DFS Alerts
Tyler Eifert misses practice again
While Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis stated there is a chance that Eifert would play this week, it seems unlikely after he missed practice for the second straight day. We’ll keep an eye on the situation as it develops but for now assume it’ll be C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Kroft once again getting the TE work for the Bengals.
As reported by: Jim Owczarski on Twitter Other tagged players: Tyler Kroft, C.J. Uzomah
Dan Bailey questionable; Cowboys might have to bring in another kicker
The Cowboys kicker did not practice today and his status is uncertain for this weekend. The team might have to bring in another kicker. For those playing on sites that utilize the kicker, it’s a situation to monitor – regardless, Bailey is a high-risk play so it’s probably best to avoid him if you’re playing Thursday lock slates.
As reported by: Andrew Siciliano on Twitter Latavius Murray plans to test toe today; Clive Walford questionable
It had been previously reported that Raiders RB Latavius Murray was doubtful for this weeks game – we should know with more certainty soon as he plans to test out his injured toe in practice today. TE Clive Walford is also an injury concern as media has stated he is “no sure bet” with his knee injury. We’ll update these injury situations as soon as we have more information.
As reported by: Adam Caplan on Twitter Other tagged players: Clive Walford Cam Newton not practicing again
As the week progresses, Newton not practicing brings into question whether he will be cleared from the NFL concussion protocol in time for the Panthers Monday Night game against Tampa Bay. It’s a great match up and Derek Anderson would be a viable value QB option if the reigning league MVP can not play. We’ll keep a close eye on this situation and update it as more information becomes available.
As reported by: Joe Person on Twitter Other tagged players: Derek Anderson Eric Decker not practicing again
Decker and CB Darrelle Revis are both at practice without helmets, a sign they will sit this one out. Decker is not expected to play this week when the Jets travel to Pittsburgh making Quincy Enunwa a viable DFS option against a so-so Steelers secondary. Revis has struggled this season (graded in the bottom 10 of Pro Football Focus CB rankings) so him not playing wouldn’t necessarily be a downgrade for the Jets pass defense. If anything changes regarding Decker’s status, we’ll let you know.
As reported by: Andy Vasquez on Twitter Other tagged players: Quincy Enunwa With Latavius Murray doubtful, which Raiders RB do we target?
Sources have stated that Raiders starting RB Latavius Murray is doubtful to play this week against the Chargers with a toe injury. He’d been losing touches over the past few weeks to DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard anyway and those two should receive the bulk of the work if Murray sits with Jamize Olawale getting some short yardage and goal line work. Washington is probably the most talented of the three backs and was a preseason darling. If the previous four games are any indication (Washington 29 opportunities to Richard’s 24), Washington should get about 60% of the touches and is the best play of the three. He’ll also be talked up and have high ownership given his cheap price so there’s merit to using Richard as a leverage play/pivot. The Chargers for what it’s worth are 21st in RB Run game DVOA and 25th in RB Pass game DVOA so it’s a positive match up for whichever back is getting the ball.
As reported by: Adam Schefter on Twitter Other tagged players: DeAndre Washington, Jalen Richard, Jamize Olawale Redskins sign Safety Donte Whitner, instantly improving rushing defense
Washington opened the year with David Bruton and DeAngelo Hall starting in the safety positions. Hall suffered a season-ending knee injury and Bruton has been absolutely terrible in run support, ranking last in the league at his position. Bruton has been placed on the IR to make room for hard-hitting Donte Whitner. As some may recall, this is the guy that once claimed he would legally change his last name to “Hitner.” Needless to say, he will be a big upgrade to a rushing defense that’s allowed two touchdowns per game on average and places dead last in rushing DVOA. His presence makes the matchup a little tougher for Terrance West, who is already going to lose some snaps to Kenneth Dixon.
As reported by: Marc Sessler Other tagged players: Terrance West
Kenny Britt misses practice Wednesday
He’s dealing with a thigh issue he’s had since last week. As with most Rams, he’s not a strong DFS option; he’s had exactly four receptions in three of the four games so far and hasn’t scored a touchdown yet. It doesn’t help that he has Case Keenum thowing to him, the quarterback is completing just 55% of his passes this season. They play Buffalo this weekend, a team that’s only allowed two touchdown passes the entire year. There are better options available.
As reported by: Joe Curley Latavius Murray misses practice Wednesday
Oakland’s starting running back has been using a walking boot the past few days due to a toe injury. At this point it’s unclear if he’ll play Sunday. Although he has three touchdowns on the season, Murray hasn’t managed over 15 touches in a single game. In terms of rushing yards, he’s only 28 yards ahead the team’s third running back, Jalen Richard. There has been a committee-style approach with those two and DeAndre Washington, which has cut into Murray’s fantasy potential. If Latavius can’t play this Sunday, DeAndre Washington should be the feature back, picking up a nice upgrade; he’s just $3,400 on DraftKings.
As reported by: Scott Bair Other tagged players: DeAndre Washington Jeremy Hill added to injury report
Cincinnati listed him with a chest injury on Wednesday’s injury report and kept him limited in practice, but it does not appear to be anything serious. Hill has gone from nine carries in Week 1 to 21 in Week 4, increasing his workload each week along the way. He’s been pretty non-existent in the passing game though, leaving those duties to Giovani Bernard. Outside of Week 2, their snap counts have been virtually even. Both backs end up becoming game flow and touchdown dependent. Dallas plays a very slow game, the second slowest in the league in terms of pace. This further limits Hill’s upside, which is already stifled by a 50/50 timeshare.
As reported by: Paul Dehner Jr. Frank Gore misses practice Wednesday
Gore has an apparent chest injury, the details of which were not immediately available. The veteran has been incredibly consistent this year, scoring a touchdown in each of his last three games. He averages over 19 touches per game, good for 39.7% of the Colts’ total workload. His fantasy production has increased each week so far. Indianapolis gets Chicago on Sunday, a team that’s allowed the seventh-most rushing yards this season. There’s a good chance this chest injury isn’t anything major; assuming so, he’s worth consideration, particularly in cash games. His ceiling may be somewhat limited, but he’s had a consistently high floor at a cheap price.
As reported by: George Bremer Matt Forte has a limited practice Wednesday
He’s dealing with injuries to his knee and ribs. Forte is on track to play Week 5 against the Steelers, but he’s probably not a strong DFS option. In addition to the injuries and his age, Bilal Powell has taken over for more passing down work; he’s had 6 catches each of the past two weeks. Jets are 7.5-point underdogs, and based on how they’re playing right now, they’re likely to fall behind early and start throwing the ball. Forte began the season hot, but may already be running out of gas. Against the Seahawks he looked like he lost his pop. On the other hand, Powell trucked a couple defenders on his few carries (4 for 26 yards). Although the Jets haven’t said anything, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Powell increase his share of the workload. With Powell doing so well, it would make sense for them to limit Forte’s touches so the oft-injured veteran can last the season.
As reported by: Pro Football Talk Other tagged players: Bilal Powell Clive Walford (leg) misses Wednesday's practice
With Lee Smith being placed on IR, the Raiders are going to need Walford healthy or they’ll be forced to turn to Mychal Rivera. Walford left Sunday’s game with the Ravens, but apparently could have returned which does bode well for his Week 5 status. We’ll keep an eye on his practice participation through the rest of the week, which should give us a good idea of his status for Sunday.
As reported by: Paul Gutierrez
Eric Ebron (ankle, knee) not expected to play in Week 5
Ebron is dealing with injuries to his ankle and knee, and isn’t likely to suit up on Sunday as a result. He hasn’t been officially ruled out just yet, but could be as soon as tomorrow. Cole Wick would seemingly take on Ebron’s role against Philadelphia, although it’s not a good draw for TEs or for the Lions offense in general. Wick wouldn’t be a recommended DFS option even as the starter.
As reported by: Adam Caplan Other tagged players: Cole Wick Alshon Jeffery, Ka'Deem Carey limited on Wednesday
Both players were able to get in a limited practice, which bodes well for their chances of suiting up Sunday. Jeffery is the far better bet to play, as he hasn’t been limited in games and with the Bears now missing Kevin White, they’ll desperately need his play-making abilities. Expect Jeffery to exceed his season-high total of seven targets assuming he’s able to make it through Sunday unscathed. As for Carey, he’ll need to get another few practices in before it actually looks like he’ll be back in the fold. We’ll continue updating throughout the week.
As reported by: Brad Biggs Other tagged players: Ka'Deem Carey