Fri Oct 3 1:35pm ET
Field Level Media
The Carolina Panthers will turn to Rico Dowdle to handle the bulk of the ground attack after ruling out fellow running back Chuba Hubbard for Sunday's game against the visiting Miami Dolphins.
Signed to a one-year, $2.75 million contract in the offseason, Dowdle will make his first start with Carolina as Hubbard deals with a calf injury that kept him out of practice this week.
In addition to Hubbard, the Panthers (1-3) also ruled out tight end JaTavion Sanders (ankle), cornerback Chau Smith-Wade (chest) and defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton (toe) against Miami. Starting outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum (hip), defensive tackle Cam Jackson (knee) and defensive end LaBryan Ray (ankle) were listed as questionable.
Hubbard, 26, also dealt with the calf issue last week but totaled 69 yards from scrimmage on 13 touches in a 42-13 loss at the New England Patriots. However, he did see a season-low 51 percent snap share as Dowdle rushed for 32 yards on nine carries.
Dowdle, 27, has rushed 28 times for 83 yards and a touchdown this season. He totaled a career-high 1,079 yards rushing in 2024 with the Dallas Cowboys.
Third-string rookie Trevor Etienne has seen limited action, accumulating 33 yards on seven carries last Sunday and 37 yards on eight carries overall in four games.
Signed to a four-year, $33.2 million contract late last season, Hubbard leads the Panthers in carries (53) and rushing yards (217) this campaign. He also has 13 catches for 94 yards and two touchdowns.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt will face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday night in Week 5. Hunt rushed 13 times for 34 yards (2.62 yards per carry) and caught one pass for 13 yards in last week's win over the Baltimore Ravens. The 30-year-old veteran back continues to get valuable touches out of the Kansas City backfield despite his inefficiency, but that could change in the near future. Isiah Pacheco and Brashard Smith handled seven carries and four carries, respectively, in Week 4. The rookie Smith has seen his snap rate increase each week this season, and there's been a lot of buzz about getting him more involved in the offense. That said, Hunt will presumedly still be the lead back this week against the Jaguars, who allow the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs. Hunt is ranked RB32 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him the highest-ranked running back for the Chiefs and an RB3/Flex option this week.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Albert Okwuegbunam was elevated from the practice squad ahead of Sunday's meeting with the Colts. Michael Mayer (concussion) has already been ruled out, marking his second-straight absence. In addition, Brock Bowers (knee) is "trending toward not playing." If Bowers ends up missing the Week 4 matchup versus Indianapolis, Ian Thomas and Okwuegbunam could see extra looks from Geno Smith. However, neither player can be trusted from a fantasy standpoint, so managers should look in another direction for Bowers' replacement. The same can be said for rookie Carter Runyon, who hasn't done much this season.
From RotoBaller
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (concussion) won't play in Sunday's meeting with the Colts. He suffered a concussion in the Week 3 loss to the Washington Commanders and didn't suit up in Week 4 against the Chicago Bears. While the 24-year-old practiced in a limited capacity during the week and carried a questionable designation, he'll need to sit this one out, potentially returning in Week 6 versus the Titans. With Brock Bowers (knee) also "trending toward not playing," Ian Thomas could find himself atop the depth chart. The Raiders also elevated Albert Okwuegbunam from the practice squad, so he may be in the mix for attention from Geno Smith. However, neither player should be considered a trustworthy fantasy option.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was listed on the injury report with a groin injury this week, but practiced fully and does not have an injury designation heading into Monday night. The Chiefs will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday night in Week 5. Mahomes completed 25 of 37 pass attempts (68%) for 270 yards and four touchdowns in last week's win against the Baltimore Ravens. His Week 4 performance was easily his best of the season as a passer, reaching new season-highs in completions, completion percentage, passing yards, and passing touchdowns. The 29-year-old will look to build on that impressive performance against the Jaguars, who are middle-of-the-pack in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks this season. The Kansas City superstar's best game of the year coincided with the return of Xavier Worthy, so maybe the duo can keep the good times rolling in a game with the sixth-highest total this week. Mahomes is ranked QB2 in our RotoBalller rankings, making him a must-start QB1 this week.
From RotoBaller
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) will undergo surgery "this week." The wideout suffered a torn ACL and meniscus during the Week 4 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, prematurely ending his season. He was also battling a partially torn labrum and turf toe, which are expected to heal. Before going down, Nabers had 18 catches (35 targets) for 271 yards and two touchdowns. Hopefully, Jaxson Dart will improve throughout the remainder of the year, which should help Nabers be even more productive for fantasy managers moving ahead. In the meantime, Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton are expected to see extra attention from Dart for the rest of the 2025 campaign.
From RotoBaller
According to Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, there's been discussions about opening the practice window for wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) after the team returns from the Week 5 bye. The wideout has indicated in previous weeks that was the plan. However, fantasy managers will need to wait for an official update regarding his status. Watson had a down year in 2024, amassing a career-low two touchdown catches. He also suffered a torn ACL during a meeting with the Chicago Bears back in January. With Jayden Reed (collarbone, foot) sitting on the Injured Reserve list, the Packers could certainly use Watson back in the equation. With that said, he'll likely be limited for at least a few weeks upon his return, so his fantasy ceiling won't be as high as usual. Green Bay will have 21 days to activate Watson once he's designated to return. If not, he'll miss the remainder of the 2025 campaign.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills kicker Matt Prater heads into Week 5 with a matchup that fantasy managers shouldn't overlook, even against a Patriots defense ranked ninth in scoring. While New England has been solid at limiting points, Buffalo's high-powered offense projects to move the ball consistently, creating multiple scoring opportunities for Prater. Currently tied for ninth among kickers in fantasy scoring, Prater has delivered a reliable combination of accuracy and leg strength all season. The Bills' ability to sustain drives and generate red-zone chances gives him a strong floor and a ceiling capable of producing top-tier weekly results. Fantasy managers in all formats can confidently roster Prater this week, as his matchup and consistent production make him one of the most appealing kicker options heading into Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson has seen his fantasy stock slide as the team's inconsistent offense limits scoring opportunities. Last week, a blocked field goal left Carlson with a single-digit performance, continuing a troubling trend for fantasy managers relying on him for steady production. With Geno Smith and the Raiders facing a tough Colts defense in Week 5, the likelihood of sustained drives and red-zone chances remains low. Carlson's leg strength and accuracy are undeniable, but fantasy owners need opportunities, and the Raiders' offensive struggles make him a risky option this week. For those seeking consistency at kicker, it may be wise to explore alternative streaming options until the Raiders can stabilize their offense and create the scoring chances Carlson needs to return to top-tier fantasy relevance.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. has yet to establish a consistent role in the team's offense, and his opportunities continue to dwindle as the Raiders shift toward heavier two-tight-end formations. In Week 4 against the Bears, Thornton saw just two targets and failed to record a catch, marking another quiet outing for the rookie. With Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker entrenched as the primary receivers and fellow rookie Jack Bech beginning to see occasional involvement, Thornton has fallen further down the depth chart. Until his target share increases or his role expands, fantasy managers can safely move on from Thornton in all formats. He remains a developmental stash at best, with little short-term fantasy appeal.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid continues to separate himself as the primary pass-catching option at the position, despite splitting snaps evenly in the offense. After seeing just two targets against the Saints in Week 4, Kincaid is a strong candidate to bounce back to his usual workload of around six targets per game. The third-year tight end has been a consistent playmaker, finding the end zone in three of four contests and ranking third on the team with 179 receiving yards on 14 catches. Most importantly, Kincaid leads Buffalo in touchdown receptions, solidifying his chemistry with Josh Allen in scoring situations. Fantasy managers should continue to view Kincaid as a dependable mid-tier TE1 who offers weekly touchdown upside, especially in a Bills offense that thrives on utilizing him in the red zone.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers has been elevated from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of Sunday's Week 5 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. For the third straight week, Akers will join the active roster as the third option behind Jordan Mason and Zavier Scott. The Vikings are still without Aaron Jones (hamstring) who is currently on the injured reserve. Akers hasn't seen much of the field with five carries for 19 yards this season. The 26-year-old won't offer streaming appeal for this contest.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer has seen his involvement in the offense diminish significantly since his strong Week 1 showing. After drawing nine targets in the season opener, Palmer has managed just seven combined over the past three games, falling behind Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman in the pecking order. Through four weeks, he's totaled only 10 receptions for 138 yards, failing to provide consistent fantasy production or scoring upside. With Buffalo's passing attack spreading the ball around and Palmer's role shrinking each week, fantasy managers can safely move on in all formats. There are likely more impactful options available on the waiver wire capable of offering higher volume and better week-to-week reliability than Palmer at this point in the season.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Albert Okwuegbunam has been elevated from the practice squad ahead of the Week 5 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. The Raiders are in need of some depth with Michael Mayer (concussion) ruled out and Brock Bowers (knee) trending in the wrong direction. The 27-year-old hasn't recorded a reception in the league since the 2022 season with the Denver Broncos. Okwuegbunam figures to provide some depth, but isn't someone that should be viewed as a streaming option for this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson continues to play a modest role in the team's backfield rotation, logging between 20% and 33% of offensive snaps in each of the first four games. However, his on-field presence has not translated into meaningful fantasy production, as he's averaging just two carries for 10.8 yards per game. With James Cook III firmly entrenched as the lead back and quarterback Josh Allen consistently handling a share of the rushing workload, Johnson's fantasy value remains minimal. Unless Cook misses time, Johnson offers little more than deep-league or handcuff appeal. Fantasy managers should avoid starting him in Week 5 against a Patriots defense that has allowed the second-fewest rushing yards per game. Johnson's role is simply too limited to warrant consideration outside of the deepest formats.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten (shoulder) doesn't carry an injury designation into Monday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite being limited all week, Tuten is good to go for Monday night. Possibly, the Jaguars were just managing his reps because they know he's nursing a shoulder issue. Travis Etienne Jr. remains the workhorse back in Jacksonville, but Tuten continues to get mixed in as well. Through four games, Tuten has rushed 21 times for 88 yards and one touchdown. He has also hauled in three receptions for 40 yards and an additional score through the air. Tuten should be viewed as a touchdown-dependent flex for Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert appears to have overtaken Zamir White as the team's No. 2 option behind starter Ashton Jeanty. In Week 4, Mostert handled all eight snaps that Jeanty didn't play, making the most of his limited workload with 62 rushing yards on just four carries and adding an 11-yard reception. His explosiveness and home-run ability bring an exciting change of pace to the Raiders offense, giving him value in best ball formats where big plays can swing outcomes. However, Mostert's fantasy appeal in standard leagues remains limited, as Jeanty continues to dominate the touches in Las Vegas. Unless an injury opens the door for a larger role, Mostert should be viewed as a stash or deep-league bench option rather than a weekly fantasy contributor.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker has been one of the most unpredictable fantasy options through the first month of the season. Despite ranking second on the team in targets with 22 and hauling in 15 receptions, his week-to-week usage has fluctuated wildly with target totals of three, eight, nine, and two. That inconsistency has made him difficult to trust in standard leagues, but his involvement could increase in Week 5 with Brock Bowers likely sidelined. The Raiders may need to lean more on Tucker in the passing game against a Colts defense that ranks 19th against the pass. While his volatility makes him better suited for best ball formats, Tucker's combination of opportunity and matchup gives him sneaky flex appeal this week for fantasy managers willing to take the risk.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Dyami Brown (shoulder) has been removed from the injury report ahead of the Week 5 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Brown is ready to return to action after missing last week's contest. He was limited in practice all week, but that won't hold him out of this Monday night matchup. Through three games, Brown has 10 receptions for 116 yards and one touchdown. Brown could offer some low-end flex value in deep leagues, but should probably be on the bench in most fantasy formats this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal has been elevated from the practice squad to the 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's Week 5 contest against the Washington Commanders. Vidal made his season debut last week, taking the roster spot of Najee Harris (Achilles). He played three percent of the offensive snaps and did not register a touch, but he did have a 25-yard kick return. He should occupy a similar depth role this weekend, playing on special teams while Omarion Hampton and Hassan Haskins handle the bulk of the offensive snaps.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight ends Taysom Hill (knee) and Foster Moreau (knee) have been activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list ahead of Sunday's Week 5 contest against the New York Giants. Hill and Moreau are listed as questionable after logging limited practices, but they're both on track to play this weekend. Their activations could be coming at the perfect time, as New Orleans tight end Juwan Johnson (ankle) is dealing with an injury of his own and is questionable to play against the Giants. Hill offers more of a gadget threat on the ground, while Moreau is a blocker and a capable receiver. Managers shouldn't rush to add either player, but Hill is worth monitoring in case he carves out a significant rushing role alongside Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller.
From RotoBaller