Pierre Strong leads backfield in Week 6 win

Mason came into the season as the presumed lead back in a timeshare with Aaron Jones, the latter of whom has performed as a true workhorse in Mason’s absence. Although it could take a week or two for Mason to fully regain the lead back role, his presence significantly mutes the potential of Jones. Expect a near-even split when the Vikings take on the Colts in Week 7.

Sampson was limited in practice throughout the week and listed as questionable for Week 7 against the Titans. Now that he’s officially been activated from injured reserve, he’s likely to be Cleveland’s change-of-pace back behind Quinshon Judkins this week. Sampson is worth stashing on fantasy benches, but is truly just a desperation FLEX play coming off a knee injury that’s sidelined him since Week 1.

Appearing on ESPN Saturday morning, Fowler, citing Thomas’ zero catches over the last two weeks, said something has to give in this situation. According to several teams the NFL Insider talked to, Thomas could be traded over the next few weeks. Fowler listed the Chiefs and Steelers as potentially interested teams and was emphatic that there will be suitors for Thomas. If you have Thomas in fantasy, it’s hard to imagine his value getting worse with a change of scenery. The Jaguars would appear content to roll with Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers and Travis Hunter as their top receivers in the event of a Thomas trade.

According to one of Jones’ sources, Lions GM Brad Holmes “does not like losing his draft picks, especially high ones.” A second-rounder in 2023, LaPorta made waves earlier this week when he expressed frustration with his lack of a contract extension on the Pardon My Take podcast. While those frustrations persist, the 25-year-old tight end clarified some of his comments to local Detroit media Friday, reiterating his desire to stay with the Lions long-term. Jones notes that other extensions the Lions have handed out have taken some time to get done. He also cautions that the team shouldn’t wait too long to sign LaPorta as the Raiders are unlikely to waste time making Brock Bowers the highest-paid tight end in football when he becomes extension-eligible after the season.

Jones writes that his understanding is the Colts will wait a few weeks before deciding what to do with their star running back. Indianapolis decided to move on from GM Chris Ballard after a 2-4 start. The way things are trending, it’s easy to imagine the Colts still on the outside of the playoff race in a few weeks. At that point interim GM Ed Dodds could look to recoup draft assets the team lost in previous trades. According to Jones, moving Taylor “would be the most expedient route” to acquiring a high draft pick. Citing sources, Jones lists the Giants and Vikings as potential suitors if Taylor is made available on the trade market. Taylor signed a two-year extension with the Colts in August that hasn’t even kicked in yet.

Appearing on ESPN Saturday morning, Fowler said the Ravens are “hopeful” that Jackson can play against the Bengals. He added that the team isn’t “overly optimistic” because, according to a source, Jackson is “50/50" to play in Week 7. If Jackson can’t go, Tyler Huntley will get the start and fantasy managers will need a backup plan this week. At this point, it’s unlikely we receive more clarity on the situation before inactives are released Sunday morning.

Earlier this week, LaPorta expressed frustration in an interview about his contract negotiations stalling in-season. The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy asked him a few follow-up questions today on the matter today, and LaPorta made clear that he hopes to remain a Lion long-term and is excited about the prospect of raising a family in Detroit. LaPorta seemed extremely earnest, saying he felt bad about his comments potentially causing a distraction for his team, but he knows his teammates care for him and want him to be happy and compensated. He handled the issue well and appears to be ready to play hard for a lucrative contract extension, which is good news for fantasy managers. LaPorta is a locked-in TE1 against the Packers this week.

Holland, the Giants’ starting free safety, and Tyler Nubin (neck), the Giants’ starting strong safety, are both questionable to play. Meanwhile, starting perimeter CB Greg Newsome (concussion) has been ruled out. Expect the Texans’ passing offense to stay hot this week.

The Seahawks’ sporadic producer will be on the field against the Chiefs this week. Shaheed has been involved as a receiver and as a rusher, scoring touchdowns in consecutive weeks. He offers a low floor, but he makes for a viable FLEX starter this week.

Donaldson is the third member of the Saints’ backfield committee. While he will get a few touches this week, he is not getting enough work for fantasy relevance.