RADIO
Drew Rasmussen Starting Game 1 of ALCS Against Cleveland
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen will make the start in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series on Monday at home against the Cleveland Guardians, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. This was the expected move for the Rays after they finished off a three-game sweep of the division-rival New York Yankees in the AL Division Series. The 31-year-old veteran threw a gem in his outing against the Yankees in Game 1 of the ALDS, going eight shutout innings with one hit allowed, two walks, and 10 strikeouts. Rasmussen has appeared in four postseason games (two starts) and has been excellent, allowing three earned runs on eight hits while walking two and striking out 15 in 12 2/3 innings pitched. The Rays are hoping that Rasmussen will continue to pitch well in the playoffs and against the Guardians this year. He made two starts against them during the regular season and went 1-1 with a 1.50 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, 15 strikeouts, and two walks in 12 innings pitched. Rasmussen went 9-3 with a 2.87 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 86 strikeouts, and 18 walks in 84 2/3 innings over his 15 starts at home during the regular season.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Walker Kessler Returns to Full Practice on Sunday
Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler (finger) went through a full practice Sunday after being limited by a jammed left pinkie, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. Kessler called the restrictions precautionary and said he's ready to play, though the Lakers haven't committed to his preseason debut Tuesday against Golden State. The 25-year-old played only five games last season before undergoing surgery for a torn left shoulder labrum, averaging 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks. Once cleared, Kessler should handle most of the center minutes, with Sandro Mamukelashvili shifting between both frontcourt spots.
Source: Dave McMenamin
Source: Dave McMenamin
Maxime Raynaud to be Re-Evaluated in Two Weeks
Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud (knee) suffered a right patellar subluxation and will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. The 23-year-old is expected to miss the start of the regular season, with Sacramento opening Oct. 21 against the Clippers. Raynaud earned All-Rookie Second Team honors after averaging 12.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists on 57.1% shooting last season. His absence leaves more backup center minutes available for Precious Achiuwa and Dylan Cardwell behind Domantas Sabonis.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
George Kittle Quiet While Playing Through Illness
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (illness) was uncertain coming into Week 5, but was eventually cleared to play against the Seattle Seahawks. He finished with five receptions on six targets for 24 yards in the win over the Seahawks. Kittle was active for this game, but his illness likely played a role in his poor performance. The 49ers lost wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) during this game, so Kittle could be asked to do even more next week against the Washington Commanders. The star tight end still had a season-high five receptions during this game, so it wasn't a complete disaster. He'll remain a top-tier tight end in Week 6.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Zach Charbonnet Not Expected to Return in Week 6
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) is not expected to play during the Week 6 matchup against the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football, per Corbin K. Smith. Head coach Mike Macdonald said it would be tricky for Charbonnet to be ready in time for Thursday's game. Charbonnet returned to practice late last week, but he was only able to get through limited practice sessions. It sounds like the Seahawks will have him sit out one more game before he makes his season debut in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs. His absence would mean that Emanuel Wilson draws at least one more start. He rushed for 61 yards and scored a touchdown in Week 5. It seems like fantasy managers will need to wait until Week 7 before Charbonnet is unleashed.
Source: Corbin K. Smith
Source: Corbin K. Smith
Ollie Gordon II is Effective on the Ground Again
Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II has stepped up in a major way for this offense lately. On Sunday, Gordon carried the ball 18 times for 88 yards and a touchdown in the loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He set a new career-high in rushing attempts and was able to find the end zone to increase his touchdown streak to three games. Gordon did briefly leave the game with an undisclosed injury, but it doesn't sound like anything that is going to impact him going forward. Gordon has run away with the lead back job for the foreseeable future, with De'Von Achane (knee) done for the season. The Dolphins are on a bye in Week 6, but he'll look to continue his success against the New York Jets in Week 7.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Ladd McConkey Does Nothing in Loss
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (foot) was cleared to play ahead of the Week 5 matchup against the Denver Broncos. He was not expected to suit up, but McConkey was given the go-ahead to play this weekend. The third-year wideout was active, but didn't play during the Week 5 loss. He was expected to have a limited role, but didn't end up doing anything. Fantasy managers who started McConkey got a dud. Fantasy managers can be hopeful for better days ahead against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6. It has been a down year for McConkey, but he's still the No. 1 wideout in this offense.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jeremiyah Love is Held in Check in Loss
Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love was unable to find any success on the ground during Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions. Love was effective in the past two games, but was completely shut down on Sunday. He carried the ball 12 times for 22 yards in the loss. It didn't help his case that the Cardinals were getting blown out, so they had to basically abandon the running game in the second half of this game. Fantasy managers can be hopeful for a bounce-back performance next week, but they take on the Rams on the road. Love should at least be able to top this performance during next week's divisional contest.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Pittsburgh's Big Day Still Ends Up A Dud For DK Metcalf
The Pittsburgh Steelers scored 34 offensive points in a victory against the Indianapolis Colts, but that didn't amount to much for wide receiver DK Metcalf, who ended the day with just three catches for 12 yards and one rush for 11 yards. The veteran receiver was fourth on the team with four targets while running back Jaylen Warren and tight end Pat Freiermuth accounted for a combined four touchdowns. Metcalf has now been held to four or fewer catches and 40 or fewer receiving yards in four of the Steelers' five games. Pittsburgh has a favorable second-half schedule for a receiver, but Metcalf is becoming increasingly difficult to trust in fantasy lineups. The Steelers will travel to Tampa in Week 6.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jordan Love Picks Apart Bears Defense in Blowout Win
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love had a fantastic day in a 31-7 win over the rival Chicago Bears in Week 5. Love completed 25 out of 31 passes (80.6%) for 367 yards and two touchdowns, while adding one carry for six rushing yards. Love connected with wide receiver Christian Watson on both of his touchdown passes, recording 42-yard and 53-yard scores, respectively. The Packers dominated from start to finish, and Love was highly efficient and effective, particularly on deep throws. Love will look to carry the momentum into a Week 6 matchup with a Dallas Cowboys defense that allows 227 passing yards per game.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaylen Waddle Doesn't Make an Impact Versus Chargers
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle had limited impact in a 23-17 win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 5. Waddle recorded just two receptions (on five targets) for 19 yards. He added one rush for six yards. Waddle was on the field for 40 offensive snaps, but on a day when quarterback Bo Nix threw for only 123 yards, there weren't many opportunities in the passing game. Tight end Evan Engram led the Broncos with four receptions for 55 yards, while wide receiver Courtland Sutton caught Nix's only touchdown pass on Sunday. This is the third time in the first five games of 2026 that Waddle recorded two receptions or fewer, and he has recorded 35 receiving yards or fewer in four out of five games this season. His usage is something to monitor moving forward.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Omarion Hampton Inefficient, Out-Snapped by Backfield Mates
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton had an inefficient effort in a 23-17 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 5. Hampton carried the ball 14 times for 33 yards (2.4 yards per carry) and recorded one catch for six yards. He did not find the end zone. While Hampton led the Chargers in rushing attempts, he was third on the team in rushing yards behind running back Kimani Vidal (57) and quarterback Justin Herbert (54). More discouraging for Hampton was the fact that both Vidal (27) and Keaton Mitchell (23) played more offensive snaps than Hampton (20). The Chargers have now fallen to 0-5 on the 2026 season, and their running back by committee remains difficult to figure out.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaylen Warren Goes Wild In Win Against Colts
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren had a monster day in Sunday's victory against the Indianapolis Colts, compiling 188 total yards and two touchdowns. The fifth-year back caught six passes for 87 yards, doing almost all of his receiving damage with an 80-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter. He followed that up with consistent effectiveness on the ground, rushing for 101 yards and a score on 15 carries. It was a banner fantasy performance for Warren, who has taken full advantage of fellow running back Rico Dowdle (toe) being out. Managers should keep an eye on injury reports with Dowdle close to returning ahead of a Week 6 game at Tampa, but Warren has been so reliable that he should continue to be Pittsburgh's top option out of the backfield.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Braelon Allen Sets Career Highs in Win Over Browns
New York Jets running back Braelon Allen set career highs in rushing attempts (24) and rushing yards (116) in a 17-12 win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 5. Allen saw four targets in the passing game, but recorded just one reception for zero yards. With starter Breece Hall (quadriceps) out, Allen drew his second consecutive start and played 60 offensive snaps against the Browns. As long as Hall remains out of the lineup, Allen is a must-start player in most fantasy football formats. Even when Hall returns, Allen will remain a premium handcuff option.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Alvin Kamara Uninvolved In Saints' Week 5 Loss
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (back) ended Sunday as a fantasy disappointment, rushing just three times for 12 yards and losing six yards on two catches. The veteran came into the game with a questionable tag and still played, but he drew fewer carries than both Kendre Miller (10) and CJ Donaldson (four). The day was a consistent struggle for the New Orleans offense against Minnesota's top-tier defense, though Miller drew the key goal-line carries that led to the Saints' only offensive touchdown of the day. Kamara's receiving ability still gives him value in PPR formats, though the Saints' 96 passing yards made for an underwhelming day for everyone involved. New Orleans will face a better matchup next week against the New York Giants.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
