October 1, 2025
Arizona Cardinals running back
Emari Demercado is set to handle feature-back duties following the loss of
Trey Benson (knee) and
James Conner (Achilles). While his 2025 numbers are modest so far--just four carries for eight yards and two receptions for 13 yards--Demercado flashed last season with 223 yards on only 24 attempts, showing the ability to pick up chunk plays when given steady work. With Arizona's backfield depth depleted, the "next man up" approach leaves Demercado as the clear option to shoulder the load, and
Kyler Murray's mobility should create additional running lanes to aid his efficiency. Fantasy managers should consider Demercado a must-add in all formats, as he projects for both volume and opportunity in an offense desperate for balance.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Taylor Bisciotti
October 1, 2025
Arizona Cardinals running back
Trey Benson (knee) is expected to miss four to six weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his meniscus, another setback for a backfield already reeling from the season-ending loss of
James Conner (Achilles). Benson had been working into a steady role with 29 carries for 160 yards and 13 receptions for 64 yards through four games, but his absence now opens the door for
Emari Demercado to take on feature-back responsibilities. Demercado should be added in all fantasy formats as he projects to see the bulk of opportunities in both the running and passing game, especially with Arizona lacking proven depth behind him. While Benson showed flashes of efficiency early, his return timetable places him on injured reserve and makes him droppable unless you have an IR spot available.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Adam Schefter
October 1, 2025
New York Giants running back
Tyrone Tracy Jr. (shoulder) did not practice Wednesday after already missing Week 4 following a separated shoulder in his matchup with the Chiefs in Week 3. The second-year back has managed just 68 rushing yards on 22 carries this season, and his absence has opened the door for
Cam Skattebo to seize feature back duties in New York. Even when healthy, Tracy is unlikely to carve out more than a change-of-pace role in the Giants' offense, leaving his fantasy outlook extremely limited. Until there's a clear path to consistent touches, Tracy can be safely dropped in all formats, with his only current value coming as a speculative handcuff to Skattebo.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Dan Duggan
October 1, 2025
Miami Dolphins wide receiver
Jaylen Waddle is set to take on a true WR1 role with
Tyreek Hill (knee) out for the season. Head coach Mike McDaniel emphasized that the team has always viewed Waddle as a top receiver, but Hill's absence ensures a heavier workload moving forward. Through four games, Waddle has recorded 17 receptions for 185 yards and two touchdowns, and his speed and route running make him the most dangerous option left in Miami's passing game. The Dolphins have struggled offensively this season, ranking just 26th overall and 22nd in passing, but Waddle's expanded role gives him a chance to spark the unit. Fantasy managers should view him as a must-start in Week 5 against Carolina and a strong candidate for weekly WR1 production going forward.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Marcel Louis-Jacques
October 1, 2025
Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said he's hoping to get running back
Tyjae Spears (ankle) "involved as quickly as possible," according to Jim Wyatt of TennesseeTitans.com. Spears is still on Injured Reserve and has missed the first four games of the season, but the Titans opened his 21-day practice window this week, and he's eligible to be activated to the 53-man active roster at any time. For now, it's unclear if Spears has a legitimate chance to play in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals. When he's back, Spears will be a nice change-of-pace to starter
Tony Pollard in Tennessee's backfield. Even if Spears does not make his 2025 debut this weekend, fantasy managers in need of some RB depth, especially in point-per-reception formats, should consider adding Spears off the waiver wire if he's available. In his two years in the NFL, Spears has 765 rushing yards and six rushing TDs on 184 attempts while catching 82 passes for 609 yards and two more touchdowns.
--Keith HernandezSource: TennesseeTitans.com - JIm Wyatt
October 1, 2025
New York Jets running back
Braelon Allen (knee) has a "pretty serious knee injury," according to head coach Aaron Glenn. However, the Jets are not unveiling their Injured Reserve plans just yet, and Allen is seeking a second opinion. Allen took a shot to his knee during a kickoff return in Monday night's loss to the Miami Dolphins and is going to miss some time. If he is forced to go on IR, Allen would have to miss at least four games. The 21-year-old reportedly suffered an MCL sprain. With Allen injured,
Breece Hall could see even more touches in New York's backfield, with
Isaiah Davis stepping into a backup role. Davis is worth a waiver-wire pickup for those looking for more RB depth or if you have Hall rostered. Through the first four weeks in 2025, Allen has 18 carries for 76 yards and a touchdown while catching only two passes for 17 yards through the air.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Rich Cimini
October 1, 2025
Arizona Cardinals running back
Trey Benson (knee) is being placed on Injured Reserve on Wednesday with a knee injury that he suffered in last Thursday night's loss to the Seattle Seahawks, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Cardinals are expecting Benson to play again this year, but he will now be forced to miss at least the next four games. It's another major blow to Arizona's backfield after they already lost
James Conner (Achilles) for the season. The earliest that Benson can return is Week 10 against the Seahawks -- the Cardinals have a bye in Week 8. In the meantime,
Emari Demercado will become Arizona's No. 1 backfield option, making him a priority addition off your league's waiver wire if he's available.
Michael Carter will also see an expanded role as the team's RB2 and is worth a look in deeper leagues for RB depth. Benson should be stashed in an IR spot if you have him rostered.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
October 1, 2025
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers still aren't ruling out running back
Bucky Irving (foot) for Week 5 on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, and head coach Todd Bowles said the team will wait to see if he's out of his walking boot by Friday, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Quarterback
Baker Mayfield framed it as "if" Irving can't play against Seattle. The 23-year-old is day-to-day right now, but fantasy managers can't be very optimistic with Irving in a walking boot and on crutches on Wednesday. He almost certainly won't practice and most likely will not be available on Sunday as he battles a foot sprain. Irving apparently has avoided a long-term injury, but don't expect to see him active this weekend. If Irving doesn't play against the Seahawks,
Rachaad White will be a plug-and-play RB2 in fantasy, with
Sean Tucker also seeing a boost in his role in Tampa's backfield.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
October 1, 2025
Washington Commanders quarterback
Jayden Daniels (knee) has been medically cleared by doctors and will practice in full on Wednesday, according to head coach Dan Quinn. Daniels suffered a knee sprain in the Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers and was forced to miss the last two games. However, it appears the 24-year-old second-year signal-caller has made great progress and is on track to return for a Week 5 matchup in Los Angeles this Sunday against the Chargers. There could be some issues with Daniels' mobility outside the pocket as a playmaker and runner, though, and the matchup isn't an ideal one for fantasy purposes. On top of it, top wideout
Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) could miss a second straight game. Things aren't lining up great for fantasy purposes in Daniels' return, but he should at least be in the low-end QB1 picture if he's active on Sunday.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
October 1, 2025
After a poor end to the regular season, Luke List came out looking more figured out at the Procore Championship en route to a T30 finish. He didn't do anything miraculous, but he gained strokes across the board for the first time since 2022. He now comes to the familiar Country Club of Jackson for this week's Sanderson Farms Championship, where he won in 2023. Inconsistencies and the pitfalls in his game seem to be worsening with time. He's still a top 30 player in driving distance (312.0), but everything else in his game has slipped outside the top 120 in terms of strokes gained metrics. If this most recent showing is to be believed, List popping up on the leaderboard won't be surprising. However, it will take more than course history and one good tournament to sway DFS opinion on him. He's simply too volatile to trust.
--Todd McGillSource: PGA Tour
October 1, 2025
The Miami Dolphins officially placed All-Pro wide receiver
Tyreek Hill (knee) on season-ending Injured Reserve on Wednesday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Hill dislocated his knee in Monday night's win over the New York Jets and also tore multiple ligaments in his knee, including his ACL. His 2025 season is officially over, and although he's planning on being ready for the start of the 2026 season, it won't be a guarantee that he'll be ready for Week 1. The Cheetah had surgery on his knee on Tuesday. In redraft fantasy leagues, Hill can safely be dropped for reinforcements. In his absence,
Jaylen Waddle will be Miami's new WR1, with
Malik Washington and
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine also moving up the depth chart. Tight end
Darren Waller, who had two touchdowns in his 2025 debut on Monday night, should also be heavily involved in the passing attack for Miami going forward with Hill done for the year.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
October 1, 2025
As the golf world rolls into the fall, Tom Kim is still in search of the metaphorical cliff his game has fallen off of. He only managed two finishes inside the top 25 during the regular season and is in jeopardy of falling outside the top 100 in the FedEx Cup list. And though it doesn't necessarily affect his starting opportunities in full-field events, he desperately needs better placement status for Signature Events and majors. This doesn't look like the week the train will start moving, as the Country Club of Jackson is a ball-striker-centric design that doesn't suit the current form of the South Korean's game. Kim has only managed to gain strokes on approach three times in his last 16 events, and twice off the tee during that span. Avoid until some signs of life begin to show.
--Todd McGillSource: Data Golf
October 1, 2025
Cleveland Guardians outfield prospect
Chase DeLauter will make his major-league debut on Wednesday in Game 2 of the wild-card series against the division-rival Detroit Tigers and right-hander
Casey Mize at Progressive Field. DeLauter is starting in center field and will hit seventh in the batting order. It's a bold move by Cleveland after falling down 1-0 in the series with a loss in Game 1 of the series on Tuesday. The 23-year-old DeLauter has lots of upside, but he also hasn't played in a game since July 11 in the minors due to a right-wrist injury that required surgery. The former first-rounder only played in 42 games at Triple-A Columbus and in the Arizona Fall League this year before his injury and hit .264/.379/.473 with an .852 OPS, seven home runs, 24 RBI and 28 runs scored. The Guards are looking for a spark given their lack of productivity in center field from
Angel Martinez, but DeLauter is a big dice role in the postseason in a must-win game.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
October 1, 2025
Arizona Cardinals running back
Emari Demercado has recorded 21 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on just six total touches so far in 2025. However, there's a chance he's the team's featured back in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans with
James Conner (ankle) out for the season and
Trey Benson (knee) possibly facing a short-term absence. If Benson misses Week 5, the Cardinals would likely split touches to some degree between Demercado and running back
Michael Carter. Demercado started the season as the team's RB3 while Carter was only added to the active roster once Conner went down. Still, Demercado has not logged more than four carries in a game since Week 8 of the 2023 season. Demercado should be added in all deep fantasy leagues and could be a low-end flex option in Week 5 if Benson is sidelined.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
October 1, 2025
After an ugly year on the PGA Tour, Max Homa turned in a solid T19 at the Procore Championship a few weeks ago, thanks to a good time on the greens and decent approach play. Ball striking as a whole was a real struggle early in the year, but the 34-year-old has gone on to average +0.665 in strokes gained on approach over his last six starts, where stats were provided (excludes one event). He's also averaged +0.620 strokes gained off the tee over his previous four measured starts. Putting and short game remain a struggle, which are really the last pieces of the puzzle to seeing him back on leaderboards. This isn't to say he is a smash-play given the recent trends, but there are certainly riskier options with unknown upside compared to a proven commodity like Homa.
--Todd McGillSource: Data Golf
October 1, 2025
With the news that Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back
Bucky Irving (foot) is battling a foot sprain, fellow Bucs back
Sean Tucker could be in line for a significant workload increase. Tucker has just one carry so far in 2025, but he was extremely efficient when given the opportunity in 2024, rushing for 308 yards and two touchdowns on 50 carries for Tampa Bay. Veteran running back
Rachaad White would likely be given the first opportunity in Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks if Irving misses time. Still, White has proven to be a more efficient receiving back than an early-down rusher over the course of his career. In fantasy leagues where both White and Tucker are available, White should be the waiver-wire priority. However, in deeper leagues where White is already rostered, Tucker should be added in case Irving misses time and Tucker works his way into the early-down role.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
October 1, 2025
ESPN's Dan Graziano reports that the Washington Commanders are "very happy at the moment using a committee" in the backfield, but they "view (rookie running back)
Jacory Croskey-Merritt as the most capable one of the three to emerge as an all-around threat." Since veteran running back
Austin Ekeler (Achilles) suffered an Achilles tear in Week 2, the Commanders have split backfield playing time fairly evenly between Croskey-Merritt,
Chris Rodriguez Jr., and
Jeremy McNichols. Overall, through his first four NFL games, Croskey-Merritt has recorded 172 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries to go along with three catches for 15 yards on five targets. As long as all three Washington backs are sharing snaps, none profile as fantasy starters. However, it sounds as though Croskey-Merritt is the most likely Commanders running back to eventually seize a true lead role.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - Dan Graziano
October 1, 2025
Coming off back-to-back missed cuts and being snubbed from the European Ryder Cup Team, Nicolai Hojgaard will be looking to return to business this week in Mississippi. The 24-year-old possesses skills that, on paper, seem tailor-made for The Country Club of Jackson. He's a long-ball hitter, ranking fourth this season in driving distance (319.6). The accuracy troubles that inevitably come with it shouldn't hurt him as badly here as at other venues. He also ranks ninth in strokes gained on approach (+0.621) and 26th in birdie or better rate (33.67%). While the short game remains a concern, if he's having to rely on it too much this week, he's in deep trouble anyway. Putting will be the largest decider of the week, and Hojgaard is as streaky as they come. Still, he's a fine player to add in DFS among a field full of unproven names.
--Todd McGillSource: PGA Tour
October 1, 2025
Baltimore Ravens quarterback
Lamar Jackson (hamstring) is considered "week-to-week" due to the hamstring injury he suffered during his team's Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Rapoport notes that Jackson is "going to try to play" in Week 5 against the Houston Texans, but that his status is "in doubt." If Jackson is unable to play in Week 5, veteran signal-caller
Cooper Rush would be in line to make the start for Baltimore against Houston. Rush completed nine of his 13 pass attempts for 52 yards after replacing Jackson in Week 4. The 31-year-old played in 12 games (eight starts) for the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, completing 60.7% of his pass attempts for 1,844 yards, 12 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Looking forward, Baltimore will play the Los Angeles Rams in Week 6 before hitting their bye week in Week 7.
--Will BradySource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
October 1, 2025
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (ankle) is expected to miss the team's Wednesday practice due to an ankle injury, per ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. Garrett is one of the NFL's best defensive players and has recorded four sacks and eight QB hits through his first four games of the season. The Browns will face off against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5. If Garrett is unable to play, the matchup would be significantly easier for Vikings quarterback
Carson Wentz, running back
Jordan Mason, and the rest of the Minnesota offense.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - Daniel Oyefusi
October 1, 2025
Arizona Cardinals running back
Trey Benson (knee) "banged his knee" during the team's Week 4 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, and Benson's status for Week 5 is "now in question," according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Benson recorded 54 yards from scrimmage on 13 total touches in Week 4, which was the team's first full game since veteran running back
James Conner (ankle) was lost for the season with an ankle injury. Third-year back
Emari Demercado was Arizona's RB2 in Week 4, recording 21 yards from scrimmage and a receiving touchdown on four total touches. If Benson misses the Cardinals' Week 5 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, backfield touches would likely be split between Demercado and running back
Michael Carter. Carter has just one carry so far in 2025, but he rushed for 131 yards and a touchdown on 35 carries across three games (one start) with Arizona in 2024.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
October 1, 2025
After a breakout campaign in 2024, Davis Thompson took a slight step back in 2025 but still recorded seven top-25 finishes, including a T19 last week at the Procore Championship. He will look to carry that momentum into the Sanderson Farms Championship, where he finished T16 in 2023. Success at this event typically hinges on approach play, putting, and distance off the tee. Thompson ranks 75th in strokes gained approach (+0.101 per round) and 77th in driving distance, but struggles with the flat stick, ranking just 145th in putting and losing -0.325 strokes per round. He also sits in the 80th percentile in proximity from 100-150 yards, a key range that accounted for more than 33% of approach shots here last year. At $9,700 on DraftKings, Thompson is one of the most expensive golfers in the field and will need a solid week with the putter to contend this weekend.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
October 1, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back
Bucky Irving (foot) is dealing with a foot sprain and was spotted at practice on Wednesday "on crutches and in a walking boot," per ESPN's Adam Schefter. The team has not provided a formal timeline for Irving, but it certainly appears he will be sidelined for the team's Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. If Irving indeed misses time, Buccaneers running backs
Rachaad White and
Sean Tucker should both see an uptick in touches and playing time. White has recorded 142 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on 31 total touches so far in 2025. Tucker has just one carry this season, but he rushed for 308 yards and two touchdowns on 50 carries across 17 games in 2024.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
October 1, 2025
After an emphatic rise to the pinnacle of the sport, 2025 has been plagued by terrible driving for Nick Dunlap, who ended the regular season ranked 165th in strokes gained off the tee (-1.584). Everything else hasn't been nearly as detrimental, but missing 11 of 16 cuts since March puts into perspective the importance of solid play with the big stick. It's a problem that doesn't seem close to finding a solution. Considering the trends elsewhere in his game, a case could be made that he isn't a bad flyer pick this week after a T28 here last year. However, the detriment caused by his inability to get the ball in play makes him a hard trigger to pull until things show some sign of life.
--Todd McGillSource: PGA Tour
October 1, 2025
Matti Schmid put together a solid 2025 season, highlighted by a runner-up finish at the Charles Schwab and seven additional top-25 finishes in 23 events. He will look to continue that form at the Sanderson Farms Championship, where he finished T16 last year. In that performance, he gained strokes on approach, putting, and with distance off the tee. This year, Schmid ranks 87th in strokes gained approach (+0.057 per round), 45th in putting (+0.211), and 11th in driving distance. His main concern is proximity from 100-150 yards, a key range that accounted for over 33% of approach shots at this course last year, where he sits in just the 6th percentile. At $7,400 on DraftKings, Schmid has solid upside but remains a volatile option due to his approach struggles.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
October 1, 2025
Despite missing the cut at the Procore Championship, Thorbjorn Olesen has recorded three top-20 finishes in his last five starts. He will look to carry that form into the Sanderson Farms Championship, where he is making his tournament debut. Success here will hinge on solid approach play, putting, and distance off the tee. Olesen ranks 73rd in strokes gained approach (+0.121 per round), 23rd in putting (+0.359), and 63rd in driving distance. The main area of concern is proximity from 100-150 yards, where he sits in just the 18th percentile, a key range that accounted for more than 33% of approach shots at this course last year. At $7,900 on DraftKings, Olesen is in solid form despite last week's missed cut and remains a strong option for lineups this week.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
October 1, 2025
ESPN Rams reporter Sarah Barshop reports that Rams tight end
Tyler Higbee (hip) was listed as a DNP for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, making his status for Thursday's game against the Arizona Cardinals uncertain. If Higbee can't go on Thursday, rookie
Terrance Ferguson and
Colby Parkinson will be in line to get more opportunities in the passing game. However, with
Puka Nacua and
Davante Adams earning most of
Matthew Stafford's targets, Rams' tight ends should not be started or even rostered in most league formats at this time. Higbee is leading the tight end room in receptions, yards, and targets, and through four games, he has six catches for 62 yards and no touchdowns on 11 targets.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: Sarah Barshop
October 1, 2025
Stephan Jaeger has been up and down so far in 2025, recording three top-10 finishes but missing the cut in five of his last seven events. He will look to turn things around at the Sanderson Farms Championship, where he has competed eight times, posting four straight top-30 finishes. In his best weeks here, his consistency has come from strong putting and approach play, areas where he has been solid this season. He ranks 60th in strokes gained approach (+0.206 per round) and 44th in putting (+0.217). He also sits in the 84th percentile for proximity from 100-150 yards, a key range that accounted for more than 33% of approach shots at this course last year. At $7,900 on DraftKings, Jaeger is a solid option with plenty of upside at a discounted price.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
October 1, 2025
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Josh Downs is being used "all over the field," according to the offensive coordinator for the Colts, Jim Bob Cooter. Downs has been able to "line up on the outside as well as the slot," showcasing his versatility on the field and being an option for quarterback
Daniel Jones in the passing game. So far through the four weeks of the season, Downs has yet to have a breakout game, topping 50 receiving yards only once, and has yet to find the endzone. However, hearing Cooter speak about Downs, the Colts may be looking to get Downs more involved in the passing game down the stretch. With bye weeks coming up and injuries being inevitable, Downs could be a nice bench stash for the time being in deeper leagues, especially if he continues to lineup all over the field and we see his targets increase per game. However, at this time, we have not seen it happen on the field, so until then, Downs should remain out of starting lineups in most standard formats. The Colts play the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6, so look for Downs to be more involved than he has been against a poor Raiders defense that has allowed the third-most points to the wide receiver position.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: Locked On Colts Podcast
October 1, 2025
NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reports that rookie fifth-round quarterback
Shedeur Sanders will remain as the Cleveland Browns' QB3, even in light of the
Dillon Gabriel news reported by Adam Schefter on Wednesday that Gabriel will start on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Sanders will have to continue to wait his turn to get an opportunity to prove what he can do at the NFL level. Veteran
Joe Flacco will serve as the backup quarterback in Week 5, leaving Sanders as third on the depth chart. Sanders, at this time, continues to be a dynasty stash at best. Still, his path to getting an opportunity may have just gotten closer, as it appears the Browns might be moving on from the Joe Flacco experience for the long term with the switch to Gabriel in Week 5. However, at this time, he will remain third on the quarterback depth chart.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: Jordan Schultz
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