DFS Alerts
Eric Ebron ruled out for Week 5
Ebron (ankle, knee) was injured last week against the Bears and was forced out of the game at one point. He returned to catch 4 balls for 42 yards, but he’s since missed practice all week. Ebron has been averaging 6.25 targets per game, although we don’t expect his backup, Cole Wick, to pick up those targets. Stafford has been pretty good about spreading the ball around with four receivers between 24-26 targets, while Jones leads the way with 36. Coach Jim Caldwell went on record saying we should expect Golden Tate to have a big game this week. However, he said the same thing last week and he ended up benching Tate. Detroit faces the top ranked pass defense in terms of DVOA on Sunday when they host Philadelphia. Overall, on a per-drive basis, the Eagles have allowed the fewest points (0.59), the third-fewest yards (24.47), and forced the second-most interceptions (.206). It’s more of an Eagles defense game than a Lions offense game.
As reported by: Detroit Lions
Dwayne Washington doubtful, Marvin Jones questionable for Week 5
Zach Zenner figures to benefit the most from Washington likely sitting, as he figures to see a decent chunk of the early down work against Philadelphia. Theo Riddick should also see a slight uptick in carries and will almost certainly continue to lead the backfield in touches. The Eagles have been very stout defensively and aren’t a good draw for opposing RBs, so this is probably a situation to avoid. Riddick is a decent GPP target given that he’ll likely see around 15-17 touches, but there are better pivots in his price range (Jerick McKinnon, Terrance West). As for Marvin Jones, he’s expected to play. We’ll continue to update his situation if it starts to get cloudy.
As reported by: Tim Twentyman Other tagged players: Marvin Jones
Jordan Cameron ruled out for Week 5
Cameron has been in the concussion protocol since Week 3, which will keep him out of Miami’s upcoming matchup with Tennessee. There is no timetable for his return at this point. Dion Sims will start in his place, but he isn’t a player worth considering in fantasy. Look for all of the targets to head in the direction of Jarvis Landry, DeVante Parker, and Kenny Stills, in that order. DeVante Parker may have the best matchup of the three as he’ll see a good amount of Perrish Cox, who holds an abysmal grade of 38 by PFF. Cox was burned for a pair of touchdowns by Will Fuller last week. Miami will likely use Parker as the deep threat and Landry as the short-to-medium depth target monster that he usually is.
Other tagged players: Jarvis Landry, DeVante Parker, Kenny Stills, Dion Sims Edelman, Gronkowski, Blount all listed as questionable for Week 5
All three players are fully expected to suit up. Edelman figures to have his most productive game of the season with Tom Brady back under center – in the four games without Brady, the Pats averaged the fewest pass attempts per game while finishing with the 4th most in 2015 (where Brady played in all 16 games). Expect Edelman to finish with at least 10 targets. As for Gronkowski, he’s a bigger question mark. He’s been pretty limited since returning and people around the team seem to think he’s still not right, so paying the high price tag for him isn’t recommended. Martellus Bennett is a fine mid-range play at the TE spot, as his snap count hasn’t dropped even with Gronk active. LeGarrette Blount’s status isn’t in doubt and if the Patriots build an early lead, he should see upwards of 20 carries yet again.
As reported by: Kevin Duffy Other tagged players: Rob Gronkowski, LeGarrette Blount Latavius Murray ruled OUT for Week 5
All of the DeAndre Washington believers can breathe a sigh of relief, Murray has been ruled out, per the Raiders injury report. Washington should be the lead back against the Chargers this weekend with Jalen Richard picking up a healthy workload behind him. Washington has narrowly out-touched Richard 29 to 22 so far this year. However, after reports came out last week that the Raiders coaches wanted to get DeAndre more involved, he out-touched Jalen eight to three. It’s reasonable to assume Washington’s floor will be 15 touches this weekend and he comes with a high upside. He’s already broken three rushes for over 20 yards despite getting just 23 carries this season. He figures to be one of the chalkiest plays of the week at his extremely cheap price tag.
As reported by: Scott Bair Brandon Flowers ruled out for Week 5
With Jason Verrett also out (IR), the Oakland receivers should have a nice afternoon against the San Diego secondary. The Chargers will be without their two top corners, but will still have Casey Heyward who has graded out as one of the top corners in football through four weeks. Still, it’s a plus spot for both Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree, although Cooper is the more likely of the two to see Heyward for an extended period of time. Crabtree has been Derek Carr’s favorite target in the red-zone and has seen at least 11 targets in each of the past two games, not to mention that he’s cheaper than Cooper on most DFS outlets.
As reported by: Tom Krasovic Other tagged players: Michael Crabtree, Amari Cooper LeGarrette Blount (hip) fully expected to play
He’s been dealing with a hip injury and missed practice Wednesday. According to Jeff Howe, the Pats don’t believe Blount will miss this weekend’s game against the Browns. Based on Blount’s splits when New England wins by seven or more points — a 15.9/79.3/1.09 average line in such affairs — he could be in for a monster game as the Pats are 10.5-point favorites. Although, now that Tom Brady is back, James White is expected to pick up some more snaps for work in the passing game. If things went according to general game-flow theory, the first half would belong to Brady and his receivers, leaving the second half to Blount after they rack up a huge lead. However, this isn’t a typical game, it’s Brady’s first game back. If there were ever a time to pile on points it would be in TB12’s post-suspension debut against the Browns (by the way, a recent poll shows 62% of Ohio residents believe Ohio State could beat the Browns). Overall, Blount’s touchdown potential will be relatively high, but there is a risk he won’t see normal usage even if New England gets up early.
As reported by: Jeff Howe Other tagged players: Tom Brady Antonio Gates questionable after practicing again Friday; Joey Bosa expected to make his NFL debut
Gates has now practiced for three straight days, which appears to give him a good shot to suit up on Sunday. The Chargers TEs have a nice draw with an Oakland defense that was ravaged by TEs last year and has struggled against the pass through the first four weeks, but it’ll be tough to roster either of them if Gates is on some sort of a snap count. If Gates isn’t able to play, Hunter Henry will once again be a viable punt play. First-rounder Joey Bosa is expected to make his NFL debut on Sunday, and he should be a big help to the Chargers pass rush.
As reported by: Michael Gehlken Other tagged players: Hunter Henry Latavius Murray doesn't practice; unlikely to play Sunday
There was a small sliver of hope that Murray might play this week but after not practicing today it’s unlikely that he’ll suit up for the Raiders game Sunday against the Chargers. DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard will get the bulk of the work against a suspect Chargers run defense and both are excellent value options at the RB position. Washington is the preferred option and should be highly owned (25%+) given his price tag and expected opportunity.
As reported by: Jerry McDonald on Twitter Other tagged players: DeAndre Washington, Jalen Richard
Stefon Diggs doubtful for Sunday's game
Updating our previous report – Diggs has officially been listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Texans. If anything changes, we’ll let you know.
As reported by: Andrew Krammer on Twitter Trevor Siemian and Virgil Green both game-time decisions for Sunday
Broncos Head Coach Gary Kubiak stated today after practice that QB Trevor Siemian and Virgil Green are in position to play on Sunday but that they wouldn’t decide until later as to whether they would or not. Green has been practicing so he appears more likely to suit up. Siemian is a bit more iffy, especially considering the strong showing his backup Paxton Lynch put in last Sunday in relief. We’ll update the status of both of these players whenever new information becomes available.
As reported by: Cameron Wolfe on Twitter Other tagged players: Virgil Green Larry Donnell OUT this week against Packers
Donnell has been going through the NFL concussion protocol and was unable to practice or progress any this week. The team has ruled him out for their Sunday Night game against Green Bay. Will Tye makes for an excellent value option going against a Packers defense that is 19th in TE DVOA.
As reported by: Ralph Vacchiano Other tagged players: Will Tye Eddie Royal remains questionable after missing another practice
Royal has not practiced for the Bears all week – especially disappointing coming off a big game last week and with a plus match up against the Colts. If he can’t go, Cameron Meredith would be the likely beneficiary and would be in play as a value option at WR. We’ll keep you updated on Royal’s status up until kickoff.
As reported by: Dan Wiederer on Twitter Other tagged players: Cameron Meredith Quincy Enunwa did not practice today; questionable for Sunday
Nothing like a late Friday addition to the injury report to shake things up a little bit. Quincy Enunwa, primed for a big game against the Steelers with Eric Decker already ruled out, did not practice today with a sore knee and is questionable for Sunday. He will probably still play but it’s definitely a situation to keep a close eye on Sunday morning.
As reported by: Manish Mehta on Twitter Other tagged players: Eric Decker Dez Bryant still not practicing
The Cowboys top WR did at least go through resistance training on the sidelines but it appears unlikely he will play this week. Brice Butler will be an excellent value option again this week after getting nearly double-digit targets last week. We’ll update you if anything changes regarding Bryant playing.
As reported by: Todd Archer on Twitter Other tagged players: Brice Butler