DFS Alerts

Antonio Brown Asks Raiders to Release Him

Antonio Brown posted a lengthy message on Instagram asking the Oakland Raiders to release him. This craziness is the latest development in the saga between Brown and the team. Initially, he was expected to be suspended after getting into a verbal altercation with GM Mike Mayock, and then he was expected to play Monday night after apologizing to the team.

Jeff Darlington also Tweeted at 9:30 AM: “I just got an email from Antonio Brown. He tells me the team “took away my guarantees.” He added there’s “no way I play after they took that and made my contract week to week.” So at this moment, once again, don’t expect AB to play on Monday Night Football.”

Now, we should once again anticipate that AB won’t be on the field against Denver, which is obviously a huge blow to Derek Carr and the explosiveness of the Raider offense. If you are a bettor, keep tabs on the spread of this game, as the line has moved dramatically since Mayock and AB’s spat was announced.

Demaryius Thomas (Hamstring), TE Matt LaCosse (Ankle) Questionable

WR Demaryius Thomas and TE Matt LaCosse both have been limited in practice this week and are questionable for the Patriots’ opener Sunday night. If LaCosse is out, Ryan Izzo would be the only healthy TE on the roster (Benjamin Watson and Lance Kendricks are both suspended this week). The Patriots are deeper at WR, with Julian Edelman and Josh Gordon at the top of the depth chart.

WR Phillip Dorsett would benefit from Thomas being out, as he showed great chemistry with Tom Brady during the preseason and could be in line for an expanded role in his 3rd season with the Patriots. Last season was his most productive in New England and it saw an interesting shift in his play. He averaged just 9.1 yards per reception last season compared to 16.2 the previous season. However, he caught 76.2% of his targets, so he was a high efficiency look for Brady.

Alshon Jeffery (Biceps) Not on Injury Report for Week 1

Alshon Jeffery is not listed as questionable for Week 1, meaning the biceps injury he suffered in practice earlier this week won’t keep him out.

Albert Wilson (Hip/Calf) Questionable Week 1

Albert Wilson is questionable for Week 1 against the Ravens. The Dolphins already have the lowest implied total of the week at just 15.5 points. Without Wilson, Jakeem Grant and Preston Williams will both move up a spot, but there likely aren’t many yards or points to go around in this offense.

Antonio Brown (Conduct) Playing Week 1

Jon Gruden announced the Antonio Brown has rejoined the team and will be playing Monday night for the Raiders. This caps off a wild week, where Brown has gone from a seemingly certain suspension to missing no time. Brown immediately is an elite option at WR and boosts Derek Carr significantly.

Stefon Diggs (Hamstring) Questionable Week 1

Stefon Diggs is officially questionable heading into Week 1, although he did practice again today. His status will need to be monitored going forward but expect to see Diggs playing, along with a healthy Vikings offense.

LT Cam Robinson (Knee) Doubtful, Backup Cedric Ogbuehi (Hamstring) Out

The Jaguars are likely without their top two options at left tackle, with Robinson officially doubtful and Ogbuehi out. That means Will Richardson will start, a 4th round pick in the 2018 draft that is yet to play an NFL regular season game. This could be trouble for Nick Foles and the Jaguars’ passing offense.

Jordan Reed (Concussion) Still Limited and in Concussion Protocol

There weren’t any changes to Reed’s status Friday. He continues to practice in a limited capacity and still has not passed the concussion protocol. Expect an update Saturday. Vernon Davis and Jeremy Sprinkle would fill in for Reed, with Davis the better play at TE. QB Case Keenum would take a hit if Reed is out.

Keke Coutee (Ankle) Likely Game-Time Decision Monday

Coach Bill O’Brien indicated the Coutee’s status for the Texan’s opener on Monday night could come down to a workout prior to the game. Injuries have been the biggest issue of Coutee’s young career. He debuted last season with 11 catches and 109 yards in Week 4 but only managed 6 games on the season. Given the past issues, the Texans would likely rest him if it is a close call, especially considering they have Kenny Stills available. Stills would see a nice bump and be heavily involved in 3 WR sets if Coutee is out.

Odell Beckham Jr. (Hip) Full Practice Participant

Odell Beckham Jr. practiced fully Friday, with coach Freddie Kitchens saying “Odell’s ready to go.” The early week reports regarding OBJ were similar, but yesterday it was Beckham who created some doubt. Beckham said the hip was still keeping him at less than 100%, and the full practice participation does not change that. There is some risk with Beckham this week, but even at less than 100% he has the ability to produce. If you are concerned about his ability to be himself, Jarvis Landry would be a nice pivot.

Marquise Brown (Foot) Will Play Week 1

Brown will play Week 1 for the Ravens, giving Lamar Brown a big play threat. It appears that Brown missing practice Friday was just related to rest rather than his surgically repaired foot. If he is near 100% you can expect the Ravens to create some interesting looks for Brown, as coach John Harbaugh had talked about getting him involved in the offense. As Brown showed at Oklahoma, he can create explosive plays and could hit value off a single catch.

Tyler Kroft (Foot) Limited in Practice

Tyler Kroft was limited in practice Friday after missing practice earlier this week. It is not clear exactly how limited he was, but the Bills have not yet decided whether or not he plays. Kroft playing would pull down the value of Dawson Knox, making both players likely to only hit value if they catch a touchdown. If Kroft can’t go, it will boost the upside for Dawson Knox, the Bills number 1 TE.

The Bills also announce Andre Roberts is out. He had not been practicing or expected to play this week.

Antonio Brown (Conduct) Could Play Week 1

The AB drama continues. Just yesterday the Raiders and coach Jon Gruden indicated that Brown was not in the plans for Week 1. Now, there are reports that he might avoid suspension and even play in Week 1. He apologized to the team today and we will track whether or not he practices. Brown is an elite player anytime he touches the field. Even with limited practice he is a top WR in the NFL if he plays. Derek Carr would also benefit significantly if Brown plays.

Mike Evans (Illness) Misses Practice, Expected to Play

Mike Evans missed practice Friday with an illness that has been moving throughout the Bucs roster. However, coach Bruce Arians still expected Evans to play Sunday. If he does miss Week 1, Chris Godwin would see an even heavier target load while Breshad Perriman and Justin Watson could become value options due to increased snaps. Evans’ health will need to be monitored approaching kickoff this week.

Marquise Brown (Foot) Not Practicing

Marquise Brown is not practicing Friday, one day after appearing on the injury report for with a foot injury. He is recovering from off-season foot surgery, but it isn’t clear if this is an aggravation of that injury or just normal soreness. He was a full participant in practice yesterday, so it is possible this was simply planned rest. More information should be available later today after the Ravens finish practice.