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Zach Ertz Upgrades To Full Participation On Thursday
According to the team, Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (rib) was upgraded to full participation during Thursday's practice. This is a great sign, as Ertz did not participate during Wednesday's session. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status on Friday in case he faces a setback, but he should be in a position to be a full go for Sunday's conference championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles. In last weekend's victory over the Detroit Lions, Ertz caught all five of his targets for 28 yards and a score. Over his past nine contests, the veteran tight end has found the back of the end zone seven times and seen 5.1 targets per game. During this stretch, the 34-year-old has seen nine targets within the five-yard line and has become Jayden Daniels' go-to option in the red zone. He carries low-end TE1 value in DFS formats this weekend.
Source: Washington Commanders
Source: Washington Commanders
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Justin Jefferson "Plans to Play" in Week 5
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) "plans to play" and "wants to play" this Sunday in a Week 5 matchup on the road at the New Orleans Saints. Jefferson was held out of last week's win over the Miami Dolphins. He was limited in practice this week and is pushing to play as he returns to his hometown of New Orleans. Fellow wideout Jordan Addison (hamstring) is also questionable, so quarterback Kyler Murray could be down two of his top wideouts on the road in a tough environment. Fowler thinks both Jefferson and Addison could be game-time decisions on Sunday morning. It appears that Jefferson is trending in the right direction this weekend, but fantasy managers are going to have to come back this weekend for an update on his status. If Jefferson is active, he is an absolute must-start in all traditional fantasy football leagues. The 27-year-old former LSU star would love nothing more than to return to his hometown and put on a show. In three games so far in 2026, Jefferson has caught just 13 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Sione Vaki Carries Shaky Standalone Value in Week 5
Across four games in 2026, Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki has recorded 92 scrimmage yards on 13 touches. The 25-year-old saw a season-high seven touches in Detroit's Week 3 win over the New York Jets, but he logged just one catch and did not earn a single carry in the Lions' Week 4 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Vaki is stuck on the Detroit depth chart behind superstar back Jahmyr Gibbs, who currently leads the NFL in touches. With Gibbs healthy heading into Detroit's Week 5 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, Vaki remains highly unlikely to see a fantasy-relevant workload. Arizona also currently ranks 32nd in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed, which could lead to lower rush volume in general for the Lions. Vaki is worth stashing as a handcuff running back, but he remains tough for fantasy managers to trust as a starter in Week 5.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jahmyr Gibbs Remains a High-End RB1 Option in Week 5
Across four games in 2026, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has rushed for 353 yards and five touchdowns on 80 carries while also hauling in 22 receptions for 187 yards and two scores on 28 targets. While the 24-year-old's rushing efficiency is slightly down from his career norms this year, he currently leads the NFL in total touches and ranks as the RB1 in both per-game and total PPR scoring. In Week 5, Gibbs and the Lions will travel to Arizona to take on the Cardinals. Arizona's defense has been a mid-pack unit against the run, ranking 20th in the NFL in total rushing yards allowed (470). Even if Detroit's offense is once again forced into a pass-heavy game script by the porous Lions defense, Gibbs' work in the passing game gives him a safe production floor for fantasy managers. In Week 5 against Arizona, Gibbs remains a must-start RB1 option.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST Can Be Started Despite Injuries in Week 5
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense surrendered 27 points in a loss to the Cleveland Browns last week but recorded two sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery to salvage its fantasy performance. In Week 5, the Steelers will host the Indianapolis Colts in a contest that could be impacted by heavy rain. Colts quarterback Daniel Jones has lost three fumbles over the past two weeks and thrown an interception in each of his four starts this season. Even without cornerback Jamel Dean (ankle), safety DeShon Elliott (knee), and defensive lineman Derrick Harmon (foot), Pittsburgh's DST should be a relatively safe option this week, with enough turnover upside to remain in fantasy lineups.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jared Goff a Must-Start Quarterback in Favorable Week 5 Matchup
Four games into his 2026 season, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has completed 67.7% of his pass attempts for 1,214 yards, nine touchdowns, and zero interceptions. With Detroit's defense looking like one of the worst in the NFL early on, the Lions have been forced into pass-heavy game scripts, and Goff is currently averaging over 40 pass attempts per game. In Week 5, the Lions will travel to Arizona to take on a Cardinals defense that currently ranks dead last in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (9.1). As long as Goff continues to throw at his current rate, he could be in for a monster day against Arizona and should be viewed as a must-start QB1 option by fantasy managers in Week 5.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chris Boswell A Risky Fantasy Option in Week 5
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell converted one of his two field-goal attempts and both of his extra-point tries in last week's loss to the Cleveland Browns and will look to get back on track against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5. Indianapolis is giving up the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing kickers this season, so while this looks like a promising matchup on paper, the weather in Pittsburgh could impact Boswell's outlook. Heavy rain is in the forecast, with the potential for moderate winds, making it difficult to trust the offenses and kickers in this contest. Fantasy managers will want to monitor the weather heading into Sunday and prepare a backup plan if relying on Boswell as a top-15 option at the position.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Eagles Release Andy Dalton on Friday
The Philadelphia Eagles released veteran quarterback Andy Dalton from their roster on Friday, sources told Jordan Schultz. In a corresponding move, the Eagles signed running back Carson Steele to their active roster heading into Week 5 in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars, with Saquon Barkley (hamstring) out and Tank Bigsby (abdomen) on Injured Reserve. The 38-year-old Dalton attempted one pass, which was intercepted, in the Week 3 loss to the Chicago Bears when he came in briefly to replace starter Jalen Hurts, who was being checked for a concussion. The writing was on the wall for Dalton's exit from Philadelphia after he was demoted to the third-string QB role behind Tanner McKee before the Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. It remains to be seen if Dalton is looking to continue his career with another organization in a backup role. If this ends up being the end for the Red Rifle, he will end his career in the NFL with 39,793 passing yards, 254 touchdowns, and 152 interceptions in 16 NFL seasons, mostly with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Ja'Kobi Lane Could be Ready to Return in Week 6
Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter said on Friday that rookie wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (wrist) is "doing really well" in his rehab from a fractured wrist that landed him on Injured Reserve. Minter added that Lane has put himself in a good spot to be ready to return when he is eligible to come off IR for Week 6. The 22-year-old third-rounder from USC had surgery in mid-September after he injured his wrist in the Week 1 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Lane caught only one pass for 11 yards on three targets in his regular-season NFL debut, but he had put himself in position in training camp and the preseason to have a shot to leapfrog veteran Rashod Bateman for the No. 2 role in Baltimore behind Zay Flowers. It remains to be seen if he can jump right back in and demand a big role in the passing attack upon his activation from IR, but fantasy managers should want to find out. Lane is currently rostered in under 10% of Yahoo leagues, and he could be back as early as Oct. 18 against the division-rival Cleveland Browns.
Source: Baltimore Ravens
Source: Baltimore Ravens
Kaleb Johnson Has Risky Flex Appeal In Week 5
Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson led the team with 42 rushing yards on eight carries against Tampa Bay, including a 31-yard run. His best rushing performance of the season was marred by a fourth-quarter fumble near the goal line. Chris Brooks (ankle) is out for Week 5, which could create more opportunities for Johnson and MarShawn Lloyd. Green Bay also added Pierre Strong Jr. to the active roster, so the backfield is unlikely to become a simple two-man rotation. Johnson has not been a factor in the passing game, making his fantasy value heavily dependent on carries and scoring opportunities. His 31-yard run against Tampa Bay showed some big-play ability, but the workload remains too uncertain to trust him as a regular starter. RotoBaller ranks Johnson RB41 for Week 5, making him a risky Flex option in deeper leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Pat Freiermuth Difficult to Trust in Week 5
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth found the end zone for the second time this season in Week 4 and will look to remain involved in the red zone against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5. The Steelers have been featuring Freiermuth and fellow tight end Darnell Washington over the past two weeks, and both should have pass-catching roles on Sunday with wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) sidelined. That said, the Colts have been more vulnerable to receiver and running back production, surrendering just two touchdowns to opposing tight ends through four weeks. If Freiermuth were clearly the preferred receiving tight end in this offense, he would be firmly on the fantasy radar. However, given the heavy rain forecast for Pittsburgh and the fact that he is splitting duties, fantasy managers should look for another option this week.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
MarShawn Lloyd Has Deep-League Flex Appeal In Week 5
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd rushed seven times for 13 yards against Tampa Bay. He was more effective as a receiver, catching all five of his targets for 36 yards. Lloyd finished with 12 touches while playing 55% of the offensive snaps, his largest role of the season. Chris Brooks (ankle) is out for Week 5, which could open more work for Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson. Green Bay also added Pierre Strong Jr. to the active roster, keeping another back in the rotation. Lloyd has averaged fewer than three yards per carry through four games, so his work in the passing game has become an important part of his fantasy value. His five receptions against Tampa Bay give him some PPR appeal even without a clear lead role. RotoBaller ranks Lloyd RB39 for Week 5, making him a deep-league Flex option against Chicago.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jordan Mason Expected to Return in Week 7
Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (thumb), who is on Injured Reserve with a fractured thumb, is expected to return after the team's Week 6 bye, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. With Mason injured in recent weeks, Aaron Jones Sr. has handled 72 carries through four games, seven more than his previous high of 65 in 2020. The total is almost double his previous nine-year average. Minnesota has had limited options in their backfield since Mason's injury, and they have been hesitant to put too much on rookie Demond Claiborne's plate. When Mason makes his return on Oct. 25 against the Indianapolis Colts, he is expected to take over the majority of the workload, so fantasy managers should expect Jones' workload to take a major hit soon. Mason handled 15 rushing attempts for 59 yards and a touchdown in the season-opening win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers before breaking his thumb. In shallow leagues, Mason might be available on your league's waiver wire. He is rostered in 67% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
Jaylen Wright Questionable to Play With Foot Injury
Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright (foot) is listed as questionable to play in the team's Week 5 game on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to the team's official website. Wright was a full participant in practice on Wednesday before being listed as limited on Thursday and Friday. The 23-year-old has a big opportunity the rest of the year in Miami's backfield with De'Von Achane (knee) out for the rest of the season, but so far, he has not been able to take advantage. Ollie Gordon II was the favorite for RB1 duties in last week's loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Wright missed Week 3 with a stinger and a foot injury, and he is averaging just 2.1 yards per carry on eight rushing attempts for 17 yards in his three games played in 2026. Wright has yet to be targeted in the passing game. The former fourth-rounder from Tennessee is worth a spot as a fantasy handcuff in deeper leagues, but he will not be a realistic fantasy starter this weekend if he is active for Miami. The Dolphins added rookie Kaytron Allen off waivers from the Washington Commanders on Friday to give them more depth in a banged-up backfield.
Source: MiamiDolphins.com
Source: MiamiDolphins.com
Skyy Moore Has Limited Week 5 Appeal
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Skyy Moore caught one of two targets for minus-two yards against Tampa Bay after drawing seven targets against Atlanta the previous week. Moore has seen more playing time since Jayden Reed (neck) was lost for the season, but his Week 4 usage showed how difficult his volume can be to predict. Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, and Tucker Kraft remain ahead of him for targets in Green Bay's passing game. Savion Williams (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday, removing one potential threat to Moore's playing time for another week. Chicago also presents a difficult matchup, allowing only four passing touchdowns through four games while holding opponents below 200 passing yards per game. Moore will continue to have a role, but two targets last week are not enough to trust in fantasy lineups. RotoBaller ranks Moore WR86 for Week 5, making him a deep-league stash rather than a starting option.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Caleb Douglas Missing a Third Straight Game
Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas (ankle) missed practice all week and has been ruled out for the team's Week 5 game this Sunday at home against the visiting Cincinnati Bengals, according to the team's official website. Meanwhile, fellow rookie receiver Chris Bell (knee) upgraded to a full practice on Friday and has been cleared for the weekend. Douglas, a 23-year-old third-rounder from Texas Tech, got started well in his first two NFL games, catching seven passes for 113 yards, but an ankle injury has stalled any progress he might have had early on. Douglas is a worthwhile deep-league stash for a potential big role later this year if he returns to the form he had in the first two games of the season. With Douglas out for a third straight game this weekend, though, Malik Washington, Bell, and Kevin Coleman will be the starting wideouts for the Dolphins as they seek their first win of the season against the Bengals. Douglas is only rostered in 12% of Yahoo leagues at the moment.
Source: MiamiDolphins.com
Source: MiamiDolphins.com
Roman Wilson Offers Sneaky Flex Appeal Against Colts
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson has been consistently involved this season, earning six targets in each of his first four games, and draws a favorable matchup against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5. With Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) ruled out for Sunday's contest, Wilson should see an uptick in snaps as the clear WR2 behind DK Metcalf. The third-year pro has quietly finished as a top-24 fantasy wide receiver in two straight contests, averaging 67 yards per game and scoring two touchdowns over that span. The Colts have been vulnerable against receivers, especially on explosive plays downfield, and Wilson is averaging two deep targets per game. Fantasy managers will need to monitor the weather in Pittsburgh on Sunday, with heavy rain in the forecast, but Wilson is nonetheless an interesting flex option in deeper leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Seahawks D/ST a Mid-Range Option in Week 5
The Seahawks defense/special teams will face their stiffest competition yet when the San Francisco 49ers come to visit in Week 5. This unit enters the matchup as the D/ST6 with only a Week 3 dud on its resume. However, San Francisco's offense is red-hot right now, averaging 30.5 points per game. San Francisco has played a couple of weak defenses along the way, but there is no denying how well this team is humming right now, making them a scary matchup even for a defense as good as Seattle's. RotoBaller currently has the Seahawks D/ST ranked at No. 16 for the week. There are definitely better options to pivot to if you are in a pinch. Perhaps encouraging is that Seattle should not be without any key players on defense this week. Still, it may be a good week to bench this unit and find another option, considering the potential for the 49ers to put up serious points in this game.
Source: Seattle Seahawks
Source: Seattle Seahawks
Jason Myers a Top-10 Kicking Option in Week 5
Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers has been a relatively safe option in 2026. He has made all of his kicks except for one extra point attempt in Week 4. Myers should continue to deliver in Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers. Given that he is attached to a high-powered offense in Seattle, Myers should be in scoring position consistently. His biggest shortcoming in 2026 has been his lack of field goal attempts. He has attempted one field goal in every game but one this season. Seattle has been relatively efficient as an offense, scoring touchdowns rather than settling for field goals. The 49ers present Seattle's toughest challenge yet, and this defense could force the Seahawks into more field goal attempts. Start Myers with confidence this week.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
AJ Barner Not a Streaming Option in Week 5
Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner is off the streaming radar in Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers. Barner is simply not receiving enough volume in this offense to trust in fantasy this season. Not to mention, the 49ers are No. 5 against opposing tight ends in fantasy this season. This is a tough matchup for the Seahawks offense overall. San Francisco has more or less shut down most of the offenses they have played this season. Your best bet for fantasy value from Barner is a tush-push goal line carry, given the Seahawks' struggles with conventional goal line rushes this season. Otherwise, Barner has only surpassed three targets once this season. There does exist a world in which Seattle and San Francisco enter into a shootout. In that scenario, Barner would almost certainly see additional volume. In Week 3 when the offense was forced to score heavily, Barner earned nine targets. However, with Seattle's defense playing so well most of the time, it is better to err on the side of caution with Barner this week.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaxon Smith-Njigba a Great Play Despite Tough Matchup in Week 5
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba should remain matchup-proof in Week 5 despite a tough matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Smith-Njigba has shredded every tough defense he has played this season. JSN and quarterback Sam Darnold have developed an exceptional timing that results in the utmost trust between the two. The 49ers are allowing just 21.7 points per game to opposing wide receivers in fantasy, but Smith-Njigba could reach that total on his own. He torched the 49ers for 208 receiving yards in two matchups in 2025 despite Darnold only throwing for a total of 248 yards in those games. Regardless of whether the Seahawks are trailing or need to ride him to a big lead, there should be no hesitations around locking in Smith-Njigba as your WR1 in Week 5.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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