DFS Alerts
Ladarius Green and Sammie Coates both return to full practice Thursday
Green was limited yesterday but he’s all set to play Sunday. He told ESPN that the Steelers plan on giving him a bigger workload this weekend. He only played 12 snaps in Week 10 but was targeted four times (he caught three passes for 30 yards). They’re 8-point favorites over Cleveland this weekend, so game flow could hurt him. Still, it’s an excellent matchup with a team that struggles to cover tight ends, and he could potentially be Ben’s second favorite receiving target behind Antonio Brown. He’ll be competing with Eli Rogers for that role, while Sammie Coates won’t hold too much fantasy value if any at all. Despite Coates returning to full practice, he’s been demoted behind Cobi Hamilton and is dealing with two broken fingers on the same hand.
As reported by: Dale Lolley Other tagged players: Sammie Coates
Larry Fitzgerald returns to full practice Thursday
There was some concern that Ftizgerald (knee) wouldn’t be able to suit up this weekend, but after getting in a full practice Thursday, he’s on track to play. The Cardinals visit the Vikings in Week 11. Fortunately for Fitzgerald, Vikings slot corner Captain Munnerlyn may miss another game, providing him an easier matchup with Trae Waynes. The veteran receiver has averaged 14.3 targets per game over the past three. With tougher battles expected for the Cardinals’ outside receivers this week, he should pick up plenty of targets once again.
As reported by: Darren Urban Redskins optimistic DeSean Jackson can play Sunday
Jackson (shoulder) wasn’t able to play this past weekend, but he’s been able to practice on a limited basis this week. He seems to be progressing nicely; he has full range of motion now, and it appears to be a pain management issue. Washington probably won’t make their decision until at least Saturday. The Redskins play the Packers in Week 11, which is a nice matchup for their passing game. Jackson will face Quentin Rollins the most if he plays. Rollins has a subpar 58.8 grade from Pro Football Focus this season.
As reported by: Washington Post Delvin Breaux not expected to play Thursday night
Breaux (fibula) was expected to shadow Kelvin Benjamin tonight, but he suffered a setback last week and won’t be able to play. Over the past five games, Benjamin has averaged 9.4 targets and 77.8 yards. He should be in for a big night, and so should Cam Newton. The last time he played the Saints, he threw for 322 yards and two touchdowns, and added a rushing score. This time around, the Panthers at home in a must-win divisional game. Carolina is favored by 3.5 points and the game has a total of 52 points. That’s a good recipe for a shootout.
As reported by: Adam Schefter Other tagged players: Cam Newton Zach Ertz "confident" he'll play Sunday
Ertz (hamstring) wasn’t able to practice today, but he believes he’ll play this weekend against the Seahawks. Martellus Bennett is the only tight end to have more than four receptions against Seattle this season, he had seven for 102 yards in Week 10. Coby Fleener (4/36/0), and Lance Kendricks (4/61/0) are the only other two to have four or more catches. However, they rank 22nd in pass DVOA against tight ends, according to Football Outsiders. These seemingly contradictory items indicate that opposing teams have been successful when targeting tight ends against them, but that Seattle hasn’t faced many good ones this season, and therefore opponents don’t target the position often. After a quiet start to the season, Ertz has seen eight and seven targets over the past two games, averaging 76 yards per game. He’s also been super efficient, catching 14 of his 15 passes. Outside of Jordan Matthews, the Eagles don’t have very strong receiving options. In fact, running back Darren Sproles is second on the team with 33 receptions. Ertz should be a factor this weekend, and has sneaky upside in the matchup. His primary issue is his red zone usage; Ertz has only received two red zone targets this season. Fortunately, it’s trending in the right direction, both of those came over the past two weeks.
As reported by: Jeff McLane Ty Montgomery returns to practice after missing Wednesday's session
The Packers WR/RB returned to practice today after missing yesterday with an illness (not related to his sickle cell issue). The once hot DFS commodity is no longer in play as the Packers have moved away from him over the past several games.
As reported by: Rob Demovsky on Twitter
Torrey Smith's status for this week to be determined
The 49ers WR hurt his shoulder last week and his status for this week is unknown currently. For what it’s worth he hasn’t missed a game in his career so chances are he’ll take the field.
As reported by: Cam Inman on Twitter Rob Gronkowski misses practice again; status in doubt for this week
Gronk is expected to miss this week with a chest injury he suffered against the Seahawks this past week and missed his second straight practice. It is the Patriots, however, so there is always a chance their star TE shows up on Sunday and plays. Martellus Bennett will be an ultra-popular option if Gronk doesn’t go.
As reported by: Adam Schefter on Twitter Other tagged players: Martellus Bennett Victor Cruz returns to practice
Cruz missed the Giants last game but appears to be in line to play this week as he returned to practice today. Cruz hasn’t been a viable DFS option all season long and that’s not going to change this Sunday.
As reported by: James Kratch on Twitter Zach Ertz leaves practice early with apparent injury
The Eagles starting TE left practice early after being limited on Wednesday with what appeared to be an injury suffered in practice. We’ll learn more about his status later but if he can’t go, Trey Burton could be in line to get the start and play against a Seahawks defense that is 23rd in TE DvP – there are a lot of great options at TE this week though so he’s not someone you should target.
As reported by: Jeff McLane on Twitter Other tagged players: Trey Burton Packers place Don Jackson on IR
This move was made to fit Christine Michael on their roster. Michael has a shot to suit up this weekend against the Redskins, it’ll be a matter of how fast he can learn the offense. It’s an appealing matchup as Washington ranks 31st in rush DVOA. We’ll get more information on his status over the next couple of days.
As reported by: Field Yates Jared Cook has full practice Wednesday
Cook (ankle) should be able to play Sunday, which would be his first game since Week 3. He’s not a great fantasy target this week. He could potentially be limited, and only saw 4.0 targets per game when he was healthy. The Packers offense is definitely more pass-heavy now with Eddie Lacy out, but James Starks is nearing full health and it isn’t clear whether Christine Michael will suit up this weekend. They could return to a more balanced approach over the next couple of weeks.
As reported by: Wes Hodkiewicz DeMarco Murray didn't practice Wednesday
Coach Mike Mularkey said Murray (toe) was held out for precautionary reasons, so he’ll be good to go on Sunday. Murray had 166 total yards and two touchdowns (one rushing, one passing) against Green Bay this past weekend. He’ll get a dream matchup with the Colts in Week 11 and is a strong play in all formats. Indianapolis ranks dead last in rush DVOA and 31st against receiving running backs.
As reported by: Jim Wyatt Larry Fitzgerald didn't practice Wednesday
Fitzgerald (knee) is still expected to play against the Vikings. If he doesn’t play, J.J. Nelson would appear to be in line as the number one receiver, considering he’s their number two now. Michael Floyd did slightly out-target him seven to six in Week 10 though, and would see an uptick in opportunities if Fitzgerald can’t go. John Brown only had four looks last weekend, but should also see more targets. Either way, it’ll be a tough matchup for the Cardinals’ passing game.
As reported by: Kent Somers Christine Michael claimed by Packers
Green Bay hasn’t been able to run without Eddie Lacy and it doesn’t seem like they trust a healthy James Starks to change that; he’s averaged 2.1 yards per carry this season. So this move makes sense. Michael had 565 total yards and seven touchdowns with Seattle this season. While he hasn’t been terribly effective the past several weeks, he should provide a boost to the Packers’ offense. At this points it’s unclear when the Packers will get him on the game field, but we’ll learn more over the next couple of days.
As reported by: Mike Garafolo