September 14, 2025
For most of Saturday night's race at Bristol, Ty Gibbs looked like he was going to interrupt the playoff drivers' party and win his first race in the NASCAR Cup Series. In a race that was somewhat similar to the wacky tire-preservation race in the spring of 2024, where Gibbs led 137 laps, he improved on that with a career-high 201 laps led on Saturday night, tripling his laps led count for the season, even though his teammate, Christopher Bell, ended up winning. Despite finishing 10th, Gibbs won Stage 2, scored the second-most points, posted the best driver rating (129.6), and had the fifth-best average running position. However, Gibbs was unable to decelerate quickly enough to make his final pit stop and got hit from behind. He ran slowly enough until he actually made his pit stop to fall a lap down, but he eventually regained it and finished 10th. Although it was a disappointing result, the performance suggests that maybe some people wrote him off too quickly.
--Sean Wrona - RotoBallerSource: Racing Reference
September 14, 2025
Even though Chase Elliott crashed and finished 38th and scored only one point since he didn't score any stage points either, he still advanced to the Round of 12 in the NASCAR playoffs because he had enough of a gap over the drivers below the cutl ine, and even if his teammate Alex Bowman had won, Bowman would've knocked out Austin Cindric instead of Elliott. However, he still didn't run very well in this round, and with only a five-point lead over the new playoff cut line (where Cindric currently sits), it would be no surprise to see Elliott fail to advance to the Round of 8. He's probably just as likely to make it as not, however, since Cindric, Ross Chastain, Joey Logano, and Tyler Reddick are arguably running worse, so it's likely Elliott will remain at or near the playoff cut line for the entirety of the next round.
--Sean Wrona - RotoBallerSource: Racing Reference
September 14, 2025
As expected, Austin Dillon wasn't even particularly close to being in contention to advancing to the Round of 12 in the NASCAR playoffs. For all the speed he has recently shown at Richmond, he's never been particularly strong at Bristol and last night was no exception as he started 23rd and finished 28th four laps down ad he never even ran better than 19th in a race where only three other drivers: Austin Hill, Cody Ware, and Chad Finchum had a worse peak running position. It was pretty obvious that Alex Bowman, Dillon, Shane van Gisbergen, and Josh Berry would be the four drivers to fail to advance since the 12 drivers who did advance pretty obviously had significantly better seasons than all of them.
--Sean Wrona - RotoBallerSource: Racing Reference
September 14, 2025
It was really unlikely for Shane van Gisbergen to advance to the Round of 12 in the NASCAR playoffs on Saturday night since there were no road courses in that round, and two of the tracks in this round (Darlington and Bristol) tend to benefit the drivers with a great deal of stock-car experience as opposed to rookie outsiders like SVG. He was caught up in three incidents in Saturday night's race. Early in Stage 2, Riley Herbst sent Ricky Stenhouse Jr. into him, although SVG did not make significant contact and continued. Late in Stage 2, he was running very slowly and holding up traffic when he spun by William Byron. He spun out again at the start of Stage 3, but none of these incidents badly damaged his car. He finished 26th, three laps down, but didn't come close to making the playoffs. Admittedly, nobody really expected him to.
--Sean Wrona - RotoBallerSource: Racing Reference
September 14, 2025
Josh Berry was pretty outmatched in the NASCAR playoffs. Although nobody really expected him to advance to the Round of 12 since he's had a pretty mediocre season even despite his win at Las Vegas, Berry became the first playoff driver to finish last in each race of a playoff round with his 39th place finish at Bristol last night. While running seventh in Stage 1, Berry's brake rotors caught fire and he struggled to be able to make it into the pits as smoke billowed inside his car. He had to be extricated from the car while on pit road, but he appeared to be unhurt. There is a strong chance after this start that he will finish 16th and last in the playoffs since it's hard to see him overcoming the 40-point deficit to all other drivers, but few people expected him to make the playoffs to begin with so he arguably overachieved anyway.
--Sean Wrona - RotoBallerSource: Racing Reference
September 14, 2025
Colorado Rockies outfielder
Jordan Beck is out of the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the San Diego Padres. Beck will head to the bench for the first time since September 2. During that 10 game span, Beck is hitting .308 with one homer, seven RBI, and three steals. Beck is certainly worth a look in deep leagues at the minimum right now. On Sunday,
Yanquiel Fernandez will take over in right field and bat sixth. Fantasy managers should expect Beck back in the lineup after this game.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
September 14, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (ankle) has been diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain after exiting Sunday's Week 2 contest against the Seattle Seahawks, according to head coach Mike Tomlin. The 28-year-old finished the game with just one tackle. He will likely be placed on injured reserve as he misses roughly four to six weeks. Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer should handle more defensive snaps opposite T.J. Watt going forward.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ian Rapoport
September 14, 2025
Arizona Diamondbacks infielder
Blaze Alexander (elbow) was forced to make an early exit from Sunday's game against the Minnesota Twins. Alexander appeared to be in significant pain after being hit by a pitch in the left elbow. He was pulled out of the contest in exchange for
Ildemaro Vargas who took over at second base. Before exiting, Alexander was 0-for-1 with a run scored. The assumption is that he'll undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury. For now, fantasy managers should consider Alexander as day-to-day. Alexander has been crushing the ball in the second half, so hopefully he won't miss much time.
--Andy WebbSource: Jack Sommers
September 14, 2025
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder
Christopher Morel (abdomen) was forced to make an early exit during Sunday's game against the Chicago Cubs. Morel suffered an abdominal contusion when being struck by a foul ball. As a precaution, Morel exited the game and
Jake Mangum took over in left field. Before exiting, Morel went 1-for-3 with a single. Fantasy managers should consider Morel as day-to-day. It doesn't sound like this issue will force Morel onto the injured list.
--Andy WebbSource: Marc Topkin
September 14, 2025
New York Jets quarterback
Justin Fields (head) has officially been diagnosed with a concussion following Sunday's Week 2 contest against the Buffalo Bills. He was taken to the locker room in the second half to be evaluated, leaving
Tyrod Taylor as the Jets' primary option under center. Fields finished Sunday's game having completed three of 11 pass attempts for 27 yards through the air, and he also added 49 rushing yards. The Jets will have one week until their next game, which leaves very little time for Fields to recover and clear concussion protocol. If he can't get healthy in time, Taylor would be in line to start at quarterback against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
--Andersen PickardSource: Rich Cimini
September 14, 2025
Athletics outfielder
Tyler Soderstrom (groin) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. This marks the third game in a row that Soderstrom has missed after being scratched from Friday's contest. He continues to deal with lingering groin tightness. The A's have a scheduled off day on Monday, so hopefully Soderstrom can return to the mix then. In the meantime,
Max Schuemann will cover left field for the A's on Sunday. Fantasy managers should check back on Tuesday for another update on Soderstrom.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
September 14, 2025
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman
Max Muncy (head, forearm) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the San Francisco Giants. Muncy recently missed some time due to a forearm issue. He returned on Saturday, but was hit in the head by a pitch during Saturday's game. As a result, Muncy will take a seat on Sunday to rest. For now, fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day.
Enrique Hernandez will cover third base and eighth versus left-hander
Robbie Ray. Fantasy managers will need to check back for another update on Muncy ahead of Monday's game.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
September 14, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals rookie first-round defensive end Shemar Stewart (ankle) exited during the fourth quarter of Sunday's Week 2 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He has been ruled out for the remainder of the game. The rookie finishes Week 2 with two tackles. With Stewart sidelined, Myles Murphy should earn more defensive snaps as a rotational piece behind Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai.
--Andersen PickardSource: Cincinnati Bengals
September 14, 2025
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver
KaVontae Turpin (neck) exited during the second half of Sunday's Week 2 contest against the New York Giants. He is officially questionable to return. He had been heavily involved prior to his departure, catching four passes for 47 yards and a touchdown, rushing for six yards, and returning four kicks for an additional 100 yards.
Jalen Tolbert and
Ryan Flournoy should pick up some of Turpin's offensive snaps until he can return. Tolbert will also handle Turpin's kick and punt return responsibilities.
--Andersen PickardSource: Todd Archer
September 14, 2025
New York Jets quarterback
Justin Fields (head) exited during the second half of Sunday's Week 2 contest against the Buffalo Bills. He was taken to the locker room and is being evaluated for a concussion. At the time of his departure, he had completed just three of 11 pass attempts for 27 yards through the air, and he also added 49 rushing yards.
Tyrod Taylor has entered the game and will lead the Jets' offense until Fields is cleared to return. If Fields officially enters concussion protocol, Taylor would likely be in line to start next week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
--Andersen PickardSource: New York Jets
September 14, 2025
Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards (hamstring) exited Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions and is officially doubtful to return. Edwards was dealing with a hamstring earlier this week, so it's possible that he re-aggravated that same injury. With Chicago trailing by multiple possessions, it's unlikely they'll try to get Edwards back into the contest. Assuming his day is done, he finishes Week 2 with four tackles. Noah Sewell should assume a larger role on defense for the duration of Edwards' absence.
--Andersen PickardSource: Chris Emma
September 14, 2025
Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (groin) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's Week 2 contest against the Detroit Lions. The 26-year-old had been listed as questionable after exiting earlier in the contest. He finishes the game with a pair of tackles. Jaylon Jones and Nahshon Wright will earn more defensive snaps in Johnson's absence.
--Andersen PickardSource: Chris Emma
September 14, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback
Joe Burrow (toe) has been ruled out for the remainder of Week 2. He exited in the first half and was initially listed as questionable before being downgraded to out. He finishes the week 7-for-13 passing with 76 passing yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions.
Jake Browning took over for Burrow and has kept the Bengals playing a close game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for additional updates on Burrow's status once the Week 2 contest in Cincinnati comes to an end.
--Andersen PickardSource: Tom Pelissero
September 14, 2025
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu (hamstring) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 2 contest against the Denver Broncos. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport previously noted that Latu's injury is not believed to be serious, so his absence on Sunday likely indicates the Colts are erring on the side of caution. Samson Ebukam and Tyquan Lewis should earn more defensive snaps in Latu's absence.
--Andersen PickardSource: Stephen Holder
September 14, 2025
Carolina Panthers left tackle Ikem Ekwonu (appendix) is officially active for Sunday's Week 2 contest against the Arizona Cardinals. The 24-year-old has spent several weeks recovering from an appendectomy and missed the Panthers' season opener, so Week 2 represents his season debut. Yosh Nijman (coach's decision) is inactive Sunday, somewhat surprisingly, which means Brady Christensen will operate as Ekwonu's backup.
--Andersen PickardSource: Joe Person
September 14, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith (ankle) has been ruled out for the remainder of his team's Week 2 game against the Seattle Seahawks due to an ankle injury. Highsmith is a key piece of Pittsburgh's pass rush opposite star edge rusher T.J. Watt. Without Highsmith, third-year edge rusher/linebacker Nick Herbig is likely to receive more playing time. Herbig had 5.5 sacks in 13 games last season for Pittsburgh.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - Brooke Pryor
September 14, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback
Joe Burrow (toe) is questionable to return to his team's Week 2 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to a toe injury, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Burrow was taken into the locker room with assistance from trainers and was limping heavily. It remains to be seen whether Burrow will be able to return on Sunday, but the fact that he was not immediately ruled out by the team has to be considered a positive sign.
--Will BradySource: NFL.com - Ian Rapoport
September 14, 2025
St. Louis Cardinals third baseman
Nolan Arenado (shoulder) is set to rejoin the team ahead of the game against the Cincinnati Reds on Monday. Arenado appears ready to return after playing in a pair of games at Double-A Springfield. The veteran slugger has been sidelined since early August due to a right shoulder strain. The assumption is that he'll be activated and in the starting lineup on Monday. Fantasy managers should check back for official confirmation ahead of Monday's game. The 34-year-old offers enough upside to warrant rostering in most fantasy formats.
--Andy WebbSource: John Denton
September 14, 2025
Denver Broncos running back
Jaleel McLaughlin is a healthy scratch for his team's Week 2 game against the Indianapolis Colts. McLaughlin was also inactive in Week 1, so this decision from the team does not necessarily come as a surprise. Without McLaughlin, Denver will roll with the running back trio of
J.K. Dobbins,
RJ Harvey, and
Tyler Badie.
--Will BradySource: Denver Broncos
September 14, 2025
Los Angeles Angels shortstop
Zach Neto (wrist) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the Seattle Mariners. This marks the third game in a row that Neto will miss after injuring his hand during Thursday's contest. At this point, it wouldn't be shocking to see Neto land on the injured list. For now, the Angels will take it day-by-day and keep Neto on the bench.
Denzer Guzman will draw his second straight start at shortstop during Sunday's game. He could offer some deep league value if Neto does land on the shelf.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
September 14, 2025
Detroit Lions tight end
Shane Zylstra (ankle) has been downgraded to out for the remainder of his team's Week 2 contest against the Chicago Bears. Zylstra is the Lions' third-string tight end behind
Sam LaPorta and
Brock Wright. His absence may mean a slight uptick in snaps for the remainder of Week 2 for LaPorta.
--Will BradySource: Detroit Lions
September 14, 2025
San Diego Padres first baseman
Luis Arraez (head) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the Colorado Rockies. Arraez was removed during Saturday's game after getting hit in the head by a ball during pre-inning warmups. The team has decided to take the cautious approach and hold him out of this game. For now, fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day.
Ryan O'Hearn will cover first base while
Jake Cronenworth plays second base during Sunday's contest. The expectation is that Arraez will be back in the lineup early next week.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
September 14, 2025
Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (groin) is questionable to return to his team's Week 2 matchup against the Detroit Lions due to a groin injury. Johnson missed Week 1 due to a groin injury, so this could be a re-aggravation of the existing ailment. Johnson is the Bears' top cover corner, so his absence would make life considerably easier for Lions quarterback
Jared Goff and the rest of the Detroit passing game.
--Will BradySource: Chicago Bears
September 14, 2025
Texas Rangers outfielder
Adolis Garcia (quadriceps) was activated from the 10-day injured list and is in the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the New York Mets. Garcia is in right field and batting cleanup after missing nearly two weeks of action due to a quad injury. It has been a down year for Garcia, but he remains a threat to go deep at any time. He has 18 home runs, 73 RBI, and 13 steals across 125 games this season. Fantasy managers who have Garcia rostered should get him activated on Sunday.
--Andy WebbSource: Rangers PR
September 14, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith (ankle) is doubtful to return to his team's Week 2 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks due to an ankle injury. Highsmith is a key piece of the Steelers' pass rush, recording 28.5 sacks in 46 games since the start of 2022. If he is unable to return, the job on Sunday will get easier for Seahawks quarterback
Sam Darnold and the rest of the Seattle pass game.
--Will BradySource: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Ray Fittipaldo
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