DFS Alerts
Colin Kaepernick to start at QB for 49ers this week
There had been talk that the 49ers would be making a switch to Kaepernick this week after Blaine Gabbert’s continued struggles and that has now been confirmed as Head Coach Chip Kelly has announced that Kaepernick will get the start when San Francisco visits Buffalo. There is certainly upside to Kaepernick given his rushing ability and the fast-paced 49ers offense but it’s also a high risk proposition. Torrey Smith gets an upgrade as Kaepernick has shown the ability to get the ball down the field.
As reported by: Cam Inman on Twitter Other tagged players: Blaine Gabbert
The Saints are at home this week - you know what that means!
Anytime the Saints play at home, DFS players need to pay special attention as it truly is the Coors Field of the NFL. There is no line on the game yet, most likely due to the uncertainty revolving Panthers QB Cam Newton (who most expect to clear the concussion protocol and play in a key game for the team), but it would certainly be the highest over/under of the week and rightfully so. The average points scored over the last 10 games in New Orleans is 65.8. It gets even better if you remove the first three games from last season (average was 47.7 in those games) as the average climbs to 73.6 points per game over those 7 games. Even removing the 101 point outburst against the Giants last season, you still have a 69 ppg output over six games. Those are some serious points being scored and that usually equates to fantasy goodness. The Saints are 30th in total defense DVOA, 25th in pass defense DVOA, and 24th (Run)/32 (Pass) in RB DVOA. This makes Cam Newton (if he goes) an elite play along with his primary receiving threats Kelvin Benjamin and Greg Olsen. Whether Jonathan Stewart plays will determine which RB’s to use but Cameron Artis-Payne definitely flashed upside last night scoring two TD’s. The Panthers defense isn’t as elite as it was last season ranking 12th in total defense DVOA. They are more vulnerable to the pass (19th in DVOA) which aligns to opportunities for Drew Brees, Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead, and Michael Thomas. With the Panthers ranking 27th in TE DVOA, Coby Fleener is once again an interesting option. As is always the case with a Saints home game, ownership of these players will be higher than normal so you’ll need to account for that when constructing your rosters.
Other tagged players: Cam Newton, Coby Fleener Ryan Griffin is in concussion protocol; making good progress
Griffin looked like he suffered a scary neck injury on Sunday but he is making good progress and is questionable to play this week. He is in the league concussion protocol for now. C.J. Fiedororwicz would get the start if Griffin can’t go and would be a viable DFS option going against a Colts team that is dead last in TE DVOA. We’ll update you on Griffin’s status as the week progresses.
As reported by: Aaron Wilson on Twitter Other tagged players: C.J. Fiedorowicz Dez Bryant unlikely to play against Packers this week
With the Cowboys on a bye after this week it makes sense that they will sit out their star WR this week and let him get fully healed. Brice Butler and Terrance Williams benefit the most and get to face a Packers pass defense that has been vulnerable this season. We’ll update you if anything changes regarding Bryant.
As reported by: Brandon George on Twitter Other tagged players: Brice Butler, Terrance Williams Eddie Lacy's ankle injury is not serious but status uncertain for this week
Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy stated this morning that RB Eddie Lacy’s ankle injury is not serious but the team is still uncertain of his status for this weekend’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. James Starks would get the start if Lacy can’t go – he’s been ineffective in his role spelling Lacy this season but it’s hard to ignore a RB at his price who will get the bulk of the work going against a defense that is middle of the pack (16th in both Rush and Pass RB DVOA) against RB’s. We’ll keep you updated on Lacy’s status heading into Sunday.
As reported by: Rob Demovsky on Twitter Other tagged players: James Starks No surprises in terms of MNF inactives
For Tampa Bay, both of their top two RBs are inactive, which will leave the backfield to Jacquizz Rodgers. He’s a decent bet for around 15 touches and can be used as a punt play in prime-time leagues. Tampa will also be without Gerald McCoy, which is a plus for the Carolina running game. The Bucs are without three of their typical starters on the defensive line. On the Carolina side, Cam Newton is inactive, as is Jonathan Stewart. Ted Ginn, Devin Funchess and Mike Tolbert are all active.
As reported by: @BuccaneersPR
CB Darius Butler to get surgery Tuesday, doubtful for Week 6
Butler fractured his finger this weekend and requires surgery to mend the injury. He hasn’t done that well this season, but Pro Football Focus graded him above Vontae Davis through the first four weeks (55.4 to 47.8). His absence will certainly hurt a Colts secondary that has struggled to defend the pass. Opposing quarterbacks are averaging the fourth-highest passer rating against them at 104.9. Plus, they’re giving up over 300 passing yards per game. Butler, a slot corner, is not expected to play against the Texans this weekend, which provides a bump to the hot-and-cold passing game. Jaelen Strong played in the slot while Braxton Miller dealt with a hamstring injury and seems to have jumped Miller permanently. Strong has seen an increase in targets each week this season, leading to a career-high nine targets against the Vikings. Strong hasn’t been able to do too much with his opportunities yet, averaging just 7.7 yards per catch, but his increased usage puts him on the GPP radar in a nice matchup with the Butler-less Colts this weekend. Given their opponent, Will Fuller and DeAndre Hopkins are both solid tournament plays this week and can be considered for cash despite their roller coaster seasons.
As reported by: Mike Wells Other tagged players: Jaelen Strong, DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller
Julius Thomas "confident" he'll play this weekend against the Bears
After starting out strong with nine receptions for 135 yards and a touchdown in the first two games, he was shut down Week 3 against the Ravens, posting a 2/13/0 line. Thomas missed Week 4 with an elbow injury, but after resting it during their bye week, he says he’s ready to get back on the field. He gets a Bears team that’s been inefficient defending the tight end, ranking 22nd in DVOA against the position according to Football Outsiders. On average, they’ve allowed 5.8 receptions, 41.5 yards, and 0.4 touchdowns to opposing tight ends. However, he splits targets with Marqise Lee and Marcedes Lewis, hindering his fantasy value. Lee seems to be the favorite red zone target among the three; he’s gotten three looks inside the 20 this season while Thomas has zero. Unless Thomas somehow establishes himself as the leading option at the position, he’s probably best left off rosters despite the appealing matchup.
As reported by: Mike DiRocco Other tagged players: Marqise Lee, Marcedes Lewis CB Trumaine Johnson expected to miss Week 6 game against the Lions
Johnson left in the fourth quarter against the Bills, unable to put any weight on his right leg. After some tests, it appears Johnson escaped with a high ankle sprain. He’s currently considered week-to-week, but is not expected to play this weekend. The Rams’ top three cornerbacks — which includes Johnson, Lamarcus Joyner, and E.J. Gaines — have done a stellar job this season. All of them graded above 76 through the first four weeks, per Pro Football Focus. Against the Bills this past weekend, quarterback Tyrod Taylor was held to 124 passing yards on a 52% completion rate. They play the Lions next, a team that’s 5th in passing touchdowns (10) and 10th in yards (1,299). Assuming Johnson can’t go, Marvin Jones would have an easier matchup as he lines up on Johnson’s side 43% of the time. Golden Tate is there on 42% of his snaps, but he’s struggled terribly this year and won’t be a strong option.
As reported by: Alden Gonzalez Cameron Meredith delivers for Bears against the Colts, has another great matchup this weekend
After Kevin White was placed on the injured reserve there was a lot of buzz surrounding Meredith and he came through with huge numbers. On 12 targets, he had 9 receptions, 130 yards, and a touchdown. Quarterback Brian Hoyer loves targeting this type of player and will likely continue to do so as long as he’s the starter. As of now, it looks like Hoyer will get the nod against the Jaguars this weekend despite coach John Fox saying they have “don’t have a plan” with the quarterback situation. Fortunately for Meredith, he’ll see a lot of Davon House, who has a very low 40.9 grade by Pro Football Focus this season. Alshon Jeffery and Eddie Royal, on the other hand, will get a lot of Prince Amukamara (72.8) and Jalen Ramsey (81.8) respectively. Although Meredith’s salary has risen across the industry, he’s an excellent value play once again given his expected volume and matchup. Rostering Meredith this weekend isn’t chasing points unless Cutler starts.
Packers say Randall Cobb is "fine" after taking big hit Sunday
Cobb was hit hard in the neck area by Landon Collins at the end of the game last night, which looked pretty bad on first sight. Coach Mike McCarthy told the press today that he’s fine, although he’s sore. Cobb had an excellent game, hauling in nine receptions for 108 yards. He had caught a touchdown ball early on that got called back as well. Although he’s been pretty quiet this season, Aaron Rodgers seems to trust him in spots where Jordy Nelson finds himself in a tough matchup. Last night, Janoris Jenkins repeatedly broke up passes to Nelson, causing Green Bay’s number one receiver to catch just four of his 13 targets. This weekend, the Packers play the Cowboys, a team that ranks 9th in passing DVOA against WR1’s, per Football Outsiders. However, they also rank 2nd against WR2’s. This may be a game to target Davante Adams, who put up a solid 5/85/1 line against the Giants in Week 5.
As reported by: Rob Demovsky Other tagged players: Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams Dez Bryant not ruled out for Week 6, may be healthy enough to return; still day-to-day
It’s still a guessing game as to whether or not Bryant will be healthy enough to return in Week 6. It’ll be a nice match-up for Dez if he is active; the Packers have been shredded by opposing WRs so far this year even after holding the Giants passing game to a modest performance. Green Bay is still banged up at the CB spot with Damarious Randall and Sam Shields both missing Week 5, and if they don’t get healthy soon this will continue to be a secondary worth picking on. If Dez is unable to go, Brice Butler should see another heavy snap count. Butler disappointed in Week 5, but he did have a touchdown that was negated due to an illegal shift and the Cowboys early lead allowed them to stay heavy on the ground game.
As reported by: Jon Machota Other tagged players: Brice Butler Gary Kubiak will not coach Broncos on Thursday
Kubiak was diagnosed with a migraine condition Monday, which will keep him out of this week’s game against the Chargers. He normally does most of the play-calling, so offensive coordinator Rick Dennison will take over those duties. Special Teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis will act as the interim head coach. After the team’s poor offensive performance Sunday, quarterback Trevor Siemian coming off an injury, a mix-up in coaching, and a Thursday night game, there are several reasons to fade the Broncos offense this week. The current game total is just 45 points.
As reported by: Denver Post Trevor Siemian expected to start this week against the Chargers
Paxton Lynch struggled on Sunday, posting an 11.7 QBR against the Falcons, per ESPN. It seems as though it’s in Denver’s best interest to get Siemian back out there as soon as possible. They have a short week as they play the Chargers on Thursday. Fortunately, Siemian’s injury is to his non-throwing shoulder. San Diego has become thin in the secondary due to injuries; Derek Carr threw for 317 yards and two touchdowns against them on Sunday. On the season, they’ve allowed 292 passing yards per game, the sixth-worst mark in the NFL.
Eddie Lacy believes his ankle is "alright"
After gaining 81 yards on just 11 carries, Lacy injured his ankle in the third quarter, forcing him to exit the game. Afterwards, he said he could put weight on it, a good sign, but was unsure of his playing status for Week 6. The plan as of now is to see how it feels over the next several days. Lacy has been running the ball extremely well, averaging 5.5 yards per carry; against Detroit he eclipsed the 100-yard mark (103 yards) on 17 carries. His backup, James Starks, is averaging 1.8 yards per carry, so he’s far from a lock if Lacy can’t go this weekend. Starks does offer some PPR upside as he’s been used in the passing game by Green Bay in the past. Last season he averaged 2.7 receptions per game and had four or more catches six times.
As reported by: Rob Demovsky Other tagged players: James Starks