Fri Oct 3 5:10pm ET
Field Level Media
Arthur Jones, who played in parts of seven NFL seasons and won a Super Bowl title with the Baltimore Ravens, has died. He was 39.
The Ravens announced Jones' passing in a social media post Friday afternoon. Other than to say his death was "sudden," the team did not reveal a cause or time of death.
"We are terribly saddened to learn of Arthur Jones' sudden passing," Ravens executive VP and general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement. "Arthur's presence was a gift to everyone he encountered. His big, bright smile, infectious energy and eternal positivity created a presence that continuously uplifted others.
"He was kind, courteous and enthusiastic -- always displaying a love for family, teammates and friends."
The Ravens selected Jones in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft, and he played the ensuing four seasons for the franchise. He had a career-high 4.5 sacks in 2012, leading him to becoming a regular starter for the 2013 season, when he notched an additional four sacks in 14 games.
Jones also recorded a sack and a fumble recovery in Super Bowl XLVII, when the Ravens defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34-31.
Jones spent 2014 and 2016 with the Colts -- missing 2015 with an ankle injury. He played in one game for Washington in 2017 and finished his career with 173 tackles, 10 sacks and two forced fumbles in 64 games (31 starts).
Jones was the older brother of former New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals star Chandler Jones and retired UFC heavyweight champion Jon "Bones" Jones.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has failed to eclipse 50 rushing yards in each of his last two games, and will face another hurdle this Sunday against the Broncos. Denver is allowing 99.3 rushing yards per game this season-just one of 11 teams to average under 100. They also stifled Bengals RB Chase Brown on Monday, keeping him to 40 yards on 10 carries with his longest attempt going for six yards. However, Philly does have a much stronger offensive line than Cincinnati does, and Barkley averages more yards per carry (3.1) than Brown (2.3). Even with a couple things going against him, Barkley remains a definitive RB1 for Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys running back Miles Sanders (ankle, knee) missed practice all week and carries a questionable tag into Sunday's game against the hosting New York Jets at Met Life Stadium on Sunday. Although the team has not ruled Sanders out, he's not expected to suit up this weekend. Not that he was much of a flex play to begin with in fantasy lineups, but Sanders should not be counted on versus New York. With the 28-year-old unlikely to be available in Week 5, rookie Jaydon Blue is expected to be active for the first time this year -- Blue was a healthy inactive for the first four weeks. Sanders, in his first year in Dallas, has served in a change-of-pace role behind starter Javonte Williams so far, rushing for 117 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries (5.9 yards per tote). He has added eight catches for 30 yards. There's no guarantee Sanders will be available for Week 6 against the Carolina Panthers if he's unable to play this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard has seen a fairly heavy workload through the first four games of the season. Pollard has carried the ball 14 times or more every game, but he could see his workload decrease going forward. Fellow back Tyjae Spears (ankle) is currently questionable for the Week 5 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Spears has been out all season long, but appears to be almost ready to go. Pollard will likely see less carries once Spears returns. Until then, Pollard figures to remain the workhorse back in Tennessee. Pollard has rushed for 60 yards or more in three of his first four games of the season. The status of Spears could shift his value, but for now Pollard has flex appeal for Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts did not complete a pass in the second half of his game against the Buccaneers, yet still put up a respectable fantasy performance by throwing for two early touchdowns. Week 4 marked his third game with multiple scores, and his third time this season rushing for 40 or more yards. But, Hurts will have his toughest challenge yet in his upcoming contest against the Broncos. Denver's defense gives up just 16.8 points per game-tied for second-best in the league-and they're allowing the fifth-least points to opposing QBs in fantasy. Fortunately, the game is in Philly instead of Mile High, and Hurts has given managers no reason to bench him thus far. He's a high-end QB1 in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cameron Ward has experienced an ugly beginning to his professional career. Ward has been held to 175 passing yards or less in three of the first four games of the season. The 23-year-old looked lost last week when he completed 10-of-26 passing attempts for 108 yards with zero touchdowns and one interception in the loss. The potential is certainly there, but something big needs to change in Tennessee. That being said, Ward is an extremely risky fantasy option for the upcoming Week 5 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (hamstring) is back in action for the Week 5 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Legette will return this weekend after a two-game absence due to a hamstring injury. The targets have been there for Legette, but the 24-year-old has been unable to make an impact. Through two games, Legette has hauled in four of his 15 targets for eight yards this season. The Panthers offense isn't having much success right now. Legette clearly needs to build more chemistry with quarterback Bryce Young. Legette is worth a stash in certain formats, but isn't worth a start for Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker remains a strong fantasy option with a high floor, despite only having one field goal attempt in the team's recent loss. Dicker is still perfect on all his field goal attempts (eight) and extra points this season, reinforcing his status as matchup-proof. The Chargers' offense is widely expected to bounce back at home against a vulnerable Washington Commanders defense, leading to multiple scoring drives and more field goal opportunities than in their previous game. RotoBaller projects Dicker as K6 this week. Fantasy managers should trust this potent offense to rebound and can confidently start Dicker in their lineups.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen aims to turn volume into production in Week 5 against the Washington Commanders after catching just five passes for 37 yards against the New York Giants. Despite the underwhelming performance, the veteran had seven targets and will face a favorable matchup against Commanders cornerback Trey Amos. The Commanders' secondary is one of the worst in the league, ranking 27th in passing yards allowed per game. RotoBaller moves Allen up to WR15 this week. He remains a borderline WR2 and a strong start in all formats, especially PPR leagues, due to the expected high passing volume. However, managers should monitor his performance over the next few weeks, as aging veterans often start the season productive but tend to decline as the season progresses.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (calf) is cleared to suit up for the upcoming Week 5 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. The rookie wideout was a bit banged up this week, but is fine for this weekend. It has been a slow start to the season for McMillan. He hauled in four of his eight targets for 62 yards in the loss to the New England Patriots last week. The good news is, McMillan has seen eight targets or more in every game this season. Sadly, McMillan only surpassed 70 receiving yards in a single game once so far. The Panthers offense isn't clicking right now, which is going to limit McMillan's value. Fantasy managers should consider McMillan a high-end WR3 for this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston is now firmly established as the team's top wideout entering Week 5, leading in targets, receiving yards, and touchdowns. The former first-round pick was one of the few bright spots in the team's first loss to the New York Giants, catching eight of 11 targets for 98 yards and his fourth touchdown of the season. Johnston now faces a vulnerable Washington Commanders secondary in a prime home matchup. He is expected to draw coverage from CB Marshon Lattimore, but the Commanders' overall passing defense has been significantly exposed, ranking 27th in the NFL in passing yards allowed. RotoBaller upgrades Johnston to WR12 this week. Given his target volume and big-play ability, he is a borderline WR1 and a must-start in all formats.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton has firmly established himself as the Chargers' workhorse after his impressive performance against the New York Giants. Hampton handled the majority of snaps (89%) and rushed 12 times for 128 yards, including a 54-yard touchdown, while adding five catches for 37 yards. The Washington Commanders are stronger against the run than the pass, but they remain vulnerable on the road, allowing 131.5 rushing yards per game away from home. Although star tackle Joe Alt (ankle) is out, the expected return of veteran guard Mekhi Becton (concussion) adds interior stability. RotoBaller projects Hampton as RB7 for this week. Considering his workload, increased targets, and pass-catching skills, he is a solid RB1 and a must-start in all formats.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey faces a crucial Week 5 matchup after a disappointing fantasy performance against the New York Giants, where he only caught one pass for 11 yards on six targets. Although McConkey is a vital part of the offense, leading the team with 160 routes run at a 93% route rate, his 59.3% catch rate and just one red-zone target in four games indicate limited scoring potential. The Washington Commanders' weak secondary should present a favorable matchup for McConkey, especially against DB Mike Sainristil. While a rebound is likely, RotoBaller downgrades him to WR21. Managers should keep expectations realistic as McConkey is better viewed as a WR3/FLEX option for now.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young hasn't been able to find much success early in the season. Young posted a 328-yard performance in Week 2, but has been quiet outside of that. In his other three games, Young has been held to 154 passing yards or less. The Panthers offense isn't clicking right now, but they do get a favorable matchup in Week 5. They'll go up against the shaky Miami Dolphins secondary this weekend. Sadly, this offense doesn't have the weapons to get the job done on a consistent basis. Young will offer low-end QB2 value for this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is expected to have a strong rebound in Week 5 at home against the Washington Commanders. Herbert's recent performance was impacted by multiple drops from his receivers, limited playing time, and a collapsing pocket against the New York Giants. This resulted in only 203 passing yards, one touchdown, two interceptions, and the Chargers' first loss of the season. However, the Commanders present a good chance for recovery, as they rank 27th in the NFL in passing yards allowed (248.5 per game). While star tackle Joe Alt (ankle) is out with a high ankle sprain, the possible return of veteran guard Mekhi Becton (concussion) should help stabilize the interior. Expect the Chargers to be much more cohesive at SoFi Stadium. RotoBaller projects Herbert as QB3 for this week. Fantasy managers should anticipate a bounce-back game and consider him a top-tier QB1.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) will start on Sunday against the hosting Los Angeles Chargers in Week 5, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. Daniels will wear the same brace on his knee that he had on Friday. The second-year signal-caller missed the last two games after spraining his left knee in Week 2. Veteran Marcus Mariota will head back to the bench after going 1-1 as Daniels' replacement. The Commanders' offense will get a boost with the return of Daniels, but he could be limited with his movement outside the pocket, and the matchup isn't ideal on the road against a ball-hawking defense. On top of that, Daniels will be without top receiver Terry McLaurin (quadriceps), who could miss additional time. Still, Daniels' dual-threat abilities at the position put him in the midrange QB1 category in fantasy in his return to the field.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said that wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) will play on Sunday in a Week 5 meeting with the hosting Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, according to Tashan Reed of The Athletic. Samuel was looking questionable for this weekend after not practicing on Wednesday or Thursday, but he returned to a full practice on Friday and will be good to go to play on Sunday. Meanwhile, both Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) and Noah Brown (groin, knee) were ruled out for the second straight game, leaving Samuel as the team's top receiver yet again. The 29-year-old caught all six of his targets for 72 yards and his second touchdown of the season in last week's loss to the Atlanta Falcons, adding three carries for nine yards. Although the Chargers' defense is a strong unit, Samuel should have enough volume to be a must-start in all fantasy lineups, especially with quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) returning.
From RotoBaller
The Dallas Cowboys have ruled out wide receiver/return man KaVontae Turpin (foot) for their Week 5 matchup against the hosting New York Jets on Sunday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelisser. In addition to Turpin, top receiver CeeDee Lamb will miss a second straight game with a high-ankle sprain he suffered in Week 3. Turpin suffered a foot sprain in Sunday night's tie with the Green Bay Packers and was unable to practice all week. With both Lamb and Turpin sidelined this weekend, Jalen Tolbert and Ryan Flournoy should be added to starting three-wide sets alongside George Pickens, who had 100-plus yards and two touchdowns as the WR1 for Dallas against Green Bay. Turpin is most valuable to the Cowboys for his return skills on special teams, but he had also been seeing a bigger role as the WR3 before Lamb's injury. His next chance to return will be in Week 6 against the Carolina Panthers.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond made his biggest play of the season on special teams in Week 4, returning a punt 65 yards for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns. Raymond's work as a receiver has been much more subdued, as he has recorded just six catches for 47 yards on nine targets through four games. The Lions' passing game has a favorable matchup on paper in Week 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals, but Raymond is likely to remain in a limited role on offense. The 31-year-old is buried on the pecking order for targets in Detroit behind wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, tight end Sam LaPorta, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Raymond should remain off the radar of fantasy managers in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton was able to make a small impact during last week's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Otton hauled in three of his four targets for nine yards. Through four games, Otton has been held to six receptions for 34 yards and no touchdowns. He has played above 90 percent of the offensive snaps each of the last three games. Despite that, Otton doesn't appear to be a viable option in the receiving game right now. Both Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin figure to continue seeing a high volume of targets. Otton can continue to ride the bench until he starts making a consistent impact.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta has had an underwhelming season so far in terms of fantasy production, recording 16 catches for 177 yards without finding the end zone through his first four games. After earning nine targets in Week 1, LaPorta has been targeted exactly four times by Lions quarterback Jared Goff in each of the last three weeks. LaPorta has a favorable matchup on paper in Week 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati has allowed the third-most passing yards (1,089) and fifth-most passing touchdowns (eight) in the league through four games. The Bengals are also allowing an average of 10 targets per game to tight ends, which is the highest mark in the league. Despite the frustrating production he has provided to this point, LaPorta remains a must-start fantasy tight end in Week 5.
From RotoBaller