Studs and Duds: Week 18

Mon Jan 5 12:13am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Stevenson scores three times


That was quite the finish to the regular season, capped off by an epic Sunday night game between the Ravens and Steelers. But this week showed why Week 18 can be so uncertain for fantasy owners. Several teams rested starters and others pulled players after opening the game in the starting lineup. It caused plenty of fantasy headaches. The good news is we still had some huge fantasy games this last week. Hopefully, you had some of those players on your roster if you were still playing this week.

Bucs 16, Panthers 14

Fantasy Stud: Cade Otton. Otton was the surprise leading receiver for the Bucs. He had seven receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown. His yardage total was a season high. Otton had a season-high 22.4 fantasy points in the game. It was the first time he hit double-digit fantasy points since Week 10.

Fantasy Dud: Rico Dowdle. There were a lot of fantasy duds in this one but we’ll give it to Dowdle, who most thought would get a heavy workload in this matchup. He ran seven times for just 10 yards and caught two passes for 20 yards. He also lost a fumble, finishing with four fantasy points. It was Dowdle’s worst game since Week 2 of the season.

Game Notes: With Ja’Tavion Sanders out, Tommy Tremble had a much bigger role in the game. He had three receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown.

Seahawks 13, 49ers 3

Fantasy Stud: Zach Charbonnet. Charbonnet had 17 carries for 74 yards and a touchdown. He also had three receptions for 23 yards. He has found the end zone three straight games for the Seahawks. Charbonnet finishes the season with 12 rushing touchdowns.

Fantasy Dud: Brock Purdy. There were a lot of bad fantasy performances from the 49ers but Purdy might have been the most disappointing. He had been red hot but was just 19-of-27 for 127 yards with an interception. He scored just 7.45 fantasy points. Purdy had 30-plus points three straight games before this poor showing.

Game Notes: Kenneth Walker topped 100 total yards, finishing with 133 total yards. He ran 16 times for 97 yards and caught four passes for 36 yards.

Jaguars 41, Titans 7

Fantasy Stud: Parker Washington. Washington continued his red-hot ways, catching five passes for 87 yard and a touchdown. He scored 19.7 fantasy points, giving him three straight games with 19-plus points. Washington has been the go-to target for the Jaguars passing game down the stretch.

Fantasy Dud: Tony Pollard. Pollard had really picked up his play in recent weeks but struggled in this one. He ran 15 times for just 48 yards and caught two passes for 18 yards. Pollard failed to hit double-digit fantasy points for the first time since Week 13. He had four straight games with double-digit fantasy points before this showing.

Game Notes: Trevor Lawrence didn’t even play the full game but had his usual great numbers. He was 22-of-30 for 255 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover.

Vikings 16, Packers 3

Fantasy Stud: Justin Jefferson. Jefferson had his third 100-yard game of the season and first since Week 5. He had eight receptions for 101 yards on 11 targets. He went over 1,000 yards for the season with his big performance to end his season.

Fantasy Dud: Matthew Golden. Golden got the start and was expected to serve as the top receiver for the Packers this week with the team resting starters. This didn’t lead to a big game, though. He had just a catch for eight yards. It was almost a fitting finish to his disappointing rookie season.

Game Notes: J.J. McCarthy was unable to finish the game because of a hand injury. He was playing well before leaving, going 14-of-23 for 182 yards.

Browns 20, Bengals 18

Fantasy Stud: Ja’Marr Chase. Chase had another one of his big games. He caught eight passes for 96 yards and a touchdown. He found the end zone for the second straight game. He had a huge finish to his season, scoring 20-plus points three of his last four games. And he had 19.9 fantasy points in the game he failed to reach 20.

Fantasy Dud: Shedeur Sanders. Sanders struggled to do much in this one, which looked like a favorable matchup for him. He finished just 11-of-22 for 111 yards without a touchdown or an interception. Sanders scored just 7.15 fantasy points. He didn’t exactly cement himself as the franchise starter with his play this year. It will be interesting to see who is under center for the Browns in 2026.

Game Notes: Chase Brown scored a touchdown for the third straight game. He ran 13 times for 72 yards and caught four passes for 18 yards and a touchdown.

Giants 34, Cowboys 17

Fantasy Stud: Tyrone Tracy. Tracy had a huge dual-threat performance to end his season. He ran 18 times for 103 yards. Tracy also had eight receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown. He finished with 159 total yards and a score. Tracy scored a season-high 28.9 fantasy points.

Fantasy Dud: Dak Prescott. He didn’t play the full game with the Cowboys playing for nothing, but you still expected Prescott to produce a little better. He failed to score a touchdown in this game, going 7-of-11 for just 70 yards. He still had a great year but his finish was a little disappointing for any fantasy team that used him in Week 18.

Game Notes: Jaydon Blue got his most work as a pro, getting a chance to start. He ran pretty well, rushing 16 times for 64 yards and a touchdown.

Falcons 19, Saints 17

Fantasy Stud: Drake London. London had four receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown. It was good to see London get it going again since doing little the last several weeks. He had not reached double-digit fantasy points since Week 11. London had 17.8 points in this one. Injuries derailed what looked like a career-best season for London.

Fantasy Dud: Bijan Robinson. Robinson was really quiet in a game he got plenty of work. He ran 15 times for just 33 yards and caught three passes for 10 yards. It was an unexpected showing, especially after his huge game the previous week. Robinson still had a monster season and is likely to be the top overall pick for many fantasy owners next season.

Game Notes: Tyler Shough was 23-of-35 for 259 yards and a touchdown with an interception. He also ran in a score, finishing with 25.35 fantasy points.

Texans 38, Colts 30

Fantasy Stud: Alec Pierce. Pierce had a huge game, catching four passes for 132 yards. And he missed much of the second half after getting ejected for making contact with an official. He could have posted even better numbers. Pierce scored 29.2 fantasy points, which was a season best for him. He had 24-plus points two of his last three games.

Fantasy Dud: Michael Pittman. Pittman played his usual snaps and his team had plenty of success throwing the ball, but Pittman didn’t do much. He had just two receptions for 20 yards. You expected better from the Colts No. 1 receiver with the team having so much success throwing the ball.

Game Notes: Riley Leonard got his first NFL start and played a solid game. He was 21-of-34 for 281 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. 

Bills 35, Jets 8

Fantasy Stud: Mitchell Trubisky. Trubsiky had a huge game, getting a chance to serve as the Bills starter. He was 22-of-29 for 259 yards and four touchdowns without a turnover. It was an impressive performance from the backup quarterback. Maybe this gets him a chance to start again next season.

Fantasy Dud: Adonai Mitchell. There was some hope for Mitchell to have a decent game, getting a chance to serve as the top target for the Jets again against the backups for the Bills. Well, Mitchell didn’t catch a pass in this game. He was targeted three times but was unable to connect on any of them.  

Game Notes: Ray Davis had a monster game, rushing 21 times for 151 yards. He also had two receptions for 23 yards and another touchdown.

Patriots 38, Dolphins 10

Fantasy Stud: Rhamondre  Stevenson. Stevenson is red hot right now for the Patriots. He found the end zone three times in this game on just nine touches. He ran seven times for 131 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught two passes for 22 yards and another score. Stevenson scored 35.3 fantasy points and has found the end zone three straight games.

Fantasy Dud: Drake Maye. Maye played his usual good game but didn’t help fantasy teams with his team scoring four rushing touchdowns. Maye was 14-of-18 for 191 yards and a touchdown without a turnover. Maye scored 17.65 fantasy points, his lowest total since Week 5.

Game Notes: TreVeyon Henderson scored multiple touchdowns for the fourth time this season. He ran 13 times for 53 yards and two touchdowns.

Rams 37, Cardinals 20

Fantasy Stud: Puka Nacua. Nacua had another one of his game-changing performances. He had 10 receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown. Nacua scored 26 fantasy points. He has 26-plus points four of his last five games to end his season. Nacua had a monster season.

Fantasy Dud: Kyren Williams. Williams played fine but had a pretty quiet fantasy performance in a game that the Rams racked up the fantasy points. Williams ran 12 times for 60 yards and caught three passes for 21 yards. It was a ho-hum performance from the Rams top back.  

Game Notes: Matthew Stafford was back to his MVP ways this week. He was 25-of-40 for 259 yards and four touchdowns without a turnover. 

Lions 19, Bears 16

Fantasy Stud: Colston Loveland. Loveland had a monster game and was the clear top target for the Bears passing game. He had 10 receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown 13 targets. He has been targeted double-digit fantasy times each of his last two games. He has 21-plus fantasy points each of those two games.

Fantasy Dud: Luther Burden. There were some high expectations for Burden but he was not much of a factor. Burden had three receptions for 35 yards. It was his lowest catch total since Week 12. He just wasn’t a huge part of the passing game as the Bears struggled to get their receivers involved. 

Game Notes: Amon-Ra St. Brown had double-digit receptions for the second game this season. He had 11 catches for 139 yards on 15 targets.

Commanders 24, Eagles 17

Fantasy Stud: Tank Bigsby. Bigsby looked good as the lead back for the Eagles. He ran 16 times for 75 yards and a touchdown. He also had a 31-yard reception, giving him 106 total yards. Bigsby scored a season-high 17.6 fantasy points.

Fantasy Dud: Jacory Croskey-Merritt. With the Eagles resting many of their starters, Croskey-Merritt was an intriguing fantasy option with his recent solid play. But he didn’t even lead the Commanders in carries in this game. He ran 13 times for just 29 yards and didn’t catch a pass. He had his ups and downs his rookie season but showed some promise at times, so he could be a part of their plans next year.

Game Notes: Tanner McKee got the start and played pretty well. He was 21-of-40 for 241 yards and a touchdown with an interception.

Raiders 14, Chiefs 12

Fantasy Stud: Daniel Carlson. There were few offensive bright spots in this game, so we’ll give the stud honors to Daniel Carlson. He made four field goals, including the 60-yarder to win the game. He put up 17.7 fantasy points in most fantasy formats. It was quite the showing for Carlson.

Fantasy Dud: Travis Kelce. We really thought the Chiefs might force-feed Kelce the ball in what might be his NFL game. That didn’t happen with the Chiefs passing game struggling much of the game. Kelce finished with just three receptions for seven yards. Kelce had another great season at tight end but you would have liked to see him end on a high note.

Game Notes: Ashton Jeanty ran the ball 26 times and had three receptions. He had 29 total touches for 94 yards.

Broncos 19, Chargers 3

Fantasy Stud: Broncos defense. The offenses were almost nonexistent in this game. Denver’s defense had a dominating performance, holding the Chargers to just three points and 217 yards of total offense. Denver also had four sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery. It was a fitting finish for a defense that was very good much of the year.

Fantasy Dud: RJ Harvey. There were a ton of poor offensive showings for both teams but Harvey gets the nod for us. He ran 15 times for just 28 yards and caught a pass for five yards. Harvey had touchdowns five straight games before this showing. He also scored just 4.3 fantasy points, his lowest total since Week 10.

Game Notes: Trey Lance got the start of the Chargers and didn’t show a whole lot. He did lead the team in rushing, running nine times for 69 yards. But he threw for just 136 yards and failed to score a touchdown.

Steelers 26, Ravens 24

Fantasy Stud: Zay Flowers. Flowers made two huge plays, leading to a big fantasy performance. He had four receptions for 138 yards and two touchdowns. Flowers scored a season-high 29.8 fantasy points. He finishes the season scoring touchdowns four straight games.

Fantasy Dud: Jonnu Smith. With Darnell Washington out for the season, there was some thought Smith would see an uptick in playing time and targets. Well, that didn’t happen this week. He had just a catch for two yards and ran once for two yards. It was more of the same for Smith in Week 18, posting inconsistent numbers.

Game Notes: Derrick Henry had his fourth straight 100-yard game. He ran 20 times for 126 yards and finished with 1,595-rushing yards.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 6

Player Notes
Tank Dell Oct 14 6:20pm ET
Tank Dell

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) was listed as a full participant in practice on Wednesday, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. It was a lighter practice, but it was still the first time that Dell has practiced in full since returning from a devastating left-knee injury that kept him out for the entire 2025 season. The Texans opened the 26-year-old's 21-day practice window last Wednesday, so he is technically eligible at any time to come off Injured Reserve to make his 2026 debut. The Texans are expected to ease Dell back into the fold when he is ready, but with an opportunity to carve out a pretty big role in the team's passing attack by the end of the season, Dell is worth a waiver-wire pickup with his season debut looming. Before his knee injury late in the 2024 season, the former third-rounder from Houston caught 98 passes for 1,376 yards and 10 touchdowns on 156 targets in 25 games over two seasons in the league. Dell has big-play abilities downfield, although his speed may not be the same as it was before his serious knee injury. Depending on how he fares the rest of the week, Dell could realistically make his return in Week 6 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.

From RotoBaller

Zach Charbonnet Oct 14 6:20pm ET
Zach Charbonnet

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) has officially been ruled out for the Week 6 game on Thursday Night Football against the Denver Broncos, according to Corbin K. Smith of Emerald Spectrum. Seattle opened Charbonnet's 21-day practice window last Thursday, but he is still not ready to make his 2026 debut after being limited in practice this week. The good news for the Seahawks and fantasy managers is that the 25-year-old has a realistic chance to make his return in a showdown in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Rookie first-rounder Jadarian Price (chest) will miss at least two more games while on Injured Reserve, so if Charb returns next week, he will be sharing the backfield with Emanuel Wilson and George Holani. Wilson has been Seattle's lead back in the last few weeks, but things could change quickly once Charbonnet returns. The 25-year-old former second-rounder from UCLA had a bigger role last year alongside Kenneth Walker and had his most productive NFL season, rushing for 730 yards and 12 touchdowns on 184 regular-season carries, adding 20 catches for 144 yards through the air. Charbonnet figures to be eased in once he makes his season debut, but for his all-around solid skill set, he should be stashed in all fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Oct 14 6:10pm ET
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (thigh) was able to practice in full on Wednesday, according to Pro Football Talk. Lamb missed the conclusion of the upset loss at home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Thursday night due to a thigh injury, but the good news is that he has extra time to recover before the team's Week 6 game on Sunday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The 27-year-old practicing in full already this week is a good sign that he will be available to play against the Packers. Reports last Friday suggested that Lamb was only dealing with a bruised thigh/quad, so he escaped a major injury. Fantasy managers should keep Lamb locked into their starting lineups for Week 6. The five-time Pro Bowler has been better than teammate George Pickens so far in 2026, catching 39 of his 51 targets for 507 yards and four touchdowns in five games. He already has more touchdowns than he did all of last year in 14 contests for Dallas. Lamb looks primed for a bounce-back game in Green Bay after catching only two of his five targets for nine yards last Thursday night before his injury.

From RotoBaller

Jeremiyah Love Oct 14 6:00pm ET
Jeremiyah Love

Arizona Cardinals rookie first-round running back Jeremiyah Love (ankle) is battling through a lingering ankle injury and could be up in the air to play in Week 6 versus the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, according to Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. "As much as he wants to battle through, we are all in agreement right now to just give him a little bit of rest and see as the week goes on as what that will entail for Sunday," head coach Mike LaFleur said on Wednesday. The 21-year-old third overall pick from Notre Dame suffered an ankle injury in the preseason and also came out of the Week 4 loss to the New York Giants with an ankle injury. Love played in the Week 5 loss to the Detroit Lions but had only 12 carries for 22 yards and failed to bring in his only target in the passing game. Love is averaging 3.7 yards per carry on 67 rushing attempts for 245 yards and one score on the ground in his first five NFL games, but his lack of involvement in the passing game has been disappointing for his fantasy managers. If Love is cleared to suit up in L.A., it sounds like he could have a limited role out of the backfield, so he is trending towards being more of an RB3/flex this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Oct 14 5:50pm ET
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (illness) did not practice on Wednesday due to an illness, according to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. Olave is a little under the weather this week, but with three full days before Sunday's game against the New York Giants, fantasy managers should not be too worried about the star wideout's status for Week 6. After back-to-back 100-yard games in Weeks 3 and 4, Olave caught just four passes for 46 yards in the Week 5 loss to a tough Minnesota Vikings defense. Through five games, Olave continues to be money for his fantasy managers, ranking as the overall WR6 in half-PPR scoring with 39 catches for 537 yards and one touchdown on 54 targets. As long as he is healthy, Olave will continue to be quarterback Tyler Shough's go-to downfield passing target in an up-tempo, pass-happy offense in New Orleans. Fantasy managers should have the former first-rounder from Ohio State locked into their lineups this week for an upcoming road tilt at MetLife Stadium against the G-Men.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Oct 14 5:40pm ET
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Jamison Hensley. Even though Jackson has a realistic chance to return from a one-game absence due to a left-ankle injury suffered in the Week 4 win over the Tennessee Titans, he was not on the practice field on Wednesday. The 29-year-old is not going to rush back after backup Tyler Huntley led the team to an impressive overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football. Head coach Jesse Minter said on Monday that Jackson is "definitely doing better," but he should still be considered questionable to face the division-rival Cleveland Browns on Sunday in Week 6. Jackson's lack of practice on Wednesday is not a great start, but his outlook could be looking better if he is able to practice on Thursday or Friday. The former MVP will be a must-start in all fantasy lineups this weekend if he is active against the Browns.

From RotoBaller

Jeremiyah Love Oct 14 5:10pm ET
Jeremiyah Love

Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur said that running back Jeremiyah Love (ankle) will not practice on Wednesday, per Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. Love has been battling nagging ankle injuries for most of the regular season so far. While the 21-year-old has yet to miss any time, he saw very little work in the second half of Arizona's blowout loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 5. Love has flashed significant upside in his best moments this season, recording 281 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 78 touches across five games. Given his practice status on Wednesday, the rookie back could be in danger of missing Arizona's Week 6 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. If Love is sidelined, Cardinals back Tyler Allgeier would move into borderline top-24 territory at the running back position for fantasy managers in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Oct 14 5:00pm ET
Justin Herbert

After logging 3,727 passing yards, 498 rushing yards, and 29 total touchdowns in 2025, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was widely viewed by fantasy managers as a no-doubt top-12 quarterback entering 2026. However, the 28-year-old has played some of the worst football of his career through the first five weeks of the season, completing just 59.4% of his pass attempts for 937 yards, five touchdowns, and seven interceptions. The Chargers offense has also collapsed around Herbert. In Week 5, Los Angeles was without tackles Joe Alt (neck) and Rashawn Slater (ankle), as well as wide receivers Ladd McConkey (foot), Quentin Johnston (chest), and Brenen Thompson (quad). Between his own struggles and the situation around him, Herbert is no longer a must-roster player for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Oct 14 5:00pm ET
Romeo Doubs

Across five games so far in 2026, New England Patriots wide receiver Romeo Doubs has recorded 13 catches for 219 yards and two touchdowns on 23 targets. After star Patriots wideout A.J. Brown (ankle) went down with an ankle injury early in Week 1, Doubs appeared to have a chance to lead his team's pass-catching corps. However, outside of one big game in Week 4, Doubs has largely underwhelmed. In Week 5, it was younger Patriots wide receivers Efton Chism III and DeMario Douglas who stepped up as the top targets for New England quarterback Drake Maye. Heading into Week 6, Brown is now eligible to return from Injured Reserve. While the star wideout may not play this week against the New York Jets, he will likely be back on the field sooner rather than later. Between Brown's impending return and Doubs' own unreliability, Doubs could be droppable in shallower fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Omarion Hampton Oct 14 4:40pm ET
Omarion Hampton

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that it's "hard to predict how many a player is going to get" when asked about running back Omarion Hampton's declining snap count, per Alex Insdorf of the Guilty As Charged podcast. Across five games so far in 2026, Hampton has recorded 73 carries for 231 yards and three touchdowns. However, his workload has decreased in recent weeks as the Chargers have gotten fellow running backs Kimani Vidal and Keaton Mitchell more involved in the team's offense. After leading the team in running back snaps in each of the first three weeks, Hampton has now played the same number of snaps as, or fewer than, both Vidal and Mitchell in two straight contests. Between his uncertain workload and the Chargers' overall issues on offense this season, Hampton is becoming increasingly difficult for fantasy managers to trust.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Oct 14 4:40pm ET
Brian Thomas Jr.

Across five games so far in 2026, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has recorded just nine catches for 105 yards and a touchdown on 18 targets. The 24-year-old's underwhelming season hit a new low in Week 5, when he was held without a catch on three targets by the Philadelphia Eagles. Thomas Jr. looked like a potential breakout superstar after his rookie season in 2024, when he logged nearly 1,300 receiving yards and 10 touchdown catches. However, his production has declined sharply over the last two years. Thomas Jr. has recorded more than three targets in just one out of five games in 2026, and he's fallen behind Jaguars wideouts Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers on the team's depth chart. Thomas Jr. retains some deep-league appeal for fantasy managers, but he's droppable in shallower league formats.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Oct 14 4:20pm ET
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Houston Texans wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is expected to make his team debut Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, who reports that head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed the plan Wednesday. Acquired from Arizona earlier this week, Harrison participated in his first Texans practice Wednesday and has only a few days to get comfortable with the offense. The former fourth overall pick caught just five passes for 85 yards and one touchdown in four games with the Cardinals this season after recording 41 receptions for 608 yards and four scores in 2025. He reunites with former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud, although that familiarity doesn't guarantee an immediate featured role. Nico Collins has caught 19 passes for 249 yards and three touchdowns in three appearances, while Jaylin Noel, Kayshon Boutte, and Xavier Hutchinson have also contributed to Houston's passing attack. General manager Nick Caserio indicated Wednesday that the Texans won't force a predetermined snap count as Harrison gets acclimated. His debut is encouraging for fantasy managers, but he's a risky Week 6 starter until there's a clearer picture of his role in the offense.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Oct 14 4:20pm ET
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. has failed to capitalize on the opportunities many expected following Mike Evans' offseason departure, and his fantasy value continues to slide. Godwin caught all three of his targets for 37 yards in Thursday's 24-16 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, marking his fourth game this season with four or fewer targets. Through five contests, the veteran has recorded just 19 receptions for 179 yards without a touchdown on 21 targets, averaging only 35.8 receiving yards per game. Emeka Egbuka (33 targets) and Cade Otton (27) have both received more opportunities, even with Jalen McMillan (knee) sidelined on injured reserve. Tampa Bay's quarterback situation hasn't helped matters, as rookie Jalon Daniels has started the past two games while Baker Mayfield (thumb) recovers. Godwin also wasn't spotted at Wednesday's practice, although the reason for his absence remains unclear. His impressive catch rate means little for fantasy purposes without a more consistent workload. Godwin is becoming difficult to justify in 10-team leagues and can be dropped in some 12-team formats if better options are available. Managers in deeper PPR leagues can afford additional patience, but there is little evidence that a substantial increase in targets is coming.

From RotoBaller

Courtland Sutton Oct 14 4:20pm ET
Courtland Sutton

With fellow Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant placed on Injured Reserve, wide receiver Courtland Sutton stepped up and found the end zone in Week 5. Sutton finished a win over the Los Angeles Chargers with two receptions for 18 yards and a touchdown, his first of the season. Sutton is RotoBaller's 45th-ranked wide receiver in Week 6, when the Broncos face the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks allowed San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans to lead the way with seven receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown, but aside from him, 49ers wide receivers totaled just four receptions for 37 yards and a touchdown. Sutton is projected to score seven fantasy points this week against Seattle.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Nailor Oct 14 4:20pm ET
Jalen Nailor

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (concussion) was not seen at his team's practice on Wednesday, per Sam Warren of The Athletic. Nailor missed the Raiders' Week 5 loss to the New England Patriots with a concussion, and it appears his status for Las Vegas' Week 6 matchup against the Buffalo Bills could be in question as well. The 27-year-old has played a limited role in his team's offense to this point in 2026, recording five catches for 52 yards on 11 targets across four games. With Nailor sidelined in Week 5, Raiders wideout Cody White stepped into the team's WR2 role alongside WR1 Tre Tucker. Tucker could be a slightly more intriguing deep-league flex option for fantasy managers in Week 6 if Nailor remains out. Still, tight end Brock Bowers remains the only true must-start pass catcher in Las Vegas.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Oct 14 4:10pm ET
Evan Engram

After a forgettable stretch, Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram got back on track with a meaningful performance during a win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 5. Engram finished the win with four receptions for 55 yards. It was his highest yardage total in a game this season, while it equaled his high reception total. Engram had recorded just two receptions for 23 yards over the previous three games, so it was a good sign for the veteran pass catcher. Still, he remains RotoBaller's 29th-ranked tight end and is projected to score just five points against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 6. Seattle allowed San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle to record five receptions but limited him to just 24 yards a week ago.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Oct 14 4:10pm ET
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said wide receiver Ladd McConkey (foot) will practice on Wednesday, per Alex Insdorf of the Guilty As Charged podcast. McConkey is battling a foot injury and was active for the Chargers' Week 5 loss to the Denver Broncos, but did not play a single snap. As such, McConkey's practice status this week does not guarantee that he will be back in action in Week 6 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Still, it's a positive sign that the 24-year-old is continuing to work his way towards a return to the field. McConkey has been Los Angeles' most productive pass-catcher so far this season, recording 12 catches for 183 yards and a touchdown on 17 targets across four games. If healthy, he profiles as a flex option in three-wide receiver league formats in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

RJ Harvey Oct 14 4:00pm ET
RJ Harvey

After a notable performance in Week 4, Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey was a non-factor during his team's win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Harvey recorded 17 total touches, including 10 receptions, for 93 total yards during a loss to the San Francisco 49ers two weeks ago, but failed to follow that solid effort up with another productive performance against Los Angeles. He finished the win over the Chargers with just three carries for seven yards and without a reception on just a single target. Still, Harvey remains just two spots behind Broncos starting running back J.K. Dobbins in RotoBaller's weekly rankings as RB28. Harvey is projected to score eight fantasy points in a Week 6 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Oct 14 4:00pm ET
Jaylen Waddle

Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has had a slow start to the season, which included a five-reception, 19-yard performance against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 5. Waddle has just 18 receptions for 204 yards and one touchdown through the first five games of the season. If it weren't for an eight-reception, 138-yard effort in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, his statistics would be among some of the least productive wide receivers in the NFL. Waddle is RotoBaller's 29th-ranked wide receiver entering Week 6, when he is projected to score nine fantasy points against a Seattle Seahawks defense that allowed San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans to go off for seven receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown last week.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Oct 14 3:50pm ET
Keenan Allen

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen (groin) is not practicing on Wednesday, according to Nathan Brown of The Indianapolis Star. Allen was limited in the first two practices last week with a groin injury but practiced in full on Friday and was active for the Week 5 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. The 34-year-old veteran did not play in the Week 4 blowout win over the Washington Commanders in London due to his groin injury. In his return this past weekend, he caught five of his nine targets for 45 yards. It was his second straight game with nine targets after he caught six passes for a season-high 63 yards and his first touchdown of the year in the Week 3 win over the division-rival Houston Texans. After signing late in training camp with the Colts, the six-time Pro Bowler has 18 receptions on 29 targets for 145 yards and one touchdown through the first four games in 2026 in his 14th year in the NFL. Allen should be active this Sunday against the division-rival Tennessee Titans, where he will be a touchdown-dependent WR3/flex play.

From RotoBaller