October 17, 2025
Marlon Vera will look to get back in the win column when he takes on streaking Aiemann Zahabi on the main card of UFC Vancouver on Saturday. Vera is in dire need of a win as he's currently on a two-fight skid, having lost a rematch to Sean O'Malley followed by a unanimous decision loss to Deiveson Figueiredo. "Chito" has gone 1-3 in his last four fights. Some of his most notable wins were against O'Malley, Frankie Edgar, Rob Font, and Dominick Cruz. DraftKings sees Vera as the underdog with a salary of $7,700.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
October 17, 2025
Through six weeks, Cleveland Browns wide receiver
Jerry Jeudy has yet to top five receptions while averaging only 40 yards per game, and it's been even worse in his two starts with rookie quarterback
Dillon Gabriel. Since Gabriel took over in Week 5, Jeudy has averaged 3.5 receptions and 29 yards per game. With an offensive line struggling in pass protection, the Browns have shifted to a short passing attack that does not play to Jeudy's strengths. Coupled with a week of limited practice participation, Jeudy can be left on the bench by fantasy managers when the Browns take on the Dolphins in Week 7. Even with a heavy slate of byes scheduled for Week 8, Jeudy is approaching cut candidacy in a limited Cleveland offense.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
October 17, 2025
The New York Post's Jon Heyman is reporting that the Detroit Tigers and All-Star left-hander
Tarik Skubal currently have a gap of around $250 million in contract talks. The word is that a year ago, the Tigers offered Skubal well below the $170 million deal that lefty
Garrett Crochet eventually signed with the Boston Red Sox. Skubal, who is entering his walk year with Detroit in 2026, is reportedly seeking an extension in the $400 million range. The 28-year-old's price is only going up, as he's expected to win a second straight American League Cy Young award after going 13-6 in his sixth year in the big leagues in 2025. Skubal led the league in WAR (6.6), ERA (2.21), FIP (2.45), WHIP (0.89), walks per nine innings (1.5) and K/BB (7.30). He's the most dominant pitcher in baseball right now, but if Detroit knows that they are unlikely to sign him to an extension, he could be on the trade market this winter or next summer.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Jon Heyman
October 17, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers rookie guard
VJ Edgecombe (hip) is expected to return for the team's preseason finale on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Edgecombe last appeared on October 4th against the New York Knicks before missing time due to a minor hip issue. The third overall pick in this year's NBA Draft is projected to start on opening night when the Sixers face the Boston Celtics. The former Baylor standout impressed with his defensive instincts, athleticism, and perimeter shooting during the preseason, showcasing the versatility that made him a top prospect. His ability to stretch the floor and complement superstar
Joel Embiid should earn him a prominent role early in his rookie campaign. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should keep an eye on Edgecombe as a potential sleeper with upside in steals and three-point production.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Jacob Moreno
October 17, 2025
When the Tennessee Titans welcome former coach Mike Vrabel and his New England Patriots back to Nashville on Sunday, they will be without top wide receiver
Calvin Ridley (hamstring). Ridley has dealt with knee and elbow injuries over the past two weeks, but it is the hamstring injury sustained in the team's Week 6 loss to the Raiders that held him out of practice this week, and he has now been ruled out. In a week with headlines already swirling around Vrabel's return, the Titans fired head coach Brian Callahan after less than a season and a half at the helm and could have used a steadying presence on offense. While rookie
Elic Ayomanor should see an increase in target share with Ridley sidelined, it's hard to trust any Titans pass catchers. However, for fantasy managers in a pinch, Chigoziem Okonkwo, coming off a six-catch game, could be a sneaky start against a Patriots defense that has struggled to defend tight ends.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Jim Wyatt
October 17, 2025
San Antonio Spurs forward
Jeremy Sochan (wrist) was cleared from his calf injury a couple of weeks ago, but a new injury will keep him out of the season opener. According to ESPN, the fourth-year forward is dealing with a sprained left wrist that he suffered during a 5-on-5 drill while coming back from his calf injury. He's had a number of health issues over his first three seasons as he's only played more than 56 games in one of them. Last year, he played in 54 games and averaged 11.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.6 turnovers per game. Sochan hasn't exactly found the best role for his playstyle yet, so it has equated to some wildly inconsistent numbers game to game. He's currently best suited for a streamer-type of role in all fantasy formats.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
October 17, 2025
Milwaukee Brewers veteran left-hander
Jose Quintana will start Game 4 of the National League Championship Series on Friday at Dodger Stadium against the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. Quintana was pushed back to Friday's game after Milwaukee used left-hander
Aaron Ashby as the opener and rookie right-hander
Jacob Misiorowski as their bulk reliever in the Game 3 loss on Thursday. The 36-year-old soft-tosser will now be tasked with keeping the Brewers' playoff hopes alive and to avoid a four-game sweep in the best-of-seven series. This will be Quintana's second playoff appearance this year after he held the Chicago Cubs scoreless over three innings in the NL Division Series. Quintana faced the Dodgers in back-to-back outings on July 9 and 20 during the regular season and allowed a combined five earned runs on six hits (two homers) while walking four and striking out nine in 12 innings. The Brewers won both of those games.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
October 17, 2025
On Saturday, surging Jasmine Jasudavicius will look to extend her win streak when she takes on former title challenger Manon Fiorot on the main card of UFC Vancouver. It could be said that Jasudavicius is in the best form of her life. Since losing to Tracy Cortez back in 2023, Jasudavicius has been on a tear, winning five consecutive fights. Jasudavicius was last seen in action in May at UFC 315, where she submitted former champion Jessica Andrade in the first round. DraftKings sees Jasudavicius as the underdog with a salary of $7,300.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
October 17, 2025
Milwaukee Bucks guard
AJ Green has agreed to his first extension with the team on Thursday. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Green and the Bucks agreed to a four-year extension worth $45 million, which is fully guaranteed. The 26-year-old went from 35 appearances and 9.9 minutes per contest in his rookie season to 73 games played and 22.7 minutes per game just last year. He also averaged 7.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.1 threes per game. With
Damian Lillard gone, the guard rotation will likely have a lot of movement throughout the season. Green should play a prominent role after his extension, but they also have
Cole Anthony,
Gary Trent Jr.,
Kevin Porter Jr.,
Ryan Rollins,
Andre Jackson Jr.,
Gary Harris, and
Amir Coffey. Green may serve as a sleeper pick in category leagues if he cracks the starting lineup, though.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: Shams Charania
October 17, 2025
Washington Commanders wide receiver
Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) was spotted at practice on Friday for the first time this week as he deals with the heel bruise that has limited his practice participation for weeks. Samuel has yet to miss a game this year, but when asked about his status for Sunday, he noted that the heel is "aggravating for sure" and "we'll just have to see." With his practice patterns not dissimilar from those of previous weeks, it would be a surprise if he is unable to go on Sunday, but fantasy managers should have a pivot lined up just in case. Teammate
Terry McLaurin has already been ruled out for a fourth straight game, and in the three previous games without him on the field, Samuel has caught 18 of his 22 targets for 183 yards and two touchdowns.
--Patrick McGrathSource: John Keim
October 17, 2025
Former title challenger Manon Fiorot will look to return to the win column when she takes on surging Jasmine Jasudavicius on the main card of UFC Vancouver on Saturday. Fiorot fought for the title in her last bout, and even though the fight was competitive, Fiorot suffered a unanimous decision loss to Valentina Shevchenko. Prior to her last bout, Fiorot was on a tear, winning 12 consecutive fights. DraftKings sees Fiorot as the favorite with a salary of $8,900.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
October 17, 2025
According to sources, the Philadelphia Phillies are expected to either trade or release veteran outfielder
Nick Castellanos this offseason, per Matt Gelb of The Athletic. President of baseball operations David Dombrowski did not say anything regarding Castellanos during his press conference on Thursday. When asked specifically about Castellanos, Dombrowski said he could not comment on "specific players that are on our roster under contract," but then spent the next 34 minutes doing just that. The Phillies are a team in transition and will be looking to get younger this offseason. The 33-year-old Castellanos, a two-time All-Star, hit .250/.294/.400 with a .694 OPS, 17 home runs, 72 RBI, 72 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 147 regular-season games in his fourth year in Philly in 2025. With the Phillies bullish on
Justin Crawford and
Otto Kemp in the outfield, and with
Harrison Bader potentially re-signing, Castellanos is the odd man out.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
October 17, 2025
New England Patriots wide receiver
Stefon Diggs (chest) will be questionable for Sunday's Week 7 matchup with the Titans. Diggs was able to manage a week of limited practices, but his status should be monitored leading up to Sunday's early game inactive reports. Diggs followed up back-to-back 100+ yard performances with a disappointing three catches for 28 yards against the Saints in Week 6. Still, his growing chemistry with
Drake Maye has been evident as he continues to put distance between himself and the ACL injury that ended his 2024 season. If active, Diggs is a strong flex option against a Titans defense that has been middle of the pack against wide receivers.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Evan Lazar
October 17, 2025
Aori Aoriqileng will look to return to the win column when he takes on Cody Gibson on the main card of UFC Vancouver on Saturday. Aoriqileng will be fighting for the first time in 2025, ending a layoff that lasted more than a year, 13 months to be exact. He hasn't competed since September 2024, since he lost a unanimous decision against Raul Rosas Jr. in The Sphere. Known for his aggression and forward pressure, Aoriqileng enters this bout with a 3-4 UFC record. DraftKings sees Aoriqileng as the underdog with a salary of $7,600.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
October 17, 2025
Cody Gibson will look to get back in the win column when he faces off against Aori Aoriqileng on the main card of UFC Vancouver. Gibson earned his way back into the UFC by going to the finals of The Ultimate Fighter 31, where he would lose to Brad Katona by unanimous decision. He holds a 3-6 record in the promotion. Gibson was last seen in the Octagon in March at UFC Vegas 104, where he lost via second-round submission to Da'Mon Blackshear. DraftKings sees Gibson as the favorite with a salary of $8,600.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
October 17, 2025
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Josh Downs (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chargers. Downs popped up on the team's Wednesday injury report with a concussion and has not practiced since entering the league's concussion protocol. Downs is coming off his best game of the year after catching six passes for 42 yards and a score against the Cardinals. While they play different roles in the offense, Downs' absence could create more target opportunities for
Michael Pittman Jr. and
Alec Pierce. Meanwhile,
Adonai Mitchell could see a return to action after the team limited his snaps in Week 5 and made him a healthy inactive for Week 6 following his Week 4 fumble on what should have been a highlight touchdown grab.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Adam Schefter
October 17, 2025
Boston Celtics guard
Jaylen Brown (hamstring) tweaked his hamstring during Wednesday's preseason game against the Toronto Raptors. He hasn't fully returned to practice yet, but it seems like he's trending in the right direction. Head coach Joe Mazzulla called his status day-to-day, and Brown was able to participate in everything but the live portion. The Celtics' season opener is October 22 against the Philadelphia 76ers, so it gives Brown a bit of time to get right again. With no
Jayson Tatum (Achilles), Brown has to step into the number-one role, but if he can't suit up,
Derrick White and
Anfernee Simons should see big boosts in minutes.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: Souichi Terada
October 17, 2025
Kyle Nelson will look to return to the win column when he takes on Matt Frevola on Saturday's UFC Vancouver main card opener. Nelson was last seen in action in September at UFC Vegas 97, where he suffered a first-round TKO loss to Steve Garcia. Prior to that, Nelson was on a three-fight winning streak, having beaten Blake Bilder, Fernando Padilla, and Bill Algeo. DraftKings sees Nelson as the underdog with a salary of $7,900.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
October 17, 2025
Matt Frevola will look to return to the win column when he takes on Kyle Nelson on Saturday's UFC Vancouver main card opener. Frevola is in dire need of a win, as he has been knocked out in two consecutive bouts. "The Steamrolla" was stopped by a Benoit Saint Denis head kick in November of 2023 and by a knee from Fares Ziam 12 months ago. Frevola has gone 5-5-1 since joining the UFC roster in 2018. DraftKings sees Frevola as the favorite with a salary of $8,300.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
October 17, 2025
Cleveland Browns tight end
David Njoku (knee) has officially been ruled out for the Week 7 tilt this Sunday against the visiting Miami Dolphins, according to Zac Jackson of The Athletic. Njoku will not be able to suit up this weekend after injuring his knee in last week's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and missing practice all week. With the 29-year-old sidelined, rookie
Harold Fannin Jr. will have clear TE1 upside in fantasy lineups in a plus matchup against Miami's soft defense.
Blake Whiteheart should also see a bigger role in a backup role on Sunday. It's unclear if Njoku will be in play to make his return next weekend in Week 8 versus the New England Patriots. Njoku's fantasy ceiling has been lowered in 2025 due to the quick emergence of Fannin, as he has only 23 catches for 223 yards and one touchdown on 36 targets through his first six games.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Zac Jackson
October 17, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders running back
Ashton Jeanty is expected to handle a heavy workload in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs. With the Chiefs' offense catching fire in recent weeks, the Raiders will likely try to control the tempo by leaning on Jeanty and the ground game. The rookie has thrived in outside zone concepts, an area where Kansas City's defense has struggled, setting him up for a potentially productive day. The Chiefs rank 19th in rushing yards allowed per game (119.2), creating an ideal matchup for Jeanty to exploit. Expect the Raiders to establish the run early and often, keeping
Patrick Mahomes off the field while feeding their emerging backfield workhorse. Jeanty profiles as a strong RB2 play in fantasy lineups and could deliver one of his best performances of the season on Sunday.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Raiders.com
October 17, 2025
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales told reporters on Friday that the coaching staff has determined who will start at running back on Sunday in Week 7 against the New York Jets and get most of the reps between
Rico Dowdle and
Chuba Hubbard, according to David Newton of ESPN. The Panthers are trying to keep a competitive advantage, so they are keeping things close to the vest as far as their backfield plans. Hubbard missed the last two games with a calf injury and was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday before upgrading to a full practice on Friday, so that could indicate that Dowdle will see the majority of backfield touches this weekend. That would make sense, especially since Dowdle went for 400-plus scrimmage yards and two scores on 60 total touches the last two weeks with Hubbard out. Fantasy managers should keep Dowdle in their starting lineups, while Hubbard will be more of an RB3/flex in his return.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - David Newton
October 17, 2025
Carolina Panthers wide receiver
Jalen Coker (quadriceps), who is officially listed as questionable to make his 2025 season debut on Sunday versus the New York Jets, "will definitely play," according to head coach Dave Canales. Coker began the season on Injured Reserve due to a serious quad injury that he suffered in late August, but he had his 21-day practice window opened last Wednesday, and he's been practicing in full ever since. It's a notable development for the Panthers' offense in a good matchup on the road this weekend, but as usual, fantasy managers should be skeptical of throwing Coker straight into starting lineups this weekend. Coker could be eased into Carolina's offense, but eventually, he has the potential to be the team's WR2 behind rookie first-rounder
Tetairoa McMillan. The 23-year-old had a 32-478-2 line in 11 games (four starts) as a rookie. Add him off the waiver wire if you need help at WR.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Joe Person
October 17, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback
Geno Smith continues to disappoint fantasy managers as his turnover issues and poor efficiency have tanked his value across all formats. Smith has thrown at least one interception in all but one game this season and now faces a Kansas City Chiefs defense ranked among the top 10 against the pass. The veteran has failed to reach even modest fantasy production in recent weeks, with the Raiders' offensive inconsistency and reliance on the run game further limiting his upside. With few signs of improvement and a brutal matchup on deck, Smith projects as one of the lowest-scoring quarterbacks in Week 7. Fantasy managers can safely move on from the veteran, as his production doesn't justify a roster spot in any redraft or dynasty league formats.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Raiders.com
October 17, 2025
Detroit Pistons guard
Jaden Ivey (knee) will have to wait a bit longer to make his debut after undergoing knee surgery on Thursday. The 23-year-old hasn't played a regular-season game since January 1 of last season after suffering a fibula injury that shortened his year to only 30 appearances. According to head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and the team, there wasn't one specific event to point back to that forced him to get this surgery. He started to experience some discomfort after playing one preseason game, and it seems that his work in training camp was a bit too much, too quick. He'll now be out for four weeks and the team will re-evaluate from there. The fourth-year combo guard is due for his rookie extension and averaged 17.6 points, 4.0 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.0 turnovers per game in his shortened third season.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: Vincent Goodwill
October 17, 2025
Arizona Cardinals running back
Emari Demercado (ankle) has been ruled out for Week 7 this Sunday against the visiting Green Bay Packers, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon. Demercado suffered an ankle injury in last week's loss to the Indianapolis Colts and was unable to practice all week. The 26-year-old will now have next week's bye to heal up before potentially returning for a Week 9 contest versus the Dallas Cowboys. Demercado was a popular waiver-wire addition when
Trey Benson (knee) suffered a knee injury in Week 4, but it was
Michael Carter, not Demercado, who took over the majority of backfield work for the Cardinals. Arizona then went to
Bam Knight as their primary backfield option in Week 6, with Carter taking on most of the pass-catching duties. Expect that to continue against Green Bay, with
D'Ernest Johnson or
Jermar Jefferson serving in the RB3 role with Demercado out.
--Keith HernandezSource: Arizona Sports - Tyler Drake
October 17, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers forward
Paul George (knee) is still recovering from offseason knee surgery and hasn't received the green light to play in any of the team's preseason contests. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the nine-time All-Star will not be available for the team's season opener on October 22. Charania reports that George should be ready to return shortly afterwards, but there isn't a firm date just yet. Last season, the former Clipper appeared in only 41 games with his new team and averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. When healthy, he should be a great fantasy asset in all formats, but it's unlikely that he will produce like he did from 2015 to 2019.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: Shams Charania
October 17, 2025
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said on Friday that quarterback
Kyler Murray's (foot) status for the Week 7 contest on Sunday against the visiting Green Bay Packers will be evaluated in the next 48 hours, according to Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com. Murray suffered a mid-foot sprain in the Week 5 loss to the Tennessee Titans and sat out of last week's loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The 28-year-old was limited in practice on both Wednesday and Thursday, so he will likely need to practice in full on Friday to avoid a questionable tag going into the weekend. Murray is truly up in the air, but with Arizona's bye coming in Week 8, it feels as though they are going to err on the side of caution and keep him out for a second straight week, especially after veteran backup
Jacoby Brissett played surprisingly well last Sunday. If Murray doesn't play this Sunday, his next chance to suit up would be on Nov. 3 against the Dallas Cowboys.
--Keith HernandezSource: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban
October 17, 2025
When asked if Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Christian Watson (knee) will make his season debut in Week 7 on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, head coach Matt LaFleur said, "We'll see. We'll see how he gets through today." Since the Packers opened Watson's 21-day practice window to return from the Physically Unable to Perform list last Wednesday, he has been limited in five straight practices. The 26-year-old, who suffered a torn right ACL in the Week 18 regular-season finale in 2024, probably will need to upgrade to a full practice on Friday for Green Bay to realistically consider activating him on Saturday to play on Sunday in Arizona. Watson, an explosive deep threat when healthy, deserves to be stashed in fantasy leagues, but we wouldn't recommend starting him right away this weekend if he ends up being active. There's a good chance the Packers will ease him back into their offense.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
October 17, 2025
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales told reporters on Friday that running back
Chuba Hubbard (calf) will play on Sunday against the New York Jets in Week 7, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Hubbard will be making his return following a two-game absence due to a calf injury. While the 26-year-old was out,
Rico Dowdle dominated to the tune of over 400 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 60 total touches. Before Hubbard's injury, he was the clear leader of Carolina's backfield. But given how well Dowdle played the last two weeks, things are probably going to shake out differently moving forward in terms of a backfield plan for the Panthers. The coaching staff hasn't given many hints about how the usage will be split between the two backs against the Jets this weekend. The most likely scenario is that Dowdle will take on a bigger role, with the backfield potentially split in half.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
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