DFS Alerts
Darius Butler upgraded to questionable, Patrick Robinson GTD for Week 6
This is a little surprising as Butler was originally declared out by the Colts and just had surgery to repair a broken finger this week. He’ll be a game time decision Sunday along with Robinson. If they play it will be a slight downgrade to the Houston receivers. However, the Colts have been bad against the pass even when they’re in the lineup, and we expect that to continue. Indianapolis has allowed the third-highest quarterback rating this year (104.9), which is a welcome change for Brock Osweiler and his receivers coming off an embarrassing loss to a Minnesota team that’s allowing the lowest passer rating at 65.3. It would definitely be better for the Houston offense if Robinson and Butler miss the game, but their presence is certainly not a reason to fade Will Fuller or DeAndre Hopkins.
As reported by: Tom James Other tagged players: Brock Osweiler, Will Fuller, DeAndre Hopkins
Brian Hoyer will start against the Jaguars
Jay Cutler is officially doubtful so Hoyer will get his fourth straight start. Jacksonville ranks 7th in pass DVOA, which is a little surprising. However, they haven’t been tested too much through the air as they’ve trailed most of the time this year. Opposing teams have attempted just 141 passes against the Jaguars this season, the fourth-fewest amount in the NFL. Despite this, they’ve allowed eight touchdowns threw the air, which is tied for 13th-most. More than likely, they aren’t as good as their DVOA indicates. Since the Bears are only favored by 1 point at home, they’ll probably be throwing quite a bit. Hoyer under center is a good sign for Cameron Meredith as Hoyer loves targeting him already. However, his individual matchup is a little worrisome. Meredith will line up across from Prince Amukamara most of the time, a corner with a 13-point advantage in terms of PFF grades (78.4 to 65.4). Even more troubling is Amukamara’s fantasy points per route defended, which stands at just 0.1 on the season. Jalen Ramsey will cover Alshon Jeffery quite a bit, which could lead to another poor fantasy performance for the Bears’ number one receiver. In the slot, Eddie Royal is expected to see Davon House, who has an abysmal 35.6 grade. Royal has missed practice this week, so there’s a chance he won’t play, but if he suits up he could be a nice GPP play.
As reported by: USA Today Other tagged players: Cameron Meredith, Eddie Royal, Alshon Jeffery Austin Seferian-Jenkins has limited practice Friday
He isn’t quite ready to be rostered in fantasy lineups, but with Decker out for the season he’s definitely in the “wait-and-see” category. This past week ASF has been dealing with an injury to his ankle, which caused him to miss practice on Wednesday. It’s going to be a tough game for the Jets when the visit the Cardinals on Monday and their Week 7 opponent, Baltimore, won’t be much easier. Fortunately, they get the Browns in Week 8, which could be a breakout game for Jenkins. Keep an eye on how they utilize him against the Cardinals, if he plays, as it will be an indication of future use.
As reported by: New York Jets Jeremy Hill not on final injury report, will play against the Patriots
He was dealing with a shoulder injury this week, but it appears to be fine now. Although he’ll suit up against the Patriots, Giovani Bernard is the better fantasy option. Bernard has at least five receptions and has out-snapped Jeremy Hill in all three of the Bengals’ losses this season. He averaged 18.2 DraftKings points in those games. Against the Steelers in Week 2, Bernard hit the 100-yard mark on nine receptions and added a touchdown — he has a high ceiling, especially for his price. Since the Bengals are 9-point underdogs, he should be in line another heavy workload against the Patriots. Bernard makes for a very intriguing GPP option this week.
As reported by: Kevin Duffy Other tagged players: Giovani Bernard Kam Chancellor added to injury report, questionable for Sunday
Midweek downgrades are never a good sign. Chancellor had practiced in full all week, but appeared on the injury report Friday for a groin issue. This would be a big blow to the Seahawks secondary, which ranks 1st in passing DVOA, in large part due to Chancellor’s success on the field; he grades as the 6th best safety in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus. Not only could his absence allow for more big plays over the top, but it will help Atlanta’s running game. Chancellor, who is third on the team in tackles, is a big-hitting run-stopper that prevents backs from breaking off big gains.Officially, Chancellor is listed as questionable, and we may not know his status until Sunday.
As reported by: ESPN Leodis McKelvin returns to practice Friday, questionable for Week 6
McKelvin is dealing with a hamstring injury that’s kept him out of practice all week. After missing Weeks 2 and 3, he played last week against the Lions, although he wasn’t 100%. If he ends up sitting out against the Redskins it would be a huge upgrade to DeSean Jackson, who lines up on McKelvin’s side on nearly half of his snaps. McKelvin is allowing a minuscule 0.05 fantasy points per route defended, the least in the NFL among qualifying cornerbacks. If he does go, even at less than 100%, Jackson would be a risky play. The Redskins’ receiver has been pretty quiet this year (just 3.6 receptions per game) and with the other two cornerbacks, Ron Brooks and Nolan Carroll, grading at just 48.5 and 46.5 respectively, Cousins will want to pick on the other defenders.
As reported by: Jimmy Kempski Other tagged players: DeSean Jackson Julio Jones upgraded to full practice Friday
Jones is fully expected to play in a really exciting matchup between the number one DVOA defense and number one DVOA offense. Jones will be shadowed by Richard Sherman, so he’ll have his work cut out for him. Last game he only had two receptions for 29 yards against the Broncos. Against the Saints, he had just one reception. In both of those contests, running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman combined for 7.5 receptions, 134.5 yards, and a touchdown on average. Denver is ranked 26th in DVOA against receiving running backs and New Orleans is 31st. Their Week 4 opponent, the Panthers, ranks 10th. In that game, the backs combined for five receptions, 21 yards, and zero touchdowns, while Jones racked up 300 yards. There seems to be a trend with how the Falcons attack teams that are weak against receiving running backs. Seattle ranks 26th. Atlanta will probably try do similar things they did when they beat the Broncos and Saints. However, Seattle has seen two game films of this approach and there’s good reason to believe they’ve game planned for it and will be successful. Given that Julio Jones has one of the highest ceilings every week, regardless of opponent, he makes for a great contrarian option. Players will be scared off him and he’ll be low-owned across the industry. At some point in this one, Ryan may have to depend on the team’s best player and start forcing Jones the rock.
As reported by: D. Orlando Ledbetter Rob Gronkowski misses practice Friday with illness
New England listed him as questionable for Sunday’s game along with Martellus Bennett, LeGarrette Blount, and Julian Edelman. We’re expecting all of the above to play, although they haven’t disclosed the details of Gronk’s ailment. We’re guessing he’ll be fine, and should be considered an elite tight end play unless he’s ruled out. If he does end up missing time, Martellus Bennett would get a big upgrade. He’s gone over 100 yards twice (without Tom Brady) and he had that monster three-touchdown game last week even though Gronk was out there with him.
As reported by: Boston Herald Other tagged players: Martellus Bennett, Julian Edelman, LeGarrette Blount Ryan Griffin has full practice Friday, will play Sunday
Griffin had six targets against the Vikings before exiting the game with a concussion. He’s third on the team in receptions (16) and yards (136). His biggest game was against the Patriots when he hauled in eight of ten targets for 52 yards. He was a check-down outlet for Brock Osweiler in that game, which seems to be Griffin’s primary role in the offense. He only has one red zone target and is averaging just 8.7 yards per reception. Until he shows more, he’s not on the fantasy radar.
As reported by: Aaron Wilson Will Fuller has limited practice again Thursday
He’s dealing with a hamstring injury, but we’re still expecting him to play this week. Fuller leads the team in receiving yards (327) and is a close second in targets to DeAndre Hopkins (40 to 42). He has a very nice matchup with the Colts on Sunday. Although he’ll see some Vontae Davis, Fuller is still expected to get a nice volume of targets. With his speed he has big play potential on every snap. You can get Fuller for a lot less than Hopkins across the industry, but we project Fuller within 0.35 points on both FanDuel and DraftKings.
As reported by: Aaron Wilson Other tagged players: DeAndre Hopkins Latavius Murray officially ruled OUT against the Chiefs
Oakland will rely on DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard once again this weekend. Both backs are potential tournament plays, but they’re risky as either one could get the “hot hand.” As noted earlier, Kansas City ranks 29th in DVOA against receiving running backs. Fortunately, they both carry PPR value. Washington had five receptions and Richard had six. Richard managed to get 66 yards to Washington’s 29 though, so he may be a better play. Neither back was very impressive on the ground last week, but Richard looked better in that phase of the offense as well.
As reported by: Scott Bair Other tagged players: DeAndre Washington, Jalen Richard Eddie Lacy and James Starks both officially questionable for Sunday
Both players will likely be game time decisions on Sunday. Keep an eye on this one as Starks is definitely in play if Lacy can’t go as the Packers don’t really have any options behind him. ESPN reported today that Randall Cobb may step in as running back if one or both of the Packers’ backs can’t play.
As reported by: Rob Demovsky Other tagged players: James Starks Theo Riddick, Eric Ebron ruled out for Week 6
With Riddick ruled out, it’ll be Dwayne Washington, Zach Zenner and Justin Forsett holding things down in the Detroit backfield. Washington is the favorite to lead the backfield in touches despite him missing last week’s game due to an injury of his own. He’s the preferred option to Zenner and newly-signed Justin Forsett isn’t likely to see more than a handful of touches in his team debut. All of these backs will have very low floors, but Washington is the one worth targeting if you’re hoping to hit on a punt play. With Eric Ebron ruled out, Cole Wick should take the reigns at TE, although he’s not involved enough in the passing game to considering targeting in DFS.
As reported by: Kyle Meinke Other tagged players: Eric Ebron, Dwayne Washington, Zach Zenner, Cole Wick
Dez Bryant officially questionable
Adding to a previous report, Dez Bryan is officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Packers. However, the expectation as of now is that he will not play. Dez will be a game time decision and we won’t know whether he’ll play until after he warms up. If he doesn’t go, Brice Butler will be worth consideration for tournaments.
As reported by: Drew Davidson Other tagged players: Brice Butler Joe Haden misses practice Friday, questionable for Sunday
Haden was downgraded from limited yesterday to did not participate today. He’s injured his groin over the course of the week, which has put his playing status against the Titans in question. Cleveland’s defense has been pretty awful this season, and if Joe Haden can’t go it’s a further upgrade to Marcus Mariota, Tajae Sharpe, and Andre Johnson. The Browns will still have Jamar Taylor on the outside, who has a 79.7 score from PFF. However, Sharpe and Johnson line up on Joe Haden’s side 41% and 40% of their snaps respectively, providing a very nice matchup with the Browns fourth corner, rookie Briean Boddy-Calhoun.
As reported by: Jim Wyatt Other tagged players: Andre Johnson, Tajae Sharpe, Marcus Mariota