DFS Alerts

Cowboys WR Michael Gallup Expected to Play Against Packers

Gallup did an excellent job stretching the field for the Cowboys before his injury and he appears to be ready to continue a breakout 2019 campaign. Although Gallup is projected only a 14% target share at home vs. the Packers, he is an interesting tournament option because Amari Cooper could see a lot of CB Jaire Alexander, who is currently the top-rated corner in the NFL by PFF.

Vikings WR Stefon Diggs is Making the Trip to New Jersey with the Team

There was a lot of drama this week surrounding Vikings star WRs Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen. Diggs mysteriously did not practice this week, but this news bodes well for his chances to take the field Sunday against the Giants.

Colts Promote CB Shakail Taylor from Practice Squad to Active Roster Due to Injuries in Secondary

The Colts are very banged up in the secondary and just brought a guy up from the practice squad to try to slow down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs on Sunday Night Football. At 57 points, this game features the highest O/U in 2019 thus far, and the Chiefs are projected to score 34 of those points. The Colts rank 22nd in adjusted fantasy points allowed to wide receivers, and the Chiefs rank first in passing EPA (shocker).

If you are playing tournaments on sites where this game is on the main slate, you are certainly going to want exposure to a Kansas City pass catcher, especially if WR Sammy Watkins (shoulder) ends up being ruled out. With Kansas City possessing three capable running backs because of the return of Damien Williams, it is going to be difficult to differentiate from the masses on Showdown slates and fade a Kansas City aerial assault. The Colts’ injury woes only add to the immense potential the Chiefs offense has in this prime time matchup.

Packers Upgrade CB Kevin King (Groin) from Doubtful to Questionable for Cowboys Game

King now appears to have a shot at playing in Sunday’s showdown in Dallas. His return would provide a boost to an already excellent Packers secondary against the Cowboys, who are likely getting back WR Michael Gallup this weekend.

Browns CBs Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams Questionable for Monday Night Vs. 49ers

The talented Browns defense may get Ward and Williams back after playing two consecutive games without them. The Browns were able to hold Lamar Jackson and the Ravens in check last week with backups starting in the secondary, but the return of their starting CBs would no doubt be a boost to their defense as they look to knock off the undefeated 49ers on Monday Night.

Patriots RB Rex Burkhead Downgraded to Out for Tomorrow's Game

With Burkhead out, the Patriots backfield just became slightly easier to project for volume, but it is still very uncertain as always. Burkhead’s 41% snap share will be divided among Sony Michel and James White for the most part, while Brandon Bolden and Damien Harris could factor in, too. Although Washington’s run defense ranks in the middle of the pack, a Patriot running back could go off here due to projected game script. The Patriots have the highest implied total of any team on the main slate and are 15-point road favorites. Check back when inactives come out to see if Harris is a healthy scratch again. If so, Michel would be a much stronger tournament play this weekend.

Steelers Release TE Xavier Grimble (Injury Settlement)

The Steelers released TE Xavier Grimble on an injury settlement. Grimble was on IR with a calf injury and leaves the Steelers with Vance McDonald and Nick Vannett as their top TEs.

Patriots TE Benjamin Watson Out Tomorrow Against Redskins

Watson’s season debut following his suspension will wait another week. He did not travel with the team to Washington, leaving Matt LaCosse and Ryan Izzo as the Patriots top tight ends. LaCosse and Izzo are not recommend for DFS this weekend.

Bills QB Josh Allen (Concussion) Expected to Play Vs. Titans

Allen has cleared concussion protocol following the massive hit he took vs. the Patriots last week in the second half. Though this is undoubtedly an upgrade for the Bills over journeyman Matt Barkley, Allen and the Bills offense should be avoided for DFS purposes. The O/U sits below 40, even with Allen’s return. The Titans have allowed the fourth-lowest rushing success rate of teams playing on the main slate, so the Bills’ RBBC and Allen will likely have a tough time getting things going on the ground. Arguably the biggest impact of Allen’s presence under center are the prospects for WR John Brown, who is nothing more than a large-field GPP dart throw this weekend.

This High Upside RBs Monster Volume Going Overlooked?

Aaron Jones is going quite overlooked this week thanks to a tough matchup against the Cowboys; however, the absence of Jamaal Williams and Davante Adams is going to force Jones into elite company in terms of usage here. Last week, Jamaal Williams went down with a concussion early in the 1st quarter, Jones went onto play 84% of the snaps, which is 23% high than his season average. His target and rushing market shares were also above season average in week 4 due to the Williams injury and with Williams remaining out and now star WR Adams being inactive, Jones could be more heavily relied upon in both the rushing and passing games.

Under-used WR With A Potential Squeaky Wheel

Stefon Diggs has been one of the most under utilized players in all of football so far this year, and now the Vikings get to take on a Giants team that has struggled to stop anyone this year. Diggs is obviously a very risky play, but this week could be the week the Vikings finally move towards being a more balanced team instead of being extremely run heavy. The Vikings passing attack has really struggled this year, and with frustrations being voiced from star WRs Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, I expect the Vikings to look to pass much more in the coming weeks. This is not to say they will turn into an air raid team, but the Vikings are currently averaging under 25 passing attempts per game this year, that is not a sustainable number in today’s NFL, so they will have to look to pass more. I have tagged Diggs on FD only as his price is far too cheap at 6k for someone who is arguably a top 12 WR in the league in a matchup against the Giants. It does not take much volume for someone like Diggs to make value, especially in a matchup like this one.

Value WR Poised For Larger Role in Week 5

KeeSean Johnson is one of my favorite value WRs this week thanks to a couple of banged up Cardinals WRs. With Byrd and Kirk either unlikely to play or already ruled out, Johnson should step into the WR2 role here in a very good matchup against the Bengals. Johnson only played 65% of snaps last week, but that number is due to go up with Kirk being sidelined. Trent Sherfield is the only issue here as he played nearly 85% of snaps last week, but looking at the snap counts from week 1 (Johnson played 74% of snaps while Sherfield played just 6% and only 7% and 4% in the following weeks), Johnson is my pick to assume the larger role this week in the absence of the Cardinals number 1 WR. The absence of Kirk leaves 23% of the teams targets and 27% of the team air yards left on the table, Johnson is a prime candidate to add to his numbers of 11% target share and 14% air yards share thanks to Kirk’s vacated numbers.

Brandin Cooks Enters Concussion Protocol

Cooks picked up his concussion near the end of the Rams’ Week 5 game. He was reportedly not showing any symptoms Friday, so he has a chance at being healthy for next week. .

Demaryius Thomas (Hamstring), Josh Bellamy (Shoulder) Questionable Week 5

Both Thomas and Bellamy are questionable Week 5. Sam Darnold has been ruled out, meaning Luke Falk will QB for the Jets against the Eagles, limiting the upside of this offense.

Damiere Byrd (Hamstring) Questionable Week 5

Byrd is listed as questionable Week 5, although earlier in the week it was reported he was unlikely to play. There are extra targets available with Christian Kirk out, but he should be considered somewhere between questionable and doubtful.