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FFL: Week 3 | NFL: Week 3

Texans S Jimmie Ward comes off commissioner exempt list

Tue Sep 23 12:39am ET
Field Level Media

Four days after a Montgomery County (Texas) grand jury declined to indict Jimmie Ward on a domestic violence allegation, the NFL took the Houston Texans safety off the commissioner exempt list on Monday.

However, the move doesn't necessarily mean Ward will be playing for the Texans anytime soon.

The team put him on the physically unable to perform list on Monday in relation to his offseason foot surgery. In addition, the NFL stated that its investigation of Ward in relation to its personal-conduct policy "will remain ongoing and is not affected by this change in Ward's roster status."

Ward, 34, was arrested on June 12 at his home in Magnolia, Texas, and accused of third-degree felony domestic violence.

The woman involved in the alleged incident filed a lawsuit on Aug. 21 in Harris County (Texas) District Court, maintaining that she was "violently assaulted multiple times, both sexually and physically" by Ward, including in front of their 3-year-old child.

She is asking for damages of more than $20 million and accuses Ward of emotional abuse, financial manipulation, drug use and threats against her life. The lawsuit also accuses him of adultery and "violent, felonious and egregious behavior."

The woman alleged Ward was "under the influence of methamphetamines, specifically, crystal meth," when he slapped and choked her before forcing her into a sex act.

The civil suit is still active despite the end of the criminal proceedings against Ward, the woman's attorney, Tony Buzbee, told The Athletic.

Ward, 34, registered 48 tackles and two interceptions -- one returned for a touchdown -- in 10 games, all starts, last year. He has amassed 549 tackles, 10 interceptions -- three returned for TDs -- in 126 career games (99 starts) with the San Francisco 49ers (2014-22) and Houston.

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Five Fantasy Takeaways: Week 3

Player Notes
Jahmyr Gibbs Sep 23 12:00am CT
Jahmyr Gibbs

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 67 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries while catching five balls for 32 yards as a receiver against Baltimore on Monday night. Gibbs was not efficient on his rushes, gaining just three yards per carry. The 27 touches are tied for the third most he's had in his career, with the other games occurring because David Montgomery was out. He continues to be an absolute touchdown machine, scoring 39 touchdowns in 39 career games. The receiving value could be unlocked this year as well, as Goff has peppered him underneath with 18 receptions already in three games. Montgomery had a monster night as well, but this offense has shown to be plenty good enough to support both horses, and it looks like Gibbs is earning the bigger piece of the share. He's locked in as one of the best players in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Sep 22 11:40pm CT
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens Lamar Jackson completed 21 of 27 passes for 288 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 35 yards on seven carries on Monday night's 38-30 loss to Detroit. Jackson struggled a bit in this game against a good Lions pass rush, taking seven sacks for a loss of 55 yards. The seven sacks tie a career high. But he still helped move the ball efficiently otherwise and frequently relied on Mark Andrews, who caught all six of his targets for 91 yards and two touchdowns. The last touchdown came with 29 seconds remaining when the result was well decided, but the fantasy points all count the same. The defense hasn't held up for Baltimore so far, which could mean plenty of shootouts for Jackson and the Ravens offense. Jackson should continue to be viewed as the top fantasy QB.

From RotoBaller

David Montgomery Sep 22 11:30pm CT
David Montgomery

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery ran all over the Ravens defense in Monday night's 38-30 win, finishing with a career high 151 rushing yards and two touchdowns on only 12 carries while adding a reception for 13 yards. Montgomery's previous career high was 146 yards with the Bears in December 2020, and he needed 32 carries to reach that mark. The workhorse back needed only 12 carries to set a new record, adding 108 rushing yards over expected. That is 39 yards more than any other player in a game this season, per Next Gen Stats. The Lions' offense moved the ball at will for the second week in a row, putting together touchdown drives of 96 and 98 yards. One of the highlights of the night was Montgomery breaking loose up the gut for a 72-yard run late in the third quarter and propelling Detroit to an explosive 17-point fourth quarter and a win. Montgomery continues to be a strong RB2 with the upside for monster games like this in an elite offense.

From RotoBaller

Sione Vaki Sep 22 10:20pm CT
Sione Vaki

The Detroit Lions downgraded special teamer Sione Vaki (groin) to out during Monday Night Football against the Baltimore Ravens. Listed as a running back, Vaki is a key part of the Lions' special teams, but doesn't have much of a role on offense. His injury will be worth monitoring in the coming weeks for Detroit fans, but he's not on the radar for fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Pitts Sep 22 9:50pm CT
Kyle Pitts

AtlantaFalcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. drew six targets in Sunday's 30-0 blowout loss to the Panthers, converting them into four catches for 39 yards. The effort gave him three straight games with at least five targets and at least four catches to begin the season. The former first-round draft pick had no such streak of catches last season, so it seems there is a level of consistency this year that we did not see in 2024. The drawback is that he has yet to score a touchdown and has zero red zone targets through the season's first three weeks. He's also averaging just 9.0 yards per catch in 2025 compared to 12.8 yards per catch last season. Even so, the 24-year-old ranks just outside the top 12 at the position and has another favorable matchup in Week 4 against the Commanders, so a big week could catapult him well within the top 12. The Falcons and Pitts will need a more accurate and efficient Michael Penix Jr., though, after he went 18-for-36 in Sunday's loss.

From RotoBaller

Sione Vaki Sep 22 8:40pm CT
Sione Vaki

The Detroit Lions said running back Sione Vaki (groin) is questionable to return to their Monday Night Football game against the Baltimore Ravens. Though he's listed officially as a running back, the second-year player doesn't factor much in the offense, but is a key special teamer for the Lions. A two-way player who also played safety at Utah, Vaki was a fourth-round selection of the Lions in 2024. From a fantasy perspective, Vaki isn't a rosterable player, even in IDP leagues.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Shakir Sep 22 8:30pm CT
Khalil Shakir

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir caught six of his nine targets in the narrow Week 1 win over the Baltimore Ravens. While the volume was there, he would have only 64 yards to show for it. He fizzled in Week 2 versus the New York Jets, amassing only one grab for 12 yards. The 25-year-old had just four receptions for 45 yards in the AFC East clash with the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night. However, he at least scored a touchdown off a 15-yard throw from Josh Allen near the end of the contest. With three weeks in the books, fantasy managers have their concerns about Shakir's potential moving ahead. Although there will likely be more trips to the end zone in his future, there's a good chance Allen will continue to spread the ball around throughout the remainder of the 2025 campaign, with Keon Coleman, Dalton Kincaid, and James Cook routinely in the hunt for targets. With that in mind, Shakir can still be considered a starting fantasy option in Week 4 against the Saints, as long as managers are willing to accept the risk involved.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Sep 22 8:20pm CT
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid had five catches (six targets) for 66 yards, all team-highs, in the Thursday night win over the Miami Dolphins. He also found the end zone, courtesy of a 20-yard toss from Josh Allen in the second quarter. Kincaid had only two touchdowns in each of his first two seasons leading up to the 2025 campaign. However, after Thursday's performance, he's already hit that mark, and it only took him three games to do it. After a disappointing 2024 season, the 25-year-old appears on track to remain one of Allen's go-to options on the receiving end, a role many thought he'd have last year. All things considered, Kincaid is currently one of the league's most productive tight ends through the first three weeks. While there are some who are still skeptical, fantasy managers in all formats should keep him starting in Week 4 versus the New Orleans Saints, a team that has struggled on the defensive side of the ball.

From RotoBaller

Sam Darnold Sep 22 8:13pm CT
Sam Darnold

Dynasty | Seahawks rookie wide receiver Tory Horton had three catches for 32 yards and a touchdown while adding a 95-yard punt return for another score in a win against New Orleans. Dynasty Analysis: Horton has been earning more and more playing time and this certainly won't put an end to that. He was second on the team in targets in this one and seems to be pushing Cooper Kupp for the WR2 role at this point. Horton still has a ways to go and it's fair to wonder if Sam Darnold can make not one but two receivers relevant but that sure did happen on Sunday. Horton looks like a serious rookie draft steal at this point.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Quinshon Judkins Sep 22 8:13pm CT
Quinshon Judkins

Dynasty | Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins had 94 rushing yards in Cleveland's upset over Green Bay. Dynasty Analysis: Judkins was having a quiet day until he ripped off two good-sized runs in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Even better, he had 18-of-19 carries on the day as the clear featured runner for Cleveland. Considering he still isn't really up to speed (or likely in shape), this is very promising. A suspension still seems likely but Judkins is quickly moving up the rookie rankings.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Matthew Golden Sep 22 8:13pm CT
Matthew Golden

Dynasty | Packers receiver Matthew Golden had four catches for 52 yards in the Packers loss to the Browns. Dynasty Analysis: The catches, targets and yards were all career highs for Golden, who had just two catches for 16 yards on the season coming into the day. We still have a long way to go before declaring him an option but at least he showed some signs of life this week. We'll see what happens next week as Golden attempts to use this as a building block. He remains a solid dynasty hold.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

James Conner Sep 22 8:13pm CT
James Conner

Dynasty | Cardinals running back James Conner will miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury. Dynasty Analysis: The extent isn't known but anyone who was watching immediately knew it wasn't good right when it happened. Conner has battled injuries and cancer in the past but this is going to be a tough road to come back from as a 30-year old running back. We would never count him out but Conner's days as a lineup lock may have just come to a close. He should be kept in deep leagues but it wouldn't be surprising to see him dropped in shallow ones.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Trey Benson Sep 22 8:13pm CT
Trey Benson

Dynasty | Cardinals running back Trey Benson had 42 rushing yards, three catches and nine receiving yards in a loss to the 49ers. Dynasty Analysis: More importantly, Benson is now the lead back for the Cardinals after the unfortunate injury sustained by James Conner in the contest. Benson will now take over in the desert and anyone who has patiently waited for him to have his chance will now see just what he can do. This stretch of games will undoubtedly shape his dynasty value and his career. Buckle up.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Caleb Williams Sep 22 8:13pm CT
Caleb Williams

Dynasty | Bears quarterback Caleb Williams completed 19-of-28 passes for 298 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions in a convincing win against Dallas. Dynasty Analysis: It seems the best cure for a struggling quarterback is playing against the Cowboys secondary. Williams routinely burned Dallas and posted one of the best games of his career in the process. With Rome Odunze emerging and Luther Burden looking solid, it really seems Williams could be poised to finally break out. However, we'll need to believe it when we see it as Dallas has made the ordinary look extraordinary through three weeks of action. Williams remains an intriguing QB1/2 in dynasty leagues.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Zach Charbonnet Sep 22 6:50pm CT
Zach Charbonnet

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (foot) was listed as a full participant on Monday's estimated practice report. Charbonnet was unable to suit up this past Sunday due to this foot injury. However, seeing him already listed as a full participant suggests he is in a position to return to action this Thursday when the Seahawks face the Arizona Cardinals. In Week 1, Charbonnet saw most of the opportunities in the Seattle backfield as he took 12 carries for 47 yards and a score. However, in Week 2, Charbonnet took the backseat to Kenneth Walker III as he only totaled a mere 10 yards on 15 attempts. If Charbonnet were to suit up, fantasy managers should expect both running backs to limit each other's ceilings as they will likely split carries on Thursday evening.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Sep 22 6:40pm CT
CeeDee Lamb

According to Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (ankle) could be placed on the injured reserve. Lamb suffered this high ankle sprain during their loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon. Following the game, the team revealed that their star wideout was going to miss "some time" and would likely not be able to play in Week 4 when they face the Green Bay Packers. However, seeing Jones's recent comments, Lamb could be in danger of missing an extended period. Over the first two games of the season, the 26-year-old enjoyed a productive start to the campaign, catching 16 of his 22 targets for 222 yards. While he remains sidelined, fantasy managers should expect George Pickens to operate as the WR1 while KaVonte Turpin and Jalen Tolbert compete for the No. 2 role.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Sep 22 6:30pm CT
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison was officially reinstated from his three-game suspension on Monday, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. Seifert noted that the Vikings currently have a two-day roster exemption and will not need to make room on their 53-man roster for Addison until Wednesday. The team's No. 2 WR was suspended for the first three games of the campaign due to violating the league's Substances of Abuse Policy. Throughout his first two seasons in the NFL, Addison has been very productive, despite playing alongside superstar Justin Jefferson. Through 32 career regular-season games, Addison has found the back of the end zone 20 times and averaged 893.0 yards per season. Even though he is the team's No. 2 WR, Addison carries high-end WR3 value in all leagues going forward.

From RotoBaller

J.J. McCarthy Sep 22 6:20pm CT
J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) has been ruled out for their Week 4 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which will take place in Dublin, Ireland. The 22-year-old suffered this injury following their Week 2 contest against the Atlanta Falcons. The second-year QB was unable to suit up on Sunday and will remain sidelined through at least Week 4. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, as the team will likely exercise caution regarding their franchise quarterback. The Vikings turned to veteran Carson Wentz this past Sunday, and he was relatively efficient in their victory over the Bengals, going 14-for-20 with 173 yards and two scores. Wentz projects to carry mid-end QB2 value in a matchup against the Steelers, who have allowed the fourth-most PPR points to opposing QBs this season.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Herbert Sep 22 6:10pm CT
Khalil Herbert

According to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, the Seattle Seahawks are expected to sign running back Khalil Herbert to the practice squad. Herbert spent time with the Colts during training camp and appears to be nearing an NFL contract. During the 2024 campaign, Herbert spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals and logged 28 carries for 114 yards and caught eight of his nine targets for 21 yards. Herbert enjoyed his best season with the Bears in 2022 when he totaled 731 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Fantasy managers should expect Herbert to spend most of his time on the team's practice squad. However, he could make a case to join the active roster as the team's No. 2 running back, Zach Charbonnet (foot), was held out of their Week 3 contest.

From RotoBaller

Keaton Mitchell Sep 22 6:10pm CT
Keaton Mitchell

Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (healthy scratch) has been ruled out for Monday night's matchup against the Detroit Lions. Mitchell has yet to appear in a regular-season game this year, sitting as a healthy scratch each week. The second-year back flashed explosiveness as a rookie before tearing his ACL late in the 2023 season, and he has yet to carve out a role in Baltimore's crowded backfield. With Mitchell sidelined, Justice Hill and Rasheen Ali will continue to operate as the primary backups behind starter Derrick Henry. Hill has logged over 40% of the snaps in the first two games and should maintain a steady role, though the matchup against Detroit's stout run defense remains difficult.Mitchell's next chance to be active will come in Week 4, when the Ravens travel to face the Kansas City Chiefs.

From RotoBaller