RADIO
Braelon Allen's Stock on the Rise Following 100-Yard Game
New York Jets running back Braelon Allen went from being an under-the-radar handcuff to a must-roster player due to Breece Hall's quad injury. Allen handled lead-back duties for the second straight game in the Week 5 win over the Cleveland Browns and had a breakout day on the ground, carrying the ball a season-high 24 times for 116 yards and his second rushing touchdown of 2026. The 22-year-old added one catch for no gain on four targets. He will inevitably fall back down in fantasy circles when Hall returns to take over his lead-back role, but for now, Allen is on the rise and should be considered a must-start in Week 6 against the division-rival New England Patriots on the road if Hall misses a third straight game. Head coach Aaron Glenn said that Hall is still week-to-week, and he was unable to practice again on Wednesday. Allen is averaging 4.1 yards per carry for 236 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 57 carries through his first five games, catching seven passes for 19 yards as a receiver. It will not be easy for Allen to go off again against New England's defense, though, as they are allowing only 90.8 rushing yards per game, the sixth-fewest in the NFL.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Joe Musgrove's 2027 Role in San Diego is Uncertain
San Diego Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller did not commit to right-hander Joe Musgrove being a part of the team's starting rotation in 2027 when asked on Wednesday, saying that "the best spot for Joe Musgrove" will be "one of the questions for the offseason." Musgrove has not pitched in the regular season since 2024 due to persistent elbow issues. However, the 33-year-old managed to return to the mound in the 2026 postseason, making two appearances and pitching three innings. Musgrove was an effective pitcher in 2024, recording a 6-5 record with a 3.88 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 101 strikeouts across 99 2/3 innings (19 starts). He also has one season remaining on the five-year, $100 million contract he signed with the Padres ahead of the 2023 season. Still, it appears as though San Diego may be open to using Musgrove out of the bullpen in an effort to keep him healthy in 2027.
Source: The Athletic - Dennis Lin
Source: The Athletic - Dennis Lin
Ja'Kyrian Turner's Status Uncertain
Pittsburgh running back Ja'Kyrian Turner (undisclosed) is questionable for the Panthers as they prepare to go up against Boston College on Saturday. Turner is RotoBaller's 56th-ranked running back and is projected to score 7.3 fantasy points against Boston College this week. He is third on his team in yards rushing, having recorded 30 carries for 131 yards and a touchdown this season. He is the Panthers' top pass-catching option out of the backfield, racking up 10 receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown, which leads Pitt running backs. If he can't play, it would likely mean even more work for the team's leading rusher Damon Ferguson Jr.
Source: ACC availability report
Source: ACC availability report
Jaylen Warren is the Steelers' Featured Player Right Now
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has become the team's featured player over the last three weeks with Rico Dowdle sidelined with a dislocated toe. Head coach Mike McCarthy called Warren "our featured player" on Monday, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. The 27-year-old has really stepped up for Pittsburgh's offense with more touches, going for 490 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns in the last three games on 61 touches. McCarthy envisioned more of a 50-50 split with Warren and Dowdle going into the regular season, but Dowdle's toe injury might have McCarthy rethinking his backfield plan for the rest of the season. Dowdle has a shot to return this weekend against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road, but even if he does, Warren has worked his way into must-start status in all fantasy football leagues. Going into Week 6, Warren has been a top-10 back with 70 carries for 410 yards and a touchdown while adding 19 receptions for 230 yards and another score through the air. The former undrafted free agent from Oklahoma State is easily on pace for his first 1,000-yard rushing season if he can stay healthy.
Source: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
Source: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
Isaiah Likely Rising After Massive Day Against Commanders
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely (foot) recorded a career-high 11 receptions on 13 targets (tying a career-high) in a 27-27 tie against the Washington Commanders in Week 5. He posted 94 yards and two touchdowns against the Commanders as well. Likely is dealing with a foot injury, but was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. He enters a Week 6 matchup with the New Orleans Saints as RotoBaller's No. 4 tight end this week. Likely is projected to score 10.6 fantasy points. According to Pro Football Reference, the Saints allow 9.5 fantasy points per game to tight ends. Likely is currently started in 70% of Yahoo leagues, but that number will almost certainly increase for Week 6. He is a must-start player moving forward.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Keyjuan Brown Questionable to Return for Louisville
Louisville running back Keyjuan Brown (undisclosed) is questionable for the Cardinals as they get ready to face Syracuse on Saturday, per the ACC availability report. Brown was also listed as questionable last week against Florida State and went on to miss his team's win over the Seminoles. Without their second-leading rusher, Marquise Davis received nine carries, which he took for 56 yards rushing and a touchdown against Florida State. Additionally, leading rusher Isaac Brown went off for 235 yards rushing along with a touchdown on 17 carries. Keyjuan Brown is RotoBaller's 70th-ranked running back and is projected to score 5.9 fantasy points if he suits up against the Orange.
Source: ACC availability report
Source: ACC availability report
Bo Nix Continues to Frustrate Fantasy Managers
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix has not looked right through the first five games of the 2026 season. Whether it be Nix's offseason ankle surgery or the move to offensive coordinator Davis Webb, something is not clicking for the former first-rounder from Oregon. Although the Broncos are 3-2 and tied for second place in the AFC West, Nix has just one game over 15 fantasy points and heads into a tough Thursday night matchup in Week 6 against the Seattle Seahawks as the QB23 overall. Fantasy managers who took the chance on Nix's dual-threat abilities despite his offseason ankle surgery have been left wanting more and disappointed with his output. Nix has gone 97-for-162 passing for 942 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. He has run the ball 18 times for just 35 yards and one touchdown on the ground. The switch back to head coach Sean Payton as the offensive play-caller in the Week 5 win over the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers did little to help, as he threw for just 123 yards and one touchdown. Nix has time to turn things around this season, but fantasy managers in single-QB leagues should not be thinking that it will come on a short turnaround in Week 6 against a strong Seahawks defense.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Bradley Beal to Miss the Beginning of the Regular Season
Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Bradley Beal (knee) will not be ready for the start of the regular season, head coach Tyronn Lue said. Lue added, "He's been getting better. Rehab is going pretty well, so we'll see where he's at. We don't know the timetable, just making sure he feels good before he steps on the floor." Beal re-signed with the Clippers this offseason, signing a two-year, $13.2 million contract in August. The veteran shooting guard played just six games with the team last season, averaging 8.2 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.5 assists in 20 minutes per game. With him expected to be sidelined at the start of the season, look to guards Kris Dunn, Gradey Dick, and fifth-overall pick Keaton Wagler to fill in.
Source: Grant Mona
Source: Grant Mona
Joe Espada Will Not Return as Astros Manager in 2027
The Houston Astros announced on Wednesday that Joe Espada will not return as the team's manager in 2027. Espada took over in Houston in 2024 and led the Astros to a 256-229 record across his three years at the helm. The Astros won two American League West division crowns under Espada, but failed to win a single postseason game. Houston has also gotten progressively worse over the last three seasons, winning 88 games in 2024, 87 games in 2025, and 81 games this past season. Espada has already met with the Seattle Mariners about their managerial vacancy, so he could remain in the AL West.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Nate Sheppard Questionable vs. North Carolina
Duke running back Nate Sheppard (ankle) is questionable to play for the Blue Devils as they get ready to take on North Carolina on Saturday. Sheppard is dealing with an ankle injury, which he played through during a loss to Georgia Tech last week. He is the Blue Devils' top ball carrier, recording 27 carries for 99 yards and a couple of touchdowns against the Yellow Jackets. Sheppard is RotoBaller's fourth-ranked running back and is projected to score 24.9 fantasy points against the Tar Heels, who allowed Pitt to rush for 150 yards a week ago. North Carolina is allowing 152 yards per game on the ground this season. If Sheppard can't play, that would mean more carries for CJ Campbell Jr.
Source: ACC availability report
Source: ACC availability report
Jalen Duren Dominates in His Preseason Debut
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren scored 24 points, grabbed three rebounds, and dished out one assist in 15 minutes during his first preseason action. After negotiating a new contract ahead of training camp, Duren made his preseason debut, and it didn't disappoint. He shot 89% from the field (8/9) and led the team in scoring in the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Duren signed a five-year, $200 million deal in early October and, despite not practicing with the team for most of training camp, looks ready for opening night against the Boston Celtics. Fantasy managers should expect Duren to be a top-end center option in the 2026-27 season as he looks to follow up his All-Star-caliber season in 2025-26.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Fluff Bothwell Could Miss This Week Against LSU
Mississippi State running back Fluff Bothwell (lower leg) is questionable as the Bulldogs prepare to take on LSU on Saturday. Bothwell is the Bulldogs' leading rusher, recording 74 carries for 403 yards and three touchdowns this season. He's also chipped in nine receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown receiving. If Bothwell can't play, Mississippi State would likely turn to Kolin Wilson, who came on to replace Bothwell when he exited after just one carry against Alabama. Wilson finished the loss to the Crimson Tide with 10 carries for just 27 yards. LSU has been phenomenal defending against the run this season, allowing just 74.5 yards rushing per game to its opponents.
Source: SEC availability report
Source: SEC availability report
David Montgomery Could be Losing Grip on Starting Gig
Houston Texans running back David Montgomery (groin) is considered week-to-week after suffering an injury during Sunday's win over the Tennessee Titans. Montgomery missed practice to begin the week, and head coach DeMeco Ryans said the injury is a week-to-week concern. The veteran back was struggling before the injury, with 33 rushing yards or fewer in his last four games. Backup Woody Marks took over for Montgomery on Sunday and immediately outperformed him. Marks rushed for 62 yards on 15 attempts in Week 5. The expectation is that he'll remain the lead back until Montgomery is back. Given Montgomery's struggles, Marks has a real chance to earn a bigger chunk of the playing time going forward. Fantasy managers who don't have an available IR spot and need another back could potentially move on from Montgomery if he misses several weeks.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Marvin Harrison Jr. Still Tough to Trust After Trade
Houston Texans wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is expected to make his team debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6. Harrison is hopeful to bounce back after struggling to find much consistency with the Arizona Cardinals. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect Harrison to offer a ton of value right now. Texans' head coach DeMeco Ryans said the team plans to make it easy on him, and he won't be out there for all 60 snaps. It sounds like the Texans plan to ease Harrison into the offense, which makes him tough to trust in fantasy formats. There could be some long-term stash value here, but fantasy managers in 12-team redrafts don't need to hold him. It's likely going to be several weeks before Harrison starts making a real impact with his new team.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Davis Martin Hindered by Calf Injury This Year
Chicago White Sox general manager Chris Getz said on Wednesday that right-hander Davis Martin (calf) was hindered by right-calf discomfort in 2026, according to James Fegan of The Athletic. "I think it's very clear that he was hindered and wasn't himself," Getz said. Martin said that he battled calf issues off and on since April. The 29-year-old finished the year going 9-8 overall with a career-best 3.95 ERA (3.83 FIP), and 1.31 WHIP with a career-best 122 strikeouts and 46 walks in 146 innings pitched over 29 appearances (28 starts). Martin's calf injury apparently bothered him more as the season progressed, as he had a sharp 2.00 ERA with 71 strikeouts and 14 walks in his first 67 2/3 innings before sporting an ERA closer to 6.00 with 51 strikeouts and 32 walks in 78 1/3 innings pitched to close out the year. The White Sox did not trust him enough to use him as a starter during the postseason, as Martin pitched just one inning out of the bullpen and gave up two runs. With extended rest during the offseason, Martin should come into spring training in 2027 fully healthy and ready to bounce back.
Source: The Athletic - James Fegan
Source: The Athletic - James Fegan
