Fantasy Football News

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Commanders. The 28-year-old began the 2024-25 campaign by catching four of his five targets for 44 yards in the Week 1 loss to Dallas. However, he's been sidelined by a high-ankle sprain and has been working his way back since. Schefter added that Njoku could be limited in Week 5. Still, he's hard to trust even if he were handling his usual workload, so fantasy managers should consider keeping him out of the starting lineup. The same goes for Jordan Akins, who has been starting in Njoku's place for the last few games.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) isn't expected to suit up on Sunday versus the Bills. The 24-year-old is coming along, considering he practiced in a limited capacity on Friday. However, since he had only three carries for 16 yards in Week 1 versus the Colts, the last time he was on the field, there aren't many fantasy managers looking for an update, even with Joe Mixon (ankle) ruled out. In the meantime, the Texans will continue to roll with Cam Akers to handle the bulk of the work out of the backfield. While Akers hasn't done much with his enhanced role in Houston, he deserves some consideration for fantasy lineups due to the favorable matchup on the horizon versus a Bills defense that's struggled to stop the run this season.

Per Adam Schefter, Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is drawing interest from the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. There is no clear indication yet if the Titans, in a down year, would be open to moving the star receiver. The news comes on the back of a report that Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) is scheduled to undergo an arthroscopic knee procedure early this week that will determine his status for the remainder of the season. Per Schefter, if Rice is ruled out, the team may eventually turn to the trade market to seek veteran help to bolster their receiving corps. Hopkins was reportedly linked to Kansas City and spoke "extensively" with the team before ultimately signing with Tennessee two seasons ago. Whether this comes to fruition remains to be seen, but the change of scenery would benefit the 32-year-old. The long-time Texan currently ranks second on his team in receiving yards (121) and third in receptions (10) and targets (14). However, most of that production has come over the last two games, and Hopkins has yet to play more than 46% of Tennessee's snaps -- ranking fourth amongst the team's wideouts in that category.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (calf, Achilles) will not be activated when eligible to return for the team's Week 6 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football, per Adam Schefter. McCaffrey, who has been on injured reserve since Week 2 with nagging calf and bilateral Achilles tendinitis, was a candidate to return to the team this week, but it's looking like that won't come to fruition. However, there is optimism surrounding the 28-year-old after his calf and Achilles issues did not flare up upon his return to on-field work this past week. It's a notable development, considering this is the superstar back's first work on the field since being placed on IR. Per Schefter, if McCaffrey can continue ramping up his participation with no setbacks, he would have a chance at suiting up for San Francisco's Super Bowl rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs on Oct. 20. He could also return to action the following week when the team takes on the Dallas Cowboys. Additionally, the 49ers could continue to play it safe with their All-Pro running back with their bye week following the matchup against Dallas. We're at least a few weeks away from clarity on this situation. Still, fantasy managers have to be encouraged regarding the consensus first-overall pick's status with the recent news.

According to Ian Rapoport, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) is scheduled to undergo an arthroscopic knee procedure early this week. Rice is set to meet with heralded knee expert Dr. Dan Cooper to ascertain the extent of damage to his knee and determine whether or not he will be a candidate to play again this year. Currently, there is only a small chance he'll be healthy enough to do so. The second-year wideout went down with a gruesome hyper-extension of his right knee when quarterback Patrick Mahomes attempted to make a tackle after tossing an interception in the team's 17-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4. If the electric pass-catcher cannot play again this season, it would be a massive blow to fantasy managers and the Chiefs' offense as he has quickly evolved into Mahomes' most reliable playmaker. If Kansas City must move on without the 24-year-old, they may still seek veteran help via the trade market. A notable possibility would be Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who spoke extensively with the team before signing with Tennessee. For now, expect wide receivers Xavier Worthy and Justin Watson to help pick up the slack in KC's passing attack, along with tight ends Travis Kelce and Noah Gray.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) has potentially played his last snap under head coach Antonio Pierce. Adams' trade saga continues as talks surrounding the superstar wideout begin to ramp up ahead of the NFL's Week 5 slate of action. As per Ian Rapoport, the 31-year-old is nearing full health and is expected to be able to be healthy enough to play in Week 6 despite being ruled out for Sunday's contest. The former second-round pick's top landing spot is reportedly in New York with the Jets, where he'd be reunited with longtime teammate Aaron Rodgers. However, the New Orleans Saints have been the most aggressive in pursuit of the star receiver, which would also spell a reunion with another former quarterback (Derek Carr). Additionally, the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers have stayed in touch and closely monitored the situation. It's anyone's guess where Adams will eventually end up, but it would seem a handful of teams have separated themselves as legitimate contenders in his sweepstakes. Las Vegas is content to wait it out if no team matches their price, but if a deal does get done, this coming Tuesday would be the deadline, according to Rapoport.

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker will face the New Orleans Saints on Monday night in Week 5. Butker made one of his two field goal attempts and both of his extra-point attempts in last week's contest against the Los Angeles Chargers. The field goal that Butker missed in that game was his first missed field goal this season, but it was also an attempt from 65 yards away, so it would've been one of the longest field goals in NFL history had it gone through. Butker has made eight of his nine field goal attempts and eight of his nine extra-point attempts this season. The Saints have been the top-scoring offense in 2024, so the Chiefs may need to score a lot to keep up. Butker should be heavily involved in this contest and remain a must-start kicker.

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy will face the New Orleans Saints on Monday night in Week 5. The Chiefs rookie receiver had three catches for 73 yards and a touchdown in last week's contest against the Los Angeles Chargers. Worthy has seen exactly four targets in the previous three games and has yet to surpass 100 receiving yards this season. With the loss of Marquise Brown and, more recently, Rashee Rice to injured reserve, the Chiefs may need Worthy to step up. Worthy has also had five carries this season, so the Kansas City coaching staff is finding ways to get the ball into his hands. The Saints defense should also be a favorable matchup for the rookie receiver this week. The Saints have given up the ninth-most passing yards to opposing offenses this season, so Worthy should have the opportunity for a big game this week. Despite the matchup and loss of receivers, Worthy's role in the passing attack is not clearly defined yet. The Chiefs rookie should remain in the flex range, given his small role thus far, but that could easily change after this week's contest.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt will take on the New Orleans Saints on Monday night in Week 5. Hunt took over the backfield last week after rookie Carson Steele fumbled on the game's first drive. Hunt had 14 carries for 69 yards and two catches for 16 yards. The veteran running back displayed his dual-threat ability in last week's contest and will likely do so again this week. Despite giving up the seventh-fewest rushing yards per game this season, the Saints defense has given up the fifth-most yards per carry to opposing rushers. The coaching staff knows Hunt from his previous stint with Kansas City, so it is conceivable that they trust him enough to carry the load. If Hunt leads the backfield again, he should find himself firmly in the RB2 range. Given that Clyde Edwards-Helaire is doubtful for this week's contest, there should be enough touches for Hunt to be a valuable fantasy asset on Monday night.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will face the New Orleans Saints on Monday night in Week 5. Kelce was the top target in the Chiefs offense after star receiver Rashee Rice went down with a knee injury in the first quarter. Kelce finished the game with seven catches for 89 yards on nine targets in Week 4. With Kansas City officially placing Rashee Rice on injured reserve, Kelce should regain his role as the top target for Patrick Mahomes. The Saints should be a favorable matchup for the Chiefs passing attack, and Kelce could be in for a big game. Mahomes will likely involve Xavier Worthy and the other receivers, but Kelce should be the favorite to lead the team in targets and receptions this week. Kelce is also without a touchdown through four games, so look for that to change in this primetime matchup. Fantasy managers should feel much more confident about starting Kelce this week.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will take on the New Orleans Saints on Monday night in Week 5. Mahomes will be without his favorite receiver, Rashee Rice, for the foreseeable future as the Chiefs placed him on injured reserve due to a severe knee injury. The remaining Chiefs receiving corps will be asked to step up in his absence. The primary beneficiary figures to be Travis Kelce, who should vacuum up those middle-of-the-field targets that Rice was feasting on. Rookie Xavier Worthy, Justin Watson, Skyy Moore, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Mecole Hardman all figure to play a role in the passing attack, but their volume is to be determined. Mahomes has not been a great fantasy quarterback by any stretch of the imagination this season, as he has thrown for less than 300 yards and at least one interception in every contest. The loss of his best receiver should also decrease his production, making him an undesirable start in fantasy football most weeks. Despite his poor start and few game-changing pass catchers, Mahomes could find success against the Saints this week. The Saints have given up the ninth-most passing yards to opposing offenses this season but have also given up the fewest passing touchdowns. If Mahomes does not find a way to get it done in this matchup, fantasy managers may need to readjust their expectations for him this season.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Trent Taylor has been elevated from the practice squad ahead of the Week 5 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Taylor will join the active roster for the first time this season with fellow wideout Jacob Cowing (shoulder) unlikely to play. Taylor will serve as depth at wide receiver, but will likely be used more frequently as a punt and kick returner. He hasn't recorded a reception in an NFL game since 2022. He's unlikely to see much action in the receiving game with a majority of the 49ers wideouts healthy right now. Taylor will likely just return kicks, which means he won't have much fantasy appeal for this weekend.

New York Giants wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins has been elevated from the practice squad ahead of the Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Hodgins started with the Giants last season, but failed to make the 53-man roster out of training camp. Despite that, Hodgins decided to remain with the organization and go to the practice squad. He'll be elevated for the first time this season with fellow wideout Malik Nabers (concussion) ruled out. Hodgins hauled in 21 receptions for 230 yards and three touchdowns across 17 games last season. He figures to be a depth option behind Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton in this offense.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (ankle) is expected to return to the field for the Week 5 matchup against the Denver Broncos. The star pass rusher returned to practice on Friday and appears to be in line to play this weekend. Crosby missed his first game of his career last week after playing in 86 straight games. His return to the field is a welcoming sight for this defensive unit. Crosby has 14 tackles and three sacks through three games this season.

Denver Broncos running back Tyler Badie (back) has been placed on the injured reserve prior to the Week 5 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Badie went down with a back injury during last week's game. It appears the injury is somewhat significant considering the team has placed him on the IR, so Badie will miss at least the next four games. The young back hasn't done a ton this season outside of his 70-yard performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin figure to split up the workload in the backfield going forward.

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (concussion) has been cleared to play ahead of the Week 5 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Hines-Allen has been cleared from concussion protocols after suffering an injury last week. His status was uncertain heading into the weekend, but it appears he's cleared all the needed steps to return to the field. The former first-round pick has 12 tackles, one sack, and four passes defended across four games this season. His return to the field is great news for this defensive unit.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) will suit up for Sunday's game versus the Browns. He was officially labeled as questionable heading into this contest. However, with Austin Ekeler (concussion) also cleared to play, the Commanders will have their top options out of the backfield. While Robinson's presence should mean fewer touches for Ekeler, the knee injury could still jeopardize the former's volume in Week 5. As a result, both should be considered flex options against Cleveland, although Robinson's ceiling is still considerably higher.

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (chest) was removed from the injured reserve list on Saturday. The veteran signed a one-year deal with Washington during the offseason. However, he hasn't stepped on the field for the Commanders. For now, Mariota is questionable for the Week 5 meeting with the Browns. Still, Jayden Daniels is the team's starting signal-caller, so anyone behind him will only have fantasy value for insurance purposes.

The Arizona Cardinals elevated kicker Chad Ryland to the active roster for Sunday's game against the 49ers. The 24-year-old had a rough season in 2023, making only 64% of his field goal attempts. While that type of production won't land him on most fantasy rosters, Saturday's move could mean Matt Prater, who is questionable, (knee) won't be healthy enough to get on the field versus the Niners.

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (knee) is questionable for Monday's matchup with the Saints. The veteran didn't practice on Friday. However, he was a full participant on Saturday, so there's a good chance he'll suit up. With that said, despite the absences of Rashee Rice (knee) and Marquise Brown (shoulder), Hardman likely won't get more involved, considering he's primarily used on special teams. As a result, it will likely be business as usual versus New Orleans, with tight end Travis Kelce and rookie receiver Xavier Worthy expected to see the most attention from quarterback Patrick Mahomes.