Guest of the League
Best Ball SCOUT 263
FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

NFL legend Barry Sanders reveals heart-related 'health scare'

Fri Jun 21 9:41pm ET
Field Level Media

NFL legendary running back Barry Sanders revealed on Friday that he had a heart-related "health scare" during Father's Day weekend.

Sanders, who turns 56 in July, didn't provide specifics about his condition in posting on social media but wrote that he is "taking this opportunity to prioritize (his) health and well-being."

"It was unexpected and served as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant about our physical well-being, even when we are feeling fine," Sanders wrote.

"I am grateful for the amazing doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals for providing me with needed care. My family and I are thankful for your prayers and support during this time."

Sanders, who last September became the first Lions player to have a statue built in his honor, was a first-ballot selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.

The Lions made Sanders, a Heisman Trophy winner at Oklahoma State, the third overall pick of the 1989 NFL Draft. He spent his entire 10-year career with Detroit (1989-98), running for 15,269 yards -- now the fourth-most career rushing yards in NFL history -- and 99 touchdowns while catching 352 passes for 2,921 yards and 10 TDs.

Sanders rushed for 2,053 yards in 1997 when he shared NFL Most Valuable Player honors with Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre. Sanders was selected to 10 Pro Bowls in 10 seasons, named first-team All-Pro six times, voted the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1989 and selected to the NFL 100 All-Time Team.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4

Player Notes
Rashid Shaheed Sep 30 4:40am CT
Rashid Shaheed

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed's day got off to a terrible start when he muffed a punt inside his own five-yard line less than four minutes into their Week 4 game against the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta pounced on the ball in the end zone for a touchdown, putting the Saints in an early hole. That did not deter the team from turning to Shaheed thereafter. In Week 4, he saw a career-high 11 targets which led the team and resulted in eight catches (also a career-high) for 83 yards. He also handled two rushing attempts for 14 yards on the ground. Derek Carr looked Shaheed's way twice in the end zone late in the fourth quarter but both times delivered uncatchable balls. In Week 5, the Saints take on the Kansas City Chiefs whose lack of success in zone coverage might lead to more positive results for Shaheed, as long as he can avoid further miscues.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Sep 30 4:40am CT
Chris Olave

Wide receiver Chris Olave was targeted 10 times and had eight catches for 87 yards in the New Orleans Saints' Week 4 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, making it his third consecutive game with at least 80 receiving yards. Olave finished the game without a touchdown but did have two chances at a score. With just over six minutes left in the fourth quarter, a scrambling Derek Carr put up a deep shot to Olave in the end zone but the ball carried the receiver out of bounds for no catch. On their next drive, Carr connected with Olave for a 16-yard pass but he was stopped on the Falcons' one-yard line, setting up an eventual Alvin Kamara touchdown. Olave will need to turn in another productive game in Week 5 for the Saints to stay in the game when they take on the Kansas City Chiefs.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Sep 30 4:30am CT
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr completed 28 of 36 pass attempts for 239 yards in Sunday's 26-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. This was the first time this year that he did not record a touchdown pass. Carr started the game with seven consecutive completions but had his streak snapped by a fluke pick-six in the second quarter. A ball tipped at the line arced high in the air giving Atlanta linebacker Troy Andersen time to settle under the ball and secure it before rumbling 47 yards for a score. The completions and attempts were season highs but without any scores or big plays to increase his yardage total, Carr failed to crack double-digit fantasy points for the second straight week. He may find it hard to do better in Week 5 when the Saints go to Kansas City to face the Chiefs.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Sep 30 4:30am CT
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (shoulder) had a quiet day, rushing for just 50 yards on 11 carries in a 24-20 loss to the Houston Texans. He also added one catch for 10 yards. The 25-year-old briefly exited the first quarter of Sunday's game with a shoulder injury but was able to return. Etienne Jr. wasn't that involved in the running game or the passing game, as Tank Bigsby, similar to Week 1, outshined him. A big pull for fantasy managers to draft the Clemson product in the early rounds was his potential volume, but through four games, that just hasn't materialized. The Jaguars have been losing in most of their games, meaning more passing situations, and Bigsby is cutting into some of his work. In weeks where he doesn't score a touchdown, Etienne Jr. may struggle to prove his worth to fantasy managers going forward. While the Jaguars running back is still a good start in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts, it is clear his upside is far lower than what fantasy managers expected heading into the season.

From RotoBaller

Travis Kelce Sep 30 3:40am CT
Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had seven catches on nine targets for 89 yards in the 17-10 win against the Los Angeles Chargers. Kelce was the primary beneficiary of a first-quarter injury to Rashee Rice. Rice was carted off the field, and Kelce became the top option for the Chiefs passing attack. Today, Kelce's yardage eclipsed the yardage he had gained in the first three games combined. Kelce will look to keep this momentum against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. The Saints have given up the fifth-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends this season, so Kelce should remain productive. The loss of second-year receiver Rashee Rice will have a massive impact on the Chiefs offense moving forward, and Kelce should bring in most middle-of-the-field targets in Rice's absence. The Chiefs tight end is a must-start option against the Saints, and fantasy managers should be excited about his value going forward.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Sep 30 3:40am CT
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy had three catches for 73 yards and a touchdown in the 17-10 win against the Los Angeles Chargers. Worthy broke free for a 54-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter of this contest. The rookie's three catches and 73 receiving yards were both season-highs. Despite having at least one carry in the first three games, Worthy did not have a single opportunity out of the backfield this week. The Chiefs may have planned to bring Worthy along slowly, but those plans may need revision with Rashee Rice sustaining a potentially season-ending injury in the first quarter. Kansas City already lost Marquise Brown for the season, so losing Rashee Rice would presumably leave Worthy as the top option at the wide receiver position. Worthy will look to be more involved against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. The Saints defense has given up the sixth-most passing yards to opposing offenses this season, so there is opportunity for Worthy in this matchup. The Chiefs rookie receiver should still be viewed as a flex option, but hopefully, he will gain a more significant role in the offense after Rice's injury.

From RotoBaller

Samaje Perine Sep 30 3:40am CT
Samaje Perine

Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine had five carries for 14 yards and a touchdown in the 17-10 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The veteran running back scored on a two-yard in the fourth quarter to give the Chiefs the lead. Perine had the second-most carries out of the backfield for Kansas City and averaged 2.8 yards per carry. Despite his receiving prowess, Perine did not have a single target in this contest. Perine ceded receiving work to Kareem Hunt, who had three targets against the Chargers. With the addition of Kareem Hunt and the eventual return of Clyde Edwards-Helaire, there will not be enough touches to go around in the Kansas City backfield. Perine will try to hold onto his secondary role against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. If Steele redeems himself in the eyes of the coaches, Perine may be the odd back out. Despite the uncertainty at the position, the Saints are a good matchup for running backs. The Saints have allowed the fifth-most yards per carry to opposing offenses this season, so Perine should have decent running lanes. The Chiefs backfield is too crowded to know who to start, but there should be more clarity following next week's contest. Perine is a good stash candidate but is best left on benches until we know where he sits in the hierarchy.

From RotoBaller

Kareem Hunt Sep 30 3:30am CT
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt made his season debut in the 17-10 win against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4. Hunt had 14 carries for 69 yards in the contest. The veteran back also brought in two of his three targets for 16 receiving yards. Although rookie Carson Steele was the starter in this game, a first-quarter fumble by Steele allowed Hunt to be the lead back. Hunt averaged 4.9 yards per carry and demonstrated his value as a pass catcher. Hunt will have another opportunity to control the Kansas City backfield against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. The Saints defense has allowed the 11th-fewest rushing yards this season, but they have also given up the fifth-most yards per carry to opposing offenses. If Hunt is given the same opportunity next week, he should be a viable fantasy starter. Given the uncertainty of the situation, it isn't easy to project what Hunt's role will be moving forward, especially since Clyde Edwards-Helaire is set to return soon. If reports come out that Hunt will be the feature back for the Chiefs, he should rank as an RB2. Nevertheless, Hunt is a difficult start, given the one-game sample size.

From RotoBaller

Carson Steele Sep 30 3:30am CT
Carson Steele

Kansas City Chiefs running back Carson Steele had two carries for six yards in the 17-10 win against the Los Angeles Chargers. Steele was the starter again this week, coming off a performance where he carried the ball 17 times, but things did not go his way in this one. Steele fumbled on his first carry of the game, which led to him only getting one more carry in this contest. The coaching staff plugged Kareem Hunt into Steele's place, and Hunt was efficient with his touches. Steele will try to get back in the good graces of his coaches against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. The Saints have allowed the fifth-most yards per carry to opposing offenses, so Steele should be productive with his touches. It remains to be seen if the team will roll with Hunt as the lead back or if they will give Steele another chance as the starter. The two Chiefs backs could split the workload, capping each other's value. The Chiefs should also be getting Clyde Edwards-Helaire back soon, which would further muddy the situation. Given the uncertainty surrounding the Kansas City backfield, trusting Steele in your starting lineup will be difficult.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Sep 30 3:20am CT
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 19 of his 29 pass attempts (65.5%) for 245 yards and a touchdown in the 17-10 win against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mahomes also threw an interception in this game, making it his fourth straight game with an interception this season and bringing his interception total up to five. Mahomes has also thrown for less than 300 yards in every game this season. Despite his diminished counting stats, Mahomes and the Chiefs remain undefeated through the season's first four weeks. The Chiefs quarterback will look to keep the streak alive against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. The Saints should be a favorable matchup for Mahomes since their defense has allowed the sixth-most passing yards this season. The Chiefs passing attack has not been exciting to begin the year, and it may be getting worse as Rashee Rice is believed to have suffered a significant knee injury in the first quarter. Travis Kelce seemed to be the primary beneficiary of Rice's exit from the game. Mahomes could funnel the passing game through Kelce moving forward, but the volume of their passing attack should remain consistent. The Chiefs have been content in establishing the run, and you cannot argue with their results so far. It is becoming increasingly difficult to rely on Mahomes as a fantasy quarterback this season.

From RotoBaller

Christian Kirk Sep 30 3:00am CT
Christian Kirk

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk had another great performance in Week 4 against the Houston Texans in a 24-20 loss. Kirk finished with seven catches for 61 yards and a touchdown. The former Arizona Cardinal only had two catches in the first two games, but now has 15 receptions in his last two games. His touchdown was also his first of the season. Kirk in past seasons has been a great volume guy which conveys well to PPR leagues, and after two hiccups to start the year, it seems he is back on track. With the Jaguars offense slowly getting better and the potential return of Evan Engram soon, the offense should only get better. Kirk and Brian Thomas Jr. each scored touchdowns against the Texans, seemingly a potential dynamic duo going forward. The Jaguars face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5, where Kirk will once again look to lead the team in targets and catches.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Sep 30 2:40am CT
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. scored and led the team in receiving yards in a 24-20 loss to the Houston Texans. BTJ has been one of the few bright spots for the Jaguars offense so far this season, and that continued in Week 4. He put up six catches for 86 yards and had one of Trevor Lawrence's two passing touchdowns on the day. He also showed off his big play ability once again, averaging 14.3 yards per reception, with his longest reception being 32 yards. The rookie receiver was still behind Christian Kirk in catches and targets, but his down field threat makes him the higher upside pick in fantasy. Kirk's success should be more positive than negative for BTJ, as it will draw defensive attention away. The first round pick has been impressive and will likely only get better as the season progresses. BTJ will look to continue his high-level play in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Sep 30 2:30am CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle caught all four of his targets for 45 yards and a touchdown in the team's 30-13 home victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday. The All-Pro's status was in doubt for most of the week after missing Week 3 with a hamstring injury but came through for fantasy managers in this one, the highlight a 12-yard head-top touchdown with multiple defenders draped over him in the corner of the endzone. Kittle now holds the lead in fantasy half-PPR points per game among tight ends. It's worth noting that Kittle left the field briefly due to an apparent injury late in the game, but did return. Assuming he's active in Week 5 at home against the Arizona Cardinals, he'll again be a top option for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Sep 30 2:30am CT
Tank Bigsby

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby had a great performance in Week 4, putting up 90 yards rushing on just seven attempts in a 24-20 loss to the Houston Texans. The second-year pro improved on his great Week 1 performance of 73 yards on 12 attempts. Travis Etienne Jr. still had more touches than Bigsby, but the young back is making a case to get more playing time going forward. That is great to hear for Jaguars fans, but not for fantasy managers. If Bigsby continues to perform, he will continue to cut into Etienne Jr.'s workload, limiting each player's upside. Bigsby showed off his big play ability with a 58 yard rush and putting up 12.9 yards per carry. That likely isn't sustainable, but it does show he can potentially be at least a solid fantasy option with a limited workload. In Week 5, the Jaguars face the Indianapolis Colts, where Bigsby will look to once again make the most of his touches.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Sep 30 2:20am CT
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. had a quiet day, rushing for just 50 yards on 11 carries in a 24-20 loss to the Houston Texans. He also added one catch for 10 yards. Etienne Jr. wasn't that involved in the running game or the passing game, as he was outshined by Tank Bigsby, similar to Week 1. A big pull for fantasy managers to draft the Clemson product in the early rounds was his potential volume, but through four games, that just hasn't materialized. The Jaguars have been losing in most of their games, meaning more passing situations, and Bigsby is cutting into some of his work. In weeks where he doesn't score a touchdown, Etienne Jr. may struggle to prove his worth to fantasy managers going forward. While the Jaguars running back is still a good start in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts, it is clear his upside is far lower than what fantasy managers expected heading into the season.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Sep 30 2:10am CT
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence had his best fantasy output of the season, passing for 169 yards and two touchdowns in a 24-20 defeat to the Houston Texans. While those numbers still are below expectations for the former number one pick, the offense is at least showing signs of improving. The Jaguars are now 0-4, and are in desperate need of a good game to turn things around. This wasn't quite that, but it was nice to see Christian Kirk and Brian Thomas Jr. do well. While Lawrence himself hasn't had any fantasy success, he at least seems to be building rapport with his receivers. Once Evan Engram returns from injury, Lawrence could finally put it all together and have an above average fantasy performance. The Jaguars face another division rival in the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5 who just let up 312 passing yards and 30+ fantasy points to Pittsburgh Steelers QB Justin Fields. Lawrence will look to continue improving steadily as the season progresses.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Sep 30 2:00am CT
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings proved that he's become more than just an injury replacement in the team's 30-13 home victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday. In Week 3, Jennings had the game of his life, an 11-catch, 175-yard, three-touchdown performance, partially explainable by the injury absences of receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and tight end George Kittle. However, in Week 4 Jennings kept the momentum rolling even with both players back on the field. He led the 49ers in yards and targets by posting three catches -- including a ridiculous over-the-wrong-shoulder snag for 45 yards -- on six targets for 88 yards. Jennings is unlikely to continue pacing all 49ers receivers but has at least forced his way into fantasy consideration until further notice. Jennings gets the Arizona Cardinals at home in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aiyuk Sep 30 1:30am CT
Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk remained in a fantasy football rut during a 30-13 home win over the New England Patriots on Sunday. Aiyuk came away with two receptions on five targets for 48 yards and is still searching for touchdown number one -- though he did get another end zone target that was picked off. Those looking for more volume from Aiyuk have to be disappointed as today's yardage matches last week's but with five fewer targets. At least this year's career-low yards per reception figure increased today, which was his calling card in 2023. While smart money still says that Aiyuk will turn it around eventually, it has to be disturbing for Aiyuk managers to see third receiver Jauan Jennings outproduce Aiyuk in yards, receptions, and targets again in this one after Jennings' bonanza last week in the absence of Deebo Samuel Sr. It might be true that 2024 won't end up as Aiyuk's best statistical year because of the sluggish start, but he's still young and has too good of a track record to give up on. If anything, he's a good buy-low candidate from managers who have grown impatient and unaware that Aiyuk has always been somewhat volatile and dependent on big plays. He'll get another crack at it next week versus the Arizona Cardinals at home.

From RotoBaller

Chris Boswell Sep 30 1:20am CT
Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell drilled his lone field goal and converted on all three of his extra-point tries in a 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Pittsburgh's offense struggled mightily in the first half, but Boswell managed to get the Steelers on the board with a 50-yarder to close the second quarter. Quarterback Justin Fields eventually got things rolling and led the team to the end zone on three of its last four possessions. If the Steelers can carry their momentum from the second half into Week 5, Boswell could be busy against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. In any case, the 33-year-old should at least provide a stable floor for fantasy purposes moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Pat Freiermuth Sep 30 1:10am CT
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth hauled in five of seven targets for 57 yards and a touchdown in the team's Week 4 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. With Pittsburgh hoping to mount a comeback, Freiermuth made an excellent effort play late in the fourth quarter to score on a short pass from signal-caller Justin Fields. It marked the 25-year-old's first touchdown since Week 3 of the 2023 campaign. Freiermuth continues to be a dependable weapon for Fields as the two have connected on at least four passes in every contest this season. He represents consistency at a position that has been mostly devoid of it for fantasy purposes. Because of his utilization, Freiermuth should remain in fantasy consideration next week despite a tough matchup with the Dallas Cowboys.

From RotoBaller