RADIO
Vikings D/ST A Solid Wild-Card Option
The Minnesota Vikings defense/special teams is a solid play against the Los Angeles Rams, albeit with a slightly diminished ceiling. Minnesota's defense was a turnover machine this year, and it was elite against opposing offenses' rushing attacks. In addition to leading the league in turnovers forced with 33 (24 INTs), the Vikings shut down opponent's ground games – allowing the second-fewest rushing yards per contest (93.4). The Rams have been better over the last few months and are on the upswing. However, they scored the thirteenth-fewest points per game in the NFL this season (21.6) and will likely have to beat the Vikes through the air against their pass-funnel defense. Minnesota ranks as RotoBaller's D/ST6 for Wild Card weekend.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
More Recent News
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
Emanuel Wilson Presents RB2 Value in Week 5
Seattle Seahawks running back Emanuel Wilson has RB2 upside in a Week 5 clash with the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers are No. 23 against opposing running backs in fantasy, allowing 21.73 points per game. Wilson has looked solid in the two games in which he received heavy volume. Additionally, he was a true workhorse in Week 4, racking up 21 carries and four targets. His two touchdowns led to a 27-point fantasy outing. With Jadarian Price (chest) on IR and Zach Charbonnet (knee) still at least a week away from returning to the lineup, Wilson's role should remain unchanged. The 49ers are allowing big receiving totals to opposing running backs (51.8 yards per game on 7.8 receptions), which bodes well for PPR fantasy managers. Seattle will also almost certainly try to control this game on the ground, suggesting that Wilson will push for 20-plus carries once again; not to mention, Wilson should receive a goal line carry or two. Start Wilson with confidence this weekend.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Sam Darnold a Risky Streamer in Week 5
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is a risky streaming option in Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers. San Francisco is currently the No. 7 team against opposing quarterbacks in fantasy. Granted, this team has not exactly run the gauntlet of quarterbacks over the last three weeks. However, San Francisco's defense has played well for the most part this season. Raheem Morris is coaching this unit perfectly, and Darnold does not project to have a massive game. Darnold did not surpass 200 passing yards or throw a touchdown pass in either of his matchups with San Francisco during the 2025 regular season. This feels like a game in which Seattle will attempt to lean on its running game and defense, resulting in a lower-scoring affair. The 49ers are a dangerous team, but the Mike Macdonald-led Seahawks have had their number over the last two seasons. However, there is a world in which this game turns into a shootout, in which case Darnold could hold fantasy value. It is a risky proposition for fantasy managers, but consider Darnold a borderline top 15 option in Week 5.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rashid Shaheed Still Not a Trustworthy Fantasy Starter in Week 5
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed has not been a trustworthy fantasy asset in 2026. He should not be in your lineup in Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers, but he could present more value later in the season. Shaheed has yet to earn more than three targets in a game this season, but he has begun working into the backfield with Seattle down a few running backs. Shaheed scored a rushing touchdown in Week 4, which was encouraging for fantasy managers. Week 5 presents a tough matchup against the 49ers from a receiving standpoint. San Francisco is allowing just 123.5 yards per game to opposing wide receivers this season. With wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba already soaking up so much volume in this offense, it is difficult to trust other wide receivers. However, continuing to keep an eye on Shaheed's snap share and usage in Week 5 will provide a glimpse into his future prospects for this season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tank Dell Won't Make Season Debut in Week 5
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) is working hard to make his way back from a devastating left-knee injury that kept him out for the entire 2025 season, but he is not there yet and will not make his 2026 debut in Week 5 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans. The Texans' official website has listed Dell as out this week. He was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but he was held out of Friday's practice. The 26-year-old former third-rounder from Houston will have to do more in practice next week to have a chance to make his return from Injured Reserve on Sunday, Oct. 18, versus the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars on the road. Dell caught 98 of his 156 targets for 1,376 yards and 10 touchdowns in his first two NFL seasons, making him an intriguing WR stash in fantasy leagues, even if it might take him a bit to get up to speed after his long injury layoff. He becomes a bit more interesting since the Texans are looking for an explosive complement to WR1 Nico Collins. Dell is currently rostered in just 18% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: HoustonTexans.com
Source: HoustonTexans.com
George Holani Questionable to Play in Week 5
Seattle Seahawks running back George Holani (ribs, knee) is dealing with multiple injuries and is listed as questionable to play in Week 5 on Sunday against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers, according to Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times. Holani was limited in practice all week. Rookie first-rounder Jadarian Price (chest) is on Injured Reserve and must miss at least three more games, so if Holani is unable to play this weekend, it would open up a huge role for Emanuel Wilson in a tough matchup against San Francisco's defense. The fact that a knee injury was added for Holani on Friday is not a good sign, but it does not mean that he will not be available to play this weekend as a backfield option alongside Wilson. Wilson has stepped into the team's RB1 role with Price injured, so even if Holani is active, he will not be much more than a low-upside RB3/flex option for fantasy managers. The 26-year-old has averaged a weak 3.2 yards per carry in his four games so far this year, handling 22 rushing attempts for 70 yards. Holani has added seven receptions for 52 yards, and he is still searching for his first touchdown in his third year in the league.
Source: The Seattle Times - Bob Condotta
Source: The Seattle Times - Bob Condotta
DK Metcalf Primed for Success in Enticing Matchup
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf had his best fantasy performance of the season in Week 4 and is in a great spot to produce again in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts. Indianapolis is giving up the eighth-most receiving yards and the fourth-most yards per target to opposing wideouts. The Colts are also allowing explosive plays at a very high rate, with receivers logging six receptions of 40-plus yards against them through four weeks. Given Metcalf's role as both quarterback Aaron Rodgers' favorite target and a downfield threat, the eighth-year pro offers plenty of upside in this matchup. The biggest concern for Metcalf's outlook is the weather in Pittsburgh, as heavy rain and wind could impact the Steelers' passing attack. Fantasy managers will want to keep an eye on the forecast before locking him into their lineups, but Metcalf remains in fantasy WR2 or flex consideration on Sunday.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
