PodcastFrom NFL: The Insiders
The NFL Report: The Top 5 Things Heading into Week 5 + Lamar is out and Jayden is Back
STACKED extracted the fantasy-relevant player signal from this podcast and kept the full transcript here for context.
25 min
Duration
Estimated from transcript
Oct 7, 2026
Published
Wed, October 7, 2026
12
Player insights
12
Players mentioned
Topics
Brock PurdyDak PrescottDerrick HenryGeno SmithJa'Marr ChaseJayden DanielsJordan LoveLamar JacksonOdell BeckhamTank DellTyler HuntleyTyson Bagent
Player analysis
Player insights
Brock Purdy
PositiveValue35:13
Brock Purdy is currently ranked number one in the NFL.com MVP rankings. The source suggests he is the top candidate for the award given his performance and the 49ers' undefeated status.
Insight pageDak Prescott
PositiveProjection24:02
Dak Prescott remains confident in the Cowboys' offense, which has scored 102 points over the last three games. He stands by his previous assertion that they can be the greatest offense in the league and believes they have room to improve.
Insight pageDerrick Henry
PositiveUsage26:56
Derrick Henry is fourth in the league in rushing and is recognized by peers as a future Hall of Famer who continues to perform at an elite level.
Insight pageGeno Smith
PositiveProjection32:01
Geno Smith has been highly productive for the Seahawks and has yet to throw an interception this season. He is noted for his elite deep ball and ability to create explosive plays.
Insight pageJa'Marr Chase
NegativeInjury8:13
Jamar Chase is currently in concussion protocol and did not participate in practice on Wednesday, leaving his availability for Sunday's game against the Dolphins in question.
Insight pageJayden Daniels
PositiveInjury10:08
Jayden Daniels is expected to return for the Commanders this week against the Giants after missing two games with a dislocated left elbow. He was a full participant in Wednesday's practice and expressed high confidence in his ability to perform, noting the injury is to his non-throwing arm.
Insight pageJordan Love
PositiveProjection17:01
Jordan Love is described as one of the better quarterbacks in the league, noted for his high accuracy. He is coming off a game where he was not sacked, and he continues to lead the Packers' offense.
Insight pageLamar Jackson
NegativeInjury3:44
Lamar Jackson is not practicing on Wednesday due to an ankle injury sustained in the second half of the Week 4 win over the Titans. While he is receiving treatment, his status for Sunday's game against Atlanta remains uncertain, though the source notes he has enough experience to play without a full week of practice.
Insight pageOdell Beckham
NegativeDepth Chart37:22
Odell Beckham Jr. has signed with the Vikings' practice squad. There are no immediate plans to activate him for this week's game.
Insight pageTank Dell
PositiveInjury38:25
The Texans have opened the 21-day practice window for wide receiver Tank Dell, who has been sidelined since his Week 16 knee injury last season.
Insight pageTyler Huntley
PositiveRole5:50
Tyler Huntley is the primary backup for the Ravens and will start Sunday against Atlanta if Lamar Jackson is unavailable. The source describes Huntley as a 'commander' and a 'gamer' who has successfully stepped into starting roles previously, including a playoff game and a Pro Bowl appearance in 2022.
Insight pageTyson Bagent
PositiveRole16:39
Tyson Bagent will start at quarterback for the Bears this week. The source praises his anticipation, decision-making, and ability to get the ball out quickly, suggesting he has the talent to start for many teams in the league.
Insight pageFull transcript
Episode Transcript
0:00This is an iHeart Podcast. Guaranteed Human. Next on the NFL Report, we have a big trade as well today.
0:07One that kind of came out of nowhere. Welcome to the NFL Report.
0:12A Wednesday edition heading into Week 5. My name is Andrew Siciliano.
0:17We are presented to you by Nationwide. Here is right out of the gate.
0:22What is news to me? Our latest headlines and I mentioned Houston.
0:27Yeah, no one saw Owen for coming. Did you?
0:30I don't think so. But we had a big shakeup today and it's not on the offensive side of the ball.
0:38D'Amico Ryan on the defensive side of the ball is taking back play calling.
0:43Matt Burke has been the guy since early last season, but you need to do something different than today.
0:50D'Amico did. It all starts with me. Like if there's a lack in communication, I look at myself first.
0:57So it starts with me and making sure I'm a better communicator.
1:02So just to help spark things more, I'm gonna take over the play calling for the defense and I'm gonna make sure that communication is right.
1:11If our guys are saying communication is right, is not right, then that ultimately it falls on me.
1:18So it's on me to get it fixed. So it's just no, no slight against coach Burke.
1:25He's done a outstanding job. Just want to make sure I can streamline communication in the best way possible.
1:32So that isn't the theme when I stand up here the next time I see you guys and talking about communication.
1:39Texans are in Nashville to play the winless Titans coming up on Sunday.
1:44Meantime, this shocker out of Philadelphia, the Eagles are trading Cam Juergens, former center, been playing guard to the Ravens.
1:52Ravens. It's a very similar deal to the one done last week between the Steelers and the Cowboys for Joey Porter.
2:00There's a five and there's a two Juergens right now though is in concussion protocol.
2:05Remember the Ravens have lost three centers. Howie Roseman a day after Lane Johnson retires says they're not selling.
2:12They are still in on this season, a season that Sunday will take them to London to face the Jaguars.
2:20But that was a stunner. Stunner today. This is not a stunner in Baltimore.
2:25Lamar Jackson is not practicing on Wednesdays coming back from the ankle injury.
2:30He didn't play the second half of the win this past Sunday over the Titans.
2:36Last year, he missed four games this week there in Atlanta.
2:40Yeah, it's Wednesday. You know, there's a lot of time between now and Sunday.
2:45I think to Lamar's credit, he's, you know, getting a lot of treatment and doing things and there'll be a point later
2:53in the week where we'll figure out what's going on.
2:57We'll figure out kind of where it's at. But to his credit, he's, you know, he's putting in work and work with the trainers and things like that.
3:07And when he when he's ready to play, he'll be ready to play.
3:12So Jesse, when will he not be available? Is that Friday?
3:16Yeah, you know, with the I think. I think there's.
3:20Guys that can really go all the way up until that time limit before the game.
3:26Calibers of players and enough experience to be able to play without a week of practice.
3:32I think he's in that category based on based on everything that he's accomplished.
3:37And so we'll see how the week shakes out and see where that leads us towards the end of the week.
3:45Keep in mind, it is a Sunday night game for the Ravens in Atlanta.
3:50If Lamar Jackson can't go, it's going to be this guy, Tyler Huntley, who finished in week four.
3:57He was two and oh last year as a starter when Jackson was out.
4:02He is eight and nine in his career. And don't forget.
4:06I know Mark Andrews doesn't that Tyler Huntley started a playoff game and made his way into the Pro Bowl in 2022.
4:15He's a commander. You know, he goes in the huddle.
4:18Everybody is able to, you know, really just follow him.
4:22And I think that's a really good quality. You know, he's he's a gamer.
4:27He's a guy that goes in there and is going to be electric.
4:32And, you know, I can't say really enough about Snoop.
4:36He's been in these type of situations so many so so often and he's always come through.
4:42Let's go to the Bengals. They are in Miami to face the windlass Dolphins coming up on Sunday.
4:49And right now their top two wide receivers are question marks.
4:53Jamar Chase still in concussion protocol. T Higgins meantime has an abductor injury.
4:58Both of them today were out of practice. Meantime, there's Joe Burrow.
5:03Does he have anyone to throw to? They are two and two.
5:07And after they lost to the Jaguars this past Sunday and he threw 54 times, he says that he's willing to throw the ball more.
5:16Today he was asked to clarify, did he mean in that game specifically, or big picture?
5:22You know, I might have been a little emotional after the game.
5:27You know, obviously you want to have balance as an offense.
5:31And, you know, the run game wasn't good enough on Sunday.
5:35And, you know, I feel confident in myself that you put it in my hands and I'm going to make it work.
5:43And obviously, like you said, it's very situational. You know, when you get into a game like Sunday and, you know, they're
5:52a really good defense, really good front seven. And, you know, I felt like we were moving the ball pretty well in the past game.
6:01But, yeah, we've got to be more balanced going forward.
6:05And a big part of that is the run game.
6:08Here's some good injury news. Sure looks like Jaden Daniels is going to be back this week for the Commanders.
6:16They face the Giants. That game is in Washington.
6:19Daniels has missed the last two games with a dislocated left elbow.
6:24But he was a full participant today in practice.
6:27So what gave you the confidence as you were getting evaluated and meeting with those consultants that you can not only come
6:35back and play, but be you when you're back out there?
6:39It's my non-throwing arm. So I think as long as I got the right one to tack, you know, I think I'll be all right.
6:49But how confident are you in the ability of you to kind of get back up to speed quickly this week?
6:57I'm super confident. I mean, you know, just putting in countless hours of work and preparation.
7:03I just go out thinking myself the best opportunity to perform to the best of my abilities on Sunday.
7:10So, you know, just taking it day by day, really.
7:13We have eight games in the early window coming up on Sunday.
7:18We also have top left corner there, that game in London.
7:22Again, it's in Tottenham for the second straight week, the Eagles and the Jaguars.
7:27Let's focus on the game about two-thirds of the way down the column on the left, the one in the NFC North,
7:36the one that is a playoff rematch. Loveland come that now, motions to the right boundary.
7:42Snap back, pocket holds. Over the middle, catch at the two, into the end zone.
7:47A low and a Zaccheaus. Touchdown Bears. Snap to the left side, numbers.
7:52Snap back, four-man rush. Caleb with a double move.
7:55Throw down the left side. D.J. Moore inside the five.
7:59Touchdown Bears. They take it. Snap to Love. Drop the snap.
8:03Picks it up. Keep him in the pocket. Love circles back.
8:07Now rolling right. Now he throws to the end zone.
8:11And it's dropped. The interception drop. It doesn't matter.
8:14Game is over. Game is over. To his first playoff win at Chicago Bears.
8:20Love it. For my money, it is the best rivalry in the entire NFL.
8:25They don't like each other. Ditka, Forrest, Greg, you name it.
8:29Whatever coaching head-to-head you want. This time it's Ben Johnson and Matt LaFleur.
8:34They don't like each other. Right now they're all looking up at the Vikings.
8:39The Bears, however, are three and one behind Minnesota.
8:42So last year they met three times, obviously, including the playoffs there.
8:47The Bears won two out of three. They won in December.
8:51And they won again in the postseason. Last week the Bears just destroyed the Jets.
8:57They had more first downs, fun fact, than the Jets ran plays.
9:01It's an NFC North opponent. And they're the defending champions.
9:05So, you know, there's always an added importance, I think, in divisional games.
9:10And they're one of the premier teams in the National Football League.
9:14Yeah, they're really good. I would say that's one of their strengths of their team is up front.
9:21They get after you. They got two really good backs.
9:25You could argue it might be the best one-two combo in the league.
9:30So they do a great job with that. I think their pass game feeds off their run game.
9:36So it's going to take all 11. And it starts with everybody being on the same page.
9:43And then not only owning your assignment, but you've got to build a wall.
9:48You've got to leverage the ball. And you've got to have multiple hats at the ball because these backs can make you miss.
9:57What do you see in Beijing? I see a really good quarterback.
10:01He throws with anticipation. He gets the ball out of his hands.
10:05He goes to the right spots. So, I mean, I know he's their backup.
10:11But he could start for many teams in the league.
10:14Talking about Tyson Bajan there, who is going to be the quarterback this week again for the Bears.
10:21It's going to be Jordan Love for the 2-2 Packers.
10:25They're coming off another close call. But they did get out of Tampa last week with a victory.
10:32Notable in that game with the banged-up offensive line, Love wasn't sacked for the first time all year.
10:38Their offense, you know, obviously Jordan Love's one of the better quarterbacks in this league.
10:44He is as accurate as anybody. I think they've got great speed on the outside.
10:50And, you know, they've given us issues in the past.
10:53So, it will be a really big challenge for us on the road.
10:58You saw the Vikings atop the division. They are 4-0.
11:02How are they undefeated when they have no offense?
11:05It's because of this defense we saw last week against the Dolphins.
11:10They're giving up a league low 12.8 points a game.
11:14Kevin O'Connell visiting the Saints this week. I think Kellen Moore is a really good coach.
11:20Brandon is one of the best defensive coaches in football.
11:23I think he's got a great coaching staff on a really talented team.
11:28So, going through it today with the team, you know, it was pretty clear to show examples of how well coached they
11:36are, how talented of a group they have. You know, a young quarterback playing really well.
11:42So, this is going to be, you know, as big of a challenge.
11:47They're all challenges, but as big of a challenge as, you know, you can imagine to try to go 1-0 in the NFC this week.
11:57Also undefeated, your San Francisco 49ers. This is as good a game as there is on the schedule this week.
12:04It's the Niners. It's the Seahawks. San Francisco has won four straight in Seattle.
12:09Brock Purdy has never lost up there. Yeah, this one's big.
12:13They're as good as it gets. I mean, just individually.
12:17I mean, I think Leonard Williams is second to none, just in how good of a player he's been here over the
12:25last few years and still is, and then just how deep they are.
12:30There's not one guy out there who's not a good player.
12:34They roll them, so they play like overachievers because of how hard they go.
12:40They play with their hair on fire, but they're definitely more than that because they're very talented.
12:46So, it starts with Leonard, but down the line.
12:49I mean, even outside with Dexter Lawrence, who's been good for so long, and they've got a real good group.
12:57Leonard being Leonard Williams. Let's talk about the Jaguars.
13:00They like when we talk about them. They get a national TV audience this week for the first time all year.
13:08Also, next week, by the way, as well, it is two games in London for them.
13:14They get the Eagles in the first one and the Texans next week.
13:19I hope that we're a mature enough group to understand that this is a what have you done for me lately league.
13:27And, you know, when you win, usually they're going to talk about you well.
13:32And, you know, if we don't play well or don't play Travis enough on offense, it's going to get talked about no matter what.
13:41It's so much more, like, about us. Like, we cannot look at anything outside for any sort of, you know, validation, if you will.
13:50Right? Because for good or for bad, I mean, yeah, we can use stuff.
13:56But, like, our players, honestly, this year, we have not really been using, like, a ton of stuff on the outside because
14:04they're kind of just like whatever, man. Like, at this point, we just know what it is.
14:10Like, we still have not earned anything. Like, we have not earned it.
14:15So, we got to go continue to take it with the way that we play.
14:21The Cowboys, by the way, do get national attention.
14:24Jaguars deserve more. That's neither here nor there. Cowboys are about to start a run of three consecutive primetime games, including Thursday
14:32night when they open up week five with the Buccaneers in town.
14:37Cowboys offense is heating up 102 points combined in their last three games.
14:42Remember how Dak Prescott a couple of weeks ago said that this would be the greatest offense there is?
14:49No, I got no regrets. We're, what, four games in.
14:52I think we can get better. Am I complacent with what we've done?
14:57Absolutely not. Do I think what we've done, is it enough?
15:01Absolutely not. Do I still believe that that's who we are and that's who we're going to be?
15:08Damn right. I bring up the do you regret saying that.
15:12Absolutely not. Because when you say, as a Cowboys player, and especially Dak Prescott, when you say things, people run with it, they talk about it.
15:22I wouldn't say if I wouldn't believe it. I can pretty firmly say you won't catch me saying I regret anything.
15:30We worked Jane Slater into the show like good old times.
15:34I love it. Jaden Daniels and Dak Prescott. That is your quarterback, Ted Ate.
15:39Thursday night, week five is here already. We open up with Prime Video, Amazon, TNF, Cowboys, and Buccaneers tomorrow night.
15:47That was a 15-minute A block TV term. Coming up next, we roll on with the Patriots.
15:53Such a binary existence. Last week, the sky was falling.
15:57This week, maybe they beat the 3-1 Raiders. Next.
16:00You're watching the NFL Report. I'm Andrew Siciliano. Let's get back to the Sunday night game.
16:06It's the Falcons, red hot. They won their last two, hosting the Ravens on Sunday night.
16:12That man, Bajon Robinson, second in the league in rushing.
16:16This week, on the other sideline, future Hall of Famer Derrick Henry, who's fourth in the league in rushing.
16:23Game respects game. Game, man. He's one of the guys who I, like you said, been watching for a long time.
16:31And my respect for him is, I mean, out of this world, like, the things that he's able to do still to
16:39this point is, I mean, that's just a blessing.
16:42I'm really excited to get to watch him play in person because, like, he's one of the role models who I look up to.
16:51And, you know, even just me and him talking to this day, like, you know, it's nothing but respect for each other.
17:00And so, to be able to get to play against him, it will be pretty cool.
17:05Let's get back to the Patriots. As mentioned, going to break there, it is such a binary existence.
17:12Win, everything is great. Lose, it's the end of the world.
17:16Compare the Patriots now to a week ago when they were coming off that horrible loss to the Jaguars.
17:23Now they win. They win in Buffalo. And things are looking up.
17:28I think we're just kind of starting up the mountain.
17:32I think, you know, you'd like to think that.
17:35And we've got to go improve that. But it's a race for us to improve.
17:41And knowing that you've got to improve, you know, throughout the season and throughout the year for these teams.
17:48And these teams, once you get closer to the end, that are going to kind of be at their best at the end.
17:56And I think that's one of the things that you strive to do throughout the year.
18:02And knowing that you'd like to, you know, say everybody, especially on offense, you like to say that, you know, obviously the
18:11first three weeks wasn't what we wanted to put out there.
18:15And you've got to try to build off last week and knowing that, you know, it's not just going to do it for you.
18:24You've got to put the work in and the focus and hopefully continue to catch a trend and catch a stride.
18:32Also trending in the right direction, the Cleveland Browns.
18:35They have won three in a row. They beat the Steelers this past Thursday.
18:40Now off a mini bye. They have to go to New York to play the Jets.
18:46This is also a litmus test. They weren't supposed to beat the Steelers.
18:51Now many people think they are supposed to beat the Jets.
18:55What a great career he's had. I mean, you know, I was all the way back at Oklahoma State when he was
19:03at West Virginia and they came into the Big 12.
19:07And, you know, they had a couple of really good receivers and really fun to watch on offense.
19:14And, you know, he's had a terrific career, you know, and to get opportunities, you know, not only in Seattle.
19:21And then with the Jets, you know, I see a very productive player, a guy that throws an elite deep ball.
19:29And, you know, it will be a handful. We're going to have to do a great job Sunday of eliminating some of
19:37the explosive plays that he's capable of creating. Todd Munkin talking about Geno Smith there, who is yet to be picked off this year.
19:46Cam Ward, however, has. Did anyone think this game in Tennessee Sunday would feature two 0-4 teams?
19:53The Texans and the Titans are both looking for their first win.
19:57For Robert Sala, it's also his first divisional game as head coach.
20:02One of the things we talk about is owning the South and owning it is not just a one-time thing.
20:09We just we want to own it for as long as we're here.
20:14And this is our first crack at a division opponent.
20:18It's a very talented group, obviously. They're nowhere near indicative of what their record is.
20:23So it's it's important to to be able to compete and challenge the other three teams in your division.
20:30NFL Plus Premium. Do you have it? You can get NFL Red Zone.
20:35You could watch every touchdown on Sunday. You get game replays.
20:39You can track advanced analytics powered by next-gen stats with NFL Pro.
20:44Sign up today. I've told you before. I tell you every night.
20:48It's what I use. I use it every day, especially on Sunday.
20:53Plus dot NFL dot com slash fast. Terms and conditions do apply.
20:57Coming up next on the NFL report. Bajon, untouched, is in the conversation for plays of the year.
21:04I know it's early, but let's do a countdown because we love lists.
21:09Straight ahead. Is it too early to have the MVP conversation?
21:13No, it's October. Of course not. Brock Purdy should be number one in this conversation.
21:19Kevin Patrick thinks so because right now on NFL dot com, NFL dot com slash MVP rankings, the Niners quarterback is number one in that conversation.
21:28Josh Allen is in the convo as well. I right now honestly would vote for Kenneth Walker, but I don't have a vote.
21:37Trevor Lawrence, JSN again, NFL dot com slash MVP rankings.
21:41Patra's doing the rankings. We're also going to rank top plays.
21:45Want to do that? Let's count them down. Our top five plays as we head to week number five.
21:52Second and 10 out of the timeout. He's got the snap.
21:56U.J. Watt in a game where this Steelers offense has really struggled.
22:01He's completely taken over this game. The Chiefs hand it off.
22:05Walker trying to get to the outside. Does so.
22:08Over 45 midfield. 45 in the room. The strength, the concentration to make the catch.
22:14The Patriots have the lead 27-26. I didn't do the countdown, but I support that countdown and everything is made better with Kevin Harlan.
22:23Let's do some quick hits. This is not good.
22:26Out of L.A. Across the street from where we stand now.
22:30Joe Alt expected to miss Sunday's game. The left tackle.
22:34The Chargers are winless. This, according to Ian, it is a neck injury.
22:39Ian says right now no plans for injured reserve.
22:42No plans to activate OBJ this week. But the former Giant, the former a lot of things, signed with the Vikings today.
22:50He's on the practice squad. If Beckham does suit up for the Vikings, it would be his seventh NFL team.
22:58We told you about the play caller change in Houston.
23:02This is really, really good news out of Houston.
23:05The Texans today opened the 21-day window for wide receiver Tankdale.
23:09He has not played since that gruesome, still hard-to-watch knee injury.
23:13All the way back in week 16 of 2024, he missed all of last year.
23:19Also really encouraging news for the Lions. Remember, they've been without their safeties.
23:24Kirby Joseph and that guy Brian Branch all year.
23:27Branch was back at Lions practice today. Torn Achilles December of last year.
23:32We have not seen him since either. All right, we'll do Players of the Week.
23:37Let's do it. Ted Aroa McMillan, the first Panthers wide receiver for NFC Player of the Week.
23:44How about that? We also have Deontay Banks with the pick six as the Defensive Player of the Week there in the NFC.
23:52Your AFC players are Fourier Oluwakin, Matt Ariza, and we'll end on the left side of your screen with Drake May.
24:00Because, as we have time for one more thing before we go, our one more thing is Drake May.
24:07So all Patriots quarterbacks for years have done a Monday radio hit on local station WEEI in Boston.
24:14They did a segment Monday where they asked Drake May what's his, like, craziest conspiracy theory that he believes in.
24:22You want to know what he said? That he's not sure we landed on the moon.
24:28Don't yell at me. We landed on the moon, friends.
24:31Drake, we landed on the moon. Now, what you should have asked is, is it hollow and what's on the dark side?
24:40And last year, did we really go to the dark side of the moon?
24:45That's what you should have asked Drake. This is an iHeart Podcast.
24:49Guaranteed Human.
