Dominate Your League

After being limited in practice on Wednesday, Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (knee) was a full participant on Thursday. It means that Collins should be just fine to suit up this weekend in a Week 5 tilt against the Baltimore Ravens. Houston's top wideout got off to a slow start through his first two games, but he's picked up the pace since and has caught 12 passes for 183 yards and a touchdown in Weeks 3 and 4, with the offense picking things up. The offensive line is probably going to be an issue for the Texans' offense all year, but if active, Collins is always a must-start WR1 as the target hog for quarterback C.J. Stroud. Collins has an excellent chance to go off against a struggling and banged-up Ravens defense this Sunday. Through the first four weeks, the Ravens have allowed the fifth-most half-PPR points to opposing wideouts.

From RotoBaller

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) did not practice on Wednesday, but he was limited in his return to the field on Thursday, according to Zach Berman of The Athletic. Goedert's status is still worth watching heading into Sunday's Week 5 matchup against the visiting Denver Broncos, but his return to practice on Thursday is a good sign that he'll be a go this weekend. The 30-year-old missed Week 2 after injuring his knee in the season opener. He's obviously not completely over the knee injury, but he has played two weeks in a row. Although Goedert hasn't gone over 37 receiving yards in the last two games, he's been a key red-zone weapon for quarterback Jalen Hurts, scoring three times in the last two weeks. Goedert should play this weekend against Denver, where he'll be a touchdown-dependent, low-end TE1 against a stout Broncos defense.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver KaVontae Turpin (foot) missed a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday, per Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News. The same can be said for top wideout CeeDee Lamb, who looks headed for a second straight absence in Week 5 against the New York Jets after suffering a high-ankle sprain in Week 3. Turpin could also be held out this Sunday if he's not able to get on the practice field on Friday. Fantasy managers who picked up Turpin off the waiver wire in light of Lamb's ankle injury were disappointed with his production in the first game without Lamb in the Sunday night tie against the Green Bay Packers. It was Jalen Tolbert, not Turpin, who saw his role grow the most in the passing attack without Lamb. If Turpin misses Week 5, both Tolbert and Ryan Flournoy will be asked to step up behind George Pickens.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) is fully on track to return from a two-game absence due to a knee sprain to play in Week 5 on Sunday on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers, as he practiced in full for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Daniels has been medically cleared from his knee sprain and should be active on Sunday at SoFi Stadium as long as he doesn't suffer a setback on Friday. However, fantasy managers should temper their expectations for the second-year signal-caller in his first game back against a stingy defense. Not only is the matchup a difficult one on the road, but Daniels' scrambling ability could be curtailed. He'll also be without top wideout Terry McLaurin (quadriceps), and No. 2 WR Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) has not practiced this week. In DFS, we'd suggest staying away from Daniels.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (ankle) remains out of practice on Thursday, according to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News. Lamb appears headed for a second straight absence in Week 5 against the New York Jets after suffering a high-ankle sprain in Week 3. The 26-year-old pass-catcher still has another day to try to get in more work, but in all likelihood, the Cowboys will rule him out on Friday. Fantasy managers need to remain patient and keep him on their benches until further notice. Lamb's next chance to play will be for a Week 6 matchup on the road against the Carolina Panthers. KaVontae Turpin (foot) has now missed back-to-back practices this week as well, so Dallas could be down to George Pickens, Jalen Tolbert and Ryan Flournoy this weekend if both Lamb and Turpin are unable to play.

From RotoBaller

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie first-round wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter's snaps on both sides of the ball will likely remain fluid on a week-to-week basis moving forward. When asked about how the team decided on Hunter's usage in the Week 4 win over the San Francisco 49ers, head coach Liam Coen said it was "a decision we all made together.. wanted to give some guys some opportunities, given what we felt their game-plan was gonna be, [and then it] ended up becoming more of a passing game." Coen added that Hunter's snap count in Week 5 on Monday night against the Kansas City Chiefs will be determined "as we go." Hunter played 64% of the offensive snaps in the season opener, which has been his highest number through four weeks. He played 56% on Sunday and caught three of five targets for a season-high 42 yards. It's hard to imagine Hunter's snaps on offense drastically increasing anytime soon, making him a boom/bust WR4/flex in fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram (back) is practicing again on Thursday, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. Engram missed the Week 3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers due to a back injury, but he returned in the Monday night win over the Cincinnati Bengals, catching four of seven targets for a season-high 29 yards. He was not even listed on the initial Week 5 injury report, so it appears that Engram has put his back ailment in the rearview mirror as the Broncos head into a difficult road matchup this weekend against the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles. Engram should continue to get more involved in Denver's offense after a slow start in his first three games in blue and orange. However, with quarterback Bo Nix spreading the ball around through the air, Engram is looking like a low-upside, touchdown-dependent TE2 until further notice.

From RotoBaller

Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (ankle, hip) is practicing on Thursday for the second straight day this week, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. Mims was limited on Wednesday, but it's unclear what his practice participation was on Thursday. Either way, the fact that he's practiced two days this week means that he should be active for a showdown on the road in Week 5 against the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles. After three quiet weeks to begin the 2025 season, Mims caught all six of his targets for 69 yards in the Monday night win over the Cincinnati Bengals and added a rushing touchdown for his second score of the year. Quarterback Bo Nix has been spreading the wealth on offense so far in his second season, making it hard to rely on any wideout in Denver every week in fantasy other than WR1 Courtland Sutton. Mims will be a boom/bust WR4/flex against Philly on Sunday if he's active.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) did not practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday, but the fact that he's on the team's flight to face the Chargers in Los Angeles on Sunday is a promising sign for his availability in Week 5, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. The Commanders have already ruled out wideouts Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) and Noah Brown (groin, knee), so they definitely can't afford to lose another pass-catcher in a road tilt against a stingy Chargers defense. Samuel's Week 5 status could depend on whether he's able to practice at all on Friday. If he's active, Samuel should be heavily targeted with quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) returning from a two-game absence. If Samuel is out or limited on Sunday, Luke McCaffrey, rookie Jaylin Lane, and Chris Moore would be the team's starting receivers.

From RotoBaller

The Washington Commanders have officially ruled out wide receivers Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) and Noah Brown (groin, knee) for the Week 5 game on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. McLaurin was trending in this direction after another missed practice on Thursday. He has not practiced or played since injuring his quad muscle in the Week 3 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. While he has improved, McLaurin is no lock to return for a Week 6 tilt on Monday Night Football against the Chicago Bears. Fantasy managers need to keep McLaurin on their benches for a second straight week. Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) should be active this weekend despite battling a heel injury this week, and he should remain heavily involved in the offensive game plan. Luke McCaffrey and rookie Jaylin Lane will also see expanded roles in the passing attack, and they'll get a boost with quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) returning.

From RotoBaller

There remains no timetable for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy's (toe) return, according to Albert Breer. Purdy suffered from turf toe in the Week 1 regular-season opener and sat out of Weeks 2 and 3. He returned in the Week 4 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, but aggravated his toe, and the severity of it is similar to what it was after Week 1. On a short week for a Week 5 divisional tilt against the San Francisco 49ers, Purdy didn't have enough time to get ready. Purdy is considered week-to-week for now and could be in jeopardy of missing another game in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mac Jones, who was adequate in leading San Fran to two wins in Weeks 2 and 3, is back in the starting role on Thursday Night Football against the Rams. He won't be a recommended QB2 streamer, though, with top wideouts Jauan Jennings (ankle, ribs) and Ricky Pearsall (knee) both out this week.

From RotoBaller

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (ankle) was listed as a limited practice participant for the second straight day on Thursday. Spears spent the first four weeks of the season on Injured Reserve due to a high ankle sprain, but the team opened his activation window earlier this week. Spears may not be ready for his team's Week 5 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, but he should play a role alongside Titans running back Tony Pollard in the team's backfield once he returns. Across 12 games in 2024, Spears recorded 536 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns on 114 total touches.

From RotoBaller

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (knee, elbow) did not practice for the second straight day on Thursday. Ridley appears to be at risk of missing the team's Week 5 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. The 30-year-old is off to a slow start to the 2025 season, recording 10 catches for 141 yards on 24 targets. If Ridley is unable to play on Sunday, Titans wideouts Elic Ayomanor and Tyler Lockett could see an increased number of targets, while wide receivers Van Jefferson and Chimere Dike could see an uptick in snaps. Even if Ridley suits up, he's hard to trust as a fantasy starter given his questionable health status and lack of production so far.

From RotoBaller

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (hamstring) was added to the team's Thursday injury report and listed as a limited practice participant, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. A mid-week addition to the injury report is never a good sign, as it could indicate that Pittman Jr. suffered the injury during practice. Pittman Jr. is off to an excellent start to the season with 21 catches for 234 yards and three touchdowns on 29 targets through four games. If he is unable to play in Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders, Colts wide receivers Josh Downs and Adonai Mitchell would both be in line for more targets. Indianapolis wideout Alec Pierce (concussion) missed Week 4 with a concussion, but he's logged two full practices so far this week and would factor in as well if he can suit up in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (concussion) practiced in full for the second straight day on Thursday. Pierce missed his team's Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams due to a concussion, but could be trending towards playing in Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Pierce has recorded nine catches for 171 yards across three games on 13 targets. The Colts could be shorthanded at wide receiver in Week 5 with Michael Pittman Jr. (hamstring) popping up on Thursday's injury report with a hamstring injury. If he's healthy enough to play on Sunday, Pierce is a downfield threat who could see significant playing time in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

ESPN's Adam Schefter said on the Thursday edition of his podcast that he thinks Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter will be "thrust to prominence" following injuries to fellow Cardinals backs James Conner (ankle) and Trey Benson (knee). Carter has been active for just one of Arizona's games so far in 2025 and opened the season behind Conner, Benson, and Emari Demercado on the team's running back depth chart. However, Schefter reports that Demercado is expected to remain Arizona's third-down back, creating an opportunity for Carter to step in as the team's primary rusher. Carter has recorded 2,131 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns on 439 touches across 49 career NFL games (22 starts). Heading into a Week 5 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Carter profiles as a high-end fantasy RB3/flex option.

From RotoBaller

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado will "be what he's always been, a third-down back," according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Cardinals have plenty of available playing time in their backfield after losing James Conner (ankle) for the season and Trey Benson (knee) for four to six weeks due to a meniscus injury. However, Schefter reports that it could be Cardinals running back Michael Carter, not Demercado, who sees the most backfield touches. Demercado has recorded 21 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on six total touches so far in 2025. The 26-year-old has appeared in 31 career games for the Cardinals but has not logged more than four carries in a game since October 2023. Heading into a Week 5 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Demercado looks like a low-end flex option in deep leagues at best.

From RotoBaller

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Thursday that Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (foot) is "week-to-week" with a mid-foot sprain, and it "doesn't sound like he'll play" in his team's Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. On the bright side, Schefter also said that Irving's foot injury "looks like it's not a long-term injury." Irving has recorded 430 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 90 total touches through the first four weeks of 2025. If he misses time, Buccaneers running backs Rachaad White and Sean Tucker would both likely see an uptick in playing time. White has recorded 23 carries for 108 yards and a touchdown this season, while Tucker recorded 308 yards and two scores on 50 carries across 17 games in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle) missed another practice on Thursday and is looking likely to miss a second straight game in Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins, according to Darin Gantt of Panthers.com. Sanders suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 3 and was unavailable in the Week 4 loss to the New England Patriots. High-ankle sprains can sideline players for up to four to six weeks, so Sanders is most likely not going to play this weekend against the visiting Dolphins. With Sanders out last weekend, Tommy Tremble, normally a pass-blocking TE, caught five of his eight targets for a season-high 42 yards and his first touchdown of the year. Tremble is going to be Carolina's best bet for fantasy production at the position until Sanders can return, but don't mistakenly think he's suddenly a must-play TE1 in fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Brashard Smith is gaining more trust in the coaching staff as he produces on the field. "He's willing to listen, very humble kid, and works hard," head coach Andy Reid said. It's become clear that the Chiefs are looking for more ways to use Smith to jumpstart their struggling backfield in 2025. Although Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are still very much involved, Smith's rise is certainly bad news for them. The 22-year-old had four carries for nine yards and caught three of his four targets for 27 yards in the Week 4 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, seeing a season-high 19 offensive snaps in the process. While the production doesn't exactly jump off the page, Smith is a name worth watching in fantasy leagues. If you're desperate for RB depth, he might even be worth a pickup off the waiver wire heading into the team's Week 5 tilt against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday night.

From RotoBaller