September 17, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receivers
Brian Thomas Jr. and
Travis Hunter had a tough time getting anything going in the Week 2 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, but
Parker Washington and
Dyami Brown stepped up for quarterback
Trevor Lawrence. Washington led the team with 76 receiving yards, but Brown had a team-best 12 targets and also tied Washington with five receptions. The 25-year-old finished with 57 yards and scored for the first time this season. Thomas and Hunter are going to be Lawrence's primary targets most weeks, but it's notable that Brown has topped 50 receiving yards in each of the first two weeks of the 2025 season. In new head coach Liam Coen's pass-happy offense, Brown could have a consistent role all year, and if anything were to happen to Thomas or Hunter, he could be a weekly flex option in fantasy. Put Brown on your watch list.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
September 17, 2025
San Francisco Giants outfielder
Jung Hoo Lee is not in the lineup on Wednesday against Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander
Brandon Pfaadt.
Drew Gilbert will take over in center field in Lee's place and bat ninth. While Lee has hit a solid .302/.375/.419 with a home run, four RBI, and seven runs scored in 12 games this month, he's now mired in an 0-for-17 slump that dates back to last Wednesday. Gilbert, meanwhile, has gone a productive 8-for-32 (.250/.306/.500) with two homers, a pair of doubles, five RBI, and six runs over 10 games in September.
--Connor ByrneSource: MLB.com
September 17, 2025
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that quarterback
Jayden Daniels (knee) will not practice on Wednesday, according to Tashan Reed of The Washington Post. Quinn said the team will have an update on Daniels after Friday's practice. Daniels sprained his knee in the Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers last Thursday night, and his availability for Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders is now up in the air. While we won't know for sure if the 24-year-old second-year signal-caller will play this weekend until Friday, it's looking like veteran backup
Marcus Mariota will get the start. The Commanders had Mariota, and not Daniels, available to reporters on Wednesday. Fantasy managers need a backup plan in case Daniels is unable to practice and play this week. He may be a question mark for Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons, too.
UPDATE: Quinn said Daniels won't practice until Friday, at the earliest.--Keith HernandezSource: The Washington Post - Tashan Reed
September 17, 2025
Chicago Cubs outfielder
Kyle Tucker (calf) is seeking additional, outside treatment for an injured left calf that has "plateaued," manager Craig Counsell said. Tucker is dealing with a strain that has kept him out since Sept. 2, and he has not recovered as quickly as anticipated. It's now in question whether the 28-year-old will be able to make it back before the regular season ends. The Cubs are close to securing a wild-card spot, giving them little incentive to rush Tucker back before October. While Tucker did endure a severe slump earlier this summer, he has been a key contributor to the team's success this season. The four-time All-Star has slashed .270/.381/.472 with 22 homers, 73 RBI, 89 runs scored, and 25 stolen bases across 133 games and 585 plate appearances.
Willi Castro and
Seiya Suzuki have gotten most of the playing time in right field in Tucker's absence.
--Connor ByrneSource: Patrick Mooney - The Athletic
September 17, 2025
San Francisco 49ers running back
Isaac Guerendo entered the 2025 season as a prime handcuff for fantasy managers who were looking to score
Christian McCaffrey at a discount early in drafts. However, Guerendo's fantasy value took a massive hit when the Niners acquired
Brian Robinson Jr. from the Washington Commanders. B-Rob has been McCaffrey's backup through two weeks, relegating Guerendo to a distant RB3 role. In the Week 2 win over the New Orleans Saints, the 25-year-old didn't play a single snap on offense, with all 17 of his snaps coming on special teams. Guerendo averaged a healthy 5.0 yards per carry on 84 rushing attempts for 420 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games (three starts) as a rookie in 2024 when CMC was bothered by injuries, but currently, he's well off the fantasy radar in single-year leagues going into Week 3 against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
September 17, 2025
Houston Astros third baseman
Isaac Paredes (hamstring) has "an outside chance" to return from the 60-day injured list this weekend, according to general manager Dana Brown. Paredes has been participating in baseball activities in Florida, and while the GM admitted that it "may be a long shot," getting him back for a series against the Seattle Mariners would be a significant development for the Astros. They trail the surging Mariners by a half-game in the race for the AL West title and have gone almost two months without Paredes, who strained his right hamstring on July 19. The 26-year-old slashed .259/.359/.470 with 19 homers, 50 RBI, and 51 runs scored over 409 trips to the plate in the first few months of the season en route to his second straight All-Star nod. If Paredes does come back soon, it could soften the blow of a potentially lengthy
Yordan Alvarez (ankle) absence. The designated hitter is dealing with a "severe" ankle sprain that will force him to miss an undetermined amount of time.
--Connor ByrneSource: Matt Kawahara - Houston Chronicle
September 17, 2025
The Houston Texans placed wide receiver
Justin Watson (Achilles, calf) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday, according to the team's official website. Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports is reporting that Watson is dealing with an Achilles/calf injury, but it's not a tear, so he could potentially return later this season. The good news for Houston is that both receivers
Christian Kirk (hamstring) and
Braxton Berrios (hamstring) are expected to play in Week 3 against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. For now, the 29-year-old Watson will have to miss at least the next four games. Watson wasn't on the fantasy radar anywhere to begin with, even with Kirk and Berrios missing the first two weeks of the season. Watson had three catches on four targets for 30 yards in the first two contests of 2025 before getting injured.
--Keith HernandezSource: HoustonTexans.com
September 17, 2025
Colorado quarterback Kaidon Salter is expected to start against Wyoming on Saturday, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. The Liberty transfer started the team's first two games of the season before being benched for Ryan Staub for last week's loss to Houston. Salter completed 68.2% of his passes for 261 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions in his first two games with the Buffaloes. He was a dynamic passer and runner with the Flames, and Colorado is hoping to get similar production out of him after dropping two of its three games to open the 2025 campaign.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Matt Zenitz - CBS
September 17, 2025
Carolina Panthers rookie running back
Trevor Etienne has played only four offensive snaps through the first two games of his first year in the NFL and is the clear RB2 in Carolina's backfield behind
Chuba Hubbard and
Rico Dowdle heading into a Week 3 divisional clash against the Atlanta Falcons. In the Week 2 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, the 21-year-old didn't have a carry and caught his only target for a two-yard gain while playing two snaps. Currently, the Georgia product is primarily being utilized as the team's kickoff-return specialist. He has returned five kicks for 101 yards through two weeks. Etienne is only worth rostering as RB depth in dynasty/keeper leagues right now, and he probably won't be worth a look on the waiver wire unless Hubbard or Dowdle miss time with an injury.
--Keith HernandezSource: espn.com
September 17, 2025
The St. Louis Cardinals have placed first baseman
Willson Contreras (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list with a strained right shoulder, retroactive to Sept. 16. The team recalled infielder
Jose Fermin from Triple-A Memphis in a corresponding move. Contreras exited a loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Monday with what was believed to be a biceps injury, but it turns out his shoulder will send him to the IL and keep him out for the rest of the season. The 33-year-old former catcher amassed 563 plate appearances in 2025 and slashed an above-average .257/.344/.447 with 20 homers, 80 RBI, 70 runs scored, and five stolen bases. With Contreras out of commission,
Alec Burleson should get the majority of playing time at first base for the remainder of the Cardinals' season, which will leave the corner outfield to
Lars Nootbaar and
Jordan Walker.
--Connor ByrneSource: Katie Woo - The Athletic
September 17, 2025
New York Jets veteran backup quarterback
Tyrod Taylor will make the start in Week 3 on Sunday against the hosting Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the Jets officially ruled out
Justin Fields (concussion) on Wednesday, according to head coach Aaron Glenn. Taylor entered the Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the fourth quarter after Fields slammed his head on the turf and went 7-for-11 passing for 56 yards and a touchdown on two drives to end the 30-10 loss. The 36-year-old also had three carries for 21 yards. Taylor looked better than Fields did, albeit at the end of a blowout. Taylor can use his legs when needed, but he's made only five starts since the start of 2022, and none since 2023 with the New York Giants. Expect the Jets to lean even more on their ground game this weekend against a stout Tampa defensive line. In two-QB superflex leagues, Taylor will be a low-upside, low-end QB2 option for those already in trouble at the position.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
September 17, 2025
Chicago Cubs outfielder
Seiya Suzuki (illness) is back in the lineup on Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Suzuki will play right field and hit fifth in a meeting with right-hander
Johan Oviedo. The 31-year-old slugger missed the Cubs' previous five games while dealing with bronchitis. Before then, he opened September an ice-cold 7-for-34 (.206) with no extra-base hits, two RBI, nine strikeouts, and six walks over nine games. Suzuki has taken 611 trips to the plate this season and hit .244/.324/.461 with career highs in homers (27) and RBI (91), 69 runs scored, and five stolen bases. He's just 1-for-9 with three strikeouts against Oviedo.
--Connor ByrneSource: MLB.com
September 17, 2025
New York Jets quarterback
Justin Fields (concussion) has been ruled out for Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero . Fields was forced to leave New York's Week 2 contest early due to a concussion. Given how early in the week Fields has been ruled out, it's possible he could be facing a multi-week absence, but that's pure speculation at this stage. Veteran quarterback
Tyrod Taylor will get the start against Tampa Bay in Fields' absence. Taylor completed seven of 11 pass attempts for 56 yards and a touchdown after taking over mid-game in Week 2. His last stretch of extended NFL action came in 2023 for the New York Giants, when he threw for 1,341 yards and five touchdowns and rushed for 197 yards on 38 attempts across 11 games (five starts). The 36-year-old Taylor still offers some dual-threat ability and could be a low-end injury replacement option in two-quarterback fantasy leagues.
--Will BradySource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
September 17, 2025
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris is calling cornerback A.J. Terrell (hamstring) week-to-week with a hamstring injury that he picked up in the Week 2 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night, according to Terrin Waack of AtlantaFalcons.com. "We'll see how it goes. ... Obviously, those hamstrings are tricky," Morris said. Terrell's status for Week 3 against the division-rival Carolina Panthers will depend on how much he's able to do in practice this week, but right now, it doesn't look good for his availability. If the 26-year-old defensive back is unable to play this Sunday, both Natrone Brooks and Dee Alford would see more action against a Panthers team still searching for their first win of 2025. If Terrell is ruled out for Week 3, his next chance to return would be for a Week 4 meeting against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Sept. 28.
--Keith HernandezSource: AtlantaFalcons.com - Terrin Waack
September 17, 2025
From Week 1 to Week 2, Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver
Isaiah Bond saw his snap count increase from 21 to 28, and his target volume jumped from one to three. Bond has recorded just two catches for 11 yards across his first two NFL games, but the team may be slowly ramping him up, given that he was not signed until August. Bond was accused of sexual assault in April, which led to him going undrafted, but he no longer faces criminal charges. The 21-year-old could be establishing himself as Cleveland's WR3 behind
Jerry Jeudy and
Cedric Tillman. Still, he would likely be behind Browns tight ends
David Njoku and
Harold Fannin Jr. in the target pecking order for the Browns. Bond is a player to monitor in dynasty formats, but is unlikely to hold fantasy value in redraft leagues in 2025.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
September 17, 2025
Washington Commanders quarterback
Marcus Mariota is scheduled to meet with the media on Wednesday in place of Commanders quarterback
Jayden Daniels (knee), per ESPN's John Keim. Keim notes that this does not mean that Daniels, who suffered a knee sprain in Week 2, will not be able to suit up in Week 3. Still, it could be an early indication that Washington is preparing for Mariota to make the start this Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. The 31-year-old Mariota played very well in limited action across three games for Washington in 2024. He completed 34 of 44 pass attempts for 364 yards and four touchdowns, adding 92 yards and a score as a rusher as well. If Mariota gets the start against Las Vegas, he could be a quality streamer/injury replacement option at the quarterback position, particularly in two-quarterback fantasy leagues.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - John Keim
September 17, 2025
Los Angeles Rams rookie running back
Jarquez Hunter has not been a factor in his team's offense through the first two games of the season. After being a healthy scratch in Week 1, Hunter was active for Week 2 but did not record a carry. The 22-year-old appears to be firmly behind
Blake Corum in the Rams backfield pecking order after RB1
Kyren Williams. Corum logged five carries for 44 yards and a score on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, which likely only solidified his hold on the RB2 role. Hunter would have some fantasy relevance if either Williams or Corum were to go down with an injury, but for now, he should be off the radar of managers in redraft leagues.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
September 17, 2025
New Orleans Saints rookie running back
Devin Neal did not record a touch in Week 2 and appears to be the clear RB3 in New Orleans behind
Alvin Kamara and
Kendre Miller. The Saints are averaging 114 rushing yards per game as a team through the first two weeks of the season, but it does not appear that Neal will be a regular contributor in the run game without an injury to one of the backs ahead of him on the depth chart. Neal still has some value as a stash play in dynasty leagues, but he should not be on the radar of redraft managers for the time being.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
September 17, 2025
Washington Commanders quarterback
Jayden Daniels (knee) suffered a knee sprain in the team's Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers, and his status for the team's Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders is in question as a result. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said earlier this week that Daniels should be considered day-to-day. Quinn also said he would have more to share on Wednesday, so fantasy managers should be on the lookout for updates from the team as the Commanders' initial Week 3 injury report gets released later today. If Daniels is unable to play, veteran quarterback
Marcus Mariota would be in line to start against the Raiders. Mariota appeared in three games for Washington in 2024, completing 34 of 44 passes for 364 yards and four touchdowns while also rushing for 92 yards and a score on 18 attempts. The 31-year-old could be a worthy fantasy option as a QB streamer/injury replacement in Week 3, particularly in two-quarterback formats.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
September 17, 2025
The Houston Texans have been worringly vague when providing updates on the status of running back
Joe Mixon (ankle, foot), who did not participate in any team offseason activities while recovering from an ankle/foot injury. Mixon was placed on the non-football injury list before the start of the regular season, meaning his earliest possible return date is Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens. However, it appears as though Mixon will likely be out significantly longer and could even miss the entirety of 2025. The 29-year-old was a huge piece of Houston's offense in 2024, totaling 1,325 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns in 14 games. In Mixon's absence so far, the Texans have turned to veteran running back
Nick Chubb, who has 103 rushing yards and a touchdown on 25 carries through the team's first two games. Mixon may be worth stashing in an IR spot for fantasy managers, but the lack of updates from the team is a concerning sign.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
September 17, 2025
Seattle Seahawks rookie quarterback
Jalen Milroe served as the team's emergency quarterback in the 31-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. With
Sam Darnold locked in as the starter and
Drew Lock currently operating as QB2, Milroe has opened his career as the third-string option and has only seen the field as a change-of-pace option. The 2025 third-round pick brings an element of explosiveness that neither Darnold nor Lock can match, with elite rushing ability that could eventually add a unique wrinkle to Seattle's offense. For now, the organization's priority is letting Milroe develop behind the veterans, with the hope that he can leapfrog Lock on the depth chart later this season. Until he earns meaningful snaps, Milroe remains off the fantasy radar.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
September 17, 2025
Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson (quadriceps) is expected to play Thursday night against the Miami Dolphins, per Cameron Wolfe. Johnson sat out last week's game against the New York Jets with the injury, but returned to practice late last week and has been limited in sessions leading up to this matchup. His return is a crucial boost for Buffalo's secondary as they prepare to face
Tyreek Hill and
Jaylen Waddle. With defensive anchors Ed Oliver and Matt Milano already ruled out, Johnson's presence becomes even more important as the Bills look to slow down Miami's explosive offense.
--Nathan HarveySource: Cameron Wolfe - ESPN
September 17, 2025
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver (ankle) has been ruled out for Thursday night's matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Oliver also missed last week's win over the New York Jets after suffering the injury in practice when he was stepped on. The veteran was a difference-maker in Week 1, forcing a fumble on
Derrick Henry and earning a team-best 92.7 defensive grade from PFF. In his absence, rookie second-round pick T.J. Sanders is expected to draw the start against a shaky Dolphins offensive line. With both Oliver and linebacker Matt Milano sidelined, Miami's star running back
De'Von Achane gets a significant boost.
--Nathan HarveySource: Adam Schefter - ESPN
September 17, 2025
Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano (pectoral) has been ruled out for Thursday night's matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Milano suffered the injury during Sunday's blowout win over the New York Jets and, on a short week, won't be ready to play. The veteran has dealt with his share of major injuries in recent years, including a fractured leg and torn biceps. In his absence, third-year linebacker Dorian Williams is expected to step into the starting role. Milano's absence is a notable boost for Miami's ground game, particularly
De'Von Achane, who should find more running lanes against a weakened Buffalo front seven.
--Nathan HarveySource: Adam Schefter - ESPN
September 17, 2025
Indianapolis Colts quarterback
Anthony Richardson Sr. could emerge as a trade candidate in the coming weeks. Through his first two seasons, Richardson has completed just 50.6% of his passes with more interceptions than touchdowns, but the former top-five pick is still viewed as an unpolished talent with untapped potential. After the Colts named
Daniel Jones their starting quarterback at the end of training camp, speculation grew that Richardson might seek a fresh start elsewhere. With teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings, and Washington Commanders already battling quarterback injuries, Richardson could draw interest as a developmental option or insurance plan. While his playing style doesn't seamlessly fit every system, it wouldn't be surprising to see him land a new role before season's end.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
September 17, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack (elbow) is expected to miss a few weeks after dislocating his elbow in Monday night's matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Mack exited early with what initially appeared to be a serious injury, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports it is not season-ending, and he should return later this season. It remains unclear whether the Chargers will place him on injured reserve, but the news is still encouraging, given that the team feared a much longer absence for the veteran pass rusher. In the meantime, veteran Bud Dupree is expected to step into an expanded role off the edge.
--Nathan HarveySource: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
September 17, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback
Baker Mayfield is on track to start in Week 3 against the New York Jets. Mayfield appeared shaken up during Monday night's win over the Houston Texans but avoided any structural damage and did not require further testing. While he may scale back practice reps on the short week, there are no concerns about his availability for Sunday. With elite weapons at his disposal and improved consistency as a passer, Mayfield remains firmly in the QB1 mix for fantasy managers.
--Nathan HarveySource: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
September 17, 2025
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Jayden Reed (foot, collarbone) underwent successful surgeries on both his shoulder and foot on Tuesday. Reed broke his clavicle in Week 2 while also playing through a Jones fracture, and with surgery already needed for his shoulder, he opted to address both issues at once. The second-year wideout is expected to return before the end of the season, but his fantasy outlook is murky.
Matthew Golden might begin to emerge,
Christian Watson (knee) is nearing a full return, and Green Bay could explore a trade before the deadline. For now, Reed is best stashed on injured reserve in fantasy leagues, with no guarantee he regains a significant role down the stretch.
--Nathan HarveySource: Adam Schefter - ESPN
September 17, 2025
Buffalo Bills running back
Ray Davis could see an increased role on Thursday night against the Miami Dolphins. Through the first two weeks, Davis has logged just 10 carries for 26 yards, while starter
James Cook has dominated the backfield touches. However, with a quick turnaround on a short week, the Bills may look to lighten Cook's workload. Historically, Cook hasn't handled a heavy rushing volume in Thursday games, recording just 42 carries across five career appearances. While Cook remains a locked-in fantasy starter and Davis isn't on the fantasy radar yet, he could make a sneaky impact for Buffalo in this divisional matchup.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
September 17, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Jalen McMillan (neck) is currently on the Injured Reserve and eligible to return on Oct. 5, when the Buccaneers will travel to take on the Seattle Seahawks. McMillan left Tampa Bay's exhibition in Pittsburgh on August 16 with what eventually was termed a strained neck. This injury has opened the door for rookie wide receiver
Emeka Egbuka to be involved early on in the season, and he has not disappointed, hauling in three touchdowns in his first two career NFL games. McMillan had a nice rookie campaign in 2024, hauling in 37 of his 58 targets for 461 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Before the draft, McMillan was lined up to be in the WR2 spot on the Bucs offense with
Chris Godwin (foot) recovering from his injury. At this time, McMillan remains a dynasty stash and can be picked up off the waivers in leagues with deeper benches once he returns.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
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