Dominate Your League

Carolina Panthers rookie running back Trevor Etienne is seemingly set to see some additional touches in Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins, with Chuba Hubbard (calf) ruled out for Week 5. Etienne saw his snap percentage and workload increase in Week 4 with the Panthers getting blown out by the Patriots 42-13, but now with Hubbard out, Rico Dowdle will be the lead back, and Etienne will back him up. Etienne will likely see anywhere between five and 10 touches. On the season, he is averaging 4.63 YPC and has 37 rushing yards with one reception. He did have a fumble in Week 3 on his only touch, which happened on a kick return. In deeper leagues, he might be worth a stash in case he breaks out during his limited opportunities and starts to challenge the team a bit to give him more touchdowns down the stretch.

From RotoBaller

Carolina Panthers running back and former Dallas Cowboy, Rico Dowdle, is set to be the lead back in the Panthers' backfield in Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins, with Chuba Hubbard (calf) ruled out for Week 5. Hubbard is considered week-to-week, so Dowdle isn't expected to be a hot commodity for a season-long play, but he immediately rises in the Week 5 ranks and becomes a top-25 running back against the Dolphins defense, which allows the seventh most fantasy points to the running back position. Dowdle is no slouch either; last year with the Cowboys, he accumulated 1,328 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns. Rookie running back Trevor Etienne becomes the team's RB2 and should also be in line for additional carries.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) has officially been ruled out for their Week 5 contest against the Cleveland Browns. McCarthy has been sidelined since suffering this high ankle sprain during their Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Carson Wentz to receive his third-straight start. Wentz threw for just 173 yards but tacked on two TD passes in his Minnesota debut in Week 3. In Week 4, he took a loss to the Steelers but enjoyed a productive fantasy day, totaling 350 yards with another two touchdown passes. Wentz carries solid QB2 value this weekend, despite facing a potent Cleveland defense. Given McCarthy's uncertain timetable, he is only worth stashing in deeper one-QB leagues while he remains sidelined. McCarthy will look to return to action in Week 7 when they host the Eagles, following their Week 6 bye.

From RotoBaller

According to Joseph Person of The Athletic, Carolina Panthers running back Chubba Hubbard (calf) will miss Sunday's home game against the Miami Dolphins, according to a league source. The Panthers consider Hubbard to be week-to-week but do not plan to place him on injured reserve, the source said. The silver lining is that Hubbard's injury appears to be minor and not long-term, allowing fantasy managers to treat this situation as a bye week for Hubbard, as it seems possible he will return for Week 6. Rico Dowdle becomes an immediate must-add in 12-team formats and becomes a low-end RB2 in Week 5; meanwhile, Trevor Etienne will be in line for additional touches. Hubbard has been okay this season, averaging 4.09 YPC and 217 rushing yards to go along with 13 receptions for 94 yards and two touchdowns.

From RotoBaller

According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) is not expected to play on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. Rapoport noted that Hubbard has not practiced this week and is unlikely to turn the corner in time. As a result, the team's No. 2 running back Rico Dowdle is slated to serve in the lead role. Hubbard was dealing with this calf injury before last week's contest, but was unable to suit up. However, in this game, the running back was given his smallest workload of the season as he took just 10 carries for a modest 49 yards and was only targeted three times through the air. Dowdle was the lead back in Dallas last season and posted his first 1,000-yard campaign. Given his projected volume, he carries RB2 upside facing the Dolphins, who have allowed the 10th-most PPR points to opposing RBs this season.

From RotoBaller

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne caught 10 of his 11 targets for 142 yards during Thursday's Week 5 win over the Los Angeles Rams in overtime. The 30-year-old took on a massive role with Jauan Jennings (ankle, ribs) and Ricky Pearsall (knee) sidelined, and he showed that he was up for the task as his reception total jumped from one last week to 10 this week. Meanwhile, the veteran's 24.2 fantasy points (PPR) were the most he has scored in a single game since Week 1 of the 2023 season, when he was with the New England Patriots. Some managers in deeper leagues started Bourne on Thursday, so while his big game was a surprise, it still impacted plenty of fantasy football matchups. Bourne will head back to a depth role once Jennings and Pearsall are healthy again. For now, he's not a reliable fantasy option for Week 6 against the Ravens, but his fantasy outlook will gain some more clarity when the 49ers post their injury report next Wednesday.

From RotoBaller

San Francisco 49ers tight end Jake Tonges caught seven of his 11 targets for 41 yards and a touchdown during Thursday's win over the Los Angeles Rams. Tonges has filled in quite admirably for George Kittle (hamstring), who could return as early as next week. Through five games, the 26-year-old has 19 catches, 166 yards, and three touchdowns, ranking 10th among tight ends in fantasy points per game. The return of Kittle, whether that happens sooner or later, will push Tonges back to a depth role and keep him off the fantasy radar. At the moment, it's too early to predict whether Kittle will return and impact Tonges' fantasy outlook next week against the Ravens.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams was targeted a team-high 11 times on Thursday, ultimately catching five passes for 88 yards in his team's loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He has played relatively well this season, but his productivity has been overshadowed by Puka Nacua, who currently ranks as the overall WR1 in fantasy football. An 88-yard outing is nothing to scoff at, but managers were likely hoping for Adams to add a few more catches or a touchdown. His 22 catches on 46 targets this year are not Matthew Stafford's fault, but still concerning nonetheless.Managers should look for the duo to bounce back against the Ravens next week, with Adams ranking as a mid-to-low WR2.

From RotoBaller

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones completed 33 of his 49 pass attempts for 342 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Thursday's win over the Los Angeles Rams. Jones made his third start of the season, getting the nod in place of Brock Purdy (toe). The former first-round pick has consistently impressed under center for San Francisco, amassing 905 passing yards, six touchdowns, and one interception through three games. It will be a shame to see his talent and fantasy production get sent back to the bench when Purdy returns, but at least the 49ers know they have an extremely capable backup who can dominate in a spot start. After all, he took down a division rival during overtime on national television Thursday. If Purdy misses Week 6 against the Buccaneers, Jones will rank as a high-end fantasy QB2. However, that game is 10 days away, leaving plenty of time for Purdy to get healthy.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua caught 10 of his 12 targets for 85 yards and one touchdown during Thursday's loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He had a relatively quiet first half with just three receptions before coming on strong during the second half as the Rams attempted to erase a significant deficit. Los Angeles did eventually tie the score before falling to the Niners in overtime. Nacua put his best foot forward with the game on the line, racking up double-digit receptions for the fourth time in five games this year. He continues to be the highest-scoring fantasy receiver this year and should be viewed as a high-end WR1 for Week 6 against the Ravens.

From RotoBaller

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey rushed for 57 yards on 22 carries during Thursday's Week 5 win over the Los Angeles Rams. He also caught eight of his nine targets for 82 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown. The superstar running back handled 30 total touches, continuing to prove that he's the only relevant member of the Niners' backfield for the time being. His efficiency on the ground was a little underwhelming, but that didn't stop him from dominating as a pass catcher, per usual. The 29-year-old has exceeded 22.5 fantasy points (PPR) in every game this season, ranking as the overall RB1 to this point. He should be started with full confidence against the Buccaneers in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 30 of his 47 pass attempts for 389 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Thursday's Week 5 overtime loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The veteran signal caller was truly remarkable once again, as he has now thrown for 764 yards and six touchdowns over his last two games. He did take one sack and lose a fumble Thursday, but from a fantasy perspective, that's a very small blemish relative to his overall dominance throwing the football. Stafford now ranks fifth among quarterbacks in fantasy points per game, and he's currently first in total scoring, pending the results of the rest of Week 5. He should be deployed as a low-end QB1 against the Ravens in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams rushed for 65 yards on 14 carries during Thursday's overtime loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5. He also converted 10 targets into eight catches, 66 yards, and two receiving touchdowns. It was a remarkable showing from the young running back as he delivered massive production as a receiver. After primarily being a ball carrier through his first three seasons, Williams has suddenly taken on a large role in the passing game with 13 catches and three receiving touchdowns over his last three contests. His dual-threat impact has allowed him to hold onto the lead back role over Blake Corum, who had 11 touches last Sunday but just one on Thursday night. While Williams' eight catches and two receiving touchdowns may not be sustainable going forward, managers should expect that he'll continue to make an impact on the ground and through the air. He's back in the low-end RB1 territory for Week 6 against an underwhelming Ravens defense.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (foot/ankle) remains away from team facilities as he continues to recover from an offseason injury, and recent developments suggest a return this season is becoming less likely. The team has not indicated any expectation of seeing Mixon on the field in 2025, and rookie Woody Marks appears poised to take over as the lead back for the foreseeable future. Mixon made an immediate impact in his first season with Houston, rushing for 1,016 yards on 4.1 yards per carry and totaling 11 touchdowns. With his absence looking long-term, fantasy managers and Texans fans will need to pivot toward Marks and the team's committee approach in the backfield, leaving Mixon's once-promising fantasy potential on hold indefinitely.

From RotoBaller

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (hamstring) is likely sidelined until after the team's Week 7 bye, dealing a massive blow to an already struggling 1-3 squad. Jackson suffered the injury in last week's loss to Kansas City, forcing backup Cooper Rush into action, where he managed just 52 passing yards on 13 attempts. With their franchise QB out, Baltimore will need to lean heavily on Derrick Henry and the ground game to keep the offense afloat, while Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews figure to remain the focal points through the air. The matchup doesn't get any easier in Week 5, as the Ravens face a Houston Texans defense that ranks fifth in total yards allowed and seventh against the pass, setting up a difficult environment for Rush and the passing attack. Fantasy managers should temper expectations for Baltimore's offense until Jackson returns.

From RotoBaller

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (ankle) returned to practice in a limited capacity Thursday after sitting out Wednesday, leaving his status for Sunday's matchup with the Giants in question. Johnson has been the team's top receiving option through four games, leading the Saints with 204 yards. Should he be ruled out, Jack Stoll is expected to step in at tight end, though he's managed just three catches for 28 yards and one touchdown this season. A Johnson absence would likely push more targets toward wideouts Rashid Shaheed and Brandin Cooks, as quarterback Spencer Rattler may be forced to lean on his playmakers in what could be a fast-paced contest against an improving Giants offense. Fantasy managers should monitor practice reports closely, as Johnson's availability could significantly impact New Orleans' passing game.

From RotoBaller

San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (hamstring) has had no setbacks in his recovery and has a 'real chance' to play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Fantasy Spin: Kittle has been sidelined since suffering the injury in the season opener, but he will immediately join the TE1 ranks whenever he returns.

From TheHuddle

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Sterling Shepard (foot) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Oct. 2.

Fantasy Spin: On the heels of a solid Week 3 showing, Shepard had his worst performance of the season in Week 4. The two-catch, 14-yard outing coincided with the return of Chris Godwin, and even with Mike Evans sidelined, Shepard figures to be a distant No. 3 option behind Godwin and Emeka Egbuka. He doesn't need to be rostered.

From TheHuddle

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin (ankle) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Oct. 2.

Fantasy Spin: Godwin made his season debut in Week 4, and while he finished with just three catches, he was targeted 10 times. He is likely still rounding into form as he returns from a major ankle injury, but with Mike Evans sidelined, Godwin should have a heavy workload whether he is ready or not. Consider him a volume-based WR3 in Week 5.

From TheHuddle

Tampa Bay Buccaneers CB Jamel Dean (hip), WR Mike Evans (hamstring), RB Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder), S Christian Izien (quadriceps) and CB Benjamin Morrison (hamstring) did not participate in practice Thursday, Oct. 2. LB Lavonte David (knee) and S Tyreke Smith (ankle) were limited during the session. WR Chris Godwin (ankle), OT Charlie Heck (knee), CB Zyon McCollum (thumb), QB Baker Mayfield (biceps, knee), WR Sterling Shepard (foot), DT Greg Gaines (pectoral), DE Logan Hall (groin), LB Haason Reddick (neck) and OT Tristan Wirfs (knee) were full participants.

From TheHuddle