RADIO
MarShawn Lloyd's Larger Workload Finally Coming Around
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd got off to a relatively slow start this season, but he seems to have turned the corner after the first four weeks. Lloyd is coming off his highest-volume game this year, as he played 55% of the snaps and logged 12 touches (including five catches) in Week 4 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His rushing numbers were quite poor, averaging just 1.9 yards per carry. However, he was much more valuable as a receiver, turning his five targets into five receptions for 36 receiving yards. The Packers have been looking for someone to separate themselves from the rest of the backfield ever since Josh Jacobs was placed on the commissioner's exempt list, and it seems like they have finally found their new lead running back, even if he looked better as a receiver than a ball-carrier. Lloyd is still a very solid waiver wire target, especially since he has RB3/flex appeal from now until Jacobs' return. He has managed to rank as the overall RB36 in PPR scoring this fall and can be a low-end fantasy starter for Week 5 against Chicago.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chris Rodriguez Jr. a Sneaky Waiver Wire Target for Touchdown Upside
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. has now scored a touchdown in back-to-back games, making him an appealing option for fantasy managers seeking a higher-ceiling player on the waiver wire. The waiver wire can run pretty dry at times, and the opportunity to get someone with touchdowns in two consecutive games doesn't come around very often. That's why Rodriguez is worth adding, despite the fact that he has just 14 touches over his last two games and hasn't played more than 25% of the snaps since Week 1. We expect Rodriguez's touchdown streak to earn him more volume going forward, and he might even find the end zone again. Plus, even in the worst-case scenario, he's still a solid handcuff given his role in a highly productive offense.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kendre Miller Highly Underwhelming with Poor Efficiency Numbers in Week 4
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller rushed for just nine yards on six carries during Monday's Week 4 loss against the Atlanta Falcons. He also caught two of three targets for 10 receiving yards. Outside of the moderate pass-catching role, Miller had a very frustrating performance. Many managers scrambled to add him off waivers after the team placed Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) on injured reserve, thinking that the 24-year-old could lead the backfield or at least have a sizable role alongside Alvin Kamara. For what it's worth, he had just one fewer carry than Kamara, but the veteran back had two touchdowns and also accrued seven targets. Rookie CJ Donaldson also carved out a role, logging 18 rushing yards on three carries. Miller's inefficiency, lack of touchdown volume, and uninspiring receiving contributions will keep him out of the top-36 running back conversation for Week 5 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Penix Jr. Doesn't Need to Do Much in Week 4 Win
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had a relatively smooth and uneventful performance in Week 4, completing 15 of his 20 pass attempts for 223 passing yards, one passing touchdown, and zero interceptions as the Falcons defeated the New Orleans Saints. He took just one sack and didn't have a rushing attempt until his kneel-downs on the final two plays of the game. Atlanta cruised to a huge 45-24 victory, allowing them to focus their efforts on controlling the clock with the rushing attack. That explains why Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson combined for 207 rushing yards and a whopping five touchdowns. Penix played extremely clean football, but the highly positive game script lowered his ceiling in this one. Nevertheless, in his two games since returning from injury, he has shown that he can lead a successful offense, throw and run the ball, and limit turnovers. He's a high-end QB2 with additional upside heading into Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brian Robinson's Three Touchdowns Give Fantasy Managers a Late-Week Boost
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Robinson totaled 14 carries, 62 rushing yards, and three rushing touchdowns during Monday's Week 4 win over the New Orleans Saints. He also converted his lone target into a five-yard reception. It was quite the night for Atlanta's Robinson running backs, as Brian and Bijan combined for five total touchdowns in the win. Brian Robinson has now scored four touchdowns over his last two games, and he has at least 8.7 fantasy points (PPR) in each of his last three games. The 27-year-old seems to be an intriguing matchup-based play going forward, with higher upside and more RB3/flex appeal in games where the Falcons might enjoy a positive game script. As a result, we wouldn't be shocked to see Robinson's momentum tail off slightly in a much more difficult matchup against the Baltimore Ravens next week. With that being said, he will still have RB3/flex appeal in plenty of weeks going forward, and he remains one of the most intriguing handcuffs in fantasy football.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Micah Parsons Won't Practice This Week
Green Bay Packers pass rusher Micah Parsons (knee) will not practice ahead of Week 5 against the Chicago Bears, head coach Matt LaFleur told Weston Hodkiewicz of the team's digital staff. Parsons is working his way back from a torn ACL and meniscus damage. Although he's technically eligible to be activated from the PUP list this week, it sounds like he needs a little more time. The Packers' defense has allowed an average of 26.3 fantasy points per game to the Vikings, Jets, Falcons, and Buccaneers this year, so they'd certainly like to get Parsons back to inject some life into the unit. After all, the 27-year-old defender has registered 12+ sacks in each of his five seasons since entering the NFL. With that being said, Green Bay won't want to rush him back before he's ready.
Source: Weston Hodkiewicz
Source: Weston Hodkiewicz
Garrett Crochet Expected to Have a Normal Offseason
Boston Red Sox general manager Craig Breslow said that left-hander Garrett Crochet (lat, shoulder) is expected to have a "fully healthy, normal" offseason, per Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald. Crochet only made six starts during the regular season before shoulder and lat injuries caused him to miss the final five months of the year. However, the 27-year-old was able to battle all the way back and pitched out of the bullpen during Boston's American League Wild Card Series loss to the New York Yankees. While Crochet struggled in that appearance, it seems as though he made it through the outing ok from a health perspective and is now on track to go through his regular offseason routine. If Crochet can make it back to his peak form, he could re-establish himself as one of the top pitchers in baseball in 2027.
Source: Boston Herald - Gabrielle Starr
Source: Boston Herald - Gabrielle Starr
Nick Bosa Unlikely to Play in Week 5
San Francisco 49ers pass-rusher Nick Bosa (calf) is unlikely to suit up for the upcoming Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, per Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News. Bosa has missed two games in a row due to a strained calf that he suffered during practice. It looks like Bosa is trending towards missing a third game in a row as he continues to nurse this lingering calf issue. His absence will certainly hurt this defensive unit as they head into a big divisional game against the Seahawks. Ogbo Okoronkwo and Keion White will likely be asked to step up if Bosa is unlikely to go this weekend.
Source: Cam Inman
Source: Cam Inman
Roman Anthony Likely to Avoid Surgery
Boston Red Sox general manager Craig Breslow said that outfielder Roman Anthony (hand) "likely doesn't need surgery," per Chris Cotillo of MassLive. Anthony strained multiple muscles in his right hand during Game 1 of Boston's American League Wild Card Series loss to the New York Yankees. 2026 was largely lost to injury for Anthony, who missed a large chunk of the regular season after tearing the ligament that connects his right index finger to his wrist in early May. Given that his right hand/wrist appears to be giving him persistent issues, Anthony's health should be of at least some concern for fantasy managers going into 2027. The 22-year-old remains a potentially high-upside bat, but he will need to prove he can avoid injuries for an extended stretch.
Source: MassLive - Chris Cotillo
Source: MassLive - Chris Cotillo
Rachaad White is Expected to Practice This Week
Washington Commanders running back Rachaad White (shoulder) is expected to get back on the practice field this week, per Tashan Reed. Head coach Dan Quinn believes White will be able to practice this week after missing practice all last week due to a lingering shoulder issue. White sat out during Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts, but he has a chance to return for the Week 5 matchup against the New York Giants. If he remains out, Jacory Croskey-Merritt will handle the bulk of the rushing attempts with Austin Ekeler and Kaytron Allen mixing in as well. Fantasy managers should check back on White's status once they begin practicing again on Wednesday.
Source: Tashan Reed
Source: Tashan Reed
Josh Naylor Undergoes Right-Wrist Surgery
The Seattle Mariners announced that first baseman Josh Naylor (wrist) underwent surgery on his right wrist on Saturday. Naylor is expected to be fully recovered in time for the start of 2027 Spring Training. The 29-year-old had a down year in 2026, hitting .261/.317/.350 with 10 home runs, 57 RBI, 58 runs scored, and 30 stolen bases across 650 plate appearances. Naylor's 4.4% barrel rate and 35.5% hard-hit rate were both his worst marks since the shortened 2020 season. If Naylor was battling discomfort in his wrist for a chunk of the year, it could help explain why his numbers regressed across the board. Assuming Naylor is able to make a full recovery ahead of 2027, he could be worth buying low on in fantasy drafts.
Source: Seattle Mariners
Source: Seattle Mariners
Terry McLaurin is Still Being Evaluated
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said on Monday that the team is still evaluating what wide receiver Terry McLaurin (hamstring) will be able to do during Wednesday's practice, per John Keim. McLaurin popped up on the injury report with a hamstring issue last Friday. He was ultimately unable to suit up against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4. McLaurin reportedly pushed to play, but the Commanders decided to play it safe with the veteran wideout. It sounds like McLaurin is day-to-day, but the Commanders should give more information once they begin practicing on Wednesday. For now, fantasy managers should consider McLaurin as questionable ahead of the Week 5 matchup against the New York Giants.
Source: John Keim
Source: John Keim
Cal Raleigh Undergoes Left-Shoulder Surgery
The Seattle Mariners announced that catcher Cal Raleigh (shoulder) underwent left-shoulder surgery on Saturday. Raleigh is expected to be fully recovered in time for the start of 2027 Spring Training. After finishing second in the American League MVP vote in 2025, Raleigh's numbers crashed back down to earth in 2026. Across 530 plate appearances, the 29-year-old hit .182/.296/.368 with 23 home runs, 69 RBI, 49 runs scored, and two stolen bases. Raleigh spent time on the injured list during the year due to an oblique strain, and it appears he may have been battling a shoulder ailment for some or most of the season as well. As long as Raleigh can recover on schedule, he could be in line for a bounce-back season with improved health in 2027.
Source: Seattle Mariners
Source: Seattle Mariners
MarShawn Lloyd Could See Expanded Role in the Backfield
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd was significantly involved during Sunday's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Lloyd carried the ball seven times for 13 yards, while hauling in all five targets for an additional 36 yards through the air. That was the most Lloyd has been involved in the passing game this season. His role in the backfield could be expanded going forward, with fellow back Chris Brooks (ankle) leaving early in Week 4. If Brooks is unable to play in Week 5, Lloyd could end up being an interesting flex option in deep leagues against the Chicago Bears.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Gavin Williams Strikes Out 11 in Game 2 Loss
Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams was not able to pitch his team to victory in Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the Chicago White Sox. However, Williams did his part, striking out 11 while allowing two earned runs across five innings of work. The 27-year-old was one of the best strikeout pitchers in baseball during the regular season, recording a 14-8 record with a 3.76 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 248 strikeouts across 184 1/3 innings (32 starts). The Guardians are now down two games to zero with the series heading to Chicago and face an uphill battle to fight their way back to a Game 5. However, if they can win the next two games, Williams would be in position to start a theoretical Game 5 on regular rest.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
