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Gavin Williams Elite In Game 5 Win Over White Sox
Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams pitched a brilliant game, shutting out the Chicago White Sox in the decisive Game 5 home win on Saturday night in the American League Division Series. The talented right-hander lasted 5 2/3 innings of scoreless ball with 12 strikeouts while giving up just one hit and walking two White Sox hitters. Williams came up clutch in front of his home fans in the biggest game of the series to help Cleveland complete a comeback from a 2-0 deficit in the series. Williams was also good in his last start of the series, when he struck out 11 and gave up two earned runs in his five innings of work. The Guardians bullpen was stellar on Saturday night in keeping the lead that Williams helped stake them to. The next step for Williams in the playoffs is to last longer into the game, but when he is striking out so many batters, his pitch count gets high.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Jordan Addison Not Expected to Play in Week 5
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (hamstring) is expected to be inactive for Sunday's Week 5 contest against the New Orleans Saints, according to Jeff Darlington of ESPN. Addison entered the weekend listed as questionable. While he'll undergo a pregame workout to confirm his availability, all signs point to him being sidelined on Sunday. That's a rough loss for the Vikings as they take on a high-scoring team like the Saints. After all, Addison had racked up nine catches, 142 yards, and one touchdown over the last two weeks, albeit with Jefferson injured for both games. The good news for the Vikings is that Justin Jefferson (ankle) is expected to play on Sunday, keeping this Kyler Murray-led offense viable while the defense works hard to slow down New Orleans.
Source: Jeff Darlington
Source: Jeff Darlington
Lamar Jackson Expected to Play in Week 6
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) is expected to return in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Rapoport pointed out that some of Jackson's injuries in years past have sidelined him for extended periods of time, but this latest ailment is expected to be different. All signs point to Jackson missing just Week 5 before returning next Sunday. Rapoport noted that "he has been in early, working crazy to get himself back on the field." Managers love to hear that update, as Jackson has high-end QB1 potential when healthy, so losing him for any amount of time can be costly. So far this year, he ranks as the QB9 in total fantasy scoring with 967 passing yards, 144 rushing yards, seven total touchdowns, and two turnovers. Tyler Huntley will start in his absence for Week 5.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Caleb Williams Pushing to Play in Week 6
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (hamstring) recently returned to practice and is "pushing to play" next week against the Atlanta Falcons, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Williams has been sidelined since the middle of the Bears' Week 2 contest, when he initially injured his hamstring. He's now headed for his third consecutive game missed, but it sounds like he's optimistic that his streak of absences will end there. Williams has top-eight fantasy quarterback potential when healthy, largely thanks to his impressive mobility and a strong, accurate arm. Although the former No. 1 pick is working his way back to 100%, he won't quite be ready in time for Week 5, leaving Tyson Bagent in line for one more start.
Source: Mike Garafolo
Source: Mike Garafolo
Cam Skattebo Headed for an "Extremely Heavy Workload" in Rain
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo is expected to handle an "extremely heavy workload" in Week 5 against the Washington Commanders, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Garafolo noted that heavy rain is expected to fall throughout this game, prompting the Giants to place more emphasis on their rushing attack, led by Skattebo. We're confident that the young, physical running back can handle the large role, as he has emerged as a potential every-down weapon for the Giants. After all, he logged 23 touches back in Week 3 and another 19 touches last Sunday. His average of 3.5 yards per carry isn't great, but if he can find the end zone or continue to carve out a sizable receiving role, he'll be able to contribute as a high-end RB2 in fantasy football.
Source: Mike Garafolo
Source: Mike Garafolo
Yaxel Lendeborg Posts 23-Point Double-Double Against Kings
Golden State Warriors forward Yaxel Lendeborg stuffed the stat sheet in Saturday's 111-106 preseason win over Sacramento, finishing with 23 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block in 24 minutes. He shot 10-for-14 from the field and had 20 points by halftime. The 24-year-old has followed a quiet preseason debut with two strong performances, and coach Steve Kerr has already said the rookie is going to play plenty this season. With his rebounding, passing, and defensive production, Lendeborg is quickly building a strong case for meaningful fantasy value right away.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Oso Ighodaro Fills the Stat Sheet in Win Over Spurs
Phoenix Suns center Oso Ighodaro recorded eight points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks in 21 minutes during Saturday's 102-98 preseason win over the San Antonio Spurs. He shot 4-for-7 from the field after moving to the bench following starts in Phoenix's first two exhibitions. Khaman Maluach got the start Saturday and grabbed 15 rebounds, keeping the battle for the starting center job wide open while Mark Williams (shoulder) is sidelined. Ighodaro's scoring ceiling is limited, but his passing and defensive stats could make him useful if he earns enough minutes.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Khaman Maluach Posts Double-Double in First Preseason Start
Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach recorded 10 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block in Saturday's 102-98 preseason win over the San Antonio Spurs. The second-year big shot 4-for-9 from the field and led all players on the glass in his first preseason start. Maluach had come off the bench behind Oso Ighodaro in Phoenix's first two games, but this performance gives him a stronger case for the starting job while Mark Williams (shoulder) is sidelined. Another good showing Wednesday would keep the pressure on Ighodaro, and Maluach's rebounding and shot-blocking give him the higher fantasy ceiling if he wins the role.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Dylan Harper Stays Hot in Second Preseason Start
San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper led the team in scoring for the second straight preseason game, finishing with 15 points, three rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block in Saturday's 102-98 loss to Phoenix. He shot 6-for-9 from the field and is now 11-for-16 through two starts. De'Aaron Fox (hip) sat out again, so San Antonio still hasn't unveiled its planned three-guard look with Harper and Stephon Castle. Harper averaged 11.8 points in 22.6 minutes as a rookie, mostly off the bench. A bigger role looks likely, though sharing the ball with Fox and Castle could keep his usage in check.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Will Shipley to Start Sunday, Will Handle the Bulk of the Workload
Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley is expected to earn the start on Sunday, according to Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia. The third-year back will occupy an expanded role with Saquon Barkley (hamstring) and Tank Bigsby (core) both sidelined for Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Not only is Shipley earning the start, but he is also in line to handle the bulk of the workload, leaving fewer opportunities for players like Dameon Pierce and Carson Steele. While fantasy managers remain disappointed that Barkley and Bigsby are unavailable, Shipley should still emerge as a high-end RB3 or low-end RB2. After all, he looked solid in the aftermath of injuries to Barkley and Bigsby last Sunday, rushing for 23 yards on six carries while handling a 48% snap share. The game script for Sunday against Jacksonville isn't great, but we still expect Shipley to carve out a sizable role.
Source: Dave Zangaro
Source: Dave Zangaro
NFL Executives Wondering if Eagles Could Trade Away Saquon Barkley
Rival executives have wondered if the Philadelphia Eagles might trade away running back Saquon Barkley before the Nov. 10 trade deadline, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The Eagles are off to a disappointing start with injuries on both sides of the ball, but it's also worth noting that overcoming a 2-2 start is definitely possible, so we'd be surprised to see the Eagles wave the white flag already. With that being said, their offensive line took a major hit earlier this month as the team traded Cam Jurgens to Baltimore and watched Lane Johnson retire out of the blue. Barkley (hamstring) is certainly an appealing trade target for most contending teams, but his injury, his recent track record, and the Eagles' No. 2 spot in the standings are three factors that could make a trade less likely.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Maxime Raynaud Exits in a Wheelchair with Right Knee Injury
Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud (knee) was wheeled off the floor after injuring his right knee in Saturday's 111-106 preseason loss to Golden State. The 23-year-old appeared to collide knee-to-knee with Stephen Curry while setting a screen, and head coach Doug Christie declined to speculate on the severity before medical testing. Raynaud later left the arena on crutches and was headed for an MRI. He averaged 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds across 74 games as a rookie. If he misses time, Dylan Cardwell and Precious Achiuwa could pick up more frontcourt minutes behind Domantas Sabonis.
Source: Sean Cunningham
Source: Sean Cunningham
Jordan Addison Will Work Out Pregame to Determine His Status
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (hamstring) will work out prior to Sunday's Week 5 contest against the New Orleans Saints, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Addison is listed as questionable, and the workout will determine whether he's able to suit up on Sunday against the Saints. The 24-year-old has taken on a larger role lately with Justin Jefferson (ankle) sidelined, catching nine passes for 142 yards and one touchdown across two games. Jefferson is also questionable and will undergo pregame testing, but he has previously said that he'll do whatever he can to play in Louisiana, where he went to college. It's worth noting that if Jefferson plays, Addison's fantasy value would drop to the fringe low-end WR3 range for Week 5.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Brandin Podziemski Agrees to $110 Million Extension with Warriors
Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski has agreed to a five-year, $110 million rookie-scale extension, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The deal includes a mutual option for 2031-32 and a trade kicker. The 23-year-old earned the payday after averaging career highs of 13.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.1 steals while playing all 82 games last season. With Jimmy Butler III (knee) and Moses Moody (knee) still sidelined, Podziemski is expected to open the year next to Stephen Curry. That starting role gives him a good chance to build on last season's numbers.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Justin Jefferson Remains a Game-Time Decision Against New Orleans
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) will work out ahead of Sunday's Week 5 contest against the New Orleans Saints to determine whether he's able to play, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The 27-year-old receiver is listed as questionable, and he previously said that he'll do whatever he can to play in Louisiana, where he played college football. Jefferson had 92 yards and two touchdowns back in Week 1, but he followed that up with a modest 8.5-point showing in PPR leagues. Then, he exited early in Week 3 and was inactive for Week 4. If Jefferson does play on Sunday, it'll be his first full game with quarterback Kyler Murray. The jury is still out on whether Murray can support consistent WR1 production from Jefferson in fantasy football.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
