Mon Jan 5 12:37am ET
Field Level Media
The Los Angeles Rams will travel cross country as the No. 5 seed in the NFC to play at a division champion in the wild-card round, and they will do it as a double-digit favorite.
The Carolina Panthers (8-9) backed into the playoffs courtesy of Atlanta's win over New Orleans, and their reward as the NFC South champions is a date against a team that has been among the Super Bowl favorites all year. The Rams (12-5) were installed as a 10.0-point favorite by DraftKings for the wild-card opener on Saturday -- nearly a touchdown bigger spread than in any of the other five games.
By contrast, Saturday's second game will pit Chicago against bitter division rival Green Bay. The Bears are the No. 2 seed in the NFC, but opened as a +1.5-point home underdog against the Packers. The teams split their regular-season meetings, with the Bears winning 22-16 in overtime at home in Week 16.
Despite Green Bay closing the regular season on a four-game losing streak, the Packers were installed as one of four road favorites in the first round.
Sunday will feature two of the marquee matchups of wild-card weekend.
Jacksonville (13-4) will play host to Buffalo (12-5), with the Bills opening as a 1.5-point road favorite against the AFC South champions. The game also features the highest total points line at 51.5.
The Bills and Jaguars will be followed by the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles (11-6) playing host to the San Francisco 49ers (12-5). Philadelphia opened tied as the second biggest favorite of the weekend at -3.5.
That equals the line for the New England Patriots (14-3), who will close out Sunday's trio of games at home against the Los Angeles Chargers (11-6).
The first round of the playoffs will conclude will the fourth road favorite. Pittsburgh (10-7) was the last team into the postseason on Sunday night courtesy of a missed field goal on the final play of the regular season, and the Steelers were immediately installed as a 3.0-point home underdog against the Houston Texans (12-5).
Along with the Packers-Bears, the Chargers-Patriots are tied for the lowest total points line of the weekend at 45.5.
Despite facing a potential three road-game gauntlet to reach the Super Bowl, the Rams enter the postseason with the second-shortest Super Bowl champion odds at +425. That's behind only the Seattle Seahawks (14-3), who claimed the No. 1 seed in the NFC and a first-round bye.
The AFC's top seed, the Denver Broncos (14-3), own the third-shortest title odds at +650.
SUPER BOWL CHAMPION ODDS*
Seattle Seahawks (+340)
Los Angeles Rams (+425)
Denver Broncos (+650)
New England Patriots (+950)
Philadelphia Eagles (+1000)
Buffalo Bills (+1000)
Houston Texans (+1200)
Jacksonville Jaguars (+1400)
Green Bay Packers (+2200)
Chicago Bears (+2200)
San Francisco 49ers (+2800)
Los Angeles Chargers (+2800)
Pittsburgh Steelers (+5000)
Carolina Panthers (+15000)
*DraftKings
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed finally made an impact in Week 4, although it wasn't through the passing game. Shaheed lined up in the backfield against the Chargers and scored on a 28-yard run, finishing with 33 rushing yards on two carries and adding one catch for 20 yards. It was his first offensive touchdown since joining Seattle. Head coach Mike Macdonald said the team had been working on the package since training camp, with Jadarian Price's injury helping bring it into the game plan. Shaheed has struggled to establish much of a receiving role, catching just seven passes for 73 yards on 15 targets through four games. Jaxon Smith-Njigba continues to command most of the attention in Seattle's passing attack, so finding other ways to get Shaheed involved could make a difference. The Seahawks have since added depth at running back, which leaves his future rushing opportunities uncertain. Still, the added wrinkle gives Shaheed a little more fantasy appeal, particularly in deeper leagues where his big-play ability remains worth monitoring.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion Jr. has seen his snap share grow in each of the last two weeks, and he played an impressive 92% of the snaps in last week's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He now has 17 targets over his last two games, and he produced a respectable five catches for 64 yards against Pittsburgh. The first-round rookie has lived up to all of the pre-draft hype so far. Not every rookie can ascend into a large role right away, but Concepcion has wasted no time making an impact in this Cleveland offense. The only glaring issue so far has been his catch rate, as he has hauled in just 60.1% of his targets. However, that could be attributed to the quarterback play, and it's also worth noting this rate has started to bounce back ever since an abnormally quiet Week 3 showing. All in all, we're excited about the fantasy outlook for Concepcion, especially with the Browns at 3-1 and playing good football on offense. For now, Concepcion is a low-end fantasy WR2, but he has clear high-end WR2 or low-end WR1 upside this year.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate has been one of the lone bright spots for his team this season. The No. 4 overall pick in this year's draft, Tate has quickly ascended into a high-volume role as one of quarterback Cam Ward's favorite targets. He has played at least 84% of the snaps in three of his first four NFL games, and he has seen his target total increase each of the last two weeks. He was especially dominant in Week 4, catching nine of 12 targets for 145 yards. The only blemish on his stat line was a lost fumble. Outside of the turnover, Tate proved that he is a consistent, reliable option for the Titans in the passing game, and the team should continue to feature him as they look to break out of a 0-4 start. Tate has surged into the mid-to-high WR2 tier for fantasy football, but managers must acknowledge that he has a slightly lower floor given that Ward is susceptible to dud outings as a passer.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. was seemingly phased out of a high-volume role last year, but he has bounced back as an every-down option out of the backfield this season. An early-season injury to Jordan Mason (hand) thrust Jones into the lead-back role, and he has averaged a whopping 23 touches per game in three weeks since then. He has been heavily featured on the ground, but he has also taken on an enormous role in the passing game with 14 targets over his last two contests. The 31-year-old is enjoying a volume-based career resurgence, putting him firmly back on the fantasy radar as an RB2 for as long as Mason remains sidelined. Jones will remain a borderline must-start in this week's game against the Saints before heading on to his bye week.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson has been an overwhelming success story through the first four weeks of the season. The 28-year-old has solidified himself as a fantasy RB2 in PPR leagues, largely thanks to his pass-catching contributions. He has 12 catches on 16 targets this season, as well as 44 rushing attempts and 3.7 yards per carry. The rushing work has been nothing special, but Stevenson's ability to catch passes is nearly unparalleled among running backs. Plus, he's an excellent pass blocker, which has allowed him to get on the field for passing downs more than teammate TreVeyon Henderson. While any sort of shared backfield isn't ideal for fantasy football, Stevenson has solidified himself ahead of Henderson for the time being. As a result, he remains a mid-to-low RB2 heading into Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (hamstring) has "looked spry and comfortable taking drops, planting, [and] slinging it around," according to Dan Wiederer of The Athletic. Williams is working his way back from a Grade 2 hamstring strain that he suffered in the Bears' Week 2 loss to the Vikings. Officially, he has not returned to practice, but sources have told Wiederer that the former No. 1 pick has looked very good while rehabbing and recovering. Williams has already been ruled out for Week 5, but the fact that the Bears never placed him on IR suggests that he has a chance to return in Week 6. With that being said, the Bears also have 11 days off between Weeks 7 and 8, so that could be a natural time for him to re-integrate into the offense. Whenever Williams does return, he'll look to pick up right where he left off as a QB1 in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) has been limited in practice while dealing with a foot injury, and he hasn't been able to get going this season with his new team. Pittman has been mostly an afterthought since returning from missing Week 2, even though the Steelers have scored 30 and 24 points in the last two weeks and Aaron Rodgers has thrown for over 290 yards and six touchdowns. Pittman didn't score any of those touchdowns and only had two catches in each game, for 16 yards and 15 yards. In deep leagues, you can hold on to Pittman and hope he overcomes the injury and becomes more productive later in the season, but with the offense going so well without him, that seems like it could be a long way away. If there are better short-term options on your waiver wire who are on the rise, Pittman is a drop candidate in standard-sized leagues coming into the Steelers Week 5 matchup with his former team, the Colts.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) isn't dealing with a high-ankle sprain or a low-ankle sprain, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport; instead, he's dealing with a "non-traditional" ankle sprain, which is what makes it tricky to put an exact timeline on his return. Jackson did not practice at all on Wednesday, but if he's able to practice on Thursday, there is still a chance he will play in Week 5 against the Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday Night Football. If Jackson isn't able to practice on Thursday, it will likely be Tyler Huntley who gets the start in that contest after completing eight of his nine pass attempts for 63 yards and adding 16 rushing yards on four carries in the second half against the Titans last week. Keep a close eye on Thursday's practice report as you plan your strategy for Sunday regarding any of the Ravens' offense.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. is coming off his busiest game of the season, but things aren't looking great for the veteran wide receiver for the next several weeks. Godwin caught a season-high six passes in Week 4 against the Packers but only totaled 31 yards. QB Jalon Daniels only threw for 148 total yards on 27 attempts in that game, and his inexperience as an undrafted rookie limits the upside of the offense while Baker Mayfield (thumb) is out. Mayfield is expected to miss about six to eight weeks, which puts his return in November. While Godwin may still have PPR value due to getting plenty of targets, his ceiling is limited until Mayfield returns. With so many rising receivers on the waiver wire in most leagues, Godwin is a drop candidate in standard leagues if you can't just hold him until Baker gets back.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and racked up 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie, but he has fallen into a smaller role in coach Liam Coen's offense for the last two seasons and has become a drop candidate in standard-sized fantasy leagues. Thomas has only totaled nine catches for 105 yards and a touchdown through the first four games of the season, playing well behind WRs Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers and ranking fourth on the team in targets behind TE Brenton Strange as well. Thomas only had three targets in the last two weeks combined, and his reduced role makes him hard to trust unless there is an injury or he is traded to a new team with more targets available. He still has the skills to give him upside and is on the field, but he's not getting enough targets right now to be an option you have to hold on to in standard-sized leagues.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) is dealing with soreness in his surgically repaired right knee and is uncertain if he'll be able to play this week against the Commanders. Nabers said, "We'll see how the next day goes," when asked about his availability after practice on Wednesday. He also discussed his frustrations on the sideline in Sunday's win over the Cardinals. Nabers said, "I felt like I didn't get targeted much after halftime," which is why he was waving his arms at the Giants' sideline and yelling to the coaching staff several times during the game. He did only get three targets in the second half, but it remains to be seen if coach John Harbaugh and his staff will allow Nabers to behave this way or if it will get him any more work. If he does overcome his knee issues and plays this week, he will be a solid WR3, according to RotoBaller's rankings, where he is the No. 26 WR for Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (chest) was listed as a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, according to the team's official injury report. The 0-4 Chargers continue to be the bearers of bad news, listing a whopping 18 players on their injury report, including three receivers: Johnston, Ladd McConkey (foot, did not practice), and Brenen Thompson (quadricep, limited). Johnston has been incredibly disappointing in his fourth NFL season, catching just seven passes for 108 yards and zero touchdowns through four games. After posting a career-best WR34 finish in PPR leagues last year, he has plummeted to WR88 in scoring so far this season. The only good news is that he has maintained a snap share of at least 75% every week. If McConkey is inactive against the Denver Broncos in Week 5, Johnston's fantasy appeal will increase slightly, but he's pretty tough to trust in most leagues right now. Plus, he'd need to clear injury hurdles of his own as he works to overcome this chest ailment.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday as the team begins preparing for Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers, according to John Boyle of the team's official website. Charbonnet tore his ACL in the playoffs last year, and he didn't quite recover in time for the season opener, so the Seahawks placed him on the PUP list to start the year. Now that he has missed the minimum four games, he's eligible to be activated. The Seahawks definitely don't have to activate him this week if they don't think he's ready, but it's worth noting that Seattle is actively looking to improve its backfield. After placing rookie Jadarian Price (chest) on injured reserve last week, the Seahawks tried to sign Joe Mixon to their practice squad, but the deal didn't progress beyond a physical. Getting Charbonnet back from injury would help answer the running back questions for Seattle, which gave a total of 32 touches to Emanuel Wilson and George Holani last week. Upon his return, Charbonnet would occupy the lead-back role, ranking as an RB2 in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (concussion) did not practice on Wednesday as the team begins to prepare for Week 5 against the New England Patriots, according to Anthony Galaviz of The Fresno Bee. Nailor initially suffered the injury in Sunday's loss to the Chiefs, and it forced him to miss part of the game. Now, he's at risk of missing all of next week's game against the Patriots if he doesn't clear concussion protocol in time. It's not often that players are able to clear the protocol in seven days, but it's not impossible. Fantasy managers should monitor the Raiders' practice reports going forward, especially when they release their game status designations on Friday. If Nailor can't suit up this week, Tre Tucker and Cody White would step into larger roles in the passing game.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) was listed as a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, according to Anthony Galaviz of The Fresno Bee. As the Raiders prepare for their Week 5 matchup against the New England Patriots, Bowers appears to be less than 100%. It's too early to panic, though. After all, Bowers was limited on Friday last week, and he still managed to play 48 hours later, racking up six catches for 86 yards and one touchdown against the Chiefs. As long as Bowers doesn't take a step backward and miss a practice altogether, we feel pretty good about his chances of playing on Sunday afternoon. The Raiders and fantasy managers will both benefit from his availability, as he has posted a whopping 25 targets, 16 catches, 202 yards, and two touchdowns in two games since returning from his meniscus trim. He is an undisputed high-end TE1 in fantasy football week in and week out.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) logged a limited practice session on Wednesday due to a groin issue, per the team's official injury report. Croskey-Merritt recorded 2026 season lows in Week 4 in carries (nine), rushing yards (15) and rushing yards per attempt (1.7). He also had two receptions for 35 yards. Austin Ekeler, who recently signed back with the Commanders, outperformed Croskey-Merritt on the ground on fewer carries with 29 yards on four rushes (7.3 yards per carry). Ultimately, the Commanders were defeated 30-13 against the Indianapolis Colts in London in Week 4. Of note, fellow running back Rachaad White (shoulder) returned to practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday after missing the game against the Colts in Week 4. Croskey-Merritt leads the Commanders with 56 rushing attempts for 157 yards and a touchdown, but he has been inefficient with an average of just 2.8 yards per carry. Croskey-Merritt's participation throughout the rest of the practice week will be telling, but he does not appear to be in danger of missing a Week 5 matchup with the New York Giants as of now.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs (hamstring) missed Wednesday's practice due to a hamstring injury. Diggs is coming off of a five-catch, 35-yard performance in a Week 4 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in London. He saw nine targets in the game, but ended with a rather unproductive stat line. Diggs is Washington's leading wide receiver through four games in 2026 with 18 receptions for 170 yards (9.4 yards per catch) and three touchdowns. Fellow wide receiver Terry McLaurin (hamstring) also did not practice on Wednesday after he was forced to miss the Week 4 loss against the Colts because of a hamstring injury of his own. It would not be an ideal situation for the Commanders to be without both wideouts against the New York Giants in Week 5. Diggs' status is worth monitoring throughout the week.
From RotoBaller
Tyler Shough (hand), the starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, was limited at Wednesday's practice due to a left hand issue, according to the team's injury report. However, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football noted that Shough's injury "doesn't sound concerning." The Saints are coming off of a 45-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football. Shough completed 30 of his 48 passes (62.5%) for 286 yards and a touchdown. Through four games in the 2026 season, Shough currently ranks third in the NFL with 1,203 passing yards, and he is tied for third in the league in touchdown passes with nine. While fantasy managers will need to keep a close eye on Shough's status the rest of the week, his availability does not seem too worrisome right now.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (foot) did not practice Wednesday due to a foot issue, according to the team's official injury report. Of note, Pollard also did not practice last week on Wednesday ahead of Week 4 before logging full practice sessions on Thursday and Friday. Ultimately, he was active and played 34 offensive snaps in a 24-18 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Pollard rushed 16 times for 48 yards (3.0 yards per carry) and scored a touchdown against the Ravens, while also adding two receptions for two yards. He is Tennessee's leading rusher with 54 carries for 221 yards and a touchdown. Pollard has also recorded eight receptions for 24 yards. While his status for the rest of the week is worth monitoring moving forward, his absence on Wednesday was most likely precautionary.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that Addison is dealing with some hamstring soreness. He noted that it was a minor issue, so it sounds like Addison will be fine in time for the Week 5 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Addison is finally beginning to produce consistent numbers, so fantasy managers don't need him to go down with an injury right now. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week.
From RotoBaller