DFS Alerts
Christine Michael in line for heavy workload with Rawls and Prosise likely inactive
As expected, Thomas Rawls and CJ Prosise are likely to be inactive against the 49ers. Christine Michael is one of the few backs we can safely project for 20+ carries. He’ll face a 49ers run defense that allowed 100 yards to Fozzy Whitaker last week on just 16 carries.
As reported by: Adam Schefter
Orleans Darkwa expected to pick up some of Jennings' workload
With Rashad Jennings ruled out Orleans Darkwa could potentially see 9-13 carries off the bench and possibly some goal line work. Shane Vereen is still the safe bet for passing downs but it’s hard to envision Vereen getting significantly more work than he already was. Vereen actually out-snapped Jennings last week playing 51% of the offensive snaps.
As reported by: ESPN Other tagged players: Shane Vereen Delanie Walker out against Raiders
After a big Week 2 performance, Walker will be inactive against the Oakland Raiders and the league’s worst pass defense. Both Tajae Sharpe and Demarco Murray should see increased usage in his absence. Mariota will be a popular fantasy quarterback in an ideal matchup, and even without his favorite target he should be able to produce in a game that could turn into a shootout. Anthony Fasano will start in Walker’s place.
As reported by: Ian Rapoport
Andrew Luck is starting per Jason La Canfora
With the Vegas line moving against the Colts, some have speculated that Andrew Luck’s shoulder may sideline him. The line opened at Colts +3 but has moved to even. Jason La Canfora confirmed that Andrew Luck is starting. Luck was limited in practice this week but Coach Pagano has maintained that Luck’s status is not in doubt despite the questionable injury tag.
As reported by: Jason Lc Canfora Buffalo to play without CB Ronald Darby, Michael Floyd will matchup with rookie Kevon Seymour
Darby’s absence provides an immediate boost to the Cardinals passing game as the Bills will now play rookie Kevon Seymour. Darby has been the highest graded corner on the Bills this season by Pro Football Focus, scoring 77.9. He’s played on the right side on 97% of the Bills’ defensive snaps this year and it looks like Seymour will step into a similar role while Nickell Roby-Coleman stays focused on Larry Fitzgerald in the slot. Michael Floyd gets the biggest boost as he lines up on the right side the most on the Cardinals, although Fitzgerald has gotten out there on 26% of snaps this season. Floyd does make it to the opposite side on 35% of their plays, which is another nice matchup with Stephen Gilmore, PFF’s 9th-lowest ranked corner (grade of 39). Gilmore will see a healthy dose of John Brown as well, who has gotten off to a very slow start. Carson Palmer should be able to take advantage of this week secondary. Game flow may hurt his volume, but Cardinal stacks are in play.
As reported by: Joe Buscaglia Other tagged players: Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown, Carson Palmer Jose Iglesias scratched, Romine in
Take him out of your lineup
Alshon Jeffrey to play Sunday night
Despite being held out of practice Thursday and having a questionable tag, he’ll suit up against Dallas. Brian Hoyer will be throwing the rock instead of Jay Cutler, which may actually be a good thing considering how much Hoyer leaned on #1 WR DeAndre Hopkins when he played for the Texans last season. Due to their offensive struggles so far, Vegas has Chicago’s implied total at a meager 18.75. If it’s any consolation, they’re 6.5 point underdogs and should be throwing a lot, likely in Alshon’s direction.
As reported by: Adam Schefter Kevin Roth's weather updated
Most games should be in good shape, but there are a few to keep an eye on, especially the three games in Florida (MIA vs CLE, TB vs LA, and JAX vs BAL). It’s currently raining in Kansas City where the Chiefs will host the Jets, although it’s expected to ease up by kickoff. Take a look at all of the games he’s tracking to stay updated.
As reported by: Kevin Roth Dolphins will treat Kenyan Drake as starter
Earlier this week Arian Foster was confirmed out. Most have assumed that Jay Ajayi would pick up additional carries in Forster’s absence. That does not appear to be the case though. The Dolphis plan to treat Kenyan Drake as their starter. Drake is available for $3700 on DraftKings and $5900 on FanDuel. Drake is not in cash consideration though with the plethora of cheap running backs available. Mostly this news just eliminates Ajayi from consideration.
Jamaal Charles out against Jets
Not too much of a surprise as he was listed as doubtful all week and all indications pointed to him taking another week off. Spencer Ware will again be the starter, he’s averaging 6 yards a carry thus far. After going off Week 1 against the Chargers, he was a bit quieter last week in Houston with 10 carries, 2 receptions, and no touchdowns. Today he’ll go up against a New York Jets defense that’s been strong against the run and susceptible through the air. It may be a good spot to take advantage of his PPR value on sites like DraftKings. Against San Diego he caught 7 receptions for 129 yards in an overtime game.
As reported by: Adam Schefter Other tagged players: Spencer Ware Rashad Jennings out against Redskins
The Giants had said all week that Jennings would play with a cast to protect his thumb, but they’ve decided to sit their starting running back instead. Shane Vereen, who has seen a virtual tie in snap count through two games, should see a nice uptick in production. He should be the clear lead dog today as New York hasn’t really used a third RB yet this season, although Orleans Darkwa will get some work. Vereen is involved with the passing game, providing solid PPR value.
As reported by: Ian Rapoport Other tagged players: Shane Vereen Brandon Marshall on snap count
We’re not exactly clear on what that number will be. Earlier in the week, Marshall said his injured knee wasn’t where he wanted it to be in the rehab process. Quincy Enunwa picked up 7 receptions and a touchdown last week against the Bills while Marshall missed a chunk of the game. He’s a legitimate receiver and definitely worth consideration. However, the Chiefs pass defense is better than Buffalo and the game has a low total of 42.5.
As reported by: Adam Schefter Other tagged players: Quincy Enunwa Sammy Watkins out against Cardinals
The foot injury that kept him out of practice all week will prevent him from suiting up this afternoon. With a new offensive coordinator and limited options at receiver, the Bills offense may be in trouble today in a tough matchup. LeSean McCoy seems to be the only viable option as he should see a lot of volume.
As reported by: Adam Schefter Other tagged players: LeSean McCoy Sammy Watkins a true GTD
We won’t know whether he’s playing until warmups, although it’s probably best to avoid him either way. He looked very uncomfortable last week against the Jets, a game in which he struggled to a 2-catch 20-yard performance. Clearly, the foot is still an issue and he won’t be 100% if he suits up. Buffalo’s offense in general, outside of LeSean McCoy, is not a good target this week. They face a strong Cardinals defense without many receiving options behind Watkins, severely limiting Tyrod Taylor’s upside. Goodwin and Salas put up nice numbers last week, but nearly all of their fantasy points came on two plays in blown coverage. Keep in mind they fired their offensive coordinator last week, creating a bit of chaos in Buffalo. The Cardinals defense is certainly in play this week, although you should consider a couple factors: one, the Cardinals are traveling from the west coast for a 1pm game, which historically has a negative impact; two, the game total is a bit high at 47. For what it’s worth 73% of the bets have been on the Cardinals with the spread, yet the line has moved against them from -6 to -3.5 according to Vegas Insider consensus line movements. Shark money seems to be coming in on the Bills, which has raised their team’s implied total.
As reported by: Jason La Canfora Hunter Henry a contrarian GPP option at minimum price
Without a doubt this is a high risk/high reward type of play that should be nowhere near your cash lineups. Henry hasn’t had too much work in the passing game yet this year, because he’s been such an efficient blocker. Of course, he’s behind Antonio Gates in the passing game as well. With Gates probably sidelined this weekend, he’ll be the lead receiving tight end for the Chargers for the first time. He was a stellar receiving TE in college at Arkansas so we know he can produce. It’s also a good sign that Philip Rivers promised the rookie his “catches are coming.” Considering the Chargers are running out of people to throw the ball to, the Colts defense has been extremely bad, and Vegas has this game pegged as a 51-point shootout with a 1.5-point spread, Henry could eat. Fellow min-salary TE, Trey Burton, will be getting a lot of attention since he’s shown he can be productive. Dennis Pitta and Jacob Tamme are two more cheap options that will be popular. No one will be on Henry. We have his projected ownership at 1.5% on FanDuel, which makes him a sneaky, albeit very risky, GPP player.
As reported by: Eric D. Williams