DFS Alerts
DeAngelo Williams on the outside looking in...
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin stated that DeAngelo Williams is on the outside looking in when regarding whether he will play this weekend but that he would “leave the door open for him.” It appears unlikely that Williams will play based on that which means it’ll be more Fitzgerald Touissant and Jordan Todman this week. Both showed promise last week but it’s a tough match up against a top notch Broncos defense. On a four game slate, however, beggars can’t afford to be choosers and both backs are worthy of GPP consideration.
As reported by: Ed Bouchette on Twitter
Davante Adams looks unlikely to play this week
Sources have stated that it is unlikely Davante Adams will play this week against the Cardinals. This likely means more targets for the current top receiving threats for the Packers – Randall Cobb, James Jones, and Richard Rodgers – but Jared Abbrederis could emerge as a sneaky value option with Adams out. Abbrederis did manage two catches for 14 yards after Adams left with injury this past weekend. We’ll update Adams status heading up to their Saturday kickoff as we learn more.
As reported by: Rob Demovsky on Twitter Antonio Brown "not looking good" for Sunday
This is a big change from what was being reported earlier, and Brown still has plenty of time to clear the concussion protocol, so we shouldn’t write him off yet. It’s going to be much tougher sledding for Ben Roethlisberger (who is likely to play) if Brown is unable to go, but the target totals for Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton will rise. Denver has been very good against opposing WRs so it’s also very possible that Heath Miller gets more involved this week. Bryant and Wheaton shouldn’t struggle due to lack of target volume, but the Denver defense does keep their floors fairly low. We’ll continue to update Brown’s status throughout the week.
As reported by: Bob Holtzman Other tagged players: Martavis Bryant, Markus Wheaton
Antonio Brown appears more likely to play than sit on Sunday
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac reports Antonio Brown (concussion) “should be able to play” Sunday against the Broncos. The hit he took from Vontaze Burflict has been well chronicled in recent days and will very likely lead to a suspension for Burflict, but it doesn’t look like it’ll cause Brown to miss any time. He’s going to be the top overall option at WR if he suits up – he torched this defense for 16-189-2 a few weeks back. Denver will surely scheme to try to take him away after that performance, but Brown is very difficult to slow down. His biggest hinderence may be the health of Ben Roethlisberger, who didn’t appear able to throw the ball more than 15 yards downfield when he returned on Saturday night. If Brown sits, Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton would both pick up more value, but would also be easier for the Denver defense to key in on.
As reported by: Pittsburgh Post Gazette Other tagged players: Markus Wheaton, Martavis Bryant DeAngelo Williams status remains uncertain, visiting foot specialist
DeAngelo Williams’ status for this weekend is still up in the air, and it doesn’t seem like he’s any better than a 50-50 shot to suit up. Fitz Toussaint and Jordan Todman filled in admirably considering neither back had seen much work during the regular season, with Toussaint being the bigger factor overall. Toussaint would remain a viable punt play if he draws another start, but neither him or Todman would be viable if Williams returns. The Pittsburgh backfield does not have a good draw against a stout Denver defense, but Williams would be a viable GPP option if he returns. He’d still be a few tiers below David Johnson as far as potential RB plays go.
As reported by: Jim Trotter Other tagged players: Fitzgerald Toussaint, Jordan Todman Jonathan Stewart expected to play this week
Stewart should be ready to roll this weekend after missing the Panthers last couple of regular season games with a foot injury. With Stewart back, Cameron Artis-Payne will no longer be seeing much (if any) work, but Mike Tolbert still figures to see his normal allotment of snaps. Stewart is a nice GPP option at home against the Seahawks – Seattle stifled Adrian Peterson yesterday and Stewart is fresh off an injury, so he isn’t a recommended cash game play. Game flow should work in Stewart’s favor, but this one is expected to stay close and has a fairly low total.
As reported by: Adam Schefter on Twitter Antonio Brown reportedly in concussion protocol
Per a source it has been reported that star Steelers WR Antonio Brown is in the league’s concussion protocol after taking a brutal hit at the end of their win against the Bengals on Saturday. It’d be a huge loss for the Steelers if he is unable to go with Martavis Bryant being the biggest benefactor and Darius Heyward-Bey moving to the #3 WR spot as Markus Wheaton would take over Bryant’s #2 role. We’ll keep you updated over the course of the week as Brown’s situation becomes more clear.
As reported by: Adam Schefter on Twitter Matt Jones inactive against Packers
Matt Jones was able to get in practice time this week, listed as a limited participant, but the Redskins must feel he has not recovered yet from his hip injury. Alfred Morris will once again be the lead and early-down back and the Redskins will use recently-signed veteran Pierre Thomas as their receiving back and change-of-pace option with Chris Thompson as the team’s 3rd back. Morris is also in line to handle the majority of the goal line work. The Packers come into the Wild Card round of the playoffs ranked #12 vs. RB’s in DvP rankings after 17 weeks.
As reported by: Andrew Siciliano Other tagged players: Alfred Morris, Pierre Thomas, Chris Thompson
Jeremy Maclin avoids torn ACL - has high-ankle sprain
Jeremy Maclin’s MRI has revealed that he did not tear his ACL, though he did still come out of the Chiefs’ win with a high-ankle sprain. Maclin is highly questionable to be available for the Chiefs as they travel to New England to face the Patriots in the divisional round. Tight End Travis Kelce would be the biggest benefactor for looks from QB Alex Smith if Maclin is to miss next week’s game. Kelce had a big game against the Houston Texans for the 2nd time this season with 8 catches for 128 yards on 10 targets in yesterday’s 30-0 rout.
As reported by: Adam Schefter Matt Jones not expected to be active for Wild Card
NFL Network’s Jeff Darlington has reported that Matt Jones is not expected to be active, but has not been officially ruled out yet.
As reported by: Jeff Darlington Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown injured and questionable for Divisional Round
Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder) and Antonio Brown (concussion) were both injured late in the 4th quarter of the Steelers’ win on Saturday. Albert Breer has reported that the Steelers believe Big Ben has a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder after Vontaze Burfict fell on Roethlisberger while sacking him. Vontaze Burfict also hit Antonio Brown with an illegal shot to the head, concussing Brown and effectively ending the Bengals’ season with the penalty, putting the Steelers in position to kick a field goal and take the lead with under 30 seconds remaining. Adam Schefter has reported that Burfict is looking at a suspension for his hit on Brown and he will certainly receive a fine. Roethlisberger is headed for an MRI today and there is no guarantee he will be available next week when the Steelers travel to Denver to take on the Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round next Sunday. The Steelers will hope the extra day will allow Antonio Brown to get cleared from his concussion in time for the game. There remains a possibility that the Steelers will be without their two best players next weekend.
As reported by: Albert Breer Other tagged players: Antonio Brown Tamba Hali, Justin Houston & Dee Ford all active for Chiefs DST
After not getting in any practice time this week nursing thumb and knee injuries, Tamba Hali will suit up for the Chiefs as they travel to Houston. Justin Houston (knee) and Dee Ford (concussion, wrist) are both also active for the game which can only help a Chiefs defense who comes in having allowed 17 or less points the last 4 weeks. With the Texans’ left tackle Duane Brown out, the Chiefs DST could have a couple more opportunities to sack Brian Hoyer or force a bad pass. The Chiefs defense has recorded 5 interceptions in their last 4 games to go along with 13 sacks, 1 fumble recovery and 2 TD’s (1 INT and 1 fumble return).
As reported by: BJ Kissel Marshawn Lynch out on Sunday
After practicing in full all week, there have been mixed reports on whether Marshawn Lynch (abdomen) had a setback in practice on Friday. Sheil Kapadia reported last night that Lynch suffered a setback in practice on Friday, while Ed Werder has reported today that Lynch’s decision to not get on the team bus “seemed very sudden” and that he did not suffer a setback in practice on Friday. With Lynch out, the Seahawks will travel to Minnesota to face the Vikings with Christine Michael expected in the lead back role with Bryce Brown as the back-up and Fred Jackson as the passing-down back. The Vikings come in ranked #9 against RB’s in DvP rankings. The last three weeks the Vikings have been stingy against the run, holding all 3 opponents below 95 yards rushing and with 0 TD’s: 94 yards and 0 TD’s – Bears, 91 yards and 0 TD’s – Giants, 76 yards and 0 TD’s – Packers.
As reported by: Ed Werder Nate Washington, Cecil Shorts probable for Saturday
Both Nate Washington and Cecil Shorts are probable for Saturday’s Wild Card game against the Chiefs. It’s very tough to target either of these guys when both are active. Jaelen Strong has also come on in the last few weeks of the regular season, so rostering any of the Texans secondary receivers doesn’t seem like a strong move. DeAndre Hopkins obviously remains a strong play, but he’s the only Houston pass-catcher you can have much confidence in.
As reported by: Aaron Wilson Other tagged players: Cecil Shorts DeAngelo Williams officially ruled out for this week
As expected, Williams will not play this weekend leaving Fitzgerald Toussaint and Jordan Todman to handle the load for the Steelers running game. Neither are particularly enviable DFS targets but on a four game slate they do provide some value – Toussaint is likely to get more of the work so is the preferred option of the two. Toussaint has not impressed with the limited work he’s received this year, but it’s harder to gauge backs who only receive sporadic carries.
As reported by: Burt Lauten on Twitter