Guest of the League
Mini Ballers XXX Est. 2003
FFL: Week 6 | NFL: Week 6

Eagles pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith announces retirement

Mon Oct 13 12:24pm ET
Field Level Media

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Za'Darius Smith announced his retirement Monday on Instagram.

The 33-year-old three-time Pro Bowl selection is six weeks into his 11th NFL season, his first with the Eagles (4-2).

"I knew this day would come -- but now that it's here, I'm feeling so many emotions I never expected," he wrote.

Smith recorded 10 tackles, three quarterback hits and 1.5 sacks in five games (two starts) this season. He played only 17 defensive snaps in last Thursday's 34-17 loss to the New York Giants.

For his career, Smith collected 70.5 sacks, 343 tackles, 10 forced fumbles and 16 passes defensed in 145 games (98 starts) for the Baltimore Ravens (2015-18), Green Bay Packers (2019-21), Minnesota Vikings (2022), Cleveland Browns (2023-24), Detroit Lions (2024) and Eagles.

Smith recorded a career-high 13.5 sacks with the Packers in 2019 and followed it up with 12.5 more in 2020.

"Who would've thought that a kid from Greenville, AL, with just one year of high school football experience, would go on to play professional football in the NFL for 11 incredible years!" Smith posted.

"This game has given me the opportunity to meet great coaches, compete alongside some of the best players ever, and represent some of the greatest organizations in the league. Football has transformed my life and my family's lives forever -- and for that, I'm forever grateful.

"... As I step into the newest season of my life, please know this game has meant the world to me. The lessons learned on and off the field will stay with me forever."

The Ravens drafted Smith in the fourth round out of Kentucky in 2015.

Smith signed a one-year, $4.25 million deal with the Eagles on Sept. 5 that included a $2.25 million signing bonus.

The Philadelphia defense has tallied nine sacks through six games this season. The Eagles will try to snap their two-game losing streak on Sunday against the host Minnesota Vikings (3-2).

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 6

Player Notes
Blake Corum Oct 13 12:20pm ET
Blake Corum

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said that running back Blake Corum (ankle) is considered day-to-day after injuring his ankle in the 17-3 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6 on Sunday, according to Wyatt Miller. Corum will be monitored throughout the week, but the Rams are hopeful that Corum will be available for the Week 7 contest in London on Sunday when they take on the Jacksonville Jaguars. Corum's availability for the international game will depend on whether he can get back on the practice field this week, starting on Wednesday. Even if Corum practices this week and is active against Jacksonville, though, he won't have any standalone starting value for fantasy managers behind starter Kyren Williams. And if Corum needs more time, rookie Jarquez Hunter would be elevated to the backup role this coming Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Tutu Atwell Oct 13 12:10pm ET
Tutu Atwell

According to head coach Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell (hamstring) should be "good to go" for next weekend's matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. The 26-year-old had been productive on limited work over the previous two weeks, but a hamstring injury sustained in Thursday's practice was enough to force him from his first contest since 2023. With the news that teammate Puka Nacua (ankle) could miss some time with an injury of his own, Los Angeles would be fortunate to have the Louisville alum out for just a single appearance. Despite the injury, Atwell never missed a practice, insinuating he has a good shot to suit up for Week 7. He'd operate as the team's No. 2 wideout if Nacua is inactive, with Jordan Whittington sliding into the WR3 role.

From RotoBaller

Puka Nacua Oct 13 12:00pm ET
Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay reports that wide receiver Puka Nacua (ankle) is considered day-to-day after picking up an ankle injury in Sunday's 17-3 win against the Baltimore Ravens. Nacua left Week 6's matchup for a spell and was able to go back in, though he did not record another reception. McVay also noted that the wideout "felt pretty good" on Monday, but his status for their upcoming game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London is uncertain. It's excellent news that the superstar wideout isn't expected to miss an extended period, but fantasy managers will need to keep an eye on his practice participation this week. Teammate Jordan Whittington picked up some extra snaps in the BYU product's absence, and would do so again if he weren't healthy enough to play in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Jaydon Blue Oct 13 11:50am ET
Jaydon Blue

Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue saw a decrease in workload on Sunday during his team's 30-27 loss to the Carolina Panthers. The rookie was expected to see an increase in playing time in Week 6, but Dallas' ground game was relatively ineffective against Carolina's defense, prompting the team to air it out more. With backfield mate Miles Sanders (knee, ankle) set to miss the remainder of the season, Blue's role should grow as he becomes more comfortable on an NFL field. However, he doesn't figure to have much standalone value with Javonte Williams dominating touches and looking effective. For now, fantasy managers can consider the former Texas Longhorn a solid handcuff, but not a startable option with Williams in front of him.

From RotoBaller

AJ Barner Oct 13 11:40am ET
AJ Barner

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner saw his production dip slightly in Sunday's 20-12 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, but was still effective even on minimal work. Barner caught a career-high seven passes in Week 5, but drew only three targets against Jacksonville (3/71). Despite the downtick, the 23-year-old placed second in yards, receptions, and looks to target hog teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and remains an intriguing fantasy play. While the touchdowns can't be counted on every week, Barner is far and away the snap leader at his position, and the clear third target on the team behind Smith-Njigba and veteran Cooper Kupp. Fantasy managers can't expect weekly consistency quite yet with diminished target totals, but the Michigan alum is an excellent streaming option and is slowly rising up the dynasty ranks.

From RotoBaller

Kendrick Bourne Oct 13 11:20am ET
Kendrick Bourne

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne was again a pivotal part of his team's success this past weekend, and could be in store for extended work once more in Week 7. The 30-year-old has stepped up admirably with a myriad of injuries around him, compiling a 15/284 line through the last two weeks on a whopping 20 targets. While teammates Ricky Pearsall (knee) and George Kittle (hamstring) are expected back in due time, that may not come to fruition for their meeting with the Lions on Monday night. Furthermore, fellow WR Jauan Jennings is battling multiple broken ribs, leaving his efficacy in question. At present, Bourne seems like a good bet to be heavily involved again when his team next takes the field, with the uncertainty surrounding the return of his teammates.

From RotoBaller

Sam LaPorta Oct 13 11:10am ET
Sam LaPorta

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta hauled in a touchdown catch for the second straight week in Week 6 against the Kansas City Chiefs, finishing with five catches for 55 yards and a score on six targets. The 24-year-old has 26 catches for 324 yards and two touchdowns on 33 targets for the season. He's shown signs of increased usage over the past two weeks, earning 12 targets and recording 10 catches for 143 yards and two scores. LaPorta and Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams appear to be battling to be the second option in Detroit's passing game behind star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown. Either way, fantasy managers have to be encouraged by LaPorta's production over his past two games, and he profiles as a must-start tight end heading into a Week 7 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

From RotoBaller

Kameron Johnson Oct 13 11:00am ET
Kameron Johnson

Tampa Bay Buccaneers second-year wide receiver Kameron Johnson recorded the first four catches of his career in Week 6, finishing with 64 receiving yards and a touchdown in his team's 30-19 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Johnson was forced into action due to injuries to Buccaneers wideouts Mike Evans (hamstring), Chris Godwin (leg), Emeka Egbuka (hamstring), and Jalen McMillan (neck). Tampa Bay could be getting at least one of its injured wide receivers back in Week 7, but the team also might be without all four once again. If that's the case, Kameron Johnson, Tez Johnson, and Sterling Shepard would be the lead candidates for playing time in a juicy Week 7 matchup against the Detroit Lions. Kameron Johnson could be a waiver-wire priority for fantasy managers, pending more news on the Bucs' injured wideouts.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Oct 13 10:50am ET
Justin Fields

New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said during a Monday press conference that he never considered benching quarterback Justin Fields despite Fields' struggles in Week 6 against the Denver Broncos, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini. Cimini reports that Glenn "reiterated commitment to Justin Fields, but acknowledged that he took a step back" on Sunday. The 26-year-old completed nine of 17 pass attempts for 45 yards and was sacked nine times for a combined loss of 55 yards in Week 6 against Denver. Fields has thrown for 799 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for 235 yards and three touchdowns in five games so far this season. If Fields were to get benched, veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor would likely take over under center for the Jets. However, it appears the team is not considering making a switch going into Week 7. Fields' dual-threat ability keeps him in the mix as a fantasy starter in single-QB leagues, and he gets a much more favorable matchup in Week 7 against the Carolina Panthers.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Oct 13 10:40am ET
Garrett Wilson

New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed during a Monday press conference that wide receiver Garrett Wilson (knee) is being evaluated for a knee injury and that the team should have more information on the exact nature of the injury on Wednesday. Losing Wilson for any stretch of time would be a major issue for the Jets' struggling offense. The 25-year-old has recorded 36 catches for 395 yards and four touchdowns on 56 targets through his first six games of 2025. At minimum, Wilson's status for Week 7 against the Carolina Panthers appears to be in question. If Wilson were to be sidelined, Jets wideouts Josh Reynolds and Arian Smith would both be in line for an uptick in targets. Veteran wide receiver Allen Lazard (personal) was inactive in Week 6 due to personal reasons, but he could be back in the mix as well for New York in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Puka Nacua Oct 13 10:30am ET
Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Puka Nacua (ankle) "suffered an ankle sprain that will likely cause him to miss time," according to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Nacua was able to briefly return to his team's Week 6 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens after suffering the injury, but he recorded just two catches for 28 yards on three targets. The Rams will play the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 7 and then have their bye week in Week 8, so Nacua could potentially have two weeks of rest while missing just one game. The 24-year-old has arguably been the best wide receiver in the NFL this season, hauling in 54 catches for 616 yards and two touchdowns on 65 targets through six games. With Nacua sidelined and wide receiver Tutu Atwell (hamstring) battling a hamstring injury, Rams wideout Jordan Whittington could be the most likely candidate to step up as the team's WR2 alongside Davante Adams. Whittington had three catches for 23 yards on four targets in Week 6 and has 10 catches for 112 yards on 13 targets so far this season.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Oct 13 10:20am ET
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle posted another solid game in Week 6 against the Los Angeles Chargers, Miami's second full game since losing wideout Tyreek Hill (knee) for the season. Waddle led the Dolphins with eight targets and hauled in six catches for 95 yards. The 26-year-old has now recorded 29 catches for 390 yards and three touchdowns on 40 targets through six games this season. In the two games without Hill, Waddle has been much better, recording 12 catches for 205 yards and a score on 17 targets. He profiles as a must-start fantasy wide receiver, although Waddle and the Dolphins will have a tough matchup in Week 7 when they travel to Cleveland to take on the Browns.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Oct 13 10:20am ET
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave earned double-digit targets (10) in Week 6 for the fifth time in six games this season, hauling in six catches for 98 yards against the New England Patriots. The 25-year-old has been a target monster so far in 2025, recording 39 catches for 342 yards and one touchdown on 64 targets. Overall, Olave's efficiency has been mediocre at best (career-low 8.8 yards per reception). However, he took a step in the right direction in Week 6 by averaging 16.3 yards per reception. Olave is the clear number one option in the Saints' passing game, which provides a consistent floor for fantasy managers in PPR leagues. He profiles as a safe WR2 with upside in PPR scoring formats going forward.

From RotoBaller

Zonovan Knight Oct 13 10:10am ET
Zonovan Knight

Late Sunday morning, it was announced that Arizona Cardinals' running back Bam Knight was bumped up to the top of the Cardinals' depth chart at running back, and he responded with 34 yards on 11 carries and scored a one-yard touchdown in the Cardinals' 31-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Knight also contributed through the air, hauling in one of his two targets for a 20-yard reception. Meanwhile, Michael Carter had a very similar line, rushing for 34 yards on 11 carries and had two receptions for 30 yards. Emari Demercado was barely involved, seeing only one carry on the afternoon. All of this to say, it appears that the Cardinals have no interest in giving Carter the full reins of this backfield, and moving forward, both Knight and Carter will provide RB3 value, and fantasy managers should expect them both to see 10-15 touches per game. The Cardinals have a tough matchup coming up against the Green Bay Packers before their Week 8 bye. Fantasy managers beware, Trey Benson (knee) is eligible to return in Week 10 and will likely become the lead back once he returns.

From RotoBaller

Kimani Vidal Oct 13 10:00am ET
Kimani Vidal

Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal exploded in Week 6 against the Miami Dolphins with 18 carries for 124 yards (6.89 YPC) and three catches for 14 yards with a receiving touchdown. With rookie sensation Omarion Hampton (ankle) set to miss at minimum the next three games, Vidal was the clear RB1 in this offense, with Hassan Haskins hardly used on Sunday, with only six carries for 14 yards and one reception for nine yards. Vidal played 70% of the snaps, while Haskins played only 28% of them. Vidal proved he is the running back fantasy managers should prioritize in this offense, and moving forward, Vidal should provide low-end RB2 value until Hampton returns. Up next for the Chargers is a tougher matchup at home against the Indianapolis Colts, who rank in the top 10 against opposing running backs.

From RotoBaller

Sterling Shepard Oct 13 9:50am ET
Sterling Shepard

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard should be in line for an increase in workload moving forward, with Mike Evans (hamstring), Chris Godwin (fibula), Bucky Irving (shoulder/foot), Jalen McMillan (neck), and now Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) all injured and expected to miss some time. Sheppard remains one of the few healthy Buccaneer receivers, and his competition for targets includes rookie Tez Johnson, Cade Otton, and Kameron Johnson. Sheppard is the most proven and experienced in that pass-catching room, and heading into what is expected to be a high-scoring affair against the Detroit Lions (53.5 point total according to sportsbooks), should be a solid low-end WR2 play and prioritized on the waiver wires this week.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Oct 13 9:40am ET
Rashee Rice

Senior NFL insider Adam Schefter reports that Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice's six-game suspension is now over, and he is eligible to play Sunday versus the Las Vegas Raiders. Rice was serving a six-game suspension for pleading guilty to two third-degree felony charges of a collision involving serious bodily injuries and racing on the highway, causing physical injury. With his suspension ending, the Chiefs' offense should reach a new level. They have reported that they consider Rice their clear No. 1 option and have not entertained trade offers for other players at the position, knowing he is set to return in Week 7. With the Chiefs starting to get all of their playmakers back in action, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes playing at an MVP level, the Chiefs' offense should continue to produce at a high level for fantasy managers. Although exciting news, fantasy managers should temper expectations with Rice out of the gate, as it's likely he will get ramped up and not provide WR1 production right away, but assuming he plays in Week 7, he has WR3/Flex appeal against the Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Emeka Egbuka Oct 13 9:20am ET
Emeka Egbuka

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) is getting an MRI on Monday and is expected to miss "some time," according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. He also reported that it does not seem as bad as teammate Mike Evans' (hamstring) injury that has kept him out since Week 4. Egbuka left the game in the third quarter of Sunday's 30-19 win over the San Francisco 49ers and was ruled out later in the contest. Before exiting, Egbuka hauled in two of his four targets for 24 yards. The Buccaneers offense continues to take a massive hit offensively, with Evans, Chris Godwin (fibula), Bucky Irving (shoulder/foot), Jalen McMillan (neck), and now Egbuka all missing time. The Buccaneers have weathered the storm because quarterback Baker Mayfield has been playing at an MVP level. Still, with all of these offensive playmakers out, Mayfield will likely have to rely on Sterling Shepard, Tez Johnson, Cade Otton, and Kameron Johnson in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Oct 13 2:43am ET
Geno Smith

Las Vegas Raiders QB Geno Smith completed 17 of 23 pass attempts for 174 yards, one touchdown, and one interception during the team's win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 6. Smith also ran four times for minus-three yards.

Fantasy Spin: Smith's season-long issues with turnovers continued in Week 6 as he threw his NFL-leading 10th interception -- the veteran also initially looked to have a fumble returned for a touchdown, but officials reversed the call to an incomplete pass on review. The veteran has really struggled in his reunion with Pete Carroll, albeit with top target Brock Bowers (knee) injured or absent for most of the year. While there's apparently no thought of benching Smith for Kenny Pickett, he's at the very bottom of QB2 consideration right now, and might be better viewed as a QB3.

From TheHuddle

Raheem Mostert Oct 13 2:43am ET
Raheem Mostert

Las Vegas Raiders RB Raheem Mostert ran the ball five times for minus-four yards in a Week 6 win over the Tennessee Titans.

From TheHuddle