DFS Alerts

Sam Darnold (Illness) Out Week 2, Likely Several Weeks

Sam Darnold will miss at least Week 2 with mononucleosis. It is possible he misses several weeks with the illness. Trevor Siemian has been name the starter for the Jets until Darnold can return. Siemian last started 2017 Week 15 for the Broncos and is a low level option. He finished that season with a 12-14 TD-INT ratio while averaging 207.7 yards per game.

Injury to a Superstar Should Lead to More Chances for this WR

With Tyreek Hill, Mecole Hardman looks to be in line to fill that role as the 3rd pass catcher in one of the highest octane passing attacks in the NFL. Despite seeing 0 targets, Hardman did show us that he will be on the field plenty, as he played 78% of the teams snaps in week 1. With Hill being ruled out prior to the start of the game, expect Hardman to be more involved in the game-plan against the week Raiders secondary that just allowed 211 yards to the lackluster Denver Broncos passing attack.

Ted Ginn Jr. (Illness) Does Not Practice Wednesday

Ted Ginn Jr. did not practice Wednesday due to an illness. The early week illness designation almost always results in the player being able to play that week. Monitor the injury reports the rest of the week, but Ginn Jr. should be ready to play Week 2.

Tyler Lockett (Back) Does Not Practice Wednesday

This is a new injury designation for Lockett, meaning he likely picked up the injury during Week 1. He was limited to 1 catch on 2 targets for 44 yards and 1 TD. D.K. Metcalf looked much more like the number 1 WR, catching 4 of 6 targets for 89 yards. Metcalf would move right into the number 1 role if Lockett were to miss time.

James Conner (Illness), JuJu Smith-Schuster (Toe) Limited at Practice

Conner and Smith-Schuster were both limited in practice Wednesday. The limited designation means they will probably be able to play Week 2, but it is worth monitoring their statuses throughout the week.

Elite RB in an Underrated Matchup

Kamara took over the backfield in New Orleans with full force in week 1, playing 76% of the snaps while controlling 62% of the teams rushing market share and 18.7% of the target share. Kamara is in full workhorse mode and we saw the Rams get ran over by Christian McCaffrey in week 1. Following a few different offseason losses (Suh and Barron specifically), the Rams defense that had obvious flaws in 2018 failed to make improvements. Last season, LAR allowed 5.1 YPC and 5.5 last week to the Panthers. Kamara should be the clear cut top RB option this week, but value plays give us reason to believe his ownership may be pulled down a bit. Lock and load Kamara on all sites this weekend.

Low Priced RB with Great Receiving Upside and Additional Playing Time

Chris Thompson is in line to receive a direct benefit in terms of volume and DFS upside if Derrius Guice were to be sidelined for the Redskins week 2 matchup against the Cowboys. In week 1, Chris Thompson played 64% of the teams snaps, which resulted in him receiving 13 opportunities in the loss against the Eagles. While he saw just 3 carries, the 10 targets he saw out of the backfield was borderline elite for a PPR value running back. Thompson figures to be in another positive game script with the Cowboys favored on the road here.

Jimmy Graham (Finger) Limited Wednesday

Jimmy Graham was limited in practice Wednesday. He managed to catch the only touchdown of the opening night game, finishing with 6 targets, 3 catches and 30 yards. The touchdown was a promising sign for Graham after he only had 2 touchdowns in 16 games last season. At this point, Graham doesn’t seem like a risk to miss Week 2, but his status will need to be monitored the rest of the week.

J.J. Nelson (Ankle) Does Not Practice Wednesday

Nelson was active Week 1 but did not receive a target. Whether he is healthy or not, expect the offense to go through Darren Waller and Tyrell Williams passing and Josh Jacobs rushing.

Marquise Brown (Hip), Mark Ingram (Shoulder), Chris Moore (Illness) All Limited in Practice

Marquise Brown, Mark Ingram, Chris Moore and Chris Moore were all limited in practice Wednesday. Brown and Ingram both had highly productive Week 1 games, and their injuries won’t be a concern unless they continue to keep them out later this week. Chris Moore played Week 1 but didn’t receive a target, making him a non-factor in fantasy whether he is healthy or not.

The Ravens scored 59 on the Dolphins Week 1 and have a good matchup against the Cardinals in Week 2. If healthy, both Brown and Ingram are in position to produce.

Mike Williams (Knee) Week 2 Availability Unknown

Coach Anthony Lynn said he was, “absolutely” concerned about Mike Williams’ availability for Sunday. Williams had to leave the Week 1 game with a knee injury. With the injury to Hunter Henry, the Chargers are down two main passing targets. Both Keenan Allen and Austin Ekeler should see increased targets going forward.

DeAndre Hopkins Limited, Keke Coutee and Deshaun Watson Full Practice Participants

The Texans had a long injury report this week, although nobody missed practice completely. Keke Coutee was a full participant after missing Week 1, which would lower the value of Kenny Stills. Will Fuller was limited but with a “not injury related” designation, which could simply mean rest. DeAndre Hopkins was limited with a ribs injury, while Deshaun Watson practiced fully with his back injury. It will be important to monitor these injuries the rest of the week, but none of these injuries appear too serious.

Albert Wilson (Hip/Calf) Does Not Practice

Wilson did not participate in practice Wednesday. He was questionable heading into Week 1, played, but ended up re-injuring his calf. He finished with 2 catches on 4 targets for 13 yards, as well as a 1 yard rush. It will be important to watch his practice participation later this week, as he should get a healthy work load when playing. DeVante Parker will be leaned on heavily if Wilson can’t go Week 2.

Will Dissly (Knee) Expected to Play Week 2

TE Will Dissly had to leave Week 1 with a knee injury but is expected to be fine for Week 2, according to coach Pete Carroll. Dissly had the exact same target share as TE Nick Vannett, each receiving 2 of Russell Wilson’s 20 passing attempts. Seattle is going to be a run-heavy offense this season, so there is limited value in Vannett, even if Dissly is out.

Sterling Shepard (Concussion) Does Not Practice

Sterling Shepard did not practice Wednesday. Returning for Week 2 is looking doubtful, meaning more targets available for Cody Latimer and Bennie Fowler. TE Evan Engram will continue to be the top passing weapon in this offense.