Mon Nov 3 9:10am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Bowers returns in a big way
Now that was a week for scoring. We had some huge performances this week, maybe the most of any week this season. There weren’t just a few big-time fantasy point totals, but several. One player even topped 40 points and five others had more than 30 points. And nine others had 25-plus points. This made for some high-scoring fantasy games. Hopefully, you were able to take advantage of these big games and come out on top in Week 9.
Ravens 28, Dolphins 6
Fantasy Stud: Lamar Jackson. Jackson had a big game in his first one back from a hamstring injury. He was 18-of-23 for 204 yards and four touchdowns without a turnover. He scored 27.6 fantasy points. Jackson has 27-plus points all but one game this year. He is having his usual huge season and should be a force down the stretch for fantasy teams
Fantasy Dud: Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa had a tough matchup last week and played well, so he got some starts in Week 9. Despite a more favorable matchup, Tagovailoa was unable to find the end zone. He was 25-of-40 for 261 yards with an interception. He scored just 12.15 fantasy points after having 26.25 the previous week. Tagovailoa has been all over the map this year, being a tough fantasy player to trust.
Game Notes: Derrick Henry hit the 100-yard mark for the second time in three games. He ran 19 times for 119 yards.
Mark Andrews had just two receptions but both were for touchdowns. He had two receptions for 22 yards and two scores. It was his second multiple-touchdown game of the season.
49ers 34, Giants 24
Fantasy Stud: Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey rebounded in a big way from his last time out, rushing 28 times for 106 yards and a touchdown. He also caught five passes for 67 yards and a touchdown. He led both the 49ers in rushing and receiving. He had 34.3 fantasy points, which was his second-highest total of the season. He has 30-plus points two of three games.
Fantasy Dud: Tyrone Tracy. Tracy was expected to get the start and bulk of the work at running back for the Giants but he lost out on a lot of work to Devin Singletary. Tracy ran five times for just 18 yards while Singletary had eight carries for 43 yards. Singletary might be the back to use in the Giants backfield with Cam Skattebo out. Tracy was not much of a factor in this one.
Game Notes: Jaxson Dart had a three-touchdown game. He was 24-of-33 for 191 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. He also ran eight times for 56 yards and a score.
Jauan Jennings scored his second touchdown of the season. He had four receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown. Jennings has four receptions three straight games.
Chargers 27, Titans 20
Fantasy Stud: Justin Herbert. Herbert kept up his hot ways, scoring three touchdowns. He was 19-of-29 for 250 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. Herbert also led the team in rushing, running nine times for 57 yards and a touchdown. Herbert scored 31.2 fantasy points, giving him 28-plus points three straight games
Fantasy Dud: Kimani Vidal. Vidal had his struggles in this one. He ran 12 times for just 30 yards and didn’t catch a pass. Vidal scored just three fantasy points. It was his lowest total since taking over as the starter for the Chargers. He had 100-yard games two of three before this dud.
Game Notes: Oronde Gadsden had five receptions for 68 yards. He has at least five receptions four straight games.
Tony Pollard led the Titans in rushing, running 10 times for 56 yards. Tyjae Spears ran seven times for 26 yards and caught three passes for 36 yards.
Patriots 24, Falcons 23
Fantasy Stud: Drake London. London had maybe the best game of his career, scoring three times. He had nine receptions for 119 yards and three touchdowns. London had nearly 40 fantasy points, scoring 38.9 fantasy points. He has 25-plus fantasy points three of his last four games. London is producing at a huge clip right now
Fantasy Dud: Kyle Pitts. Pitts was pretty quiet in this one, catching four passes for 38 yards. Pitts had at least 13 fantasy points two straight before this dud. This was his fourth game this year with fewer than double-digit fantasy points.
Game Notes: Bijan Robinson was held in check rushing the ball, running 12 times for 46 yards. He did do some damage as a receiver, catching eight passes for 50 yards. He still managed 96 total yards.
TreVeyon Henderson had 14 carries for 55 yards and four receptions for 32 yards. He had 87 total yards on 18 touches.
Panthers 16, Packers 13
Fantasy Stud: Rico Dowdle. Dowdle got the start and is likely to start the rest of the year after another huge game. He ran 25 times for 130 yards and touchdowns. It was his third 100-yard game of the season. Dowdle scored 28.1 fantasy points after having fewer than 11 points two straight. Look for Dowdle to keep getting the lion’s share of the carries over Chuba Hubbard going forward
Fantasy Dud: Jordan Love. Love had a rough game, failing to score a touchdown. He was 26-of-37 for 273 yards with an interception. He scored a season-low 12.75 fantasy points. Love has been up and down all year, having less than 19 fantasy points three of four games.
Game Notes: Tucker Kraft hurt his knee in the game and left early. He had two receptions for 20 yards before the injury. The Packers fear Kraft tore his ACL.
Bryce Young returned from his ankle injury and was 11-of-20 for 102 yards with an interception. He didn’t do much but made it through the game healthy and led his team to an upset win.
Vikings 27, Lions 24
Fantasy Stud: J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy returned from his ankle injury and looked good, finding the end zone three times. He was 14-of-25 for 143 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. He also had nine carries for 12 yards and a score. McCarthy has three-touchdown games two of three this season.
Fantasy Dud: Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs had a rare poor game. He ran nine times for just 25 yards and caught three passes for three yards. Gibbs scored a season-worst 5.8 fantasy points. He actually has fewer than eight points two of three games. Gibbs hasn’t been quite as good as you expect his last few games.
Game Notes: Aaron Jones played well but left the game early because of a shoulder injury. He ran nine times for 78 yards and caught two passes for 20 yards before getting hurt.
Sam LaPorta had six receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown. He had a season-high 21.7 fantasy points. He has touchdowns three of four games.
Steelers 27, Colts 20
Fantasy Stud: Michael Pittman. Pittman continued his really good play, catching nine passes for 115 yards. Pittman failed to score for just the third time all year but topped 20 fantasy points for the third straight game. He was targeted a season-high 12 times in this game
Fantasy Dud: Jonathan Taylor. Taylor was pretty awful for his high standards. He ran 14 times for 45 yards and caught two passes for 12 yards. Taylor failed to hit double-digit fantasy points for the first time all year, scoring just 7.7 points. He had at least 23 points four straight games before this dud.
Game Notes: Daniel Jones had some struggles, turning the ball over five times. He was 31-of-50 for 335 yards and a touchdown with three interceptions. Jones also lost two fumbles.
Jaylen Warren scored his first two rushing touchdowns of the season. He ran 16 times for 31 yards and two touchdowns.
Broncos 18, Texans 15
Fantasy Stud: R.J. Harvey. Harvey scored a touchdown for the third straight game. He ran two times for just five yards, but had five receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown. Harvey is starting to get more and more chances, especially in the passing game. Harvey has at least three receptions five of seven games
Fantasy Dud: Woody Marks. Marks ran 10 times for just 27 yards and finished without a reception. Just when you thought he was emerging as a fantasy threat, Marks lays an egg. He had at least 12 fantasy points two straight games before Week 9. Marks is a hard player to trust as long as Nick Chubb is around and getting double-digit carries.
Game Notes: C.J. Stroud left the game early after taking a huge hit. He was 6-of-10 for 79 yards before getting hurt. Davis Mills played in relief and was 17-of-30 for 137 yards.
Nico Collins returned from his concussion and made an immediate impact. He had seven receptions for 75 yards.
Bears 47, Bengals 42
Fantasy Stud: Joe Flacco. Flacco threw for nearly 500 yards in his almost epic comeback. He was 31-of-47 for 470 yards and four touchdowns with two interceptions. Flacco was even questionable to play because of a shoulder injury but that didn’t slow him from scoring 38.5 fantasy points. He has at least 20.95 fantasy points all four games with the Bengals.
Fantasy Dud: Rome Odunze. In a game that nearly had 100 total points. Odunze somehow went without a single reception. He was targeted three times without a reception. He has fewer than six fantasy points three of four games Oduzne has certainly cooled since a great start to his season.
Game Notes: Kyle Monangai gets his first NFL start and was terrific, rushing 26 times for 176 yards. He also caught three passes for 22 yards, giving him 198 total yards.
Colston Loveland enjoyed the best game of his young career. He had six receptions for 118 yards and two touchdowns.
Rams 34, Saints 10
Fantasy Stud: Matthew Stafford. Stafford played another great game, going 24-of-32 for 281 yards and four touchdowns without a turnover. He scored 30.05 fantasy points. Stafford has at least 29 points four of five games. He is producing as well as any fantasy quarterback in the game right now. His numbers are off the charts, having 21 touchdowns to just two interceptions
Fantasy Dud: Alvin Kamara. Kamara had another poor performance, rushing six times for just 14 yards. And to make matters worse, he had just a catch for three yards. His work in the passing game used to give him a great fantasy floor. Kamara isn’t getting the work in the passing game, though, and his production on the ground has been terrible. He has fewer than seven fantasy points three straight games.
Game Notes: Tyler Shough was just alright in his first NFL start, going 15-of-24 for 176 yards and a touchdown with an interception. Shough is going to continue to start going forward, so the Saints can see what they have in the young quarterback.
Puka Nacua returned from his ankle injury and was as good as ever, catching seven passes for 95 yards and a touchdown. He did suffer some sort of chest injury in the game, which is something to keep an eye on going forward.
Bills 28, Chiefs 21
Fantasy Stud: Dalton Kincaid. Kincaid looked a lot better than he did his first game back from injury. He was the top target in the passing game, finishing with six receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown. Kincaid looked much healthier than his last time out, playing his usual full workload. He has 100-yard games two of his last three
Fantasy Dud: Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes was held out of the end zone for the first time all season. He threw for 250 yards but didn’t score and was intercepted once. Mahomes scored just 14 fantasy points, his lowest total of the season. He had at least 27 fantasy points five straight games before this showing.
Game Notes: James Cook had his second straight 100-yard rushing performance. He ran 27 times for 114 yards and caught a pass for 11 yards.
Josh Allen had his second straight three-touchdown game. He has multiple touchdowns six straight games. Allen was 23-of-26 for 273 yards and a touchdown. He also ran six times for 19 yards and two touchdowns.
Jaguars 30, Raiders 29
Fantasy Stud: Brock Bowers. Bowers finally returned from his knee injury and had a monster performance his first game back. He looked 100 percent healthy, catching 12 passes for 127 yards and three touchdowns. Bowers scored an amazing 43.3 fantasy points in the game. It was quite the performance from the second-year tight end
Fantasy Dud: Brian Thomas. You thought Thomas might get a few more looks with Travis Hunter injured. He wasn’t much of a factor in this one, though, catching three passes for 55 yards. He scored just 8.5 fantasy points, giving him fewer than double-digit fantasy points two straight. Thomas is not having near the season fantasy owners hoped.
Game Notes: Geno Smith was 29-of-39 for 284 yards and four touchdowns with an interception. Smith topped 30 fantasy points for the first time this year.
Parker Washington was the Jaguars leading receiver, finishing with eight receptions for 90 yards. He has been targeted 19 times his last two games.
Seahawks 38, Commanders 14
Fantasy Stud: Sam Darnold. Darnold was fantastic once again, going 21-of-24 for 330 yards and four touchdowns with an interception. Darnold was nearly flawless in the game, missing on just three passes. He completed 17 passes in a row during the game. Darnold had 31.5 fantasy points, topping 30 points for the second time this season
Fantasy Dud: Both Seahawks running backs. Neither of these guys helped fantasy teams at all as they continue to split work. Kenneth Walker ran 11 times for 42 yards and caught two passes for 19 yards. Zach Charbonnet had eight carries for 25 yards and caught a pass for 21 yards. These guys are going to be tough plays going forward, splitting the work at the position.
Game Notes: Tory Horton got his first NFL start with Cooper Kupp sidelined and enjoyed his best game as a pro. He had four receptions for 48 yards and two touchdowns.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba had his four straight 100-yard game. He has 100-yard showings all but two games. He had eight receptions for 129 yards.
Jayden Daniels suffered a brutal dislocated elbow late in the game. He is expected to miss the rest of the season, leaving the starting job to Marcus Mariota.
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.
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell (eye, lower body) was forced to make an early exit from Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. Sewell didn't end up missing any time from that contest, but left it a little banged up. Head coach Dan Campbell said afterwards that Sewell would likely miss practice time this week due to a lower-body injury. It's possible that Sewell sits out in Week 10, but that'll be determined on how he practices this week.
From RotoBaller
The Pittsburgh Steelers are signing free-agent wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to their practice squad. The Steelers are looking to upgrade at wide receiver ahead of the trade deadline. The 31-year-old isn't a star wideout, but could be decent depth for this roster. He had a minor role on the San Francisco 49ers roster earlier in the season, but now looks to help his former teammate, quarterback Aaron Rodgers, in Pittsburgh. Valdes-Scantling will likely only be used as depth, but could end up with a minor role on game days.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said that rookie first-round defensive end Shemar Stewart (knee) is dealing with a knee injury and is considered week-to-week heading into the team's Week 10 bye, according to Ben Baby of ESPN. Stewart was injured in Sunday's loss to the Chicago Bears and was ruled out towards the end of the game. The 21-year-old's injury comes at a good time as the team heads into their bye, but he'll still be up in the air to return for their Week 11 meeting against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Nov. 16. The 17th overall pick in April's draft has only played in five games (four starts) so far in his first year in the NFL and is still searching for his first sack. Stewart has only six tackles (two solo) for a Bengals defense that continues to give up points in bunches each week.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Jaydon Blue and wide receiver Jonathan Mingo are both healthy scratches for the team's Monday night game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 9. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer was very critical of Blue following the Week 8 loss to the Denver Broncos, in which Blue had a costly fumble. The 21-year-old will now be inactive this week in favor of Malik Davis as Dallas' RB2 behind starter Javonte Williams. It's a step back for Blue, who didn't make his NFL debut until Week 5 for the Cowboys. In his four games played, the fifth-rounder out of Texas has carried the ball 22 times for 65 yards (3.0 yards per carry) while adding one catch for five yards. While Blue probably won't be in the doghouse for the rest of the season, he's in street clothes on Monday night and has currently lost out on the RB2 role in Dallas.
From RotoBaller
FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz reports that the Dallas Cowboys have spoken to the Cincinnati Bengals on defensive end Trey Hendrickson and linebacker Logan Wilson, and to the Miami Dolphins on outside linebacker Bradley Chubb, with Tuesday's trade deadline quickly approaching. Schultz says that Dallas has had talks with other teams, too, as they look to bolster a defense that has been bad since trading away All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons before the season. "At least one deal is getting done somewhere," a source said. Not only is Hendrickson currently dealing with a hip injury that kept him out of the Week 9 loss to the Chicago Bears, but the Bengals are still seeking a first-rounder in return for him, so of the three names the Cowboys are eyeing, Hendrickson is the least likely to land with the Cowboys.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said on Monday that the "plan is to stick with" struggling kicker Brandon McManus, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. LaFleur also said that McManus is "definitely" working through some things health-wise, but the Packers have rolled with him the last two games because of what they've seen in practice. The 34-year-old came out of the team's Week 5 bye with a quad injury that sidelined him in Weeks 6 and 7. He returned to kick in Week 8, but McManus hasn't been himself the last two games, making just four of his seven field-goal attempts and connecting on all four of his extra-point tries. His miss from 43 yards out on Sunday was costly, as the Packers lost to the Carolina Panthers by only three points. The Packers will stick with him for a Monday night showdown in Week 10 against the Philadelphia Eagles, but fantasy managers should be looking to avoid him in that one.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Monday that the team will not open wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's (knee) 21-day practice window this week, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Shanahan mentioned recently that Aiyuk was getting closer to returning to practice, but apparently it won't be this week. The 27-year-old has been on the Physically Unable to Perform list all year after tearing his ACL and MCL on Oct. 20 last year. San Fran is still holding out hope that the former first-rounder will be able to help them this year, but fantasy managers stashing Aiyuk shouldn't be as confident that he'll be able to help out in 2025. In addition to Aiyuk, the Niners have been without Ricky Pearsall (knee) since Week 4 due to a sprained PCL. Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, and Demarcus Robinson have been the team's starting receivers in three-wide sets in recent weeks.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo caught two passes for 10 yards on two targets in Sunday's 27-20 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Okonkwo was active despite being limited in practice with a foot injury most of the week. The 26-year-old has fallen short of three targets on two occasions over the last three weeks. On Sunday, Okonkwo was limited to five yards per reception, the third-lowest this season. Okonkwo has only finished as a top-eight tight end once through the first nine weeks and still hasn't scored a touchdown this year. The Titans are heading into a crucial bye week that could lead to changes aimed at improving their offense. Managers should consider benching Okonkwo after the bye week, when the Titans host the Houston Texans in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Monday that wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) has a "chance to play" in the Week 10 divisional tilt against the Los Angeles Rams, but he will be evaluated during the week, per Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Pearsall has not practiced or played since suffering a PCL sprain in his knee back in the Week 4 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 25-year-old is going to have to get back onto the practice field first, so he'll once again be very questionable to make his return this weekend. And if the former first-rounder does play against the Rams, he'll be a shaky WR4/flex for fantasy managers who is at risk of having his snaps monitored. If Pearsall misses yet another game, the Niners will move forward with Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, and Demarcus Robinson as their top three wideouts.
From RotoBaller
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) is officially inactive for Monday Night Football against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 9. Murray came into Monday's game with a questionable tag, but the Cardinals were saying there was a chance he'd be active as the backup to veteran Jacoby Brissett. The 28-year-old has not practiced in full since suffering a mid-foot sprain back in the Week 5 loss to the Tennessee Titans, though, so they will err on the side of caution and keep him out for a third straight game coming out of their bye week. Murray will need to get in a full day of practice next week to be cleared to return in Week 10 versus the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. In addition to missing time with his foot injury, Murray has been a big fantasy disappointment, and he'll be a low-end QB1, at best, if he's able to return next week against a stout Seattle defense.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders aren't expecting wide receiver Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) to play in the Week 10 contest against the Detroit Lions, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. "I don't foresee (Terry McLaurin) making it for this weekend. Knowing it's game-game-bye, that has an effect. But I don't have a timetable today," head coach Dan Quinn said. McLaurin suffered a quad injury in Week 4 and missed four games. When he returned in Week 8, the 30-year-old veteran aggravated the injury, and now he appears set to miss a second straight game this coming Sunday. The Commanders have their bye in Week 12, so it's entirely possible that we don't see McLaurin again until Week 13 on Sunday Night Football against the Denver Broncos. In addition to McLaurin's injury, Washington may have lost quarterback Jayden Daniels on Sunday night to a dislocated left elbow. McLaurin's 2025 season so far has been a bust due to injuries, and he has only one touchdown on 13 receptions for 203 yards in four games.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur called rookie first-round wide receiver Matthew Golden (shoulder) day-to-day on Monday after he suffered a shoulder injury in Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Carolina Panthers, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. It's not a long-term injury for Golden, but how much he's able to do at practice this week will determine whether he's able to suit up in Week 10 on Monday Night Football in a showdown against the defending-champion Philadelphia Eagles. The 22-year-old pass-catcher caught two of his three targets for only nine yards on Sunday before getting injured, so he was a bust for any fantasy managers who started him in Week 9. There have been glimpses of the star potential that Golden has in 2025, but he hasn't been able to put it all together yet. The good news is that he should have a bigger role going forward with tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) now done for the year due to a torn ACL.
From RotoBaller
The Arizona Cardinals announced on Monday that they elevated running back Michael Cater to the active 53-man roster from their practice squad for the Week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys. The Cardinals cut Carter from the active roster early last week as a procedural move before quickly adding him back to their practice squad. The Cardinals are expected to "start" Bam Knight on Monday against Dallas, but head coach Jonathan Gannon said the team is going to ride the hot hand in the backfield after that. Emari Demercado is back from an ankle injury that knocked him out before the team's Week 8 bye, but the majority of backfield looks on Monday night should go to Knight and Carter. The 26-year-old will have a good matchup against the Cowboys, but he's averaging only 2.8 yards per carry in four games in 2025 and won't be a recommended DFS option.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders still don't have a clear timetable for when quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) might return after he suffered a dislocated left elbow in Sunday night's loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 9, and head coach Dan Quinn said the team is still collecting information. "It will knock him out for a while for sure," Quinn said. The Commanders should have another update on the second-year signal caller by Wednesday or Thursday. Although nothing is official yet, the 24-year-old is expected to land on Injured Reserve, which would knock him out for at least four games. The good news, though, is that the injury is to Daniels' non-throwing arm, and X-rays ruled out any fractures. Still, it wouldn't be a surprise if we didn't see Daniels again in 2025. In the meantime, veteran Marcus Mariota will return to a starting role in an offense that is expected to be without top receiver Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) again in Week 10 versus the Detroit Lions.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden continues to impress, leading the team in receiving yards (68) and tying for second in targets (five) during Sunday's 27-20 win over the Tennessee Titans. He's quickly becoming one of Herbert's most trusted weapons, especially when the pocket collapses. Up next is a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that has been one of the league's weakest against tight ends, allowing the sixth-most yards and tying for the second-most touchdowns to the position. They did, however, hold Indianapolis Colts rookie tight end Tyler Warren to only 26 receiving yards on Sunday. With Justin Herbert likely forced into short, quick throws behind a depleted offensive line, Gadsden could thrive once again. He's shaping up as a mid-range TE1 with legit upside heading into Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen was quiet in Sunday's 27-20 win over the Tennessee Titans, catching just two passes for 41 yards on five targets. His snap share has decreased for a second straight week as fellow wideout Ladd McConkey and rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden are seeing more opportunities. Still, Allen remains Justin Herbert's most trusted chain-mover. He might rebound next Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers, especially if Herbert relies on quicker throws behind a battered offensive line. The Steelers' pass rush is improving, and Allen's reliability on short routes could keep him as a stable PPR option despite the reduced volume. Consider him a low-end WR3 with a consistent floor heading into Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said on Monday that he doesn't think the team will open the 21-day practice window for rookie first-round running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) until after their Week 12 bye, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. The 22-year-old rookie is eligible to return to practice this week as the club prepares to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football, but Hampton will not be on the practice field and isn't going to be eligible to return to action until Week 13 against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 30. Fantasy managers must continue to be patient and keep Hampton stashed, as he should take over RB1 duties in the backfield again when he's healthy. In the meantime, Kimani Vidal will continue to see most of the backfield touches for the Bolts, making him at least an RB3/flex option until Hampton is cleared to return from Injured Reserve.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal followed a standout Week 8 performance with a dud, gaining only 30 yards on 12 carries in Sunday's 27-20 win over the Tennessee Titans. He averaged just 2.5 yards per carry and was outperformed by both Justin Herbert (57 rushing yards) and Jaret Patterson (44 yards), who was elevated from the practice squad again. It's been a rollercoaster for Vidal, who alternates between breakout games and quiet ones. With Hassan Haskins (hamstring) and Omarion Hampton (ankle) both on IR until at least after the Week 12 bye, Vidal will continue to handle lead duties out of necessity. Next Sunday night, the Chargers face a Pittsburgh Steelers' defense that just shut down the league's top running back, Jonathan Taylor, so expectations should remain modest. With so many injuries and inconsistencies, it will be interesting to see if the Bolts' front office makes any trades to strengthen the running back position by the trade deadline tomorrow. For now, Vidal remains an RB3/FLEX option who relies on game script and red-zone opportunities.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston bounced back on Sunday in the team's 27-20 win over the Tennessee Titans, catching four passes for 53 yards and a touchdown, his sixth of the season. After not being targeted last week, Johnston was quickly integrated into the game plan and made the most of his opportunities. However, the Chargers' offensive line remains a major concern after losing Joe Alt (ankle) for the season and surrendering six sacks to a short-handed Titans defense. Next week, the Bolts face a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that has been vulnerable all season but recently held the red-hot Indianapolis Colts in check. Johnston remains a volatile WR3 with touchdown upside if Herbert can avoid pressure and connect with him downfield.
From RotoBaller
Updating a previous report, free-agent WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (49ers) will be signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad, according to sources.
From TheHuddle