DFS Alerts
Report: Evan Engram "optimistic" that his hamstring injury won't be an issue this week
Evan Engram is reportedly “optimistic” that his hamstring injury won’t be an issue this week, and added that he could’ve played this past week if necessary, though it “wouldn’t have been smart” for him to suit up. This all bodes well for Engram’s potential return to the field for Week 13 against the Bears, as it doesn’t sound like the hamstring injury will be a long-term issue.
As reported by: Jordan Raanan
Marvin Jones placed on IR due to knee injury
The Lions have officially placed Marvin Jones on IR due to his knee injury. With the trading of Golden Tate and loss of Jones for the season, Kenny Golladay is locked in as the primary receiving threat in the Lions aerial attack. Look for Bruce Ellington to be the second-most heavily targeted wideout, with T.J. Jones and Michael Roberts seeing additional looks as well.
Cody Kessler to start at QB for the Jags on Sunday
Head Coach Doug Marrone announced the decision to bench QB Blake Bortles on Monday following the team’s seventh straight loss where Bortles barely eclipsed the 100 yard passing mark for the second week in a row. The Jaguars also fired their offensive coordinator on Monday so the offense is guaranteed to look different to some extent with Kessler at the helm. The third-year QB started half a season for the Browns in 2016 and perhaps he’ll get more opportunities than Bortles to air it out with QB coach Scott Milanovich as the new offensive play-caller. Kessler gets a home matchup with the Colts in Week 13 and is the bare minimum or close to it across sites, bringing him into tournament consideration.
As reported by: Hays Carlyon Other tagged players: Blake Bortles
TE Jeff Heuerman (broken ribs) is out for the season
Matt LaCosse should take over lead tight end duties after seeing 4 targets and catching a touchdown in the Broncos Week 12 win over the Steelers. He’s a punt consideration with the Broncos taking on the Bengals sieve of a defense in Week 13.
As reported by: Mike Klis Other tagged players: Matt LaCosse
RB Kenyan Drake and WR Devante Parker Expected to Practice this Week
Adam Gase expects RB Kenyan Drake and WR Devante Parker to practice this week against in non-contact jerseys. Both dealing with shoulder injuries.
As reported by: Brandon Liguori Twitter
Ezekiel Elliott Back at Practice
Ezekiel Elliott is back to practice today, per Jason Garrett.
As reported by: David Helman Twitter Melvin Gordon will Miss Several Weeks with an MCL Sprain
Melvin Gordon was diagnosed with a grade 2 MCL sprain suffered in yesterday’s blowout win, sources say. He had his MRI last night. Gordon is out the next few weeks, but should be back before the end of the regular season if all goes well according to Ian Rapoport. Austin Ekeler chalk season is upon us.
As reported by: Ian Rapoport Twitter Jimmy Graham (thumb) active Sunday night, as expected
Per the earlier report, Jimmy Graham (thumb) is active Sunday night, as expected. Graham was originally expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a broken thumb, but has apparently convinced the team to let him play through the injury and intends to suit up Sunday night with the thumb heavily wrapped. That said, it is unclear how much the injury may hinder his pass-catching ability in an already difficult matchup on the road at Minnesota.
Taywan Taylor (foot) will not play Monday night vs Texans
Taywan Taylor (foot) has officially been ruled out for Monday night vs the Texans. The injury will cause Taylor to miss a third straight game, although even when active Taylor has had little impact on the Titans offense this season.
DeVante Parker (shoulder) and Danny Amendola (hamstring) both active Sunday for Dolphins
DeVante Parker (shoulder) and Danny Amendola (hamstring) are both active Sunday for the Dolphins. Both receivers set up fairly well with QB Ryan Tannehill back under center in a game the Dolphins should be trailing throughout. Parker and Amendola along with Kenny Stills figure to be the most heavily targeted pieces of the Dolphins passing attack.
Other tagged players: Danny Amendola Melvin Gordon (hamstring, knee) and Tyrell Williams (groin) both active Sunday for Chargers
Melvin Gordon (hamstring, knee) and Tyrell Williams (groin) are both active Sunday for the Chargers. It was reported late last night that Gordon was likely to suit up despite being labeled as truly questionable for the afternoon’s contest with the Cardinals. Gordon will be in line to see his normal workload out of the Chargers backfield, with Austin Ekeler operating in his usual role as a change-of-pace back. Williams will be active as well in a favorable matchup against a beatable Cardinals secondary, and can be expected to see his usual workload. The Chargers have an implied team total of 28.5 points, and all of their offensive weapons are viable plays in a favorable home matchup.
Other tagged players: Tyrell Williams A Sneaky Wide Receiver in a Bounce-Back Spot
Per the FanShare Buzz Tool on LHQ, Alshon Jeffery has garnered almost no attention around the DFS industry this week, generating the same amount of “buzz” as players like Curtis Samuel and Kenny Stills. This is largely due to Jeffery’s recent struggles, as he let down many in an expected shootout with the Saints last week where the Eagles ended up being blown out and he only caught four passes for 33 yards. This week Alshon finds himself positioned to bounce back in the same matchup that he exploded in during Week 6, to the tune of 8 catches on 12 targets for 74 yards and two touchdowns. Jeffery was on the field for 100% of the snaps last week, and it is unlikely that Carson Wentz struggles like he did in New Orleans playing at home against a beatable Giants secondary. This all shapes up for Jeffery being a great GPP WR option this week, who is likely to go under-owned given his talent and upside.
Robby Anderson (ankle) will play Sunday
Robby Anderson will play Sunday after missing the team’s previous game due to an ankle injury. That said, Anderson is nothing more than a deep GPP flier with Josh McCown under center against the Patriots. Anderson has had a disappointing 2018 campaign, with only three touchdowns and two games with 10+ fantasy points.
Jordy Nelson (knee) active Sunday, as expected
Per the earlier report, Jordy Nelson (knee) is active Sunday, as expected. Nelson’s return to action is good news for a team that is running thin when it comes to pass-catchers, with the trading of Amari Cooper, the loss of Brandon LaFell to IR and Martavis Bryant out another week. Nelson, Seth Roberts and Jared Cook appear to be in line for the most passing-game targets this week. That said, the Raiders offense as a whole is best to be avoided this week in a difficult road matchup against a stout Ravens defense.
David Njoku (knee) will play Sunday
David Njoku (knee) will play Sunday vs the Bengals. No real surprise here, as Njoku should be expected to see his normal workload out of the tight end position, and assume the role of second-most heavily targeted pass-catcher behind only Jarvis Landry.