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FFL: Week 5 | NFL: Week 5

Week 5 TNF: 49ers-Rams Preview, Props, Prediction

Thu Oct 2 1:37pm ET
Field Level Media

The San Francisco 49ers travel to Los Angeles on Thursday night hoping an injury-riddled offense can hold up against the Rams' ninth-ranked defense.

Los Angeles has produced 14 sacks and 20 tackles for loss through its 3-1 start. San Francisco also enters 3-1, but will turn to backup Mac Jones for a crucial NFC West matchup with quarterback Brock Purdy sidelined by his nagging turf toe injury.

ODDS AND TRENDS

The 49ers' offense will also be without wide receivers Jauan Jennings (ankle), Ricky Pearsall (knee) and Jordan Watkins (calf), with Brandon Aiyuk and tight end George Kittle already on injured reserve. That has led to the Rams being a consensus 9.0-point favorite as of Thursday afternoon.

The line is 8.5 points at BetRivers, where 79 percent of the spread-line money is backing Los Angeles. The Rams' -500 moneyline has also drawn one-sided action with 88 percent of the total bets and 89 percent of the money.

The Rams have won 15 of their past 16 games as favorites, while the 49ers have failed to cover the spread in 13 of their past 14 games against teams that entered with a winning record.

PROP PICKS

--Under 45.0 Total Points (-112 at BetRivers): Not only is the 49ers' offense decimated by injuries at the skill positions, but each of the Rams' past five games as home favorites have gone under the total points line.

--Rams RB Kyren Williams Anytime TD (-175 at DraftKings): Williams has scored at least one touchdown in nine consecutive home games against NFC teams. For those looking for a bigger payout, Williams has scored the first TD in five of his past six home games -- and Williams scoring the first TD on Thursday is being offered at +360.

RETURN OF THE MAC

This will mark Purdy's third absence in four games due to the injury. He was initially hurt during a Week 1 contest against the Seattle Seahawks and aggravated the injury during last week's 26-21 home loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Jones started in Weeks 2 and 3 when Purdy was sidelined. Jones injured a knee during Week 3 but is now healthy and was a full practice participant all week.

Jones is eager to take the field against the Rams' defense.

"I think the way they play and their mindset," Jones said of what impresses him. "There are always 11 guys on the screen and they have a great defensive line. They play a lot of defense schemes.

"It's going to be a challenge. I'm impressed with them so I can't wait to go against them."

Purdy remained hopeful Tuesday but could see his hopes starting to slide.

"I don't have as many days to get right and heal up and feel better," Purdy said.

INJURY REPORT

Along with Jennings, Pearsall and Watkins, 49ers defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (ankle) also was declared out after not practicing this week.

San Francisco defensive lineman CJ West (thumb) is questionable. He was a limited participant on Wednesday.

Tight end Tyler Higbee (hip) and offensive lineman Rob Havenstein (ankle) are listed as doubtful for the Rams. Neither player practiced this week.

THEY SAID IT

"I think they're a really well-rounded football team, always have been. When we play them, it's a bare-knuckles physical fight. They're gonna try to run the ball right at you, play-action it over the top, and on defense, they're gonna line up, know exactly what they're in and just try to out-physical you. So it's a big challenge for us, but a lot of credit to them because they've done a heck of a job with some injuries along the way early on." -- Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, on facing the 49ers.

PREDICTION

San Francisco enters with the league's sixth-ranked defense, but 2.0 of the team's 5.0 sacks to date have come from now-injured defensive end Nick Bosa. Replacement Bryce Huff has 2.0 as well, but the 49ers will be hard-pressed to place the consistent pressure needed to generate the multiple turnovers its beleaguered offense desperately needs. --Rams 23, 49ers 16

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The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 5

Player Notes
Tyreek Hill Oct 2 2:20pm CT
Tyreek Hill

Following his season-ending knee injury suffered on Monday night in the win over the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill (knee) said he wants to continue his career with the organization after he returns from a dislocated knee and torn ACL in 2026, according to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. Rosenhaus said that Hill "would love to stay with the Dolphins. We would love to get together with them after the season and figure something out that works for both sides, and continue his career here in Miami. There's no reason why we can't." Hill is due to make $29.9 million next year, so if the two sides get something worked out for him to return, it will almost certainly come on a restructured contract. If he's on the roster still in mid-March, he'll be guaranteed $11 million in 2026. Hill's contract carries a salary cap hit of over $50 million, so either way, a restructure was coming. With Hill done for 2025, Jaylen Waddle becomes Miami's No. 1 wideout, with Malik Washington moving to WR2 duties.

From RotoBaller

Jaydon Blue Oct 2 2:10pm CT
Jaydon Blue

Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Jaydon Blue could finally see meaningful action in Week 5 with Miles Sanders (knee/ankle) continuing to miss practice. Selected in the fifth round out of Texas, Blue has flashed big-play ability throughout camp and preseason, but has been blocked on the depth chart by Javonte Williams and Sanders. With Sanders' availability in doubt, Blue is in line to handle change-of-pace duties. Blue's combination of speed, vision, and versatility makes him a compelling fantasy stash, especially in deeper leagues or best-ball formats where a single explosive run can swing a week. Cowboys fans and fantasy owners alike will be watching closely to see if Blue can turn his opportunity into a breakout performance.

From RotoBaller

Emari Demercado Oct 2 2:10pm CT
Emari Demercado

Arizona Cardinals running backs Emari Demercado and Michael Carter are splitting reps at practice on Thursday out of the backfield during individual work in the portion of practice open to the media, according to Tyler Drake. James Conner (ankle) was lost for the year in Week 3, and now Trey Benson (knee) is on Injured Reserve (out at least four games), paving the way for Demercado and Carter to take over backfield duties in the desert. Carter said on Wednesday that he will start for the Cardinals in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans, but fantasy managers should take those comments with a grain of salt. Based on what is transpiring in practice, it looks like the Cardinals could employ a committee approach this weekend, splitting the workload down the middle among Demercado and Carter. Both RBs have been popular waiver-wire additions this week, but fantasy managers may want to temper expectations if they're splitting touches down the middle.

From RotoBaller

Miles Sanders Oct 2 2:00pm CT
Miles Sanders

Dallas Cowboys running back Miles Sanders (knee/ankle) was not spotted during the media's viewing portion of Thursday's practice, putting his availability for Sunday's matchup against the New York Jets in question. Sanders has provided a spark in change-of-pace duties this season, rushing for 117 yards on just 20 carries while flashing efficiency in limited opportunities. If he is unable to suit up, rookie Jaydon Blue could be activated for the first time this season to help fill the void behind Javonte Williams. The Cowboys' high-octane offense has leaned heavily on its ground game to set up explosive passing plays, and this week presents an appealing matchup against a Jets defense ranked 25th in the league against the run. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on Sanders' practice participation heading into the weekend, as his absence would open the door for Williams to handle a heavier workload with Blue mixing in.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Oct 2 1:50pm CT
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) returned to practice Thursday after sitting out on Wednesday, putting him on track to play in Sunday's matchup against the Denver Broncos. The veteran missed Week 2 while dealing with injuries but has suited up in the team's last two contests, including a two-touchdown performance against Tampa Bay that brought his season total to three. While Goedert is no longer a big-play threat at age 30, he remains one of the most reliable targets in Philadelphia's passing game, catching 12 of 13 targets to start the season. His red-zone usage makes him a touchdown-dependent fantasy starter, particularly in standard leagues, though his limited yardage upside caps his ceiling. The Broncos are tied for ninth in the NFL against the pass, but Goedert's scoring role keeps him in the low-end TE1 mix for Week 5 lineups.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Herbert Oct 2 1:40pm CT
Khalil Herbert

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the New York Jets have signed running back Khalil Herbert to an undisclosed contract. Per Rapoport, the team placed running back Braelon Allen (knee) on injured reserve in a corresponding move. The Virginia Tech product was recently signed to Seattle's practice squad, but he'll now add depth in New York's backfield. With Allen out, and backfield mate Kene Nwangwu's (hamstring) status up in the air, it's possible that Herbert will see work right away behind starter Breece Hall and backup Isaiah Davis. The 27-year-old doesn't figure to be slated for a fantasy-relevant role, but he's at least on the deep handcuff radar in case the assets in front of him were to miss any time. The Jets will take on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Chuba Hubbard Oct 2 1:40pm CT
Chuba Hubbard

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) remained sidelined at Thursday's practice, leaving his status for Sunday's matchup very much in question. Hubbard has been a bright spot for the Panthers' offense, totaling 217 rushing yards on 53 carries while adding reliability as their lead back. If he is unable to go, Carolina is expected to turn to Rico Dowdle and Trevor Etienne to share the workload. Dowdle has handled the bulk of the backup duties with 28 carries on the season, but Etienne has been more explosive, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt. When Hubbard exited last week, the pair split touches nearly evenly, with Dowdle seeing nine carries to Etienne's seven. Fantasy managers should monitor Hubbard's status closely, but both Dowdle and Etienne could emerge as deep-league or desperation flex options depending on how Carolina divides the touches in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Oct 2 1:30pm CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) was upgraded to a full participant in Thursday's practice after being limited on Wednesday, putting him firmly on track to play in Sunday's London matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Njoku's ability to bounce back quickly from the midweek injury concern is encouraging for both the Browns and fantasy managers, especially with rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel expected to make the start. The veteran tight end has caught 14 of 21 targets for 128 yards through four games and could serve as a key security blanket for the rookie under center. Njoku's role in short-to-intermediate routes and the red zone should make him a steady PPR option, and with the Browns likely simplifying the offense for Gabriel, Njoku projects as a viable streaming candidate in deeper leagues for Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Oct 2 1:20pm CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White could be in line for an increased workload in Week 5 if starter Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) is unable to suit up. White logged 10 touches in last week's loss to the Eagles and has been the most efficient runner in Tampa Bay's backfield, averaging 4.7 yards per carry on 23 attempts while also drawing nine targets in the passing game. With the Buccaneers showing a more balanced offensive attack this season, White's versatility as both a rusher and receiver keeps him positioned for expanded snaps, particularly on third downs and in two-minute situations. The matchup won't be easy against a Seahawks defense that ranks sixth in the NFL against the run, allowing just 89.8 rushing yards per game, but White would still carry flex appeal in fantasy formats if Irving is forced to miss Sunday's contest.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Oct 2 1:00pm CT
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (hamstring) missed a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday, according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN. It's a bad sign for Jackson's chances of suiting up in Week 5 on Sunday against the Houston Texans after he suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Reports earlier this week suggested that Jackson could miss up to two to three weeks with his injury, so fantasy managers should have already picked up another QB as insurance if they didn't already have a backup on the roster. With Jackson looking unlikely to play this weekend, Cooper Rseemsooks headed for his first start with the Ravens against a strong Texans defense that shut out the Tennessee Titans last week. Only in deep two-QB superflex formats should Rush be a realistic streaming option if Jackson is ruled out on Friday.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Oct 2 12:20pm CT
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (shoulder) doesn't look particularly close to returning to action in Week 5 on the road against the New Orleans Saints after he missed a second straight practice this week on Thursday, according to Evan Barnes of Newsday Sports. Tracy dislocated his right shoulder in the Week 3 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and has yet to practice or play since. Barring a quick recovery in the next couple of days, it's looking like the second-year back will miss a second straight game this weekend. Rookie Cam Skattebo is lined up for clear RB1 workhorse duties for the second straight contest in a plus matchup against the Saints, making him a high-end RB2 play in fantasy, at worst. Tracy began his second year in the NFL as New York's lead back, but even before his shoulder injury in Week 3, he was quickly losing his grasp as the lead back. When Tracy returns from his shoulder injury, he very well could be the change-of-pace option behind Skattebo for the rest of the season.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Oct 2 12:10pm CT
Deebo Samuel

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) has returned to the practice field on Thursday, according to The Athletic's Tashan Reed. It's unclear if Samuel was able to practice in full, but regardless, it puts him on track to play in Week 5 on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers after he sat out of practice on Wednesday. Still, Samuel's status going into the weekend is worth monitoring, especially since it's looking like Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) will miss a second straight game. If Samuel can play against the Bolts, he should once again be in line for WR1 duties and will have an even higher fantasy ceiling with quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) set to return after a two-game absence due to a knee sprain. The veteran pass-catcher has been solid for fantasy managers through four weeks and had 81 scrimmage yards and a touchdown in last week's loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The 29-year-old has caught 22 of his 27 targets so far for 204 yards and two touchdowns in his first year in D.C.

From RotoBaller

Terry McLaurin Oct 2 12:10pm CT
Terry McLaurin

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) was spotted on Thursday on the field stretching with his teammates, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. It's a good sign that McLaurin is on the practice field in the portion open to the media, but it doesn't mean he'll officially return to practice with the team after being listed as a DNP on Wednesday. The 30-year-old appears to be progressing from a quadriceps injury he sustained in Week 3, but it's looking more likely that he's going to be unavailable for the second straight game in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers on the road. Fantasy managers should keep McLaurin on their benches until further notice and check back on Friday for his official Week 5 status. If he's ruled out again this weekend, Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel), Luke McCaffrey, and Jaylin Lane should start in three-wide sets again for Washington with quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) making his return.

From RotoBaller

Dillon Gabriel Oct 2 12:00pm CT
Dillon Gabriel

Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said that coaches felt it was the "right time" to make the switch at quarterback from veteran Joe Flacco to rookie Dillon Gabriel after the Week 4 loss to the Detroit Lions, according to Scott Petrak of Browns Zone. Rees also said that the team is trying to "spark the offense" with the QB shakeup as they head into a Week 5 international matchup in London against the Minnesota Vikings. For now, Flacco will hold the clipboard on the sideline as the QB2, with rookie fifth-rounder Shedeur Sanders sticking as the QB3. Gabriel undoubtedly will give the Browns more mobility at the position going forward, but with injuries on Cleveland's offensive line, it's not going to be easy, especially in his starting debut this Sunday across the pond against a very capable Vikings D. At best, Gabriel is a low-end QB2 streaming option in superflex fantasy leagues in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Joe Flacco Oct 2 11:50am CT
Joe Flacco

Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said that veteran quarterback Joe Flacco is going to remain as the team's No. 2 QB for now, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. "Just feel like Joe's gonna stay the No. 2 right now and has done a lot to prepare and be ready to go in a pinch," Rees said. Flacco was benched in favor of rookie signal-caller Dillon Gabriel after four weeks of rough play for the Browns. He will remain ahead of rookie fifth-rounder Shedeur Sanders on the QB depth chart for now as Gabriel's backup, but as things progress this season, Sanders could leapfrog him if the coaching staff continues to like what they see from Sanders' development. In his four starts, Flacco threw for 815 yards, two touchdowns, and six interceptions. He has no business being rostered in fantasy leagues outside of two-QB superflex formats as bench depth.

From RotoBaller

Sterling Shepard Oct 2 11:30am CT
Sterling Shepard

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot) is back on the practice field on Thursday after he was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Shepard's status is worth watching going into Sunday's Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, but the fact that he's back on the field on Thursday is a good sign. Mike Evans (hamstring) is likely to miss a second straight game this weekend, but the 32-year-old Shepard is still going to be a hard sell as a flex play in fantasy now that Chris Godwin is back. With Godwin back in the Week 4 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Shepard played 62% of the offensive snaps and caught just two passes for 14 yards on four targets, while Godwin was targeted a team-high-tying 10 times. Godwin and rookie Emeka Egbuka will be Tampa's top two wideouts until Evans is able to return.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Oct 2 11:23am CT
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield (knee, biceps) returned to practice Thursday, Oct. 2.

Fantasy Spin: Shakey Bakey will be an upper-middle QB1 against the Seattle Seahawks last season. He could be down Mike Evans and Bucky Irving, though, so last week's 289 yards may not be in the cards.

From TheHuddle

Breece Hall Oct 2 11:13am CT
Breece Hall

Dynasty | The Jets have placed running back Braelon Allen on injured reserve. Dynasty Analysis: Well, that escalated quickly. The Jets haven't disclosed the exact nature of Allen's knee injury but it's clearly more than just a bruise. While it doesn't sound like he's going to miss the rest of the season, it's also unclear if he's going to be back after the required four weeks. Breece Hall is going to get all he can handle moving forward and Isaiah Davis has quickly become relevant.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Baker Mayfield Oct 2 11:10am CT
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was out there practicing with the team on Thursday, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. The former Cleveland Brown was limited all last week with a biceps injury, but his ailing knee held him out of Wednesday's session. It's excellent news that he's back out there the next day, hinting that it may have been more of a day of rest for the veteran. His participation in Friday's session will be telling of his status for Sunday's outing with the hosting Seattle Seahawks, though, as of now, it appears that Mayfield is on track to suit up. Seattle has been one of the better teams against the rush thus far, so the Bucs could be forced to air it out a bit more in Week 5, particularly with running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) trending in the wrong direction.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Oct 2 11:00am CT
Bucky Irving

FOX Sports' Greg Auman reports that Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) was tagged with a DNP for Thursday's team practice. Irving was spotted in a walking boot and crutches on Wednesday, so seeing him sit again the following day wasn't all that surprising. He's considered day-to-day, and head coach Todd Bowles noted that the Oregon product could still suit up for Week 5's road contest with the Seattle Seahawks. However, he'll need to shed his boot before that comes to fruition. Fantasy managers will want to monitor the 23-year-old's status as the weekend approaches, as he's on the wrong side of questionable with just one practice day remaining. Backfield mate Rachaad White would handle primary RB duties in his absence, with Sean Tucker mixing in as the second option.

From RotoBaller