Brandin Cooks A Flex Option For Week 18 643dLink copied!

Oct 9, 2026, 4:54 PM ET

Wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (hamstring) entered the Week 4 matchup versus the Los Angeles Rams as the Philadelphia Eagles' de facto No. 1 wide receiver, but the results were disappointing in the 24-20 loss. With leading wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) both missing the contest against the Rams due to injury, and running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring) exiting the game in the first quarter with a hamstring injury, Wicks had the opportunity for a productive day, but that was not the case. Wicks saw five targets on the day, but he tallied just three receptions for 18 yards (6.0 yards per reception) and did not score. Wicks was behind both Darius Cooper (seven) and rookie Makai Lemon (six) in targets, although each player recorded three receptions. Cooper amassed 33 receiving yards and two touchdowns, while Lemon totaled 27 receiving yards. Wicks is dealing with a hamstring injury this week, but is expected to play against the Jaguars. He will look for a better performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London in Week 5. Philadelphia will be without Smith, Barkley and others, giving Wicks another opportunity to be heavily involved. The good news for Wicks is that Jacksonville allows the second-most passing yards in the NFL, giving up 280.3 yards per game through the air. The bad news for Wicks and the Eagles is the Jaguars rank in the top-three in the NFL in scoring defense (13.3 points per game) and are among the very best teams in the league at forcing turnovers. Through four games in 2026, Wicks has caught 12 passes for 197 yards (16.4 yards per reception) and a touchdown. He is RotoBaller's No. 30 wide receiver for Week 4 and is projected to score 7.8 fantasy points. While he should see targets against the Jags, Wicks is a touchdown-dependent boom-or-bust candidate for Week 5.--Ryan O'Bleness
Source: RotoBaller

Oct 9, 2026, 4:53 PM ET

Entering Week 5 as the top defense in the NFL, the Minnesota Vikings' D/ST is a top-tier choice for fantasy lineups when the Vikings travel to New Orleans. Through four games, Minnesota has forced seven turnovers, compiled an NFL-best 16 sacks, and allowed points on 26% of opposing teams' possessions, which ranks first in the league. Three Vikings are in the top 15 in individual pressures as the Brian Flores-led unit has flummoxed every opponent so far. New Orleans has shown some firepower, ranking fifth in the league in passing yardage, but the Saints rank 30th in turnover percentage and 28th in yards per rushing attempt. Second-year quarterback Tyler Shough has never faced the scheme, which is typically a big advantage for the Vikings, even on the road. As RotoBaller's No. 4 D/ST, the Vikings can be started confidently in any format that plays a defense.--Nick Piotrowicz
Source: RotoBaller

Oct 9, 2026, 4:51 PM ET

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate (back) is officially listed as questionable ahead of the Week 5 matchup against the Houston Texans. Tate was added to the injury report on Thursday due to a back issue. He was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday. Head coach Robert Saleh said on Friday that Tate is ready to play. Barring any setbacks, it sounds like Tate should be out there for this big divisional matchup. Tate is coming off his best game of the season, where he recorded nine receptions for 145 yards during last week's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Fantasy managers should be able to lock Tate into their lineups, but they should check back on Sunday just in case he gets downgraded.--Andy Webb
Source: Titans PR

Oct 9, 2026, 4:48 PM ET

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will take on the Miami Dolphins with a hobbled offense in Week 5. Burrow passed for 428 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions in the 17-22 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars last week. Bengals star receiver Ja'Marr Chase left early in that contest with a concussion, and fellow wideout Tee Higgins also left with a groin injury. Burrow will now head into Miami with his two top pass catchers questionable to play. Despite potentially having a diminished receiving corps, the Bengals QB should be in line for a productive game due to the matchup. The Dolphins defense is among the worst in the league, so the Bengals offense should have no issues scoring against them. The only thing that fantasy managers will need to worry about is whether Burrow and the Bengals will need to continue throwing later into the game. The Bengals are heavy road favorites despite the injuries they're dealing with, which is a testament to the weakness of the Miami offense and the improvement of the Cincinnati defense. If the Bengals run out to an early lead, Burrow may be content with handing the ball off to Chase Brown over and over. Burrow is ranked QB5 in our RotoBaller Week 5 rankings, making him a strong QB1 option in a soft matchup. Fantasy managers should still start Burrow without his top weapons, but his ceiling may be lower than usual this week.--Joshua Costello
Source: ESPN.com

Oct 9, 2026, 4:47 PM ET

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts had a difficult outing in a 24-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4. He posted season-lows in completions (12), passing yards (93) and completion percentage (44.4%). And most unfortunately for Philadelphia, the Eagles had a 20-10 lead with just over four minutes left to play, yet lost the game to L.A. Hurts and the Eagles will look to bounce back against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5 in London. The Jaguars boast the No. 2 scoring defense in the NFL (13.3 points per game allowed) and the No. 3 rushing defense (74.3 yards per game allowed). Jacksonville is also the best team in the league in turnover differential (plus-six), is tied for the most interceptions (six) and is tied for second in total takeaways (eight). Where the Jacksonville defense has struggled, however, is passing yards allowed, with 280.3 yards allowed per game, which ranks second to last in the NFL. According to Pro Football Reference, Jacksonville is allowing 14.3 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks (tied for eighth-best in the NFL). The Philadelphia offense is dealing with multiple injuries, including to running backs Saquon Barkley (hamstring) and Tank Bigsby (abdomen), and wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring), and will be short-handed against the Jaguars. Hurts will need to use his arm and his legs effectively to assure the Eagles don't lose for the third consecutive week. In 2026, Hurts has completed 68 out of 114 passes (59.6%) for 713 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions. He has added 105 rushing yards and an additional score. Hurts ranks as RotoBaller's No. 18 quarterback for Week 5 and is projected to score 15.7 fantasy points. It isn't the easiest matchup against Jacksonville, but Hurts should still be started in most formats.--Ryan O'Bleness
Source: RotoBaller

Oct 9, 2026, 4:41 PM ET

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 5 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, per John Boyle. Charbonnet is nearing his return to the field, but he isn't quite ready yet. He was able to get through limited practice sessions this week, but it's not enough to clear him for game action. The 25-year-old will miss at least one more game, but he could return for next Thursday's matchup against the Denver Broncos. Emanuel Wilson should remain the lead back after rushing for 81 yards and a touchdown last week. It looks like Wilson will have streaming value for at least one more game.--Andy Webb
Source: John Boyle

Oct 9, 2026, 4:30 PM ET

Green Bay Packers running back Chris Brooks (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears. Brooks sustained an ankle injury during last week's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brooks hasn't practiced at all this week due to the lingering ankle issue. His absence should mean that MarShawn Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson see larger roles in the backfield. Between the two, Lloyd is the better fantasy option, but neither back is having much success right now. The next chance for Brooks to play will be against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6.--Andy Webb
Source: chicagobears.com

Oct 9, 2026, 4:18 PM ET

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (hamstring) was limited in practice Friday but carries no injury designation into Sunday's game against Jacksonville in London. Wicks suffered the injury during Thursday's session, briefly putting his availability in question. With DeVonta Smith (hamstring) ruled out, Wicks should have an opportunity for more targets, although he didn't do much with an expanded role against the Rams last week. He caught just three of five targets for 18 yards in that game and has 12 receptions for 197 yards and a touchdown through four contests. Dallas Goedert (knee) is also returning after missing the past two games, giving Jalen Hurts another established receiving option. Wicks should see opportunities with Smith sidelined, but his recent production makes him a risky flex play despite being cleared for Sunday.--Bruno Mulé
Source: Philadelphia Eagles

Oct 9, 2026, 4:17 PM ET

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jalon Daniels is expected to remain under center for the Week 6 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Scott Smith reports. Head coach Todd Bowles said right now that the plan is for Daniels to start at home versus Pittsburgh. It sounds like Baker Mayfield (thumb) is making good progress, but the team is uncertain if he'll be ready that fast. The Bucs offense looked good during Thursday's win over the Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs can afford to be more cautious with Mayfield, considering Daniels has looked surprisingly good during his first two career starts. There's still a lot of time between now and next Sunday's game against the Steelers, but for now, Daniels is lined up to start.--Andy Webb
Source: Scott Smith

Oct 9, 2026, 4:09 PM ET

New England Patriots defensive back Christian Gonzalez (shoulder) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 5 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Gonzalez has missed six straight practices and remains week-to-week while he works his way back from a shoulder injury that he suffered in Week 3. The Patriots are going to be shorthanded with Carlton Davis (neck) also ruled out for this game. This team could be leaning on rookies Karon Prunty and Channing Canada to make a larger impact this weekend. The continued absence of Gonzalez will certainly hurt this defense, but hopefully, he can return next week.--Andy Webb
Source: New England Patriots

Oct 9, 2026, 4:05 PM ET

The Denver Broncos are placing wide receiver Pat Bryant (ankle) on injured reserve, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Bryant was carted off after a 30-yard catch in Sunday's loss to San Francisco, finishing with three receptions for 47 yards. The move is somewhat surprising after head coach Sean Payton said Wednesday he didn't think Bryant would need to go on IR, although he didn't rule it out. The second-year receiver had been earning more playing time, handling 70% of Denver's offensive snaps in Week 3 and catching nine passes for 133 yards and a touchdown through four games. Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims Jr. could see more work behind Courtland Sutton and Jaylen Waddle while Bryant is sidelined. November 8 against Carolina is the first game Bryant would be eligible to play, not a guaranteed return date. He's difficult to hold in most redraft leagues with at least four games on the sidelines.--Bruno Mulé
Source: Ian Rapoport

Oct 9, 2026, 3:53 PM ET

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen (groin) is questionable for Sunday's matchup with Pittsburgh, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Allen was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday after missing last week's win over Washington. He was also questionable heading into that game before the Colts downgraded him to out Saturday, so his status is worth keeping an eye on again this weekend. The veteran had his best performance of the season before getting hurt, catching six of nine targets for 63 yards and a touchdown against Houston in Week 3. He's totaled 13 receptions for 100 yards through three games. Indianapolis remains without Alec Pierce (heel), who is on injured reserve, and Ashton Dulin (hamstring) has also been ruled out Sunday. Allen could see a decent number of targets if he's able to return, although his lingering groin issue makes him a risky WR4/flex option against the Steelers.--Bruno Mulé
Source: James Boyd

Oct 9, 2026, 3:45 PM ET

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) is questionable for Sunday's matchup with Indianapolis, according to Nick Farabaugh of PennLive. Dowdle has missed the past two games after dislocating a toe against New England in Week 2, but he's making progress. He returned to limited practice Wednesday and Thursday after being sidelined for more than two weeks. Jaylen Warren has been excellent in his absence, rushing for 220 yards on 34 carries while adding six catches for 82 yards over the past two games. Head coach Mike McCarthy has indicated he still plans to use both backs when Dowdle returns, although Warren has certainly earned his touches. Dowdle managed just 37 rushing yards on 15 carries before getting hurt. Even if he's cleared for Sunday, his workload could be limited in his first game back, making him a risky fantasy option against the Colts.--Bruno Mulé
Source: Nick Farabaugh

Oct 9, 2026, 3:36 PM ET

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (concussion) has officially been ruled out for the Week 5 game against the New England Patriots on Sunday on the road, according to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN. Nailor was unable to practice all week after he suffered a concussion in Sunday's loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. It is more disappointment for the 27-year-old to begin his first year with the Raiders. The former sixth-rounder by the Minnesota Vikings in 2022 came into Vegas hoping to become a big part of their revamped offense. The Raiders' offense has been better, but Nailor has not helped much, catching only five passes for 52 yards on 11 targets. With Nailor out this weekend, Tre Tucker will operate as the team's leading receiver against a Patriots defense that will be missing star cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Cody White could fall into WR2 duties in Vegas with both Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton Jr. still on Injured Reserve. Nailor is rostered in only 7% of Yahoo leagues. His next chance to return from his concussion will come next Sunday, Oct. 18, at home against the Buffalo Bills.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Paul Gutierrez

Oct 9, 2026, 3:34 PM ET

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (hip, knee) has no injury designation for Sunday's game against Green Bay, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Swift missed Wednesday's practice before returning on a limited basis Thursday, and he'll now head into Week 5 with a much clearer path to touches. Kyle Monangai (toe) has been ruled out after rushing for 146 yards and two touchdowns against the Jets last week. Swift lost a fumble in the third quarter of that game and didn't receive another touch, finishing with 58 yards on 15 carries. He's now lost two fumbles this season, although he's still produced 311 rushing yards and three touchdowns through four games while adding 10 catches for 84 yards. With Monangai sidelined, Swift should handle most of Chicago's backfield work against the Packers, with Roschon Johnson likely spelling him. He has RB1 upside this week, particularly if the Bears lean heavily on the running game again.--Bruno Mulé
Source: Adam Schefter

Oct 9, 2026, 3:27 PM ET

New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins (calf) did not practice all week and has officially been ruled out for the Week 5 game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, according to the team. Hollins will miss his first game of the year after getting injured in the Week 4 win over the division-rival Buffalo Bills. With the 33-year-old veteran out and A.J. Brown (ankle) still on Injured Reserve, Romeo Doubs should have an even higher target ceiling against the Raiders. The Patriots will also ask DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism III, and Kyle Williams to step up, as well as tight ends Hunter Henry and Eli Raridon. It is not great news for young quarterback Drake Maye, as he looks to lead the team to a second straight win. Hollins has been a more attractive deep-league flex option with Brown on IR, and he has caught 15 of his 20 targets for 209 yards without a touchdown through four games in his second season in New England. The next chance Hollins has to return will be for a Week 6 divisional contest against the New York Jets.--Keith Hernandez
Source: New England Patriots

Oct 9, 2026, 3:22 PM ET

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (hamstring) returned to practice on a limited basis Friday and is officially questionable for Sunday's game against Green Bay, according to Ari Meirov. Williams hadn't practiced Wednesday or Thursday and has missed two straight games since injuring his right hamstring against Minnesota in Week 2. His progress comes with an interesting wrinkle, as head coach Ben Johnson already named Tyson Bagent the Week 5 starter earlier this week. No change to that plan has been announced. Bagent threw for 268 yards in last Sunday's win over the Jets, while Williams has 407 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in his two appearances this season. He's also rushed for 107 yards and two scores, making his mobility an important consideration as he works his way back from the injury. Williams' questionable designation leaves the door open for him to be active, but fantasy managers shouldn't assume he'll start against the Packers.--Bruno Mulé
Source: Ari Meirov

Oct 9, 2026, 3:20 PM ET

The New England Patriots listed running back Rhamondre Stevenson (knee) as questionable to play in Week 5 at home against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, but Stevenson said on Friday that he's "ready to go," according to Mark Daniels of MassLive.com. Head coach Mike Vrabel said that Stevenson "is not out as of yet." The 28-year-old put in limited practice sessions from Wednesday through Friday. He could be a true game-time decision on Sunday morning, but fantasy managers will want to check back on Saturday to see if any new information comes out on Stevenson's Sunday status. The six-year back is averaging just 3.7 yards per carry through four games in 2026, carrying the ball 44 times for 163 yards and one touchdown while also catching 12 of his 16 targets for 90 yards through the air. If Stevenson is limited or out against the Raiders, Henderson will have RB1 upside as the Pats look to make it two straight wins. Stevenson is shaping up as a shaky RB3/flex for fantasy managers because of the uncertainty around his status.--Keith Hernandez
Source: New England Patriots

Oct 9, 2026, 3:10 PM ET

Buffalo Bills wide receiver DJ Moore (shoulder) came out of the fieldhouse and joined his fellow receivers Friday but did not participate in drills, according to Sal Capaccio of WGR 550. It was a similar scene Thursday, when Moore was officially listed as a nonparticipant. The veteran injured his left shoulder against Detroit in Week 2 and aggravated it during last Sunday's loss to New England, leaving both games early. He managed six catches for 67 yards against the Chargers in between those injuries and has 12 receptions for 178 yards and a touchdown through four games. Buffalo doesn't face the Rams until Monday night, leaving Moore another opportunity to get some practice work in Saturday. His availability remains uncertain, and fantasy managers planning to start him should have another option available for Monday in case he can't go.--Bruno Mulé
Source: Sal Capaccio

Oct 9, 2026, 3:01 PM ET

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (back) is officially listed as questionable to play in Week 5 on Sunday against the visiting Minnesota Vikings, according to Saints reporter Jeff Nowak. Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) is on Injured Reserve, so if Kamara is not cleared to suit up against the Vikings, Kendre Miller would become the team's RB1, with CJ Donaldson likely backing him up. The 31-year-old Kamara left the Monday night loss to the division-rival Atlanta Falcons with a knee injury and then was listed on the Week 5 injury report with a back ailment. As the Saints' lead back on Monday night, Kamara handled only seven carries and ran for 23 yards, but he saved his fantasy day by falling into the end zone twice. He also added five catches on a season-high seven targets for 35 yards as a receiver. If Kamara does end up playing against the Vikings, he could share more of the backfield with Miller, making him a shaky RB3/flex option for fantasy managers in PPR formats. Kamara has not looked good in his three games played so far in 2026, averaging only 3.0 yards per carry, and he is more of an injury risk than ever before.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Jeff Nowak