Guest of the League
Throw Me The Ball Est. 2022
Dynasty $125 - FFL: Week 5 | NFL: Week 5

Vikings to re-sign RB Cam Akers, if he's healthy

Tue Jul 2 12:56pm ET
Field Level Media

The Minnesota Vikings plan to re-sign running back Cam Akers if he passes a physical, the Pioneer Press reported Tuesday.

Akers, 25, sustained a season-ending Achilles injury last November. He also missed most of the 2021 season with a torn Achilles.

He rushed 38 times for 138 yards and a touchdown in six games after joining the Vikings in a September 2023 trade with the Los Angeles Rams.

Akers has rushed for 1,581 yards and 11 scores and caught 38 passes for 320 yards and one TD in 36 games (15 starts) with the Rams (2020-23) and Vikings. Los Angeles drafted him in the second round in 2020 and he helped them win Super Bowl LVI.

The Vikings' current running backs roster includes Aaron Jones, Ty Chandler, Kene Nwangwu, DeWayne McBride and Myles Gaskin.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 5

Player Notes
Jaelan Phillips Oct 4 11:30am CT
Jaelan Phillips

The Miami Dolphins defense/special teams is one of the more intriguing plays in Week 5 when they face the New England Patriots on the road. Miami's defensive unit has allowed the seventh-most points per game in the league this year (25.8) but is averaging just the sixth-fewest yards per game to opposing offenses (282.0). Conversely, New England's offense ranks at the bottom of the league in total offense per contest (238.8) and second-to-last in scoring (13.0 PPG). The Dolphins will be missing linebacker Jaelan Phillips (knee) for the rest of the season and could be down safety Jordan Poyer (shin) after he was forced from their 31-12 loss to the Tennessee Titans. However, the Fins have recorded an interception in back-to-back outings and three sacks in 2-of-4 contests thus far. They're RotoBaller's DST8 for this week's rankings.

From RotoBaller

Dak Prescott Oct 4 11:30am CT
Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has strung together back-to-back QB1 fantasy performances, but the same should not be expected from the veteran heading into Sunday night's matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh has the sixth-best defense against opposing quarterbacks through the season's first month, creating a tough matchup for the Cowboys' signal caller. Brandin Cooks (knee) has also been ruled out, leaving Prescott with fewer options in the passing game than usual. Prescott is still playable, but beware that both his ceiling and floor will be more limited than usual. Consider sitting the 31-year-old in one quarterback leagues.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Oct 4 11:20am CT
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz enters Week 5 against Buffalo coming off his most productive game of the season, albeit for just three catches and 34 receiving yards. The veteran tight end is still playing a ton of snaps for Houston nearly 84% but he hasn't been the pass-catching option fantasy managers had hoped thus far. However, Buffalo blitzes less than any team in the league and Houston's backfield has been impacted by injuries, possibly opening the door for a higher volume of short-yardage throws that could benefit a tight end. Still, Schultz has been tough to trust in a Texans offense with many mouths to feed.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Oct 4 11:20am CT
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (concussion) is "good to go" for Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers, according to Dani Sureck of the Arizona Cardinals. McBride suffered a concussion during their Week 3 loss to the Detroit Lions and was held out of last weekend's game. During the first three weeks of the campaign, McBride has seen at least six targets his way in every game, with a high of nine in the opening week. The tight end has caught at least five passes in two games and averaged 40.7 yards in each game. Fantasy managers should confidently lock the 24-year-old into their lineup this weekend as a high-end TE1 despite facing a tough San Francisco defense.

From RotoBaller

Stefon Diggs Oct 4 11:20am CT
Stefon Diggs

With his former Buffalo Bills teammates visiting this week, Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs continues to be a solid WR2 play. The 30-year-old has allayed concerns about his usage on a new team by playing 81% of snaps, drawing more than eight targets per game, and putting up three top-20 finishes in four weeks. The Bills' pass defense ranks first against fantasy wide receivers thus far, but Diggs and fellow wideout Nico Collins are drawing so much volume each week that they still belong in starting lineups. And if you're a believer in revenge games, the former Bill is definitely looking for a big performance on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Nico Collins Oct 4 11:20am CT
Nico Collins

The Buffalo Bills have been awfully tough on pass catchers in 2024, but Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins remains in elite territory as the two sides prepare to clash in Week 5. The 25-year-old receiver looks to be entering his prime with a capable supporting cast, and the early returns have been excellent. Collins leads the NFL in receiving yardage and is drawing 10.8 targets per game. Buffalo has allowed the third-fewest air yards in the NFL and ranks No. 1 against fantasy wide receivers, though Collins has produced against everybody he has played in 2024. Until that changes, the Michigan product should be valued as a WR1 in any format.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Oct 4 11:20am CT
C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud faces a marquee game on Sunday with the Buffalo Bills in town. The quarterback's sophomore campaign is off to a solid start: he already has surpassed the 1,000-yard mark, he has a 3:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, and the Texans are 3-1. Next up is a steady Bills defense that has blitzed less than any team in the NFL and allowed the third-fewest air yards. Stroud and the Texans can expect to see a lot of coverage-heavy looks against the Bills, especially with running back Joe Mixon (ankle) unlikely to see the field. Even so, the second-year quarterback is at the helm of a dangerous offense, making him a safe QB1 play in this matchup.

From RotoBaller

Devin Singletary Oct 4 11:20am CT
Devin Singletary

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (groin) will practice on Friday, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN. This is a great sign as Singletary did not practice earlier this week. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status during Friday's practice as it should provide clarity on his availability for Sunday's game. Through his first four games as a New York Giant, the 27-year-old has logged at least 40 snaps in every game and has been deployed as a three-down back. He has seen double-digit rushing attempts in every game and received at least four targets in two out of the four games. If the former Buffalo Bill is able to suit up, he should be viewed as a low-end RB2. If not, rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. is worth considering as an upside flex option in deeper formats.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Mostert Oct 4 11:10am CT
Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (chest) could play this weekend, according to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network. Wolfe noted that this will be determined following Friday's practice session. Mostert has been sidelined since Week 1 with a chest injury he suffered in the season opener. In that game, the veteran running back saw six carries and two targets. During this week, Mostert was able to log two consecutive limited practice sessions, which suggests he could be nearing a return. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report, as it should provide clarity on his status heading into the weekend. If Mostert is able to suit up, he should be viewed as a flex option facing the New England Patriots, who have allowed the 18th-most fantasy points to opposing running backs.

From RotoBaller

Jason Sanders Oct 4 11:10am CT
Jason Sanders

Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders will not be a recommended fantasy option in Week 5 when his team takes on the New England Patriots in Foxborough. Sanders has missed just two field goals on the season and has yet to miss an extra point attempt in four contests. However, scoring opportunities have been challenging to come by, with Miami punching in just three touchdowns through the first month of games. This offense continues to trend negatively until quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) returns. Despite the 28-year-old's trademark accuracy, fantasy managers may want to aim elsewhere for a more consistent kicking option that garners a higher floor and ceiling regarding weekly output. The former seventh-round pick is RotoBaller's K28 in this Week's rankings.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Oct 4 11:10am CT
Josh Allen

The Houston Texans enter Week 5 in the middle of the pack among fantasy defenses on the season, making them a highly risky play against the Buffalo Bills. Behind quarterback Josh Allen, Buffalo has been excellent through four weeks. The Bills are one of three teams averaging more than 30 points, their 73.3% red zone touchdown percentage ranks third in the NFL, and they are scoring on nearly 49% of their drives overall, which is fifth-best in the league. Further, Buffalo is turning over the ball on fewer than 5% of drives and they have allowed the fourth-fewest sacks. Chances are good fantasy managers can find a better streaming option than Houston this week.

From RotoBaller

Ka'imi Fairbairn Oct 4 11:10am CT
Ka'imi Fairbairn

As one of two kickers in the NFL to have made six field goals from 50 or more yards, Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn remains an easy starting lineup decision with the Buffalo Bills visiting in Week 5. The UCLA product is 8-for-9 overall on field goals, perfect on extra points, and attached to one of the league's better offenses. Additionally, Buffalo's defense has allowed touchdowns on only half of its opponents' trips to the red zone so far this season. Playing indoors for a fifth straight game, Fairbairn is a top-five option among fantasy kickers this week.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Wright Oct 4 11:00am CT
Jaylen Wright

Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright may again be the primary backup in his team's backfield when they square off against the New England Patriots on Sunday. The rookie saw his highest snap share of the season in Miami's Week 4 31-12 loss to the Tennessee Titans, participating in 28 of 60 snaps (47%). In turn, Wright saw his most work on the year, handling nine carries for 32 yards and failing to bring in his sole target. Backfield mate Jeff Wilson Jr. (knee) returned to full practice on Thursday; however, the last time both were healthy in Week 3, the rookie saw one less snap and one less carry than Wilson but out-gained him by three yards and more than doubled the veteran's yards per carry (8.5). The former Volunteer will not be recommended in Week 5, particularly against a stout New England ground defense. Still, he'll be an asset to monitor over the coming weeks and would be an intriguing handcuff if he could hold onto his increased volume.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Oct 4 10:50am CT
Malik Nabers

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. This doesn't come as much of a surprise given Nabers hasn't been able to practice this week. He continues to work his way back from a head injury he suffered in Week 4. The loss of Nabers is a significant hit to this Giants offense considering he has 35 receptions on 52 targets this season. Wan'Dale Robinson will likely gain the most value out of anyone on this offense with Nabers out. Robinson finished with 11 receptions on 14 targets with 71 yards last week. He figures to be a focal point in the passing game, especially with Nabers out.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Oct 4 10:40am CT
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield continued his effective play during Thursday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. Mayfield looked solid as he completed 19-of-24 passing attempts for 180 yards and three touchdowns in the overtime loss. Mayfield was accurate in this one as he only had a handful of incompletions with zero turnovers. He also added 42 yards on the ground on six carries as Mayfield looked good with his legs. Mayfield will now head into a tougher challenge against the New Orleans Saints defense in Week 6. Despite that, Mayfield has done enough to put himself in the QB1 conversation for that game.

From RotoBaller

Jonnu Smith Oct 4 10:40am CT
Jonnu Smith

Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith will not be a viable fantasy option in Week 5 when his team lines up for a road tilt against their division-rival New England Patriots. The 29-year-old had a productive outing -- for a TE, anyway -- in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills when he reeled in 6-of-7 targets for 53 yards but has seen his production decline since then. Most recently, posting a goose egg on one target in the team's 31-12 loss against the Tennessee Titans. The Dolphins' offensive woes aside, it's unclear whether or not Smith is still the TE1 on this team, as teammate Julian Hill has out-snapped him each of the last two weeks and 125-to-100 on the season. The former still leads Hill in every statistical category. Still, the veteran tight end can't be a trusted source of consistent production as the fourth option at best in Miami's passing attack. He's RotoBaller's PPR TE26 ahead of Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Joe Mixon Oct 4 10:30am CT
Joe Mixon

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) is not expected to suit up for the Week 5 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Mixon hasn't played since Week 2 and it looks like he'll miss at least one more game. Mixon hasn't been able to practice this week, which puts him in the wrong direction ahead of Sunday's game. That being said, Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale figure to split up the backfield duties for at least one more week. Akers is looking like a low-end flex option after posting 53 yards on the ground on 13 attempts last week.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Shakir Oct 4 10:30am CT
Khalil Shakir

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 5 matchup against the Houston Texans. Shakir was pulled early during last week's game due to an ankle issue. It doesn't seem to be improving too well as he hasn't practiced this week. As a result, Shakir will sit out this week and will hopefully return in Week 6. His absence should mean increased roles for Keon Coleman and Mack Hollins. Also, tight end Dalton Kincaid should see more targets in the passing game with Shakir sidelined. Kincaid saw a season-high seven targets and finished with 47 yards last week.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Oct 4 10:10am CT
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has an enticing Week 5 matchup in a road tilt against the New England Patriots. Waddle -- along with the other Dolphins skill players -- has been one of the more disappointing fantasy assets through the first month of the season as his team works through their offensive challenges down their starting (Tua Tagovailoa [concussion]) and backup (Skylar Thompson [ribs]) quarterbacks. However, New England's defense presents as an excellent opportunity for a bounce-back effort. The Patriots have been porous against opposing passing attacks through four weeks, allowing the fourth-most pass yards per play. Additionally, the Dolphins could be forced into a pass-heavy script, as New England has been one of the better teams at stopping the run. While it hasn't translated to on-field production, the 25-year-old has been one of the better separators in the league, garnering an "OPEN" score of 76 per ESPN analytics -- a top-six score in the NFL and ten points better than his running-mate Tyreek Hill. Waddle is RotoBaller's PPR WR44 in this week's rankings.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Oct 4 10:00am CT
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill has a juicy matchup lined up this Sunday when his team hits the road to square off against their division-rival New England Patriots. The veteran speedster has seen his production dip over the last few outings since a massive seven-catch, 130-yard performance in the team's season opener. Not only has Hill had his offensive woes with quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) and Skylar Thompson (ribs) shelved due to injury. Also, Miami has faced three top-six defenses regarding net passing yards per play since then. Everything is working against the 30-year-old wideout, but he'll have an opportunity to get right against a New England defense that has been beaten by the pass all season. Touchdowns might be tough to come by, with the Pats allowing 21.8 points per outing, but the 1,016 passing yards they've let up are the sixth-most in the NFL. Hill is the WR28 this week in RotoBaller's Week 5 PPR rankings, with as good a chance as any to bounce back before Miami's Week 6 bye.

From RotoBaller