October 2, 2025
Brooklyn Nets forward/center
Noah Clowney (ankle) is healthy for the start of the season and has reshaped his body, Brian Lewis of the New York Post reports. "That's been the whole goal, being a better driver," Clowney said. "I have to get stronger, I have to be able to drive through contact and be able to still be able to explode." A year ago, Clowney was listed at 210 pounds when he started training camp. He's now at 234 pounds and is expected to take on a bigger role on the team this season. Clowney is an intriguing talent and could be ready for a breakout fantasy year in 2025-26. He tallied 9.1 points and 3.9 rebounds in 22.7 minutes last season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Brian Lewis
October 2, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers guard
Gabe Vincent (knee) participated fully in Wednesday's practice, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports. Vincent arrived at training camp with a knee problem but was able to shake it off quickly. Vincent will continue to serve as a backup in Los Angeles this season and may see reduced playing time following the addition of
Marcus Smart (Achilles). However, the 29-year-old has an opportunity to boost his stock during the preseason, as Smart deals with an Achilles issue and is ruled out for at least a week. During the previous campaign, Vincent logged 21.1 minutes per game, putting up 6.4 points.
--Taavi PailkSource: Mike Trudell
October 2, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James (glute) did individual on-court work during Wednesday's practice, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports. The veteran superstar is dealing with nerve irritation in his glute at the start of training camp and may see limited action during the preseason. However, the Lakers appear confident that they can get James healthy for opening night on Oct. 21 against the Golden State Warriors, so fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing he's on track to be ready for the start of the 2025-26 campaign. James is set to begin Year 23 in the National Basketball Association, an all-time record.
--Taavi PailkSource: Mike Trudell
October 2, 2025
San Francisco 49ers kicker
Eddy Pineiro recovered well from his introduction to the team back in Week 2. In his first scoring opportunity after replacing the volatile
Jake Moody, Pineiro hooked an extra point attempt. He has since made each of his subsequent tries - four extra points, and seven field goals, one of which came as time expired to give the 49ers their Week 3 win over the Cardinals. Known more for his accuracy than for his range, Pineiro makes for a reliable floor play. He's no lock to drive home the 50-yarders that can really make a difference in fantasy football, but he can be counted on to convert the kicks he makes in his opponent's territory. In 2025, he ranks eighth in the league in fantasy points per game. In Week 5, he is a serviceable streaming candidate against the Rams.
--Dan StephensSource: NFL.com
October 2, 2025
San Francisco 49ers tight end
Jake Tonges has emerged as the team's preferred pass-catcher at the position in the absence of
George Kittle (hamstring). Through four weeks, Tonges has the edge on
Luke Farrell in targets (16 to six) and has run nearly twice as many routes (96 to 52). Quarterback
Brock Purdy (toe), who connected with Tonges for both of the tight end's touchdowns this season, will be out in Week 5 and replaced by
Mac Jones for the third time in four weeks. Tonges' target share held steady in Purdy's previous absence, and might even grow with both
Ricky Pearsall (knee) and
Jauan Jennings (ankle/ribs) also declared out. Tonges projects as a low-end TE2 in Week 5. While his stock may be improving, tight end streamers should look elsewhere rather than gamble on another touchdown coming his way on Thursday night.
--Dan StephensSource: NFL.com
October 2, 2025
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Jordan Watkins (calf) has been ruled out for their Week 5 game against the Los Angeles Rams. Watkins, who suffered a high ankle sprain in the preseason, has yet to make his regular-season debut. Watkins had been cleared to play in Week 2, but was ultimately a healthy scratch from that game and thereafter has stayed on the shelf with lingering discomfort in his calf. The rookie's injury is especially unfortunate this week, as both
Ricky Pearsall (knee) and
Jauan Jennings (ankle/ribs) are dealing with injuries of their own that will bar them from playing when the 49ers face the Rams on Thursday Night Football.
Kendrick Bourne and
Demarcus Robinson are expected to move into the starting lineup as a result.
--Dan StephensSource: 49ers.com
October 2, 2025
In Week 5, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Kendrick Bourne will once again ascend to the top of the depth chart thanks to injuries to both
Ricky Pearsall (knee) and
Jauan Jennings (ankle/ribs). Bourne started alongside Pearsall in Jennings' absence in Week 3, and came away with four catches and 38 yards on six targets. Hardly the boom some were hoping for, but with Pearsall also sidelined this time around, Bourne could see more work. As in Week 3, Bourne's former Patriots teammate, quarterback
Mac Jones, will take the place of
Brock Purdy (toe). It should be noted that their shared history didn't garner the receiver any special attention then, however. Bourne projects as a WR4 in Week 5, and with the 49ers playing on Thursday night, it is a risky bet to start the week with him occupying a starting WR slot in fantasy lineups.
--Dan StephensSource: NFL.com
October 2, 2025
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Demarcus Robinson is expected to slide into a starting role with
Ricky Pearsall (knee) and
Jauan Jennings (ankle/ribs) out for Week 5. Robinson made his season debut in Week 4 after serving a three-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy in the offseason. San Francisco eased Robinson into action with a 25% snap share, and he saw just two targets, catching one pass for 20 yards. Robinson should see more action this week, though his lack of conditioning might see him lose snaps to
Skyy Moore or
Marquez Valdes-Scantling. It is worth noting that quarterback
Brock Purdy (toe) will also be sidelined, with
Mac Jones getting the start. As a projected WR5, it would be inadvisable to plug him into starting fantasy lineups, especially with the 49ers playing on Thursday, in the first game of the week.
--Dan StephensSource: NFL.com
October 2, 2025
San Francisco 49ers running back
Brian Robinson Jr. still ranks second on the team's depth chart and is, in theory, their change-of-pace back to relieve
Christian McCaffrey. The problem for Robinson is that the 49ers have shown little desire to get away from the superstar lately. In the first two weeks of 2025, Robinson got in on nearly one quarter of San Francisco's snaps. However, in Week 3, his share plummeted to 9% and rebounded slightly to a 15% share in Week 4. On the season, Robinson has a total of 22 rushing attempts for 96 yards and has seen just three targets, catching two for two receiving yards. Even with bye weeks underway, Robinson should not be considered a viable fantasy starter in Week 5, especially with the 49ers being featured on Thursday Night Football.
--Dan StephensSource: NFL.com
October 2, 2025
San Francisco 49ers running back
Christian McCaffrey will be relied on to carry the team's offense in Week 5. This is not unusual, but the load will be even heavier (metaphorically, but likely also literally) on Thursday, with wide receivers
Ricky Pearsall (knee) and
Jauan Jennings (ankle/ribs) declared out due to injuries. Quarterback
Brock Purdy (toe) will also be on the sidelines, and cede starting duties to
Mac Jones for the third time in four games. McCaffrey has been a force regardless of who is under center, starting the season with four straight top-10 PPR finishes at running back. He has been especially productive through the air, ranking second in the league in targets (43) and eighth in yardage (305). The rest of San Francisco's offense might be falling apart, but for as long as McCaffrey is healthy, he has RB1 potential and should be locked into starting fantasy lineups.
--Dan StephensSource: NFL.com
October 2, 2025
San Francisco 49ers quarterback
Mac Jones will draw another start when the team kicks off Week 5 on Thursday against the Rams. Starter
Brock Purdy is still dealing with soreness related to the turf toe that kept him out of Weeks 2 and 3. In those two games, Jones completed 66.3% of his passes for 563 yards and four touchdowns. Jones was serviceable in those spot starts, but this time around will be without the services of both
Ricky Pearsall (knee) and
Jauan Jennings (ankle/ribs), who have been ruled out due to injuries of their own. Missing his top wide receivers and facing a stifling Rams defense, it would be unwise to turn to Jones in the first game of Week 5.
--Dan StephensSource: NFL.com
October 2, 2025
The Los Angeles Rams defense/special teams remains a solid streaming option for Thursday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5. The Rams have been a top-10 fantasy defense this season and are coming off a commanding showing against the Colts in which they became the first team this season to slow down Indianapolis' potent offense. Also working in Los Angeles' favor is the matchup against San Francisco, which has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing D/ST units in 2025. Finally, the Rams also get a boost with the 49ers turning to backup
Mac Jones in place of the injured
Brock Purdy (toe). Los Angeles' defense ranks 10th overall in the latest RotoBaller D/ST rankings for Week 5.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
October 2, 2025
Los Angeles Rams kicker
Joshua Karty has been quite successful recently, and he'll look to remain a top fantasy option heading into Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers. Karty was underwhelming in the Rams' season opener but has averaged 11 fantasy points per game since then. Over his last two games alone, he is 5-for-5 on extra points and 6-for-8 on field goals, including one from beyond 50 yards out. His two misses in Week 3 are a blemish on his season stats, but his heavy kicking volume and ability to make long kicks keep him on the fantasy radar -- even against a 49ers team allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing kickers.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
October 2, 2025
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Jordan Whittington continues to see his snap share increase ahead of Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers. Whittington played 80 percent of the snaps in Week 4, which was not only his highest mark of the season but was also just three percentage points lower than
Davante Adams and one percentage point lower than
Puka Nacua. The second-year Texas product is seeing the field nearly as much as his superstar teammates, but it hasn't amounted to much production. He caught just one pass for seven yards last Sunday and ranks outside the top 100 fantasy receivers. As long as both Adams and Nacua are healthy, Whittington will remain off the fantasy radar despite being third on the depth chart and playing the vast majority of offensive snaps.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
October 2, 2025
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Davante Adams has scored a touchdown in three consecutive games and will look to extend this streak on Thursday night against the San Francisco 49ers. Adams is the overall WR14 in PPR leagues this season, but he's averaging just 3.5 catches and 56 yards over his last two contests. If not for his touchdown tendencies, he would be more of a low-end WR2 or high-end WR3/flex this week. Against a 49ers defense that has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers, Adams is touchdown-dependent. He'll rank as a solid mid-range WR2, but managers should be prepared for him to post single-digit fantasy points if he can't find the end zone.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
October 2, 2025
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Puka Nacua is the top-scoring fantasy receiver this season, and the gap between him and No. 2 isn't particularly small. Nacua has produced at an elite level despite scoring just two touchdowns through four games. He makes most of his impact with high reception and yardage totals. He should continue to dominate this week against the 49ers despite the team allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025. This game will be on Thursday night, showing a national audience just how elite Nacua has been through the first four contests of the 2025 campaign. He should be started as a high-end WR1 with confidence.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
October 2, 2025
Los Angeles Rams running back
Blake Corum has continued to see his role grow, but this increased workload might not be enough to put him on the fantasy radar against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5. Corum played 29 percent of the snaps last week and handled a season-high 11 touches, infringing on
Kyren Williams' role. Corum should continue to handle double-digit touches most weeks, but he could struggle with efficiency this week. After all, he's facing a Niners defense that has allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2025. He would have some low-end RB3/flex appeal against a mediocre or subpar defense, but the 49ers are no joke. He'll have trouble moving the football during Thursday night's divisional battle.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
October 2, 2025
Los Angeles Rams running back
Kyren Williams has started to see his usage decline recently, and a Week 5 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers won't do him any favors as he tries to get back on track. There's no question that Williams was still a productive fantasy option last Sunday as he totaled 94 scrimmage yards. However, he did so against a subpar Colts defense while handling a season-low 16 touches and 68 percent snap share. Last week, Williams' low usage was balanced out by his high efficiency. He might not have the same fortune on Thursday night against a 49ers defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2025. Williams' fantasy value is slipping; he's now a fringe top-24 fantasy running back for Week 5.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
October 2, 2025
Los Angeles Rams quarterback
Matthew Stafford has plenty of momentum heading into a Week 5 clash against the San Francisco 49ers. He ranks as the overall QB12 in fantasy football this season and is coming off a spectacular outing that saw him rack up 375 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He fared quite well in Week 4, but he did so against the Indianapolis Colts, whose defense is nothing more than average this season. He'll face a tougher test Thursday night in the form of the 49ers, who have allowed the fifth-fewest passing yards and fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2025. Stafford's top-12 upside is undeniable, but he'll rank as a mid-to-high QB2 this week.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
October 1, 2025
Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports that Los Angeles Clippers guard
Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring) has been a limited participant in practice and could be available to suit up before the preseason ends. The 33-year-old, representing Serbia, sustained a partially ruptured hamstring injury during EuroBasket 2025 against Portugal in August. Further evaluation revealed that Bogdanovic had suffered a ruptured hamstring muscle. If Bogdanovic is unable to make an appearance in the Clippers' regular-season home opener against the Jazz on October 22nd, players like
Chris Paul and
Kris Dunn will see extra minutes on the floor.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Tomer Azarly
October 1, 2025
Dallas Cowboys running back
Miles Sanders (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. Sanders exited Sunday night's game with a knee/ankle injury and did not return. Through four weeks, his role has already been limited by
Javonte Williams' resurgence, with Sanders managing just 28 carries for 147 yards and one touchdown. If Sanders cannot go in Week 5, rookie
Jaydon Blue could see his first NFL action. Blue has been a healthy scratch to start the season, but injuries to Sanders and
KaVontae Turpin (foot) may force him into a meaningful role. The Cowboys' Thursday and Friday practice reports will be key in determining Sanders' availability ahead of their matchup with the New York Jets.
--Nathan HarveySource: Dallas Cowboys
October 1, 2025
Updating a previous report, Washington Commanders wide receiver
Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) did not practice on Wednesday. Samuel has been excellent in his first season with Washington, catching 22 of 27 targets for 250 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns through four games. Samuel was one of several players sidelined, so it's possible that this was simply a veteran rest day, but if his heel issue lingers into Thursday's practice, concern will grow about his Week 5 availability. The Commanders face the Los Angeles Chargers, who have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season. With quarterback
Jayden Daniels (knee) trending toward a return and receiver
Terry McLaurin (quad) still sidelined, Samuel would project as a strong WR2 option if he's active.
--Nathan HarveySource: John Keim - ESPN
October 1, 2025
Tennessee Titans wide receiver
Calvin Ridley (knee/elbow) did not practice on Wednesday. Ridley has struggled to start the 2025 season, catching just 10 of 24 targets for 141 yards with no touchdowns, ranking as the WR73 in PPR formats. Head coach Brian Callahan revealed Ridley was battling through an in-game injury during last week's 26-0 loss to the Houston Texans, raising further concern about his availability. If Ridley is sidelined in Week 5, rookie
Elic Ayomanor is expected to see a significant uptick in usage against the Arizona Cardinals. Regardless of his injury status, Ridley's early-season struggles and difficult circumstances in the Titans offense make him a clear sit in fantasy lineups this week.
--Nathan HarveySource: Turron Davenport - ESPN
October 1, 2025
Boston Red Sox rookie left-hander
Connelly Early is being put in a big situation early in his career, as he has been confirmed as the team's starter for Game 3 of the wild-card series on Thursday in the Bronx against the division-rival New York Yankees, according to Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald. He'll be opposed by Yankees rookie
Cam Schlittler. Early was impressive in his first four MLB starts in the final month of the regular season, allowing only six runs (five earned) on 17 hits (no homers) while walking four and striking out 29 in 19 1/3 innings pitched. A rotation spot opened up in the postseason when right-hander
Lucas Giolito was shut down with more right-elbow issues. Early is listed by MLB Pipeline as the BoSox's No. 6 prospect. The Virginia product doesn't overpower hitters, but he has a strong command of the zone for his age and a couple of impressive breaking pitches to back up his 92-94 mph fastball.
--Keith HernandezSource: Boston Herald - Gabrielle Starr
October 1, 2025
New Orleans Saints tight end
Juwan Johnson (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. Johnson is coming off his least productive game of the season in Week 4, catching just three passes for 28 yards. He now appears to be dealing with an ankle injury that he picked up during the loss against the Buffalo Bills, but he managed to play nearly 90% of the snaps. If Johnson is unable to go in Week 5,
Jack Stoll would step in as the Saints' starting tight end. The matchup is not ideal, as the New York Giants have surrendered the 10th-least fantasy points to tight ends this season. If Johnson suits up, he projects as a low-end TE1 option in Week 5, but fantasy managers should keep an eye on his practice participation.
--Nathan HarveySource: Mike Triplett
October 1, 2025
According to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, Miami Heat point guard
Terry Rozier (hamstring) sustained a left hamstring strain on Tuesday, which kept him out of practice on Wednesday. Despite the setback, Rozier believes he will return to action next week. The 31-year-old veteran averaged 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 25.9 minutes per contest across 64 outings last season. The minor injury will likely keep him out of the Heat's first preseason game against the Magic on Saturday.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Anthony Chiang
October 1, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver
A.J. Brown is not expected to be traded during this season despite recent speculation. Brown has struggled out of the gate, catching just 14 of 28 targets for 151 yards and one touchdown through four games. While his slow start has drawn attention, it hasn't stopped the Eagles from rolling to a 4-0 record, including big wins against the Chiefs, Buccaneers, and the Rams. Trade buzz began swirling after Brown posted cryptic messages on social media, but a move remains highly unlikely. His contract carries a nearly $90 million dead-cap charge, making a midseason trade virtually impossible. Brown is expected to remain in Philadelphia as part of a run-heavy offense led by
Jalen Hurts and
Saquon Barkley. Looking ahead to Week 5, Brown draws a tough matchup against 2024 Defensive Player of the Year, Patrick Surtain II, and the Denver Broncos. Given his early struggles and the Eagles' offensive approach, another quiet outing could be on the horizon.
--Nathan HarveySource: ESPN
October 1, 2025
Washington Commanders wide receiver
Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) could need another week or two before returning, per ESPN's Dan Graziano. McLaurin injured his quad in Week 3 and sat out the team's Week 4 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. He was also absent from Wednesday's practice ahead of the Commanders' Week 5 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers. If McLaurin remains out,
Deebo Samuel Sr. (who also missed Wednesday's practice with a heel injury), rookie
Luke McCaffrey, and
Jaylin Lane would be the primary beneficiaries in the passing game. Quarterback
Jayden Daniels (knee) is trending toward a Week 5 return, but he may have to play without his top receiver. Facing a tough Chargers defense in his first game back, Daniels could be in for a down week.
--Nathan HarveySource: ESPN
October 1, 2025
According to Kevin Gray Jr. of AllDLLS.com, Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said guard
Brandon Williams (hamstring) suffered a hamstring strain and will be out for one week. Williams will be out of action for the Mavs' first preseason game, but he will likely be available soon after. The 25-year-old played in 33 regular-season contests last campaign, posting averages of 8.3 points, 2.3 assists, and 1.8 rebounds during 14.8 minutes per game. Williams may give Dallas a lift off the bench, though his fantasy impact should remain limited.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Kevin Gray Jr.
October 1, 2025
New York Yankees rookie right-hander
Cam Schlittler will start Game 3 of the team's AL wild-card round series against the Boston Red Sox on Thursday. He'll oppose Red Sox rookie lefty
Connelly Early with the season on the line for the two storied franchises and archrivals. The winner of Thursday's contest will take on the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS. Boston took Game 1 and had a chance to close out the series on Wednesday, but the Yankees instead came out on top in a 4-3 nail-biter. They'll now rely on Schlittler, who has excelled since his first promotion to the majors in early July. The 24-year-old Massachusetts native earned his way into the Yankees' playoff rotation after going 4-3 with a 2.96 ERA, a 1.22 WHIP, and 84:31 K:BB in 14 starts and 73 innings during the regular season.
--Connor ByrneSource: MLB.com
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