Lineup Prep: Week 6

Wed Oct 8 9:35am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

McMillan setup for big Week 6


The season is moving right along, right? We are already five weeks into things. If things aren’t going well, don’t get too down. You have some time to make it up but make your move now. If you fall much farther behind, it might be too hard to climb out of that hole. So if you need to make a trade to give your team a spark or make a bold lineup decision, go for it. Just don’t do anything too rash. The top teams in your league like to take advantage of the bottom teams in the standings. Just be smart when you make those moves.

With that said, here are my random thoughts for the week. . . . .

I’m really happy to see the Bengals get Joe Flacco to take over their quarterback duties. I know Flacco hasn’t been great this year with the Browns, but he is a big upgrade for the Bengals at quarterback. This is a big positive to all their fantasy players. There is concern that Flacco doesn’t move around well behind the Bengals poor offensive line, but I’ll still take him over Jake Browning. This is a positive.

Patrick Mahomes is sure rebounding from his down season last year. He is even doing this without his top receiver, Rashee Rice, and a less than 100 percent Xavier Worthy. Mahomes is second overall in fantasy quarterback scoring, right behind Josh Allen. Mahomes has 30-plus points two straight games and at least 24 points four of five games. Mahomes is making all those fantasy owners that grabbed him after the top quarterbacks were off the board look pretty smart right about now. And his numbers could get even better as the season progresses.

I could not be more surprised than I am with Darren Waller. I thought he was washed and wouldn’t make much of an impact upon his return to the NFL. But he is looking sharp and has touchdowns each of his first two games. And he isn’t even playing a ton just yet, playing 28 percent in Week 4 and 58 percent last week. If his playing time keeps increasing, his numbers could get even better. Let’s just hope he can stay healthy.

I have gotten a lot of questions about the Chargers back I would target on the waiver wire. I don’t have a great feel for this one but might lean Hassan Haskins if you made me pick. I don’t feel strongly about this, though. Haskins is a little better pass catcher. I think he is more of a three-down back than Vidal. Again, this is a close call. It truly might be a timeshare with the Chargers going with the back that has the hot hand. I wouldn’t be surprised if that is the approach the Chargers end up taking.

Who would have thought the Ravens would be a team to target when setting your fantasy lineups? This defense is just a disaster right now - both against the run and pass. When you see the Ravens as the opposition for one of your fantasy players, you should be feeling pretty good. I don’t see a sudden turnaround for this terrible unit. Not good.

We guess it was too early to write off Deebo Samuel. A lot were concerned about his weight and fitness, but he is showing he is in just fine shape. Samuel is eighth overall in fantasy receiver scoring right now. Wow. He has at least six receptions four of five games and seven carries. His versatility and consistency as a pass catcher in this offense give him a great weekly floor. Samuel seems to have revived his career with a move to Washington. I don’t think he is a sell-high candidate. I would hold onto him.

Cam Skattebo is a fun story and a fun player to watch, but I don’t see him as a legit NFL starter. I think he would be better served as a top backup and situational player. He averages just 3.8 yards per carry, which ranks 125th overall. And for a man of his size, he averaged just 1.7 yards after contact. This ranks 28th overall and is supposed to be his strong suit. Maybe he’ll prove me wrong going forward, but I just don’t see it with Skattebo right now. 

News and Notes: The Browns traded quarterback Joe Flacco and a sixth-round draft pick to the Bengals for a fifth-round draft pick on Tuesday. Flacco is expected to take over the starting role for the Bengals immediately. . . . .Free-agent receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has been suspended six games by the NFL for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy. . . . .The Colts signed kicker Michael Badgley on Tuesday. Badgley should get first shot at the starting kicking duties for the Colts with Spencer Shrader out for the season.

HOT PLAYS

Ashton Jeanty, RB, Raiders. Jeanty is starting to show some much-needed signs of life. He topped 100 total yards last week for the second straight game. He has 15-plus fantasy points each of his last two games. The big positive for him from a fantasy perspective is his added work in the passing game. He had a season-high five receptions last week and has seven his last two games. Look for another game with 100-plus total yards this week against the Titans. Tennessee allows the third most fantasy points to running backs. The Titans have allowed at least 129-rushing yards every game this season.

Matthew Stafford, QB, Rams. Stafford is red hot, having two straight games with 30-plus fantasy points. And he did this against two pretty good pass defenses. He topped 370-passing yards each of those last two games and had three touchdowns each of the games. Stafford has multiple touchdowns four straight games. He gets a dream matchup this week against the Ravens, a team that can’t stop anyone defensively. Baltimore allows the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.

Romeo Doubs, WR, Packers. Doubs had a three-touchdown performance his last time out and has found the end zone two of three games. He has been on the field more than any Packers receiver this season, playing at least 71 percent of the snaps every game. He isn’t flashy but consistent and has a knack for producing in the red zone. We like for him to find the end zone again this week against the Bengals, a team that has allowed at least 27 points four straight games.

Cam Skattebo, RB, Giants. Skattebo might not be producing big numbers on the field but the volume is giving him good fantasy numbers on a weekly basis. He has 13-plus fantasy points four straight games. Skattebo has more than 20 total touches each of his last two games. Look for more of the same volume this week against the Eagles, a team that allows the eighth most fantasy points to running backs. Skattebo should finish with solid fantasy numbers once again in this one.

Jake Ferguson, TE, Cowboys. Ferguson is now first overall in fantasy tight end scoring. That might be a little surprising to some but he is racking up the catches on a weekly basis. He has nearly 20 more fantasy points than nearly any other tight end. Ferguson has at least seven receptions four straight games. He has 16-plus fantasy points each of those games. He can keep it going this week against the Panthers, a team that struggles to stop the tight end. Carolina allows the second-most fantasy points to tight ends.

COLD PLAYS   

Daniel Jones, QB, Colts. Jones is still playing just fine but has started to cool a little for fantasy teams. He has fewer than 20 gnats points three straight games. He has been pretty ho-hum for fantasy teams after two huge games to begin the season. We think another so-so showing could be in store for this week against the Cardinals. Arizona allows the sixth fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks and has not allowed more than 23 points in any game this season.

D’Andre Swift, RB, Bears. Swift has decent fantasy numbers this year but is becoming a bit of a touchdown-dependent player. He has fewer than 40-rushing yards two straight games and his season high in rushing yards is just 63. His numbers on the ground have not been good. We can see him struggling again this week against the Commanders, a team that has allowed less than 100-rushing yards two of five games. Washington allows the 10th fewest fantasy points to running backs.

James Cook, RB, Bills. Cook is having a great season but showed last week he is human. He ran for just 49 yards, which was the second time this season he finished with fewer than 50-rushing yards. He had three straight 100-plus yard rushing games before last week. Cook might struggle to find room to run again this week against a very good Falcons rush defense. Atlanta allows the fewest fantasy points to running backs. It is tough to bench Cook because of his high ceiling, but you might want to just taper your expectations for him in this one.

Kyle Pitts, TE, Falcons. Pitts had his best fantasy game of the season his last time out, scoring 18 fantasy points. He had fewer than eight points each of his previous two games, though. He still isn’t as consistent as you would like. Pitts probably remains in that matchup play category and a game against Buffalo isn’t a good one for him. The Bills have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Buffalo has shut down some pretty good tight ends, including Mark Andrews, Mason Taylor, Juwan Johnson and Hunter Henry. This matchup is a concern for Pitts.

Jaylen Waddle, WR, Dolphins. Waddle enjoyed his best game of the season last week, having his first 100-yard showing of the season. He had six receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. The concern is his numbers were pretty down before that big performance. He had fewer than 50 yards three of four games to start the season. Last week was encouraging but he might not be a plug-and-play player at this point of the season, especially this week against a really good Chargers secondary. Los Angeles allows the third fewest fantasy points to receivers. The Chargers allowed 150 or fewer passing yards three straight games before last week.

SLEEPERS

Hassan Haskins, RB, Chargers. You aren’t sure the back that is going to be No. 1 on the depth chart with Omarion Hampton out, but Haskins is our pick for now. And if he starts this week against the Dolphins, Haskins could produce big. The Dolphins have been gashed on the ground this year, allowing 155-plus rushing yards four of five games. They allowed more than 200-rushing yards to the Panthers last week. Haskins is worth a shot for fantasy owners in this prime matchup.

Xavier Legette, WR, Panthers. Legette returned from his hamstring injury last week and played 79 percent of the snaps. He has played at least 78 percent of the snaps all three of his games this season, getting plenty of playing time. The production hasn’t always been there but it just seems a matter of time before his numbers start getting more consistent. He had 15 targets his first two games of the season, which is really encouraging. He found the end zone last week and gets a great matchup against the Cowboys in Week 6. Dallas allows the most fantasy points to receivers, making Legette a good spot play.

Tutu Atwell, WR, Rams. Atwell is starting to see the field more often, earning more playing time. He played a season-high 66 percent of the snaps last week. He had two receptions for 72 yards and has 70-plus yards each of his last two games. Atwell is capable of breaking the big play any given week. And a game against the Ravens is a good chance for him to make one of those big plays. Baltimore allows the second most fantasy points to receivers and can’t stop anyone right now, allowing at least 37 points four of five games.

Dillon Gabriel, QB, Browns. Gabriel looked pretty good in his first NFL start. He didn’t take many chances down the field but moved the offense and made some plays. Gabriel finished with a respectable 18 fantasy points against a good Vikings defense. He has a favorable matchup for more success this week against the Browns longtime rival, the Steelers. Pittsburgh allows the fourth most fantasy points to quarterbacks and at least 250-passing yards three straight games. Gabriel might be worth a look for fantasy teams in Week 6.

AJ Dillon, RB, Eagles. This is a long shot but Saquon Barkley is banged up and might not get his full workload on a short week. Dillon might get a few more chances than normal because of this. He has played the second-most snaps of any Eagles back this year. His numbers are solid with his few chances, rushing 11 times for 58 yards. If he can get near double-digit touches, he could end up helping fantasy teams in Week 6. Dillon also has a prime matchup for success against the Giants, a team that allows the seventh most fantasy points to running backs.

High/Low Scoring Games

Each week we will take a look at some of the high and low scoring games for the coming week. In high scoring affairs, get your marginal players on those teams in your lineup to take advantage of the possible points barrage. And in the low scoring games, keep those marginal players on the bench and make sure to have your defenses involved in those contests.

High Scoring Games: Cardinals/Colts, Cowboys/Panthers, Rams/Ravens, 49ers/Bucs, Lions/Chiefs, Bills/Falcons, Bears/Commanders.

Low Scoring Games: Browns/Steelers, Titans/Raiders,

Bye Weeks: Texans, Vikings.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 13

Player Notes
Malik Davis Nov 25 11:40pm CT
Malik Davis

Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis has been active for the last five games, mostly contributing on special teams. However, Davis has seen a slight uptick in playing time on offense in the past two games. After playing just 10 snaps total and handling three carries for six yards in his first three games active on gameday, the 26-year-old has played 25 snaps total and rushed seven times for 44 carries in the past two weeks. Davis noticeably has a bit more explosiveness than starter Javonte Williams and adds a useful change-of-pace element to the Cowboys ' backfield. He had three carries for 24 yards in Dallas' comeback win over the Eagles in Week 12, reaching 15+ mph on two of those carries, per Next Gen Stats. Davis looks like the clear handcuff to Williams at the moment and is stashing on benches in 12-team leagues and deeper.

From RotoBaller

Tyrod Taylor Nov 25 11:30pm CT
Tyrod Taylor

New York Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor performed well in his second start of the season in Week 12 against the Baltimore Ravens, completing 17 of 28 pass attempts for 222 yards, one touchdown, and one interception while adding five carries for 19 yards. Taylor performed well enough against his former team to remain the Jets starter moving forward. His 7.9 yards per attempt ranked eighth among quarterbacks, and his 71.3 QBR was the fifth-best mark in Week 12. The 36-year-old was a noticeable improvement over Fields for at least this game, with one of their trade deadline acquisitions, John Metchie III, posting a career high six catches for 65 yards and a touchdown. Still, the ceiling isn't high for Taylor in fantasy, and he's best viewed as a QB2/QB3 for Week 13 against the Atlanta Falcons.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Pitts Nov 25 9:50pm CT
Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. recorded two catches for25 scoreless yards in Sunday's 24-10 win over the Saints. While the result was disappointing, the silver lining was that with five targets, the 25-year-old led the team in that statistic. The same was true the last time Kirk Cousins was the starter in Week 8 against the Dolphins, a game that Drake London (knee) also missed as he did on Sunday. It's not clear whether or not London will be back in Week 13, but if he were to miss the contest, Pitts could be the frontrunner for targets again, so it will be imperativeto watch the injury reports this week. Cousins may spreadthe ball around a bit more than Michael Penix Jr. did, though, which couldlimit the production of the receiving corps, including Pitts. The 6-foot-6 tight end has just one touchdown on the season, so even fewer targets could push him into TE2 territory for Week 13's matchup with the Jets, a defense that is middle of the pack in terms of fantasy points allowed to tight ends.

From RotoBaller

Pat Freiermuth Nov 25 9:40pm CT
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth caught all three of his targets for 19 receiving yards and a touchdown in a Week 12 loss to the Chicago Bears. The 27-year-old secured Mason Rudolph's lone passing score, a three-yard strike in the fourth quarter. Though Freiermuth ranks second on the Steelers in receiving yards and touchdowns, he's fifth in targets, trailing DK Metcalf (ankle), Kenneth Gainwell, Calvin Austin III, and Jonnu Smith. Even with Aaron Rodgers (wrist) expected back in Week 13, Freiermuth can't be trusted for fantasy purposes, especially against a Buffalo Bills defense that has shut down opposing tight ends this season.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Nov 25 9:30pm CT
Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III hauled in four of his five targets for 36 yards in a 31-28 loss to the Chicago Bears. Austin appeared to be losing playing time to Roman Wilson in Week 11, but reclaimed a larger role in Week 12 and paced all Steelers in receiving yards. It's possible he operated as the WR2 due to his prior experience with quarterback Mason Rudolph, who started in place of Aaron Rodgers (wrist) and previously played alongside Austin in 2023. That said, fantasy managers shouldn't read too much into this change. Pittsburgh's wide receiver usage remains unsettled, and Austin is best left on watch lists as we monitor how the rotation shakes out heading into a Week 13 matchup with the Buffalo Bills.

From RotoBaller

David Sills Nov 25 9:30pm CT
David Sills

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver David Sills V caught two of his three targets for 16 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 24-10 win over the Saints. With Drake London (knee) and Michael Penix Jr. (knee) both missing this game, the offense looked a bit different, and the volume was more spread out, with Charlie Woerner and Dylan Drummond each earning three targets as well, the first targets of the season for Drummond. If London ends up missing another week, Sills could end up being a low-end WR/Flex flier again for desperate managers in deeper leagues. With a slight height advantage at 6-foot-3 over the other wide receivers who saw action this past weekend, perhaps the 29-year-old could see another red zone look or two against the Jets in Week 13 if London were out, a defense that is bottom-third in terms of fantasy points allowed to the wide receiver position.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Restrepo Nov 25 9:10pm CT
Xavier Restrepo

After spending the first 11 weeks of the 2025 season on the Tennessee Titans' practice squad, rookie wide receiver Xavier Restrepo finally made his NFL debut in Week 12 against the Seattle Seahawks. The 23-year-old earned six targets from Titans quarterback Cameron Ward and hauled in two receptions for 26 yards. Restrepo's path to game action was aided by injuries to Titans wideouts Calvin Ridley (leg) and Elic Ayomanor (hamstring). Ridley will miss the rest of the season, while Ayomanor could return as soon as Week 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, if Ayomanor remains sidelined, Restrepo could have another chance to prove himself against Jacksonville. While fantasy managers will need Restrepo to play more than the 19 offensive snaps he played in Week 12, in some ways, it's encouraging that he was able to log six targets despite the limited playing time. Restrepo can't be trusted as a fantasy starter yet, but he could be worth monitoring for deep-league fantasy managers if the wide receiver injuries in Tennessee persist.

From RotoBaller

Roman Wilson Nov 25 9:10pm CT
Roman Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson failed to secure either of his targets in a Week 12 loss to the Chicago Bears. After logging a 57% snap share in Week 11, the second-year pro took the field for just 28% of Pittsburgh's offensive snaps. Meanwhile, Calvin Austin III, whose playing time dipped the week prior, led the team in receiving with only 36 yards. There is still hope for Wilson down the stretch since no one in the Steelers' receiving corps has established consistent production. However, he's off the fantasy radar in redraft formats heading into a Week 13 meeting with the Buffalo Bills.

From RotoBaller

Chigoziem Okonkwo Nov 25 9:00pm CT
Chigoziem Okonkwo

Across 11 games this season, Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo has recorded 35 receptions for 377 yards on 46 targets. While Okonkwo's numbers don't jump off the page, the one thing he has provided is a stable floor. The 26-year-old has recorded at least three catches and 35 receiving yards in seven out of 11 outings, including at least 40 receiving yards in three out of his last four games. Okonkwo and rookie Gunnar Helm are splitting tight end reps in Tennessee, but Okonkwo has played at least 60% of the Titans' offensive snaps in every game but one so far this season. Okonkwo's upside is capped by the playing time split and Tennessee's team-wide offensive struggles. However, he could have some appeal as a deep-league streaming option for fantasy managers heading into a Week 13 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Nov 25 9:00pm CT
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren turned 18 carries into 68 yards and a touchdown in a Week 12 loss to the Chicago Bears. For the first time this season, he was not targeted in the passing game. Backfield mate Kenneth Gainwell, on the other hand, hauled in all six of his targets and added 92 rushing yards. This marked the second straight week in which Gainwell outproduced Warren for fantasy purposes, though it's important to remember that Warren suffered an ankle injury in Week 11. It will be interesting to see how the two backs are deployed on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, who have struggled to stop the run all season. Being another week removed from the injury should only benefit Warren, so fantasy managers have no reason to panic just yet.

From RotoBaller

Gunnar Helm Nov 25 8:50pm CT
Gunnar Helm

Tennessee Titans rookie tight end Gunnar Helm had one of the most productive games of his young career in Week 12 against the Seattle Seahawks, recording six catches for 51 yards on seven targets. Across 11 games this season, the 23-year-old has hauled in 20 receptions for 267 yards and one touchdown on 37 targets. Encouragingly, Helm's role in the offense has grown in recent weeks, as he's been targeted 12 times over his last two outings. Helm continues to split snaps with Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo, but both players were on the field for exactly 48 offensive snaps in Week 12. With Tennessee leaning more heavily on two-tight end sets since their Week 10 bye, Helm could be an under-the-radar breakout candidate down the stretch of the season. At the very least, Helm is a player to monitor for deep-league fantasy managers heading into a Week 13 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Badie Nov 25 8:40pm CT
Tyler Badie

Across 10 games this season, Denver Broncos running back Tyler Badie has recorded 96 scrimmage yards on 13 total touches. Badie has spent most of the 2025 season in Denver's RB3 role behind J.K. Dobbins (foot) and R.J. Harvey. However, Dobbins is now out for the season after undergoing foot surgery, opening up an opportunity in the Broncos' backfield. In the team's first game without Dobbins in Week 11 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Badie played just eight offensive snaps and recorded just one touch, a zero-yard reception. Still, alongside running back Jaleel McLaughlin, Badie should remain in the mix for RB2 snaps behind Harvey. In the deepest of fantasy leagues, Badie could be worth a look on the waiver wire heading into a Week 13 matchup against the Washington Commanders.

From RotoBaller

Audric Estime Nov 25 8:30pm CT
Audric Estime

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee) suffered an MCL sprain during his team's Week 12 loss to the Atlanta Falcons and may now be facing missed time. With fellow Saints back Kendre Miller (knee) out for the season, there is a clear opportunity for playing time in the New Orleans backfield. Rookie sixth-rounder Devin Neal looks like the most likely candidate to step in as the Saints' lead back if Kamara misses time. However, Audric Estime is another running back who could see a significantly increased role. A fifth-round pick in the 2024 draft by the Denver Broncos, Estime recorded 310 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 76 carries across 13 games with Denver as a rookie. He was released by the Broncos before the start of the 2025 season and has spent most of the year on the Saints' practice squad. Now on New Orleans' active roster, Estime could get his chance to re-establish his NFL career. He could be a player to target on the waiver wire in deep fantasy leagues ahead of the Saints' Week 13 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

From RotoBaller

Rashod Bateman Nov 25 8:20pm CT
Rashod Bateman

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said that wide receiver Rashod Bateman (ankle) was a full participant in practice on Tuesday. However, the team's official injury report lists Bateman as a limited participant for the second straight day. The 25-year-old has missed his team's last two games due to an ankle injury and does not appear certain to make his return for Baltimore's Week 13 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thanksgiving night. Across nine games this season, Bateman has recorded 16 catches for 194 yards and two touchdowns on 31 targets. If he remains sidelined on Thursday, veteran Ravens wideout DeAndre Hopkins would be the most likely beneficiary from a playing time perspective. Regardless of whether Bateman is active or not, Baltimore WR1 Zay Flowers remains the only Ravens wide receiver who should be on fantasy radars in Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Saquon Barkley Nov 25 7:40pm CT
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (groin) was limited in Tuesday's practice due to a groin injury, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Barkley originally tweaked his groin in Week 8 against the New York Giants, but he hasn't missed any time because of it. The Eagles are likely just managing the injury and being cautious on a short week with the team facing the Chicago Bears on Black Friday in Week 13. Barkley still has two more days to return to a full practice, so he could be removed from the final injury report by Thursday. The 28-year-old has disappointed in 2025 in comparison to his monster 2024 campaign. Barkley had only 10 carries for 22 yards in the Week 12 loss to the Dallas Cowboys after seeing 20-plus carries in each of the previous two games. He salvaged his fantasy line, though, with a season-high seven catches for 52 yards on eight targets. If Barkley were to miss Friday's game, Tank Bigsby would likely see most of Philly's backfield touches.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Nov 25 7:40pm CT
Jayden Reed

The Green Bay Packers are not ruling out wide receiver Jayden Reed (foot, shoulder) from coming off Injured Reserve to play on Thursday in the Thanksgiving Day game against the division-rival Detroit Lions at Ford Field, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "You never know... You'll find out Thursday," head coach Matt LaFleur said when asked if Reed could play on Thursday, given the lack of practice time. Reed practiced for the first time last Friday since breaking his collarbone in Week 2. He was limited on Friday and on Monday and Tuesday of this week, putting his status up in the air for Week 13. In addition to a broken collarbone, the third-year pass-catcher is recovering from surgery to fix a fractured foot. At the very least, fantasy managers should stash Reed, who has scored 18 total touchdowns in 35 career games. Green Bay will likely wait to activate him for a Week 14 contest against the Bears. If he is active on Thursday, his reps will most likely be limited, making him a fade candidate in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Nov 25 7:30pm CT
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (chest, shoulder) was listed as a non-participant in Tuesday's walkthrough practice due to chest and shoulder injuries, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Smith's status bears watching on a short week when the team takes on the Chicago Bears on Friday. He played 95% of the offensive snaps in the Week 12 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday and had a big game, catching six of his 11 targets for 89 yards. If Smith is a DNP again on Wednesday, fantasy managers should actually be worried that he might be in danger of missing Week 13 action. If Smith is limited in any way or ruled out entirely against Chicago later this week, Jahan Dotson would be in line for WR2 duties in Philly behind A.J. Brown. Smith has only found the end zone three times in 11 games in 2025, adding 55 receptions on 78 targets for 754 yards. He's on track for the third 1,000-yard season in his fifth NFL campaign.

From RotoBaller

Dameon Pierce Nov 25 7:10pm CT
Dameon Pierce

Kansas City Chiefs running back Dameon Pierce was signed to the practice squad on Monday. This news comes after Pierce was cut by the Houston Texans last week. The 25-year-old barely had a role in Houston, so a change of scenery was needed. This wasn't a perfect landing spot, but Pierce should see more action in Kansas City. Lead back Isiah Pacheco (knee) is currently banged up, but is expected to play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving. Outside of that, Kareem Hunt is the primary backup with Brashard Smith getting mixed in as well. At the moment, Pierce doesn't seem to have a path to consistent playing time, but that could change if Pacheco is unable to play. Fantasy managers should keep Pierce on their radar if someone goes out.

From RotoBaller

Colby Parkinson Nov 25 7:00pm CT
Colby Parkinson

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson has been putting together a nice stretch of play over the last few weeks. Over the last three games, Parkinson has hauled in 10 receptions for 96 yards and three touchdowns. He has taken on a larger role in the offense with Tyler Higbee (ankle) landing on the injured reserve. Parkinson has shown he is capable of the TE1 role and is looking like a viable red zone threat. Fantasy managers in need of a possible streaming option in Week 13 should look at Parkinson for his matchup against the Carolina Panthers.

From RotoBaller

Darren Waller Nov 25 6:50pm CT
Darren Waller

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (pectoral) will have his 21-day practice window opened this week, according to head coach Mike McDaniel. Waller has been sidelined since suffering a pectoral injury in Week 7. Before going down, Waller hauled in 10 receptions for 117 yards and four touchdowns in four games. The 33-year-old was surprisingly a popular target especially in the red zone before getting injured. Once healthy, Waller figures to resume his duties at the top tight end in this offense. It's unclear at the moment if he'll be ready in time to play against the New Orleans Saints in Week 13. Regardless, Waller could be worth a stash for fantasy managers in need of tight end help going forward. The veteran tight end figures to be back in the mix soon.

From RotoBaller