RADIO
Tony Pollard Likely Staying Put Before Trade Deadline
Running back Tony Pollard looks likely to stay with the Tennessee Titans, who reportedly prefer to keep him ahead of the Nov. 10 trade deadline, according to Ari Meirov. Tennessee has informed teams it does not want to move offensive contributors such as Pollard while continuing to evaluate quarterback Cam Ward, who has yet to throw a touchdown pass in the first three quarters of a game in 2026. Despite his potential value to interested teams, Tennessee appears reluctant to weaken an offense that relies heavily on Pollard while Ward develops. Thursday's trade of defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to the Chicago Bears has raised further questions about the Titans' plans. Pollard is in the final year of his contract and has rushed for 478 yards and four touchdowns through seven games, including 129 yards and three scores against the Cleveland Browns in Week 7.
Source: Ari Meirov
Source: Ari Meirov
Patrick Mahomes Has Lost His Must-Start Status
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes struggled in Sunday's 20-3 loss to Seattle, throwing for just 165 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. After throwing nine touchdowns in his first four games of the season, he has had zero touchdowns in his last two, adding just 437 passing yards and two interceptions in those outings. This lack of production continues to show Mahomes is no longer the key cog in the Chiefs' offense. Instead, they now rely on Kenneth Walker and the ground game. With a depleted receiving room (Rashee Rice remains questionable for Week 8), don't expect those vintage Mahomes performances to return anytime soon. Mahomes will still have weeks where he produces QB1 numbers, but with an offense no longer solely reliant on him and his production declining, he no longer warrants an automatic start tag. And with a Week 8 matchup against the Denver Broncos, he should remain on your bench.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jonah Coleman Making Case for Larger Backfield Role
Denver Broncos running back Jonah Coleman is a priority waiver add in 10-team and deeper leagues after returning from a four-game absence as the busiest running back in the Broncos' backfield. He played 49% of the offensive snaps against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7, up from 40% in his previous appearance before the injury, and his 30 snaps outpaced the 16 for RJ Harvey and 14 for J.K. Dobbins. Coleman led the group with nine carries for 54 yards and added two receptions for 15 yards. He had practiced fully throughout the week before his return, and head coach Sean Payton afterward praised his explosiveness and said he had earned additional opportunities. Dobbins still handled a goal-line carry for a touchdown, and Harvey scored on a 52-yard reception, so both remain involved. Yet Coleman getting the largest workload of the three right away is an encouraging sign, and he could develop into a more dependable flex option if his touches keep increasing.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaylen Warren Holds Lead Role as Steelers Backfield Evens Out
Running back Jaylen Warren remains a dependable fantasy RB2 because the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to feed him, even with Rico Dowdle back. He rushed 18 times for 101 yards and caught three passes for 36 yards in Pittsburgh's Week 7 win over the New Orleans Saints, with Dowdle finishing at nine carries and six receptions. Warren has logged at least 14 carries in five consecutive contests after combining for just 21 rushing attempts in the first two games, and he's topped 100 scrimmage yards four times in that span. Dowdle's role is expanding elsewhere, though. He played 44% of Pittsburgh's offensive snaps against the Saints, led the team with six catches, and head coach Mike McCarthy said he liked how the workload was distributed. That growth is what keeps Warren from the near-every-down role he held before Dowdle's return.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jake Ferguson Gives Fantasy Managers Little Reason to Roster Him
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson didn't record a single reception on just one target in Monday's 38-21 Week 7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. It's just the latest underwhelming box score in an already frustrating season. What's truly concerning, though, is his lack of usage. He only ran a route on 52% of dropbacks in Week 6 and 54% in Week 7, earning measly 6% and 4% target share in those two weeks. And it's no longer just CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens working ahead of him. Ryan Flournoy is becoming an increasingly important part of this passing attack. Flournoy ran a route on 91% of dropbacks in Week 6 and 75% in Week 7, earning a respectable 17% and 15% target share in those two weeks. Even fellow tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford is eating into Ferguson's role, outearning him in targets in back-to-back games. With his routes limited and his target share nearly nonexistent, Ferguson shouldn't be rostered in any standard league and should only be rostered in the deepest of TE-premium leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
D'Andre Swift Currently Operating as a Workhorse
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift ascended into a workhorse role during a Week 7 win over the New England Patriots. After consistently playing a slight majority of the snaps for most of this season, Swift exploded last Thursday with an 86% snap share and 26 total touches. He averaged just 3.6 yards per carry, but he also impressed with four receptions and a rushing touchdown. Swift's larger workload lately is the direct product of a key injury within the Chicago backfield. Kyle Monangai (thumb, toe), who averaged 15 carries per game when healthy, has now missed three consecutive games and is trending toward missing Week 8. Roschon Johnson wasn't very involved last week, so if Monangai does sit out Monday's game, Swift should see 20+ touches again in a workhorse role. That increased volume, coupled with the fact that he has four touchdowns in his last three games, vaults Swift to the high-end RB2 tier with additional upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Bears Acquire Jeffery Simmons From Titans in Blockbuster Deal
The Chicago Bears have acquired star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for two first-round picks and a fourth-round pick, according to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer. Simmons is a superstar on defense, earning four Pro Bowl honors throughout his career. He was also named a First Team All-Pro last season after amassing 11 sacks, 67 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 21 quarterback hits. He is on a similar trajectory this year with four sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Trading two first-round picks is a big decision for the Bears, but if the trade works out as planned, those selections will be later in the first round. Plus, it's a fair price to pay for a team looking to not only separate themselves in the NFC North, but also solidify their roster for a Super Bowl run. Simmons will now be tasked with serving as a game wrecker in a division that features Jared Goff, Kyler Murray, and Jordan Love.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Tristan Jarry Shuts Out Flames
Edmonton Oilers goaltender Tristan Jarry played a big role in Wednesday's clash against Calgary, recording a 24-save shutout in a 4-0 win. The Flames entered the first Battle of Alberta of the season on a four-game winning streak, but Jarry's outstanding play stopped their momentum. The former Penguin has taken on the No. 1 role in the Oilers' crease with Devon Levi (undisclosed) and Frederik Andersen (knee) out. While his first outing as the team's de facto starter against Toronto didn't go well, Jarry's numbers aren't bad this season. He has a 3-1-2 record, a 2.95 goals-against average, and a .889 save percentage.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Elijah Mitchell Likely the Lead RB if Teammate Can't Play Sunday
Philadelphia Eagles running back Elijah Mitchell signed with the team's practice squad just over a week ago and made his team debut against the Cowboys. He seems to be in position for a much larger role this week if Saquon Barkley (back, hamstring) is unable to play through his multiple injury issues. With Dameon Pierce (undisclosed) landing on the injured reserve along with Tank Bigsby, Will Shipley, and Carson Steele, the Eagles will be very short-handed in the backfield if Barkley is not able to carry the full workload. The team resigned Jaydon Blue to the active roster as well, but Mitchell is a much more established option and is expected to be the lead back. Mitchell appeared in 27 games for the 49ers across three seasons from 2021 through 2023, totaling 1,523 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 327 carries, but he had not gotten a carry or a target since the end of the 2023 season until last Sunday. He had three carries for 11 yards and three catches for 23 yards against Dallas in his return. Mitchell will have instant fantasy relevance if he is in a big role against the Commanders on Sunday Night Football this week, so watch Barkley's status closely in practice this week.
Source: Andrew DiCecco
Source: Andrew DiCecco
Victor Wembanyama Posts Massive Line In OT Win Over Jazz
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama scored 36 points and grabbed 14 rebounds as the Spurs outlasted the Jazz in overtime on Wednesday night. Wembanyama is averaging 25.0 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.4 steals, and 3.8 blocks per game this season while shooting 48 percent from the field. The Spurs forward added two steals and two blocked shots in the win over the Jazz on Wednesday. Wembanyama is the best fantasy play out there because of his contributions on the defensive end, specifically with blocked shots. His 3.8 blocks per game can win you that category, while he still gives massive contributions in the scoring, rebounding, and assist categories.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Gavin McKenna Delivers in First-Line Role
Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Gavin McKenna had the best game of his rookie campaign on Wednesday night against Seattle, finishing a 5-4 loss with three points. He scored two power-play goals and recorded an even-strength assist. This was an important night for McKenna, as he was promoted to the first line and saw increased power-play usage. Toronto's first line, which also includes Auston Matthews and Jack Roslovic, combined for eight points. While McKenna's offensive production has been inconsistent so far, he's now in a good position to boost his scoring tally. The 18-year-old has five goals and 11 points through his first 15 NHL outings.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Cooper Flagg Stars In Win Over Oklahoma City
Dallas Mavericks star forward Cooper Flagg scored 26 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out eight assists in the Mavericks' win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. Flagg shot 10-for-23 from the field and 2-for-8 from the three-point line. Flagg is off to a good start to the season with 25.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game, while shooting 52.2 percent from the field. The Duke star is a fantasy standout with his scoring ability and good shooting percentages, along with his contributions in rebounding and assists. His defensive game needs a bit of work, but Flagg looks like an All-Star-caliber player this season.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Albert Johansson to Miss Thursday's Action
Detroit Red Wings defenseman Albert Johansson (undisclosed) won't play on Thursday against Chicago, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports. This will be his second consecutive absence after Johansson was a late scratch for Monday's contest against Edmonton. Johansson averages a block per game, but offers very little offensively. In 11 outings this season, he has no goals and one assist. Forward Carter Mazur filled the void in the lineup on Monday, logging 5:10 on the fourth line. The likes of Andreas Englund and William Wallinder could see more ice time during Johansson's absence, but they don't have any fantasy appeal.
Source: Helene St. James
Source: Helene St. James
James Cook III Carrying a Heavy Workload
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III has been very involved and productive in his team's 5-1 start to the season. He has 20-plus carries in four of his last five games and has run for at least 95 yards in each of those four games with a heavy workload. He has scored six rushing touchdowns in his last five games as well and added three catches for 58 yards against the Raiders in the team's most recent game before a Week 7 bye. The Bills return from their bye against the Ravens in a big game this Sunday and then face the Vikings on Monday Night Football in Week 9. Cook doesn't have an easy schedule, but his heavy workload in an offense that is very productive makes him one of the top running back options to consider, as long as he stays in such a heavily involved role in Buffalo's offense.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Quentin Grimes With Big Game In Win Over Clippers
The Los Angeles Lakers were playing without starting guard Luka Doncic, but shooting guard Quentin Grimes picked up some of the slack with a 23-point, five-assist, four-steal performance in the win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. Grimes shot 7-for-15 from the field and 0-for-3 from the three-point line in the victory and provided some nice secondary stats with the assists and steals. Grimes wasn't off to the hottest start to begin the season, but he came through with Doncic sidelined. The guard shot the ball well from the field and had a huge defensive game to lead the Lakers.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
