September 14, 2025
Houston Texans wide receiver
Jayden Higgins did lead his team in receiving yards in Week 1, but the offense struggled so badly against the Rams that he still only had 32 yards on two catches. He'll look for better totals in Week 2 against the Buccaneers on Monday Night Football in the early game of the doubleheader. Higgins only played 43% of snaps, working behind veterans
Xavier Hutchinson and
Justin Watson. He drew three targets and converted two into catches, but the third was ripped out of his hands by Cobie Durant for an interception. Higgins flashed some upside, but the fact that he played so few snaps in an offense that struggled so much makes him hard to trust in Week 2. He's the WR67 in the RotoBaller rankings for Week 2, and he should be on the bench in most formats until he gets a larger role. The rookie still has long-term potential, but the offense would have to find its groove to make him a fantasy factor.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
September 14, 2025
Houston Texans wide receiver
Xavier Hutchinson is once again lined up for an expanded role in Week 2, since
Christian Kirk (hamstring) will miss a second straight game when the Texans host the Buccaneers on Monday Night Football. Among the team's wide receivers, Hutchinson ranked second in snaps played and in receiving yards in Week 1, totaling 30 yards on two catches while playing 68% of snaps. He also got a rushing opportunity and added five rushing yards. The Texans' offense couldn't get rolling in Week 1 against the Rams, but they'll work for better results this week against the Bucs. Hutchinson is invovled enough that he could have upside if
C.J. Stroud can turn things around going forward. He's a long-shot play to avoid this week, though, since he's ranked as the WR90 in the RotoBaller rankings.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
September 14, 2025
Houston Texans wide receiver
Nico Collins was limited to just three catches for 25 yards in his team's Week 1 loss to the Rams, but he will look to bounce back this week at home against the Buccaneers on Monday Night Football. Collins only had five targets in Week 1, but he did still tie for the team lead. He played 53 of 63, by far the most among Texans' receivers, but the team's offense could never get much going against Los Angeles. They'll look to turn things around in Week 2, and Collins is the No. 7 WR in the RotoBaller rankings coming into his matchup against Tampa Bay, who allowed
Drake London eight catches in Week 1. For the Texans' offense to turn things around, they'll need to get their superstar more involved on Monday, and if he gets a high target volume, he could put together a monster game.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
September 14, 2025
Houston Texans running back
Woody Marks was part of the rotation in the team's backfield in Week 1, but the rookie played a very minimal role. He played just seven snaps (11%) against the Rams and took his three carries for three yards. The fourth-round pick showed some upside this training camp and preseason, but is clearly behind
Nick Chubb and
Dare Ogunbowale on the depth chart, and got the same amount of snaps and carries as
Dameon Pierce as well. Down the road, Marks still has the potential to contribute if he can earn more work in the load sharing, but for Week 2 against the Buccaneers, he's a very high-risk play and should be left on the bench in almost all formats. He's the RB63 in the RotoBaller rankings for Week 2.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
September 14, 2025
Houston Texans running back
Dameon Pierce did get a little bit of playing time in Week 1, but he does not look to be a large part of the Texans' backfield rotation coming into their Week 2 matchup against the Buccaneers on Monday. Pierce played only seven snaps (11%) in Week 1 against the Rams, taking his three carries for five yards. He played well behind starter
Nick Chubb and passing-down back
Dare Ogunbowale. He and
Woody Marks got identical workloads, but neither of them showed much reason for more work going forward. Pierce could still have upside later in the year if he claims a bigger role, but for now, he's in an extremely limited role in a struggling offense, so he can be on waiver wires in most leagues. He's only the RB72 in RotoBaller's Week 2 rankings.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
September 14, 2025
Houston Texans running back
Dare Ogunbowale played a larger role than expected in Week 1, and the 31-year-old veteran could be in the rotation again on Monday night, when the Texans host his former team, the Buccaneers. In Week 1, Ogunbowale played 27% of the team's offensive snaps, more than any other running back except. starter
Nick Chubb. He was also the only running back who had any catches, hauling in two passes for 17 yards. He brings value for his pass blocking and receiving skills and should continue to rotate in on passing downs, which does give him very limited upside in the Texans' offense, which sputtered in Week 1 and failed to score a touchdown. The Bucs gave up six catches for 100 receiving yards and a touchdown to the Falcons' running backs in Week 1, so Ogunbowale is an extremely deep sleeper play this week and could be valuable as a DFS bargain streamer. He's only the RB64 in RotoBaller's rankings, though, so he doesn't deserve consideration in most standard leagues this week.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
September 14, 2025
Houston Texans running back
Nick Chubb will again lead the way for his team's backfield rotation in a tough matchup on Monday night against the Buccaneers' strong run defense. Chubb played 51% of the snaps in Week 1 and had 13 carries, while no other running back had more than three. He wasn't very effective against the Rans, running for just 60 yards (4.6 per carry) and failing to catch his only target. Chubb will. likely be in a similar scenario against the Bucs and should have plenty of work, even though he doesn't have the dynamic play-making ability he had before his brutal injuries. The Texans didn't score a touchdown in Week 1, but if Chubb finds the end zone, he could be a borderline starter in Week 2. He's ranked as the RB28 in the RotoBaller rankings, making him an RB3 or a flex play
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
September 14, 2025
Houston Texans quarterback
C.J. Stroud is hoping for a bounce-back season after a down year in 2024, but the new season didn't start well in the Texans' 14-9 loss to the Rams in Week 1. Stroud was limited to just 188 passing yards while completing 19-of-27 passes. He was under pressure from the Rams' strong pass rush most of the day and wasn't able to create enough big plays down the field. His interception came on a pass that was snatched out of the hands of his receiver, so it wasn't really on him. However, he didn't make enough big plays or lead any touchdown drives. Even with new offensive coordinator Nick Caley in command, the issues from last season were evident once again in Week 1. Stroud and the Texans will look to get on track against the Buccaneers in the first game of Monday Night Football's doubleheader, but with how rough the Texans' offense looked, it's hard to support Stroud as a QB1. In the RotoBaller rankings, he's QB17, making him a decent QB2 but a long shot to start in standard, single-QB leagues.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
September 14, 2025
Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt guided his Sun Devils to a 34-15 win over Texas State in Week 3 to get back on track after a Week 2 loss to Mississippi State. Leavitt was 15-25 for 188 yards and a pair of touchdowns through the air. He also ran 12 times for 59 yards and another score. Leavitt has thrown for 527 yards and five touchdowns in 2025 with three interceptions. The dual-threat quarterback also has 157 rushing yards on 27 carries and three more touchdowns. The 2-1 Sun Devils will open Big 12 conference play at Baylor next Saturday.
--Mike Marteny - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
September 14, 2025
According to the team, the Tennessee Titans have elevated running back
Jordan Mims to their active roster ahead of Sunday's game against the visiting Los Angeles Rams. With teammate
Kalel Mullings (ankle) doubtful for Week 2 with an ankle injury, the 26-year-old will step in and suit up for the first time this season. In Week 1, Mullings was technically Tennessee's third option out of the backfield. However, he did not garner a snap on offense, while
Tony Pollard dominated with a robust 89% snap share. Pollard is likely to handle a hefty workload again in another tough matchup, with
Julius Chestnut mixing in sparsely behind. Mims could fall victim to the same fate as Mullings and participate only on special teams. Either way, he'll be there in case Chestnut and Pollard need a spell.
--Alex CiullaSource: NFL.com
September 14, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive lineman Luke Goedeke (foot) has garnered a questionable tag heading into their Monday night road matchup with the Houston Texans. Goedeke was out there for all of Tampa Bay's snaps in last weekend's win over the Falcons, but apparently picked up a foot injury in the process. After back-to-back DNPs to start the week, the Michigan native got in a limited session on Saturday to be officially deemed questionable. With fellow offensive lineman Graham Barton working at center, one of Charlie Heck or Benjamin Chukwuma will take over on the edge if Goedeke can't suit up. Heck and Chukwuma are the Buccaneers' only remaining tackles without an injury designation.
--Alex CiullaSource: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
September 14, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (concussion) is officially ruled out for Monday night's home matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers. The former second-round pick started the week on Thursday as a full participant, but popped up on Las Vegas' practice report on Friday and closed out the week with two DNPs. It's unclear precisely when Powers-Johnson picked up the injury, as he participated on 100% of the team's snaps in their win over the Patriots in Week 1. Teammate Alex Cappa figures to get the start at guard while the 22-year-old is shelved, although Caleb Rogers may get some work, too.
--Alex CiullaSource: Las Vegas Raiders
September 14, 2025
The Atlanta Falcons have placed defensive back Jordan Fuller (knee) on Injured Reserve. Fuller picked up a knee injury in last weekend's loss to the Buccaneers, forcing Atlanta to rule him out for their Week 2 outing with the hosting Minnesota Vikings. Now, he'll miss at least the next four games. It's unfortunate news for the Falcons, as their defensive backfield is suddenly, alarmingly thin. Teammates Jessie Bates III and Xavier Watts are currently the only healthy safeties on the active roster, so Billy Bowman Jr. (shoulder) figures to handle another sizable snap share Sunday night. However, he's questionable with a shoulder injury. If Bowman Jr. can't go, Dee Alford projects to see an extended look at nickel.
--Alex CiullaSource: Terrin Waack
September 13, 2025
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Cleveland Browns running back
Quinshon Judkins will "have his snaps closely monitored" throughout Sunday's matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. However, Rapoport added the rookie will still "have the snaps of a backup RB." Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com indicated that Judkins will "get about a dozen carries" in Week 2. As a result, it appears
Dylan Sampson and
Jerome Ford should handle most of the work out of the backfield on Sunday, meaning leaving Judkins on fantasy benches may be the safest way to go. With that said, the Browns hope he takes over as the No. 1 option on the depth chart, so it may be only a matter of time before he works his way into fantasy lineups on a full-time basis. That process might be accelerated depending on how he does in Week 2.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Ian Rapoport
September 13, 2025
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Jauan Jennings (shoulder) is considered a "game-time decision" for Sunday's matchup versus the Saints, although a source says there is optimism he'll be active. The 28-year-old injured his shoulder in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks. He didn't practice on Wednesday and Thursday. However, Jennings logged a limited session on Friday, although it still wasn't enough to avoid a questionable designation. With
George Kittle (hamstring) out,
Ricky Pearsall and
Christian McCaffrey should see plenty of attention from quarterback
Mac Jones if Jennings doesn't play. Jennings will work out before the opening kickoff. If he's cleared to suit up, he's a must-start in any fantasy format.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Ian Rapoport
September 13, 2025
Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed pitching prospect
Bubba Chandler turned in the best start of his young career in a 5-1 win over the Washington Nationals on Saturday. Chandler, who did not factor into the decision, took a perfect game into the sixth inning before allowing two singles and an earned run. The Pirates pulled him after six, and Chandler finished the game with seven strikeouts and no walks on 81 pitches (56 strikes). It was an encouraging bounce-back performance by the 22-year-old, who the Milwaukee Brewers rocked for nine earned runs in 2 2/3 innings in his first career start last Sunday. In five appearances since the Pirates promoted him on Aug. 22, Chandler has recorded a 5.66 ERA with a 1.16 WHIP, 19 strikeouts, and four walks over 20 2/3 frames. He's scheduled to make his next start on Friday against the Athletics.
--Connor ByrneSource: ESPN
September 13, 2025
Kansas City Royals catcher
Salvador Perez had a Saturday afternoon to remember in an 8-6 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. The 35-year-old finished 2-for-4 with a pair of homers and three runs batted in, giving him 300 HRs and 1,000 RBI for his career. Perez, the eighth primary catcher to reach the 300-HR mark, entered Saturday mired in a severe slump that has lasted for over a month. After putting up a .621 OPS in August, Perez has gone just 8-for-45 (.177) in September, though he has smacked four HRs in that 12-game span. Despite an unspectacular .235/.277/.445 line in 584 plate appearances this year, Perez ranks third among catchers in RBI (84) and fourth in homers (27). He has a shot at the second 30-HR campaign of his career.
--Connor ByrneSource: Jaylon Thompson - The Kansas City Star
September 13, 2025
Houston Astros second baseman/outfielder
Jose Altuve (foot) left early in a 6-2 win over the Atlanta Braves on Saturday with discomfort in his right foot. Altuve went 1-for-2 with a single before the Astros brought in
Ramon Urias to replace him at second in the bottom of the third inning. Manager Joe Espada said afterward that the Astros were being "cautious" in taking out Altuve, who's now being evaluated. Although Altuve has only hit .212 since the start of August, this has been yet another productive season for the nine-time All-Star. He has slashed .264/.327/.443 with 25 homers, 70 RBI, 77 runs scored, and nine stolen bases in 612 plate appearances. The Astros should have an update on his status before Sunday's series finale against the Braves.
--Connor ByrneSource: Matt Kawahara - Houston Chronicle
September 13, 2025
New York Mets outfielder
Juan Soto crushed his 40th home run of the season in a 3-2 loss to the Texas Rangers on Saturday. Along with his 414-foot solo shot, Soto singled during a 2-for-5 day. The Mets have been in free-fall mode and may miss the playoffs despite Soto's best efforts to keep the team afloat in September. He has gone 17-for-47 (.361) with five homers, 13 RBI, 10 runs scored, and six stolen bases in 12 games this month. In his first season as a Met, the 26-year-old superstar has slashed a superb .264/.398/.529 with 97 RBI, 113 runs, and a shocking 32 steals. Soto entered 2025 with a career high of 12 SBs, but he now has the first 40-30 season of his remarkable career.
--Connor ByrneSource: ESPN
September 13, 2025
Texas Rangers reliever
Shawn Armstrong closed out a 3-2 win over the New York Mets on Saturday to record his ninth save of the season. The right-hander came on in relief of
Phil Maton with one out and a runner on first in the bottom of the ninth inning. Armstrong allowed a single, but he struck out the other two hitters he faced (
Pete Alonso and
Brandon Nimmo) to secure the victory for the Rangers. Armstrong has converted all four of his save opportunities in September while giving up just one run in 6 2/3 innings. He owns a 2.43 ERA with a .83 WHIP, 66 strikeouts, and 19 walks over 66 2/3 frames this season.
--Connor ByrneSource: MLB.com
September 13, 2025
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver
Casey Washington (concussion) did not pass the league's concussion protocol and will be inactive on Sunday against the Vikings. The 24-year-old had his best game in the NFL last week, hauling in three of his six targets for 33 yards, but suffered a concussion during the fourth quarter of the contest. The University of Illinois product's six targets were fourth-most on the team and more than veteran
Ray-Ray McCloud III's five targets, potentially signaling a changing of the guard for the third wide receiver spot in the Atlanta offense, but it was likely more a product of
Darnell Mooney's absence in Week 1 than anything else. With Mooney expected to play in Week 2 but with Washington out, we'll have to see how things shake out in Week 3 in order to get a better feel for Washington's role in this offense. For now, Washington can be left to the waiver wire in fantasy leagues.
--Jarod RuppSource: ESPN
September 13, 2025
The San Francisco Giants have placed first baseman
Dominic Smith (hamstring) on the 10-day injured list with a strained right hamstring. It appears he'll sit out longer than that, though, as Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that Smith will probably miss the final 15 games of the Giants' regular season. Smith injured himself on a stretch play on Friday, forcing him to leave early in a win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Giants are now tied for the last NL wild-card spot, so Smith may be able to help them in October if they earn a playoff berth. The 30-year-old has been a nice in-season pickup for the Giants, who signed him in early June. Smith has hit .284/.333/.417 with five homers, 33 RBI, 26 runs, and two steals in 65 games and 225 plate appearances as a Giant. With Smith out,
Wilmer Flores should see an increase in playing time. He started at DH against the Dodgers on Saturday.
--Connor ByrneSource: Susan Slusser - San Francisco Chronicle
September 13, 2025
According to Ben Nicholson-Smith, Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher
Trey Yesavage is set to be promoted to the big leagues. Yesavage is a former first-round pick of the organization from the 2024 draft. The right-hander has been impressive during his first season in pro ball. He holds a 3.12 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and a 160/41 K/BB ratio across 25 games (22 starts) between four different minor league levels this season. The 22-year-old appears ready to take the next step into the big leagues. At the moment, it's unclear when Yesavage will make his MLB debut. The plan is for Jays' manager John Schneider to address the situation on Sunday. It depends on the circumstances, but Yesavage should be worth a look as a streaming option in mixed leagues at the minimum.
--Andy WebbSource: Ben Nicholson-Smith
September 13, 2025
Los Angeles Angels shortstop
Zach Neto (hand) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Seattle Mariners. This marks the second game in a row that Neto will head to the bench. He injured his hand during Thursday's game, so hopefully he won't require a stint on the injured list. For now, fantasy managers should consider Neto as day-to-day.
Denzer Guzman will start at shortstop and bat seventh versus right-hander
Bryan Woo on Saturday. Fantasy managers should check back on Sunday for another update on Neto.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
September 13, 2025
Los Angeles Angels outfielder
Jo Adell (illness) is back in the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Seattle Mariners. Adell has missed each of the last two games while battling vertigo. In fact, Adell has been held out of the lineup in four of the last five contests due to the issue. It appears that Adell is feeling good enough to play on Saturday. He'll bat cleanup and cover right field during Saturday's contest. Fantasy managers better make sure to get him into their lineups. In September, Adell is hitting .355 with five homers and 12 RBI in nine games.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
September 13, 2025
New York Mets starting pitcher
Brandon Sproat was outstanding on the mound during Saturday's start against the Texas Rangers. Sproat was making his second career start and looked like a pro on the mound. He tossed six scoreless innings, allowing six hits, while striking out three batters in the no-decision. Sproat exited the game after 70 pitches and in line for the win. Sadly,
Edwin Diaz blew the game in the ninth inning, but that shouldn't take anything away from Sproat's excellent performance. He'll take a 2.25 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and a 10/4 K/BB ratio into his next start versus the Washington Nationals. The rookie right-hander is looking like a solid streaming choice for that one.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
September 13, 2025
Detroit Tigers pitcher
Keider Montero will draw the start against the Miami Marlins on Sunday. It looks like Montero will get the first chance to take the rotation spot of
Sawyer Gipson-Long (neck) who landed on the injured list. Montero is no stranger to the starting rotation as he has made nine starts for the Tigers this season. He holds a 4.60 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, and a 58/27 K/BB ratio across 78.1 innings of work this season. The assumption is that
Jose Urquidy will follow Montero out of the bullpen as the bulk reliever. Montero won't offer much streaming appeal for this game.
--Andy WebbSource: Danielle Bruce
September 13, 2025
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson said the team is working with quarterback
Caleb Williams on being more consistent with his footwork to improve his accuracy as a thrower. Per ESPN's Courtney Cronin, Johnson said that there were "probably three or four" throws from Williams' Week 1 performance against the Minnesota Vikings that "we would want back." Williams completed 60% of his 35 pass attempts against Minnesota for 210 yards and a touchdown. He gets a decent matchup in Week 2 against a Detroit Lions defense that may be without All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph (knee). Still, Williams is tough for fantasy managers to trust until he proves he can be more consistent. Williams profiles as a fantasy QB2 in Week 2 who can be started in Superflex leagues but should be avoided in single-QB formats.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - Courtney Cronin
September 13, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen praised running back
Travis Etienne Jr. after Etienne's big performance in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers. Per ESPN's Michael DiRocco, Coen had this to say about Etienne Jr.: "It took some time early on in terms of understanding the demands and the standards. Once (Etienne Jr.) really got on the same page, it's been doing this (upward motion)." The Jaguars traded running back
Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles following Week 1, clearing the way for Etienne Jr. and rookie
Bhayshul Tuten to dominate touches in Jacksonville. Etienne Jr. profiles as a fantasy RB2 in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - Michael DiRocco
September 13, 2025
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher
Will Smith (hand) was placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to September 11. The Dodgers tried to avoid this, but sadly, Smith wasn't improving quickly enough. He'll head to the shelf due to right-hand soreness, but will hopefully return before the end of the regular season. The Dodgers had to make this move as they couldn't keep playing shorthanded. Smith has missed nine of the last 10 games, so it was time for him to be placed on the IL. In a corresponding move,
Chuckie Robinson has been recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City. He figures to split up the playing time behind the plate with
Ben Rortvedt.
--Andy WebbSource: Fabian Ardaya
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