DFS Alerts
Chris Godwin (quad) and Antonio Brown (knee) available to play Thursday
Godwin and Brown both fully practiced Wednesday, and are good to go as expected for the NFL opener against the Dallas Cowboys. Brown has been receiving hype all summer, while Godwin should continue to support Brady in his role as a safety blanket and should bank multiple receptions against a weak Cowboys defense.
As reported by: Adam Schefter via Twitter Other tagged players: Antonio Brown
A.J. Brown (knee) not practicing Wednesday
Brown was not practicing during the open portion of practice as the Titans prepare to play the Cardinals. This is likely precautionary, and his status will be more clear closer to Friday.
As reported by: Turron Davenport via Twitter Noah Brown (protocols) activated off Covid-19 list Wednesday
Brown was activated off the Covid list, and is eligible to play against the Buccaneers Thursday. Brown hasn’t practiced the last week and is unlikely to play many snaps behind Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Michael Gallup.
As reported by: the Dallas Cowboys via Twitter Curtis Samuel (groin) listed as DNP Wednesday
Samuel has been dealing with a groin issue all camp, and was making progress towards a return. However, he tweaked something while warming up before practice, and was unable to continue. At this point, it’s looking likely he’ll miss the game. This would lead to more targets for Terry McLaurin, along with Dyami Brown and Logan Thomas.
As reported by: Nicki Jhabvala via twitter Carson Wentz will play Sunday
Frank Reich stated to reporters that Wentz would be going through a full practice, and is clear to play for Sunday. Wentz had a scare earlier in summer, but is good to go and will be a risky option against the Seattle Seahawks.
As reported by: Ian Rapaport via Twitter Rhamondre Stevenson (thumb) hurt in practice, "should be okay" for Sunday
Stevenson dislocated his thumb last week in practice, but there is optimism around his playing status for week 1 against the Miami Dolphins. Should he sit, it would be more snaps for Damien Harris, James White, and JJ Taylor.
As reported by: Jeff Howe via Twitter Danny Amendola signs with Texans
Danny Amendola (35 years old) has been signed by the Texans to a one-year deal. As of now it looks like he will just provide a veteran presence and depth at WR in a lackluster Texans offense and it remains to be seen how quickly he will be available to play. It is worth noting that Amendola is reuniting with Nick Caserio who served on the Patriots staff while he played there and the Texans are running a similar style offense which could help speed up the time it takes Amendola to be fully integrated. He will likely not be DFS relevant any time soon.
As reported by: Tom Pelissero
Latavius Murray released by Saints
Latavius Murray has been released by the Saints on Tuesday. There was chatter that this could be a possibility after Tony Jones Jr. won the RB2 job over the course of training camp and the preseason to backup Alvin Kamara. Murray will likely end up on another team fairly quickly (possibly the Ravens or another team in need of depth at running back) and could play a much more meaningful role for them. As far as DFS players should be concerned this will give both Kamara and Jones a small boost as Murray wasn’t expected to see many snaps this week anyway.
As reported by: Adam Schefter Hunter Henry (shoulder) expected to play Sunday
Hunter Henry expects to play Sunday when the Patriots take on the Miami Dolphins after a shoulder injury forced him to miss all of the preseason. It remains to be seen how much action Henry will see as the Patriots look to be a run-heavy team with both Henry and Jonnu Smith competing for tight end snaps. Until we know more about how the Patriots plan to use either of their free agent acquisition tight ends it might be best to stay away from both, especially at their respective price points where there are other options.
As reported by: NBC Sports Noah Fant (leg) expected to be ready for Sunday
Noah Fant is expected to be ready for Sunday’s game against the Giants after practicing for the first time on Monday since his lower left leg injury that occurred in Week 2 of the preseason. Fant can be considered as a mid-tier option this week for DFS purposes.
As reported by: James Palmer D'Andre Swift "will be ready to go for Week 1" according to Dan Campbell
D’Andre Swift has been dealing with a groin injury that forced him to miss the preseason as well as a few weeks of training camp but “will be ready to go for Week 1” according to Dan Campbell when the Lions are set to take on the San Francisco 49ers at home on Sunday. Swift who is entering his second year is the most talented member of the Detroit backfield but will still be competing for touches with Jamaal Williams (who coaches are high on) and Jermar Jefferson. This, combined with the lackluster Detroit offense and the 49ers stout defense, makes Swift a riskier tournament play this Sunday.
As reported by: Dave Birkett Travis Kelce 2021 Fantasy Outlook
Analysis coming soon.Per RotoGrinders NFL player projections, Travis Kelce is expected to be the fantasy TE1. He’s being drafted on Underdog Fantasy as TE1 at pick 6, compared to his RotoGrinders ranking of 8 as of July. We currently expect a 26% target share which amounts to a projection of 170 targets (Rank 1) and 1441 receiving yards (Rank 1) during the 17 week fantasy season.
Coming off one of the best seasons for a tight end in NFL history, no one argues that Kelce isn’t this year’s TE1. Not only did he lead his position in fantasy points, but he nearly led the entire league—wide receivers included—in receiving yards. Connecting with Mahomes 105 times for 1,416 yards, Kelce finished 128 yards short of Stefon Diggs after Week 17. Drafting Kelce in the mid-first round ultimately gives your team an extra starting wide receiver, something only two other tight ends can potentially provide but with nowhere near the reliability and consistency that accompanies Kelce. Unlike Kittle, Kelce, who has led tight ends in PPR scoring for five consecutive seasons, has no lingering injury concerns. Unlike Waller, Kelce doesn’t have Derek Carr throwing him the ball nor a stud running back eating away touches. Kelce’s age is the sole reason for concern, but the 31-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down.
Mecole Hardman 2021 Fantasy Outlook
Per RotoGrinders NFL player projections, Mecole Hardman is expected to be the fantasy WR54. He’s being drafted on Underdog Fantasy as WR44 at pick 87, compared to his RotoGrinders ranking of 112 as of July. We currently expect a 13% target share which amounts to a projection of 86 targets (Rank 66) and 679 receiving yards (Rank 57) during the 17 week fantasy season.
The third-year wideout from Georgia looks ready to be an every-down receiver in the most prolific offense in the NFL. Though he’s struggled with consistency in his first two seasons, Hardman proved a capable big-play, touchdown threat. He’s played only 45% of Kansas City’s snaps thus far yet managed to find the end zone six times his rookie season and four times in 2020. With Watkins gone and defenses primarily focusing on Kelce and Hill, Hardman is bound to set career-highs in all statistical categories. On any given week, Hardman provides one of the highest ceilings in his range, which is why I’m buying him in Best Ball and will be overweight on him in the early weeks of DFS.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire 2021 Fantasy Outlook
Per RotoGrinders NFL player projections, Clyde Edwards-Helaire is expected to be the fantasy RB14. He’s being drafted on Underdog Fantasy as RB14 at pick 24, compared to his RotoGrinders ranking of 23 as of July. We currently expect 921 yards rushing during the first 17 weeks (Rank 17) with a 54% share of team carries. We also expect a 11% target share which amounts to a projection of 69 targets (Rank 14) and 363 receiving yards (Rank 19).
Having fallen in love with his receiving ability, the Chiefs selected Edwards-Helaire at the end of Round 1 in the 2020 NFL Draft. He instantly catapulted to the top fantasy RB rankings ahead of his rookie season. Despite the Chiefs leading the NFL in yards (415.8 YPG) while averaging more than four touchdowns per game, the hype quickly turned into disappointment. Accounting for only five of KC’s 57 touchdowns a year ago, fantasy owners won’t be fooled again. Following his lackluster rookie campaign, the second-year back has fallen to RB 14 in drafts, which aligns with his projections. But CEH might be worth betting on if he falls below his current ADP in your fantasy draft. While he struggled to find the end zone in 2020, we shouldn’t overreact to the noisy stat. Given Kansas City’s offensive prowess, there’s no question CEH will have his fair share of scoring opportunities if he continues as the team’s primary back.
Tyreek Hill 2021 Fantasy Outlook
Per RotoGrinders NFL player projections, Tyreek Hill is expected to be the fantasy WR2. He’s being drafted on Underdog Fantasy as WR2 at pick 8, compared to his RotoGrinders ranking of 9 as of July. We currently expect a 24% target share which amounts to a projection of 157 targets (Rank 6) and 1423 receiving yards (Rank 4) during the 17 week fantasy season.
Despite last season’s results and this year’s projections, I’m taking Hill before I take any other receiver in my fantasy drafts. Hill’s floor and ceiling is simply too high with a perennial talent like Patrick Mahomes throwing the ball, in an offense that is pass-happy whether they’re 95 or five yards away from the end zone. Moreover, with Watkins departed to Baltimore, Hill could be in store for the most targets of his career.