Everything that happens in the NFL has additional context when viewed from a fantasy football perspective. From position battles to injuries and so much more, the news cycle will constantly affect player values.
Our fantasy football buzz file, with contributions from our ESPN fantasy writers and our NFL Nation reporters, aims to provide fantasy managers with the intel they need as news breaks around the league.
Oct. 21: J.J. McCarthy named Giants' starting QB for Week 7
By Tristan H. Cockcroft
The inevitable has finally arrived in New York: McCarthy is reportedly going to start at quarterback for the Giants in Week 7.
It was a decision destined to happen at some point following McCarthy's Sept. 28 acquisition from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round pick. And it was a decision almost assuredly destined to happen this week after the Michigan product delivered 16.52 fantasy points in the fourth quarter alone, nearly leading his Giants to a comeback from down 34-10 to the Saints.
McCarthy's installation doesn't promise any miracles, not for the Giants and not for fantasy, but it's an understandable, aggressive move that could positively shift the team's offensive dynamic.
First off, don't take McCarthy's Week 6 performance remotely to heart, as it's almost entirely meaningless for evaluative purposes. High-scoring relief efforts by quarterbacks aren't uncommon. Since 2021, there have been 13 relief performances of 15 or more fantasy points by quarterbacks who made a start later in that season; that group averaged 5.2 fewer fantasy points as starters than in that relief appearance.
More relevant to McCarthy's cause is his extensive tape from his 10 mediocre (to say it gently) starts in Minnesota last season. In those starts, he was 28th in Total QBR (36.1), 30th in completion rate (57.6%), 28th in off-target rate (19.3%) and 30th in touchdown-to-interception ratio (0.9). He struggled mightily when throwing into crowded spaces, with the fourth-worst passer rating when targeting a receiver with three or fewer yards of separation, per Next Gen Stats.
What McCarthy did do that could have fantasy relevance, however, was aim deep about as often as any quarterback in the league. His average depth of target of 8.8 yards led all quarterbacks who started at least half of their teams' games, though he did have seven interceptions on throws of at least 15 yards, putting his skill set into the extreme risk/reward category. Anyone who watched Sunday's game can attest to that, as McCarthy was chucking the ball in a desperate attempt to breathe some life into a Giants offense that, to that point, had shown barely any.
Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely each scored more than half of their Week 6 fantasy points after McCarthy entered the game, and the two combined for five catches on six targets for 130 yards and a touchdown on throws of at least 10 yards from McCarthy. Simply put, the upside is higher for both receivers with McCarthy under center, and that's especially relevant in a week with four teams on bye and the Giants facing an actually strong matchup against the Houston Texans defense. It's the fifth-most favorable matchup for wide receivers, when adjusted for the schedule.
Beyond those occasional highlight moments, also expect some ugly days for McCarthy, Nabers, Likely and anyone from the Giants' offense, depending on the quarterback's play, the matchups themselves and the current state of the running game. Cam Skattebo's last-minute role reduction (six snaps, no touches) thrust the offense into chaos last week, so we'll see how that plays out this week.
I've got McCarthy as my No. 21 quarterback in Week 7, which is a borderline superflex/2QB starter, though his upside could make him a stronger situational option than, say, Kirk Cousins against the Los Angeles Rams, if your lineup demands that.
NFL Nation: Adonai Mitchell returns to Jets practice
By Rich Cimini
The Jets' WR, sidelined the last four games with an injured finger on his right hand, returned to practice Wednesday on a limited basis -- his first practice since Sept. 25. His availability for Sunday against the Dolphins is a "pain tolerance issue," according to head coach Aaron Glenn. During the brief media period at practice, Mitchell seemed reluctant to use his right hand on one pass play in particular. If he's active for the game, he'd probably join Garrett Wilson and Omar Cooper Jr. in three-receiver sets.
Oct. 21: Are TEs more productive on National Tight Ends Day?
By Tristan H. Cockcroft
A note to Brock Bowers, Sam LaPorta, Juwan Johnson and all fellow tight ends: On Sunday, stand up and celebrate! It's National Tight Ends Day!
To their fantasy managers: You can all sit down. There's not much to see here.
Formally adopted as an NFL "holiday" beginning in 2019, National Tight Ends Day occurs on the fourth Sunday of October, as a way of honoring the position. This year, there is a 12-game slate on that day. Surely there'll be additional attention to the position on the highlight reel. For example, last season, Tucker Kraft and George Kittle celebrated their day with touchdowns, bringing it additional attention.
But from a fantasy perspective, historically speaking, National Tight Ends Day doesn't specifically inflate tight ends' production, at least not to decidedly actionable levels.
In the past seven seasons it has been celebrated (2019-25), tight end production was up only 0.29 fantasy points per game on October's fourth Sunday relative to the rest of the season, a differential as easily explained by random variance as by any additional boost provided by the now-annual event. Additionally, tight end usage was nearly identical to the numbers across the rest of the season, from routes run to target rate to red zone target rate to touchdowns scored.
There's only one area where a benefit seems apparent recently. Across the past three seasons, tight ends rostered in more than half of ESPN leagues at the time of National Tight Ends Day saw a boost of 3.65 fantasy points per game relative to the rest of their seasons. This was almost entirely due to the group seeing a noticeable, 17% boost in red zone target production, resulting in their touchdown rates more than doubling (0.66 per game, compared to 0.31 the rest of the season).
The small sample caveat naturally applies, since this was a group of 38 tight ends across three seasons. Additionally, across that same group, only three of their 40 best single-game totals from 2023-25 came on National Tight Ends Day. Is it possible that prominent tight ends are experiencing increasingly greater usage and attention on National Tight Ends Day as the holiday gains exposure across the league? Perhaps, and it's certainly something we're monitoring.
Is it something we should account for in our fantasy lineup planning? Well, no, not necessarily.
That said, if you're more moved by the data points, or if you're facing a razor-thin call at your flex spot between a tight end and a slightly more favorably projected running back or wide receiver, leaning tight end isn't an outrageous idea. Starting Mark Andrews (projected for 8.8 fantasy points in a favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals) over Rome Odunze (projected for 10.2 in a less-ideal matchup against the New England Patriots) is a defensible move. Perhaps Lamar Jackson -- or Tyler Huntley, if Jackson is again out for Week 7 -- might choose to "celebrate" the occasion by giving Andrews that one additional red zone look he needs to hit paydirt.
Aside from that, sit back, enjoy the day, and here's hoping we see a third straight 20-point Isaiah Likely game and continued fantasy TE1 production from Kyle Pitts Sr., regardless of what the calendar tells us!
Oct. 20: Need RB help? Coleman set to return from IR this week
By Jeff Legwold, NFL Nation Broncos reporter
It will pay to keep an eye on the transactions this week, as the Denver Broncos are expected to activate rookie RB Jonah Coleman (19.8% rostered in ESPN leagues) from injured reserve. Coleman was the back of choice when the Broncos wanted to close out their Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the same game in which he injured an ankle. Coleman has just the kind of decisiveness with the ball the Broncos need in the their run game right now. He will get some red zone carries because of his ability to break tackles, and he's a quality pass protector, so he'll get third-down snaps, as well.
Oct. 20: McLaurin, Evans leave MNF with injuries
By Michael F. Florio
Injuries were, unfortunately, the main story on Monday night. Terry McLaurin left early in the game as a result of a knee injury. He had to be carted off the field wearing an air cast. He seems likely to miss significant time. Mike Evans exited late in the first half -- after recording three catches for 94 yards -- due to an Achilles injury. Evans had been playing through this injury for the last couple of weeks. It seems likely he'll miss some time to allow this injury to heal.
The Evans injury led to more volume for the 49ers' stars. Both Christian McCaffrey (10) and George Kittle (8) had a season-high in targets. Both were already weekly must-starts but this added volume means even more production in fantasy.
Even without McLaurin, Jayden Daniels remains a weekly must-start. One week after running for over 100 yards and two touchdowns, he threw for 300 yards and two touchdowns. He has now scored at least 19 fantasy points in 17 out of his 22 career full games (77%). One thing to watch, however? He's been sacked nine times over the last two weeks.
Stefon Diggs saw seven targets on Monday night, going for 44 yards and a touchdown. He should see a boost in both targets and fantasy value as the top option for Daniels.
Chig Okonkwo is worth adding off the waiver wire for those streaming tight end. He saw seven targets, catching all of them for 69 yards. He led the Commanders in both catches and yards. His targets have increased each game this season and he may just be the No. 2 target for Daniels moving forward.
Treylon Burks left the game late. The Commanders are banged up at WR, meaning more volume could also go the way of Antonio Williams. Williams is worth a flier in 12-team leagues or deeper.
Rachaad White played on 71% of snaps, with seven carries and five targets. He turned that into 57 yards, a touchdown and 15.7 fantasy points. He is in play as an RB2 or flex option weekly with Jacory Croskey-Merritt on IR.
After averaging 27.0 fantasy PPG over the season's first three weeks, Brock Purdy has cooled off averaging just 17.7 FPPG over the last three weeks. He still has been an extremely safe option and gets a bounceback opportunity next week against the Atlanta Falcons, who have allowed the third-most passing yards.
Time to cut your Chargers?
So, you drafted a Charger and are not sure what to do with them heading into the team's bye week?
Many of them are droppable, starting with Justin Herbert. He has not reached 14 fantasy points in any game this season and is currently the overall QB25. Numerous QBs who have missed multiple games (Lamar Jackson, Daniels, Michael Penix Jr) have scored more fantasy points that Herbert. The only place I wouldn't let him go is in a superflex league, where all starting QBs are rostered.
The toughest decision is with Omarion Hampton. He's a talented back with double-digit touches in every game. It's hard to give up on this kind of player. The issue is that the Chargers are splitting their snaps in thirds between their three RBs. The Chargers' interior offensive line is struggling to create running lanes and the offense, as a whole, is struggling to create consistent scoring opportunities.
I have a lot of shares of Hampton but, as tempting as it has been, I have not yet dropped him. In 12-team leagues or deeper, you have no choice but to hold on. In 10-team leagues, it comes down to your RB depth. I played Rachaad White over Hampton in one league this week, which is making me question why I haven't dropped him. Still, after looking over the waiver wire, there's simply more upside in holding onto Hampton.
Ladd McConkey is the other question. McConkey has been extremely banged up and has left early in all but one game this season. I still believe in the talent -- and the bye week should (hopefully) allow him to get healthy. Please? I'm not ready to give up on McConkey and would keep him. However, the rest of the Chargers can be dropped if you're in need of finding a bye week replacement.
Of course, in most leagues, waivers don't run until early Wednesday morning. Spend today trying to trade any of these guys in exchange for a player you may like more than what's available on the waiver wire. Who knows? There may just be a manager in your league who still believes in a big name like Herbert.
Oct. 19: How Davante Adams injury affects Rams offense
By Tristan H. Cockcroft
The news on Davante Adams' injury suffered Sunday is devastating, as Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay said Monday that the veteran wide receiver has a ruptured hamstring and will miss 6 to 10 weeks. Adams is the No. 7 wide receiver in fantasy points (102.0, or 17.0 per game), and he had been a top-10 weekly scorer in three of his first five games.
A 6-to-10 week timetable effectively ends Adams' fantasy regular season, as the midpoint of that range would take us through Week 14, directly before standard league playoffs begin. Though most leagues offer IR spots in which he could be stashed, steering through the bye weeks while keeping him there -- even if you're granted two or more of them -- isn't easy to do. If you need roster flexibility for bye weeks or injury fill-ins, it's reasonable to drop Adams in order to seek replacements. For now, try to keep him stashed there once he's officially moved to injured reserve, considering his past production and fantasy playoffs utility. The Rams have an extremely favorable Week 15 matchup for the position (DAL), as one example.
In Adams' absence, the Rams' offense takes a noticeable hit, as Adams and fellow Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua had accounted for 42% of the team's total targets for the season, and that's despite Nacua having missed two games due to a groin injury. Konata Mumpfield, Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington will all likely see expanded roles while Adams is out, with Mumpfied the closest to fantasy relevant and more so in 12-team leagues with deep benches or 14-plus-team formats. Be aware, however, that those three totaled 12 targets and 24.4 fantasy points during Nacua's Weeks 2-3 absences, reflecting their low priority in the receiving pecking order.
It's the Rams' tight ends who should benefit most while Adams heals, as was the case in those same Weeks 2-3 games. Terrance Ferguson scored 17.4 fantasy points on nine targets in Week 2, before injuring his MCL in Week 3 and landing on IR. Tyler Higbee emerged with 20.2 fantasy points on 11 targets in Week 3, and he has now averaged 12.4 points and 6.8 targets in the past four weeks. Higbee is a definite add in any league larger than ESPN's standard, and Ferguson, who is eligible to return in Week 8, could warrant similar appeal if he's ready to play a week from now.
Stafford, meanwhile, will probably be more matchup dependent while Adams is sidelined. The veteran quarterback has been hit-or-miss for much of the season to date, but he'd offer his best fantasy utility for what align as favorable matchups in Weeks 9 (WSH), 10 (@ARI) and 15 (DAL).
Oct. 19: Who got the ball on Sunday?
By Eric Moody
The box score doesn't tell you everything. Here are the roles and usage trends from Sunday that stood out to me.
Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Woody Marks led the Texans backfield in snaps, routes run and touches in Week 6 with David Montgomery out. He finished with 81 total yards and 10.1 fantasy points against a tough Jaguars run defense. Jawhar Jordan scored on a 25-yard run but played a limited role behind Marks. Marks has now handled at least 15 carries in consecutive games. If Montgomery remains out, Marks is on the RB2 radar against the Giants in Week 7.
Marvin Harrison Jr. ranked fifth among Texans wide receivers in snaps and routes run in his team debut, behind Nico Collins, Xavier Hutchinson, Jaylin Noel and Kayshon Boutte. He primarily lined up at Z receiver and may need time to adjust to Houston's offense. The Texans also have the fourth-easiest remaining schedule for fantasy wide receivers, which should benefit Harrison as he gets more comfortable in the offense and looks to rebuild the chemistry with C.J. Stroud, his college quarterback for two years at Ohio State.
Bhayshul Tuten finished with 16 touches, 87 total yards, two touchdowns and a season-high 24.7 fantasy points in Week 6. He led the Jaguars backfield in snaps and routes run despite Chris Rodriguez Jr. seeing more early-down work. Tuten also caught all four of his targets and has topped 80 total yards in four straight games. He remains a solid RB2 with RB1 upside following Jacksonville's Week 7 bye.
Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons
Drake London scored just 12.2 fantasy points, but his usage remains strong. He led Atlanta's pass catchers in targets (10), snaps and routes, and narrowly missed a long touchdown because of an inaccurate throw from Michael Penix Jr. There's no reason to worry about his WR1 status.
Kyle Pitts Sr. finished with a season-high seven targets and 23.0 fantasy points. More importantly, his playing time increased significantly after a limited role through the first five weeks. If that trend continues, Pitts could become a reliable weekly TE1. The Falcons also have the easiest remaining schedule for fantasy tight ends.
D'Andre Swift finished with 20 touches and 23.0 fantasy points, his second-highest total of the season. He led the Bears' backfield in snaps, routes, touches and fantasy points, while Roschon Johnson essentially filled Kyle Monangai's role. It's also worth mentioning that Chicago has the second-easiest remaining schedule for fantasy running backs. Both Swift and Monangai are worth targeting in trades.
Luther Burden III caught all eight of his targets for a season-high 95 yards, but his playing time remains a concern. He ran the sixth-most routes on the team despite being targeted on 44% of them. Burden also played a season-low number of snaps, with Kalif Raymond continuing to cut into his opportunities. More competitive games should help Burden see the field more, but for now, he's a boom-or-bust flex option.
Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns
Jaleel McLaughlin led the Browns backfield in snaps and routes run in Week 6 while Quinshon Judkins was sidelined. He split carries evenly with Audric Estime but handled the receiving work, finishing with 13 touches and 9.5 fantasy points. Estime scored a rushing touchdown. Judkins could return in Week 7, but if he remains out, Dylan Sampson would be the preferred waiver pickup if activated.
Jerry Jeudy led Browns wide receivers with 10.9 fantasy points in Week 6, but Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion remain the better fantasy options. Both outpaced Jeudy in snaps, routes run and targets against the Ravens. Cleveland faces a Titans defense in Week 7 that ranks inside the top 15 in fantasy points per game allowed to wide receivers. The Browns also have the 11th-easiest remaining schedule at the position.
Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts
Carnell Tate continues to lead the Titans in snaps, routes run and targets, including Week 6 against the Colts. He has a team-high 44 targets and has scored at least 11 fantasy points in three of his last four games, including two with 19 or more. Wan'Dale Robinson played a season-low snap share and is droppable in shallower leagues. Tennessee also has the fifth-easiest remaining schedule for fantasy wide receivers.
New York Jets at New England Patriots
A.J. Brown was heavily involved in his first game back after missing four games with a high ankle sprain. He played more than 75% of the offensive snaps and led the Patriots with 10 targets while also running the most routes. However, Brown had a career-high three drops and finished with just 5.7 fantasy points.
DeMario Douglas caught seven of eight targets for 19.6 fantasy points. He has now scored at least 19 fantasy points in consecutive games, but his playing time remains a concern. Douglas continues to see limited snaps and routes because he's primarily used in three-receiver sets. That makes it difficult to count on consistent production, especially with Brown back in the lineup. Romeo Doubs' shoulder injury could create more opportunities, but Douglas remains a risky flex option who's worth adding in deeper leagues.
Omar Cooper Jr. finished with seven targets and 22.3 fantasy points in his first game back from an ankle injury. He led the Jets in targets while playing extensively in both two- and three-receiver sets. Garrett Wilson still led the team in snaps and routes, but Cooper's role is worth watching. Adonai Mitchell's eventual return could cut into his playing time, but Cooper should be a priority waiver-wire target.
Braelon Allen led the Jets backfield in snaps, routes, touches (19) and fantasy points (12.4). He has at least 19 touches in consecutive games with Breece Hall sidelined. That kind of workload should continue to benefit Allen, who has a great matchup in Week 7 against a Dolphins defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points per game to running backs. Allen should be viewed as a high-end RB2 as long as Hall remains out.
New Orleans Saints at New York Giants
Kendre Miller led the Saints' backfield in snaps and touches, finishing with 20 carries for 70 yards and 9.0 fantasy points. Alvin Kamara entered the game with a back injury and finished with 14.9 fantasy points, but he had just nine touches and didn't play in the fourth quarter. CJ Donaldson continued to handle passing-down work. Miller is worth picking up in all leagues and could be a flex option against the Steelers in Week 7 if Kamara remains limited.
Isaiah Likely continues to see plenty of opportunities in the Giants' passing game. Only Malachi Fields played more snaps among New York's pass catchers, and only Malik Nabers (15) had more targets than Likely (11). Likely has now seen at least 11 targets in three straight games and scored at least 23 fantasy points in two of them. He belongs in fantasy lineups as a TE1 against the Texans in Week 7.
Carolina Panthers at Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Coker and Tetairoa McMillan have emerged as Carolina's 1A and 1B receivers. Coker led the team with 13 targets, finishing with 97 yards and 15.7 fantasy points. McMillan had 86 yards and 14.6 points while leading the team in snaps and routes. Both are averaging at least 17 fantasy points and eight targets per game this season. They're weekly fantasy starters, but Carolina's difficult remaining schedule for wide receivers makes both worth considering as candidates to trade away.
Chuba Hubbard continues to play significant snaps and run a high number of routes with Jonathon Brooks sidelined and AJ Dillon also missing Week 6. He finished with 19.1 fantasy points, and this was his sixth career game with at least 100 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. Hubbard has at least 21 touches in three straight games, including a season-high 29 against the Eagles. With that kind of workload, Hubbard remains a must-start for fantasy managers.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jaylen Warren remained the Steelers' lead back with Rico Dowdle returning from a three-game absence. Warren finished with 16 touches for 78 total yards and 9.8 fantasy points, while Dowdle had 10 touches for 49 yards and 7.9 points. Warren handled most of the third-down work and took on a larger role in the fourth quarter and overtime. He remains an RB2, while Dowdle is difficult to trust outside of deeper leagues.
Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams
Tyler Allgeier led Arizona's backfield in snaps, routes and touches (19) with Jeremiyah Love sidelined by an ankle injury but finished with just 5.8 fantasy points. Bam Knight was much more productive, turning 17 touches into 11.8 points. Knight also earned more opportunities as the game progressed. If Love misses Week 7, Knight could be the better fantasy option, assuming his wrist is fine. Allgeier should remain involved in short-yardage and passing situations.
Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs
Xavier Worthy led the Chiefs in snaps, routes and targets with Rashee Rice sidelined. He caught all seven targets for 14.3 fantasy points. Jalen Royals and Andrew Armstrong saw increased playing time but combined for just four receptions and 37 yards. Worthy has now scored at least 11 fantasy points in two straight games. Worthy should continue seeing a ton of opportunities as long as Rice is sidelined, making him a flex option with WR2 upside.
Omarion Hampton led the Chargers' backfield in snaps, routes, touches (11) and fantasy points (7.9), but Kimani Vidal wasn't far behind with 10 touches. Keaton Mitchell also saw playing time. It's hard to trust any of these running backs right now, especially with Los Angeles ranking 26th in total yards and 30th in points scored per game. The Chargers have a bye in Week 7, and changes to the backfield rotation wouldn't be surprising.
Buffalo Bills at Las Vegas Raiders
Ashton Jeanty finished with 15.8 fantasy points, but his snap rate has dropped noticeably over the past two weeks compared to the first four games of the season. He handled just 10 carries for 22 yards and a touchdown, adding four receptions for 36 yards. Mike Washington Jr. continues to cut into his early-down work as Jeanty deals with a foot injury. Jeanty remains a fantasy starter, but his reduced workload limits his RB1 upside.
Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers
Pierre Strong Jr. led the Packers' backfield in snaps, routes and touches (16), finishing with 11.7 fantasy points. MarShawn Lloyd had just 10 rushing yards on eight carries and briefly left the game with an injury. Josh Jacobs is expected to return from the commissioner's exempt list ahead of Week 7 and could eventually take back the lead role. Strong could still get work on passing downs, but Lloyd will be difficult to trust in fantasy lineups.