DFS Alerts
Josh McCown will start at QB for Browns this week
This was the expected move out of Cleveland and the team has confirmed that McCown will be their starter when they take on the New York Jets. It’s a huge boost for the Cleveland passing game and receiving options like Terrelle Pryor, Gary Barnidge, and Duke Johnson should all benefit. It’s also a great match up going against a Jets team that is 31st in Pass DVOA. McCown is in play for both cash games and GPP’s given his price point and match up.
As reported by: Field Yates on Twitter
Donte Moncrief practices again
It’s looking good that the Colts dynamic play maker will take the field this weekend against the Chiefs. This should open things up for all the Colts passing options and Moncrief is certainly in play against a Kansas City defense that is 24th in WR DVOA.
As reported by: Zak Keefer on Twitter Tevin Coleman misses practice again; not expected to play vs Packers
The Atlanta RB has missed practice all week and is not expected to play against Green Bay Sunday afternoon. Despite facing a Packers run defense that is 4th in DVOA, Freeman is an excellent DFS option given his expected workload (he’ll play all three downs) and usage (and get a good percentage of red zone opportunities).
As reported by: Orlando Ledbetter on Twitter Other tagged players: Devonta Freeman LeSean McCoy misses practice again; unlikely to play Sunday
The Bills starting RB did not practice today and has not the entire week. This is a departure from last week when he practiced on Friday so it appears unlikely McCoy will play this week. Mike Gillislee should get the bulk of the work but it’s not as good a spot as he would have been in last week as the Patriots are 5th in RB Rush DVOA. Still he’ll be worth consideration as pivots away from chalk value RB’s like Booker and Kelley.
As reported by: Sal Capaccion on Twitter Other tagged players: Mike Gillislee Matt Jones ruled OUT for this week
The Redskins have ruled out Matt Jones with his knee injury for their game against the Cincinnati Bengals thrusting Robert Kelley into the value RB discussion. Kelley is minimum price ($3,000) on DraftKings and slightly above minimum at $5,100 on FanDuel. While it’s not the best match up, it’s not the worst either as the Bengals have been surprisingly vulnerable to the run (23rd in RB Rush DVOA). With his expected volume and price tag he makes for a fine play in both cash games and GPP’s. Chris Thompson will also likely receive a boost and is in play on PPR sites.
As reported by: Ian Rapaport on Twitter Other tagged players: Robert Kelley Tajae Sharpe active for Titans
Sharpe doesn’t have much standalone DFS value at this point, but his absence would have opened up some looks for Delanie Walker and the other Titans receivers. DeMarco Murray is by far the strongest play on the Tennessee side, with Walker being a viable GPP target at the TE spot. None of the receivers are recommended options.
As reported by: Terry McCormick
Julius Thomas to play Thursday night
Thomas is set to be active tonight against the Titans, per Adam Schefter. He’s been so up and down this year (along with the rest of the Jacksonville passing game) that he’s not a preferred option in Thursday leagues. Jack Doyle and Cameron Brate are preferred options in a similar price range. Thomas’ active status may slightly reduce the red-zone opportunities for Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns.
As reported by: Adam Schefter Doug Martin didn't practice Thursday
He’s very doubtful to play Sunday as he’s still dealing with a hamstring injury. Jacquizz Rodgers will remain a very solid value option this weekend against the Raiders. His workload should remain high (he’s averaged 31 touches over the past two weeks), and the Raiders have a bad run defense. They’re allowing the fifth-most rushing yards per game this season, plus they’re allowing the most adjusted line yards per carry (4.56), according to Football Outsiders. Rodgers ownership will likely be lower than last week since Devontae Booker figures to be the most popular value option at running back.
Other tagged players: Jacquizz Rodgers
Austin Seferian-Jenkins not expected to play Sunday
ASJ is dealing with a high ankle sprain, and he’s missed the last two weeks because of it. He hasn’t practiced at all this week, which leaves him very doubtful to play against the Browns. With few other options in the passing game, Brandon Marshall will soak up targets against Cleveland’s horrendous pass defense. Quincy Enunwa and Matt Forte will also get some looks from Fitzpatrick in a great matchup. Enunwa is a very intriguing pivot off Marshall (who will have very high ownership). Joe Haden, the Browns’ best defensive player by far, is probably going to be back in the lineup; it would make sense for him to focus on Marshall, leaving Enunwa in a much better individual matchup.
As reported by: Kimberley A. Martin Other tagged players: Brandon Marshall, Quincy Enunwa Michael Floyd did not practice Thursday
He pulled his hamstring against the Seahawks in Week 7. After missing practice yesterday and today, there’s a good chance he won’t be able to play Sunday in Carolina. John Brown was limited today, but should be ready to go this weekend. He’ll be the clear number two receiver behind Larry Fitzgerald. If Floyd sits, J.J. Nelson would become a very interesting value option in tournaments. With Jaron Brown and John Brown out last week, Nelson picked up seven targets from Palmer and turned them into 84 receiving yards. Nelson is priced at the minimum across the industry.
As reported by: Josh Weinfuss Other tagged players: John Brown, J.J. Nelson Jamaal Charles has another limited practice Thursday
Charles (knee) was limited yesterday as well. He only got in for two plays last week against the Saints after suffering a setback in his recovery from knee surgery. Kansas City has been very careful with him all season, so there’s a good chance they keep him out of their Week 8 game with the Colts. If he plays, he’ll be limited. Spencer Ware is an awesome running back option against the terrible Indianapolis run defense. The Chiefs will likely remain relatively run-heavy and Ware can be rostered at a discounted price across the industry.
As reported by: BJ Kissel Other tagged players: Spencer Ware Jeremy Langford has limited practice Thursday
There’s a chance Langford suits up for the first time since injuring his ankle against the Cowboys in Week 3. Even if he does, he’ll likely be third string behind Jordan Howard and Ka’Deem Carey. The Bears face the Vikings on Monday night, so it’s a tough matchup for their entire offense.
As reported by: Chicago Tribune Dwayne Allen not expected to play Sunday
He missed practice again Thursday and is not on track to play this weekend; in fact, he may miss a few more games. Jack Doyle will be the primary receiving tight end in his absence. Last game, Doyle was one of the best tight ends in football; he had nine receptions, 78 yards, and a touchdown against the Titans. He’ll be one of the top value options again this week against the Chiefs. If Donte Moncrief remains sidelined, he’ll be the second option in the passing game behind Hilton.
Other tagged players: Jack Doyle Julius Thomas will be a game time decision Thursday night
We were expecting Thomas to suit up for tonght’s game against the Titans, but it looks like we won’t know his status until closer to kickoff. Thomas only has one game with more than four receptions this season, but opposing tight ends are averaging 7.7 receptions and 66.9 yards per game against Tennessee. If he plays, he could pick up more catches than normal, but he still won’t be a great fantasy option.
As reported by: Adam Caplan The Lions are getting healthy (update)
James Palmer confirmed today that Riddick, Ebron, and Washington are all expected to play Sunday against the Texans. It’s shaping up to be a nice matchup for Riddick. Houston ranks 26th in rush DVOA, according to Football Outsiders, and they’re 21st against receiving running backs in particular. Riddick is best as a receiver out of the backfield. Houston ranks 1st against tight ends, which limits Ebron’s fantasy value.
As reported by: James Palmer Other tagged players: Eric Ebron, Dwayne Washington