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FFL: Week 5 | NFL: Week 5

Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson (knee) returns to practice

Fri Oct 4 1:04pm ET
Field Level Media

The Minnesota Vikings on Friday opened the 21-day practice window for Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson, who has been on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list since the start of training camp.

The Vikings have 21 days to activate Hockenson to the 53-man roster and could wait until the Week 8 game at the Los Angeles Rams on Oct. 24. He is expected to participate in Friday's practice in London, where Minnesota (4-0) plays the New York Jets (2-2) on Sunday.

Hockenson tore the ACL and MCL in his right knee on Dec. 24 in a 30-24 loss to his former team, the Detroit Lions. The 27-year-old Hockenson had surgery on Jan. 29. He is a two-time Pro Bowl selection (2020, 2022).

Entering his sixth NFL season, Hockenson was the No. 8 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Lions, who traded him to Minnesota in November 2022. In 72 career games (60 starts), Hockenson has 3,547 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns.

Before the injury last season, Hockenson had 95 catches on 127 targets for 960 yards and five TDs.

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 5

Player Notes
Tyler Lockett Oct 4 12:30pm CT
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (thigh) finds himself in the flex conversation once again in Week 5. Lockett has earned at least seven targets in three of four games this season and that volume will keep him fantasy relevant. Unfortunately, Lockett has only cleared 61 yards in one game. He also has yet to score a touchdown after scoring at an incredibly high clip earlier in his career. However, Lockett is still a trusted safety valve for quarterback Geno Smith and will see his fair share of targets even with the emergence of second-year wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Lockett enters a matchup with a New York Giants team that has lost several playmakers in the defensive backfield in recent years. The Seahawks should have no trouble moving up and down the field against this team which could give Lockett his first chance to score this season.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Oct 4 12:30pm CT
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (toe) continues to stay off the fantasy radar. After a big Week 3 in which Fant caught six passes for 60 yards, he was back to his usual two catches per game in Week 4. Fant is far from his days in Denver when he was a high-end fantasy starter. He is far more necessary to the Seahawks offense than he is to fantasy teams. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb focuses more on his talented group of wide receivers than Fant, and rightfully so. If you have an extra roster spot than Fant may be worth a stash, but you should not even think about starting him until he proves any kind of fantasy worth.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Oct 4 12:30pm CT
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is a solid play at quarterback in Week 5. He is coming off a game in which he threw for 395 yards and a touchdown. A late interception dampened the day, but the output was huge. Smith has thrown for exactly one touchdown in all four games this season. This Seahawks offense feels like it is on the cusp of an explosion which could come in Week 5. Smith should have a chance to finally break through with a multiple-touchdown game. He should also push for 250 or more passing yards. Smith has been serviceable all year which is evidenced by his current standing as the QB9 in fantasy. If you need a bye-week fill-in for Jalen Hurts or Jared Goff, or you have an underperforming starter such as Patrick Mahomes, then Smith is a fine option to deploy.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Hockenson Oct 4 12:30pm CT
T.J. Hockenson

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) was limited in his return to practice on Friday, but he has been ruled out for Week 5 against the New York Jets and will not come off the Physically Unable to Perform list just yet. The Vikings opened Hockenson's 21-day practice window on Friday, but he'll have to wait until at least Week 7 against the Detroit Lions -- the Vikings have their bye in Week 6 -- before potentially making his 2024 debut. We'll have a better idea in a few weeks of whether the 27-year-old will be able to return in Week 7 by his practice participation. Hockenson deserves to be stashed in all fantasy formats and should have TE1 utility when he's back in a Vikings offense that has looked great under quarterback Sam Darnold so far in 2024. Until Hockenson returns, fantasy managers can continue to ignore Johnny Mundt.

From RotoBaller

Jason Myers Oct 4 12:30pm CT
Jason Myers

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers had a tough day in Week 4 against the Detroit Lions. Myers missed a long field of 62 yards at the end of the first half and only kicked three extra points to make up for it. It is not every day that kickers attempt career long field goals at the end of the half, so Myers' dud is unlikely to be a trend. Myers should continue his accurate kicking spree in Week 5. Additionally, the Seahawks D/ST should be in plenty of scoring positions all day. Do not be surprised if Myers delivers two to three field goals and two to three extra points. That should be enough for another double-digit fantasy day.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Oct 4 12:30pm CT
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been a two-faced player in 2024. He has two games with 12 or more targets with 13.1 fantasy points in each of those games. He also has two games with three or less targets with 6.9 or less fantasy points in each of those games. His inconsistency makes him difficult to trust but his talent is intriguing. The Seahawks have made it clear that they would like Smith-Njigba to touch the ball far more than he did in 2023. However, whether or not it is by design, the team has not been able to consistently scheme plays for Smith-Njigba. He has a chance to shine against a middle-of-the-road New York Giants defense in Week 5. He should be a flex-play with upside but do not be surprised if he delivers another dud performance.

From RotoBaller

Zach Charbonnet Oct 4 12:30pm CT
Zach Charbonnet

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet finds himself in a secondary role to Kenneth Walker III (oblique) once again. Upon Walker's return from injury in Week 5, Charbonnet was out-touched 16 to seven. With their actions, the Seahawks have made it clear that they heavily prefer Walker over Charbonnet. Charbonnet did see a 42% snap share to Walker's 59%. However, the Seahawks clearly would like Walker to have the ball in his hands over Charbonnet. What is more, five of Charbonnet's touches in Week 4 were receptions on a day in which quarterback Geno Smith threw the ball 56 times. That type of volume will not be available to Charbonnet in every game. He is worth a roster spot, but he is merely a hand cuff for Walker until proven otherwise.

From RotoBaller

Brian Robinson Jr. Oct 4 12:20pm CT
Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said that running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) is "trending in the right direction" to play in Week 5 against the Cleveland Browns despite not practicing on Wednesday or Thursday. Robinson returned to practice on Friday, although his status for Sunday's contest could come down to a game-time decision. Fantasy managers should expect him to be listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report. With Austin Ekeler (concussion) returning to action in Week 5 after sitting out the Week 4 win over the Arizona Cardinals, B-Rob won't have nearly as much upside as he did heading into last week's game with Ekeler ruled out. If the 25-year-old were to be ruled out, Jeremy McNichols, who had two rushing touchdowns last week, would split backfield touches with Ekeler. If B-Rob is active, he'll be an RB2 for fantasy managers against Cleveland.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Oct 4 12:20pm CT
Malik Nabers

The Seattle Seahawks defense/special teams is headed into a matchup against the New York Giants in Week 5. The Giants will be playing without star rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (concussion) who has meant everything to this offense. Running back Devin Singletary (groin) may not play in this game either, however, he did manage to return to practice on Friday. Without either of those players, the Giants are left with very little playmakers on offense and a shaky offensive line. The revamped Seahawks defensive front should have a field day getting to quarterback Daniel Jones in this game. As such, they should have plenty of sacks and could force several turnovers as a result of the pressure. While this squad was annihilated by the Detroit Lions in Week 4, they should absolutely be in your lineup in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Oct 4 12:20pm CT
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) is coming off a huge three-touchdown performance against the Detroit Lions in Week 4. What is even more impressive is that Walker had not played in two weeks and immediately regained his starting job as a workhorse running back. This coaching regime loves Walker, and his stronghold over his workload will continue as long as he is healthy. The Giants are No. 14 against opposing running backs in fantasy. As such, Walker should feast in a game that the Seahawks should win handily. Fire Walker up as an RB1 in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Taylor Oct 4 12:20pm CT
Jonathan Taylor

The Indianapolis Colts officially ruled out running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) for the Week 5 game this weekend against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Things were trending this way after Taylor suffered what was described as a minor right high-ankle sprain in the Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 25-year-old isn't going on Injured Reserve but he's out for this week and could be up in the air to face the division-rival Tennessee Titans in Week 6. It's a big blow for Indy's offense, which could also be without quarterback Anthony Richardson (abdomen, oblique) against Jacksonville. With Taylor out, Trey Sermon is expected to be the Colts' primary back in Week 5, giving him RB2/3 plug-and-play fantasy appeal off the waiver wire if you have Taylor or are desperate for some RB help this week. In addition to Sermon having a bigger role, Tyler Goodson will also see more work as the backup.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Oct 4 12:20pm CT
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (hand) has been nothing short of excellent in 2024. Metcalf has 24 receptions for 366 yards and two touchdowns this season. He has dominated three weeks in a row with over 100 receiving yards. The New York Giants are the No. 14 team against opposing wide receivers but there is no one on their defense who should scare you away from Metcalf at home. It is noteworthy that Metcalf is nursing a hand injury. He was able to practice fully on Wednesday but was downgraded to limited on Thursday. Metcalf's practice participation will need to be closely monitored as we head into the weekend. However, if Metcalf plays then he will be a no-brainer starter in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Oct 4 12:10pm CT
Diontae Johnson

As expected, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) was removed from the final Week 5 injury report on Friday after he put in a second straight limited practice. Johnson was given a DNP in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, but the Panthers all along expected him to play this Sunday against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The 28-year-old needs to be locked into all starting fantasy lineups despite the tough matchup against Chicago's defense on the road. In two games since quarterback Andy Dalton took over for Bryce Young under center, Johnson has caught 15 of his 27 targets for 205 yards and two touchdowns. High volume should be expected yet again with Adam Thielen (hamstring) still on Injured Reserve.

From RotoBaller

Miles Sanders Oct 4 12:10pm CT
Miles Sanders

Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (illness) missed some practice time this week while being under the weather, but he was removed from the final Week 5 injury report on Friday and will suit up on Sunday at Soldier Field to face the Chicago Bears. The 27-year-old was able to practice in full on Friday after missing the sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. Especially against a stout defense on the road, fantasy managers should have better flex options at the RB position than Sanders in Week 5. Through the first four weeks as the backup to starter Chuba Hubbard, Sanders has 25 carries for 91 yards (3.6 yards per carry) and has found the end zone once, adding eight catches for 32 yards. His fantasy stock is going to plummet even further once rookie RB Jonathon Brooks (knee) comes off the Non-Football Injury list soon to make his NFL debut.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Oct 4 12:00pm CT
Justin Fields

The Dallas Cowboys' defense has had a very up-and-down season through the first month. They looked like the unit we were all used to a season ago in Week 1 against Cleveland, but quickly fell off a cliff for Weeks 2 and 3. Week 4 against the Giants was no tough test, and now Dallas will face a conservative Pittsburgh Steelers offense in Week 5. Quarterback Justin Fields has been on a hot streak, accounting for six touchdowns and one turnover in the past three games. There are better streaming options available this week. Dallas is a fringe startable unit, but check free agency first for a better option against a weaker offensive unit.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Oct 4 11:50am CT
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson has been one of the few consistent tight end options this season. With Brandin Cooks (knee) ruled out for Sunday night's game in Pittsburgh, Ferguson should figure to see a consistent target share again. Ferguson has seen 21.6% of passes come his way when in the lineup this season, accounting for the second-highest percentage of targets on the team behind only CeeDee Lamb. The 25-year-old should be thrown into lineups this weekend in all formats despite going up against a tough Pittsburgh secondary. Dallas has leaned on the passing game and should continue to do so in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aubrey Oct 4 11:50am CT
Brandon Aubrey

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey has been the top option at his position this season. The Cowboys play in Pittsburgh on Sunday night in what could be a lower-scoring game. Despite the tough matchup, Aubrey should remain in all lineups. The number one kicker in fantasy cannot be cut from rosters, forcing him into lineups in a tough matchup. Downgrade expectations for Aubrey this week, although he still remains a top-three option at the position.

From RotoBaller

Noah Brown Oct 4 11:50am CT
Noah Brown

Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (groin) was ruled out for Sunday's game, according to JP Finlay of 1067 The Fan. Brown participated in Wednesday's practice in a limited fashion but was unable to practice on Thursday, which suggests the injury was more severe than previously expected. The 28-year-old has begun to emerge as the No.2 wideout opposite of Terry McLaurin, as he has caught three passes in every game and saw a season-high four targets last week. Through this stretch, Brown has averaged 37 yards each game. Fantasy managers should expect Terry McLaurin, tight end Zach Ertz, and running back Austin Ekeler to see a slight uptick in targets with Brown sitting out. Third-round pick Luke McCaffrey could also see an increase in playing time along with Olamide Zaccheaus and Dyami Brown and are worth a look as a flex option in 14+ team leagues.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Oct 4 11:40am CT
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb remains one of the top fantasy options at the position going into Sunday night's matchup with Pittsburgh. Despite a road matchup in a tough nighttime environment against the eighth-best secondary against opposing receivers, Lamb remains a no-brainer start due to his high volume share and unlimited fantasy ceiling. With Brandin Cooks (knee) ruled out for the game and Rico Dowdle (wrist) banged up, even more work should go Lamb's way in prime time. The 25-year-old is one of the few matchup-proof players in fantasy and should be started in all formats this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Brian Robinson Jr. Oct 4 11:40am CT
Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) was seen at Friday's practice, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic. Standig noted that the portion of practice that was open to the media was very brief and did not provide much clarity on his status heading into Sunday. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the injury report later on Friday afternoon as the Alabama product will likely carry a designation into the weekend as he did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. The 25-year-old has enjoyed an excellent start to the season as he has found the end zone in all but one game and eclipsed 100 yards in two of them. If Robinson suits up, he should be viewed as a high-end RB2. If he is unable to play, fantasy managers should lock Austin Ekeler into their lineup, as he should be expected to see a significant uptick in opportunities.

From RotoBaller