October 31, 2025
Washington Capitals center Dylan Strome (lower body) will miss Friday's matchup against the New York Islanders, Tom Gulitti of NHL.com reports. Strome was initially considered a game-time decision, but he hasn't joined the team for pre-game warmups. This will be his second consecutive absence. Strome has formed a fruitful partnership with Alex Ovechkin on the first line and leads Washington with eight assists in nine games. Additionally, he has scored two goals on 16 shots this season. In Strome's absence, Connor McMichael has taken over top-line center duties. However, McMichael hasn't been a wise fantasy choice this season, going scoreless in eight of 10 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: Tom Gulitti
October 31, 2025
Arizona Cardinals quarterback
Kyler Murray (foot) was listed as a limited participant in Friday's practice, per Josh Weinfuss of ESPN. Murray was limited in practice for the second straight day as he recovers from a foot injury that has already sidelined him for two games, but head coach Jonathan Gannon said Thursday that the team is planning for him to start Monday night against the Dallas Cowboys. There have also been reports of Murray and backup quarterback
Jacoby Brissett splitting reps with Arizona's primary pass catchers, so it is still uncertain as to who the Cardinals' signal caller will be in Dallas on Monday Night Football. Murray is familiar with playing at AT&T Stadium and would be set up with a pristine matchup if he were to make his return in Week 9, as the Cowboys have allowed the most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Josh Weinfuss
October 31, 2025
Boston Bruins center Elias Lindholm (lower body) will be out for "at least a few weeks," head coach Marco Strum said on Friday. Lindholm suffered a lower-body injury during Thursday's tilt against the Buffalo Sabres. In 2025-26, Lindholm has mainly been a threat on the power play, recording four goals and three assists. Across 11 outings, he's only had two even-strength points, both coming via assists. Marat Khusnutdinov, who scored a 4-3 overtime winner on Thursday night, is set to skate in Lindholm's spot on the top line in Saturday's contest against the Carolina Hurricanes. John Beecher will rejoin the action as a fourth-liner.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
October 31, 2025
According to Spencer Davies of SI.com, Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Donovan Mitchell (hamstring) is unavailable for Friday's meeting with the Toronto Raptors. The 29-year-old will miss his first game of the season due to left hamstring tightness.
Jarrett Allen (hand) will also be out of action for Friday's contest, while
Darius Garland (toe) still isn't ready to make his season debut. With several key players sidelined,
Lonzo Ball will likely handle the bulk of the playmaking duties, while
Craig Porter Jr. should also see an expanded role. Both guards could bring some fantasy value until Cleveland's backcourt gets back to full strength.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Spencer Davis
October 31, 2025
Chicago Bears tight end
Cole Kmet (back) has been cleared from the injury report ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Kmet was listed as a full participant in practice on Friday after being limited in the first two sessions to open the week. The 26-year-old's return will likely reduce rookie
Colston Loveland's role after having a full-time role in Chicago's Week 8 loss at Baltimore. Kmet hasn't been a huge factor in the Bears' passing game this season, catching nine of his 19 targets for 132 yards and one touchdown in six games started. Kmet draws a great matchup against a Bengals defense that is allowing the most PPR points per game to opposing tight ends, giving him some value as a TE2 streamer for Week 9.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Chicago Bears
October 31, 2025
Cleveland Cavaliers center
Jarrett Allen (finger) won't play on Friday night versus the Toronto Raptors. The Cavs were already down
Darius Garland (toe). To make matters worse,
Donovan Mitchell (knee) also won't suit up. As far as Allen is concerned, he suffered a non-displaced fracture of his left ring finger in Wednesday's loss to the Boston Celtics. The 27-year-old, averaging 14.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.4 steals, was initially listed as questionable. However, it's realistic to assume Allen will miss more time beyond Friday's contest.
Evan Mobley and
De'Andre Hunter should pick up some of the slack on the scoring end.
Lonzo Ball,
Jaylon Tyson, and
Craig Porter Jr. should also see an uptick in scoring opportunities.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Spencer Davies
October 31, 2025
Seattle Kraken right wing Kaapo Kakko (hand) could be back in action on Saturday against the New York Rangers, Vince Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic reports. The former Ranger has returned to full practice after breaking his hand in a preseason game. On Friday, Kakko skated on the third line and worked with the second power-play unit. If he's indeed ready to make his season debut on Saturday, Kakko will have a point to prove after being traded by the Rangers last December. He was fairly productive during his first 49 outings with the Kraken in 2024-25, posting 10 goals and 30 points.
--Taavi PailkSource: Vince Z. Mercogliano
October 31, 2025
Hopefully, you rostered Seattle Seahawks quarterback
Sam Darnold (chest) through his bye week because he draws a great matchup with the Washington Commanders on Sunday. The Commanders' defense has had trouble stopping opposing passing offenses with a leaky secondary. Darnold should have no issues spreading the ball around to his various wide receivers all day. Prior to a tough matchup with the Texans in Week 7, Darnold had notched five straight games with at least 16.08 fantasy points. While those are no world-beating numbers, they are enough to anchor your fantasy team at the quarterback position. Darnold's superpower this year has been his lack of turnovers. The Commanders have had difficulty forcing turnovers all season long. They only have four interceptions in eight games. Darnold should be rostered for the rest of the season as a QB2 with upside. However, he should absolutely be in lineups in a week in which the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles, and their respective quarterbacks, are on a bye. Darnold was dealing with a chest injury all week, but he logged three full practice days. The injury should be of no concern.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
October 31, 2025
Seattle Seahawks running back
Zach Charbonnet is not a confident play in Week 9 against the Washington Commanders. The Commanders are No. 16 against opposing running backs in fantasy, but Charbonnet is an inefficient runner with low volume. However, Charbonnet has scored in four of his six games this season for a total of five touchdowns. When he scores, he generally delivers flex or RB2 value. When he has not scored, he has completely sunk your fantasy week. Touchdowns are a difficult statistic to project, but the Seahawks are as good a bet as anyone to find themselves at the goal line, handing the ball off to Charbonnet. This is especially true against a soft Commanders' defense. It is unlikely that you drafted Charbonnet to be a starter, but you may need his services in a week in which four teams are on a bye. If that is the case, the Charbonnet is a solid dart throw, albeit with a very low floor. Proceed with caution with Charbonnet in Week 9 if you must.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
October 31, 2025
Seattle Seahawks running back
Kenneth Walker III is a flex play in Week 9 against the Washington Commanders. The Commanders' defense has been middle-of-the-pack against opposing running backs in fantasy. However, it may be difficult for Walker to exploit the matchup while he continues to split time with
Zach Charbonnet in this backfield. Walker is currently the RB28 in fantasy, and he has not scored more than 9.6 fantasy points since Week 4. His rushing volume has remained solid, but he is a non-factor in the receiving game. He has one or fewer receptions in six of seven games this year. With no receiving volume, Walker's upside is completely capped. Given that Charbonnet is the goal line back, Walker needs to break off a big play to be fantasy relevant. Based on where you drafted him, you may not have a better option with four teams on a bye. He is a flex option with limited upside in Week 9.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
October 31, 2025
Seattle Seahawks tight end
AJ Barner is a solid play in Week 9 against the Washington Commanders. Barner has displayed a nose for the end zone on modest volume this season. He has only exceeded three targets on one occasion, but he has caught four touchdown passes in seven games. The Commanders are No. 25 against opposing tight ends in fantasy. Their linebacking core seems to have a lot of difficulty stopping the position. With Barner's savvy in the red zone and run-after-catch ability, he could escape for a couple of big plays. Outside of the top five or so tight ends, the options are slim for fantasy. Barner presents an option with real upside and high touchdown probability in a good offense. He is still readily available on waivers, likely due to his low volume. Additionally, Barner may have earned himself more volume coming out of the Seahawks' bye week in Week 8. It is likely difficult for the Seahawks' coaching staff to ignore what Barner has been able to do with the ball in his hands. If you need a start, Barner could be a legitimate top ten option this week.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
October 31, 2025
Winnipeg Jets winger Gustav Nyquist (undisclosed) won't play on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Penguins and is considered day-to-day, Mitchell Clinton of the Jets' official site reports. The Swedish veteran suffered an undisclosed injury early in Thursday's matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks. It seems like this isn't seen as a serious issue, and there's a chance Nyquist will be in contention to rejoin the lineup early next week. In his first 11 games as a Jet, Nyquist has registered five assists. He's been short of puck luck, going goalless with 14 attempts on the net. Tanner Pearson is set to fill Nyquist's spot on the third line in Saturday's game, while Brad Lambert will re-enter the lineup on the fourth line.
--Taavi PailkSource: Mitchell Clinton
October 31, 2025
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is ready to deliver another massive outing on Sunday night against a Commanders defense that just got torched by
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs last Monday. Smith-Njigba has been a revelation for the Hawks this fall. Even with the bye week, JSN leads the league in receiving yards. He is also scoring touchdowns like a fiend, which escaped him during his first two seasons in the league. Washington is No. 23 against opposing wide receivers in fantasy. With quarterback
Jayden Daniels back in the lineup this week, the Commanders may put continued pressure on the Seahawks to throw the ball. Smith-Njigba's volume was never in jeopardy, but the chance for even more volume could make this an even better fantasy outing. Smith-Njigba has No. 1 overall wide receiver upside in Week 9. Set him in your lineup and do not worry.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
October 31, 2025
Seattle Seahawks kicker
Jason Myers is in a great position to succeed against an average-at-best Washington Commanders defense in Week 9. The Seahawks' offense should have no issues moving the ball up and down the field against this team. Myers is the K8, even with a bye week to his name. He has only scored fewer than 8 fantasy points on one occasion this year. That only happened because the Seahawks almost exclusively scored touchdowns against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5. As such, Myers has about as safe a floor as any kicker in the league. He is still readily available on waivers, especially since he is coming out of his bye. If you need a kicker in Week 9, and even beyond, do not hesitate to set and forget Myers.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
October 31, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays shortstop
Bo Bichette (knee) said he's not expecting to need offseason surgery on his knee, according to Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith. Bichette suffered a sprained PCL in his left knee in early September and wasn't available for the Blue Jays until Game 1 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers last Friday. Although the All-Star shortstop has been available to the Blue Jays during the Fall Classic, he hasn't been moving around the same and has been limited to the designated hitter role and second base. However, he has somehow managed to go 5-for-16 (.313) at the plate with three RBI, a run scored, two walks, and two strikeouts in five games versus the Dodgers. Undergoing knee surgery this offseason would be very notable for a high-profile player who is set for free agency this winter. Barring a setback with his knee, Bichette should be ready for the start of the 2026 season, but it's unclear if that will come back in Toronto or with a new team.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sportsnet - Ben Nicholson-Smith
October 31, 2025
The Seattle Seahawks defense/special teams unit is not a priority starting option in Week 9 against the Washington Commanders. However, you could do worse. This defense is finally getting healthier coming out of the bye week and will have several key players available, including cornerback Devon Witherspoon (knee). This defense has done well to get after the quarterback and create turnovers, even with so many players out consistently. With nearly a full stable of defenders, the Seahawks could make life difficult for Commanders quarterback
Jayden Daniels (hamstring). Daniels, of course, is capable of leading an offense to greatness at any moment. However, with Daniels coming off multiple lower-body injuries, it stands to reason that he may be somewhat limited in his mobility this week. Additionally, the Commanders' offense has not fully clicked this season as they deal with injuries of their own outside of Daniels. As such, if you need a D/ST start, you could certainly do worse than the Seahawks this week.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: Seattle Seahawks
October 31, 2025
Chicago Bears wide receiver
D.J. Moore (hip, groin) has been cleared from the injury report ahead of their Week 9 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Moore was listed as a full participant in practice on Friday after missing Wednesday and being limited on Thursday. The 28-year-old has had a disappointing season through seven games, but is coming off his best game of the season in Chicago's Week 8 loss to the Ravens, catching four of seven targets for a season high 73 yards. Moore has taken a backseat to second-year wideout
Rome Odunze as the go-to target for quarterback
Caleb Williams, but could break through in Week 9 against a leaky Bengals defense.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Chicago Bears
October 31, 2025
If necessary, Toronto Blue Jays right-hander
Max Scherzer will take the ball to start Game 7 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Rogers Centre on Saturday, according to Rob Longley of the Toronto Star. A deciding Game 7 would be necessary if the Blue Jays cannot close things out on Friday night in Game 6. Scherzer, 41, took a no-decision in his first start of the Fall Classic on Monday night in Los Angeles, allowing three runs in 4 1/3 innings pitched while giving up two home runs, walking only one, and striking out three. The veteran hurler has only made two starts in the postseason this year for Toronto, with his other outing coming in the American League Championship Series, when he gave up two earned runs in 5 2/3 innings for a win over the Mariners. Scherzer had an ERA over 5.00 during the regular season and made only 17 starts due to injuries, but he's the type of veteran bulldog pitcher that would love nothing more than to take the ball in a deciding Game 7 of the Fall Classic.
--Keith HernandezSource: Toronto Sun - Rob Longley
October 31, 2025
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (lower body) practiced on Friday and is considered a game-time decision for Saturday's tilt against the Philadelphia Flyers. A lower-body injury has kept Nylander out of two of the last three games. The fact that Nylander practiced on Friday is an encouraging sign that he will be ready to play against the Flyers. Despite dealing with a lingering lower-body issue, Nylander has remained Toronto's top scorer for the season, with 15 points (three goals, 12 assists) in nine games. Nicholas Robertson has benefited from his absence, logging more ice time and scoring twice in three games. His fantasy stock will take a hit if Nylander returns Saturday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
October 31, 2025
Chicago Bears wide receiver
Rome Odunze (heel) was a full participant in practice on Friday and has been cleared from the injury report ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. The 23-year-old missed practice to open the week on Wednesday, but was upgraded to limited on Thursday and never seemed to be in any danger of missing Chicago's Week 9 contest. Odunze has been the clear focal point of the Bears' passing game this season and is coming off his best game since Week 2, catching seven of his 10 targets for 114 yards in Chicago's Week 8 loss at Baltimore. Odunze ranks as a solid WR1 in a great Week 9 matchup against a poor Bengals defense.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Chicago Bears
October 31, 2025
Los Angeles Dodgers struggling shortstop
Mookie Betts is being moved from the two-hole in the batting order to cleanup for a must-win Game 6 of the World Series on Friday night in Toronto against the Blue Jays and right-hander
Kevin Gausman. Catcher
Will Smith will occupy the No. 2 spot behind
Shohei Ohtani. Although Betts managed 20 homers during the regular season, he hit just .258 (152-for-589), a stark dropoff after he batted .289 in 2024. The 33-year-old eight-time All-Star and former MVP has hit only .234 (15-for-64) in 15 postseason games this year and is still searching for his first home run. In five World Series games against Toronto, he's gone just 3-for-23 with no extra-base hits, a run, three walks, and five K's. The Dodgers will be hoping the lineup shakeup will get Betts going. In 54 career at-bats against Gausman, Betts has hit a strong .296 with three homers, a double, and eight RBI.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
October 31, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers running back
Jaret Patterson was elevated from the practice squad last week, playing 15 snaps and carrying the ball 11 times for 30 yards, mostly in the fourth quarter when the game was already out of reach. Patterson is now expected to be elevated to the active roster this Sunday after the team parted ways with
Nyheim Hines. While Patterson showed promise in college, with a 409-yard, eight-touchdown game at Buffalo,
Kimani Vidal has become the clear lead back and will face a weak Tennessee Titans run defense. Patterson's role will likely be limited to spelling Vidal during the game or taking additional carries if the Chargers build a large lead. He should not be started and can be safely kept on the bench. His only fantasy value is strictly as a handcuff to Vidal.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
October 31, 2025
Anaheim Ducks left wing Chris Kreider (illness) is set to rejoin the fun on Friday night against the Detroit Red Wings. The veteran forward has missed four games while dealing with hand-foot-and-mouth disease. Jansen Harkins will relinquish a place in the lineup to make room for Kreider. Early into his Ducks career, Kreider exploded for a pair of big performances, racking up four goals and one assist, but he has finished scoreless in three of his five appearances this season. The team's improvement in form might help Kreider be more consistent, as the Ducks offense heated up without him. Over the last four games, Anaheim has averaged 4.75 goals.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
October 31, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver
Tre' Harris scored his first career touchdown last week, but it came on only two targets and two catches for eight yards. His 40.7% route rate increased only because the Chargers rested starters in their dominant win against the Minnesota Vikings last Thursday night. Although the Tennessee Titans are weak on defense, the expected run-heavy game plan suggests another low-volume passing day, leaving few targets for the depth players. With rookie tight end
Oronde Gadsden emerging, the target hierarchy is clear, and Harris remains low in the pecking order. He can be safely sat on the bench. He should only be considered in deep dynasty leagues or if multiple starters are injured.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
October 31, 2025
Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports that Indiana Pacers forward
Obi Toppin (foot) will undergo surgery to place a screw in his right foot on Monday. Toppin is likely to be sidelined for a considerable amount of time recovering from the surgery, and Pacers Head Coach Rick Carlisle told the media not to ask about Toppin's status until Feb. 1. The 27-year-old is also dealing with a right hamstring strain he sustained against the Timberwolves on Sunday. He was in good form before his injuries, posting 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists across three contests. With Toppin out for the foreseeable future,
Jarace Walker will now likely continue to start and deserves fantasy consideration.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Dustin Dopirak
October 31, 2025
The Los Angeles Chargers D/ST dominated last week with five sacks, an interception, and only 34 rushing yards allowed, demonstrating significant improvement from previous weeks. This week, they face the struggling Tennessee Titans, who are last in most offensive categories and rely on rookie quarterback
Cam Ward, who leads the league with 34 sacks taken and has thrown an interception in six straight games. Although the Chargers' secondary is dealing with injuries (CB Tarheeb Still and safety Tony Jefferson are out), the matchup against a turnover-prone offense is too good to pass up. The Titans' difficulty in sustaining drives and Ward's tendency to turn the ball over make this a high-upside play. The Chargers' D/ST is a must-start this week, as RotoBaller ranks them D/ST1.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
October 31, 2025
Houston Texans tight end
Dalton Schultz (knee, shoulder) is dealing with multiple injuries and is questionable to play this weekend against the Denver Broncos on Sunday in Week 9. Schultz did not practice with the team on Wednesday or Thursday, but he returned to a full practice on Friday, giving him a chance to play. Despite the two DNPs earlier this week, the 29-year-old is expected to play on Sunday, although he still won't be all that attractive to fantasy managers. The former fourth-rounder of the Dallas Cowboys in 2018 out of Stanford will have a lower ceiling this weekend against a tough defense due to the returns of both receivers
Nico Collins (concussion) and
Christian Kirk (hamstring). Schultz has yet to find the end zone in 2025 and has caught 32 of his 40 targets for 308 yards. If he's active, fantasy managers should treat him as a touchdown-dependent TE2.
--Keith HernandezSource: Houston Texans PR
October 31, 2025
Washington Commanders rookie running back
Jacory Croskey-Merritt has struggled since his Week 5 breakout against the Chargers, where he racked up 150 total yards and two touchdowns, finishing as the RB5 in PPR points for the week. Croskey-Merritt has recorded 39 carries for 119 yards to go with only two receptions for six yards on four targets and no touchdowns in the last three games. The rookie seventh-rounder has maintained a healthy snap share at 57.3%, but No. 2 running back
Jeremy McNichols has served as the pass-down back and performed well in his opportunities. Croskey-Merritt is clearly the preferred option on early downs, but the lack of receiving is a hit to the ways he can produce for fantasy. The return of star quarterback
Jayden Daniels will certainly help open up some rushing lanes, but Croskey-Merritt has a tough matchup against a Seahawks defense that is allowing the fewest yards per carry (3.3) and tied for the fewest rushing touchdowns (two) in the league through seven games. He is ranked as RotoBaller's RB30 in PPR formats for Sunday Night Football.
--Kyle McCarthySource: RotoBaller
October 31, 2025
Milwaukee Bucks forward
Giannis Antetokounmpo (left knee patellar tendinopathy) is questionable to suit up against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, per the team's official injury report. The knee injury is the only thing slowing down the nine-time All-Star so far this season. He's averaging career-bests in points (36.3), rebounds (14), and assists (seven) in four games. The knee issue forced him to miss Milwaukee's win over Golden State on Thursday. This doesn't appear to be a long-term issue, and Antetokounmpo should be back in the starting lineup soon.
Kyle Kuzma started in place of Antetokounmpo on Thursday, while guard
Ryan Rollins picked up the scoring slack.
--Andrew BallSource: Milwaukee Bucks
October 31, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers kicker
Cameron Dicker experienced his first missed field goal of the season last Thursday but still went 3-for-4 on field goal attempts and made all four extra points. Dicker now faces a struggling Tennessee Titans defense that is expected to give up plenty of points. As 9.5-point favorites, the Chargers are likely to move the ball efficiently, creating multiple scoring opportunities. Given the team's high scoring projection, Dicker is poised to easily capitalize with several extra points and field goal attempts, even in a run-heavy game. RotoBaller ranks Dicker as K2 this week. He is a must-start in all formats.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
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