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Dynasty $125 - FFL: Week 5 | NFL: Week 5

Commanders star QB Jayden Daniels (knee) to start vs. Chargers

Fri Oct 3 7:33pm ET
Field Level Media

Commanders star quarterback Jayden Daniels will be back in the starting role after a two-game injury absence when Washington visits the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

Daniels has been sidelined since sustaining a sprained left knee in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers.

Washington coach Dan Quinn told reporters on Friday that Daniels would be the starter. The team also released the news later on social media.

Daniels was a full practice participant all week and will wear a brace on the knee on Sunday. He had badly wanted to return this week as he is from San Bernardino, located about 75 miles away from where the Chargers play in Inglewood.

Daniels has passed for 433 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 85 yards this season.

Last season, Daniels was a force by completing 69 percent of his passes for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also rushed for 891 yards and six touchdowns, securing 55 first downs on 148 attempts while winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Marcus Mariota started the past two games for the Commanders (2-2). He passed for 363 yards, three touchdowns and one interception and added 60 rushing yards and one score.

Washington will be without receivers Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) and Noah Brown (groin/knee). McLaurin is missing his second straight game and Brown will be sidelined for the third consecutive contest.

Commanders guard Sam Cosmi (knee) also was ruled out.

The Chargers will be without rookie tackle Joe Alt (ankle) and receiver Derius Davis (knee). Guard Mekhi Becton (concussion), and tight ends Will Dissly (knee) and Tucker Fisk (toe) are questionable.

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The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 5

Player Notes
Calvin Ridley Oct 3 8:20pm CT
Calvin Ridley

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (knee, elbow) is currently considered questionable for the upcoming Week 5 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Ridley didn't practice for back-to-back days before getting in a limited practice session on Friday. When healthy, Ridley hasn't been much of a fantasy option anyway. Ridley has three receptions for 57 yards over the last two games. The Titans offense is a mess right now, so it's tough to trust anyone on this offense. If healthy, Ridley should be considered a low-end flex option for Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Oct 3 8:20pm CT
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has weekly upside because he's been so efficient and dynamic on his touches, but the role is still murky as part of a three-man committee in the Washington backfield. Croskey-Merritt is tied with third-year back Chris Rodriguez Jr. in snap share over the past two weeks without Austin Ekeler, each playing 37.4% of the snaps and earning 18 touches apiece. Veteran back Jeremy McNichols has filled in primarily on late downs, playing 11 of 19 third and fourth-down plays over the past two weeks. Croskey-Merritt's role should continue to increase as he gets more experience. The rookie has been one of the most efficient runners in the league over his first month of NFL games. His 5.8 yards per carry ranks second best, while his 58.6% success rate is the best among all running backs. That may not continue in a tough Week 5 matchup against the Chargers, as they have been the stingiest defense against the run. They've allowed just 10.6 PPR points per game on the season. That leaves Croskey-Merritt as a low-end flex play in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Oct 3 8:00pm CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) practiced in full every day this week and will return as the starter in Week 5 against the Chargers. Daniels banged up his knee in Washington's Week 2 loss at Green Bay and missed the following two weeks, where veteran Marcus Mariota filled in admirably. Daniels will be without his top two outside receivers as Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) and Noah Brown (groin) are both ruled out again for Sunday's game. And Daniels will reportedly be wearing a brace on his injured knee, perhaps limiting how often he runs. The star second-year quarterback faces a tough matchup in his return to play, facing a Los Angeles Chargers defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest total points scored and third-fewest yards allowed. Daniels still ranks as a solid QB1 for Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Dyami Brown Oct 3 7:50pm CT
Dyami Brown

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Dyami Brown (shoulder) was limited in practice on Friday for the second straight day this week. Brown was held out of the Week 4 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars with his shoulder injury, and his status for the Monday night showdown in Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs is up in the air. The 25-year-old pass-catcher will likely need a full practice on Saturday to avoid a questionable tag going into Monday night. Even if Brown ends up being active on Monday night, he'll be a much too risky flex play in deeper fantasy leagues against a stingy and experienced Chiefs defense. Brown was surprisingly involved in the first two weeks, catching eight of 11 targets for 109 yards and a touchdown, but fantasy managers can't realistically expect that kind of production to continue while he shares targets with Brian Thomas Jr., rookie Travis Hunter, and Parker Washington.

From RotoBaller

Bhayshul Tuten Oct 3 7:40pm CT
Bhayshul Tuten

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten (shoulder) was limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Friday with a shoulder ailment. Tuten hasn't missed any time yet in his rookie campaign, but if he doesn't put in a full practice on Saturday, he could be questionable to play on Monday night in Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs. The 23-year-old feels safe to be active on Monday night, but his final injury status is worth watching on Saturday. Travis Etienne Jr. is the Jags' No. 1 back, but Tuten has been involved and has already shown his big-play ability early on. Tuten has averaged seven touches a game and 39 scrimmage yards while finding the end zone two times in the last three games. Against a stout Chiefs run defense, though, Tuten will merely be a touchdown-dependent RB3/flex for fantasy managers if he's active.

From RotoBaller

Maxx Crosby Oct 3 7:30pm CT
Maxx Crosby

Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby (knee) was removed from the final Week 5 injury report on Friday and will play on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts on the road. Crosby was added to the injury report after being limited on Thursday with a knee injury. However, he was able to practice in full on Friday and is in no danger of missing this weekend's contest. The 28-year-old pass-rusher needs to be in all starting lineups in IDP formats against the Colts as he looks for his third sack of the year against quarterback Daniel Jones. The 28-year-old four-time Pro Bowler is an elite pass-rusher in the NFL and has 19 tackles (11 solo), two sacks, seven tackles for loss, five QB hits, an interception, and a forced fumble in the first four games in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Hamilton Oct 3 7:20pm CT
Kyle Hamilton

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring) has been ruled out for the Week 5 game against the Houston Texans, while star cornerback Kyle Hamilton (groin) is considered questionable. The Ravens' defense is one of the most beat-up in the league early in the year. In addition to Smith being ruled out, cornerbacks Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring) and Marlon Humphrey (calf) have also been ruled out. It will make life a lot easier on a struggling Texans offense looking for its second straight win this weekend. Smith is perhaps Baltimore's biggest defensive piece, but he's expected to miss multiple weeks after suffering a Grade 2 hamstring strain in last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. It's hard to trust the Ravens' defense/special teams unit in fantasy after their rough start, especially with more injuries knocking key players out. However, the friendly matchup against Houston puts them in streamer territory.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Oct 3 7:10pm CT
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba should have no problem getting free against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. The Buccaneers are currently sixth against opposing wideouts in fantasy, but they have not exactly faced a potent passing offense to this point. The Seahawks have been relatively efficient passing the ball thus far this season. A great connection between JSN and quarterback Sam Darnold has anchored that efficiency. Smith-Njigba is currently the WR7 in fantasy with only one touchdown. He has been a target monster in an offense that has been able to move the ball up and down the field. The Buccaneers have an equally competent offense, which suggests that this game could be somewhat of a high-scoring game. If the Seahawks are airing it out consistently on Sunday, Smith-Njigba should produce as a WR1 again.

From RotoBaller

Zay Jones Oct 3 7:10pm CT
Zay Jones

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (head) has cleared the league's concussion protocol and was removed from the final Week 5 injury report on Friday, according to Zach Gershman of AZCardinals.com. Jones will be able to suit up on Sunday versus the visiting Tennessee Titans. The 30-year-old veteran suffered a concussion in Week 3 and was forced to sit out last Thursday night's loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4. Now that he's back, he'll resume his role as the Cardinals' No. 3 behind Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson. Arizona's inconsistent passing attack has barely been able to support Harrison as fantasy relevant through four weeks, let alone Wilson and Jones. In three games into his second season with the Cards, Jones has a measly three receptions on four targets for 29 scoreless yards. Continue to ignore him in fantasy in his return.

From RotoBaller

Jason Myers Oct 3 7:00pm CT
Jason Myers

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers has been one of the better fantasy kickers thus far this season. His accuracy and the Seahawks' offensive effectiveness have resulted in a K3 standing with two outings of at least 13 fantasy points. That should not change in Week 5 when Seattle hosts the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers have a solid, but not unmovable, defense. The Seahawks should enjoy solid offensive output on Sunday, which will afford Myers several opportunities for field goals and extra points. There is a chance that Myers is still on waivers in your league, given that he is not always viewed as an elite fantasy option. He is likely one of the few set-and-forget kickers for as long as the Seahawks' offense continues to play at a high level. Start Myers with confidence in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Oct 3 7:00pm CT
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III will look to continue his efficient running in Week 5. Walker will have a tough task ahead of him as the Seahawks will host a Tampa Bay Buccaneers team allowing less than three yards per carry to opposing running backs. Additionally, the Seahawks are deploying a running back committee with Walker and Zach Charbonnet. Both players are taking opportunities from the other. Walker's saving grace is his pass-catching and big-play ability. He is not receiving goal line opportunities, which suggests that he will need to score between the 20s. You may feel compelled to start Walker in Week 5, but he is not a smash play by any means. However, he provides a decent fantasy floor this week and can be deployed as a low-end RB2.

From RotoBaller

Zach Charbonnet Oct 3 7:00pm CT
Zach Charbonnet

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet is a flex option in Week 5 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Charbonnet continues to split backfield duties with Kenneth Walker III. However, Charbonnet's lack of participation in the passing game is hurting his fantasy value. Charbonnet has scored double-digit fantasy points each time he has found the end zone this season. However, he scored one fantasy point in Week 2 when he did not score. The Seahawks trust Charbonnet as their short-yardage back. Given that this offense has demonstrated its ability to get into scoring position, Charbonnet is always a threat to score. However, he is too inconsistent to be considered for your RB2 spot. Additionally, the Buccaneers boast one of the better defensive fronts in the NFL. They have been middle-of-the-road against opposing running backs in fantasy, but opposing running backs are averaging less than three yards per carry. Charbonnet is a fine flex play, especially given that bye weeks have begun, but his upside is capped in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Tory Horton Oct 3 7:00pm CT
Tory Horton

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton saw his snap percentage dip to its lowest of the season in Week 4. That was puzzling, considering Horton's monster performance the week prior. However, the Seahawks are playing a lot of 12 personnel as they attempt to run the ball. They led for much of their Week 4 win over the Cardinals, which would have been conducive to a heavier run scheme. In Week 5, the Seahawks will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers likely have the best offense the Seahawks have seen to this point in the season. If the Bucs can push the Seahawks' defense, Horton's services may be necessary in what could be a heavier passing offense. If you have a spot on your bench, Horton is still a worthy stash as we observe how his usage will play out. He is still a rookie ramping up in this offense, so the opportunity for a second-half breakout is in the cards. For now, all we can do is keep an eye on Horton's snap counts and targets.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Oct 3 7:00pm CT
Cooper Kupp

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp has entered the bench stash phase of his career. He is not a viable option in Week 5 when the Seahawks host the Buccaneers. The Buccaneers have an untested passing defense, but Kupp has been too inconsistent to this point in the season. Kupp has only surpassed 6.6 fantasy points one time this season. Additionally, the Seahawks' passing volume is low. Quarterback Sam Darnold is averaging 25 passing attempts per game, and 8.5 of those passes are going to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Some of that has been due to game script. The offense has been relatively efficient, and the defense has been elite, resulting in a lower passing volume. If the Buccaneers' offense challenges Seattle in Week 5, the passing volume could increase. However, Kupp is too risky a player to deploy right now. He still has talent, but as of now, he is a better wide receiver for the Seahawks than he is for fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Greg Dortch Oct 3 7:00pm CT
Greg Dortch

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (collarbone) is listed as questionable to play in Week 5 on Sunday against the winless Tennessee Titans. Dortch was limited in practice all week and could be a true game-time decision for Sunday's contest in the desert. The 27-year-old wideout had his best game of the season in last Thursday night's loss to the Seattle Seahawks, catching four of his five targets for 35 yards and no touchdowns. He carried the ball one time for a pickup of four yards. Dortch is more of a gadget player for the Cardinals than a true receiver that should be taken seriously in fantasy. At best, he's a bench stash in much deeper leagues. He will most likely have a smaller role this weekend against Tennessee with Zay Jones being cleared from his concussion. Dortch has only eight catches on nine targets for 47 yards and no scores through four weeks in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Goodson Oct 3 6:50pm CT
Tyler Goodson

Indianapolis Colts running back Tyler Goodson (groin) has been ruled out for Week 5 against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium after missing practice all week, according to Amanda Foster of Colts.com. Goodson suffered the injury in the Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday. The 24-year-old second-year back has only been active for two games in four weeks for Indy due to injuries, and he only has two carries for six yards on the season as backfield depth for the Colts. Goodson has no business being rostered in the vast majority of fantasy leagues right now. With him missing yet another game, rookie DJ Giddens should serve as the backup for workhorse Jonathan Taylor against the Raiders, with Ameer Abdullah and Ulysses Bentley serving as additional depth.

From RotoBaller

Sam Darnold Oct 3 6:50pm CT
Sam Darnold

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold checks in as a streamer in Week 5 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Darnold has found consistency as the Seahawks' quarterback with three straight performances hovering around 16.5 fantasy points. While those types of numbers will not win you your week, it is a great boost to your roster if you are having quarterback issues due to injuries or bye weeks. Darnold has been very efficient this season. He has only turned the ball over three times, and he is completing 70% of his passes. The Buccaneers have been generous to opposing quarterbacks in fantasy. They are allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Darnold should have a fine day this weekend. If the Bucs make this a very competitive game, then it is likely that the Seahawks' passing volume will increase as well. That would make Darnold even more valuable in Week 5. Fire him up with confidence.

From RotoBaller

AJ Barner Oct 3 6:50pm CT
AJ Barner

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner has a couple of double-digit fantasy days this season due to finding the end zone. However, that is not prescriptive for consistent success. Barner is not someone you should be looking to play in Week 5 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Although the Seahawks' passing volume could be higher this week with a solid Buccaneers offense coming to town, Barner is relatively low on the pecking order for targets. Barner has not surpassed three targets in any game this season. Although he is a full-time player, the Seahawks love Barner for his blocking and ability to make just a play or two per game. Barner is not even worth rostering due to his inconsistency. The tight end landscape may be bleak in fantasy right now, but you should look elsewhere if you are in dire straits.

From RotoBaller

Michael Mayer Oct 3 6:40pm CT
Michael Mayer

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (concussion) was limited in practice all week and is considered questionable to play in Week 5 on Sunday on the road against the Indianapolis Colts, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. Starting tight end Brock Bowers (knee) is also questionable after missing the last two days of practice, but he's expected to be active on Sunday. Mayer needs to be cleared from the league's concussion protocol to play this weekend. He suffered a head injury in the Week 3 loss to the Washington Commanders and sat out of last week's loss to the Chicago Bears as a result. Even if Mayer can return to face the Colts, he won't be a realistic fantasy streamer as long as Bowers is active and taking the bulk of the targets at TE. Mayer only caught six of seven targets for 47 yards in two-plus games before being knocked out of Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Will Dissly Oct 3 6:30pm CT
Will Dissly

Los Angeles Chargers tight ends Will Dissly (knee) and Tucker Fisk (toe) are both listed as questionable for the Week 5 game on Sunday at SoFi Stadium against the visiting Washington Commanders, according to Eric Smith of Chargers.com. Dissly missed the team's last two games with his knee injury and was limited in practice all week, so he could be a true game-time decision to play this weekend. If he's forced to miss another game, rookie Oronde Gadsden would become intriguing as a TE2 streamer in fantasy against a Commanders defense that hasn't really been able to slow anyone down through the air through the first four weeks of the season. Dissly entered the season as the favorite for TE1 duties in L.A., but he drew just two targets in two games before getting hurt. He should stay on the waiver wire in most fantasy leagues, even if he returns against Washington.

From RotoBaller