October 8, 2025
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder
Harrison Bader (groin) is absent from the starting lineup ahead of Wednesday's Game 3 versus the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bader was a game-time decision coming into this game after suffering a groin injury in Game 1. As a result, Bader was out of the starting lineup in Game 2 and will begin this contest on the bench. The expectation is that Bader will be available off the bench once again as a pinch-hitter. In his absence,
Brandon Marsh will cover center field and bat fifth versus right-hander
Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
October 8, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles kicker
Jake Elliott made both of his extra points and his only field goal attempt from 31 yards against the Broncos to maintain his 100% accuracy rate this season. Unfortunately, his perfect streak still isn't translating to fantasy points. Elliott faces the Giants on Thursday night, a team that he made two-of-three field goals and six-of-six extra points against last year in two meetings. New York allows 25.4 points per game this season, but Elliott should probably still sit this fantasy week out until he starts putting up more numbers week-to-week.
--Ricky Maloney - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
October 8, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles tight end
Dallas Goedert has now scored in three straight games, bringing his touchdown total to four since the start of Week 3. What's scary about Goedert is the fact that he hasn't garnered more than four receptions in a game since Week 1. While he is touchdown-dependent, managers might as well keep starting him while he's scoring touchdowns. He does lead Philly in targets and receptions inside the 10-yard line and boasts a 100% catch rate in that area. His streak will likely have to end eventually, but for now Goedert should still be considered a low-end TE1.
--Ricky Maloney - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
October 8, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver
DeVonta Smith boomed against the Broncos, recording his highest target and receiving yard counts of the season in a team-leading performance. The question with Smith, as usual, is whether or not he can turn this into consistency. After his last big game against the Rams, he followed it up with two catches on two targets in the next outing. This week, he does have a very favorable matchup against the Giants, who are allowing the second-most fantasy points to WRs this season. Plus, on a short week, Smith might be able to capitalize on a New York defense that's less than 100% conditioned. He's worth a WR3 spot in what should be his second consecutive strong week.
--Ricky Maloney - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
October 8, 2025
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher
Will Smith (hand) is in the starting lineup ahead of Wednesday's Game 3 of the NLDS versus the Philadelphia Phillies. This marks the first time this postseason that Smith has been in the starting lineup. Smith has been sidelined lately due to a fractured hand. Despite that, Smith was able to deliver a clutch hit off the bench in Game 2. He's feeling good enough to start behind the plate and will bat fifth versus right-hander
Aaron Nola.
Ben Rortvedt will head to the bench with Smith resuming his starting catching duties.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
October 8, 2025
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that there's a chance that tight end
George Kittle (hamstring) will return from Injured Reserve to play in next Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7, according to David Lombardi of The Athletic. The Niners have yet to open the 31-year-old's 21-day practice window, so Kittle will not be back this weekend to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Fantasy managers are going to have to stay patient, as Kittle won't be a lock to make his return next week, even if he resumes practicing in some capacity. San Fran really could use some good news in the health department, as receivers
Jauan Jennings (ankle, ribs) and
Ricky Pearsall (knee) could both miss their second straight game this Sunday.
Jake Tonges has seen his pass-catching role increase and has now scored in back-to-back weeks. Tonges will be a TE2 streamer yet again against Tampa, especially if Jennings and Pearsall miss another game.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - David Lombardi
October 8, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver
A.J. Brown has had four underwhelming showings in the first five weeks of the season, with his most recent game against the Broncos seeing him total just 43 yards on five catches. That being said, if there ever were a time for Brown to impress, it would be Thursday night against the Giants. New York is allowing the second-most fantasy points to WRs and the eighth-most passing yards per game (237.2) this season. Brown is getting consistent looks with at least eight targets in each of his last four games; now it's just time for him to capitalize on them. He's been a frustrating fantasy player so far, but this is make-or-break time for him. Even with his disappointing start, Brown is a low-end WR2 for Week 6.
--Ricky Maloney - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
October 8, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles running back
A.J. Dillon once again saw himself get priority over
Will Shipley for second-in-command in the backfield this past Sunday, but that meant playing just 14.8% of offensive snaps compared to Shipley's 13.1%. Dillon carried the ball twice for 12 yards, with one attempt coming in the red zone. It seems like Shipley will get more usage in the passing game than his counterpart, being targeted twice while Dillon did not get any looks. Regardless, neither Dillon nor Shipley are involved enough to warrant a start in fantasy this week.
--Ricky Maloney - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
October 8, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder
Anthony Santander will remain in the starting lineup ahead of Wednesday's Game 4 versus the New York Yankees. Santander will stick in the lineup after going 1-for-4 with two RBI during Game 3. He'll cover right field and bat seventh versus right-hander
Cam Schlittler on Wednesday. Santander does have good pop with the bat, but Schlittler is a tough pitcher to hit. The right-hander is coming off eight shutout innings and 12 strikeouts during the Wild Card round. The Jays will take the defensive downgrade with Santander and hope he's able to do something with his power upside.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
October 8, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles running back
Saquon Barkley tallied his lowest rushing yards count of the season against the Broncos, carrying the ball just six times for 30 yards. On the other hand, Barkley has the 10th-most receptions among RBs this year with 17, and added to that count by hauling in three catches for 58 yards and a touchdown versus Denver. In Week 6 he matches up with the Giants on Thursday Night Football, and New York allows the fifth-most fantasy points to RBs this season. When Barkley met the G-Men last year, he bulldozed them for 176 yards. Whether he has a good game running or a good game receiving, you can bet on #26 to have a good game. Barkley is a high-end RB1 against his division rival.
--Ricky Maloney - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
October 8, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback
Jalen Hurts had his worst rushing game of the season against Denver on Sunday, being held to just two attempts for three yards on the ground. However, Hurts is facing a Giants defense on Thursday night that allowed
Jayden Daniels to run for 68 yards on them a few weeks back, so the Philly QB should be back to his scrambling ways in Week 6. He had another high-volume passing day against the Broncos-tallying a season-high 280 yards while posting two touchdowns-and has now thrown for seven scores over his last three outings. Expect a multi-pronged attack by Hurts against a poor New York defense. He should be considered a top tier QB1, even on a short week.
--Ricky Maloney - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
October 8, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder
Davis Schneider will head to the bench ahead of Wednesday's Game 4 of the ALDS versus the New York Yankees. Schneider will find himself out of the lineup after going 2-for-6 with two walks during two games during this series. This seems like more of a matchup decision to get the left-handed hitting
Nathan Lukes in the lineup against right-hander
Cam Schlittler. Lukes will bat second and play left field during Wednesday's contest. He won't be much of a DFS option here given how well Schlittler has been pitching lately.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
October 8, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays third baseman
Addison Barger is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's Game 4 of the ALDS against the New York Yankees. It has been a quiet series for Barger who is currently 1-for-7 during his two games in this series. He'll get a chance to snap out of his slump during Wednesday's contest. Barger will bat cleanup and play third base versus right-hander
Cam Schlittler. This won't be an ideal matchup for Barger against Schlittler who tossed eight shutout innings during the Wild Card round.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
October 8, 2025
The Houston Texans "would like to find ways to work rookie wide receivers
Jayden Higgins and
Jaylin Noel" into the lineup more, according to Dan Graziano of ESPN. The Texans were happier with their offense in the Week 5 win over the Baltimore Ravens, in which they scored over 40 points, with Higgins and Noel combining for six catches on seven targets for 45 yards. Higgins actually played a season-high 56% of the offensive snaps on Sunday, while Noel was in on 30% of the snaps. It's going to be hard to keep both Higgins and Noel involved in the offense consistently from week to week as long as
Nico Collins and
Christian Kirk remain healthy. However, it's a good sign for both Higgins and Noel that Houston's offense finally appears to be clicking and that they will continue to find ways to get them involved. It's hard to justify rostering Higgins or Noel in 12-team fantasy leagues at the moment.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Dan Graziano
October 8, 2025
ESPN's Dan Graziano writes that the Houston Texans still view rookie running back
Woody Marks as "predominantly a passing-game back," and one who "had a bit of an injury history in college." It was looking like Marks was taking over the backfield from veteran
Nick Chubb when he had a season-high 17 carries for 69 yards and a touchdown while adding four catches for 50 yards and another TD in the Week 4 win against the Tennessee Titans. However, he was a disappointment in last week's blowout win over the Baltimore Ravens, handling seven carries for 24 yards and failing to reel in his only pass-game target. It means that when Houston is up big, like they were in Baltimore, Chubb will continue to have the playing-time advantage. Marks is still worth rostering in all fantasy leagues, but his backfield takeover in Houston appears to be a little premature.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Dan Graziano
October 8, 2025
Detroit Red Wings left wing James van Riemsdyk will miss Thursday's season opener against the Montreal Canadiens, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports. The veteran missed most of training camp due to a personal matter and was placed on the non-roster list on Monday. According to Khan, van Riemsdyk might be ready for Saturday's matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Once he's available, van Riemsdyk will likely take on a bottom-six role in Detroit and could be a healthy scratch at times, as several younger players are aiming to step up with the Red Wings.
--Taavi PailkSource: Ansar Khan
October 8, 2025
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick and members of North Carolina University are in discussion about exercising the $1 million buyout option of Belichick. Belichick was signed to a 5-year, $50 million contract last offseason, much of which was performance-based. The Tar Heels are currently 2-3 and have been outscored 120-33 in three games against Power 4 opponents. Belichick has reportedly agreed to the buyout if he can find a soft landing with another team or in the media. The media seems more likely given the struggles of North Carolina this year. Allegations of serious recruiting violations are already being investigated, and several UNC assistant coaches have already contacted other schools about consulting jobs on the staff. North Carolina is using the recruiting violations to negotiate a much-reduced buyout rate. The expectation is that Belichick will trigger his own $1 million buyout. The buyout could be finalized during this week, which is North Carolina's bye week.
--Mike Marteny - RotoBallerSource: Ollie Connolly on X
October 8, 2025
Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Strome (upper body) has been ruled out for the team's season-opening road trip, meaning he will be absent for at least two games. The Ducks will travel to Seattle and San Jose this week to begin their 2025-26 campaign. Strome's absence will be good news for Beckett Sennecke, who now looks nailed on to begin his NHL career in a top-six role. Sennecke had a big year with the Oshawa Generals in the OHL last season, and it will be fascinating to see whether he can replicate his play among pros.
--Taavi PailkSource: Anaheim Ducks
October 8, 2025
The Toronto Blue Jays are going with a bullpen game on Wednesday against the division-rival New York Yankees in Game 4 of the American League Division Series in the Bronx, and rookie right-hander
Trey Yesavage will be available out of the bullpen, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. Toronto is using right-hander
Louis Varland as its opener and will piece things together from there as they look to clinch the series and advance to the AL Championship Series. In the Game 2 win on Sunday, the 22-year-old Yesavage was dominant, fanning 11 batters in 5 1/3 hitless innings with 78 pitches thrown. Yesavage will probably only enter Wednesday's game if the Jays have a lead in the latter portion of the contest. If necessary, right-hander
Kevin Gausman would likely start a deciding Game 5 back in Canada on Friday. Per MLB Pipeline, Yesavage is the No. 4 right-handed pitching prospect in baseball.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
October 8, 2025
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power (strain) is expected to play in Thursday's season opener against the New York Rangers. Power was placed on Injured Reserve at the start of the week due to a "minor strain," but he is eligible to be activated for Thursday's game. Power practiced with a regular jersey on Wednesday. Mattias Samuelsson (upper body) is also expected to be available, so Buffalo's defense will only be missing Michael Kesselring (undisclosed) at the start of the season. Power posted a career-high 40 points (seven goals, 33 assists) in 79 games last year, while blocking 109 shots. He plays an important role for the Sabres on both ends of the ice.
--Taavi PailkSource: Buffalo Sabres
October 8, 2025
Colorado Rockies interim manager Warren Schaefer revealed that right-hander
Antonio Senzatela will be "viewed as a reliever" going into the 2026 season, according to Thomas Harding of MLB.com. After having Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in 2023, Senzatela struggled in 2025, going 4-15 with a 6.65 ERA in 30 appearances (23 starts). The 30-year-old battled an ongoing blister issue on his right middle finger and had a rough 7.42 ERA as a starter, which led Colorado to move him to the bullpen in late August. He was much better as a reliever, posting a 2.86 ERA with 14 strikeouts and nine walks in seven appearances out of the bullpen. In his career as a reliever, Senzatela has a 3.86 ERA in 33 appearances. Senzatela also threw the five fastest pitches of his career in a Sept. 7 relief appearance against the Padres. A return to the rotation may not be out of the question, but for now, it looks like Senzatela has become a long reliever for one of the worst teams in baseball.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Thomas Harding
October 8, 2025
Ottawa Senators right wing Drake Batherson (upper body) won't be in the lineup on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia reports. He has been ruled out for Ottawa's season opener due to an upper-body injury. Batherson practiced on Wednesday but left early. There's a chance he may be ready to jump into the lineup on Saturday when the Senators face the Florida Panthers. Thursday will mark the end of Batherson's impressive ironman streak, as he hasn't missed any games for three straight seasons. With Batherson out, Ottawa is expected to use Fabian Zetterlund on the top line Thursday night. Zetterlund has struggled badly since moving to Canada, but he should draw fantasy interest as a partner of Tim Stutzle and Brady Tkachuk.
--Taavi PailkSource: Bruce Garrioch
October 8, 2025
As expected, Las Vegas Raiders tight end
Brock Bowers (knee) is not practicing on Wednesday, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. Bowers suffered an injury to his PCL in the season opener but then played through Week 4. The 22-year-old second-year player was inactive for Sunday's blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts. With a third straight DNP, dating back to last week, Bowers is in danger of missing a second straight contest this Sunday when the Raiders take on the Tennessee Titans. The good news for the Raiders is that TE
Michael Mayer (concussion) has cleared concussion protocol and could be on track to return after missing the last two games with his head injury. Bowers is going to need to practice on either Thursday or Friday to have a shot at suiting up in Week 6. If Bowers is inactive and Mayer returns, Mayer will be on the TE2 streaming radar in a great matchup.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden
October 8, 2025
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm can celebrate a three-year extension ahead of Wednesday's season opener against the Calgary Flames. The deal, which starts with the 2026-27 season, is worth $12 million. Ekholm will take a significant pay cut with his new deal, as his current contract has a $6.25 million cap hit. The Swedish veteran will begin his third full season with the Oilers. He posted 33 points (nine goals, 24 assists) in 65 games last term, firing off 143 shots and blocking 95 attempts from the opposition. With better health, Ekholm could once again become a 40-point scorer in 2025-26.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
October 8, 2025
Los Angeles Rams tight end
Tyler Higbee (hip) will not practice on Wednesday, according to head coach Sean McVay. Higbee played through a hip injury in the Week 4 win over the Indianapolis Colts, but then was inactive on a short week in last Thursday night's upset loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The 32-year-old is still battling his hip injury and is a question mark to suit up this Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Higbee still has two more days to get back onto the practice field, which would give him a chance to play this weekend. Receivers
Puka Nacua and
Davante Adams have been getting the vast majority of pass-game targets from quarterback
Matthew Stafford, leaving little volume for L.A.'s tight ends. If Higbee misses a second straight game, more snaps will be available for
Davis Allen,
Colby Parkinson, and rookie
Terrance Ferguson. Higbee has just six catches for 62 scoreless yards in his four games so far in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Daily News - Adam Grosbard
October 8, 2025
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver
CeeDee Lamb (ankle) missed the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. Lamb is slowly recovering from a high left-ankle sprain that he suffered in the Week 3 loss to the Chicago Bears, but he's tracking towards missing a third straight game in Week 6 versus the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Fantasy managers should not expect the 26-year-old to return to practice this week or play this weekend. It's unclear if he'll have a better chance to make his return in Week 7 on Oct. 19 against the division-rival Washington Commanders.
George Pickens and tight end
Jake Ferguson have been target hogs in a high-volume passing attack since Lamb's injury, and
Ryan Flournoy blew up in the Week 5 win over the New York Jets, with
KaVontae Turpin (foot) also out. It might be another couple of weeks before we see Lamb.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Jon Machota
October 8, 2025
Winnipeg Jets left wing Kyle Connor signed an eight-year, $96 million extension on Wednesday, the richest deal in franchise history. The contract is worth $55 million in salary and $41 million in signing bonuses, and comes with a $12 million cap hit for Connor beginning in the 2026-27 season. Currently, Connor is on an expiring seven-year, $50 million contract. Last season, Connor scored 40 goals for the second time in his career and finished just three points shy of hitting 100 points for the first time. If he stays healthy, there's a good chance Connor could flirt with a 100-point season again in 2025-26.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
October 8, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers forward
Trendon Watford (hamstring) was held out of Wednesday's practice, Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Watford has missed both of the Sixers' preseason games in Abu Dhabi due to a right hamstring strain. The 24-year-old signed a two-year, $5.3 million deal with Philadelphia during the offseason after averaging 10.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.3 blocks in 20.8 minutes across 44 games last season. Once healthy, Watford should be a valuable depth piece in the Sixers' frontcourt rotation moving forward.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Keith Pompey
October 8, 2025
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Jauan Jennings (ankle, ribs) did not take part in the team's practice on Wednesday, per Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. Fellow wideout
Ricky Pearsall (knee) also missed practice and is not expected to be active in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While Jennings is also trending toward missing his third game of the season, he has two more chances to get back on the practice field on Thursday and Friday. But as things currently stand, it looks like San Fran will have to navigate another week without Pearsall, Jennings, and quarterback
Brock Purdy (toe). In last Thursday's upset win over the Los Angeles Rams, backup QB
Mac Jones had another impressive performance throwing the ball, and receiver
Kendrick Bourne was the WR1 with 10 catches and over 100 receiving yards. Tight end
Jake Tonges will be back on the streaming radar, too, if Jennings and Pearsall miss a second straight game.
--Keith HernandezSource: Bay Area News Group - Cam Inman
October 8, 2025
Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel agreed to an eight-year contract extension ahead of Wednesday's season opener against the Los Angeles Kings. The superstar forward will earn $108 million over the course of the deal, giving him $13.5 million cap hit starting with the 2026-27 season. Eichel will come off an eight-year, $80 million contract next offseason. With his future settled, Eichel can now fully concentrate on helping Vegas win its second Stanley Cup. If he stays injury-free this season, there's a strong chance Eichel reaches the 100-point mark for the first time in his career. Last season, he scored 28 goals and 94 points in 77 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
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