Week 5 NFL Capsules
Fri Oct 9 3:35pm ET
Field Level Media
Philadelphia Eagles (2-2) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1) in London
Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Jaguars -7.5, Total 41.5
Series Rewind: Jacksonville won the first three games in this series but Philadelphia has won the last five to claim a 5-3 lead. That includes a 2018 game in London which the Eagles won 24-18.
The Eagles head across the pond with a new-look offense of sorts after offensive tackle Lane Johnson retired and two-time Pro Bowl center Cam Jurgens was traded this week, and running backs Saquon Barkley (hamstring) and Tank Bigsby (core) are expected to be sidelined. Will Shipley could step into a feature role at running back. Since he was drafted in the fourth round in 2024, he has largely been a kick returner, with just 59 carries for 182 yards and no touchdowns in 35 games (one start). Philadelphia elevated Dameon Pierce from its practice squad Wednesday, giving the position group a former starter who rushed for 1,684 yards and eight TDs over the last four seasons. The Jaguars, who enter off consecutive wins over New England and Cincinnati, boast the third-best rushing defense in the NFL (74.3 yards allowed per game) and gave up just 23 rushing yards last week to the Cincinnati Bengals. Jacksonville also has a league-best plus-6 turnover margin (eight takeaways, two giveaways) and is second in scoring defense at 13.3 points per game. With a win over the Eagles, the Jaguars, who will stay in London through next Sunday's game against the Houston Texans, would be off to a second 4-1 start in as many seasons under coach Liam Coen. Before last season, they hadn't started 4-1 or better since 2007.
New York Giants (3-1) at Washington Commanders (1-3)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Commanders -3.5, Total 42.5
Series Rewind: Washington has won the past four meetings, QB Jayden Daniels is 3-0 against the Giants and Commanders coach Dan Quinn is 6-0 all-time against New York.
Daniels is back in the lineup after a two-game absence caused by another injury to his left (non-throwing) elbow. The Giants' pass rush is diminished without Brian Burns and will be further compromised by Daniels' mobility. The Giants are deploying linebacker Arvell Reese in unique ways. The first-round pick out of Ohio State will share the field with former Buckeyes teammate Sonny Styles, Washington's first-round rookie. Each had an interception in Week 4. Daniels has played just six quarters this season. He reached 70 rushing yards in first half of his team's Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys before he was injured. The Giants are working with Jameis Winston as their QB1 after Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending knee injury. Winston and wide receiver Malik Nabers connected for a passing touchdown last week. It was Nabers' first TD of the season.
Cincinnati Bengals (2-2) at Miami Dolphins (0-4)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Bengals -6.5, Total 43.5
Series Rewind: Miami leads the all-time series 18-9 but Cincinnati has won the last two and four of the last six, including a 45-21 win last December in Miami.
Cincinnati's 2-0 start has been spoiled by consecutive losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Jaguars. A matchup against the winless Dolphins provides a chance to snap that skid, but the potential absences of star receivers Ja'Marr Chase (concussion) and Tee Higgins (groin/neck) would test an offense that ranks fifth in the NFL with 277.5 passing yards per game but is last in the AFC and 31st in the league with 74.3 rushing yards per contest. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow ranks fifth in the league with 292.8 yards passing per game and a 71.3% completion percentage, but he could be forced to rely on rookie wideout Colbie Young, among others. The Dolphins have shown improvement on defense the past two weeks in losses to the Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings. They had not mustered a sack through their first three games, but that changed dramatically last week when they took down Minnesota's Kyler Murray four times. They also kept the Vikings out of the end zone, but Will Reichard's five field goals helped Minnesota escape with a 15-10 win. Miami also appears to have found an impact rookie in linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, who ranks second in the NFL with 46 tackles. The Dolphins lost lead running back De'Von Achane to a torn ACL in Week 3, but his replacement, Ollie Gordon, rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown on nine carries last week.
Cleveland Browns (3-1) at New York Jets (1-3)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Jets -1.5, Total 39.5
Series Rewind: This is a balanced series, in which Cleveland narrowly leads 16-15 and the teams have split their last six meetings. They also faced off last November in East Rutherford, N.J., and the Jets took home a 27-20 victory.
Two of the NFL's perennial doormats are on opposite trajectories. The Browns haven't lost since being trampled 34-10 by the Jaguars in their season opener, despite trailing or being tied in the fourth quarter in each of their three victories. They've produced a late go-ahead touchdown or field goal each time, most recently Andre Szmyt's 56-yard kick with 10 seconds left to notch a 27-24 win over the division-rival Steelers. After a rocky season debut, Deshaun Watson has paired five touchdown passes with just one interception during Cleveland's winning streak. The Jets, meanwhile, have been a mirror image of Cleveland. A Week 1 win over the Tennessee Titans inspired confidence, but their three losses since have played out in increasingly worse fashion. In their 23-12 loss last Sunday to the Bears in Chicago, their defense allowed more first downs (34) than their offense ran plays (32). That came not against Bears No. 1 quarterback Caleb Williams, who was injured, but against backup Tyson Bagent. Geno Smith, whose second stint as New York's starting quarterback also got off to a promising start, had his mildest showing of the season: 8-for-15 passing, 119 yards, one touchdown.
Indianapolis Colts (2-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel: Steelers -2.5. Total: 44.5
Series Rewind: Pittsburgh registered a 27-20 home win over the Colts last season when it held running back Jonathan Taylor to 45 yards on 14 carries. Indianapolis had won the previous two meetings after the Steelers dominated before that with eight consecutive victories.
The surly version of quarterback Aaron Rodgers has had to time to calm down with Pittsburgh being off last weekend. Rodgers was visibly disappointed during a 27-24 road loss to the Browns on Oct. 1 and had a tense sideline exchange with coach Mike McCarthy. Rodgers saw his emotional displays as positives, and McCarthy saw similar theatrics many times while coaching Rodgers for 13 seasons (2006-18) with the Green Bay Packers. Rodgers has 999 passing yards and seven touchdowns against four interceptions through four games, but running back Jaylen Warren has arguably been Pittsburgh's top offensive performer with 309 rushing yards, which ranks ninth in the NFL. Linebacker T.J. Watt is tied for third in the NFL with 4.5 sacks and remains as disruptive as ever. The Colts are coming off a 30-13 rout of the Washington Commanders in London, but the victory was overshadowed by owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon's routine of hanging out on the sideline and taking notes, including charting plays. Taylor rushed for 95 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries. It was his third game with more than 90 yards and his third game with two rushing scores. He ranks third in the NFL with 353 rushing yards and is 49 yards shy of 8,000 for his career. Quarterback Daniel Jones has thrown more interceptions (four) than touchdowns (three) this season. Defensive end DeForest Buckner is off to a strong start with three sacks to raise his career total to 74.5.
Chicago Bears (3-1) at Green Bay Packers (2-2)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Bears -1.5, Total 45.5
Series Rewind: The NFL's oldest rivalry (started in 1921) renews at Lambeau Field, where Green Bay prevailed in Week 14 last season. Chicago had the last laugh with victories at home in Week 16 and the wild-card round.
Each of the past six matches between the NFC North rivals, including the playoffs, has been a one-score game (decided by eight or fewer points). Chicago enters this week's clash with the NFL's best offense (429.0 yards per game) and top ground game (196.3 per contest). Green Bay is at the other end of the spectrum, with the NFL's most anemic rushing attack (58.0 per game) and the fifth-fewest points (73). The Bears have won three games with three different starting quarterbacks. Tyson Bagent will make his second straight start for the injured Caleb Williams. Kyle Monangai ran for 146 yards in last week's win against the Jets, scoring two rushing touchdowns -- two more than the Packers have this season -- but will miss Sunday's game with a turf toe injury. Green Bay's Jordan Love is one of four QBs with at least two TD passes in four consecutive games this season. Christian Watson leads the Packers with four touchdown catches, and he scored three times in three meetings with the Bears last season. Packers coach Matt LaFleur is 6-1 against Chicago at home.
Las Vegas Raiders (3-1) at New England Patriots (2-2)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Patriots -3.5, Total 44.5
Series Rewind: The Raiders beat the Patriots 20-13 in Week 1 of the 2025 season to extend their winning streak over New England to three games.
Kirk Cousins has found new life in Las Vegas, even without a bona fide No. 1 receiver. Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer give the Raiders a strong tandem at tight end. Bowers missed the first two games of the season with a knee injury, but he caught 10 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown in a Week 3 victory over the New Orleans Saints and had six receptions for 86 yards and a TD in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last week. The Raiders and Detroit Lions are the only NFL teams that have scored at least 26 points in every game this season. The Patriots have not looked like the team that represented the AFC in the Super Bowl last season. They lost their opener to the Seahawks, for whom current Las Vegas coach Klint Kubiak served last season as play-caller and offensive coordinator. Given the number of injuries the Patriots have faced on defense, the pressure remains on for quarterback Drake Maye to put points on the board. The 2025 MVP runner-up showed life last week after throwing six interceptions and one touchdown pass in the first three games of the season. Maye was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week after completing 22 of 37 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns in a 29-26 road victory over the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, N.Y. He also rushed for 54 yards on eight carries.
Denver Broncos (2-2) at Los Angeles Chargers (0-4)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Broncos -3.5. Total: 42.5
Series Rewind: Denver recorded a 19-3 victory in the teams' second meeting last season to halt a three-game slide against the Chargers. Justin Herbert didn't play with the playoffs on the horizon, and neither team scored an offensive touchdown. The Broncos have won five of the past six meetings in Southern California.
Both offenses have underperformed. Denver has scored 20 or fewer points in three of its four games and ranks 27th in scoring offense (18.5 points per game) and 28th in total offense (280.3 yards per game). It gained 296 yards in last week's 24-14 road loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Coach Sean Payton is taking over the play-calling duties from offensive coordinator Davis Webb, hoping to provide a spark and not so subtly saying, "This isn't championship football." Quarterback Bo Nix passed for 214 yards and one score against the 49ers. While Webb lost some of his duties, the Chargers are sticking with first-year offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel despite a poor first four games. The Chargers rank 29th in scoring (16.8 points per game) and have scored 16 or fewer points in three of four games. Herbert hasn't mixed well with McDaniel; he has thrown for less than 200 yards twice and has more interceptions (six) than touchdown passes (four). In 2024, Herbert tossed a career-low three interceptions in 504 attempts. He has doubled that in just 119 throws this season while completing a career-worst 59.7% of his passes. On defense, pass rusher Khalil Mack has three sacks to raise his career total to 116. Safety Derwin James (hamstring) hasn't practiced this week and could miss his second straight game. Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain (ankle) missed consecutive practices and his status is still to be firmed up. Denver linebacker Alex Singleton leads the NFL with 47 tackles. He had 14 against the 49ers, his second-highest output of the season.
Detroit Lions (2-2) at Arizona Cardinals (1-3)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Lions -5.5, Total 54.5
Series Rewind: The Lions are 5-0-1 in the past six meetings between the teams. Detroit most recently came to Arizona in September 2024 and handed the Cardinals a 20-13 defeat, with quarterback Jared Goff throwing for 199 yards and two touchdowns.
Points? We have points. The Lions rank 31st in the NFL in scoring defense, allowing 31.8 points per game, and last in passing defense at 304.0 yards per contest. The Cardinals (1-3) rank 29th in scoring defense, allowing 29.3 points per game. Arizona has lost three straight while surrendering at least 31 points in each defeat. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett should have open passing lanes as the Lions are still likely to be without starting safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. Branch returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since tearing his Achilles last December, but he is not ready for game action. Goff has yet to throw an interception in 161 pass attempts this season while tossing nine touchdown passes. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and running back Jahmyr Gibbs rank in the NFL's top 10 in receiving and rushing yards, respectively. St. Brown has recorded five touchdown catches and Gibbs five rushing touchdowns. While Brissett will likely have receivers open downfield, will he have time to find them? The Cardinals received bad news this week regarding the offensive line: starting left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. tore his left biceps in the team's 36-24 loss to the New York Giants last week. Johnson, a former sixth overall draft pick, has 47 career starts in three-plus NFL seasons.
San Francisco 49ers (4-0) at Seattle Seahawks (3-1)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Seahawks -3, Total 46.5
Series Rewind: This is a rematch of last season's divisional playoff game at Lumen Field, where the Seahawks stormed to a 41-6 win. Rashid Shaheed returned the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, and Seattle was off and running from there.
The 49ers are 4-0 for the fourth time since 1990. Brock Purdy leads the NFL with a 126.2 passer rating and can become just the fifth QB this century with multiple touchdown passes and a triple-digit passer rating in each of his team's first five games (Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson). Christian McCaffrey has gained 100-plus yards from scrimmage in seven of his last eight games against the Seahawks. Tight end George Kittle is looking for his fourth straight game with a TD catch and has scored in three of his last four meetings with Seattle. The Seahawks counter with the NFL's No. 1 defense (246.8 yards allowed per game) and No. 1 pass defense (144.8 allowed per game). Jaxon Smith-Njigba leads the league with six touchdown receptions but has not found the end zone in six career regular-season clashes with the NFC West rival 49ers. Emanuel Wilson will carry the load again in the Seattle backfield after posting 120 scrimmage yards and two scores in last week's win over the Chargers.
Baltimore Ravens (3-1) at Atlanta Falcons (2-2)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Falcons -3.5, Total 43.5
Series Rewind: The Ravens have swept the last three meetings and haven't lost to the Falcons since 2010. The last time they met was on Christmas Eve in 2022 when Baltimore won 17-9 at home without Lamar Jackson (knee).
Atlanta is looking for a third consecutive win in prime time after beating the Packers on Thursday night in Week 3 and the Saints on Monday night in Week 4. Michael Penix Jr. completed 73.3% of his passes in those wins, his first two starts since tearing his left ACL last November. All eyes will be on the running backs in this game: Atlanta's Bijan Robinson (6,262) and Baltimore's Derrick Henry (5,658) rank first and second in the NFL in scrimmage yards since 2023. Henry will be facing a defense that ranks No. 1 in the league against the run, allowing just 48.3 yards per game. If the Ravens are forced to throw, they may be doing it without Jackson. He missed all three practices this week while dealing with the ankle injury he suffered in last Sunday's win over the Titans. Backup Tyler Huntley would make his 17th career start, and 12th for Baltimore, if the two-time MVP is unavailable. Baltimore is 2-0 on the road under first-year head coach Jesse Minter, with wins at Indianapolis in Week 1 and Dallas in Week 3.
Buffalo Bills (3-1) at Los Angeles Rams (2-2)
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Rams -3.5. Total: 54.5
Series Rewind: The Rams registered a 44-42 home victory over the Bills in 2024. Josh Allen accounted for six touchdowns (three passing, three rushing). Buffalo won eight of the previous 10 games prior to that meeting.
The last two NFL MVPs get a chance to put on a show on the Monday night stage. Allen, the 2024 winner, has passed for 1,039 yards and six touchdowns against three interceptions this season. He has seven rushing TDs, tying Derrick Henry for most in the NFL. The Bills lead the NFL in scoring at 31.8 points per game. The Rams are second in total offense (417 yards per game), but that hasn't led to points. Los Angeles is 19th in scoring (21.3 points per game). Matthew Stafford, the reigning MVP, has thrown for 1,189 yards and six touchdowns but also has been intercepted six times. Only the Patriots' Drake Maye (seven) has thrown more. Star wideout Puka Nacua looked healthy in Los Angeles' 24-20 win over the Philadelphia Eagles with nine catches for 125 yards. Davante Adams, who had 137 and 195 receiving yards over the previous two games, had just four catches for 32 yards against the Eagles. Kyren Williams had two rushing scores in the final 3:59 as the Rams put together a furious comeback. Buffalo dropped a 29-26 home decision to the Patriots last week when New England held a 73-54 edge in offensive plays. Allen had 4 rushing yards and a touchdown on five carries. He denied midweek that he was dealing with soreness. A more spry Allen is likely to be seen if Rams star Aaron Donald is pursuing him. Bills wideout DJ Moore (shoulder) is pushing to be on the field. Buffalo defensive tackle Ed Oliver (knee) also is ailing.
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- Broncos OC Davis Webb disappointed to lose play-calling role
- Eagles release QB Andy Dalton, rule out star RB Saquon Barkley vs. Jags
- Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty (ankle/foot) questionable against Patriots
- Week 5 NFL Capsules
- Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (ankle) ruled out vs. Falcons
- Commanders QB Jayden Daniels to start vs. Giants
- Bears RB Kyle Monangai (toe) out vs. Packers
- Drew Brees to enter Saints Ring of Honor on Oct. 11
- Legendary coach, Hall of Fame TE Mike Ditka dies at 86
- Jets rule out RB Breece Hall (quad), WR Adonai Mitchell (finger)
- Commanders QB Jayden Daniels 'full go' for Sunday vs. Giants
- Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba returns to practice
- Stephen A. Smith apologizes to Lane Johnson for mental health comments
- NFL urges Supreme Court review of Kalshi betting case
- New Chargers OC Mike McDaniel understands calls for his job
- Commanders waive rookie RB Kaytron Allen
- Bears RB D'Andre Swift limited, Kyle Monangai DNP again
- Winless Titans fire three team vice presidents
- Steelers WR Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) to miss multiple games
- Cowboys to activate LG Tyler Smith from IR
- Fantasy Six Pack: NFL DFS Week 5 Main Slate Game-by-Game Breakdown
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Week 5 Game Previews
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Week 5 Streamers (QB/TE/DEF)
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Week 5 Start-Sit
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Rankings vs. Expert Consensus: Who I'm Higher/Lower On For Week 5
- Fantasy Life: Target to Start Jacoby Brissett In Fantasy Football Week 5?
- Fantasy Life: Week 5 Fantasy Football Game-By-Game Breakdown: Rankings, Projections & Analysis For Every Game
- Fantasy Life: IDP Fantasy Football Usage Report: The State Of The Linebacker Position Through The First Four Weeks
- Fantasy Life: Week 5 WR/CB Matchups For Fantasy Football: Nico Collins Is Back
The Paur Report
The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that while Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) has been cleared to return in Week 5 against the division-rival New York Giants, he is not at 100 percent after dislocating his left (non-throwing) elbow in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. The Commanders might be rushing the former first-round signal-caller back a bit early after veteran backup Marcus Mariota (knee) suffered an MCL sprain in the Week 4 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in London. On top of Daniels not being 100% health-wise, he could be without his top two receivers in Terry McLaurin (hamstring) and Stefon Diggs (hamstring). Diggs has already been ruled out, and McLaurin is trending toward being a game-time decision. There are a lot of questions as to whether Daniels will be able to take a hit, and without all of his weapons, he becomes a dicey fantasy starter this weekend in his return. At best, Daniels should be looked at as a low-end QB1 as the Commanders take on the Giants.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) has been ruled out for the Week 5 tilt on the road in Atlanta against the Falcons on Sunday Night Football, and the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the Ravens do not know if Jackson will be ready to play in Week 6 against the division-rival Cleveland Browns. Jackson suffered a unique ankle sprain in the Week 4 win over the Tennessee Titans and did not practice all week before being ruled out for this Sunday's game in Atlanta. The Ravens are not going to rush one of the best all-around dual-threat quarterbacks in the league, so his ankle injury could end up sidelining him for multiple weeks. Fantasy managers need to prepare for that possibility. In the meantime, backup Tyler Huntley will make his first start of 2026 in a road matchup in primetime against the Falcons. Expect head coach Jesse Minter to lean heavily on veteran battering-ram running back Derrick Henry. Through four weeks in 2026, Jackson is the QB10 in fantasy scoring with 967 passing yards, six touchdowns, and an interception, while adding 144 rushing yards and one score with his legs.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) "plans to play" and "wants to play" this Sunday in a Week 5 matchup on the road at the New Orleans Saints. Jefferson was held out of last week's win over the Miami Dolphins. He was limited in practice this week and is pushing to play as he returns to his hometown of New Orleans. Fellow wideout Jordan Addison (hamstring) is also questionable, so quarterback Kyler Murray could be down two of his top wideouts on the road in a tough environment. Fowler thinks both Jefferson and Addison could be game-time decisions on Sunday morning. It appears that Jefferson is trending in the right direction this weekend, but fantasy managers are going to have to come back this weekend for an update on his status. If Jefferson is active, he is an absolute must-start in all traditional fantasy football leagues. The 27-year-old former LSU star would love nothing more than to return to his hometown and put on a show. In three games so far in 2026, Jefferson has caught just 13 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns.
From RotoBaller
Across four games in 2026, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has rushed for 353 yards and five touchdowns on 80 carries while also hauling in 22 receptions for 187 yards and two scores on 28 targets. While the 24-year-old's rushing efficiency is slightly down from his career norms this year, he currently leads the NFL in total touches and ranks as the RB1 in both per-game and total PPR scoring. In Week 5, Gibbs and the Lions will travel to Arizona to take on the Cardinals. Arizona's defense has been a mid-pack unit against the run, ranking 20th in the NFL in total rushing yards allowed (470). Even if Detroit's offense is once again forced into a pass-heavy game script by the porous Lions defense, Gibbs' work in the passing game gives him a safe production floor for fantasy managers. In Week 5 against Arizona, Gibbs remains a must-start RB1 option.
From RotoBaller
Across four games in 2026, Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki has recorded 92 scrimmage yards on 13 touches. The 25-year-old saw a season-high seven touches in Detroit's Week 3 win over the New York Jets, but he logged just one catch and did not earn a single carry in the Lions' Week 4 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Vaki is stuck on the Detroit depth chart behind superstar back Jahmyr Gibbs, who currently leads the NFL in touches. With Gibbs healthy heading into Detroit's Week 5 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, Vaki remains highly unlikely to see a fantasy-relevant workload. Arizona also currently ranks 32nd in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed, which could lead to lower rush volume in general for the Lions. Vaki is worth stashing as a handcuff running back, but he remains tough for fantasy managers to trust as a starter in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell converted one of his two field-goal attempts and both of his extra-point tries in last week's loss to the Cleveland Browns and will look to get back on track against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5. Indianapolis is giving up the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing kickers this season, so while this looks like a promising matchup on paper, the weather in Pittsburgh could impact Boswell's outlook. Heavy rain is in the forecast, with the potential for moderate winds, making it difficult to trust the offenses and kickers in this contest. Fantasy managers will want to monitor the weather heading into Sunday and prepare a backup plan if relying on Boswell as a top-15 option at the position.
From RotoBaller
The Philadelphia Eagles released veteran quarterback Andy Dalton from their roster on Friday, sources told Jordan Schultz. In a corresponding move, the Eagles signed running back Carson Steele to their active roster heading into Week 5 in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars, with Saquon Barkley (hamstring) out and Tank Bigsby (abdomen) on Injured Reserve. The 38-year-old Dalton attempted one pass, which was intercepted, in the Week 3 loss to the Chicago Bears when he came in briefly to replace starter Jalen Hurts, who was being checked for a concussion. The writing was on the wall for Dalton's exit from Philadelphia after he was demoted to the third-string QB role behind Tanner McKee before the Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. It remains to be seen if Dalton is looking to continue his career with another organization in a backup role. If this ends up being the end for the Red Rifle, he will end his career in the NFL with 39,793 passing yards, 254 touchdowns, and 152 interceptions in 16 NFL seasons, mostly with the Cincinnati Bengals.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth found the end zone for the second time this season in Week 4 and will look to remain involved in the red zone against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5. The Steelers have been featuring Freiermuth and fellow tight end Darnell Washington over the past two weeks, and both should have pass-catching roles on Sunday with wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) sidelined. That said, the Colts have been more vulnerable to receiver and running back production, surrendering just two touchdowns to opposing tight ends through four weeks. If Freiermuth were clearly the preferred receiving tight end in this offense, he would be firmly on the fantasy radar. However, given the heavy rain forecast for Pittsburgh and the fact that he is splitting duties, fantasy managers should look for another option this week.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson led the team with 42 rushing yards on eight carries against Tampa Bay, including a 31-yard run. His best rushing performance of the season was marred by a fourth-quarter fumble near the goal line. Chris Brooks (ankle) is out for Week 5, which could create more opportunities for Johnson and MarShawn Lloyd. Green Bay also added Pierre Strong Jr. to the active roster, so the backfield is unlikely to become a simple two-man rotation. Johnson has not been a factor in the passing game, making his fantasy value heavily dependent on carries and scoring opportunities. His 31-yard run against Tampa Bay showed some big-play ability, but the workload remains too uncertain to trust him as a regular starter. RotoBaller ranks Johnson RB41 for Week 5, making him a risky Flex option in deeper leagues.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter said on Friday that rookie wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (wrist) is "doing really well" in his rehab from a fractured wrist that landed him on Injured Reserve. Minter added that Lane has put himself in a good spot to be ready to return when he is eligible to come off IR for Week 6. The 22-year-old third-rounder from USC had surgery in mid-September after he injured his wrist in the Week 1 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Lane caught only one pass for 11 yards on three targets in his regular-season NFL debut, but he had put himself in position in training camp and the preseason to have a shot to leapfrog veteran Rashod Bateman for the No. 2 role in Baltimore behind Zay Flowers. It remains to be seen if he can jump right back in and demand a big role in the passing attack upon his activation from IR, but fantasy managers should want to find out. Lane is currently rostered in under 10% of Yahoo leagues, and he could be back as early as Oct. 18 against the division-rival Cleveland Browns.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (thumb), who is on Injured Reserve with a fractured thumb, is expected to return after the team's Week 6 bye, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. With Mason injured in recent weeks, Aaron Jones Sr. has handled 72 carries through four games, seven more than his previous high of 65 in 2020. The total is almost double his previous nine-year average. Minnesota has had limited options in their backfield since Mason's injury, and they have been hesitant to put too much on rookie Demond Claiborne's plate. When Mason makes his return on Oct. 25 against the Indianapolis Colts, he is expected to take over the majority of the workload, so fantasy managers should expect Jones' workload to take a major hit soon. Mason handled 15 rushing attempts for 59 yards and a touchdown in the season-opening win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers before breaking his thumb. In shallow leagues, Mason might be available on your league's waiver wire. He is rostered in 67% of Yahoo leagues.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd rushed seven times for 13 yards against Tampa Bay. He was more effective as a receiver, catching all five of his targets for 36 yards. Lloyd finished with 12 touches while playing 55% of the offensive snaps, his largest role of the season. Chris Brooks (ankle) is out for Week 5, which could open more work for Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson. Green Bay also added Pierre Strong Jr. to the active roster, keeping another back in the rotation. Lloyd has averaged fewer than three yards per carry through four games, so his work in the passing game has become an important part of his fantasy value. His five receptions against Tampa Bay give him some PPR appeal even without a clear lead role. RotoBaller ranks Lloyd RB39 for Week 5, making him a deep-league Flex option against Chicago.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson has been consistently involved this season, earning six targets in each of his first four games, and draws a favorable matchup against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5. With Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) ruled out for Sunday's contest, Wilson should see an uptick in snaps as the clear WR2 behind DK Metcalf. The third-year pro has quietly finished as a top-24 fantasy wide receiver in two straight contests, averaging 67 yards per game and scoring two touchdowns over that span. The Colts have been vulnerable against receivers, especially on explosive plays downfield, and Wilson is averaging two deep targets per game. Fantasy managers will need to monitor the weather in Pittsburgh on Sunday, with heavy rain in the forecast, but Wilson is nonetheless an interesting flex option in deeper leagues.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas (ankle) missed practice all week and has been ruled out for the team's Week 5 game this Sunday at home against the visiting Cincinnati Bengals, according to the team's official website. Meanwhile, fellow rookie receiver Chris Bell (knee) upgraded to a full practice on Friday and has been cleared for the weekend. Douglas, a 23-year-old third-rounder from Texas Tech, got started well in his first two NFL games, catching seven passes for 113 yards, but an ankle injury has stalled any progress he might have had early on. Douglas is a worthwhile deep-league stash for a potential big role later this year if he returns to the form he had in the first two games of the season. With Douglas out for a third straight game this weekend, though, Malik Washington, Bell, and Kevin Coleman will be the starting wideouts for the Dolphins as they seek their first win of the season against the Bengals. Douglas is only rostered in 12% of Yahoo leagues at the moment.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Skyy Moore caught one of two targets for minus-two yards against Tampa Bay after drawing seven targets against Atlanta the previous week. Moore has seen more playing time since Jayden Reed (neck) was lost for the season, but his Week 4 usage showed how difficult his volume can be to predict. Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, and Tucker Kraft remain ahead of him for targets in Green Bay's passing game. Savion Williams (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday, removing one potential threat to Moore's playing time for another week. Chicago also presents a difficult matchup, allowing only four passing touchdowns through four games while holding opponents below 200 passing yards per game. Moore will continue to have a role, but two targets last week are not enough to trust in fantasy lineups. RotoBaller ranks Moore WR86 for Week 5, making him a deep-league stash rather than a starting option.
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Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright (foot) is listed as questionable to play in the team's Week 5 game on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to the team's official website. Wright was a full participant in practice on Wednesday before being listed as limited on Thursday and Friday. The 23-year-old has a big opportunity the rest of the year in Miami's backfield with De'Von Achane (knee) out for the rest of the season, but so far, he has not been able to take advantage. Ollie Gordon II was the favorite for RB1 duties in last week's loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Wright missed Week 3 with a stinger and a foot injury, and he is averaging just 2.1 yards per carry on eight rushing attempts for 17 yards in his three games played in 2026. Wright has yet to be targeted in the passing game. The former fourth-rounder from Tennessee is worth a spot as a fantasy handcuff in deeper leagues, but he will not be a realistic fantasy starter this weekend if he is active for Miami. The Dolphins added rookie Kaytron Allen off waivers from the Washington Commanders on Friday to give them more depth in a banged-up backfield.
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Dynasty | Bucs rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels completed 19-of-25 passes for 189 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in a win against Dallas. Dynasty Analysis: He added 23 rushing yards. The line looks nearly flawless but Dallas also dropped a would-be pick six late in the fourth quarter that would have put them within two points. Still, Daniels looks like a player who played six years in college because he's poised and simply doesn't panic in the pocket. While no threat to Baker Mayfield's long-term job, Daniels is a quarterback who may well have a future somewhere in this league. He should be rostered in dynasty formats.
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) is working hard to make his way back from a devastating left-knee injury that kept him out for the entire 2025 season, but he is not there yet and will not make his 2026 debut in Week 5 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans. The Texans' official website has listed Dell as out this week. He was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but he was held out of Friday's practice. The 26-year-old former third-rounder from Houston will have to do more in practice next week to have a chance to make his return from Injured Reserve on Sunday, Oct. 18, versus the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars on the road. Dell caught 98 of his 156 targets for 1,376 yards and 10 touchdowns in his first two NFL seasons, making him an intriguing WR stash in fantasy leagues, even if it might take him a bit to get up to speed after his long injury layoff. He becomes a bit more interesting since the Texans are looking for an explosive complement to WR1 Nico Collins. Dell is currently rostered in just 18% of Yahoo leagues.
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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed has not been a trustworthy fantasy asset in 2026. He should not be in your lineup in Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers, but he could present more value later in the season. Shaheed has yet to earn more than three targets in a game this season, but he has begun working into the backfield with Seattle down a few running backs. Shaheed scored a rushing touchdown in Week 4, which was encouraging for fantasy managers. Week 5 presents a tough matchup against the 49ers from a receiving standpoint. San Francisco is allowing just 123.5 yards per game to opposing wide receivers this season. With wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba already soaking up so much volume in this offense, it is difficult to trust other wide receivers. However, continuing to keep an eye on Shaheed's snap share and usage in Week 5 will provide a glimpse into his future prospects for this season.
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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is a risky streaming option in Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers. San Francisco is currently the No. 7 team against opposing quarterbacks in fantasy. Granted, this team has not exactly run the gauntlet of quarterbacks over the last three weeks. However, San Francisco's defense has played well for the most part this season. Raheem Morris is coaching this unit perfectly, and Darnold does not project to have a massive game. Darnold did not surpass 200 passing yards or throw a touchdown pass in either of his matchups with San Francisco during the 2025 regular season. This feels like a game in which Seattle will attempt to lean on its running game and defense, resulting in a lower-scoring affair. The 49ers are a dangerous team, but the Mike Macdonald-led Seahawks have had their number over the last two seasons. However, there is a world in which this game turns into a shootout, in which case Darnold could hold fantasy value. It is a risky proposition for fantasy managers, but consider Darnold a borderline top 15 option in Week 5.
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