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
October 1, 2025
Seattle Mariners right-hander
Bryan Woo (pectoral) will throw a bullpen session on Thursday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports. It'll be Woo's first time throwing off the mound since he left a win over the Houston Astros on Sept. 19 with pectoral tightness. Fortunately for Woo and the Mariners, the team earned a first-round bye in the playoffs, giving the 25-year-old extra time to recover. Manager Dan Wilson said Wednesday he's optimistic that Woo will be part of the Mariners' roster when they begin the best-of-five ALDS round against either the Cleveland Guardians or Detroit Tigers on Saturday. He's unlikely to start in either of the first two games of the series, according to Kramer, which will leave the Mariners to choose from
Logan Gilbert,
George Kirby, and
Luis Castillo. Woo finished the regular season 15-7 with a 2.94 ERA, a .93 WHIP, and 198:36 K:BB in 186 2/3 innings, helping the Mariners to their first American League West title since 2001.
--Connor ByrneSource: Daniel Kramer - MLB.com
October 1, 2025
According to Kevin Gray Jr. of AllDLLS.com, Dallas Mavericks center
Daniel Gafford suffered an ankle sprain during practice on Tuesday and will be sidelined 2-3 weeks. An unfortunate setback for the 27-year-old, who had agreed to a multi-year contract extension with the team during the offseason. Gafford had a solid 2024-25 campaign, averaging a career-high 12.3 points with 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. However, he appeared in only 57 games due to injury. If Gafford can return during the current recovery timeline, he is expected to be back in action for the Mavs' regular-season opener against the Spurs on October 22nd. Once Gafford is healthy, his skills on the glass, along with his shot-blocking ability, give him added value for fantasy managers.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Kevin Gray Jr.
October 1, 2025
San Diego Padres right-hander
Yu Darvish will start the win-or-go-home Game 3 of the NL wild-card series against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports. Darvish was a Cub from 2018-20, but his run with them ended when they traded him to the Padres a few months before the 2021 season began. Four years later, Darvish has a chance to help eliminate the Cubs from the postseason. The 39-year-old is coming off a difficult and injury-limited regular season, though, as he recorded a career-worst 5.38 ERA with a 1.18 WHIP and 68:19 K:BB over 15 starts and 72 innings. Darvish, who will oppose Cubs righty
Jameson Taillon on Thursday, has pitched in 13 playoff games and gone 5-7 with a 3.77 ERA across 71 2/3 frames.
--Connor ByrneSource: Jesse Rogers - ESPN
October 1, 2025
Chicago Cubs right-hander
Jameson Taillon will start in Game 3 of the NL wild-card series against the San Diego Padres on Thursday. After failing to put away the Padres in a 3-0 loss on Wednesday, the Cubs will turn to Tailon in a do-or-die showdown. Taillon ended the regular season in ace-like form over his final six starts, notching a 1.58 ERA with 24 hits allowed, 24 strikeouts, and seven walks in 34 1/3 innings. The 33-year-old took the ball 23 times during the regular campaign and went 11-7 with a 3.68 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, and 98:27 K:BB across 129 2/3 frames. Taiilon faced the Padres back on April 14 and yielded two earned runs in 5 1/3 innings in a 10-4 loss, though he didn't factor into the decision.
--Connor ByrneSource: Jesse Rogers - ESPN
October 1, 2025
San Francisco Giants first base prospect
Bryce Eldridge (wrist) will undergo surgery to remove a bone spur from his left wrist on Thursday. The 6-foot-7, 240-pound slugger will need about eight weeks to recover, meaning the procedure shouldn't affect his availability for the start of the 2026 season. A first-round pick in 2023 and now one of baseball's best prospects, Eldridge earned his first promotion to the majors in mid-September. The 20-year-old slumped to a .107/.297/.179 line with four RBI, 13 strikeouts, and seven walks over a minuscule sample of 10 games and 36 plate appearances. He slashed a much more impressive .260/.333/.510 with 25 home runs over a combined 433 plate appearances among three minor-league levels in 2025. While it remains to be seen if Eldridge will begin next season in the majors, the Giants are optimistic that he'll be a long-term cornerstone in their lineup.
--Connor ByrneSource: MLB.com
October 1, 2025
The Atlanta Braves announced that Brian Snitker will not return as their manager next season, but he will remain with the organization in an advisory role. The franchise will induct Snitker into its Hall of Fame sometime next season. Set to turn 70 on Oct. 17, Snitker is a Braves lifer who has spent 49 years with the franchise in various roles, including the past nine-plus seasons as their skipper. After taking over on an interim basis in 2016, Snitker went on to retain the position for the long haul and post an 811-688 regular-season record with seven playoff appearances, six National League East titles, and a World Series championship in 2021. He also earned NL Manager of the Year honors in 2018. While Snitker's run as the Braves' manager was eminently successful, the team dealt with a spate of injuries and stumbled to a 76-86 record in his final season at the controls. The Braves are now left to conduct a rare managerial search in the coming weeks. They've had just three managers (Hall of Famer Bobby Cox, Fredi Gonzalez, and Snitker) since 1990.
--Connor ByrneSource: Atlanta Braves
October 1, 2025
Brooklyn Nets point guard
Cam Thomas said to the media on Monday that he has dropped a good amount of weight this offseason. He had attempted to put on more weight in his past couple seasons to try the "strong, bulky route," but he didn't like how he looked. The 23-year-old mentioned he looks and feels better now. Thomas and the Nets were unable to come to an agreement on a long-term deal this offseason and Thomas instead signed a qualifying offer. This seasons sets up to be a prove-it type of year for the 23-year-old as he will become an unrestricted free agent this season. Fantasy managers shouldn't hesitate to target Thomas in the middle rounds of their upcoming drafts.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Erik Slater
October 1, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders tight end
Brock Bowers (knee) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned at the moment. The Raiders are just being cautious with their superstar tight end. Right now, there is no reason to believe that Bowers will miss the Week 5 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Last week, Bowers hauled in five of his six targets for 46 yards in the loss. The 22-year-old has been held under 50 receiving yards in each of the last three games. Hopefully, Bowers can turn it around this weekend in Indy. Fantasy managers should check back on Thursday and Friday just in case this knee injury does become an issue.
--Andy WebbSource: raiders.com
October 1, 2025
Indiana Pacers center
James Wiseman (Achilles) has been recovering well during his rehab from an Achilles injury last season and should be in the mix for the starting center role for the Pacers. Wiseman tore his Achilles in just four minutes of action in the first game of the season last year. The Pacers traded him to the Raptors to open up a roster spot in February. After Toronto waived him in February he put in enough work in his rehab to impress the Pacers, who signed him in July. Indiana will have big shoes to fill at the center position with
Myles Turner leaving in free agency. Wiseman will be in a four-man competition for the role. Fantasy managers will want to take caution with the 24-year-old but, if he lands the starting role, he could be an intriguing late round pick.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Dustin Dopirak
October 1, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback
Baker Mayfield (knee, biceps) was unable to take the practice field on Wednesday. Mayfield was limited all last week due to a right biceps injury. Now, it appears Mayfield has picked up a knee injury during last week's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. That being said, the Bucs have decided to hold Mayfield out on Wednesday. This is a bit concerning for fantasy managers, but it's probably just the Bucs being cautious with their banged up quarterback. These seem like minor issues that shouldn't cause Mayfield to miss Week 5. However, fantasy managers should check back on Thursday for another update on his status. The absence of Mayfield would likely mean
Teddy Bridgewater would start against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5.
--Andy WebbSource: Tom Pelissero
October 1, 2025
Cleveland Browns tight end
David Njoku (knee) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. This shouldn't be too concerning as Njoku also opened last week's practice as limited as well. Despite that, Njoku still played in Week 4, but was held to two receptions for 11 yards. Possibly, the change at quarterback with
Dillon Gabriel taking over will help Njoku's value. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried about the knee injury at the moment. They should continue to check back throughout the week for more updates. If Njoku sits,
Harold Fannin Jr. would see increased snaps in Week 5.
--Andy WebbSource: Zac Jackson
October 1, 2025
Houston Rockets forward
Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) has not yet been cleared for contact and likely won't be ready for the season opener, according to head coach Ime Udoka. The 32-year-old had a procedure done on his ankle in June to take care of a lingering issue. As of now his return date is unknown. Finney-Smith signed a four year $53 million contract with Houston in the offseason and should be able to provide a decent three-and-D presence for the Rockets when healthy. But with his timetable to return not being clear, fantasy managers should steer clear of Finney-Smith in their upcoming drafts.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Danielle Lerner
October 1, 2025
San Francisco 49ers quarterback
Brock Purdy (toe) has already been ruled out for the upcoming Week 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Purdy made his return to the field last Sunday and looked decent under center. Afterwards, head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that Purdy is dealing with toe soreness, which is likely related to his turf toe injury. Regardless, there wasn't enough time for Purdy to get ready to play during this Thursday night matchup. The 25-year-old isn't even healthy enough to serve as the emergency backup. The 49ers are fearful that this toe injury could be something that lingers all season long. Fantasy managers better get a viable backup with Purdy already missing three of the first five games of the season.
Mac Jones will start under center on Thursday night. Jones has looked solid under center and has some streaming value for this one.
--Andy WebbSource: Vic Tafur
October 1, 2025
Houston Rockets forward
Tari Eason (leg) may not play in back-to-backs early in the season, according to head coach Ime Udoka. Eason dealt with a leg issue last season that kept him out of 13 games during December and January. His left leg underwent surgery in early 2024 for a stress reaction, so between that and his issues last season, the Rockets will want to approach him with caution. The plan for back-to-backs won't be much new for the 24-year-old, as Houston used this same plan last season after his leg injury. When active, Eason can be an effective player as he averaged 12.0 points and 6.4 rebounds last year, mostly off the bench. He has publicly stated he's motivated for a more elevated role this season. Fantasy managers looking for a deep sleeper pick may want to target the 24-year-old in the late rounds of their draft.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Danielle Lerner
October 1, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles tight end
Dallas Goedert (knee) wasn't able to participate in practice on Wednesday. It's unclear if this is a new knee injury or the same one that kept Goedert sidelined in Week 2. Possibly, Goedert's absence was more rest related than a true knee injury. Fantasy managers should check back on Thursday and Friday to see if Goedert practices. He's coming off a two-touchdown performance in Week 4 and looked completely fine during that game. If he sits,
Grant Calcaterra figures to see increased snaps this weekend against the Denver Broncos.
--Andy WebbSource: Mike Garafolo
October 1, 2025
The Edmonton Oilers acquired goaltender Connor Ingram from the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday. The Mammoth traded Ingram for future considerations and will retain $800,000 of his $1.95 million cap hit. Ingram was recently waived and assigned to the AHL. He is expected to stay in the minors at the start of his time with the Oilers' organization. However, Ingram could get an opportunity to re-establish himself in the NHL, depending on the performances of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard. The 28-year-old boasts a 39-44-15 career record in the NHL. He has registered seven shutouts, a 3.14 goals-against average, and a .902 save percentage in 102 appearances.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
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