patriots defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. On a less favorable note, lockdown cornerback Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) is healthy for his season debut and could be tasked with covering McMillan, which would lower the rookie's floor.
--Andersen PickardSource: Joe Person
September 28, 2025
New England Patriots top cornerback Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) is inactive for the first time this year in the Week 4 matchup against the visiting Carolina Panthers. It's a big upgrade for the Patriots' defense as they look to slow down a Carolina offense that put up a 30-spot in a surprising Week 3 shutout of the Atlanta Falcons. The 23-year-old's return is definitely bad news for Panthers quarterback
Bryce Young and rookie receiver
Tetairoa McMillan, but it's also possible that his snaps will be limited after missing the first three weeks of the 2025 season. Fantasy managers in deep IDP formats should probably leave Gonzalez on their benches in his season debut.
--Keith HernandezSource: New England Patriots
September 28, 2025
Carolina Panthers running back
Chuba Hubbard (calf) is officially active for Sunday's Week 4 contest against the New England Patriots. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction entering this weekend. Hubbard will remain the primary running back in Carolina, looking to build on his solid ranking as the overall RB12 so far. He should continue to rank as a high-end RB2 with RB1 upside, but we wouldn't be surprised if
Rico Dowdle carves out a role after handling 11 touches last weekend.
--Andersen PickardSource: Scott Fowler
September 28, 2025
Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker (shoulder) is officially active for Sunday's Week 4 contest against the Cleveland Browns. He had been listed as questionable, and there was some concern about his availability after he missed all three practices this week. In the end, though, he'll be able to suit up, offering key protection for
Jared Goff's blindside. The 31-year-old has played 99 percent of the offensive snaps in 2025 and should continue to have a huge role Sunday.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ben Raven
September 28, 2025
Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jack Conklin (elbow) has been ruled out for the Week 4 game on Sunday against the Detroit Lions. The Browns said at the start of the week that Conklin was making progress with his elbow injury, and they were hoping he could return this weekend, but he'll be held out for the third straight game. Conklin's next chance to return will be next Sunday in London, England, against the Minnesota Vikings. The Browns' offensive line will once again be short-handed against a strong Lions defensive line, which is bad news for quarterback
Joe Flacco and Cleveland's ground game as they look for a second straight upset in Detroit.
--Keith HernandezSource: Cleveland Browns
September 28, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback
Baker Mayfield (bicep) and left tackle Tristan Wirfs (knee) are officially active for Sunday's Week 4 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles. Both players had been listed as questionable but were trending in the right direction to play. Mayfield has looked great through three games, totaling six touchdowns and zero interceptions while ranking as the overall QB10. His protection has taken a step back this year due to offensive line injuries, but he'll get a major reinforcement this week with Wirfs back in the mix. Wirfs missed the first three games of the season but should have no trouble handling 100 percent of the offensive snaps this weekend. His presence will help the Buccaneers protect Mayfield's blindside.
--Andersen PickardSource: Adam Caplan
September 28, 2025
According to Connor Hughes of SNY, the New York Giants' offense is expected to look "a lot different" under rookie quarterback
Jaxson Dart. Hughes noted that he expects the Giants to now attack all three levels of the defense, something they rarely did with
Russell Wilson under center during the opening weeks. Outside of their offensive explosion in Week 2 against the Cowboys, the Giants struggled to move the ball downfield. During their loss to the Chiefs last weekend, Wilson threw for just 160 yards with two interceptions. During the preseason, Dart looked very comfortable at the professional level, tallying 372 passing yards with three scores. Even though he has a tough matchup against the Chargers this afternoon, he carries high-end QB2 upside.
--Andy SmithSource: Connor Hughes
September 28, 2025
Washington Commanders running back
Jacory Croskey-Merritt (knee) is officially active for Sunday's Week 4 contest against the Atlanta Falcons. He missed two practices earlier this week but was able to log a full session on Friday. As a result, he was widely expected to play despite being listed as questionable. Indeed, after testing his injury pregame, the rookie has progressed enough to play against Atlanta. He'll continue to operate within a committee that also includes
Chris Rodriguez Jr. and
Jeremy McNichols. At best, Croskey-Merritt is a low-end RB3/flex in leagues with at least 14 teams.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ben Standig
September 28, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Chris Godwin (ankle) is officially active for Sunday's Week 4 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after logging a full practice on Friday. The talented receiver is making his season debut after recovering from a devastating injury during the middle of last season. He's expected to step into a massive role alongside
Emeka Egbuka with
Mike Evans (hamstring) sidelined. Godwin is a solid low-end WR2 option with WR1 upside in most fantasy leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
September 28, 2025
According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback
Skylar Thompson (hamstring) was robbed on Friday night in Dublin, Ireland. Pelissero noted that the quarterback suffered minor injuries but is "ok" and is with the team. Thompson is currently on the injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. Steelers Spokesman Burt Lauten said, "We are aware of a situation involving Skylar Thompson on Friday night in Dublin. We will have no further comment at this time as we are working with NFL security to gather more information regarding the incident." The 28-year-old spent the 2024 season with the Miami Dolphins and went 21-for-33 with 187 passing yards and no passing scores or interceptions. He will remain the team's No. 3 QB when activated from IR behind
Aaron Rodgers and
Mason Rudolph.
--Andy SmithSource: Tom Pelissero
September 28, 2025
Minnesota Vikings center Ryan Kelly (head) has exited Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and is being evaluated for a concussion. Kelly has a significant history of head trauma, as he has already suffered four documented concussions during his career, including one earlier this season. If the Vikings' medical personnel establish that Kelly has another concussion, it would be the fifth of his career. The 32-year-old plays every snap when healthy, but he's had trouble staying on the field lately.
--Andersen PickardSource: Alec Lewis
September 28, 2025
Minnesota Vikings right tackle Brian O'Neill (knee) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's Week 4 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He had initially been listed as questionable after exiting during the first quarter, but around halftime, the team downgraded him to out. The 30-year-old, who played 92.6 percent of the offensive snaps through the first three weeks, suffered the injury while blocking on a field-goal attempt. Justin Skule has taken over at right tackle with O'Neill sidelined.
--Andersen PickardSource: Minnesota Vikings
September 28, 2025
Minnesota Vikings right tackle Brian O'Neill (knee) exited during the first quarter of Sunday's Week 4 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is officially listed as questionable to return. The 30-year-old, who played 92.6 percent of the offensive snaps through the first three weeks, suffered the injury while blocking on a field-goal attempt. Justin Skule has taken over at right tackle with O'Neill sidelined.
--Andersen PickardSource: Minnesota Vikings
September 28, 2025
Houston Astros second base prospect
Brice Matthews was recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land on Saturday. The Astros' top-ranked prospect spent 11 games with the team in July, and although he only recorded five hits in 35 at-bats (.143), three of them were home runs. At Triple-A this year, the 23-year-old slashed .260/.371/.458 with 17 home runs and 41 steals in 112 games. Although time has run out to help fantasy managers in 2025 (other than one final game on Sunday), Matthews has the power and the speed to be an intriguing fantasy asset in 2026, whether he makes the team out of camp or later in the season.
--Jarod RuppSource: Houston Astros
September 28, 2025
Washington Commanders quarterback
Jayden Daniels (knee) is expected to return against the Los Angeles Chargers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Daniels missed last week's game and will remain sidelined this Sunday, but it sounds like the young signal caller will return to action in Los Angeles following a two-game absence. The 24-year-old was the overall QB5 as a rookie last year and is off to a decent start this season, amassing 433 passing yards, 85 rushing yards, and three touchdowns through two contests. He should be treated as a solid mid-range QB1 option upon his return to action.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ian Rapoport
September 28, 2025
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver
Jalen Tolbert is headed for an expanded role in Week 4, but his exact fantasy production will likely depend on how many snaps he plays. Tolbert finished with an 88 percent snap share last Sunday, filling in for the injured
CeeDee Lamb (ankle). With Lamb still sidelined, Tolbert will likely need to play around 88 percent of the snaps again in order to generate significant fantasy buzz. During the 2024 season, in games where Tolbert played at least 88 percent of the snaps, he averaged 10.5 fantasy points per game (PPR). That level of production would be sufficient for a WR3/flex spot in deeper leagues, but we also must acknowledge that that level of production isn't guaranteed. The exact breakdown of Dallas' passing game volume is uncertain, as we haven't seen this offense start a game without Lamb in 2025.
George Pickens should lead the way, but banking on anyone not named Pickens or
Jake Ferguson is still risky. As a result, Tolbert can be stashed on the bench this week.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
September 28, 2025
Miami Marlins infield/outfield prospect
Jacob Berry ended his season in style, going 2-for-4 with three RBI and two runs scored for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, including a game-winning, walk-off two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth of the Triple-A Championship game, securing an 8-7 victory over the Las Vegas Aviators (Athletics). Berry was the sixth-overall draft pick in 2022 and was the team's fifth-ranked prospect in 2024, but has found the minors to be challenging, recording a career .244/.316/.379 slash line in 396 games and falling outside the team's top 30 prospects. His 2025 season was a bit better, slashing .261/.348/.394 with eight home runs and 27 stolen bases, and perhaps this latest home run will give him the momentum he needs to push for a major league debut in 2026.
--Jarod RuppSource: MiLB.com
September 28, 2025
Todd Gilliland will start this week's Hollywood Casino 400 from the 23rd position at Kansas Speedway. Gilliland matched his career-best starting position at the site this week, which he had achieved earlier in the 2025 season. In seven starts at Kansas in his Cup career, Gilliland has two top-20 finishes and has collected positive Place Differential every time. Through 30 races so far in the 2025 season, Gilliland has 12 top-20 finishes with an average finish of 22.2. In practice, Gilliland ranked eighth in overall lap averages and 14th in 10 consecutive lap averages. Gilliland is an excellent value option to consider for all DFS formats who will save on cap flexibility, especially with equipment that is capable of competing for a top-20 finish.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
September 28, 2025
Carolina Panthers running back
Rico Dowdle could continue to have low-end fantasy value even if teammate
Chuba Hubbard (calf) suits up against the New England Patriots in Week 4. The veteran had 38 scrimmage yards on 11 touches last week, and he also vultured a touchdown from Hubbard to score double-digit fantasy points for the first time this season. In order to get back to the double-digit range, Dowdle would likely need to find the end zone again this week. That's certainly possible, of course, as New England has surrendered three running back touchdowns through three games so far. With that said, Dowdle was +170 to score a touchdown on Saturday, but his odds have shifted to +350 on DraftKings as of Sunday morning.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
September 28, 2025
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher
Chris Paddack will start on Sunday in the season finale against the Red Sox instead of the originally scheduled starter,
Tarik Skubal. Although the AL Central race is tied between the Guardians and the Tigers heading into the final day of the regular season, Detroit has already secured a berth in the playoffs, so Skubal will be saved for the first game of whichever matchup the team draws in the first round. Paddack had been relegated to the bullpen at the beginning of September, so this will be his first start since August 29. It's been a rough year for the righty, posting a 5.27 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and an 11.5 percent K-BB% (6.27 K/9), and he's probably an avoid in DFS for Sunday's contest.
--Jarod RuppSource: Evan Petzold
September 28, 2025
Several teams are monitoring the possibility of a trade for Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen ahead of next month's trade deadline, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Woolen's playing time has decreased this season, and he could continue to see his workload decline now that Devon Witherspoon is healthy. The 26-year-old has 14 tackles through four games but is still looking for his first turnover of the year. In addition to his reduced opportunities, Woolen is an intriguing candidate because he is in a contract season. These factors could make Woolen a relatively affordable option for several teams looking to upgrade their secondary in the coming weeks.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ian Rapoport
September 28, 2025
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (personal) is currently in Mississippi for his aunt's funeral and will fly back to Missouri prior to Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Jones will get on a flight immediately after the funeral, and he's expected to arrive in Kansas City in time for kickoff between the Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens. Having Jones available is key for the Chiefs as they look to slow down a potent Baltimore offense. The 31-year-old All-Pro has five tackles and one sack through three games this season.
--Andersen PickardSource: Adam Schefter
September 28, 2025
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Davante Adams (hamstring) is expected to play in Week 4 without any major restrictions, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Adams is currently listed as questionable, and the Rams intend to be smart with him, but he should suit up while operating around 100 percent. Fantasy managers treat him like a full-go this week, which includes deploying him as a strong WR2 option in lineups. He has a touchdown in each of his last two games, ranking as the overall WR15 in fantasy football. This week, he faces the Colts, who have allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points to receivers but have not yet faced a duo as dominant as Adams and
Puka Nacua.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jeremy Fowler
September 28, 2025
Boston Red Sox pitching prospect
Connelly Early could be a part of the team's postseason plans after a stellar four-game debut to finish out the year. In those four starts, Boston's sixth-ranked prospect recorded a 2.33 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and an elite 31.6 percent K-BB%. The 23-year-old would likely come out of the bullpen in the team's first-round best-of-three series, but could be called upon as the fourth starter in the rotation in the best-of-five Division series if Boston were to advance. Regardless of what happens, it seems clear that he's made a good enough impression to be in consideration for a rotation spot in 2026, and it will be interesting to see where he goes in early 2026 fantasy drafts based on his impressive, albeit short, major league debut.
--Jarod RuppSource: Ian Browne - MLB.com
September 28, 2025
Washington Commanders running back
Chris Rodriguez Jr. could lead the team's backfield in rushing attempts during Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons. Washington is still trying to figure out its rushing identity with
Jayden Daniels (knee) sidelined and
Austin Ekeler (Achilles) done for the year. The Commanders operated out of a committee last week, but it was Rodriguez who led the way with his team-high 11 carries for 39 yards. Although the 26-year-old handled the bulk of the volume, his teammates were responsible for finding the end zone; both
Jeremy McNichols and
Jacory Croskey-Merritt scored touchdowns. Fantasy managers will likely need Rodriguez to score a touchdown or catch a couple of passes to justify starting him as a top-36 running back this week. With that said, volume is king, and if there's a running back to start in Washington this week, Rodriguez may be the answer.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
September 28, 2025
New York Mets pitching prospect
Dylan Ross was called up on Saturday from Triple-A Syracuse to help fortify the Mets' bullpen in a last-minute push for the playoffs. It will be Ross' major league debut if he enters the team's final game on Sunday after not appearing in Saturday's 5-0 win over the Marlins. The Mets' 20th-ranked prospect had a good season in the minors, ascending from High-A to Triple-A, posting a 2.17 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and striking out 80 batters in 54 innings of relief. The Mets and Reds are battling for the final Wild Card spot in the playoffs, and Ross could see an inning against the Marlins in the season finale on Sunday. Regardless, the 25-year-old could be in the bullpen mix in 2026, although without a high-leverage role, he'll have little fantasy value.
--Jarod RuppSource: Anthony DiComo
September 28, 2025
Three-time Kansas Speedway winner, Kyle Larson, is the favorite to take the checkered flag in this weekend's Hollywood Casino 400 as well. The No. 5 Chevrolet was one of the fastest cars in practice on Saturday afternoon, and Larson went out and qualified third for this weekend's race as well. In the Next Gen era at Kansas, Kyle Larson has led a series-high 497 laps, and just to put that into perspective, the next-highest on that list is Christopher Bell with 197 laps led. Larson also has the best average finish over that seven-race span (6.3), and the best average driver rating as well (111.4). Barring any major mechanical issue or overall mistakes, there's no reason to think that Larson won't be the guy to beat in Kansas on Sunday afternoon. He's a premier DFS play because of his dominator likelihood, even at the high salary of $11,000 on DraftKings.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: ifantasyrace
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