DFS Alerts
Jordan Reed expects to play in Week 8
Reed (concussion) is scheduled to see a specialist tomorrow, but he reportedly expects that doctor to clear him to play Sunday against the Bengals. It’s a nice matchup for Reed as the Bengals rank 28th in DVOA against tight ends, according to Football Outsiders. If he plays, Vernon Davis would be back off the fantasy radar.
As reported by: Aditi Kinkhabwala Other tagged players: Vernon Davis
Jamaal Charles has limited practice Wednesday
Charles suffered a setback last week, which limited him to one carry against the Saints in Week 7. Kansas City has been very cautious with Charles this season, so he’ll be limited at best this weekend against the Colts. Indianapolis has one of the worst run defenses in the league, and they’ve allowed a 100-yard rusher for three straight weeks. It’s a great matchup for Spencer Ware as the Chiefs will remain relatively run-heavy. The game currently has the second-highest total of the week at 50 points, which is great for Ware’s touchdown potential.
As reported by: Terez A. Paylor Other tagged players: Spencer Ware Michael Floyd didn't practice Wednesday, John Brown was limited
Floyd suffered a hamstring injury against the Seahawks in Week 7. There’s a decent chance he misses their Week 8 matchup with the Panthers. John Brown, who didn’t play against the Seahawks, was back a practice today, which is a good sign. If Floyd can’t play, Brown and J.J. Nelson are both in play against the weak Carolina pass defense.
As reported by: ESPN Other tagged players: Michael Floyd, J.J. Nelson Chargers "hopeful" Hunter Henry will play Sunday
Hunter suffered a concussion against the Falcons last weekend. Coach Mike McCoy said he was “hopeful” that Hunter can play in Week 8 when San Diego heads to Denver. Two weeks ago Henry had six receptions, 83 yards, and a touchdown in the Chargers’ victory over the Broncos. If he ends up being sidelined for that one, Antonio Gates would the primary tight end, but wouldn’t necessarily be a great fantasy option. Denver has shut down their opponents’ passing games all season.
As reported by: Michael Gehlken Dwayne Washington returns to full practice Wednesday
Washington (ankle) didn’t play last week against the Redskins, but he should be back in the lineup for Week 8. Theo Riddick is also expected to be back for the Lions, so Washington will return to a backup role. Washington probably won’t get enough touches to be a fantasy option this weekend, but if Riddick ends up sitting, he’ll be in play. He’s more of a between-the-tackles rusher than Riddick is and their opponent, Houston, just got destroyed by Denver’s running backs. C.J. Anderson and Devontae Booker combined for 190 yards against them in Week 7.
As reported by: Tim Twentyman Other tagged players: Theo Riddick Randall Cobb and Ty Montgomery both limited in Wednesday's Practices
Cobb had been dealing with back and neck injuries the past couple of weeks, but was listed with a new hamstring injury on Wednesday’s injury report. This is a bit concerning, but it’s a good sign that he participated in practice. We’re still expecting him to play Sunday, although it’s a situation worth tracking over the course of the week. Montgomery was listed with an undisclosed illness, so there isn’t much concern about his Week 8 playing status; he’ll be good to go. Both players are solid options this weekend against the Falcons. Montgomery, who is now considered a running back on some sites, catches a ton of balls out of the backfield. Atlanta is terrible at defending those types of players, they’ve allowed the most receiving yards per game to opposing running backs (71.6 per game). Fortunately for Cobb, Atlanta’s best cornerback, Desmond Trufant, will likely focus on Jordy Nelson. Last week, the Chargers’ number two receiver, Tyrell Williams, had seven receptions for 140 yards against the Falcons while their number one, Travis Benjamin, had four catches for 54 yards.
As reported by: Rob Demovsky Other tagged players: Ty Montgomery Jordan Matthews has limited practice Wednesday
Matthews has knee tendinitis. He was limited last Wednesday for the same issue, but still played in Week 7. He should get back to a full practice tomorrow and be ready to play the Cowboys this weekend. It’s not a great matchup; Dallas and Philly play at the two slowest paces, and thew Eagles throw the ball on just 54.57% of their plays, the 6th-lowest mark in the NFL. Matthews has only averaged 4.5 targets per game over the past four. Fortunately, Dallas is weaker against slot receivers, but Matthews still isn’t a great option this weekend.
As reported by: David Helman Dez Bryant has limited practice Wednesday
Bryant is still expected to get back on the field in Week 8 against the Eagles. It’s a tough matchup; Philadelphia’s defense is 5th in passing yards allowed per game (204), 7th in passing touchdowns allowed (6), and Football Outsiders ranks them 1st in pass DVOA. However, Bryant is currently available at a discounted price across the industry, which makes him an interesting tournament play.
As reported by: David Helman Brandon Marshall didn't practice Wednesday
He was listed with a foot injury on Wednesday, which kept him out of practice. As of now, we’re expecting him to play Sunday in an excellent matchup with the Browns. Cleveland has a terrible pass defense, and the Jets are only favored by 3.5 points. Game flow hurt Andy Dalton and A.J. Green last week against the Browns, but they were favored by 11.5 points. If the Jets-Browns game stays close, Marshall could see a ton of targets throughout the game. The primary concern is Joe Haden getting back into the lineup, he’s by far their best defensive player and will see a good amount of Marshall this week.
As reported by: Ralph Vacchiano Bilal Powell misses practice Wednesday
Powell has turf toe, which could sideline him for a couple of weeks. He had been pretty involved in the Jets offense in Weeks 3-5, but only saw six touches in Week 6 against the Cardinals and four against the Ravens in Week 7. Matt Forte exploded for 154 total yards and two touchdowns on 34 touches against the Ravens, and he should continue to see a high volume of touches with Powell out.
As reported by: Ralph Vacchiano Other tagged players: Matt Forte C.J. Anderson expected to miss "at least a few weeks" with bone bruise
Anderson will seek a second opinion on his knee injury, but it appears that he’ll be sidelined for a few games. Devontae Booker will step up as the lead back. The rookie has looked excellent this year. On Monday night he ran for 83 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. Booker could exceed 20 touches this week against the Chargers. Given his price across the industry, he’ll probably have the highest ownership in Week 8. San Diego has given up the fourth-most rushing touchdowns (9). They’re allowing the most receptions to running backs (10.2 per game) and the second-most receiving yards (71.1 per game). C.J. Anderson has been the third-most targeted player on the Broncos this season. If Booker gets a similar target share, he could have a monster day.
As reported by: Ian Rapoport Other tagged players: Devontae Booker Devonta Freeman wearing non-contact jersey at practice Wednesday
This may just be a precaution as the Falcons are already expected to be without Tevin Coleman Sunday. Freeman has not been diagnosed with any injury yet, but we’ll know more when Atlanta releases their first injury report. Until we hear otherwise, we’re not too concerned about Freeman’s status for Sunday.
As reported by: Pro Football Talk Delanie Walker removed from injury report
Walker was dealing with a bruised chest, but he appears to be all set for Thursday night’s game with Jacksonville. The Jaguars have been surprisingly efficient defending the pass. Football Outsiders ranks them 8th in pass DVOA. On the season, they’re allowing 41.8 receiving yards per game to opposing tight ends. Walker will likely be one of Mariota’s primary targets though, so he should get plenty of opportunities.
As reported by: Paul Kuharsky Matt Jones misses practice Wednesday
Jones sat out of practice Wednesday due to soreness in his knee. If he’s unable to play Sunday, Rob Kelley would be the lead back, not Chris Thompson. Washington would keep Thompson in their third down role in an effort to control his workload. They have some concerns about his durability; Thompson had significant shoulder surgery in the offseason, which may play a part in that. Kelley is averaging 6.1 yards per carry on 17 carries this season, but if you take away his longest run (45 yards), that average would drop to 3.6 ypc. They face the Bengals this Sunday in London. Cincinnati has allowed 118.4 rushing yards per game, which is the 9th-most in the NFL.
As reported by: ESPN Other tagged players: Robert Kelley, Chris Thompson Doug Martin continues to not practice
The Bucs are taking their team with Doug Martin after he suffered a setback with his injury a couple week ago. Jacquizz Rodgers has made it easy for them to do that after performing above expectations the past two games. Rodgers has an excellent match up against a Raiders team that is 29th in RB Rush DVOA and while his price has risen to the point he’s not an automatic play, he’s certainly viable in all formats given his expected workload.
As reported by: Rick Stroud on Twitter Other tagged players: Jacquizz Rodgers