2 years agoThe plan is for Cleveland Guardians right-hander Aaron Civale (forearm) to return to the starting rotation and pitch against the Chicago White Sox next Tuesday, according to manager Terry Francona. Civale surrendered four earned runs and allowed two home runs in 2 2/3 innings in his minor league rehab start on Thursday, but the Guardians feel he's ready to return to their rotation next week. The 27-year-old hasn't pitched well in the big leagues this year either, going 2-6 with a 5.40 ERA (3.92 FIP), a 1.31 WHIP, 75 strikeouts and 20 walks in 75 innings over his 16 starts. Civale won't particularly be an attractive streaming option for fantasy managers in his first start back, though he could be a two-start pitcher next week.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Akron Beacon Journal - Ryan Lewis

2 years agoCarolina Panthers wide receiver Robbie Anderson was surprisingly the best fantasy option on the team in Week 1 and will look to continue his hot start in an away matchup against the New York Giants. Anderson's performance last week can mostly be attributed to one big play, a 75-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Baker Mayfield. That aside, though, Anderson was targeted eight times which led the team. He has been a vertical threat throughout his career and could connect for a deep touchdown on any given week, especially if he continues to be heavily targeted. He will always have a high ceiling and thus can be deployed as a flex play, but nothing more until he proves he can produce consistently for fantasy football.--Jorden Hill - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller

2 years agoThe Houston Astros activated starting pitcher Justin Verlander (calf) from the 15-day injured list on Friday and optioned Seth Martinez to the minors in a corresponding move. Verlander, who landed on the injured list on Aug. 30 with a calf injury, will make the start in a great matchup against the Oakland Athletics on Friday. There's a chance he could face a pitch count in his first start back, though, since he didn't go on a minor league rehab assignment while away from the team. Still, it's hard to leave the 39-year-old ace out of starting lineups, especially in the excellent matchup. The nine-time All-Star currently leads all of baseball in ERA (1.84), wins (16) and WHIP (0.85) while striking out 154 and walking just 26 in 152 innings over 24 starts.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Houston Chronicle - Chandler Rome

2 years agoPhiladelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins (hand) is out of the starting lineup on Friday against the Atlanta Braves. Hoskins was hit on the hand by a pitch on Wednesday, although X-rays thankfully came back negative. He won't start the first game of the series against Atlanta, but there's a chance he'll start at some point this weekend. Hoskins is deserving of being returned to all starting fantasy lineups when he's back in Philly's lineup, as he's clubbed 28 homers and driven in 71 runs in 524 at-bats this year. Alec Bohm will shift to first base and hit second on Friday, while Yairo Munoz is starting at the hot corner and batting eighth against Braves left-hander Max Fried.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Baseball Press

2 years agoChicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert (hand, wrist) remains out of the starting lineup on Friday against the Detroit Tigers. Robert continues to be a headache for fantasy managers due to lingering injuries. The 25-year-old will miss a second straight game, but he's had just 14 at-bats in the month of September due to his left hand/wrist injury. When healthy, though, Robert has produced, hitting .291/.327/.437 with 12 home runs, 56 RBI, 54 runs scored and 11 stolen bases in 371 at-bats. AJ Pollock will draw another start in center field and hit seventh in the batting order on Friday against Tigers right-hander Matt Manning. Pollock is hitless in his last three games, but he's gone 15-for-50 (.300) with two homers, five RBI, nine runs and a steal in 14 games this month.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Baseball Press

2 years agoCarolina Panthers wide receiver DJ Moore had a disappointing Week 1 and will look to get back on track on the road against the New York Giants in Week 2. There will surely be a handful of down weeks from Moore this season as the Panthers' offense led by Baker Mayfield is not expected to be consistently great. Moore, however, has dealt with subpar quarterback play throughout his career and has still managed to post solid numbers and big fantasy performances from time to time. An ascension into weekly WR1 territory seems unlikely, but Moore should still be started as a solid WR2 with upside.--Jorden Hill - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller

2 years agoCarolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey found the end zone in Week 1 but did not have the monstrous fantasy performance that we've come to expect from him when healthy. He has a great opportunity to get things going in Week 2 against the New York Giants, who allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2021. Panthers offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo also said following last week's game that the team must get CMC more involved. Dynamic on the ground and through the air, McCaffrey is a game script-proof workhorse running back and must be started as a top-five play at the position.--Jorden Hill - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller

2 years agoCarolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield will look to improve on his lackluster Week 1 performance in a Week 2 away bout with the New York Giants. Emotions surely had an impact on Mayfield in his Panthers debut as he played his former team, the Cleveland Browns, but he wasn't bad for fantasy. Perhaps he will be able to focus more and have a stronger showing against a Giants defense that allowed a top-12 finish to Ryan Tannehill last week. Still, Mayfield is a low-end QB2 for now and should only be viewed as a viable option in superflex/two-QB leagues.--Jorden Hill - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller

2 years agoThe Houston Texans defense faces a tough test in Week 2 as the team goes on the road to face the Denver Broncos. With Russell Wilson quarterbacking the Broncos and the Texans defense allowing 340 passing yards last week, there's not a lot of upside with this defense for fantasy purposes. There will be times when you can stream the Texans defense, but this probably isn't the week to do it.--Justin Carter - RotoBallerSource: Pro Football Reference

2 years agoHouston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn was perfect from the field in Week 1, making both of his extra points and both of his field goal attempts. Despite that, Fairbairn ranks fairly low when talking about kickers for Week 2, mainly because this Texans offense isn't good enough to put Fairbairn in position to make many kicks. Maybe that analysis will turn out to be wrong, but unless the Texans start to move the ball better, Fairbairn should be viewed as a bye-week fill in at kicker, not a fantasy starter.--Justin Carter - RotoBallerSource: Pro Football Reference

2 years agoHouston Texans tight end O.J. Howard caught a pair of touchdowns last week against the Colts, but he was also only targeted on those two plays the entire game. Heading into Week 2 against the Broncos, Howard is an enticing fantasy option, but the lack of usage outside of those touchdowns last week is worrisome. He's a boom-or-bust TE2 play in fantasy this week.--Justin Carter - RotoBallerSource: Pro Football Reference

2 years agoHouston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins was targeted three times in Week 1, catching two passes for 26 yards. His lack of usage makes him a risky fantasy option heading into Sunday's Week 2 meeting with the Denver Broncos. Brandin Cooks was the team's clear No. 1 receiver last week, while Collins and Chris Moore split the No. 2 role. Collins has some tantalizing athletic traits, but until we see him getting more targets, he should stay out of fantasy lineups.--Justin Carter - RotoBallerSource: Pro Football Reference

2 years agoHouston Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks appears to be the only consistent fantasy threat on the Texans roster heading into Week 2 against the Denver Broncos. Last week, Cooks was targeted 12 times, catching seven passes for 82 yards. No other wide receiver for the team saw more than three targets. Cooks is a volume-based WR2 play on a weekly basis, even though the rest of this Texans offense will likely continue to struggle.--Justin Carter - RotoBallerSource: Pro Football Reference

2 years agoHouston Texans rookie running back Dameon Pierce appears to be the team's No. 2 back heading into Week 2 and the team's meeting with the Denver Broncos. Pierce had 11 carries in Week 1, finishing with 33 yards. He was targeted once in the passing game, catching it for a six-yard gain. As long as Rex Burkhead is getting the pass-game usage in Houston, Pierce's chances of breaking out remain low. Consider him a deep-league flex play this week.--Justin Carter - RotoBallerSource: Pro Football Reference

2 years agoHouston Texans running back Rex Burkhead appears to be the team's lead back heading into their Week 2 matchup with the Broncos. Burkhead had three more carries than Dameon Pierce last week, as well as seven more targets than the rookie. Burkhead could have some appeal in deep PPR leagues as a flex play, but the Texans run game is unlikely to find much room against this Broncos defense.--Justin Carter - RotoBallerSource: Pro Football Reference

2 years agoBoston Red Sox second baseman Trevor Story (heel) remains out of the starting lineup on Friday against the Kansas City Royals. Story will miss his third straight game, but the Red Sox believe he's close to returning, so there's a good chance he'll be back in there on Saturday. He remains day-to-day for fantasy managers. Christian Arroyo is getting another start at the keystone on Friday and is hitting seventh against Royals right-hander Jonathan Heasley. Arroyo has gone hitless in his last three games and is batting .226 (7-for-31) with a homer, eight RBI, two runs scored and seven strikeouts in nine games so far in September. Overall, he's slashing .278/.321/.416 with six homers, 30 RBI, 29 runs and five stolen bases in 245 at-bats for Boston.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Baseball Press

2 years agoHouston Texans quarterback Davis Mills has a tough matchup in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos, making him a tough player to trust in fantasy football. Last week, Mills attempted 37 passes but ended up with just 240 yards in an overtime tie with the Colts. The Broncos allowed just 177 passing yards last week, so don't expect Mills to light the world on fire. He's a low-end QB2 at best in Week 2.--Justin Carter - RotoBallerSource: Pro Football Reference

2 years agoNew Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (ribs) was not on the field for the portion of Friday's practice that was open to the media. This doesn't necessarily mean he was a non-participant, but at the very least, he was significantly limited. For what it's worth, he was limited on Wednesday but did not practice on Thursday. Between his lack of participation and the Saints' signing of Latavius Murray, it's fair to wonder if Kamara could be inactive for Week 2. If that is the case, Mark Ingram would start at running back against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, giving him RB3 appeal in fantasy football.--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: John Hendrix

2 years agoChicago Bears rookie wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (hamstring) is listed as doubtful for Week 2. He did not practice for the second consecutive week. With Jones sidelined, look for Equanimeous St. Brown and Dante Pettis to fill depth roles behind Darnell Mooney. St. Brown and Pettis combined for two catches, 69 yards, and two touchdowns in Week 1, leaving their respective outlooks fairly unpredictable heading into Sunday's clash with the Packers.--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: Mark Grote

2 years agoLos Angeles Rams wide receiver Van Jefferson (knee) "is making great progress" but won't play against the Falcons in Week 2, head coach Sean McVay told Sarah Barshop of ESPN. This marks the second consecutive game in which Jefferson won't suit up. Cooper Kupp is the only must-start receiver in this offense. Allen Robinson and Ben Skowronek round out the Nos. 2 and 3 roles.--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: Sarah Barshop

2 years agoChicago Cubs right-hander Alec Mills (back) underwent a successful lower-back discectomy on Wednesday, according to the team. Mills has been out of action since early July and was moved to the 60-day injured late last month, so he obviously won't pitch again in 2022. The 30-year-old only appeared in seven games (two starts) for the Cubbies in 2022 before his injury this summer. In those seven appearances, he allowed 19 earned runs on 28 hits (seven home runs given up) while walking three and striking out 11 in 17 2/3 innings pitched.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Jordan Bastian

2 years agoDenver Broncos wide receiver KJ Hamler (knee, hip) was seen working on a side field Friday. Hamler, who returned from an ACL tear in Week 1 but did not catch a pass, has not practiced this week. He appears to be a longshot to play against the Texans in Week 2. If he is indeed absent, Tyrie Cleveland would operate as the No. 3 receiver behind Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy.--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: Troy Renck

2 years agoTampa Bay Buccaneers wide receivers Mike Evans (calf) and Julio Jones (knee) both returned to practice on Friday. The duo was absent from practice on Thursday, but their return to the field suggests both veteran receivers should play in Week 2 against the Saints. With Chris Godwin (hamstring) looking like a longshot to play, Evans ranks as a fantasy WR1 while Jones possesses WR3/FLEX appeal. Evans and Jones combined for 140 yards and one touchdown against the Cowboys in Week 1.--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: Rick Stroud

2 years agoGreen Bay Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard (ankle), who practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday and Thursday, is expected to progress through team reps during Friday's practice. This is another step in the right direction for Lazard after he did not play in Week 1. Assuming he suits up in Week 2, the 26-year-old would rank as a low-end WR3 with upside. He's the new top wideout in the Green Bay offense, but we have yet to see if he can handle the lead role. Fantasy managers invested in Lazard's availability should continue to monitor his status as the Packers release their final injury report.--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: Ryan Wood

2 years agoCincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (concussion, personal) returned to practice on Friday. The third-year wideout was limited on Wednesday due to his head injury and absent on Thursday to attend his father's funeral, but his return to the practice field to close out the week suggests he's on track to play in Week 2. Higgins hauled in two passes for 27 yards before exiting last Sunday's game early. The 23-year-old has proven that he can co-exist with Ja'Marr Chase and the Bengals' other offensive weapons, putting him in the WR2 range heading into a clash with the Dallas Cowboys.--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: Jay Morrison

2 years agoCleveland Guardians outfielder Myles Straw had a strong day at the plate on Thursday in the team's 8-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox. He went 3-for-4 with a run scored while hitting ninth in the batting order. Straw is still searching for his first home run of the season, but he's heating up at the plate in September, going 16-for-48 (.333) with two doubles, two RBI, three runs scored and two stolen bases in 13 games played. Overall, the 27-year-old is slashing just .212/.281/.263 with 25 RBI, 60 runs scored and 17 stolen bases in 476 at-bats. Straw is mostly valuable for his speed in deeper fantasy leagues.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com

2 years agoSt. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado went 1-for-4 with his fifth stolen base of the season and a strikeout in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the visiting Cincinnati Reds. Arenado is hitting a strong .298/.359/.550 with a .910 OPS, 29 home runs, 96 RBI, 69 runs scored and five steals in 562 plate appearances across 133 games in his second year in St. Louis. The seven-time All-Star remains a must-start in all fantasy formats, but he hasn't been as hot so far in the month of September. In 12 games this month, he's gone 9-for-45 (.200) with a homer, seven RBI and five runs scored. The good news is that he's in the midst of a modest five-game hitting streak.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com

2 years agoNew England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (illness, back) returned to practice on Friday. He had been a non-participant on Thursday. Jones, who dealt with back spasms in Week 1, also came down with a stomach issue in the middle of the week. However, now that he's back on the practice field, it appears he'll be ready to go for Week 2 versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. With a difficult matchup on tap, the second-year quarterback should be viewed as a low-end QB2 in fantasy football.--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: Zack Cox

2 years agoPittsburgh Pirates catching prospect Endy Rodriguez has handled himself quite nicely since getting the promotion to Double-A Altoona. In 29 games, he has slashed .357/.439/.696 with a 1.135 OPS, eight home runs, 32 RBI, 27 runs scored and a stolen base in 130 plate appearances. The switch-hitting catcher hit .302/.392/.544 with a .936 OPS, 16 long balls, 55 RBI, 63 runs scored and three steals in 88 games at High-A Greensboro before his call-up. Catcher Henry Davis is the team's top overall prospect, but Rodriguez checks in at No. 6, per MLB Pipeline, and he's quickly rising through the system. The 22-year-old has displayed both great defensive skills as well as maturing power from his 6-foot, 170-pound frame. He's surely one to monitor in dynasty/keeper leagues heading into the offseason.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Baseball Reference

2 years agoFree-agent wide receiver Cole Beasley "is drawing serious interest and contract offers from multiple NFL teams," according to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network. The veteran slot receiver is expected to take his time and wait until the right opportunity presents itself. Beasley, 33, played in 16 games for the Bills last season, catching 82 of 112 targets for 693 yards and one touchdown. "He can afford to be selective in his process of choosing the right fit and, ideally, join a contender," adds Wilson. Consistently productive and reliable, Beasley is worth stashing in deep leagues in case he secures a decent role in a solid offense.--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: Aaron Wilson