Mon Oct 6 10:36am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Dowdle runs wild in Week 5
Well, that was certainly an interesting week of football. There weren’t a ton of big fantasy scores but certainly some intriguing outcomes. This was a week of upsets with the Broncos and Patriots pulling off two of the biggest. You just never know what you are going to see from week to week, which is what makes this game so great to watch.
49ers 26, Rams 23
Fantasy Stud: Matthew Stafford. Stafford had a huge game against a 49ers secondary that had played well this year. He was 30-of-47 for 389 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Stafford scored 30.45 fantasy points, giving him two straight games with 30-plus points. His back injury was a concern to start the year but hasn’t seemed to bother him at all. He is having another big season
Fantasy Dud: Demarcus Robinson. Robinson got some starts with the 49ers all banged up at receiver, but he was not a help to any fantasy teams that used him. He had three receptions for 39 yards. Robinson got some looks but showed he is going to be a risk to use for fantasy teams - even in an expanded role.
Game Notes: Kendrick Bourne had 10 receptions for 142 yards. He had a huge game, serving as the top target in the 49ers passing game.
Puka Nacua finished with 10 receptions for 85 yards. Nacua has double-digit receptions three straight and four of five games.
Vikings 21, Browns 17
Fantasy Stud: David Njoku. Njoku led the way in the passing game for the Browns. He had six receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown. These were his best numbers of the season across the board, finishing with 18.7 fantasy points. He was targeted a season-best nine times, giving him at least five targets four of five games. Njoku remains a big part of this passing game, even with the emergence of rookie tight end Harold Fannin
Fantasy Dud: Jerry Jeudy. Jeudy continues to do very little, catching just two passes for 15 yards. You hoped things might have changed for him with a new starting quarterback this week, but that wasn’t the case. Jeudy has not had double-digit fantasy points since Week 1 of the season. He has less than 50 yards three straight games.
Game Notes: Quinshon Judkins had his first 100-yard game as a pro. He ran 23 times for 110 yards. Judkins has double-digit fantasy points all four games he has played.
Dillon Gabriel played alright in his first NFL start. He was 19-of-33 for 190 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover.
Texans 44, Ravens 10
Fantasy Stud: C.J. Stroud. Stroud had another big game, going 23-of-27 for 244 yards and four touchdowns without a turnover. He also ran once for 30 yards. Stroud scored a season-best 31.2 fantasy points. He has 20-plus fantasy points two straight games
Fantasy Dud: Derrick Henry. Henry scored a touchdown but still managed to finish with fewer than 10 fantasy points. He ran 15 times for just 33 yards and a score. He has fewer than double-digit fantasy points two straight and three of four games. He has 50 or fewer rushing yards four straight games. Henry is not having near the season fantasy owners hoped.
Game Notes: Cooper Rush had a rough first start with the Ravens. He was 14-of-20 for 179 yards with three interceptions. He failed to score a touchdown.
Xavier Hutchinson had three receptions for 18 yards and two touchdowns. He scored his first touchdown in the NFL.
Colts 40, Raiders 6
Fantasy Stud: Jonathan Taylor. Taylor continued his huge season, rushing 17 times for 66 yards and three touchdowns. He had three receptions for 20 yards. Taylor has three touchdowns in two of his last three games. He has seven total scores for the season. Taylor has 12-plus fantasy points every game
Fantasy Dud: Jakobi Meyers. You thought Meyers might have a big game with a lot of injuries at tight end for the Raiders. But that wasn’t the case, catching four passes for 32 yards. Meyers has three straight games with fewer than double-digit fantasy points. He just hasn’t gotten on the same page with his new quarterback, Geno Smith, this season.
Game Notes: Daniel Jones was 20-of-29 for 212 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. Jones has touchdowns every game this season, totaling nine total touchdowns.
Ashton Jeanty topped 100 total yards. He ran 14 times for 67 yards and caught five passes for 42 yards. He had 109 total yards in the game.
Saints 26, Giants 14
Fantasy Stud: Rashid Shaheed. Shaheed had four receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown. It was his first 100-yard game of the season. Shaheed has at least four receptions every game this season. He has two games with 15-plus fantasy points
Fantasy Dud: Darius Slayton. There was hope Slayton might produce big in an expanded role but he had a rough game, catching three passes for 31 yards. He also lost a fumble. He scored just 5.1 fantasy points, his lowest total since Week 1. Slayton showed he is a tough fantasy player to trust.
Game Notes: Taysom Hill made his season debut for the Saints. He ran six times for a negative yard. He didn’t catch a pass but was 1-of-1 throwing the ball for 19 yards.
Kendre Miller led the Saints in rushing. He had 10 carries for 41 yards while Alvin Kamara ran eight times for just 27 yards.
Panthers 27, Dolphins 24
Fantasy Stud: Rico Dowdle. Dowdle got the start because of injury and responded with the best game of his career. He ran 23 times for 206 yards and a touchdown. Dowdle had three receptions for 28 yards, giving him 234 total yards. Dowdle proved that as long as Chuba Hubbard is sidelined, he might be a must-start for fantasy teams. This was quite the performance
Fantasy Dud: Tommy Tremble. Tremble looked great last week in a starting role, so he got some play this week. Unfortunately, that did not turn out well for fantasy owners. He caught just a pass for seven yards. It was a disappointing showing in what might be his last chance to start this season with Ja’Tavion Sanders back soon.
Game Notes: Darren Waller had five receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown. Waller has touchdowns each of his first two games this season.
Jaylen hit the 100-yard mark for the first time this year. He had six receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown.
Cowboys 37, Jets 22
Fantasy Stud: Javonte Williams. Williams continued his great play. He rushed 16 times for 132 yards and a touchdown. William also caught a pass for a four-yard touchdown. Williams scored a season-high 26.6 fantasy points. He has three games with 20-plus fantasy points
Fantasy Dud: Jalen Tolbert. Tolbert was targeted just once and didn’t catch a pass. It was a really disappointing showing after getting 10.1 fantasy points the previous game. He had multiple receptions three straight games before this down showing. You just aren’t sure what Tolbert will do at this point.
Game Notes: Mason Taylor had nine receptions for 67 yards. Both totals were career highs. Taylor has at least four receptions three straight games.
Ryan Flournoy emerged as the top target next to George Pickens in the Cowboys passing game. He had six receptions for 114 yards, leading the Cowboys in both categories.
Broncos 21, Eagles 17
Fantasy Stud: DeVonta Smith. Smith had eight receptions for 114 yards. It was his first 100-yard game of the season. He did not have more than 60 yards in a game before this big performance. He has 19-plus fantasy points two of his last three games, starting to produce better for his fantasy owners
Fantasy Dud: A.J. Brown. Brown had another poor game, catching five passes for 43 yards. He failed to hit double-digit fantasy points for the fourth time in five games. The only positive was he was targeted nine times, giving him at least eight targets four straight games.
Game Notes: JK Dobbins scored a touchdown for the fourth time in five games. He ran 20 times for 79 yards and a touchdown.
Dallas Goedert found the end zone once again, giving him touchdowns three straight games. He had three catches for 19 yards and a score on nine targets.
Bucs 38, Seahawks 35
Fantasy Stud: Emeka Egbuka. There were a lot of big performances in this one, but Egbuka gets the honor. He had another one of his huge games, catching seven passes for 163 yards and a touchdown. He scored 31.3 fantasy points in the game. Egbuka has three games this season with 20-plus fantasy points. He has touchdowns four of five games
Fantasy Dud: Chris Godwin. Godwin still hasn’t gotten into the flow of things just yet since returning from his ankle injury. He had three receptions for 26 yards in an offense that threw for nearly 400 yards. Godwin has six receptions for 52 yards on 14 targets in two games.
Game Notes: Sam Darnold had an unfortunate interception late in the game when his pass hit off a helmet but was fantastic besides that play. Darnold was 28-of-34 for 341 yards and four touchdowns with an interception.
Rachaad White handled most of the load at running back for the Bucs with Bucky Irving out. He ran 14 times for 41 and two touchdowns. White also had four receptions for 30 yards.
Titans 22, Cardinals 21
Fantasy Stud: Calvin Ridley. Ridley finally showed some signs of life, catching five passes for 131 yards. He did not have more than 60 yards in a game all season before this big game. His previous season high for fantasy points was 8.7. Ridley scored 18.1 fantasy points, showing you his potential if things start to click between him and rookie quarterback Cam Ward
Fantasy Dud: Trey McBride. McBride had a rare ho-hum performance. He caught five passes for 41 yards, finishing with fewer than double-digit fantasy points. This was his first game all season failing to hit double-digit points. He had at least 12 fantasy points before this one.
Game Notes: Tyjae Spears made his season debut and ran four times for 14 yards. He didn’t play a whole lot, watching Tony Pollard run 14 times for 67 yards and a touchdown.
Emari Demercado made a crucial mistake, letting go of the ball as he was about to cross the goal line. This pretty much cost the Cardinals the game. He ran three times for 81 yards.
Commanders 27, Chargers 10
Fantasy Stud: Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Croskey-Merritt finally got much of the run at running back and had a big game. He ran 14 times for 111 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught two passes for 39 yards, giving him 150 total yards. Hopefully, this is the game that gets him more consistent work in the Commanders offense
Fantasy Dud: Justin Herbert. Herbert was held in check, going 22-of-29 for 166 yards and a touchdown. The only positive was he led his team in rushing, running four times for 60 yards. But even with that said, Herbert scored just 17.3 fantasy points. He has fewer than 20 fantasy points three straight games.
Game Notes: Jayden Daniels returned from his injury and looked good, finishing 15-of-26 for 231 yards and a touchdown without a turnover. He also ran eight times for 39 yards.
Ladd McConkey found the end zone for the first time this season. He had five receptions for 39 yards and a touchdown on seven targets.
Omarion Hampton went to the locker room with an ankle injury and didn’t return. He ran 12 times for 44 yards and caught six passes for 26 yards.
Lions 37, Bengals 24
Fantasy Stud: David Montgomery. Montgomery did a little bit of everything. He led the team in rushing, running 18 times for 64 yards and a touchdown. He also threw a three-yard touchdown pass. Montgomery scored 18.15 fantasy points after having just 1.2 his previous game. It was a nice rebound performance from Montgomery
Fantasy Dud: Jameson Williams. Williams had just a catch for nine yards in a game the Lions threw for nearly 300 yards and four touchdowns. It was another disappointing game from the talented receiver. Williams had just one good fantasy showing all season. He has fewer than seven fantasy points four of five games.
Game Notes: Jared Goff was 19-of-23 for 258 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Goff has multiple touchdown passes three of four games.
Ja’Marr Chase had six receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns. He has 100-yard games two of four.
Patriots 23, Bills 20
Fantasy Stud: Stefon Diggs. Diggs has quickly become the go-to target for Drake Maye. He had 10 receptions for 146 yards. Diggs has two straight 100-yard games. He looks healthy and is making big play after big play for Maye. He is going to be a big-time fantasy receiver the rest of the way
Fantasy Dud: James Cook. Cook came back down to earth, rushing 15 times for just 49 yards. He didn’t catch a pass in the game. It was his first game all season without 20-plus fantasy points. Cook also failed to score a touchdown for the first time. He’ll be fine going forward, but this performance likely hurt a lot of his fantasy owners.
Game Notes: Rhamondre Stevenson lost yet another fumble but rebounded to find the end zone twice. He ran seven times for 14 yards and two touchdowns.
Dalton Kincaid hit the 100-yard mark. He had six receptions for 108 yards. Kincaid has 14-plus fantasy points three of five games.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
The Green Bay Packers opened the 21-day practice window on wide receiver Jayden Reed (collarbone, foot) on Friday, according to Bill Huber of SI.com. Reed is practicing for the first time since breaking his collarbone in Week 2. The 25-year-old also had surgery to fix a Jones fracture in his foot. He is making progress and nearing a return, but he won't play this Sunday against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings and is unlikely to be back for the Thanksgiving Day game next Thursday against the division-rival Detroit Lions. That means the most realistic date for Reed to return would be on Sunday, Dec. 7, when the team takes on the division-rival Chicago Bears in Week 14. Reed has demonstrated a nose for the end zone early in his career, scoring 18 times in 35 regular-season games, but he'll probably be a volatile commodity in the fantasy playoffs in a crowded WR room in Green Bay when he finally returns.
From RotoBaller
The Cincinnati Bengals have not made a final decision on whether quarterback Joe Burrow (toe) will play on Sunday against the New England Patriots, according to head coach Zac Taylor. Burrow was limited in practice on Friday and will officially be listed as questionable for Week 12. Both Burrow and Joe Flacco (shoulder) got reps in practice on Friday. "He's done everything he can," Taylor said about Burrow. The 28-year-old Burrow is still on Injured Reserve, so we should have an answer by Saturday as to whether the Bengals plan to start him this weekend. Flacco continues to deal with an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder, but if Cincy decides to hold Burrow out for another week, Flacco should be available to make one more start this weekend. There's no question that Burrow gives the Bengals offense more upside, but there could be a rust factor since he has not played since Week 2, and Cincy will also be without top wideout Ja'Marr Higgins (suspension) against New England.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said that wide receiver Chris Godwin (leg) is trending toward playing on Sunday night against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 12, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Godwin has not played since injuring his fibula in Week 5, but he was able to practice in full on Thursday and appears ready to return this weekend. The 29-year-old has only played in two games in 2025 after suffering a serious ankle dislocation in Week 7 of the 2024 season. The Bucs have already said that Godwin will have his snaps limited in his first game back after the long layoff, so we wouldn't recommend starting him in fantasy if he's active on Sunday night in a tough matchup on the road. Still, fantasy managers should have Godwin rostered in most leagues for the stretch run, as he figures to be a key target for quarterback Baker Mayfield with Mike Evans (collarbone) likely done for the year.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said that running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) has been ruled out for the Week 12 game this Sunday night against the Los Angeles Rams, according to Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com. Fantasy managers will be disappointed that Irving won't be back this weekend after it seemed he had been trending towards returning for the first time since Week 4, but the good news is that the Bucs are targeting a return for Irving in Week 13 against the Arizona Cardinals. A report from Pewter Report suggested that Irving was "reeling a bit" after being injured for the first time in his career and missing football, but he's "feeling better and is on the road to recovery." It's anyone's guess as to how Tampa's backfield will look when Irving finally returns, but for this Sunday against the Rams, Sean Tucker figures to see more work over Rachaad White after his three-touchdown performance in last week's loss to the Buffalo Bills.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (ankle) was absent from practice on Friday for the third time this week, according to ESPN's Jamison Hensley. Bateman suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Week 10 win over the Minnesota Vikings and did not play in last week's win over the Cleveland Browns. Without being able to practice this week, the 25-year-old will most likely be ruled out for a second straight game this weekend. Bateman's absence will once again open up more targets in the passing game against the New York Jets this Sunday for receivers Zay Flowers, DeAndre Hopkins, and Tylan Wallace. Tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely should also have slightly higher ceilings. Bateman had the best year of his career in 2024 with 756 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, but he's been a disappointment once again for fantasy managers in 2025 with a 16-194-2 line in nine games.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) is practicing for the second straight day on Friday, according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN. Jackson was held out of practice on Wednesday with an ankle injury, but he was a full participant on Thursday and appears to be just fine for the Week 12 matchup this Sunday against the visiting New York Jets. The 28-year-old two-time MVP missed several games earlier this season due to a hamstring injury, but even before the injury, he wasn't running all that much. Jackson has only scored on the ground once so far in seven games in 2025, and that was back in Week 1. He threw four touchdowns in his return from his hamstring injury against Miami on Oct. 30, but in the last two games, he has one touchdown and two picks. Jackson should still be considered a high-end QB1 option in a prime bounce-back matchup against the Jets.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that running back Josh Jacobs (knee) is "feeling pretty good" and will practice again on Friday in a limited capacity, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Jacobs suffered a knee contusion in the Week 11 win over the New York Giants on Sunday and did not return because he could not bend his knee. The 27-year-old was listed as day-to-day earlier this week before missing practice on Wednesday. However, two back-to-back limited practices on Thursday and Friday should give him a chance to suit up in Week 12 against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings. Jacobs could end up questionable on the final injury report, but the star RB should at least have a shot to play this weekend. If he doesn't, Emanuel Wilson would be first in line for lead-back touches, with Chris Brooks backing him up.
From RotoBaller
According to Detroit Football Network's Justin Rogers, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) is likely to miss the remainder of the season after successful surgery on his back. The 24-year-old was amid a rebound campaign, posting a 40/489/3 line before sustaining a back injury in their 44-22 win over the Commanders in Week 10. However, his status quickly deteriorated, and he's now facing a significant recovery. Fellow tight end Brock Wright (ankle) will operate as Detroit's TE1 in his teammate's stead, with Ross Dwelley working in behind him. Neither projects to be particularly useful for fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (calf) appears to be practicing again on Friday, according to Jake Arthur of Locked On Colts. Jones was added to the Week 12 injury report with a calf injury on Thursday and was listed as a limited participant. Although mid-week additions to the injury report typically are cause for alarm, ESPN's Stephen Holder reports that there isn't much cause for panic surrounding the 28-year-old signal-caller. Jones could end up being questionable on Friday's final injury report, but he at least appears to be on the right side of questionable leading up to Sunday's showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs. Anthony Richardson Sr. (eye) is still on Injured Reserve, so the Colts would be forced to start rookie Riley Leonard if Jones were ruled out for Week 12. As of right now, Jones appears to be on track to play in KC on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
According to head coach Jonathan Gannon, Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (knee) could suit up this weekend for the first time since picking up a meniscus injury in Week 4. "We'll see how he goes today," said Gannon. With the team's backfield at less-than-full health, Arizona could certainly use the 23-year-old back in the fold as they gear up for a home matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 12. However, Gannon's sentiment doesn't seem particularly encouraging. Benson has yet to practice in a full capacity since being injured, so you'd have to think the team would like to see him do so before activating him from injured reserve. With teammate Emari Demercado (ankle) trending toward an inactive status of his own, Michael Carter and Bam Knight (ankle) project to lead the backfield again if Benson sits for another contest.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart (concussion) won't suit up for this Sunday's road outing with the Detroit Lions, according to Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post. There was some hope that the Ole Miss product would clear concussion protocol ahead of the team's Week 12 matchup. However, he'll miss a second consecutive outing after picking up the injury a few weeks back in their loss to the Bears. With Dart out, New York figures to again turn to veteran Jameis Winston as they square off with the hosting Lions. Winston was fine in his first start since Week 15 of 2024, although his presence under center undoubtedly lowers the offense's floor in a tough matchup in a hostile environment.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (leg) notched another practice session on Friday as he and the team prepare for a Sunday night matchup with the hosting Los Angeles Rams in Week 12. The 29-year-old logged a full practice on Thursday for the first time since Week 5 as he attempts to make his way back from a fibula injury that's caused him to miss their last five games. While Godwin's status for Friday's session wasn't detailed, another uncapped practice would presumably put him on track to suit up, barring any setbacks over the next two days. The Buccaneers may limit his snaps on Sunday, but it'd be hard to sit the veteran if he's active, considering he'd be an instant boost to the team's pass attack. We'll know more about his designation for this weekend over the coming hours.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal has been up and down as the team's primary rushing option over the previous few weeks. However, LA's backfield is due for a shift with teammate Omarion Hampton (ankle) working his way back to full health. Consistency has been an issue for Vidal, posting three outings of 95 or more rushing yards that were followed up with a performance of 30 or fewer. He was a fine fill-in while the team dealt with a myriad of injuries, but is set to see his touch share drop significantly as the rookie was expected to return at some point after the Chargers' bye week. It isn't a guarantee that Hampton will play when the team lines up against the Raiders in Week 13, meaning Vidal may have another week or two where he's playable. Still, his time as a viable fantasy asset is running thin.
From RotoBaller
With Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) missing time due to both knee and elbow injuries, backup QB Marcus Mariota has gotten extended playing time in 2025. Across seven games (five starts) this season, the 32-year-old has completed 65.7% of his pass attempts for 1,065 yards, seven touchdowns, and five interceptions. Mariota also brings some juice with his legs, rushing for 193 yards and a touchdown on 27 attempts. However, Daniels was able to avoid surgery on his dislocated left elbow, which could allow him to return to the field shortly after the Commanders' Week 12 bye. At the same time, Washington is out of the playoff mix with a 3-8 record, so the team could choose to shut Daniels down and play for 2026. Still, the Commanders will face one of the NFL's best defenses in the Denver Broncos in Week 13. Mariota does not profile as a starting fantasy QB option in Week 13, which may be his last chance to start before Daniels returns.
From RotoBaller
Across eight games this season, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III has recorded 22 receptions for 242 yards and two touchdowns on 37 targets. It's been a struggle for the 26-year-old over in recent weeks, as he's hauled in just three catches for 19 yards on eight targets over his last two games. Perhaps most notably, Austin III saw a significant drop in playing time in the Steelers' Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Austin III played just 19 offensive snaps against Cincinnati, his lowest total in any game this season and nearly 20 fewer than fellow Steelers wideout Roman Wilson. Heading into a Week 12 matchup against the Chicago Bears, Austin III could be fading into a depth role in Pittsburgh. He should not be trusted as a fantasy starter against Chicago.
From RotoBaller
Through the first eight weeks of 2025, New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) was his team's RB1, recording 448 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 99 touches. However, Stevenson has missed New England's last three contests with a toe injury, opening the door for rookie back TreVeyon Henderson. Henderson has recorded 330 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 57 touches over the last three weeks. Stevenson has logged two limited practices so far this week, and his status for New England's Week 12 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals remains unclear. Even if Stevenson can return against Cincinnati, his workload may now be limited thanks to Henderson's breakout. If Stevenson is active in Week 12, he profiles as a low-end flex option for fantasy managers in a favorable matchup against Cincinnati. Should Henderson continue to perform, Stevenson's value may only continue to drop over the final weeks of the fantasy season.
From RotoBaller
Across 10 games this season, Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram has recorded 32 catches for 260 yards and one touchdown on 50 targets. While the 31-year-old's role in the Denver offense as a short-area target has remained fairly stable for most of the 2025 season, he hasn't factored in the red zone and brings almost no explosive ability to the table at this point in his career. Despite earning at least five targets in six out of 10 contests, Engram has yet to crack 42 receiving yards in a game. Denver also has a deep cast of talented pass-catchers between wide receivers Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, and Marvin Mims Jr. The Broncos have their bye week in Week 12 before a Week 13 matchup against the Washington Commanders. However, even in a favorable matchup against the struggling Washington defense, Engram will be tough to trust as a starting fantasy tight end in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Heading into their Week 12 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, the New York Jets announced that veteran Tyrod Taylor will be taking over for Justin Fields as the team's starting quarterback. The demotion is the next rough patch in what's been a rocky first season in New York for Fields. Across nine games, the 26-year-old has completed 62.7% of his pass attempts for 1,259 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception. While Fields remains a threat with his legs (383 rushing yards, four touchdowns), he's averaged a career-low 6.2 yards per pass attempt while taking a sack on 11.7% of his drop-backs. Unless Taylor were to get injured, Fields is not expected to be re-inserted as the Jets' starter this season. It remains to be seen whether Fields will stay in New York for the 2026 season or if he will get another shot to be a starter elsewhere, but he's unlikely to carry fantasy value in redraft leagues for the remainder of 2025.
From RotoBaller
With Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder, foot) sidelined by injury since Week 4, fellow Bucs back Rachaad White had the first chance to assume the team's RB1 role. However, White is averaging less than four yards per rush attempt this season, and in Week 11, it appeared as though the team made a shift to running back Sean Tucker. In Tampa Bay's Week 11 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Tucker exploded for 140 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 21 touches while White recorded just 62 scrimmage yards on 12 touches. Irving will remain out for Tampa Bay's Week 12 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, which means both White and Tucker will likely get their share of playing time for another week. White has been a consistent feature in the passing game, recording 20 receptions for 110 yards on 23 targets in the six games Irving has missed. Still, White should be expected to continue to lose work to Tucker in the rushing game and profiles as a low-end flex option for fantasy managers in Week 12 against Los Angeles.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington has seen an increased role in the offense over the last few weeks. Primarily due to wideout Brian Thomas Jr. (ankle) being sidelined the last few games, and Travis Hunter (knee) being out for the season. Unfortunately for Washington, the Jaguars brought in Jakobi Meyers from Las Vegas, and now all of a sudden, with Thomas Jr. logging limited practices all week, Meyers ramping up, and the Jaguars identifying themselves as a run-first offense lately with Travis Etienne and Bhayshul Tuten, the path to opportunities for Washington appears a bit fuzzier than before. Regardless, Washington has built good chemistry with Trevor Lawrence over the past month, as he has earned 28 targets over the past four games, even though he saw only two in Week 11. Washington profiles as a WR3 heading into a Week 12 matchup where the Jaguars get the Arizona Cardinals, who rank decently against wide receivers, but nothing to be frightened of. That said, if your team has wide receiver depth and needs to make a roster move for a high-cieling handcuff, or rostering someone with a solid fantasy playoff schedule, Washington is droppable in 10-12-team formats.
From RotoBaller