DFS Alerts
Update: Royce Freeman (ankle) did not practice Thursday
Updating a previous report, Royce Freeman did not end up practicing Thursday due to his ankle injury. Though it was suggested earlier that Freeman would return to practice today, he ultimately was held out due to his lingering ankle issue. If he isn’t able to suit up this weekend, look for Phillip Lindsay to see the majority of the work out of the Broncos backfield, with Devontae Booker seeing an increased workload as well in a change-of-pace capacity.
Peyton Barber (ankle) practices in full Thursday
Peyton Barber practiced in full Thursday and appears on track to suit up and handle his usual workload for week 9 against the Panthers. With Ronald Jones likely out due to injury, Barber appears even more locked in than usual for the majority of the work out of the Tampa Bay backfield, with Jaquizz Rodgers likely handling the change-of-pace duties.
Mike Evans (knee) limited in practice Thursday
Mike Evans was limited in practice Thursday due to a knee injury. At the moment there is nothing to suggest he is in danger of missing week 9, and this is likely just maintenance-related practice limitations. Keep an eye on his status heading towards the weekend to ensure he doesn’t suffer any setbacks, but for now expect him to handle his usual workload with Ryan Fitzpatrick under center this weekend for the Buccaneers.
Alvin Kamara (illness) not practicing Thursday
Alvin Kamara did not practice Thursday due to an illness. As of now the severity of the illness is unknown, but a DNP this late in the week is certainly cause for some concern as the Saints prepare for a difficult week 9 matchup with the Rams. Keep a close watch on Kamara’s practice status tomorrow, as two DNPs to close out the week would certainly raise legitimate concern about his week 9 availability. If he were to miss, Mark Ingram would be in line for the majority of the work out of the Saints backfield, and the Saints offense would likely take a hit as a whole in a matchup in which they figure to need to score and score often.
WRs Quincy Enunwa and Robby Anderson miss practice again Thursday
Both receivers are now looking doubtful for Week 9 leaving Jermaine Kearse as a potential target monster again on Sunday against the Dolphins. How effective those targets will be on this Jets’ struggling offense is up for debate however.
As reported by: Brian Costello Other tagged players: Robbie Chosen, Jermaine Kearse
RB Royce Freeman (ankle) back at practice Thursday
Freeman is now on track to play in Week 9, turning the Broncos 2-man committee into a 3-man committee again. While Phillip Lindsay should remain the 1a back after turning 21 touches into 112 yards last week, he may be avoidable at a price of $5,500 on DraftKings, with a tougher matchup at hand against a Texans defense ranked first in run DVOA.
As reported by: Kyle Fredrickson Other tagged players: Phillip Lindsay, Devontae Booker WR Stefon Diggs (ribs) "absolutely" expects to play on Sunday
Diggs logged another DNP today after missing Wednesday’s practice with an apparent rib injury but vows he’ll be out there on Sunday. The Vikings pass offense has a great matchup with a struggling Lions secondary, however Diggs may find himself locked up with Darius Slay most of the game while slot man Adam Thielen remains QB Kirk Cousins’ first look, perhaps making Diggs more of a contrarian play this week, assuming he plays.
As reported by: Chad Graff RBs Matt Breida (ankle) and Raheem Mostert (ankle) both expected to play Thursday night
The 49ers run game has a nice draw with a generous Raiders defensive front, but touches have been somewhat spread out over the past few weeks with Alfred Morris getting back into the mix. Breida would be the best bet for production after seeing 16 touches last week but is admittedly playing at less than 100% right now, though the upside still remains given tonight’s matchup.
As reported by: Adam Schefter Other tagged players: Raheem Mostert RB Alex Collins (foot) doesn't practice Thursday
The Ravens back was limited on Wednesday as well so he’s now looking questionable for Sunday’s showdown with the Steelers. If Collins were to miss Week 9, a committee with Buck Allen and newly-signed Ty Montgomery would result with Allen likely taking on more of the early down work. Friday’s practice will be telling.
As reported by: Jamison Hensley Other tagged players: Javorius Allen, Ty Montgomery Consistency + Matchup
The Tampa Bay Bucs and their pass defense that ranks 32nd in DVOA is the gift that keeps on giving. This week the uber consistent Cam Newton and the Panthers get the posh matchup as Newton has only posted fantasy totals south of 20 points twice this season. The Panthers are tied with the highest implied team total of the slate (30.5) and Newton is a way to get exposure to an offense that is expected to put up a ton of points.
WR Mike Evans (knee) returns to practice Thursday
Evans should be good to go on Sunday against a below-average Panthers pass defense in a projected shootout. He’ll be looking to continue the chemistry displayed with reinstated starter Ryan Fitzpatrick last week, which included a 72-yard touchdown pass.
As reported by: Greg Auman RB Chris Thompson (ribs) and WR Jamison Crowder (ankle) not practicing Thursday
After missing the prior 2 weeks with rib and knee injuries, Thompson’s workload was severely reduced in Week 8 as the team continued to feed fellow back Adrian Peterson. Even if Thompson does suit up on Sunday, gamescript does not look to be in his favor again with the Redskins being home favorites against the Falcons. Crowder appears doubtful at best for one of the league’s lowest-volume passing attacks in Week 9 and can be safely ignored.
As reported by: John Keim Other tagged players: Jamison Crowder TE Rob Gronkowski (back) not practicing Thursday; WR Julian Edelman (illness) returns
Gronk was limited in Wednesday’s practice so this is a downgrade which probably makes him questionable for Sunday night’s game with the Packers. The tight end’s usage has been down this season while being a mainstay on the injury report, making him more of a contrarian play at his price across sites this week if he suits up. Edelman will be good to go in a projected shootout after turning in his most productive game of the season on Monday night. He’s averaging almost 9 targets a game and sits at a reasonable price across sites attached to a 31-point team total.
As reported by: Doug Kyed Other tagged players: Julian Edelman WR Torrey Smith (knee) absent from practice on Thursday
With Smith expected to miss Week 9, D.J. Moore will again be locked in as the Panthers WR2 after going for over 100 total yards in Week 8. He’ll draw the worst pass defense in the league when the Panthers host the Bucs and is a reasonable $4,300 on DraftKings.
As reported by: Joe Person Other tagged players: D.J. Moore WR Kenny Stills (groin) not practicing on Thursday
The Dolphins wideout is now looking pretty doubtful for Week 9 after originally dressing for practice on Wednesday. Stills had been turning in disappointing performances before getting injured and when he returns will have another receiver to compete with for targets in this low-volume passing offense with the emergence of DeVante Parker.
As reported by: Cameron Wolfe