NFL Player News

Coker (6’1/208) was one of two FCS receivers to earn an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine. A four-year prospect out of Holy Cross, Coker earned a starting role entering his sophomore season and never looked back. His production steadily increased over every season, and he topped out at 59-1,035-15 in 2023. Coker’s size is of little concern for a player looking to transition to the NFL as an outside receiver, but his 4.57 40 time and contested catch rate of 42.6 percent against non-FBS competition are minor red flags on his profile. Of the 1,950 yards he totaled over his final two seasons, 1,012 of those yards came by way of the deep ball. It’s unlikely he’ll have the chance to blow by as many defenders in the NFL. Coker will need to prove he has the separation skills and ability to haul in contested catches against much better competition if he hopes to make an impact at the next level. In a crowded Carolina receiver room, he may ultimately be stashed on their practice squad for a year or two before seeing an action.

Williams has now scored at least one rushing touchdown in each of the Rams’ first five games as the team’s unquestioned workhorse back. Though Williams lost a crucial fumble in the second half, he ran effectively throughout, including on a 30-yarder that could’ve gone the distance. With at least 18 carries in four of five games this season, Williams is as safe a fantasy option as there is in 2024. The Rams are on bye in Week 6.

Though Fant is the Seahawks’ top tight end, his role is a small one. Between Fant, AJ Barner, and Pharaoh Brown, the tight end room saw a 12.5% target share on the day with the wideouts and running backs consistently the top receiving options. Barner caught his only target for 13 yards, while Brown caught his for seven yards. Fant’s low volume role means he is a deep-league tight end option for Week 6 against the 49ers.

Holland’s absence is a brutal loss for the Dolphins’ struggling defense. The unit has surrendered 24 explosive pass plays this season, tying for 10th-most in the NFL. The Dolphins are on bye in Week 6 but face the Colts in Week 7. Expect Shane Steichen to attack the unit’s downfield coverage.

Though Lockett was fourth on the team in targets, he was the Seahawks’ leading receiver in yards on the day. He was catching targets in the intermediate area and tacking on several yards after the catch to post his second-most yards on the season. Lockett still seems to have a role that is No. 3 on the receiving pecking order, but it is a role that has value when the Seahawks need chunk gains and Metcalf is being taken away on the perimeter. The 32-year-old will have FLEX upside against the 49ers in Week 6.

Parkinson, functioning as Matthew Stafford’s primary check down option, led the Rams with a hefty 29 percent target share. Parkinson now has 20 targets over his past two games in a Rams offense that has been run heavy in recent weeks, but was pass-first in Week 5 against Green Bay. Parkinson should be a top-12 fantasy play unless and until Cooper Kupp or Puka Nacua return to the LA lineup following the team’s Week 6 bye.

The 31-year-old may have earned himself more offensive opportunities in this one, averaging 8.4 yards per carry. Both Alexander Mattison (3.9) and Zamir White (3.1) are inexcusably averaging less than 4.0 per carry. Abdullah tacked on a 23.0-yard kickoff return as well. He cannot be trusted against the Steelers in Week 6.

Week 5 started out as a quiet day for Smith-Njigba with the Seahawks offense struggling to move the ball into Giants territory. He saw several of his targets in the hurry-up offense late, including his touchdown grab. His short-yardage role remains intact as he is being targeted as the No. 2 wideout on the team. It’s clear that Smith-Njigba is the go-to for short and quick throws and he will be a fantasy WR3 in a tough Week 6 matchup against the 49ers.

Metcalf had one of his quieter days of the season, seeing much of Giants CB1 Deonte Banks. Offensive Coordinator Ryan Grubb tried to get Metcalf going early but strayed away from him in the hurry-up offense late. Banks forced a fumble on Metcalf in Giants territory in the third quarter, with the Giants scoring on the ensuing possession on the other end. Between the costly fumble and quiet day, Metcalf had a disappointing fantasy output. He is a high-end WR2 with a short week and tough matchup ahead against the 49ers.

It was a brutally inefficient (and pass heavy) day for Stafford and the Rams offense, missing Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. Stafford leaned on TE Colby Parkinson (12 targets) along with slot guy Jordan Whittington (10 targets) and Tutu Atwell (10 targets). Outside of two long completions to Atwell and Whittington, Stafford was forced to dink and dunk his way down the field against a tough Green Bay defense. Stafford won’t be a reliable option in one-QB leagues until Kupp and/or Nacua return to the LA lineup. The Rams have a bye in Week 6.

Mattison’s start with Zamir White (groin) sidelined was as uneventful as one might expect. Mattison inefficiently rumbled for 2.5 yards per carry, though he performed much better through the air. Mattison would be a touchdown-dependent flex option if White remains sidelined against the Steelers in Week 6.