Fantasy Alert: Cowboys' CeeDee Lamb 'Good' After Missing Practice with Groin Injury
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb missed Thursday's practice with a groin injury but dismissed any long-term worries.
"I'm fine," he told reporters. "We're good. ... I don't want to scare nobody."
Lamb entered the 2022 season as the clear No. 1 wideout for the Cowboys after they traded veteran Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns during the offseason.
Through four games this season, Lamb has racked up 23 receptions for 288 yards and two touchdowns.
After a solid rookie year, the Oklahoma product enjoyed a strong sophomore season in 2021 and finished with 79 catches for 1,102 yards and six touchdowns. He led the Cowboys with 120 targets, establishing a strong rapport with quarterback Dak Prescott.
Lamb was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career as a replacement for Los Angeles Rams wideout Cooper Kupp.
If Lamb did miss time, it would be another significant blow to the team's offense. Prescott is still out while recovering from thumb surgery. The Cowboys also lost left tackle Tyron Smith to a hamstring injury in training camp that required surgery.
Fortunately for Dallas and fantasy players relying on him, it doesn't seem like he will.
Fantasy Football Week 5: Tips, Trade Value Rankings for Top 100 Players
Have you ever had someone recommend a television show, only to quickly follow it up with the advice, "You just have to stick with it through the first few episodes. It starts slowly, but it really picks up from there."
Sometimes, a fantasy season can feel that way, too. High expectations, little immediate payoff. Unlike that show you might be watching, however, you have some power to change your fantasy team's fate. The best way to start is with some savvy trades.
And that's where the trade value chart comes into play. What you'll find below is a general guide to give you an idea of how to best value your players, but take your own league rules and format into account (this trade chart is tabulated using standard PPR scoring).
Any player not listed below has a value of one. And, as always, may the fantasy points be with you!
Trade Value: 15
1. Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Trade Value: 14
2. Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants
3. Nick Chubb, RB, Cleveland Browns
4. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Carolina Panthers
5. Austin Ekeler, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
Trade Value: 13
6. Stefon Diggs, WR, Buffalo Bills
7. Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins
8. Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Trade Value: 12
9. Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans
10. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts
11. Davante Adams, WR, Las Vegas Raiders
12. Deebo Samuel, WR, San Francisco 49ers
13. Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs
Trade Value: 11
14. D'Andre Swift, RB, Detroit Lions
15. Joe Mixon, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
16. Dalvin Cook, RB, Minnesota Vikings
17. Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
18. Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints
19. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions
20. A.J. Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
21. Ja'Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Trade Value: 10
22. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys
23. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins
24. Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
25. Marquise Brown, WR, Arizona Cardinals
26. Mark Andrews, TE, Baltimore Ravens
27. Josh Jacobs, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
28. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
29. Leonard Fournette, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Trade Value: 9
30. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
31. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
32. Christian Kirk, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
33. Courtland Sutton, WR, Denver Broncos
34. D.K. Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks
35. Amari Cooper, WR, Cleveland Browns
36. Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Indianapolis Colts
37. Miles Sanders, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
38. Jamaal Williams, RB, Detroit Lions
39. Aaron Jones, RB, Green Bay Packers
40. James Robinson, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Trade Value: 8
41. Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
42. Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
43. Mike Williams, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
44. Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington Commanders
45. Keenan Allen, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
46. Diontae Johnson, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
47. Rashon Bateman, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Trade Value: 7
48. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
49. Dameon Pierce, RB, Houston Texans
50. Rashaad Penny, RB, Seattle Seahawks
51. J.K. Dobbins, RB, Baltimore Ravens
52. Jeff Wilson Jr., RB, San Francisco 49ers
53. Damien Harris, RB, New England Patriots
54. David Montgomery, RB, Chicago Bears
Trade Value: 6
55. Tyler Lockett, WR, Seattle Seahawks
56. Curtis Samuel, WR, Washington Commanders
57. Corey Davis, WR, New York Jets
58. Michael Thomas, WR, New Orleans Saints
59. Chris Godwin, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Trade Value: 5
60. Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals
61. Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers
62. Zach Ertz, TE, Arizona Cardinals
63. T.J. Hockenson, TE, Detroit Lions
64. Darren Waller, TE, Las Vegas Raiders
65. DeVonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
66. Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints
67. Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets
68. Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons
Trade Value: 4
69. James Conner, RB, Arizona Cardinals
70. Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets
71. Melvin Gordon III, RB, Denver Broncos
72. Kareem Hunt, RB, Cleveland Browns
73. Devin Singletary, RB, Buffalo Bills
74. Khalil Herbert, RB, Chicago Bears
75. A.J. Dillon, RB, Green Bay Packers
76. Chase Edmonds, RB, Miami Dolphins
Trade Value: 3
77. Tyler Higbee, TE, Los Angeles Rams
78. Dallas Goedert, TE, Philadelphia Eagles
79. George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers
80. Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
81. Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions
82. Russell Wilson, QB, Denver Broncos
83. Josh Reynolds, WR, Detroit Lions
84. Devin Duvernay, WR, Baltimore Ravens
85. Jahan Dotson, WR, Washington Commanders
86. Adam Thielen, WR, Minnesota Vikings
87. Romeo Doubs, WR, Green Bay Packers
Trade Value: 2
88. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas Cowboys
89. Tony Pollard, RB, Dallas Cowboys
90. Brian Robinson, RB, Washington Commanders
91. Antonio Gibson, RB, Washington Commanders
92. Gerald Everett, TE, Los Angeles Chargers
93. Pat Freiermuth, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers
94. Dalton Schultz, TE, Dallas Cowboys
95. Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons
96. Geno Smith, QB, Seattle Seahawks
97. Tom Brady, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
98. Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys
99. Tyler Boyd, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
100. Brandin Cooks, WR, Houston Texans
Let's do some quick hitters.
The pending return of Brian Robinson—who had all but won the starting job over the summer before he was shot twice in the leg in a robbery attempt against him—could tank Antonio Gibson's already unpredictable fantasy value. Savvy players aren't going to buy on Gibson, but sell high now while—or if—you can.
Kyle Pitts is getting dangerously close to the "sell high if you still can" category. He's been one of fantasy's biggest disappointments this season despite Atlanta's otherwise solid start on the offensive side of the ball. On the other hand, he may be worth a flier if somebody in your league is willing to give him away. His talent is immense—and he's seen 22 targets in four games—but any chemistry with Marcus Mariota has failed to develop.
Geno Smith has spent the majority of his career as a backup. If you have him rostered, see if you can sell high. His career trajectory would suggest his strong start to the season (1,037 yards, six touchdowns and two picks) isn't sustainable. You might be able to get QB1 prices for a player likely to finish the season as a low-end QB2 if you have some gullible league mates.
Jonathan Taylor has struggled to reach last year's heights in Indy's offense this year, but do not, under any circumstance, sell low on him. The opportunity is there—his 81 carries after four games is tied for third in the NFL—and he was a legitimate MVP candidate last season. If anything, he's a fantastic buy-low candidate. Through four games last year, he had 274 rushing yards and a score. He has 328 rushing yards and a touchdown this year. Deep breaths, everyone.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire's strong start doesn't feel totally sustainable. Nearly 40 percent of his fantasy value this season has come from his five touchdowns, which is a very high mark. Meanwhile, his 54 touches are the most in Kansas City's backfield, but Isiah Pacheco (28 touches) and Jerick McKinnon (23 touches) are getting plenty of work, too. Unless you believe Edwards-Helaire will score 21 touchdowns this season, which is his current pace, don't be afraid to sell high.
Miles Sanders may have broken free from the Philadelphia Eagles' running-back-by-committee philosophy from last year. He's received 72 of the 97 carries given to Eagles' running backs this year. Jalen Hurts' ability to run the ball—especially near the goal line—naturally limits Sanders' upside a bit. But he's a player worth trusting at this point as a solid RB2 or excellent flex option.
There you have it, folks, some quick hits. Good luck in Week 5!
Nyheim Hines, Phillip Lindsay's Colts Fantasy Outlook After Jonathan Taylor Injury
The Indianapolis Colts' backfield took a hit on Wednesday when running back Jonathan Taylor was ruled out for Thursday's game against the Denver Broncos because of an ankle injury.
That means the Colts and fantasy players alike will need to turn elsewhere, which could lead to big things for Nyheim Hines.
Still, fantasy players shouldn't expect him to come in and replicate Taylor's production. The Wisconsin product is arguably the top running back in the NFL and was an MVP candidate in 2021 with a league-best 1,811 rushing yards, 360 receiving yards and 20 total touchdowns.
Hines won't put up numbers like that, but he still brings a high short-term ceiling as an injury replacement.
The versatile back doesn't have a long track record of fantasy success, but he is a solid pass-catcher who tallied 63 receptions as a rookie in 2018, 44 receptions the next year, 63 catches in 2020 and 40 last season.
Hines should only see more targets with Taylor sidelined, which is welcome news for fantasy players in point-per-reception leagues. He was already garnering roster consideration because of that receiving ability and should also have more opportunities to run the ball at this point.
The 25-year-old has been boom-or-bust at times in his career, especially in 2020 when six of his seven touchdowns came in multi-touchdown showings. That inconsistency can lead to frustration for fantasy players who don't time their lineup decisions with his impressive showings, but a bigger role in the offense without Taylor should raise his floor.
As long as Taylor is out, Hines should at least be rostered for fantasy players everywhere.
Another name for fantasy managers to consider is Phillip Lindsay. After rushing for 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons with the Denver Broncos, Lindsay has spent the start of this season on the Colts' practice squad.
While it's not clear what Lindsay's role may be in Indianapolis, coach Frank Reich said earlier this week, per the Indy Star's Joel A. Erickson, that the veteran "will work into the equation."
Tyler Allgeier, Caleb Huntley, Mike Boone and RBs to Replace Cordarrelle, Javonte
With Javonte Williams set to miss the remainder of the season and Cordarrelle Patterson out for at least four games with their respective knee injuries, Week 5 will be the most active week on the fantasy waiver wire thus far.
Here's a look at some names that could—or should—be scooped up this week as managers scour for replacements.
10-Team Leagues Deserve Love Too
- Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins: (rostered in 50% of Yahoo leagues, 53.3% of ESPN leagues)
- Nyheim Hines, Indianapolis Colts: (62% Yahoo, 60% ESPN)
Never let it be said that we've forgotten about our shallow-league friends out there.
Mostert has clearly established himself as the top option in Miami, out-touching Chase Edmonds for three straight weeks under Mike McDaniel. Health is always a concern with Mostert, but the Dolphins backfield is no less frustrating than the one Williams managers faced in Denver.
Jonathan Taylor thankfully avoided a major injury in Sunday's loss to the Tennessee Titans, but he's far from a lock to play in Week 5 given the quick turnaround to Thursday's game in Denver. If Taylor can't go, Hines should see work on all three downs.
PPR-Only Pickups
- J.D. McKissic, Washington Commanders: (28% Yahoo, 42.2% ESPN)
Brian Robinson may wind up being activated from the non-football injury list, but it would be a surprise to see him suit up in Week 5. The Commanders will be cautious in bringing Robinson back after he was shot twice in August; odds are he'll wind up being held out at least another week.
That should keep McKissic in his same role, serving as a third-down back while getting the occasional carry. He had a season-high eight carries Sunday against Dallas and might be in line for even more work given the continued struggles of Antonio Gibson.
Available and Must-Rosterables
- Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons: (17% Yahoo, 16.8% ESPN)
- Mike Boone, Denver Broncos: (1% Yahoo, 0.1% ESPN)
- Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs: (19% Yahoo, 10.5% ESPN)
Allgeier's roster percentage should go from below 20 percent to 100 percent this week. He was stellar in Sunday's win against Cleveland, racking up 104 total yards on 11 touches while serving as the primary back after Patterson left the game. Not known as a speedster, Allgeier broke off a 42-yard gain that should quell concerns about his explosiveness.
It's unlikely Allgeier handles much of Patterson's work in the passing game, but he's a low-end RB2 and solid flex for the month.
Boone's effectiveness will almost be entirely dependent on how the Broncos handle Melvin Gordon III moving forward. The two-time Pro Bowler has been a human fumble through the first four weeks, coughing the ball up four times. It's worth noting Boone out-touched Gordon after Williams exited Sunday's loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
It's also worth noting Boone was absent from the game plan until Williams was hurt. The most likely scenario is a 60-40 split that favors Gordon, but things could change in an instant if the veteran continues his turnover problems.
Boone's role, however, became murkier for fantasy football managers Monday night, as the Broncos signed Latavius Murray off the New Orleans Saints' practice squad, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Pacheco isn't going to return much immediate value, as he'll be lucky to get 10 snaps in non-blowout games so long as Clyde Edwards-Helaire is healthy. This is where we remind you Edwards-Helaire missed 10 games in his first two NFL seasons, and the Chiefs are really good at scoring points.
Pacheco is one injury from topping every waiver-claims article. Get in on him early.
Deeper-League Dart Throws
- Caleb Huntley, Atlanta Falcons: (0% Yahoo, 0% ESPN)
- Eno Benjamin, Arizona Cardinals: (10% Yahoo, 8.1% ESPN)
- Latavius Murray, Denver Broncos: (1% Yahoo, 0.2% ESPN)
According to Pro Football Focus, Huntley and not Allgeier was the Falcons' best running back Sunday. Huntley was an undrafted free agent who was on the practice squad and was activated just before Week 4 amid concern about Patterson's health.
The Ball State product made the most of his opportunity with 56 yards on 10 carries. It's unclear if that is a replicable feat, but Huntley and Allgeier had the same number of carries. There is a nonzero chance this will be closer to a 50-50 timeshare than Allgeier's becoming a three-down workhorse.
In 14-team leagues, Huntley' worth a roll of the dice for at least one week.
Benjamin is in the same situation as Pacheco, awaiting an injury to an injury-plagued back to find his chance.
The offense he would take over in the event of a James Conner injury is just far worse. The Cardinals have yet to score a first-quarter point and have looking consistently unprepared early in games. They've managed a 2-2 record, but there are more questions than answers.
Murray's appeal is simple: He has a history of production and outperformed Mark Ingram as a member of the Saints last week. That performance helped Murray reportedly earn a contract with the Broncos.
While it's not clear how Denver will handle its backfield moving forward, Murray could be a name to keep an eye on in fantasy leagues.