DFS Alerts
Darius Slay ruled out for Week 8; Eric Ebron listed as questionable
With Darius Slay ruled out, the sledding should get even easier for the Texans passing attack. The big problem there is the ineptitude of Houston’s starter, Brock Osweiler, who even in one of the best possible draws isn’t a recommended DFS play. This news does still bode well for DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller, but they both still maintain low floors given Osweiler’s shortcomings. Slay typically stays on his side of the field (88% snap rate at LCB) while the Texans move Hopkins and Fuller around on both sides, so both receivers get a modest bump as a result of Slay’s absence. As for Eric Ebron, he’s considered questionable but appears to have a pretty good chance to suit up. Even so, he’s not a recommended DFS option against a Texans defense that has been tough on TEs this season.
As reported by: Tim Twentyman Other tagged players: Eric Ebron, DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller
Theo Riddick, Dwayne Washington set to play in Week 8
It looks like the Lions will have four healthy RBs on Sunday, although one of Forsett/Zenner could very well end up being a healthy scratch. With Riddick set to return, he should see the majority of the snaps at halfback (especially on passing downs), but Washington figures to see around 8-10 touches and should compete with Riddick for a good chunk of the early down work. We shouldn’t expect Riddick to see much more than ten totes with a handful of targets, so he’s a risky DFS target in a crowded backfield.
As reported by: Tim Twentyman Other tagged players: Dwayne Washington, Zach Zenner, Justin Forsett Martellus Bennett misses practice Friday, questionable for Week 8
Bennett has been questionable the past two weeks, but still played. This week is a bit different though has he sat out Friday’s practice (he was limited on Friday the past couple of weeks). Gronk is already an elite tight end option, but could see more targets without Bennett in the lineup. Same thing goes for Julian Edelman (who’s also questionable, but fully expected to play). Buffalo has a mediocre defense — they rank 16th in Football Outsiders pass DVOA metric — and it’s a revenge game for New England; Buffalo shut out the Patriots at home in Week 4.
As reported by: ESPN Other tagged players: Julian Edelman, Rob Gronkowski
Michael Floyd has limited practice Friday, will be game time decision Sunday
Floyd missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, but managed to participate on Friday. If he plays, he can’t really be trusted to produce fantasy points. If he doesn’t, J.J. Nelson would become a very interesting tournament option. He costs the minimum across the industry, but Carson Palmer seems to like him. Against the Seahawks, Palmer targeted him seven times as he stepped in for John Brown and Jaron Brown. John Brown is expected to play this weekend, but Nelson will start in three-wide sets if Floyd doesn’t play. We won’t know Floyd’s status until game day.
As reported by: Kyle Odegard Other tagged players: J.J. Nelson Mike Gillislee and Robert Woods both questionable for Week 8
Gillislee is expected to play this weekend, while Woods is truly questionable. LeSean McCoy is doubtful, which means Gillislee is likely going to lead the Buffalo backfield against the Patriots. With a lot of attention on Devontae Booker, Jacquizz Rodgers, Spencer Ware, and Devonta Freeman, Gillislee will likely sneak under the radar. He’s still a solid value option though; he currently ranks third in our points-per-dollars projections. If Woods can’t play, Justin Hunter could be worth some tournament exposure as Marquise Goodwin isn’t expected to play either. Hunter will be the number one receiver, although tight end Charles Clay could lead the team in targets. Hunter has scored two touchdowns in three weeks with the Bills. Buffalo is a 6-point underdog, so they could end up throwing more than normal.
As reported by: Ben Volin Dez Bryant officially listed as questionable for Week 8, but expected to play
Bryant is expected to hit the game field for the first time since Week 3. He’ll be worth some consideration in tournaments against the Eagles given his discounted price across the industry. However, Dallas has loved running the ball this season, they’re the only team who has run on more than 50% of their plays (51.4%). Plus, Dallas and Philly play at the two slowest paces in the league. Vegas has the game total at 43 points, so there shouldn’t be a ton of points in this one. Still, Bryant is fully rested and is one of the best red zone receivers of all time, so worth some exposure in GPPs.
As reported by: Michael Fabiano Brandon Marshall, Matt Forte, and Bilal Powell all removed from injury report
Marshall and Powell were limited yesterday while Forte didn’t participate at all. All three returned to full practice today though, and will play this weekend against the Browns. It’s a great matchup for Marshall and Forte as the Browns defense is bad against the pass and the run. Powell’s usage as been trending downward, so he can’t really be trusted to do much here. Joe Haden is expected to be back in the lineup for Cleveland, which will make it tougher on Marshall. Haden has earned a grade of 79 from Pro Football Focus. Regardless, Marshall should remain a target monster as there are few options behind him in the passing game. Forte figures to have solid PPR value as he should be utilized as a receiver out of the backfield. The Jets are only 3-point favorites, so this one could stay close and feature plenty of passing.
As reported by: Mary Kay Cabot Other tagged players: Matt Forte, Bilal Powell Terrelle Pryor removed from injury report
He had a full practice Friday and is all set to take on Darrelle Revis and the Jets this Sunday. Pryor should see Revis on at least 50% of his snaps. It’s one of the most intriguing individual matchups of the week; Pryor, the freak athlete, going against an all-time great whose body is slowly breaking down. In terms of Pro Football Focus grades it’s not even close. Pryor has earned an 83.5 and is picking up 0.38 fantasy points per route run, while Revis has a 52.3 and is giving up 0.39 fantasy points per route run. Josh McCown will be throwing Pryor the ball this week. In his one full game this season he targeted Pryor 10 times, and Corey Coleman was still in the lineup then (he had eight targets that day). Look for Pryor to get a ton of passes in Week 8, and it won’t be surprising to see him produce against Revis.
As reported by: Mary Kay Cabot Doug Martin OUT again for Tampa Bay
Not surprising, especially considering Jacquizz Rodgers effectiveness in Martin’s absence. Rodgers’s price has risen but he’s still in play in a plus match up against a Raiders team that is 27th in RB Run DVOA.
As reported by: Jimmy Durkin on Twitter Other tagged players: Jacquizz Rodgers
Jerick McKinnon and Cordarelle Patterson miss practice
Both players appear unlikely to play for the Vikings on Monday Night football against the Bears. They have an extra day of practice, however, so tomorrow’s practice report will be a better indicator. Matt Asiata would be a decent, but not great, option at RB if McKinnon sits. We’ll update you tomorrow when we learn more on the VIkings injury situation.
As reported by: Ben Goessling on Twitter Other tagged players: Cordarrelle Patterson, Matt Asiata Lamar Miller a game-time decision; should play though
The Texans RB has been dealing with a shoulder injury but stated he is getting better every day. Head Coach Bill O’Brien stated Miller is a game-time decision but local media expects Miller to play. They face the Lions, a team that is 25th in RB Rush DVOA – it’s a good match up for Miller if he can go and he’s certainly worthy of GPP consideration. Alfred Blue would become a value option if Miller is scratched on game day.
As reported by: Aaron Wilson on Twitter Jamaal Charles officially OUT this week
It was doubtful that Charles would play this week after experiencing issues with his recently surgically repaired knee and the Chiefs have now confirmed that to be the case. Spencer Ware is an elite option at the RB position facing the Colts who are dead last in RB Rush and Pass DVOA.
As reported by: Terez Paylor on Twitter Other tagged players: Spencer Ware Chargers receiving corps looks to be full strength
Tyrell Williams, Travis Benjamin, and Hunter Henry are all taking part in practice today and look as if they will all have no problems playing this week. Just in time for a match up against the Denver Broncos who are 6th in Pass DVOA. It’s a tough match up making the Chargers skill players nothing more than contrarian dart throws as part of a Philip Rivers stack.
As reported by: Tom Krasovic on Twitter Other tagged players: Travis Benjamin, Hunter Henry Tevin Coleman officially OUT for Sunday
Updating our previous report, the Falcons have listed Tevin Coleman as out for their game against the Packers this Sunday. Devonta Freeman will be one of the top five options at the RB position this week.
As reported by: Vaughn McClure on Twitter Other tagged players: Devonta Freeman LeSean McCoy listed as doubtful for Sunday
Updating our previous report, LeSean McCoy has been officially listed as doubtful.
As reported by: Adam Schefter on Twitter