RADIO
Joel Embiid Expected to Play Sunday in Chicago
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (foot) is probable for Sunday afternoon's matchup with the Chicago Bulls as he continues to manage a plantar fascia issue. Embiid has sat the second leg of both Philadelphia back-to-backs this season but is trending toward playing Sunday. The 32-year-old followed a 26-point, 15-rebound effort against Detroit with an 0-for-9 shooting night Friday in Cleveland, and he is just 3-for-28 from deep this season. With Adem Bona (neck) ruled out, the Sixers are thin behind him at center, though Embiid's workload remains worth watching after he was limited to 25 minutes against Chicago last Monday.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Keegan Murray Carries Questionable Tag Versus Miami
Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's matchup with the Miami Heat, according to FOX40's Sean Cunningham. Murray has not played since Oct. 23 after soreness and stiffness developed in the ankle that required surgery in May, with the issue later diagnosed as capsulitis. The 26-year-old averaged just 7.0 points and 3.0 rebounds on 29.4% shooting through his first two games. If cleared, Murray will likely have his minutes monitored. Precious Achiuwa has filled in effectively, averaging 10.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals, and 1.7 blocks, but his workload figures to shrink as Murray works his way back into the rotation.
Source: Sean Cunningham
Source: Sean Cunningham
Lamar Jackson Out 6-9 Weeks, Plans to Return Later This Season
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (thumb) has told teammates that he plans to return later this season, according to Ian Rapoport of ESPN.com. "Just stay alive" was Jackson's message to teammates in the aftermath of the thumb injury he suffered in Week 8, Rapoport notes. The Ravens fell to 4-5 this past Thursday with Joe Fagnano at quarterback, and the team could be destined for some more ugly losses with Jackson sidelined and backup Tyler Huntley (toe) expected to miss the remainder of the season. While Jackson currently expects to return before the end of the year, we wouldn't be shocked to see the team shut him down if the Ravens are eliminated from playoff contention before he's healthy enough to play again. The 29-year-old was diagnosed with a fractured and dislocated thumb on his right hand, and with a six-to-nine-week recovery timeline, Jackson probably won't play again until Week 15, at the earliest.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Amon-Ra St. Brown Will Play in Week 9
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is "good to go" for Sunday's Week 9 contest against the Miami Dolphins, according to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer. He had been listed as questionable after logging three limited practices this past week. St. Brown, who has missed just two games through six seasons in the NFL, will continue to operate as Jared Goff's No. 1 option in the passing game. The Lions may have to throw a little less than usual against this one-win Dolphins squad, but we also know that head coach Dan Campbell has a tendency to run his typical, aggressive offense deep into the game. St. Brown remains a must-start WR1 for fantasy football, looking to deliver his 10th consecutive double-digit performance (PPR) dating back to last year.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Emeka Egbuka Expected to Play in Week 9
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (foot) is expected to play in Sunday's Week 9 contest against the Chicago Bears despite being listed as questionable, according to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer. Egbuka is set to return from a two-game absence after recovering from a concussion and a foot injury. The 24-year-old has posted mixed results when healthy last year, but he'll look to pick up where he left off, as he caught 13 of 25 targets for 86 yards and one touchdown between Weeks 5 and 6. He is averaging 8.2 targets per game this season, and he should continue to see similar (or even more) volume in a potential negative game script environment against the Bears. Egbuka is firmly established as Baker Mayfield's favorite target, making him a fringe top-25 fantasy receiver for Week 9.
Source: Tom Pelissero
Source: Tom Pelissero
Emmett Johnson a Promising Bench Stash
Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson is a worthy bench stash as we head into the back half of the fantasy season. Johnson has been used sparingly as a rusher this year behind workhorse teammate Kenneth Walker. However, when given the opportunity, he's flashed his ability as an impact player. Most recently, the rookie came alive in a big way in the team's Week 8 loss to the Broncos. The Minneapolis, Minnesota native hauled in all five of his targets for a staggering 128 yards and a touchdown on the back of a 73-yard catch-and-run. Owners can't rely on that kind of volume from Johnson every week, though it's worth noting he's been a strong option when called upon and ranks third on the team in receiving yards (237) on minimal opportunities. Johnson is unlikely to turn the Chiefs' backfield into a committee, but he could siphon off more work moving forward. Head coach Andy Reid is notorious for making rookies earn their stripes. The 23-year-old is one of fantasy's most critical handcuffs.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Kaelon Black a Top-End Handcuff
San Francisco 49ers running back Kaelon Black may not be a useful fantasy start in Week 9, but presents as an excellent stash candidate off waivers, particularly for Christian McCaffrey owners. Black handled a heavier workload in San Francisco's Week 7 loss to Atlanta while McCaffrey battled an injury. Coming out of their bye, the latter appears healthy despite being listed as a DNP on Wednesday and should resume his role as the unquestioned workhorse. That said, there are still reasons to scoop the rookie up as we head into the back half of the campaign. For starters, the team may choose to manage McCaffrey's reps if he isn't truly healthy. Moreover, any aggravation of the injury would thrust Black into a substantial role in one of the league's top attacks. Despite no immediate standalone value, the third-round pick of April's draft draws appeal as a high-upside bench asset.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Demarcus Robinson Holds Fantasy Potential if Healthy
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (ankle) could find himself thrust into a considerable workload for this weekend's home date with the Las Vegas Raiders. Via technicality, the veteran is listed as questionable on the team's official injury report. However, all indications suggest he will play. If he does, it's fair to assume he'd have a significant role with San Francisco's wide receiver corps severely depleted. On Saturday, the 49ers announced that Christian Kirk (knee) would be placed on IR, joining Mike Evans (ribs, Achilles) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) as pass catchers who won't suit up in Week 9. Robinson's early-season sample is small, but he caught three passes on just a 31% snap share in Week 2 before he left with an injury. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect WR1 numbers, but it's possible he assumes some WR1 duties for quarterback Brock Purdy. Either way, the 32-year-old is a solid speculative add and a fine flex in deeper leagues for the plus matchup.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
DeMario Douglas a Savvy Late-Week Add Amid Injuries
New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas offers decent flex value off waivers ahead of a home clash with the Green Bay Packers. Douglas hasn't seen much volume in a passing game that spreads it around, but he's been a nice fantasy play recently, posting three outings with at least 65 yards and a touchdown over his previous four appearances. As it stands, the Liberty product will again work in tandem with teammates Efton Chism III and Kyle Williams unless fellow wideout Mack Hollins (calf) suits up. If Hollins does play, it would make Douglas that much harder to trust for solid fantasy output. However, he'd retain some low-end flex appeal if the former misses a fifth straight game. Unfortunately, the Liberty product isn't quite a full-time player. Still, he warrants managers' attention because A.J. Brown (ankle, knee) is out, and tight end Hunter Henry's (foot) status remains uncertain.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Konata Mumpfield Not an Option in Shallower Formats
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Konata Mumpfield is too uninvolved to trust for fantasy in Sunday's road matchup with the Washington Commanders. Mumpfield currently ranks third among Rams wideouts in snaps, well ahead of his next-closest teammate, but it hasn't translated to the box score. In fact, he's been the clear second in the receiving hierarchy in snaps over the last two games since fellow WR Davante Adams (hamstring) went down with an injury. Still, the 24-year-old had recorded a sole reception on four targets. In the wake of Adams' ailment, LA has gone more run-heavy, consolidating pass attempts to the running backs, tight ends, and superstar pass catcher Puka Nacua. Despite a presumed continued larger role, Mumpfield shouldn't be expected to contribute viable fantasy numbers. With that in mind, he's off owners' radars in shallower formats as RotoBaller's PPR WR65 ahead of his meeting with the Commanders.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Yanic Konan Niederhauser Still Sidelined Sunday
Los Angeles Clippers center Yanic Konan Niederhauser (foot) remains out for Sunday's matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans as he continues working back from Lisfranc surgery. The 23-year-old was recently assigned to the G-League's San Diego Clippers before being recalled, and Los Angeles also picked up his 2027-28 team option. Niederhauser averaged 8.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks in 18.2 minutes over his final five games last season before the injury ended his rookie campaign. With Isaiah Jackson (groin) also sidelined, Niederhauser could eventually work his way into the center rotation once he is cleared and fully up to speed.
Source: Ohm Youngmisuk
Source: Ohm Youngmisuk
Mikel Brown Jr. Ruled Out Versus Mavericks
Brooklyn Nets guard Mikel Brown Jr. (rest) will not play Sunday against the Dallas Mavericks as the team continues to hold him out of back-to-backs, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post. Head coach Jordi Fernandez has said the No. 6 overall pick is not close to having those restrictions lifted. Brown has flashed some scoring upside lately, putting up 18 points Wednesday against Charlotte before matching that total Saturday in Atlanta. With Egor Demin (leg) also sidelined, Nolan Traore should remain busy in the backcourt. Brown's workload will continue to require some planning from fantasy managers for the foreseeable future.
Source: Brian Lewis
Source: Brian Lewis
Ja Morant's Hamstring Injury Might Not be as Bad as Feared
Portland Trail Blazers guard Ja Morant (hamstring) received an encouraging update from head coach Micah Nori, who said the injury "might not be as extensive as what we thought it was," according to Conor Bergin of Blazer's Edge. Morant was diagnosed with a Grade 2 strain on Oct. 30 and is still scheduled to be re-evaluated four weeks from that date. The 27-year-old averaged 15.8 points, 5.5 assists, and 2.5 rebounds in 25.8 minutes through four games. Until he's back, Jrue Holiday should remain one of Portland's main creators after turning in 17 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds against Denver on Nov. 2.
Source: Conor Bergin
Source: Conor Bergin
Spencer Shrader Should Bounce Back in Week 9
Indianapolis Colts kicker Spencer Shrader is hopeful for more action after not making much of an impact last weekend. Shrader made his lone extra point attempt and didn't attempt a field goal during the Week 8 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. In Week 7, Shrader missed two field goals in the defeat to the Minnesota Vikings. Fantasy managers can be hopeful for a rebound performance against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 9. The Cowboys rank 29th in the league when it comes to kicker points allowed. The Colts offense has been a disaster, which is holding Shrader back at times. They should be able to rebound this weekend and give Shrader plenty of chances. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable plugging in Shrader as their kicker this weekend.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Brandon Ingram Remains Out for Sunday
Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward Brandon Ingram (Achilles) remains out for Sunday's matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. Ingram has yet to make his Clippers debut after undergoing heel surgery in May that also addressed a partially torn Achilles tendon, but he has progressed to full-contact basketball work. The 29-year-old averaged 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists over 77 games with Toronto last season. His eventual return would give a 1-7 Clippers team, currently 26th in scoring, another proven shot creator alongside Darius Garland.
Source: Ohm Youngmisuk
Source: Ohm Youngmisuk
