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NFL ratings continue to soar into October

Thu Oct 9 3:35pm ET
Field Level Media

The NFL is continuing to enjoy soaring television ratings, with games through Week 5 averaging a viewership of 18.58 million.

That is up 8 percent from the comparable average last year and 9 percent from 2023. It also represents the second highest mark at this point in the season in league history behind only 2010, according to Front Office Sports.

The highest-rated game this season remains the average of 33.8 million viewers for Philadelphia's victory over Kansas City in Week 2, but the NFL's ratings have maintained momentum despite competition from college football and the Major League Baseball playoffs.

The ratings figures have received a boost from Nielsen's new "Big Data + Panels" measurement product, which includes figures from set-top boxes and smart televisions. And the viewership spikes have been enjoyed across broadcasters.

CBS's early-afternoon window led by the Broncos-Eagles game in Week 5 averaged 19.6 million viewers, the network's highest since regaining NFL rights in 1998. Meanwhile, Fox averaged 20.3 million for the Commanders at Chargers last Sunday, with "America's Game of the Week" in the afternoon slot now up 3 percent.

Week 5 concluded with Jacksonville's dramatic comeback victory at home against Kansas City on Monday night. The game averaged 22.3 million viewers, the most since ESPN began airing "Monday Night Football" games in 2006.

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The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 6

Player Notes
Tyjae Spears Oct 9 3:50pm ET
Tyjae Spears

Tennessee Titans running backs coach Randy Jordan hinted that running back Tyjae Spears will be in line for an increased workload in his second game of the season in Week 6 versus the Las Vegas Raiders, according to Jim Wyatt of TennesseeTitans.com. Jordan said that Spears is capable of playing on all three downs and can give Tony Pollard a rest when needed. The RBs coach also talked about Spears' role in the team's two-minute drill and as a checkdown pass-catcher out of the backfield. The 24-year-old only played 26 percent of the offensive snaps in his season debut in last week's win over the Arizona Cardinals as the team eased him in. Fantasy managers should expect Spears to have a slightly bigger role this weekend in a plus matchup, but he's still going to make for a pretty risky flex play in PPR leagues. Spears had only four carries for 14 yards last week and wasn't targeted through the air.

From RotoBaller

Brandon McManus Oct 9 3:40pm ET
Brandon McManus

Green Bay Packers kicker Brandon McManus (quadriceps) is missing the team's practice on Thursday due to a right-quadriceps injury, according to Ryan Wood of USA Today. While not practicing, McManus is taking mental reps and is visualizing his timing with the snap. Head coach Matt LaFleur said earlier in the day that the 34-year-old veteran kicker's quad injury is "a major concern," so McManus' status for the Week 6 game at Lambeau Field on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals is in serious doubt. He is lining up as a top-10 fantasy kicker with the excellent matchup, but managers should start formulating a backup plan at the position if he cannot kick this weekend. McManus injured his quad in Wednesday's practice and was listed as limited. If he cannot practice on Friday, he probably won't play on Saturday and would likely be replaced by practice-squad kicker Mark McNamee.

From RotoBaller

Kimani Vidal Oct 9 3:40pm ET
Kimani Vidal

Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman said that he doesn't have a lead back between running backs Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal going into Sunday's Week 6 matchup on the road against the Miami Dolphins, according to ESPN's Kris Rhim. "They're gonna be big factors in the game, how it's gonna unfold from a snap-count standpoint ... can go a bunch of different ways in that regard," Roman said. Haskins and Vidal were both waiver-wire pickups this week, with rookie first-rounder Omarion Hampton (ankle) going on Injured Reserve and Najee Harris (Achilles) already out for the season. One of Haskins or Vidal could emerge as the favorite in L.A.'s backfield in the next four games with Hampton out, but for now, fantasy managers should expect more of a clean split in terms of backfield touches and snaps. It makes both Haskins and Vidal nothing more than shaky flex plays in Week 6, even though it's in a nice matchup against Miami.

From RotoBaller

Rashid Shaheed Oct 9 3:30pm ET
Rashid Shaheed

The Pittsburgh Steelers reached out to the New Orleans Saints during their bye in Week 5 to take the temperature on wide receiver Rasheed Shaheed, a source told Andrew Fillipponi of 937 The Fan. The Steelers wouldn't mind getting some more receiving depth, especially now that Calvin Austin III (shoulder) could be in danger of missing Week 6 against the division-rival Cleveland Browns. Shaheed will be a free agent after the 2025 season, so Pittsburgh is trying to see if New Orleans wants anything for him before he potentially walks away for free next March. The 27-year-old would add another big-play threat out wide alongside DK Metcalf if they were able to swing a trade for Shaheed. Not only can he make big plays down the field on offense, but he can also do it as a kick returner. He's a boom/bust flex play in fantasy, but he's coming off his best week of the season, torching the New York Giants for four catches, 114 yards, and a touchdown in the Week 5 win.

From RotoBaller

Chuba Hubbard Oct 9 3:20pm ET
Chuba Hubbard

It's not looking great for Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) playing in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday after he wasn't seen in uniform for Thursday's practice, according to ESPN's David Newton. Hubbard did not play in the Week 5 contest versus the Miami Dolphins and also did not practice on Wednesday, so he's certainly trending toward missing a second straight game this weekend. If the 26-year-old is not able to practice at all on Friday, he'll almost certainly be ruled out on the final injury report of the week. With Hubbard out of action last Sunday, Rico Dowdle stepped into the lead role in Carolina and dominated Miami, going for 23 carries for 206 yards and a touchdown while adding three catches for 28 yards. If Hubbard misses a second straight game, Dowdle will be a must-start in all fantasy lineups against his former team, the Cowboys.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Oct 9 3:00pm ET
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) missed Thursday's practice, marking his second straight absence and casting serious doubt on his availability for Sunday's matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Head coach Jonathan Gannon told reporters Wednesday that Murray remains "day-to-day," but his limited mobility could make it difficult for him to suit up against a Colts defense that ranks among the league's best at sacking quarterbacks and forcing takeaways. If Murray is unable to go, veteran Jacoby Brissett would draw the start and lead the offense on the road. Fantasy managers should prepare for Murray to be inactive and look to other streaming options in Week 6, as Brissett offers limited fantasy upside against a strong Indianapolis defense.

From RotoBaller

MarShawn Lloyd Oct 9 2:50pm ET
MarShawn Lloyd

Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) remains on Injured Reserve coming out of the team's Week 5 bye, as his 21-day practice window has yet to be opened. The second-year back has shown flashes of big-play ability when healthy, but durability continues to be a concern. Green Bay's ground game could certainly use his spark, as the unit ranks just 27th in the NFL with a 3.8 yards-per-carry average. Until Lloyd is activated, the Packers will continue leaning on Josh Jacobs to handle the bulk of the workload, though the offense has lacked efficiency on the ground. Fantasy managers in deeper formats can continue to stash Lloyd, but his return timeline remains unclear heading into Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Oct 9 2:40pm ET
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (hamstring) remained sidelined at Thursday's practice, putting his Week 6 status firmly in doubt. With Jackson trending toward another absence, veteran backup Cooper Rush is expected to make his second straight start when the Ravens face the Los Angeles Rams. Fortunately for Baltimore, the team's bye week follows this matchup, giving Jackson extra time to heal before a potential Week 8 return against the Chicago Bears. Despite missing time, Jackson has been stellar when on the field, boasting a 10-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio and a league-best 130.5 passer rating. Fantasy managers should stash Jackson with confidence, as he remains an elite option once he's cleared to return, while Rush can be ignored in most formats outside of two-quarterback leagues.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Oct 9 2:40pm ET
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (undisclosed) was spotted wearing a non-contact jersey during Thursday's practice after a strong Week 5 performance against the New England Patriots. Kincaid hauled in six passes for 108 yards in the loss and has quietly developed into the team's top receiving option through five games, posting 287 yards and three touchdowns. The decision to limit contact could be precautionary as the Bills look to keep their breakout tight end healthy for the long haul. Fantasy managers should monitor Friday's practice report for more clarity on Kincaid's availability heading into Week 6. If he's unable to suit up, Dawson Knox would likely see increased involvement in the passing game, with Josh Palmer also in line for a potential uptick in targets.

From RotoBaller

Jacoby Brissett Oct 9 2:30pm ET
Jacoby Brissett

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett took first-team reps during Thursday's practice as Kyler Murray (foot) missed his second straight session. Murray's injury appears to be affecting his mobility, and the team may be preparing to roll with Brissett under center for Sunday's matchup against the surging Indianapolis Colts. Brissett last started in 2024 with the New England Patriots, going 1-4 while averaging 5.1yards per attempt. While the veteran brings stability and experience, he lacks the dynamic upside Murray provides both as a passer and runner. Fantasy managers should avoid Brissett outside of deep superflex leagues, as the Cardinals offense faces a difficult challenge on the road against an Indianapolis defense that ranks near the top of the league in takeaways and sacks.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Oct 9 2:20pm ET
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (ankle/shoulder) missed Thursday's practice after being a full participant on Wednesday, raising mild concern ahead of Sunday's clash with the Detroit Lions. Worthy has played in just three games this season, totaling 11 catches for 125 yards after missing two weeks with a shoulder injury suffered in Week 1. The speedy second-year receiver also picked up an ankle issue prior to Monday night's game but still managed six receptions for 42 yards, suggesting the injury may not be overly serious. This absence could simply be a precautionary rest day for the rookie, though fantasy managers should monitor Friday's practice report closely for clarity on his Week 6 status. If Worthy can't go, Marquise Brown and Tyquan Thornton should continue to see heavy targets against Detroit's aggressive defense.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Oct 9 1:53pm ET
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (hamstring) did not practice on Thursday, Oct. 9.

Fantasy Spin: Jackson is still sidelined and has not practiced since suffering his hamstring injury. The Ravens are likely to start Cooper Rush once again in Week 6 against the Los Angeles Rams.

From TheHuddle

Terry McLaurin Oct 9 1:40pm ET
Terry McLaurin

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) is not practicing with the rest of the team on Thursday, according to Tashan Reed of The Athletic. Per The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala, McLaurin was seen stretching with the rest of the team during the portion of practice open to the media. However, after that, he went to a side rehab field to work with trainers, suggesting he will pick up a DNP tag in the first official practice of the week. Reports earlier on Thursday suggested that McLaurin isn't looking good to return in Week 6 on Monday night to face the Chicago Bears. The 30-year-old has not practiced or played since injuring his quad in the Week 3 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Fantasy managers should keep him on their bench until further notice. Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane should once again see more opportunities behind Deebo Samuel Sr. on Monday in a strong matchup if McLaurin misses a third straight game.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Oct 9 1:40pm ET
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (wrist) returned to the practice field on Thursday, according to Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News. It's unclear if St. Brown will be listed as limited or a full-go for Thursday's practice, but his return to the field should put fantasy managers' minds at ease after he didn't practice at all on Wednesday. Barring something strange happening, the 25-year-old should be good to go for a Week 6 tilt on Sunday night in Kansas City against the Chiefs. St. Brown has not slowed down at all through the first five games of the 2025 season, catching 35 of his 41 targets for 407 yards and a league-high six touchdowns. The three-time Pro Bowler ranks second in fantasy points among receivers so far, behind only the Rams' Puka Nacua. St. Brown is a must-start in fantasy lineups despite a less-than-ideal matchup on Sunday night against KC's defense on the road.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Badie Oct 9 1:20pm ET
Tyler Badie

Denver Broncos running back Tyler Badie (shoulder) upgraded from a limited practice on Wednesday to a full practice on Thursday, according to Mike Klis of 9 News. Badie picked up a shoulder injury in the Week 5 upset win over the Philadelphia Eagles, but he appears to be just fine to suit up for an international game in Week 6 in London versus the winless New York Jets. The 25-year-old has been ahead of Jaleel McLaughlin on Denver's RB depth chart, but he is off the fantasy radar as the No. 3 behind J.K. Dobbins and second-round rookie RJ Harvey. Badie has only seen one rushing attempt for Denver this year (back in Week 2) and has added six catches on 12 targets for 62 scoreless yards through the air. It's going to take an injury to one of Dobbins or Harvey for Badie to get any attention on the waiver wire this year.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Jones Oct 9 1:13pm ET
D.J. Jones

Denver Broncos LB Jonah Elliss (ribs, shoulder) and G Ben Powers (biceps) did not practice on Thursday, Oct. 9. DL Malcolm Roach (calf), DL D.J. Jones (shoulder), RB Tyler Badie (shoulder), LB Nik Bonitto (wrist), and LB Alex Singleton (thumb) practiced in full.

From TheHuddle

Brandon McManus Oct 9 1:13pm ET
Brandon McManus

Green Bay Packers K Brandon McManus (quad) is a major concern for the team, according to head coach Matt LaFleur.

From TheHuddle

Brandon McManus Oct 9 1:10pm ET
Brandon McManus

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is calling kicker Brandon McManus' (quadriceps) injury "a major concern right now," according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. "We'll see how he is today and tomorrow, and we'll have a plan," LaFleur added. It sounds like McManus has a very real chance of missing the Week 6 game this Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lambeau Field despite coming out of the bye week. The good news is that the 34-year-old veteran kicker was limited in Wednesday's practice with his right-quad injury, giving him a chance to be available this weekend. If McManus is unable to play against Cincy, the Packers would be forced to turn to Mark McNamee, who is currently on their practice squad. If McManus is good to go to face the Bengals, though, he should be viewed as a top-10 kicking option in fantasy against a very suspect Bengals defense.

From RotoBaller

Cade Otton Oct 9 1:10pm ET
Cade Otton

Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard said that the team has been trying to get tight end Cade Otton the ball in recent weeks, according to Pewter Report. Otton has come through with some explosive plays recently, with Grizzard saying he is "typical Cade." The 26-year-old was blanked in two of the first three games of the year before catching seven of his nine targets for 90 yards in the last two weeks combined, which coincided with receiver Mike Evans being out with a strained hamstring. Otton has yet to find the end zone in five games in 2025, but he should once again have an elevated role in Week 7 against the San Francisco 49ers with Evans likely to miss a third straight game. Wideout Chris Godwin (leg) might also be trending toward sitting out, which would mean even more looks for Otton. Don't ignore him when searching for a TE2 streamer this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Bass Oct 9 1:00pm ET
Tyler Bass

While Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott remained non-committal on whether kicker Tyler Bass (groin, hip) would be able to play this season, he did say that he is "heading in the right direction," according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. Bass remains on Injured Reserve, and the Bills didn't feel comfortable opening his 21-day practice window this week, which means he will not be ready to return for Monday night's contest in Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons. The Bills probably aren't in any rush to bring the 28-year-old Bass back, with veteran Matt Prater being a reliable fill-in through the first five weeks of 2025. Prater has gone 10-for-15 on his field-goal chances while making all 15 of his extra-point opportunities for the 4-1 Bills. When/if Bass is fully healthy and ready to resume kicking, he should take back over as Buffalo's starting placekicker.

From RotoBaller