DFS Alerts
Creme of the Crop for Elite Running Backs
It would honestly shock me to see Ezekiel Elliott have a bad game this week against the Buccaneers. This is basically the perfect setup for Dallas. They were shutout on the road against Indianapolis and now return home to face one of the worst defensive teams in the NFL. On the season, Tampa Bay is ranked 31st in DVOA against the run. Zeke is not only a good bet to see 20+ carries, but they have actively made him a part of the passing game as well, racking up 37 targets in the last five games. In my eyes, Zeke is in a running back tier of his own this week.
Home Favorite with Motivation = Sign Me Up
I will resist the temptation to make Chubb jokes for now, but no promises once this game kicks off and he starts to dominate. The best game script for a running back (at least an early-down one) is to be favored and playing at home. Chubb checks both of those boxes this week against the Bengals, who are ranked 26th in DVOA against the run and dead last in DVOA against pass-catching running backs. In their meeting a few weeks ago, Chubb parlayed 31 touches into 28 fantasy points. Now he gets to face them at home in a meaningless game for Cincinnati.
TY Hilton not at practice
Hilton was absent from practice Thursday. He is nursing a small injury but suited up against Dallas in Week 15. This appears to be just be regular rest late in the season for a veteran.
As reported by: Joel Erickson Twitter
Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis absent from practice
We expect Reed to miss the game but Davis would be a shock. Both are older Tight Ends by NFL spectrum so this may be pre-cautionary. Stay tuned.
As reported by: JP Finlay Twitter Julio Jones Lightly Practicing
Julio (hip) will go through walkthrough but no practice. We will update closer to kickoff. He left last week’s game so this may not just be maintenance.
As reported by: Vaughn McClure Twitter No sign of Tyler Boyd at Practice
Tyler Boyd is not practicing again for the Bengals. At this point it would be surprising to see him suit up in Week 16 with this lower body injury and nothing to play for in terms of this Bengals team and the playoffs. John Ross may be the #1 WR for Cincinnati this week against Cleveland.
As reported by: Jay MorrisonTwitter Odell Beckham Not in Practice
Another missed practice for Odell leaves him less and less likely to suit up in Week 16. We should have a better understanding after Friday’s practice session.
As reported by: Jordan Raanan Twitter Josh Gordon takes leave from Patriots.
In a statement released by Josh Gordon himself, he says he is stepping away from football to get a better grasp on his mental health. We wish Gordon the best on his ongoing road to recovery. As for fantasy implications, this weakens the offense as a whole but guys like Julian Edelman and James White will be called upon for a heavier load down the stretch. Perhaps we even have more Chris Hogan sightings like we did in Week 15. Stay tuned to RG as our team of analysts will dig deep and help sort through this situation.
As reported by: Ian Rapoport Twitter DeSean Jackson is practicing after missing three games
DeSean Jackson is practicing after missing three games due to a thumb injury. An active Jackson could signal the end of the Chris Godwin run. We will take a wait and see approach on the Bucs WR issues until we get clarification.
As reported by: Rick Stroud Twitter Keenan Allen Upgraded to Probable
Keenan Allen looks like he is going to be ready to play in Saturday’s key matchup for the San Diego Chargers. It’s a boost to the offense in a tough home game versus Baltimore.
As reported by: Pro Football Talk Todd Gurley (knee) expected to play Sunday
Gurley was battling a knee issue during Sunday’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, but head coach Sean McVay disclosed during a conference call with reporters that Gurley was feeling better today and that he expected him to play in Sunday’s matchup against the Arizona Cardinals after classifying him as day-to-day on Tuesday afternoon. Unfortunately, if Gurley is unable to suit up, the situation behind him has gotten a lot murkier with the signing of C.J. Anderson since John Kelly can now no longer be considered the lock-and-load handcuff option. To make matters worse, there’s been rumblings from Rams beat reporters that the team has been left unimpressed with Kelly in his limited reps and that it’s realistic Anderson can have a role right away, possibly as early as this week.
As reported by: Rich Hammond via Twitter
Marcus Mariota (foot) returns to full practice Wednesday
Mariota was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice after being limited in Tuesday’s session due to a foot injury. This news keeps him on track to play in Saturday night’s matchup against Washington Redskins despite the brief appearance on the Titans’ injury report. The matchup with Washington is not particularly intriguing as their defense ranks 18th overall in DVOA on the season, but Mariota will obviously remain in consideration for all formats on the abbreviated two-game slate given purely the lack of other options.
As reported by: John Glennon via Twitter QB Aaron Rodgers (groin) says he's playing Sunday
Rodgers confirmed he would play against the Jets in Week 16 where he’ll be a usual tournament consideration given his upside, though the Packers have an implied total of less than 22 points and will likely be missing Randall Cobb for the road affair.
As reported by: Rob Demovsky
QB Cam Newton (shoulder) expected to sit out remainder of season; QB Taylor Heinicke likely to start in Week 16
It’s a logical decision by the Panthers with the team now eliminated from playoff contention and Cam noticeably struggling to make throws over the past few weeks due to an ongoing shoulder injury. He’ll probably require surgery in the offseason. Meanwhile, Taylor Heinicke should start the last 2 games of the season which includes a home matchup with a Falcons defense ranked last in DVOA. With Heinicke a mere $4,000 on DraftKings and $6,000 on FanDuel, you could do a lot with the remaining salary, however he’ll be a complete unknown having only attempted 5 passes in his brief NFL career.
As reported by: Ian Rapoport Other tagged players: Taylor Heinicke WR T.Y. Hilton (ankle) not practicing Wednesday
The Colts star wideout has been held out early in similar fashion the past couple weeks and Hilton has admitted he’s not 100% healthy. Nonetheless, he’s still been producing and gets a cushy matchup at home in the dome against a struggling Giants secondary. The Colts boast a 28-point implied team total in that affair, making Hilton a fine tournament play.
As reported by: Kevin Bowen