September 18, 2025
Cleveland Browns rookie running back
Quinshon Judkins wasted no time making his presence felt, racking up 61 yards on 10 carries with three receptions for another 10 yards in his debut. The strong showing has vaulted him to the top of the Browns' depth chart, and fantasy managers should take note. With a potential 15-20 carry workload lined up against the Packers, Judkins has immediate RB2 upside and belongs in starting lineups. His explosive playmaking could not only elevate Cleveland's backfield but also open up more opportunities for veteran quarterback
Joe Flacco.
--Shaun AlbinSource: clevelandbrowns.com
September 18, 2025
Miami Marlins middle infielder
Xavier Edwards (wrist) remains sidelined for Thursday's contest against the hosting Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
Javier Sanoja will make the start at second base and will hit ninth against Rockies right-hander
Tanner Gordon. Right-wrist soreness will keep Edwards out for the fifth straight game. With the regular season winding down with just a week and a half of play left, it's possible we won't see Edwards again this year. The speedy switch-hitter and former first-round pick hasn't been quite as good as he was in 2024, but he's still been serviceable as a regular for Miami, slashing .280/.339/.353 with a .692 OPS, three home runs, 39 RBI, 73 runs scored and 24 stolen bases in a career-high 130 games in his third year in the big leagues. Stolen bases will always be the main fantasy draw with Edwards. Sanjoja will be a weak DFS sleeper, even at Coors Field.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
September 18, 2025
Baltimore Ravens tight end
Isaiah Likely (foot) is on the practice field for the team's first practice of the week on Thursday, according to Bo Smolka of Press Box. Likely will probably be listed as limited, but it's a good sign that he's making progress after being limited last Friday. The 25-year-old is probably facing an uphill battle to be active on Monday night in Week 3 against the Detroit Lions, but he's getting closer to making his 2025 debut. If you're not stoked on your TE options in fantasy, Likely is worth a pickup now if he's available in your league's waiver wire. Fellow tight end
Mark Andrews has been uncharacteristically quiet in two games with Likely sidelined, catching only two of his four targets for seven yards, with the Ravens scoring over 40 points in both of their games. With Andrews struggling, Likely could certainly take over TE1 duties in Baltimore once he's back to full strength.
UPDATE: Likely was officially limited at Thursday's practice.--Keith HernandezSource: Press Box - Bo Smolka
September 18, 2025
When asked if Green Bay Packers All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons (back) is no longer on a snap count, head coach Matt LaFleur said, "We'll see." Parsons, who was listed as questionable on the injury report in the first two weeks of the season, is not on the injury report this week as the team prepares to face the Cleveland Browns in Week 3. Despite being eased into action in his first two games with the team, the 26-year-old has still made an impact, recording three tackles (one solo), 1.5 sacks, one tackle for loss, and four QB hits in wins over the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders. It's unclear if Parsons will remain on a snap count in his third game of the season, but fantasy managers in IDP leagues should have him in their starting lineups against the Browns and immobile veteran quarterback
Joe Flacco.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
September 18, 2025
New England Patriots quarterback
Drake Maye said on Wednesday that he needs to get wide receiver
Stefon Diggs the ball more, while also acknowledging that he needs to "focus on finding open receivers," according to Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald. "I haven't heard Stefon (Diggs) say one thing about 'I need the ball more.' That is not something that I've ever heard," offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said. Through the first two weeks of the 2025 season, Diggs' 89 receiving yards rank him third on the team, although he's first in targets (12) and first in catches (10). The 31-year-old veteran is being involved, but it sounds like Maye is looking for more. It's what Diggs' fantasy managers want to hear, and he could be due for a big game in Week 3 against a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that has looked long in the tooth.
--Keith HernandezSource: Boston Herald - Andrew Callahan
September 18, 2025
Washington Commanders quarterback
Jayden Daniels (knee) is missing a second straight practice on Thursday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Daniels suffered a knee sprain in the Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers last Thursday night and is trending toward missing the Week 3 contest this Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. The 24-year-old has a shot to return to practice on Friday, but the Commanders are expected to err on the side of caution with the second-year signal-caller. Veteran backup
Marcus Mariota is preparing to start this weekend, and it was telling that Washington had him available to speak to the media on Wednesday, and not Daniels. Fantasy managers should be preparing as if Daniels will not be available for Week 3. Don't be so sure that he'll make it back for Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons, either.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
September 18, 2025
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Josh Downs (ankle) is practicing on Thursday after he picked up a DNP in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to The Athletic's James Boyd. It's unclear if Downs was limited or a full-go, but the fact that he's back on the practice field gives fantasy managers hope that he'll be able to play in Week 3 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans on Sunday. The 24-year-old caught just two of three targets for 12 yards in the season-opening win over the Miami Dolphins, but he bounced back with six catches for 51 yards on eight targets in the Week 2 victory over the Denver Broncos. If he's active, Downs will be an intriguing WR4/flex play in fantasy again this weekend against a Titans defense that has allowed the fourth-most half-PPR points to the position through the first two weeks.
UPDATE: Downs was able to practice in full on Thursday.--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - James Boyd
September 18, 2025
Indianapolis Colts rookie tight end
Tyler Warren (toe) is returning to practice on Thursday after he was a non-participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Warren could wind up as a limited participant on Thursday, but the important thing is that he's back on the practice field, giving him a chance to play in Week 3 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans. In the one-point win over the Denver Broncos in Week 2, the 23-year-old played a healthy 93 percent of the offensive snaps and caught four of his seven targets for 79 yards. Through his first two NFL games, Warren has 11 receptions for 155 yards on 16 targets. The Colts have made it no secret that he's a big part of their game plan, making him a top-five fantasy TE if he's active this weekend against the 0-2 Titans.
UPDATE: Warren was limited on Thursday.--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - James Boyd
September 18, 2025
Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said the challenge for rookie running back
Jacory Croskey-Merritt will be "playing without the ball." "Every time he's touched it, good things happen," but Kingsbury stressed that pass protection or just running his routes properly is a "big deal." However, the OC said he's "impressed by his work ethic." Washington's top pass-catching back, veteran
Austin Ekeler, is out for the year after tearing his Achilles in the Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Croskey-Merritt has averaged an impressive 7.1 yards per carry on his 14 rushing attempts in his first two NFL games, but he's failed to reel in his two pass-game targets, and it sounds like he has work to do before being trusted in obvious passing situations going forward.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. will have a role with Ekeler out, but it might be
Jeremy McNichols who gets the first shot in passing situations, starting in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - John Keim
September 18, 2025
Boston Red Sox outfielder
Wilyer Abreu (calf) is finally nearing a return from the 10-day injured list. Abreu will work out in Boston on Friday, and if that goes well, he could join the team in Tampa Bay on Saturday or Sunday, manager Alex Cora told reporters. Abreu has been on the shelf since Aug. 18 with a strained right calf. The hope was that Abreu would miss a minimal amount of time, but his recovery hasn't gone as quickly as expected. He'll end up sitting out a little over a month if the Red Sox activate him this weekend. The 26-year-old has slashed a strong .253/.325/.486 with 22 homers, 69 RBI, 52 runs scored, and six stolen bases over 108 games and 395 plate appearances this season.
--Connor ByrneSource: Christopher Smith - MassLive.com
September 18, 2025
Auburn star receiver Eric Singleton Jr. (hip) is listed as questionable on the SEC injury report ahead of Saturday's game at Oklahoma. The SEC opener for both teams is a pivotal matchup as both Auburn and Oklahoma are currently ranked and looking to improve upon poor showings a season ago. The Georiga Tech transfer is tied with sophomore Cam Coleman in receiving yards with 149. He has scored two touchdowns on the season so far. If he can't go, expect Coleman to lead the way through the air for Auburn.
--Brant Henson - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
September 18, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder
Anthony Santander (shoulder) is "very likely" to continue his minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Buffalo through the weekend, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet reports. Santander, who has been out since late May with an injured left shoulder, played the outfield with Buffalo for the first time on Wednesday. However, there were no balls hit to him in his seven innings of work in the grass. With Buffalo's season ending on Sunday, Santander should finally rejoin the Blue Jays next week. The ex-Baltimore Oriole, 30, has gone through a nightmarish first season with Toronto after joining the team in free agency. Before suffering the injury, Santander slumped to a .179/.273/.304 line with six homers, 18 RBI, and 14 runs scored over 50 games and 209 plate appearances.
--Connor ByrneSource: Arden Zwelling - Sportsnet
September 18, 2025
The Detroit Tigers have activated right-handed reliever
Paul Sewald (shoulder) from the 60-day injured list and optioned righty
Jose Urquidy to Triple-A Toledo. Sewald is ready to return after missing upward of two months with a shoulder strain. He spent the first few months of the season with the division-rival Cleveland Guardians, who traded him to the Tigers at the July 31 deadline. The 35-year-old is now set for his Detroit debut after recording a 4.70 ERA with a 1.17 WHIP, 18:4 K:BB, four holds, and two saves in 15 1/3 innings with Cleveland. Sewald hasn't pitched in the majors since July 11.
--Connor ByrneSource: Evan Woodbery - MLive.com
September 18, 2025
The Los Angeles Chargers are signing free-agent defensive end Clelin Ferrell to an undisclosed deal on Thursday, sources tell Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Ferrell will help fill in as a pass-rusher for the Chargers after they placed Pro Bowler Khalil Mack (elbow) on Injured Reserve after he dislocated his elbow in the Monday night win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Ferrell, the former fourth overall pick, has plenty of NFL experience, starting 57 career games. The 28-year-old spent the 2024 campaign with the Washington Commanders and racked up 26 tackles (11 solo), 3.5 sacks, nine QB hits, and a forced fumble in 14 regular-season games (10 starts). Ferrell was cut by Washington at the end of training camp this summer, but he'll return to the AFC West with the Chargers and will likely fill a rotational role as the Bolts look to replace Mack's production over at least the next four games.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
September 18, 2025
The Kansas City Royals announced that they have placed outfielder
Kyle Isbel (hamstring) on the 10-day injured list with a strained left hamstring and recalled outfielder
John Rave from Triple-A Omaha. After suffering the injury and leaving early in a 7-5 win over the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday, Isbel's season will come to an end. The 28-year-old defensive wiz hit .255/.301/.353 with four homers, 33 RBI, 42 runs, and four stolen bases across 135 games and 409 plate appearances this season.
Mike Yastrzemski will move from left field to center to take Isbel's place on Thursday against the Mariners, while
Adam Frazier will play left.
--Connor ByrneSource: Jaylon Thompson - The Kansas City Star
September 18, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback
Joe Burrow (toe) is scheduled to have surgery on Friday if the swelling in his injured toe goes down, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Burrow will have a procedure to fix his Grade 3 turf-toe injury, according to sources. The surgery may be pushed back a few days. Once he goes under the knife, he'll be facing a three-month recovery. The Bengals are keeping the door open for the 28-year-old signal-caller to return this season, but if Burrow does make it back, it won't be until at least mid-December, leaving a small window for him to contribute for fantasy managers who make a run into the playoffs. In the meantime, backup
Jake Browning will lead Cincy's talented offense. Browning has the skills to be a serviceable QB streamer in fantasy with one of the best 1-2 punches at the receiver position in the league, but he's also no Joe Burrow.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
September 18, 2025
The New York Mets have placed left-hander
Sean Manaea on the paternity list. Manaea will miss anywhere from one to three days. The 33-year-old has mostly worked out of the Mets' rotation this season, but after a seven-start stretch in which he posted a 7.71 ERA, they moved him to the bullpen earlier this week. Manaea was successful following starter
Clay Holmes in a win over the San Diego Padres on Tuesday, as he threw five innings of one-run, four-hit ball with four strikeouts against one walk. He's expected to relieve Holmes again on Sunday against the Washington Nationals.
--Connor ByrneSource: Anthony DiComo - MLB.com
September 18, 2025
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that quarterback
Mac Jones' performance in the Week 2 win over the New Orleans Saints "doesn't really affect" whether
Brock Purdy (toe, shoulder) will play in Week 3 against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. Basically, when the Niners feel comfortable enough putting Purdy back out there, he'll be out there. Jones went 26-for-39 for 279 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions in the 26-21 win over New Orleans, but make no mistake, there is no QB controversy in the Bay Area. Purdy is the starter once he recovers from turf-toe and shoulder injuries. He was limited in practice on Wednesday and has a chance to serve as Jones' backup this Sunday against Arizona. Jones will start at least one more game this weekend, where he'll be in play as a low-end QB in superflex leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: San Francisco Chronicle - Eric Branch
September 18, 2025
Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said that quarterback
Jayden Daniels (knee) is "preparing mentally" on Thursday ahead of the Week 3 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday. "Marcus is taking the reps and Jayden is preparing mentally," Kingsbury said. When asked for a specific update on the health of Daniels, Kingsbury didn't have one, but he did say the team has full confidence in backup
Marcus Mariota. Daniels suffered a knee sprain in last Thursday night's loss to the Green Bay Packers and will not practice before Friday, at the earliest. While Washington hasn't ruled Daniels out this weekend, all signs point to them erring on the side of caution and holding him out. Fantasy managers should have already picked up a backup QB this week if Daniels was the only signal-caller on your roster going into the week.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Washington Post - Nicki Jhabvala
September 18, 2025
Athletics catcher
Shea Langeliers is not in the lineup against the Boston Red Sox on Thursday.
Willie MacIver will take over behind the plate and hit ninth in a meeting with right-hander
Brayan Bello. Langeliers is getting a breather after starting eight straight games. The 27-year-old slugger has hit a solid .280/.379/.420 in 12 contests in September, though he has only gone deep once. He has belted 30 homers this season and slashed .263/.316/.524 with 68 RBI, 69 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in 494 plate appearances. Langeliers, Seattle's
Cal Raleigh, and Colorado's
Hunter Goodman are the only primary catchers who have reached the 30-HR mark in 2025.
--Connor ByrneSource: MLB.com
September 18, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Emeka Egbuka (hip, groin) is expected to practice on Thursday, despite not being available for the portion of practice open to the media. The Ohio State alum was tagged with a DNP to start the week of preparation, but it's good news that he'll be out there in some fashion the next day. Egbuka has paced all Buccaneers wideouts in snaps thus far, including running mate
Mike Evans, who he outsnapped 74-63 in their Week 2 win. It's unclear when exactly the rookie sustained his injuries, but as of now, they don't seem to threaten his status for the team's home meeting with the New York Jets on Sunday. That said, fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on the capacity in which he practices on Friday. He'll be a low-end WR2 with upside if he's active.
--Alex CiullaSource: Rick Stroud
September 18, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Chris Godwin (ankle) is making good progress after returning to practice last week, but those who ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has spoken to think a return in Week 3 against the New York Jets "might be ambiguous." Godwin returning next week against the Philadelphia Eagles, however, "feels like a real possibility." The 29-year-old suffered an ugly, season-ending dislocated ankle in Week 7 of last year and returned to the practice field for the first time last Thursday. He avoided the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin the season, so Godwin can return at any time once he's cleared. Fantasy managers stashing him in an IR spot have to be pleased by his progress, but make sure to temper expectations once he returns, especially since rookie first-rounder
Emeka Egbuka should remain a bit part of the team's passing attack all year.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
September 18, 2025
Tampa Bay Rays third baseman
Junior Caminero (back) is out of the lineup against the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday.
Tristan Gray will fill in at the hot corner and hit sixth versus right-hander
Chris Bassitt. Caminero is considered day-to-day after exiting the Rays' win over the Jays on Wednesday with mid-back tightness. He could return when Tampa Bay opens a series against the Boston Red Sox on Friday. With 44 home runs in 2025, Caminero is just two away from tying
Carlos Pena's franchise record of 46. Along with his gaudy HR total, the 22-year-old has slashed .259/.302/.537 with 108 RBI, 89 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in 620 plate appearances.
--Connor ByrneSource: MLB.com
September 18, 2025
New York Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand notes that the team's offensive game plan won't change "much at all," with quarterback
Tyrod Taylor manning the helm. "It's very comforting as a coach," Engstrand said, regarding having a backup of the veteran's caliber. The journeyman signal-caller looked decent last weekend while working in teammate
Justin Fields' (concussion) stead, and there's an argument to be made that New York's receiving options get a bump with him in the lineup. Particularly, after Fields' dismal outing in Week 2. Fantasy managers can expect a good dose of the ground game in this weekend's road matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That is, unless opposing QB
Baker Mayfield elicits a shootout.
--Alex CiullaSource: Rich Cimini
September 18, 2025
Despite his lack of involvement early on, ESPN's Dan Graziano notes that Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver
Isaiah Bond has the potential to be a second-half breakout candidate in the 2025 season. Bond got a late start after dealing with sexual assault charges that were eventually dropped, so he's a bit further behind your typical rookie wideout at this point in their career. Any time missed in the early portion of a player's tenure could set them back, but the former Texas Longhorn has seemingly already surpassed second-year receiver
Jamari Thrash in the Browns' WR room. Cleveland's dearth of skill players could leave him with a low target floor on a weekly basis, though Bond boasts the most speed of the group. Expect things to be in flux for the Browns at some point, but Bond is worth keeping an eye on in deeper leagues and is an excellent stash in dynasty formats.
--Alex CiullaSource: Dan Graziano
September 18, 2025
ESPN's Dan Graziano notes that with the Kansas City Chiefs' lack of production regarding their rushing attack, it wouldn't be surprising to see running back
Brashard Smith see more opportunities. According to Graziano, the Chiefs view the SMU product more in a pass-catching role, and he could begin to see work there. Teammates
Isiah Pacheco and
Kareem Hunt have handled all but one of the backfield carries through two weeks, and have been nearly as inefficient in the receiving game as they've been on the ground. Graziano speculates that once Kansas City trusts Smith to handle the full extent of his responsibilities, he'll become a factor in the offense. Until then, he's difficult to trust for fantasy, but the rookie boasts the highest ceiling of the trio, and the Chiefs were "very impressed" with him in camp.
--Alex CiullaSource: Dan Graziano
September 18, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars running back
Bhayshul Tuten (shoulder) saw his snap share increase exponentially in their 31-27 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. With Jacksonville flipping former backfield mate
Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles earlier in the week, playing time opened up behind starter
Travis Etienne Jr., and Tuten made his opportunities count. The 23-year-old was fourth in the pecking order during Week 1, playing behind rookie counterpart
LeQuint Allen Jr. In Week 2, however, Tuten outsnapped Allen Jr. 18-11 and out-touched him 10-2. Furthermore, the former looked explosive, displaying power and agility. Etienne Jr. is the back to own currently, but Tuten has made a case to be his handcuff and garner an increased role in the offense. The Jags' ground attack looks excellent right now, so he could be well on his way to making that happen. He'll be one to watch this Sunday in their matchup with Houston.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
September 18, 2025
Washington Commanders quarterback
Jayden Daniels (knee) is trending toward the wrong side of questionable heading into Week 3. Daniels suffered a knee sprain in the Week 2 loss to Green Bay, and while the team hasn't ruled him out, the signs aren't encouraging. Backup
Marcus Mariota handled Wednesday's press conference duties, which is a signal that the coaching staff may be preparing him to start. The Commanders are mindful of history, especially after the Robert Griffin III saga, where rushing a young ascending QB back from a knee injury ended poorly. Head coach Dan Quinn said that Daniels is not expected to practice until Friday, as he continues to rehab his knee. With a long season ahead and a winnable matchup against the Raiders, the team has every reason to play it safe. At this point, Daniels looks more likely to sit than to suit up in Week 3.
--Nathan HarveySource: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
September 18, 2025
Houston Texans running back
Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) may not carry much fantasy relevance in 2025. The veteran is coming off a strong 2024 campaign in which he finished inside the top 10 in rushing yards per game and ranked as the RB8 in half-PPR formats. But Mixon has yet to play this season due to a foot/ankle injury, and many have speculated whether Mixon will even play this season. In his absence,
Nick Chubb has stepped in as the lead back. Chubb has looked revitalized after last year's knee injury, currently ranking 20th in rushing yards and 12th in yards before contact. With Chubb producing, a committee approach likely on the horizon, and Houston's offensive line struggling, Mixon's fantasy outlook looks bleak, even if he does return later in the year.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
September 18, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals tight end
Mike Gesicki has quickly lost his fantasy relevance in 2025. After a bounce-back 2024 season in which he posted his best numbers since 2021, Gesicki's role has diminished with the arrival of free-agent addition
Noah Fant. The two have been splitting snaps (Gesicki 44%, Fant 37%), while blocking specialist
Drew Sample continues to factor into the rotation. With
Joe Burrow expected to miss most of the season, the Bengals' passing attack takes a major hit, further sinking Gesicki's outlook. Between the reduced snap share and a backup quarterback in the lineup, Gesicki should be ranked outside the top 30 fantasy tight ends and is safe to drop in most formats.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
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