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Dynasty $125 - FFL: Week 5 | NFL: Week 5

Week 5 Power Rankings: NFC feeling tremors, KC rebounds

Wed Oct 1 11:54am ET
Field Level Media

While the NFL rests on a traditional off-day Tuesday, Field Level Media NFL writers reviewed their notes to rank all 32 teams entering Week 5.

Philadelphia kept putting up wins and is the last undefeated team left in the NFC, while Kansas City turned in an almost-vintage showing to pile on the injury-ravaged Ravens.

League-wide, the health situation stands one rung short or carnage for Baltimore and multiple other teams dealing from a shorter deck only one month into the season due to injuries.

There have been reasons to doubt the Packers the past two weeks, and the Buccaneers are in the passing lane with the Seahawks -- Week 5 opponents -- for the current No. 2 position in the NFC behind Philly.

We're still buying the Bills, even if the defense inspires doubt.

It's almost time to project fits for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft, and the lowest level of our rankings warrant some mocking. The New York teams are still in the running, with the Jets "passing" the Giants and joining the Saints and Titans as the last teams left without a win.

Here's the league-wide pecking order from our view entering Week 5:

32. New Orleans Saints (0-4)

Last Week: L, 31-19 at Buffalo Bills

Up Next: vs. New York Giants (1-3), 1 p.m. ET

There is plenty of love for rookie QB Jaxson Dart in these parts. The Saints' effort hasn't been an issue, but a talent gap is undeniable.

31. Tennessee Titans (0-4)

Last Week: L, 26-0 at Houston Texans

Up Next: at Arizona Cardinals (2-2), 4:05 p.m. ET

With Tennessee holding a league-worst point differential of minus-69, opponents have 11 more touchdowns than the Titans through only four games. The Brian Callahan Watch is officially underway in Nashville.

30. New York Jets (0-4)

Last Week: L, 27-21 at Miami Dolphins

Up Next: vs. Dallas Cowboys (1-2-1), 1 p.m. ET

If Aaron Glenn can't get more out of his talent-laden defense, the Jets are c-o-o-k-e-d.

29. Carolina Panthers (1-3)

Last Week: L, 42-13 at New England Patriots

Up Next: vs. Miami Dolphins (1-3)

Impossible to predict the direction of the Panthers on the premise of their past two results. Wide-lens view implies another long year in Carolina.

28. Cincinnati Bengals (2-2)

Last Week: L, 28-3 at Denver Broncos

Up Next: vs. Detroit Lions (3-1), 4:25 p.m. ET

No time to lick their wounds, the Bengals might be guilty of folding early as WR Ja'Marr Chase assessed after being outscored by 63 points in two blowout losses without Joe Burrow.

27. New York Giants (1-3)

Last Week: W, 21-18 vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Up Next: at New Orleans Saints (0-4), 1 p.m. ET

Did the Giants get it right with Jaxson Dart? He elevated energy and made winning plays. Next mission: a winning streak. New York has played 25 games since its last back-to-back wins.

26. Las Vegas Raiders (1-3)

Last Week: L 25-24 vs. Chicago Bears

Up Next: at Indianapolis Colts (3-1), 1 p.m. ET

The real Ashton Jeanty made an appearance with three total TDs, the kind of positive Pete Carroll needs after letting a win slip away.

25. Cleveland Browns (1-3)

Last Week: L, 41-17 at Detroit Lions

Up Next: vs. Minnesota Vikings (2-2), 9:30 a.m. ET (London)

Dillon Gabriel gets the keys in a difficult-to-navigate matchup with blitz happy Vikings coordinator Brian Flores. At least he's in his usual surroundings leading up to the game, and the Browns have surrounded the rookie with a flawless offensive line and top-notch skill players.

24. Miami Dolphins (1-3)

Last Week: W, 27-21 vs. New York Jets

Up Next: at Carolina Panthers (1-3), 1 p.m. ET

Subtracting Tyreek Hill might lead to a needed reset for the offense and QB Tua Tagovailoa. Going the other way is the beginning of the end for coach Mike McDaniel.

23. New England Patriots (2-2)

Last Week: W, 42-14 vs. Carolina Panthers

Up Next: at Buffalo Bills, 8:20 p.m. ET (Sunday)

For the non-believers, Drake Maye is on the right path. Proof? Last week he became the first player ever under the age of 24 with at least two touchdown passes and a completion percentage of 75 or higher in three consecutive games.

22. Houston Texans (1-3)

Last Week: W, 26-0 vs. Tennessee Titans

Up Next: at Baltimore Ravens (1-3), 1 p.m. ET

The Texans pitched a shutout last week and have to like their chances at Baltimore with Lamar Jackson (hamstring) on the shelf. Houston is 2-11 all-time against the Ravens.

21. Atlanta Falcons (2-2)

Last Week: W, 34-27 vs. Washington Commanders

Up Next: Bye week

Moving offensive coordinator Zac Robinson to the sideline seemed to jolt his memory that Drake London becomes an unguardable best in the slot. Falcons likely to spend bye week considering what to do if Robinson bolts for Oklahoma State.

20. Dallas Cowboys (1-2-1)

Last Week: Tie, 40-40 vs. Green Bay Packers

Up Next: at New York Jets (0-4), 1 p.m. ET

Outscored 132-114, the Cowboys cannot be taken seriously as contenders until they get consistent stops. Green Bay scored points on every second-half possession last week.

19. Chicago Bears (2-2)

Last Week: W, 25-24 vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Up Next: Bye week

Survived Vegas with a patchwork secondary and erratic offense. Come will come out of bye week for a "Monday Night Football" visit to Washington.

18. Arizona Cardinals (2-2)

Last Week: L, 23-20 at Seattle Seahawks

Up Next: vs. Tennessee Titans, 4:05 p.m. ET

Consecutive division losses by a grand total of four points might be progress or an ouch in the standings for the Cardinals come December.

17. Minnesota Vikings (2-2)

Last Week: L, 24-21 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin

Up Next: vs. Cleveland Browns (1-3) in London, 9:30 a.m. ET (Sunday)

Carson Wentz draws another difficult assignment in the Browns. Cleveland's back seven is being overlooked due to the strong start to the season (again) from Myles Garrett.

16. Washington Commanders (2-2)

Last Week: L, 34-27 at Atlanta Falcons

Up Next: at Los Angeles Chargers (3-1), 4:25 p.m. ET

Averaging 154.8 rushing yards per game but have allowed 10 sacks, which might be helping the Commanders decide to take their time getting Jayden Daniels back on the field.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)

Last Week: W, 24-21 vs. Minnesota Vikings

Up Next: Bye week

Doing enough to sit above .500 with no running game and weak run defense. Finding one or both are top priority during the bye week.

14. Baltimore Ravens (1-3)

Last Week: L, 37-20 at Kansas City Chiefs

Up Next: vs. Houston Texans (1-3), 1 p.m. ET

If John Harbaugh had the option of flexing his team into a bye week, he'd be pulling that trigger. A health situation is nearing crisis levels and Baltimore can't get to the quarterback (four total sacks) or stop the run (141.3 yards per game). Without Lamar Jackson (hamstring), life won't get any easier.

13. Denver Broncos (2-2)

Last Week: W, 28-3 vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Up Next: at Philadelphia Eagles (4-0), 1 p.m. ET

Denver has two of the top first-step pass rushers, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, and two of the best pass blockers in an edge matchup worth checking out. When the Buccaneers backed off the blitz last week, the Eagles failed to move the ball.

12. San Francisco 49ers (3-1)

Last Week: L, 26-21 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Up Next: at Los Angeles Rams (3-1), 8:15 p.m. ET (Thursday)

Crossing fingers and toes Brock Purdy can play with the 49ers staring down a high-energy pass rush and three-game losing streak in this matchup.

11. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1)

Last Week: W, 26-21 at San Francisco 49ers

Up Next: vs. Kansas City Chiefs (2-2), 8:15 p.m. ET (Monday)

Maybe they are great at stealing signs in Jacksonville, or maybe rookie coach Liam Coen has shifted the culture. Kansas City is a great test given the Chiefs have won seven in a row in this series.

10. Indianapolis Colts (3-1)

Last Week: L, 27-20 at Los Angeles Rams

Up Next: vs. Las Vegas Raiders (1-3), 1 p.m. ET

Offense and backfield combination of Daniel Jones and Jonathan Taylor deserving of credit coming their way. Resurgence of DT DeForest Buckner in the middle has been one of the less-discussed keys to a sizzling start.

9. Green Bay Packers (2-2)

Last Week: Tie, 40-40 at Dallas Cowboys

Up Next: Bye week

Somewhere Matt LaFleur is still steaming about the second-half defense from the Packers last week, and he'll have plenty of extra time to dissect how Green Bay wound up tied in Dallas.

8. Seattle Seahawks (3-1)

Last Week: W, 23-20 vs. Arizona Cardinals

Up Next: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1), 4:05 p.m. ET

Fine, we were wrong about Sam Darnold. Last week he produced his 15th start with at least a 100 QB rating since 2024, second-most in NFL.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)

Last Week: L, 31-25 vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Up Next: at Seattle Seahawks (3-1), 4:05 p.m. ET

Head coach Todd Bowles has to require more out of his defense to win the type of game the Bucs face on Sunday. They held the accelerator too long against the Eagles, when the little-too-late adjustment to play coverage and stop the run with base personnel worked like a charm and opened the door for a rally.

6. Los Angeles Chargers (3-1)

Last Week: L, 21-18 at New York Giants

Up Next: vs. Washington Commanders (2-2), 4:25 p.m. ET

Still a great team? Losing left tackle Joe Alt last week is an enormous blow to the Chargers, hitting at the core of the team identity with Rashawn Slater (torn patellar tendon) already on season-ending IR.

5. Los Angeles Rams (3-1)

Last Week: W, 27-20 vs. Indianapolis Colts

Up Next: vs. San Francisco 49ers (3-1), 8:20 p.m. ET (Thursday)

No layups in the NFC West, and the Rams can't exhale if Brock Purdue is out. They've never held Christian McCaffrey to less than 135 total yards in four career games. He has 28 receptions and five total touchdowns in those matchups.

4. Kansas City Chiefs (2-2)

Last Week: W, 37-20 vs. Baltimore Ranves

Up Next: at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1), 8:15 p.m. ET (Monday)

Flickering hope for a full revival of Patrick Mahomes and the passing game emerged in the second half at New York. It's a good time for the Chiefs to see the flame-fanning Ravens' defense, which was torched by the Bills (41 points in Week 1) and Lions.

3. Detroit Lions (3-1)

Last Week: W, 34-10 vs. Cleveland Browns

Up Next: at Cincinnati Bengals (2-2), 1 p.m. ET

Detroit leads the NFL in scoring offense (34.3 points per game), while Cincinnati has one garbage time TD in the past two games. Take cover, Bengals fans.

2. Buffalo Bills (4-0)

Last Week: W, 31-19 vs. New Orleans Saints

Up Next: vs. New England Patriots (2-2), 8:20 p.m. ET (Sunday)

The last time the Bills started a season 5-0 was 1991. Josh Allen and James Cook are clicking, and Super vibes are easy to see. Buffalo has won 14 straight at home and put up points in 15 of 16 quarters this season.

1. Philadelphia Eagles (4-0)

Last Week: W, 31-25 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Up Next: vs. Denver Broncos (2-2), 1 p.m. ET

Running men with an old-school investment in using the offensive line as a tool for sustained success, Philadelphia doesn't the lowly offensive ranking (251.5 yards per game). When Plan A is Saquon Barkley and Plan B is Jalen Hurts (516 rushing yards, seven TDs combined), who can blame them?

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The Paur Report

Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 5

Player Notes
Tyreek Hill Oct 1 12:30pm ET
Tyreek Hill

The Miami Dolphins officially placed All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill (knee) on season-ending Injured Reserve on Wednesday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Hill dislocated his knee in Monday night's win over the New York Jets and also tore multiple ligaments in his knee, including his ACL. His 2025 season is officially over, and although he's planning on being ready for the start of the 2026 season, it won't be a guarantee that he'll be ready for Week 1. The Cheetah had surgery on his knee on Tuesday. In redraft fantasy leagues, Hill can safely be dropped for reinforcements. In his absence, Jaylen Waddle will be Miami's new WR1, with Malik Washington and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine also moving up the depth chart. Tight end Darren Waller, who had two touchdowns in his 2025 debut on Monday night, should also be heavily involved in the passing attack for Miami going forward with Hill done for the year.

From RotoBaller

Emari Demercado Oct 1 12:10pm ET
Emari Demercado

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado has recorded 21 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on just six total touches so far in 2025. However, there's a chance he's the team's featured back in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans with James Conner (ankle) out for the season and Trey Benson (knee) possibly facing a short-term absence. If Benson misses Week 5, the Cardinals would likely split touches to some degree between Demercado and running back Michael Carter. Demercado started the season as the team's RB3 while Carter was only added to the active roster once Conner went down. Still, Demercado has not logged more than four carries in a game since Week 8 of the 2023 season. Demercado should be added in all deep fantasy leagues and could be a low-end flex option in Week 5 if Benson is sidelined.

From RotoBaller

Sean Tucker Oct 1 12:00pm ET
Sean Tucker

With the news that Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (foot) is battling a foot sprain, fellow Bucs back Sean Tucker could be in line for a significant workload increase. Tucker has just one carry so far in 2025, but he was extremely efficient when given the opportunity in 2024, rushing for 308 yards and two touchdowns on 50 carries for Tampa Bay. Veteran running back Rachaad White would likely be given the first opportunity in Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks if Irving misses time. Still, White has proven to be a more efficient receiving back than an early-down rusher over the course of his career. In fantasy leagues where both White and Tucker are available, White should be the waiver-wire priority. However, in deeper leagues where White is already rostered, Tucker should be added in case Irving misses time and Tucker works his way into the early-down role.

From RotoBaller

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Oct 1 11:50am ET
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

ESPN's Dan Graziano reports that the Washington Commanders are "very happy at the moment using a committee" in the backfield, but they "view (rookie running back) Jacory Croskey-Merritt as the most capable one of the three to emerge as an all-around threat." Since veteran running back Austin Ekeler (Achilles) suffered an Achilles tear in Week 2, the Commanders have split backfield playing time fairly evenly between Croskey-Merritt, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and Jeremy McNichols. Overall, through his first four NFL games, Croskey-Merritt has recorded 172 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries to go along with three catches for 15 yards on five targets. As long as all three Washington backs are sharing snaps, none profile as fantasy starters. However, it sounds as though Croskey-Merritt is the most likely Commanders running back to eventually seize a true lead role.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Oct 1 11:40am ET
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (hamstring) is considered "week-to-week" due to the hamstring injury he suffered during his team's Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Rapoport notes that Jackson is "going to try to play" in Week 5 against the Houston Texans, but that his status is "in doubt." If Jackson is unable to play in Week 5, veteran signal-caller Cooper Rush would be in line to make the start for Baltimore against Houston. Rush completed nine of his 13 pass attempts for 52 yards after replacing Jackson in Week 4. The 31-year-old played in 12 games (eight starts) for the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, completing 60.7% of his pass attempts for 1,844 yards, 12 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Looking forward, Baltimore will play the Los Angeles Rams in Week 6 before hitting their bye week in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Trey Benson Oct 1 11:30am ET
Trey Benson

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (knee) "banged his knee" during the team's Week 4 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, and Benson's status for Week 5 is "now in question," according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Benson recorded 54 yards from scrimmage on 13 total touches in Week 4, which was the team's first full game since veteran running back James Conner (ankle) was lost for the season with an ankle injury. Third-year back Emari Demercado was Arizona's RB2 in Week 4, recording 21 yards from scrimmage and a receiving touchdown on four total touches. If Benson misses the Cardinals' Week 5 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, backfield touches would likely be split between Demercado and running back Michael Carter. Carter has just one carry so far in 2025, but he rushed for 131 yards and a touchdown on 35 carries across three games (one start) with Arizona in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Myles Garrett Oct 1 11:30am ET
Myles Garrett

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (ankle) is expected to miss the team's Wednesday practice due to an ankle injury, per ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. Garrett is one of the NFL's best defensive players and has recorded four sacks and eight QB hits through his first four games of the season. The Browns will face off against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5. If Garrett is unable to play, the matchup would be significantly easier for Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz, running back Jordan Mason, and the rest of the Minnesota offense.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Oct 1 11:20am ET
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (foot) is dealing with a foot sprain and was spotted at practice on Wednesday "on crutches and in a walking boot," per ESPN's Adam Schefter. The team has not provided a formal timeline for Irving, but it certainly appears he will be sidelined for the team's Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. If Irving indeed misses time, Buccaneers running backs Rachaad White and Sean Tucker should both see an uptick in touches and playing time. White has recorded 142 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on 31 total touches so far in 2025. Tucker has just one carry this season, but he rushed for 308 yards and two touchdowns on 50 carries across 17 games in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Shedeur Sanders Oct 1 11:13am ET
Shedeur Sanders

Dynasty | The Browns will start Dillon Gabriel this week against Minnesota. Dynasty Analysis: Joe Flacco was likely to never actually finish the year under center but his awful first month opened the door sooner than expected. Gabriel will take over with Flacco moving to the QB2 and Shedeur Sanders reportedly still being a distant third in the pecking order. Gabriel showed some juice in the preseason but that's going to mean little. His performance will be critical for the Browns future as they'll need to either commit to him, see what Sanders can do or be forced to look at the NFL Draft once again as they attempt to rise above the putrid Deshaun Watson era.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Joe Flacco Oct 1 11:13am ET
Joe Flacco

Dynasty | The Browns have benched veteran Joe Flacco in favor of Dillon Gabriel. Dynasty Analysis: The 40-year old veteran only completed 58.2% of his passes the first four weeks for 815 yards with just two touchdowns and six interceptions. The Browns are 1-3 and yet again looking like one of the NFL's worst teams, despite having a solid defensive unit. Dillon Gabriel is taking over and Cleveland simply needs to see if he can give them a spark and save their season before it gets out of hand. Flacco will serve as the QB2 moving forward but he's going to hit a lot of waiver wires this week as his minimal dynasty value is now cooked.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Shedeur Sanders Oct 1 11:13am ET
Shedeur Sanders

Dynasty | The Browns will start rookie Dillon Gabriel against the Vikings this week and keep Shedeur Sanders as their QB3. Dynasty Analysis: Joe Flacco was ineffective the first month of the season but Cleveland has been steadfast in saying it was Gabriel, not Sanders, who would get a shot first should Flacco falter. That indeed becomes the case as Sanders will reportedly stay as the QB3. It's still quite possible he makes starts this year but we've really seen nothing to indicate his draft day fall wasn't completely justified. Sanders is worth a roster spot in deep leagues but continues to be overvalued in most.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Tyler Higbee Oct 1 10:10am ET
Tyler Higbee

ESPN Rams reporter Sarah Barshop reports that Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (hip) was listed as a DNPs for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, making his status for Thursday's game against the Arizona Cardinals uncertain. If Higbee can't go on Thursday, rookie Terrance Ferguson and Colby Parkinson will be in line to get more opportunities in the passing game. However, with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams earning most of Matthew Stafford's targets, Rams' tight ends should not be started or even rostered in most league formats at this time. Higbee is leading the tight end room in receptions, yards, and targets, and through four games, he has six catches for 62 yards and no touchdowns on 11 targets.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Oct 1 10:00am ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs is being used "all over the field," according to the offensive coordinator for the Colts, Jim Bob Cooter. Downs has been able to "line up on the outside as well as the slot," showcasing his versatility on the field and being an option for quarterback Daniel Jones in the passing game. So far through the four weeks of the season, Downs has yet to have a breakout game, topping 50 receiving yards only once, and has yet to find the endzone. However, hearing Cooter speak about Downs, the Colts may be looking to get Downs more involved in the passing game down the stretch. With bye weeks coming up and injuries being inevitable, Downs could be a nice bench stash for the time being in deeper leagues, especially if he continues to lineup all over the field and we see his targets increase per game. However, at this time, we have not seen it happen on the field, so until then, Downs should remain out of starting lineups in most standard formats. The Colts play the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6, so look for Downs to be more involved than he has been against a poor Raiders defense that has allowed the third-most points to the wide receiver position.

From RotoBaller

Shedeur Sanders Oct 1 9:40am ET
Shedeur Sanders

NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reports that Shedeur Sanders will remain as the team's QB3, even in light of the Dillon Gabriel news reported by Adam Schefter on Wednesday that Gabriel will start on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Sanders will have to continue to wait his turn to get an opportunity to prove what he can do at the NFL level. Veteran Joe Flacco will serve as the backup quarterback in Week 5, leaving Sanders as third on the depth chart. Sanders, at this time, continues to be a dynasty stash at best. Still, his path to getting an opportunity may have just gotten closer, as it appears the Browns might be moving on from the Joe Flacco experience for the long term with the switch to Gabriel in Week 5. However, at this time, he will remain third on the quarterback depth chart.

From RotoBaller

Dillon Gabriel Oct 1 9:30am ET
Dillon Gabriel

According to Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter, Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel is getting the start on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings in London. Joe Flacco will remain the backup while Shedeur Sanders will remain the QB3. Flacco has struggled mightily this year, throwing only two touchdowns to six interceptions through four games with two fumbles lost. With the Browns sitting at a 1-3 record, they appear ready to start seeing what they have in third-round rookie Gabriel. In Gabriel's final season at Oregon, he threw for 3,857 yards and 30 touchdowns, adding seven rushing touchdowns in 14 starts and leading the Ducks to a Big Ten Championship. He also had a career-high completion percentage of 72.9 percent. The rookie played well in the preseason and was 3-for-4 for 19 yards and a touchdown in limited regular-season action. Currently, Gabriel is a bench stash in leagues that start two quarterbacks or a superflex league. The Vikings' defense on Sunday will be a good test for Gabriel to see what he's got.

From RotoBaller

Travis Hunter Oct 1 9:20am ET
Travis Hunter

Michael David Smith of NBC Sports reports that Travis Hunter is struggling to make an impact on either side of the ball. Hunter is mainly playing on offense, being on the field for 59 percent of the Jaguars' offensive snaps. But he has just 13 catches for 118 yards with no touchdowns and only three first downs through four games. On defense, Hunter is doing even less, playing just 39 percent of snaps with no interceptions or other powerful impact plays. Ultimately, this is leading to him not making a substantial impact on either side of the ball, limiting his overall upside. It's still early in the season, so we will see how the Jaguars plan to use him moving forward, but at the time being, Hunter's value has never been lower, and fantasy managers have started dropping him in 12-team leagues. At best, he is a bench stash based on name and upside alone. Currently, he should not be considered for starting lineups in any league format.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Oct 1 3:20am ET
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson continued to play a significant role on offense in Week 4 despite speculation about a potential reduced workload after he fumbled twice in the previous game. Stevenson's usage didn't falter one bit as he played 57 percent of the snaps and carried the ball nine times, which led the team and was his second-highest mark of the season. He is far from an every-down back, and we should continue to see TreVeyon Henderson get more and more involved every week. However, as it stands, Stevenson remains the favorite to handle north of 50 percent of the running back snaps in any given contest. He is still a viable fantasy option on the waiver wire or off the bench.

From RotoBaller

TreVeyon Henderson Oct 1 3:20am ET
TreVeyon Henderson

New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson remains the future of the team's backfield, but his ascension to the No. 1 role is taking a little longer than expected. The Ohio State product played a season-low 31 percent of the snaps this past Sunday, which was a significant reduction from his 46 percent snap share just a week earlier. Furthermore, he caught two passes along the way, which was also a season- and career-low. All in all, the Patriots continue to use Rhamondre Stevenson more than Henderson, and they've also mixed in some rushing attempts for Drake Maye and Antonio Gibson. Until he's the clear-cut No. 1 running back on a weekly basis, Henderson deserves to be benched in fantasy football. From a waiver wire perspective, though, he's an interesting candidate to be added in leagues with at least 12 teams, especially since he could blossom into New England's lead back by midseason. He's a top waiver wire target for Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Blake Corum Oct 1 3:10am ET
Blake Corum

Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum continues to carve out an increased role within the backfield, making him a player to monitor or even pursue in fantasy football leagues. The 24-year-old played 29 percent of the offensive snaps on Sunday, which was his second-highest mark of the season. He also posted season highs in rushing attempts (nine), targets (four), and catches (two), albeit while posting poor efficiency on the ground and negative yardage through the air. Kyren Williams remains the undisputed No. 1 running back in Los Angeles, but Corum is certainly eating into his workload and making a push for expanded touches week after week. Last Sunday was the first time Corum had double-digit touches in a single game, and if this continues, he could have some standalone value as an RB3/flex in deeper fantasy leagues. He's a worthwhile waiver wire target in leagues with at least 12 teams, especially as bye weeks and injuries plague the position. However, he might be tougher to trust this week in particular as he faces the San Francisco 49ers, who have allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to running backs in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Hunter Henry Oct 1 3:10am ET
Hunter Henry

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry is off to a fantastic start this season, catching 15 passes for 204 yards and three touchdowns while ranking as the overall TE3 in fantasy football. He has double-digit fantasy points in three of four games and has found the end zone two weeks in a row. While critics were harsh on Henry during the offseason for sharing a role with Austin Hooper in an uninspiring offense, those opinions have been silenced by the veteran's phenomenal start. Not only is he playing and producing far more than Hooper, but he has also been one of Drake Maye's absolute favorite targets in the passing game. We mustn't forget that New England targeted its tight ends 31.9 percent of the time in 2024 (fourth-most in the NFL), and they continue to throw to the position at a 26.7 percent clip this year (seventh-most). He should be added off waiver wires in all leagues, as he's a worthwhile starter in most formats.

From RotoBaller