National Football League

Week 5 preview: Texans' Foster still 'day to day'

Published Sep. 30, 2014 6:43 a.m. ET

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John Halpin

Here are three takeaways from the Chiefs' 41-14 drubbing of the Patriots on Monday night:

1. Tom Brady's best weekly FOXSports.com fantasy QB ranking so far this season is 22nd. It's not all Brady's fault, but expecting things to improve dramatically because he's Tom Brady isn't wise.

2. Knile Davis ran 16 times for 107 yards, presumably because Jamaal Charles' ankle still isn't 100 percent (yes, I know Charles had 21 touches and three touchdowns). The Chiefs will be smart to keep Davis in the mix, because he's pretty good AND because it'll keep Charles fresh. Davis should remain flex-able for awhile.

3. After his 8-93-1 performance, Chiefs TE Travis Kelce is fantasy's No. 9 tight end for the season. He's still owned in just 31 percent of FOXSports.com leagues, but the bandwagon will be full soon. 

In other news ...

Texans RB Arian Foster (hamstring) wasn't 100 percent on Sunday, and that's probably why he ran just eight times for six yards (while adding seven catches for 55 yards). Foster is still day to day, according to head coach Bill O'Brien, and if he's limited in practice again this week, another week of modest production could be ahead.

Lions RB Joique Bell is uncertain for Week 5 due to a concussion. Teammate Calvin Johnson played just 37 snaps on Sunday, but said his ankle improved all week leading up to the game, so we should look for a better Megatrom this week against the Bills.

Speaking of the Bills, they're making a change at quarterback, with Kyle Orton replacing EJ Manuel. Orton was a somewhat competent game manager when he was a full-time starting QB back in 2010, but that was a long time ago. He'll hand the ball off A LOT, and shouldn't be expected to produce much of anything for fantasy owners. 

49ers TE Vernon Davis (knee, ankle) only stretched during Monday's practice session.

Scheduling notes: The Dolphins and Raiders are this week's bye teams, while Thursday's game is Vikings-Packers. 

In Vikings' news, the team is hopeful that QB Teddy Bridgewater (ankle) will be ready to go on Thursday despite not practicing Monday. Also, head coach Mike Zimmer called Jerick McKinnon (18 carries, 135 yards vs. ATL) a "change-of-pace" back. McKinnon played on 32 snaps to Matt Asiata's 44, and is worth rostering with that kind of workload.

With DeAngelo Williams (foot) doubtful and Jonathan Stewart still uncertain for Week 5, the Panthers signed veteran RB Chris Ogbonnaya. However, it sounds like Fozzy Whittaker (thigh) will return this week, and if he does he figures to be the lead back. The Panthers might not be able to hold Cam Newton back from running any longer, because they don't have any good alternatives.

Once again, the status of Cardinals QB Carson Palmer (shoulder) is TBD.

Bucs WR Mike Evans is expected to miss 2-3 weeks with a groin injury.

Jaguars WR Cecil Shorts III has suffered yet another hamstring injury, and isn't expected to play this week. In other Jags' news, Denard Robinson played on 36 snaps against the Chargers compared to Toby Gerhart's 20, and carried nine times to Gerhart's 10. "Toby did pretty good; Denard should get more opportunities," said head coach Gus Bradley.

The Baltimore Sun reports that an active Bernard Pierce (quad) was held out of Sunday's game as a "precautionary measure." Whether or not that's true, Pierce obviously can't be trusted at this point. It's hard to say how his situation will shake out, but he can be cut if you're able to get a McKinnon or Robinson from the free-agent wire.

Haven't seen any useful updates on Redskins TE Niles Paul (concussion).

Giants rookie WR Odell Beckham Jr. might be ready to make his NFL debut this week. Is it fair to add another weapon to this unstoppable offense? I think not.

Titans QB Jake Locker (wrist) appears on target to return to action in Week 5.

We should know by Wednesday if Browns RB Ben Tate (knee)  plans to return this week. Tate will be the Browns' lead back when he plays, but that doesn't mean he won't share some carries with Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell.

Seahawks TE Zach Miller will miss a few weeks after having ankle surgery. Backup Luke Willson is expected to start in Miller's place.

Need a WR? Andre Holmes caught five passes for 74 yards and a score on 12 targets in Week 4. He's worth a look.

See you back here Friday morning.

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