DFS Alerts
This under the radar QB may be a 'Steel'
Per the FanShare Buzz Tool on LHQ, Ben Roethlisberger is one of the least discussed quarterbacks around the DFS industry this week, thus far generating the same amount of “buzz” as Broncos QB Case Keenum. This is in spite of the fact that he is playing at home with a Vegas-implied team total of 28, squaring off against a Browns defense that has given up big QB scores the past two weeks to the Bucs and Chargers. Big Ben still possesses a dynamic receiving corps lead by Antonio Brown and Juju Smith-Schuster, and the Steelers will want to come out firing after an embarrassing week 1 tie to this Browns team on the road. Roethlisberger is likely flying under the radar due to the attention being given to James Conner, who figures to be one of the most popular RB plays on the slate. That said, pairing Ben with this Steelers passing attack is an interesting contrarian approach that would give you leverage on the Conner ownership in GPPs should the Steelers touchdowns come through the air this week.
T.J. Yeldon listed as starter Sunday
T.J. Yeldon is listed as starter Sunday for the Jaguars for their week 8 London matchup with the Eagles. Primarily relevant due to the acquisition of Carlos Hyde, it appears Yeldon will retain his starting role while Leonard Fournette is out and Hyde will serve as a change-of-pace back. Neither of them make particularly strong plays for week 8 against an Eagles defense that generally is strong against the run.
Marlon Mack (ankle) has a "good shot" to play Sunday
Marlon Mack reportedly has a “good shot” to play Sunday against the Raiders despite his ankle injury. Look for Mack to try to continue the success of week 7, where he scored TDs as both a rusher and pass catcher. Mack being active would eliminate any potential value of fellow RB’s Jordan Wilkins and Nyheim Hines.
Randall Cobb (hamstring) expected to play Sunday
Randall Cobb is expected to play Sunday, making his return from a hamstring injury that held him out for weeks 4-6. It appears Aaron Rodgers will have his full compliment of starting receivers healthy just in time for a probably shoot out with the Rams. Cobb is an affordable WR with a high ceiling in a good matchup for week 8.
LeSean McCoy (concussion) expected to play Monday night
LeSean McCoy is expected to clear the concussion protocol and play Monday night against the Patriots. Look for McCoy to get his usual workload in a game the Bills should be trailing throughout.
Matt Breida (ankle) expected to play Sunday, but will be limited
Matt Breida is expected to play Sunday, but will be limited by his ankle injury. With Breida being limited, look for Raheem Mostert to see a heavier workload than usual, with Alfred Morris being slightly more involved as well. Given that we aren’t sure to what degree he will be limited, neither Breida nor Mostert make for strong DFS plays for the 49ers week 8 matchup with the Cardinals.
Allen Robinson (groin) not expected to play Sunday
Allen Robinson ia not expected to play Sunday due to a groin injury. If Robinson is ultimately unable to suit up, consider it a bump to Taylor Gabriel and Trey Burton, who both should see additional targets. Also look for Tarik Cohen to pick up a few additional looks as well in a game that is expected to have some ugly weather where the Bears may rely more heavily than usual on shorter passes.
Pierre Garcon (shoulder) out Sunday
No surprise here given his previous doubtful designation, but Pierre Garcon has officially been ruled out for week 8 due to a shoulder injury. Fellow WR Dante Pettis is slated to see his first action since week 2 due to a knee injury, and figures to see some of the targets that had been being funneled to Garcon. That said, George Kittle and Marquise Goodwin figure to be the most heavily targeted passing options for the 49ers in their matchup with the Cardinals.
Rob Gronkowski (ankle/back), Josh Gordon (hamstring) both questionable for Monday night for the Patriots
Rob Gronkowski (ankle/back) and Josh Gordon (hamstring) are both questionable for the Patriots Monday night matchup with the Bills. Both were able to practice in a limited fashion throughout the week and seem more likely than not to suit up Monday. Gordon is virtually a lock to play, as he has missed no game action due to injury. Gronkowski is coming off of being inactive last week, so keep an eye on his status a bit more closely leading up to Monday’s game, although his ability to log limited practices suggests he will be able to suit up as well.
Other tagged players: Josh Gordon Sony Michel (knee) doubtful for Monday night
Despite being able to practice in a limited fashion Saturday, Sony Michel is doubtful for Monday night due to his knee injury. He was a long shot to suit up after being designated week-to-week initially, and if anything his ability to practice Saturday bodes well for his return to action for the Patriots week 9. That said, it appears Kenjon Barner will be thrust into the primary early down work on Monday night against the Bills with Michel on the shelf.
LeSean McCoy (concussion) questionable for Monday night, Chris Ivory and Derek Anderson not on final injury report for Bills
LeSean McCoy is officially questionable for Monday night due to still being in the concussion protocol, while Chris Ivory and Derek Anderson are not on the final injury report for Bills. It appears McCoy is the only remaining question mark for a less than impressive Bills offensive attack, who figure to be playing from behind most of the night against the Patriots. If McCoy is unable to play, look for Chris Ivory to see a heavy workload out of the Bills backfield.
Other tagged players: Chris Ivory, Derek Anderson Sony Michel (knee) returns to practice Saturday
Sony Michel returned to practice Saturday despite his knee injury which initially left him considered “week-to-week”. This is Michel’s first practice of the week, and will almost surely be limited, but it is a good sign he was able to take the field. At this point it seems he is still more on the doubtful side of questionable heading into Monday Night Football against the Bills, but his practice participation suggests theres at least some chance he could be active for the game. If he can’t suit up, look for Kenjon Barner to be the primary beneficiary.
LeSean McCoy still in the concussion protocol
LeSean McCoy is still in the concussion protocol and as a result appears truly questionable for Monday night against the Patriots. If McCoy is unable to suit up, look for Chris Ivory to lead the Bills rushing attack, and be heavily involved in both the run and pass game.
Golden Tate (ankle) will play Sunday
As expected, Golden Tate will play Sunday against the Seahawks. Look for Tate to see his usual target share in a home matchup that has sneaky shootout potential.
Cooper Kupp (knee) doubtful for Sunday
No surprise here as he has been unable to practice all week, but Cooper Kupp is doubtful Sunday for the Rams due to a knee injury. His pending absence ensures plenty of targets for Robert Woods and Brandin Cooks alike, and both receivers possess a high floor & ceiling in a home matchup with the Packers.