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Kimani Vidal Earning More Opportunities, Worth Monitoring on Waiver Wire
The Los Angeles Chargers are 0-7, and the backfield situation has been difficult for fantasy managers to figure out, with Omarion Hampton, Kimani Vidal and Keaton Mitchell all involved. While Hampton is the usual starter, Vidal is worth monitoring on the waiver wire, as his role is becoming more consistent. Vidal led the Chargers' backfield in snaps played with 28 in a 24-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 8. Mitchell played 19 snaps, while Hampton had 18 reps. None of the running backs were particularly productive for the Chargers against the Rams, but Vidal led the way with 23 rushing yards on eight carries (2.9 yards per carry), and added two receptions for seven yards. After having five combined carries through the first three games, Vidal has had 23 carries for 101 yards (4.39 yards per attempt) over the past three games. He has also recorded six receptions for 26 yards during that span. He has played at least 25 offensive snaps in each of the past four games. Vidal is currently available in 87% of Yahoo leagues. The offense for the Chargers doesn't instill much confidence for fantasy managers, and Vidal isn't a must-add player, but he is in streaming consideration for a Week 9 matchup against a stout Houston Texans defense that allows 98.0 rushing yards per game.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Is J.J. McCarthy a Viable Streaming Option for Week 9?
New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy provided a spark off the bench for his team in a 34-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 6, and then earned the start against the Houston Texans in Week 7, leading the Giants to a 27-21 victory in overtime. McCarthy and the Giants are coming off of a bye week in Week 8, and have a Week 9 matchup with a Philadelphia Eagles defense that gives up 235.4 passing yards per game. In the past two games with the Giants, McCarthy has completed 31 out of 49 passing attempts (63.3%) for 495 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He has rushed five times for 29 yards in three games since joining the Giants. McCarthy is currently rostered in just 9% of Yahoo leagues and started in 2% of those. He could be considered a viable streaming play for fantasy managers in need against a reeling Eagles team this week, but he isn't a priority add by any means as things currently stand. McCarthy will need to show more consistency before being considered as a bench-stash option.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Samaje Perine Doesn't Offer Much Waiver Wire Appeal
Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine has not seen a lot of opportunities as of late. In a 43-36 overtime win against the Tennessee Titans in Week 9, Perine played just 26 offensive snaps compared to 51 snaps for starting tailback Chase Brown. Perine carried the ball just four times for 10 yards (2.5 yards per carry) and made one reception for nine yards. Brown dominated touches with 12 rushes for 55 yards (4.6 yards per carry) and eight catches for 46 yards (5.8 yards per reception). After having a breakout game in a Week 5 win over the Miami Dolphins with 78 total yards and a receiving touchdown, Perine has recorded just eight rushes for 26 yards and a touchdown and the lone reception for nine yards over the past two games. He played just 38 combined snaps between those two contests. Perine offers little fantasy value outside of being Brown's handcuff, and there are higher-priority waiver wire targets out there at running back.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Baker Mayfield is a Desperation Streaming Option at QB
In a 16-0 win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield had one of the most bizarre stat lines you will see from a starting signal-caller in the NFL. Mayfield did not complete a single pass, and he only had three passing attempts against the Falcons. It marked the first time since 1974 that a team won a game without completing a single pass. Of course, the heavy rain conditions and sloppy field played a big part in the Bucs not being able to throw the ball. Mayfield did add four rushes for 14 yards, and the Buccaneers leaned on Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell in the ground game to defeat the Falcons. The odds of Mayfield having another game like that are very slim. He will look to bounce back against the Chicago Bears in Week 9. The Bears allow 219 passing yards per game. However, in the two games since Mayfield has returned from a thumb injury, he has thrown the ball just 14 times, with seven completions for 64 yards and a touchdown. Mayfield is currently rostered in 26% of Yahoo leagues, and started in just 7% of those leagues. While desperate fantasy managers could look to stream Mayfield if absolutely needed, there are likely better waiver wire targets at the quarterback position available.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Tutu Atwell Should Not be a Waiver-Wire Consideration
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell is in his sixth season with the Rams after being drafted in the second round in 2021. He played in 10 games in 2025, earning only 15 targets and catching six of them. This year hasn't been much better, as he has caught five passes, two being in last week's matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. He finished Week 8 with 52 receiving yards on four targets, with a 40-yard long ball making up most of the receiving total. Atwell tied his season-high snap rate of 39%, producing his best outing of the year, but there is not much hope for a fantasy-viable role. He has been inactive (healthy scratch) in three games this season, which all but confirms he is not a priority in the passing game. Even with wide receiver Davante Adams' absence due to a hamstring injury likely to extend at least a few more weeks, Tutu Atwell is highly unlikely to produce fantasy-friendly outings. Atwell should remain on the waiver wire, even in deep leagues.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Brian Thomas Jr. is Worth Stashing Ahead of Trade Deadline
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has been a popular name in trade discussions as of late. Recent reports are saying there is a lot of trade interest for Thomas ahead of the upcoming trade deadline. The 24-year-old has been a non-factor in this offense throughout most of the season. He was able to haul in a touchdown during last week's win over the Indianapolis Colts. Overall, this season, Thomas has only 10 receptions for 117 receiving yards and two scores. The hope is that a move elsewhere will help spark his fantasy value. Thomas had a strong rookie season in 2024, so he's capable of having success in the NFL. A change of scenery could be exactly what he needs to get back into a groove. Fantasy managers who are willing to be patient with Thomas should consider stashing him ahead of the trade deadline.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Greg Dulcich is Gaining Steam as Consistent Option
Miami Dolphins tight end Greg Dulcich has been quietly putting together decent numbers lately. Over the last three games, Dulcich has secured at least four receptions in all of them. He has also finished with 40 receiving yards or more in two of his last three games. The 26-year-old is getting the ball thrown to him consistently with 16 targets over the last three weeks. The expectation is that he'll continue to stay involved against the Detroit Lions in Week 9. The Lions have one of the worst pass defenses in the league, which could mean good results for Dulcich. Fantasy managers who are seeking a streaming option for Week 9 should consider picking up Dulcich.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Giannis Antetokounmpo Likely to Play Wednesday Versus Clippers
Miami Heat forward/center Giannis Antetokounmpo (wrist) is probable for Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers with a sprain. The two-time MVP is coming off 30 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists in Monday's loss to the Lakers, though he also committed seven turnovers. Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.4 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists while shooting 58.6 percent from the field through seven games. He appears on track to play Wednesday, but Miami also visits Golden State on Thursday, making his status worth monitoring on the second night of the back-to-back.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Travis Hunter an Intriguing Stash Option
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter could be someone worth stashing ahead of the trade deadline. The trade rumors have been swirling that fellow wideout Brian Thomas Jr. could be moved soon. If that happens, Hunter could see more involvement as a wide receiver down the stretch of the season. His best performance so far came in Week 6 when he hauled in four receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown against the Houston Texans. Hunter is capable of being a decent receiving option, but he doesn't get enough playing time right now. He could be an intriguing stash candidate in deep leagues, assuming Thomas does end up getting traded at the deadline.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Kawhi Leonard Begins Return-to-Play Process
Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (left knee) has successfully completed treatment for swelling and will return to Toronto to begin the team's return-to-play process. Leonard has missed five straight games, and the Raptors plan to provide another update in one week. The 35-year-old averaged 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 steals in his first two appearances of the season. Nov. 11 against Boston is the earliest he could return, though that will depend on how his ramp-up goes. Ja'Kobe Walter should remain in the starting lineup for now, with Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett continuing to handle much of the scoring.
Source: Blake Murphy
Source: Blake Murphy
Ivica Zubac Tagged as Questionable Against Memphis
Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies after missing five straight contests. The 29-year-old sprained his ankle against Brooklyn on Oct. 25 and is averaging 9.0 points and 9.0 rebounds through three appearances, including a 16-point, 15-rebound double-double on Opening Night. Jay Huff has started in his absence and is coming off 22 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks in 40 minutes against Atlanta. That workload came with Indiana down to six available players, so Huff's minutes could come down if Zubac is cleared to return.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Elijah Mitchell is a Deep-League Stash Option
Philadelphia Eagles running back Elijah Mitchell was elevated from the practice squad for the second straight weekend on Sunday. This time around, Mitchell saw more involvement in the running game. He carried the ball 11 times for 34 yards and hauled in three receptions for an additional three yards in the loss. Lead back Saquon Barkley only had 13 carries, and he could still be dealing with a lingering back issue. It wouldn't be shocking to see Mitchell continue getting steadily involved in the rushing attack going forward. Barkley isn't going anywhere, but he could have a reduced role. Mitchell is someone worth considering as a deep league stash with Barkley banged up at the moment.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Yves Missi Set to Miss Sixth Straight Game
New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (knee) will miss a sixth straight game Wednesday against the Utah Jazz with a bone bruise. Missi has been sidelined since suffering the injury against Utah on Oct. 23, and New Orleans has yet to set a firm timetable for his return. Karlo Matkovic has settled into the starting role and is coming off a career-high 25 points with five threes in Monday's overtime win over Memphis. Derik Queen added 20 points off the bench, giving the Pelicans two productive options in the middle while Missi remains out.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Adonai Mitchell has Stash Value After Breakout Performance
New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell is likely going to be a popular waiver-wire option after his breakout performance this past weekend. Mitchell torched the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8, when he hauled in seven of his nine targets for 142 yards and a touchdown in the loss. The 24-year-old was looking good through the first two games of the season, but he was forced to miss four straight contests due to injury. Now, Mitchell is healthy and looks like he's going to be a relevant contributor in this offense. He'll head into a matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 9 against a defense that has been in the middle of the road in terms of pass defense. Mitchell should be an interesting WR3 this week and is someone worth snagging off waivers.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Trey Murphy III Likely Available Against Utah
New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III (knee) is probable for Wednesday's game against the Utah Jazz with bilateral patella tendinopathy. The issue did not keep him from logging 40 minutes in Monday's overtime win over Memphis, when he finished with 18 points, five rebounds, and five assists on 5-for-11 shooting. The 26-year-old is averaging 14.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists through seven games after scoring 21.5 points per game last season. If Murphy is unexpectedly ruled out, Saddiq Bey would be a strong candidate to move into the starting lineup.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
