Fantasy Soccer Buzz: Daniels, McLaurin dominated out for Sunday

Sep 26, 2025, 06:08 PM ET

Every part that occurs within the NFL has some further context when considered from a fantasy soccer perspective. From place battles to accidents and a lot extra, the information cycle will continually have an effect on participant values in fantasy soccer.

Our Fantasy Soccer Buzz file, with contributions from our ESPN fantasy writers and our NFL Nation reporters, goals to supply fantasy managers with the intel they want as information breaks across the NFL.

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By Eric Moody

The Washington Commanders might be with out Daniels (knee) and McLaurin (quad) towards the Atlanta Falcons in Week 4, a serious blow to each Washington’s offense and fantasy managers. Daniels, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Yr, has been dynamic when wholesome, however the crew will as soon as once more flip to Marcus Mariota, who impressed final week with 20.2 fantasy factors. Mariota’s dual-threat skill makes him a viable streaming possibility in fantasy, although Atlanta’s protection has allowed the third-fewest fantasy factors per recreation to quarterbacks.

Deebo Samuel is positioned for a heavier workload with McLaurin sidelined. Regardless of ending with simply 29 scrimmage yards in Week 3 attributable to optimistic recreation move, Samuel’s versatility as each a runner and receiver locations him firmly on the WR2 radar. He has averaged 17.4 fantasy factors per recreation in contests the place he is seen no less than seven targets in his profession. The Commanders’ backfield stays a committee. Chris Rodriguez Jr. led the crew with 11 speeding makes an attempt final week, whereas Jeremy McNichols ripped off a 60-yard landing and Jacory Croskey-Merritt added a brief rating.

Projections counsel all three will stay concerned, capping particular person upside. For fantasy managers, Samuel is the most probably to profit from elevated targets, whereas the working backs stay dangerous flex choices relying on league measurement. If compelled to decide on one, Croskey-Merritt affords essentially the most intrigue.

By Stephania Bell

Xavier Legette, WR, Panthers: Legette has a hamstring harm that’s sidelining him once more this week. He missed Week 3 after he developed hamstring soreness in observe the Wednesday prior, resulting in a restricted session. He remained restricted all through the week, got here into the sport Questionable and in the end was Inactive. This week Legette was held out of shape completely (restricted to aspect subject rehab work) and was dominated out on Friday. Whereas that is thought-about a comparatively minor harm, it is the time of 12 months the place groups are involved about one thing escalating to better severity, particularly in a receiver who will check it when stretching the sphere. Legette advised reporters this week that he might solely do what they (they presumably being the medical workers) would let him however he needs to be on the market. One other week off of recreation play could enable him the restoration time wanted for the crew to be extra assured in his return.

Chuba Hubbard, RB, Panthers: Hubbard was listed on the harm report Thursday with a calf subject after a restricted session and remained restricted Friday. He comes into the Sunday recreation as Questionable. Whereas we all know higher than to underestimate the affect of a critical calf harm on a lead working again, it is very important keep in mind that there are a variety of levels of any delicate tissue harm. Hubbard was not held out of shape completely which hints at this being minor and coach Dave Canales basically bolstered this telling reporters Friday they have been simply monitoring some “soreness.” After coming off his season-high speeding complete in Week 3 (whereas nonetheless yielding some touches to teammate Rico Dowdle), Hubbard retains the highest again for Carolina even when he shares extra work with Dowdle this week.

Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Panthers: McMillan, like Hubbard, has a calf ailment that resulted in restricted practices Thursday and Friday together with a Questionable tag heading into Sunday. McMillan nonetheless didn’t observe Wednesday but he expressed confidence when talking with reporters that he would have the ability to go well with up for Week 4. Coach Dave Canales referred to it as a “day-to-day” scenario, hinting on the risk McMillan might certainly play. On Friday he added that after a deliberate ramp up in observe this week, they need to see how McMillan feels tomorrow to decide about Sunday. The language suggests McMillan will go barring a setback and with Xavier Legette sidelined (and Jalen Coker nonetheless on IR), he’s wanted.

See extra:

Sept. 26: Trey Benson will get No. 1 utilization, RBBC in Seattle

by Eric Moody

Trey Benson led the Cardinals backfield in snaps, routes run, and touches (13), and he tied Emari Demercado in fantasy factors (10.1). The Cardinals fell behind early, forcing them to lean closely on the passing recreation, which restricted Benson’s touches. He served because the early-down again, whereas Demercado dealt with third-down duties, ending with simply 4 touches however scoring a receiving landing. Nonetheless, Benson’s utilization is encouraging, and he ought to have extra success in Week 5 towards a Titans protection that has allowed the third-most fantasy factors per recreation to working backs. Savvy managers in want of a working again ought to take into account buying and selling for Benson, since some managers solely take a look at the field rating and miss the context behind it.

Kenneth Walker III had 20 touches towards the Cardinals and completed with 12.0 fantasy factors. Managers have been maintaining their fingers crossed for a landing, however the 12 factors are strong. Managing expectations is necessary since Zach Charbonnet stays closely concerned. Each backs noticed related snaps and routes, with Charbonnet ending with 14 touches, 12.4 fantasy factors, and a speeding landing, with one other speeding rating known as again on a holding penalty on a unique pink zone possession. It is a true running-back-by-committee scenario, and the Seahawks are inclined to favor Charbonnet close to the purpose line, which might restrict Walker III’s upside in lineups.

Sept. 25: Pearsall added to harm report, mounting McLaurin harm concern

By Stephania Bell

Ricky Pearsall, WR, 49ers (knee): Pearsall landed on the 49ers’ harm report Wednesday, however he eased considerations when talking with reporters after observe. He mentioned it was merely knee soreness and if there had been a recreation on Wednesday, he would have performed. Coach Kyle Shanahan mentioned he’s hopeful Pearsall will observe later within the week. Pearsall missed time throughout OTAs with a hamstring harm and started coaching camp on the PUP record. He was cleared for full exercise after the primary week and instantly began turning heads in observe together with his improved on-field rapport with quarterback Brock Purdy. Out of necessity (with huge receivers Brandon Aiyuk on PUP, Jauan Jennings intermittently injured and tight finish George Kittle out since Week 1), Pearsall has been the crew’s high go catcher and he has greater than lived as much as it, presently rating third within the NFL in receiving yards. Resting him at observe attributable to soreness is the sensible transfer given the size of the season and the relative well being of the crew.

Terry McLaurin, WR, Commanders (quad): McLaurin was injured within the third quarter of Sunday’s recreation with what the crew categorised as a quad (quadriceps, massive muscle on the entrance of the thigh) harm. On Wednesday, coach Dan Quinn mentioned he would have an replace on his standing by Friday however did acknowledge that McLaurin was looking for a second opinion on his harm. He additionally famous that second opinions are a typical incidence.

That is true, nonetheless the report from NFL Community that McLaurin was consulting with Dr. Invoice Meyers is fascinating provided that his space of experience is in core muscle accidents. Actually, Dr. Meyers is commonly thought-about the “godfather of the core muscle restore” (initially known as “sports activities hernia” surgical procedure, though that time period has largely fallen out of favor within the medical neighborhood as a result of it’s not a real hernia).

Whereas this may occasionally sound like there are two totally different accidents being mentioned with McLaurin, the chance is that they overlap. The “core” muscle tissue are sometimes regarded as the deep belly and groin muscle tissue, however the core additionally consists of a few of the deep spinal muscle tissue and hip flexors. The hip flexors are of specific curiosity within the McLaurin case as a result of a portion of the quad contributes to flexing the hip, however the strongest hip flexor (the psoas) could be very deep (attaching to the backbone) and varieties a part of the core. A number of the groin muscle tissue may help with flexing the hip.

A delicate tissue harm to those muscle tissue cannot solely make that movement troublesome, however it will possibly additionally restrict energy and explosiveness. When extreme sufficient, it will possibly make all working troublesome. Differentiating the place the precise supply of the harm is may be difficult and that maybe explains the additional time and session McLaurin is looking for.

A gentle soft-tissue pressure generally is a matter of rehab and restoration, however a extreme core harm may end up in surgical procedure (core muscle restore). There isn’t any indication as to the severity of the harm but however, as of now, it appears unlikely that McLaurin might be obtainable this week, on the very least.

Sept. 23: Giants flip to rookie QB Jaxson Dart

Eric Moody: The Giants are turning the web page on their Russell Wilson period, naming rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart because the Week 4 starter towards the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers. Wilson’s inconsistent play via the primary three video games made the transfer inevitable. Wilson accomplished simply 59.1% of his passes for 778 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. Outdoors of Week 2’s 450-yard, three-touchdown efficiency (30.3 fantasy factors) towards the Dallas Cowboys, he managed solely 328 yards on 50.7% passing with zero scores and two interceptions, together with crucial pink zone errors that restricted manufacturing for key playmakers like Malik Nabers and pissed off Giants followers, who even chanted for Dart late in Sunday’s loss to Kansas Metropolis.

Dart, the Giants’ twenty fifth general select of Ole Miss, impressed within the preseason, finishing 32 of 47 passes for 372 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions, whereas including 52 speeding yards and one other rating on six carries. Dart’s dual-threat skill provides the Giants a dynamic new look that contrasts sharply with Wilson’s model. With a powerful supporting forged that features Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson and deep menace Darius Slayton, Dart might instantly revitalize New York’s offense.

For fantasy managers, Dart’s arrival modifications the outlook. Nabers’ managers must be excited, as he posted profession lows in receptions and receiving yards in Week 3 towards the Chiefs. He stays a high-end WR1 towards the Chargers, with upside now {that a} extra aggressive quarterback is underneath middle. Issues are additionally wanting up for Cam Skattebo, now the crew’s lead again, who might see extra carries, goal-line alternatives, and an even bigger position within the passing recreation, firmly putting him on the RB2 radar. Dart’s speeding skill provides an additional layer of upside for the offense, which additionally positions Robinson and Slayton as startable choices in deeper leagues. Managers ought to monitor Week 4’s recreation towards the Chargers intently, as Dart’s begin might be the spark that each the Giants and fantasy managers with New York gamers on their roster have been ready for.

Sept. 23: Gibbs and Montgomery run free towards the Ravens

Montgomery and Gibbs put up huge fantasy factors on Monday

Daniel Dopp and Stephania Bell break down huge fantasy performances by David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs in Week 3.

Eric Moody: Jahmyr Gibbs (26.9 PPR fantasy factors) and David Montgomery (29.4) delivered matchup-winning fantasy performances Monday night time towards the Ravens. Gibbs set a season excessive in snaps and dealt with 27 touches, cementing his position because the lead again. Montgomery, in the meantime, performed simply 36% of the offensive snaps however produced the second-highest single-game output of his profession on 13 touches.

The important thing takeaway is that that is Gibbs’ backfield now. He is had no less than 19 touches in two of three video games, and within the different recreation he had a season-high 104 yards from scrimmage and a landing. That makes this a good time for fantasy managers to think about buying and selling Montgomery.

The Ravens had no solutions, permitting 224 speeding yards, their most since Week 6 of 2017. Many of the harm got here between the tackles, the place the Lions gained 207 yards, essentially the most they’ve had (and essentially the most Baltimore has allowed) in a recreation since ESPN started monitoring the stat in 2006. That is one thing to bear in mind when beginning working backs towards Baltimore’s protection shifting ahead. Gibbs and Montgomery could not discover as a lot room in Week 4 towards a Browns defensive entrance that leads the league in run cease win charge.

Different notes

Mark Andrews caught all six of his targets for 27.1 fantasy factors, fueled by two touchdowns. That is good, however he was nonetheless sharing snaps and routes with Charlie Kolar and Zaire Mitchell-Paden. Andrews noticed most of his enjoying time in 11 personnel and was used much less typically in 12 personnel. His utilization is predicted to shift once more as soon as Isaiah Seemingly returns.

Sept. 22: Impression of CeeDee Lamb‘s excessive ankle sprain

Will Jake Ferguson’s inventory hold rising with CeeDee Lamb injured?

Subject Yates says Jake Ferguson and George Pickens might be lineup locks with CeeDee Lamb nursing an harm.

Tristan H. Cockcroft: ESPN’s Todd Archer experiences that Lamb’s harm, which the receiver initially tried to play via, might value him three to 4 weeks. Excessive ankle sprains sometimes lead to multiweek absences, so it is no shock that Lamb would possibly miss that a lot time (or longer).

Following Lamb’s preliminary departure from Sunday’s recreation, tight finish Jake Ferguson ran 27 routes and caught 12 of 13 targets despatched his means for a team-leading 19.3 PPR fantasy factors (amongst 21.2 complete for the day), a reminder that it isn’t all the time the huge receivers who profit from an harm to one of many high names on the depth chart. George Pickens, who had an identical 17.8-point scores and receiving stat traces up to now two weeks, is essentially the most logical benefactor, shifting as much as be quarterback Dak Prescott‘s de facto No. 1 goal. However Ferguson would possibly stand to profit most from a goal increase for nonetheless lengthy Lamb is out. Pickens is a weekly fantasy WR2, whereas Ferguson goes from being a borderline top-10 tight finish to a transparent member of that tier. That is an enormous deal for the many people in fantasy leagues who went a budget route when drafting on the place.

With the Dallas Cowboys‘ protection performing as poorly because it has, Prescott ought to proceed to deal with hefty workloads, that means Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin, who transfer as much as the Nos. 2 and three roles at huge receiver, might have their moments towards weaker opposing secondaries. In bigger leagues — suppose 12-teamers and deeper — both or each might warrant a glance, although neither must be remotely on a normal league radar towards the Inexperienced Bay Packers in Week 4.

Stephania Bell: Lamb was the ball service on a 1-yard run when he acquired his left ankle caught up underneath a defender, forcing his ankle to rotate outwards relative to his decrease leg whereas it was trapped towards the bottom. That Lamb was recognized with a excessive ankle sprain was not stunning given the mechanism of harm described above is usually related to that harm.

The day after an harm like this — when the supportive tape has been eliminated and the adrenaline has evaporated — typically brings the cruel actuality that it’s going to, actually, take weeks not days to return to motion. On Tuesday, Cowboys proprietor Jerry Jones advised reporters the crew is contemplating an IR transfer for Lamb, which might require him to overlook 4 video games. There are two elements in figuring out time to return for the harm: First, the ligaments need to heal to the purpose the place the ankle is steady and the athlete can comfortably advance the physique weight over the foot on the bottom. Second, the athlete has to have the ability to meet the calls for of the place with minimal danger of harm recurrence. With excessive ankle sprains, the athlete typically feels good strolling round however deceleration and rotation, particularly within the course that simulates how the harm occurred, can take longer. Most athletes with an harm of average severity will report not feeling totally recovered till a minimal of 4 to 6 weeks.

Sept. 22: Damage conditions to watch forward of Week 4

By Stephania Bell

The next gamers suffered an harm in Week 3. Be looking out for updates because the week progresses.

James Conner, RB, Arizona Cardinals: Conner acquired his proper leg twisted awkwardly as he was tackled following a 9-yard run early within the third quarter and his foot and ankle gave the impression to be trapped underneath a defender. It was instantly clear the harm was critical, as medical personnel acquired to his aspect rapidly. Finally, Conner was carted off the sphere and into the tunnel. Adam Schefter reported the harm was thought-about “extreme” and would require surgical procedure, however Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon had no timeline or prognosis to supply.

Najee Harris, RB, Los Angeles Chargers: Harris was lined up within the backfield and because the ball was snapped, Harris took a step again together with his left foot as he ready to push off and run. That kind of again step or lunge place locations the Achilles underneath maximal stress, particularly if the heel goes to the bottom (or near it). Because the athlete then pushes off, the calf muscle has to contract forcefully to propel the physique ahead. If a participant collapses to the bottom as Harris did, it suggests there was a failure inside that tissue advanced. Harris took the one step again together with his left and as he leaned ahead over his proper leg, he went to the bottom and didn’t transfer. The medical workers got here to the sphere instantly to judge him and, shortly thereafter, Harris was taken by cart into the ability. The Chargers initially introduced Harris was questionable to return to the sport with an ankle harm. Inside an hour, Harris was dominated out. After the sport, coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed an Achilles harm however supplied no different particulars. When requested by reporters if the harm was season-ending, he indicated that was the “preliminary” thought earlier than Harris undergoes imaging.

CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys: Lamb was the ball service on a 1-yard run when he acquired his left ankle caught up underneath a defender, forcing his ankle to rotate outwards relative to his decrease leg whereas it was trapped towards the bottom. Lamb then exited the sport to be evaluated. He did attempt to return within the second quarter, however after one snap he left the sport once more and wouldn’t return. After the sport, Lamb downplayed considerations in regards to the severity of the harm and advised he would possibly have the ability to play subsequent week. Anticipate additional analysis this week to assist decide the plan of action.

Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Evans suffered a hamstring harm and might be seen limping off the sphere and on the sidelines. As he exited the sphere and walked into the tunnel, Evans threw his helmet, seemingly pissed off by the harm. Coach Todd Bowles mentioned Evans is ready to bear an MRI on Monday. Evans missed three video games final season attributable to a hamstring pressure.

Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington Commanders: McLaurin left Sunday’s recreation early with a quad harm. Initially deemed questionable to return, McLaurin remained out for the remainder of the sport.

Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts: Pierce exited the sport early to be evaluated for a concussion. He was subsequently dominated out for the rest of the sport.

Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, New York Giants: Tracy left the Sunday night time recreation with a proper shoulder harm that he sustained following a collision with a defender, and he was in the end dominated out for the rest of the sport.

Sept. 22: Who acquired the ball on Sunday?

Eric Moody: Hunter Henry has cemented himself as a low-end TE1

Eric Moody reacts to Hunter Henry’s good fantasy recreation vs. the Steelers.

Pocket book by Eric Moody

Jaylen Warren completed with a season-high 23 touches towards the Patriots. He additionally led the Steelers in targets and receptions and was tied for the lead in receiving yards. Warren missed only one goal-line snap, the one by which Kenneth Gainwell scored a 1-yard speeding TD. He has scored 13 or extra fantasy factors in three straight video games. The larger takeaway is that Warren performed a career-high 79% of the Steelers’ offensive snaps, making him a powerful commerce goal for managers in want of a working again.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt did not see an expanded position within the Commanders’ backfield within the first recreation with out Austin Ekeler. He completed with 9 touches and 10.1 fantasy factors, because of a speeding landing. Nonetheless, Croskey-Merritt, Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jeremy McNichols all performed on no less than 15 snaps and cut up touches. If this development continues, Croskey-Merritt might be troublesome to belief in fantasy lineups.
Matthew Golden stepped up for a Packers crew lacking Jayden Reed. He caught all 4 of his targets, led Inexperienced Bay in receiving yards, and even logged three speeding makes an attempt. When Reed left in Week 2, Dontayvion Wicks moved into the slot and Golden shifted outdoors — and the Packers did the identical factor this week. The distinction was that Golden not solely performed extra snaps in three-receiver units but in addition performed the next share of snaps in two-receiver units over Wicks. Golden seems to be poised to carve out a progressively bigger position within the weeks forward.
Nick Chubb and Woody Marks had practically an identical snaps, routes run and targets within the Texans’ backfield towards the Jaguars. Chubb completed with 12 touches and Marks with seven. For the second straight week, Marks averaged extra yards per carry and in addition had extra receiving yards than Chubb. His position within the Texans’ backfield might proceed to develop because the season progresses.
Kenneth Walker III completed with 17 touches and 50 complete yards within the Seahawks’ rout of the Saints, scoring 18 fantasy factors thanks to 2 speeding touchdowns. The excellent news: Walker was the clear starter and performed a excessive share of snaps earlier than rubbish time. The unhealthy information: he averaged simply 2.4 yards per carry, as Seattle’s offensive line, ranked 18th in run block win charge, gave up loads of penetration. Walker nonetheless stays a must-start in Week 4 towards the Cardinals, particularly if Zach Charbonnet is once more out.
T.J. Hockenson had a quiet begin to the season, however that modified in Week 3 when he posted 15.9 fantasy factors towards the Bengals. He tied for the crew lead in receptions and completed second in each targets and receiving yards. Although he cut up time with Josh Oliver and Ben Yurosek, Hockenson nonetheless performed considerably extra snaps and ran extra routes, maintaining him locked in as a fantasy starter shifting ahead.

What to make of Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter in fantasy

Tristan H. Cockcroft explains why Brian Thomas Jr. is extra of a WR2 and why fantasy managers ought to hold Travis Hunter on the bench for now.

Kyle Pitts Sr. caught 4 of six targets for 7.9 fantasy factors within the Falcons’ loss to the Panthers however continues to development upward in utilization. After rotating closely final season, Pitts has seen an enormous increase in enjoying time, logging over 90% of snaps earlier than rubbish time in Week 3 and working routes on over 73% of early-down performs in 11 personnel. Even on a quiet offensive day for the Falcons, he tied for second in receptions and stays a key a part of Atlanta’s passing assault. Pitts seems to be like a dependable fantasy starter shifting ahead.
Harold Fannin Jr. caught three of 4 targets for 25 yards within the Browns’ win over the Packers, however the actual story is his rising position. Fannin performed 42 snaps to David Njoku‘s 50, with third-down snaps cut up evenly between them. He additionally ran 20 routes in comparison with Njoku’s 29. Whereas Njoku nonetheless led the crew in receiving yards, the hole between the 2 is narrowing. Fannin was a high waiver add after posting seven receptions and 13.6 fantasy factors in Week 1, and his utilization suggests he might quickly run extra routes than Njoku.
Jerry Jeudy caught simply one among 5 targets for two.7 fantasy factors however nonetheless led all Browns wideouts in snaps, routes and targets. Isaiah Bond, in the meantime, continues to eat into Cedric Tillman‘s snaps and routes run, ending with 4 targets to Tillman’s three — even in a recreation by which the Browns’ offense barely confirmed up.
Luther Burden III‘s 19.8 fantasy factors will flip heads, however context issues. He completed fourth on the Bears’ WR depth chart in snaps, routes and targets, but led the crew in receiving yards. Burden capitalized on all three of his targets, aided by Colston Loveland‘s harm and extra four-receiver units. The important thing takeaway: Burden confirmed his potential, however he’ll have to overtake Olamide Zaccheaus within the pecking order to be fantasy related.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. left Week 3 towards the Chiefs with a shoulder harm after enjoying 11 of the primary 15 snaps, ending with 9 touches and 5.6 fantasy factors. Cam Skattebo took over, ending the sport with 16 touches and 24.1 fantasy factors. After this efficiency, Skattebo is firmly on the flex radar, whether or not Tracy misses time or not.