DFS Alerts
DeSean Jackson expected to play Sunday
He’s considered a game-time decision, but fully expects to play the Packers tomorrow. It’s a good matchup for him as the Packers secondary has been very bad. He’ll line up across from Quentin Rollins most of the day, who has a below-average 58.8 PFF grade on the season. Washington’s Week 11 game has a total of 49 points, which is good for their offensive players. However, Jackson has failed to exceed 55 yards or score over his past four games, despite averaging 7.75 targets (and 1.25 red zone targets) per game during that stretch. Jackson, as always, will be a pure boom-or-bust tournament option.
As reported by: Pro Football Talk
Bears CB Tracy Porter has shut down elite receivers this season
Porter is expected to shadow Beckham on Sunday, which means OBJ is in for a tough matchup. As Pro Football Focus’ Scott Barrett points out, DeAndre Hopkins, Dez Bryant, Allen Robinson, Jordy Nelson, and Mike Evans have all faced Porter’s coverage this season (81% of their combined routes against Chicago), and averaged just 9.96 PPR points per game. None of them even exceeded 66 yards receiving. Fortunately for Beckham, Porter doesn’t travel to the slot, and Beckham has been going there more over the past couple weeks (20.7% of routes vs 9.3% in Weeks 1-8). Beckham has caught three touchdowns over the past two weeks, so that strategy has been paying off for the Giants. What’s interesting about Porter’s statistics is that Pro Football Focus has given Porter a low grade of 58.8 on the season. It would seem to indicate he can be exploited, but simply hasn’t been by elite receivers. Game flow may hurt Beckham’s final line as well. New York enters the game as 7.5-point favorites in a matchup that has a low total of 43 points. It could end up being a slow, ugly game. While we’re still expecting OBJ to produce against Porter, it’s worth noting that Mike Evans is a possible pivot off of him. The Tampa Bay receiver is cheaper, but we’re projecting him about the same as Odell in terms of raw points.
As reported by: Scott Barrett Other tagged players: Mike Evans Dion Lewis expected to be active Sunday
Lewis has been removed from the injury report and traveled with the team to San Francisco. He’ll likely be active, but will be limited in his 2016 debut. While he won’t hold much value this week himself, he could cut into some of James White’s workload. It’ll be interesting to see how he’s utilized in Week 11, and how effective he is with his opportunities. He should see increased touches in the coming weeks.
As reported by: Ben Volin Other tagged players: James White Update: Pete Carroll says Thomas Rawls won't be limited Sunday
Carroll told reporters he’s not afraid to play Rawls a lot on Sunday, and added that they’re “cutting him loose.” C.J. Prosise was expected to be the clear lead back in Rawls’ first game since fracturing his fibula, but based on Carroll’s comments, it’s possible he rides the hot hand. Of course, we always need to take coachspeak with a grain of salt. Prosise should still get the majority of the passing down work whether Rawls is limited or not. Overall, we’re still expecting the rookie to have the most touches, it’s just possible that his workload won’t be as large as originally anticipated. We should get more information this weekend that gives us a clearer picture of the situation.
As reported by: Seattle Seahawks Other tagged players: C.J. Prosise Jacquizz Rodgers officially ruled out for Week 11
Although he’s no longer in a walking boot, he won’t be ready to play on Sunday. Doug Martin will lead the backfield and Peyton Barber will back him up. In his first game back, Martin had 17 touches against the Bears in Week 10, which is a very good sign. He could exceed 20 this week. Kansas City has allowed 121.7 rushing yards per game, the sixth-most in the NFL, so he should find running room when given the opportunity. With the Bucs entering the game as 7.5-point underdogs, he should pick up plenty of receiving work. He’s a sneaky GPP option this week, especially on full PPR sites.
As reported by: Kansas City Star Other tagged players: Doug Martin, Peyton Barber Todd Gurley listed as questionable for Sunday
Gurley (thigh) was questionable last week with the same injury but still played. He’s expected to do the same this weekend. Fortunately, he’ll have an easier opponent in the Dolphins, who have given up the third-most rushing yards per game this season (128.8). It’s going to be a weird game for the Rams though, as rookie Jared Goff will get his first start. After practice, Coach Jeff Fisher joked that he would just have Goff hand off every play. While that won’t actually happen, it won’t be surprising to see them lean on Gurley quite a bit. However, he hasn’t been able to do much this season, only exceeding 72 rushing yards once (he had 85 against Tampa Bay in Week 3), and won’t be a very strong option this week despite the matchup and expected volume.
As reported by: Rich Hammond Ravens CB Jimmy Smith doubtful
Smith (back) was expected to shadow Dez Bryant on Sunday, but he’s unlikely to suit up. Smith’s absence would be a huge boost to the Cowboys’ receiver as Smith seems to hold the Baltimore secondary together. He held Odell Beckham to under 20 receiving yards in the first half of their Week 6 game with the Giants, but after he was forced to exit early, Beckham went for over 200 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Bryant has been excellent since he returned. He’s had at least 100 yards and a touchdown in two of three games. He only had one reception for 19 yards in the other game, but that was when the Cowboys destroyed the Browns 35-10 and they ran the ball 42 times. With Smith likely out, Bryant could have another huge game.
As reported by: CSN Thomas Rawls removed from injury report
Rawls (fibula) is all set to play Sunday, although he’s expected to be limited. While he’ll have the opportunity to reclaim the lead role in the Seahawks’ backfield in the coming weeks, C.J. Prosise will be the top back against the Eagles. Seattle enters the game as 6.5-point favorites, which provides favorable game flow for Prosise and Rawls. Prosise projects as our top points-per-dollar running back on both FanDuel and DraftKings.
As reported by: Sheil Kapadia Other tagged players: C.J. Prosise Chris Hogan and Rob Gronkowski both OUT for Week 11
Hogan played through a back injury against Seattle, but didn’t receive a single target in the game. New England has decided to give him this week off to rehab. Malcolm Mitchell will see the biggest increase in playing time, but with Gronk also out, Edelman, Bennett, and Amendola figure to see the highest usage. Edelman is in a great position to have his breakout game. His targets have been there, he’s averaged 8.8 since Brady returned, and last week he posted a 7/99/0 line. It was the first game above 60 receiving yards with Brady this season. Most importantly, his average yards per catch was 14.1, which is well above his 9.5 ypc average on the season. With Hogan unable to perform, they stretched Edelman downfield more, and they’re likely to do the same against San Francisco. He’s a strong fantasy option in Week 11, and could be sneaky since he’s been quiet most of the season.
As reported by: Mike Reiss Other tagged players: Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, Malcolm Mitchell, Danny Amendola Rob Gronkowski out for Week 11, as expected
Gronk suffered a perforated lung against the Seahawks, and hasn’t been able to practice all week. He’ll miss Week 11 when the Patriots visit the 49ers, which means Martellus Bennett will be the primary tight end for New England. Bennett now projects as our top points-per-dollar tight end on both FanDuel and DraftKings (and highest owned). Of course, it’s a bit concerning that they’re favored by 11 points as game flow could turn against him. However, it’s the Patriots; they love playing aggressively, and they’re still implied to score 31 points. He should have plenty of opportunities to do damage.
As reported by: Ian Rapoport Other tagged players: Martellus Bennett Victor Cruz will play Sunday
Cruz was removed from the injury report today, and he’s all set to return for Sunday’s game against the Bears. He has a nice matchup with De’Vante Bausby, who has a terrible 37.8 PFF grade, and allows 0.46 fantasy points per route defended, which is second among qualifying cornerbacks playing this week. However, Cruz has only had five receptions in two games this season (and has not exceed five receptions). He’s only scored one touchdown this season, all the way back in Week 1, but he is leading the team in red zone targets with five. At best, he’s a tournament option this weekend given his matchup, but there are plenty of stronger options available in his price range.
As reported by: Paul Schwartz Jeremy Maclin not expected to play Sunday
Maclin (groin) was not able to get back to practice Friday, which means he won’t play Sunday. Maclin was active last week, but didn’t get on the field for a single snap. In his absence, Alex Smith peppered Tyreek Hill with 13 targets, which the rookie receiver converted into 10 receptions and 89 yards. He figures to be Kansas City’s primary receiver again this weekend. Hill is quietly leading the team with four receiving touchdowns. While he’d be a plug-and-play on most teams, Alex Smith’s conservative style of play limits his upside. Kansas City enters the game as 7.5-point favorites, which implies unfavorable game flow. Plus, despite Tampa Bay being considered a pass-funnel defense, they rank 16th in rush DVOA and have allowed an average of 136.4 rushing yards per game over the last five. It’s setting up as more of a Spencer Ware game, who is a strong target in all formats. Hill is a nice tournament play; he’s definitely a risk to roster, but his ceiling will be high.
As reported by: BJ Kissel Other tagged players: Tyreek Hill, Spencer Ware Jacob Tamme out for season
Tamme had season-ending shoulder surgery this morning, leaving Austin Hooper as Atlanta’s primary tight end going forward. Tamme exited early three weeks ago against the Packers and hasn’t played since. Hooper has averaged 4.7 targets per game since Tamme was injured (that includes the game Tamme left early). He isn’t a great option this weekend as the Falcons are playing the Cardinals, who rank fourth in TE DVOA.
As reported by: Jacob Tamme Other tagged players: Austin Hooper Rob Gronkowski misses third straight practice; unlikely to play
We’ve been saying it all week that Gronk was unlikely to play this week and nothing has changed in that department after he missed his third straight practice. Martellus Bennett will be a highly-owned option at the TE position with a great match up against the fast-paced 49ers. There is merit to fading him in tournaments, however, given the volatility of the TE position and his likely ownership topping 25%.
As reported by: Adam Schefter on Twitter Other tagged players: Martellus Bennett
Christine Michael not expected to make impact Sunday
Michael arrived in Green Bay Thursday, passed his physical, and was able to practice with the team. Coach Mike McCarthy was very excited to have Michael join the squad. Still, it’s such a short time for one to learn an offense. He’s not expected to do much if anything on Sunday, and he could end up being inactive. James Starks figures to be the feature back this weekend in a favorable matchup with the Redskins this weekend. Washington ranks 30th in rush DVOA. Depending on how Michael progresses, he could take over the backfield as early as next week.
As reported by: ESPN Other tagged players: James Starks