DFS Alerts
Allen Hurns in NFL concussion protocol
Hurns suffered a concussion yesterday and is in the league’s concussion protocol. This typically leads to at least a week off but there have been instances where players have returned the following week. We’ll keep an eye on Hurns’s status and update you when we learn more.
As reported by: John Oehser on Twitter
Jeremy Maclin day-to-day with groin injury
Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid stated that his top WR could miss more time with a groin injury but for now he is day-to-day as Kansas City prepares to face Carolina. We’ll keep you updated on his status as the week develops – Albert Wilson, Chris Conley, and Tyreke Hill would all benefit from Maclin’s absence.
As reported by: Terez Paylor on Twitter Alex Smith will start this week for Chiefs
Kansas City Head Coach stated that Alex Smith would be the starting QB this week when the team takes on the Panthers barring any major setbacks. He’ll be an interesting play against a vulnerable Panthers secondary but his upside has always been limited by the team’s unwillingness (and his inability) to stretch the field.
As reported by: Adam Teicher on Twitter Will Fuller misses practice on Monday
The Texans are coming off of their bye week so it could just be an additional day off for the promising Texans rookie WR to recover from his leg injury. We should know more later this week and will update you when we do.
As reported by: Aaron Wilson on Twitter Amari Cooper officially active
Denver’s defense remains elite even without Aqib Talib, but his absence is a boost to the Oakland passing game. Amari Cooper is active, as expected, and he’ll likely go against Bradley Roby most of the game. Roby has a 57.4 grade from Pro Football Focus, but only allows 0.17 fantasy points per route run. Cooper has some momentum on his side though, he posted a 12/173/1 line against Tampa Bay just a week ago.
As reported by: ESPN
Raiders CB Sean Smith inactive
T.J. Carrie will start for Smith, he’s earned a 68.6 grade from Pro Football Focus so far this season. Demaryius Thomas will line up across from him the most, but he’ll see Emmanuel Sanders on roughly one third of his snaps. It’s a great spot to target both receivers; Oakland ranks 25th in pass DVOA, according to Football Outsiders, and they’ve allowed 15 touchdowns through the air.
As reported by: Oakland Raiders Other tagged players: Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders Dwayne Allen officially active
This was expected, but he’s reportedly playing at less than 100%. Allen isn’t a very strong option if you’re playing the later slates, especially considering Gates is just a touch more expensive across the industry. His presence will downgrade Jack Doyle, who will also lose targets to Donte Moncrief. Both Moncrief and T.Y. Hilton are solid plays if you’re looking to get exposure on the Colts’ passing game. Green Bay ranks 25th in WR1 DVOA and 26th in WR2 DVOA. Andrew Luck loves targeting Moncrief in the red zone, which makes him an exciting tournament option in a game that has a total of 53 points, the highest of the day.
As reported by: ESPN Other tagged players: Jack Doyle, T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief Travis Benjamin and Tyrell Williams both active Sunday
Both players have knee injuries, but Benjamin’s is more serious. His production has been down the past three games, most likely due to his sprained PCL; he hasn’t exceeded four receptions during that stretch. He’s definitely a risky play today. Williams is a better option today. In the last four weeks he’s had two 100-yard games (the other two games were against the Broncos). Tennessee ranks 20th in WR2 DVOA, according to Football Outsiders.
As reported by: Marty Caswell Other tagged players: Tyrell Williams Randall Cobb is ACTIVE for Packers
This is a surprise as he was looking doubtful this morning. He’s dealing with a hamstring injury, and it’s very possible he doesn’t get on the field much. Of course, there’s the chance he ends up taking some targets from Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams, and Ty Montgomery, but all three players remain strong options against a bad Colts’ secondary. Vontae Davis is active and is expected to shadow Nelson, which leaves a better matchup for Adams.
As reported by: Field Yates Other tagged players: Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams, Ty Montgomery Hunter Henry officially inactive
Henry (knee) will not be able to play today, leaving Gates with an increased workload. The Chargers’ top two receivers, Travis Benjamin and Tyrell Williams, are both banged up as well. Gates had ten targets in Week 6 and nine in Week 7; given the situation he has a good chance to hit or exceed those numbers against the Titans. Plus, Tennessee has allowed the third most receptions per game to tight ends (8.8).
As reported by: Marty Caswell Other tagged players: Antonio Gates Carlos Hyde officially inactive
Hyde will definitely sit out today’s game against the Saints. DuJuan Harris is expected to start, and could pick up a lot of touches if he gets the hot hand early. Fortunately, the Saints have a poor rushing defense, so he has legitimate shot of performing well right away. New Orleans has allowed a league-high 12 rushing touchdowns this season. Harris definitely has tournament appeal.
As reported by: Adam Schefter Other tagged players: DuJuan Harris Michael Thomas (illness) officially active
Thomas is all set to play the 49ers today. He’s currently leading the Saints in receptions (42) and plays over 20 yards (8), which gives him a nice ceiling. So far, Thomas hasn’t suffered from Drew Brees’ home-away splits; he’s actually averaging more yards per game on the road (76.7) than at home (67.5). San Francisco has allowed 15 touchdowns through the air, which is the seventh-most in the league.
As reported by: Mike Triplett Jeremy Maclin officially active
Maclin injured his groin in practice earlier in the week, but he’s all set to take on the Jaguars today. He hasn’t been a great fantasy value this season, but managed to catch a touchdown last week from Nick Foles, his first since Week 1. Kansas City is starting Foles again this week, which may be a good thing for Maclin. He’s an interesting tournament option as Foles may rely on him in his first start of the season. However, he’s going to be shadowed by Jalen Ramsey, who has been pretty solid this season. Pro Football Focus has given Ramsey a 71.3 grade this season, and he’s allowing just 0.25 fantasy points per route run. Tyreek Hill, on the other hand, will line up across from Davon House, who’s earned a 39.9 and has allowed 0.46 fantasy points per route run.
As reported by: Terez A. Paylor Other tagged players: Tyreek Hill Ben Roethlisberger officially active for Steelers, will start
Big Ben will get the start in Baltimore today, as expected. Despite his struggles in Baltimore the past couple of seasons, he’ll be a nice upgrade for all of the Pittsburgh skill players. Antonio Brown is always much better when Ben is in the lineup. Le’Veon Bell is also an intriguing option. He’s projected as our RB2 in terms of raw points, but will have roughly half the ownership of our RB1, Ezekiel Elliot. He’s averaged 121.5 total yards over the two games he’s played in Baltimore. The Ravens have had a strong rushing defense this season, but Matt Forte put up 100 yards and a touchdown on the ground against them in Week 7 while adding 54 yards and a touchdown through the air.
As reported by: Jeff Zrebiec Other tagged players: Le'Veon Bell C.J. Spiller active for Jets
Spiller will be third string behind Forte and Powell. He might return some kicks today, but still won’t have any fantasy value today.
As reported by: Rich Cimini