DFS Alerts
WR Robby Anderson doubtful for Week 8
Anderson was reported to have somewhere “between a high-ankle and low-ankle sprain” so the doubtful tag is not surprising. Rookie Sam Darnold will likely be using a 3-WR set of Jermaine Kearse, newly-signed Rishard Matthews, and journeyman Andre Roberts on Sunday, making the Bears D/ST a great option this week as a large home favorite.
As reported by: Brian Costello Other tagged players: Rishard Matthews, Jermaine Kearse, Andre Roberts
Stranglehold of Duties
Giovani Bernard won’t play this week which leaves the backfield duties once again in the hands of Joe Mixon. The Bucs rank 10th in rush DVOA but have been gashed by pass catching running backs as they rank 30th in DVOA against RBs as receivers. Mixon has 3+ receptions in each of the last three weeks and is being used as an all-around back with Bernard sidelined. Mixon’s expanded role in the passing game combined with his stranglehold of RB carries for a team with a 29 point implied total make him a core RB option this week.
RB Peyton Barber is "good to go" for Week 8
The Bucs lead back will suit up on Sunday but he’s been averaging less than half the backfield snaps over the last month so he’s tough to consider. Though, given the pass-happy tendency of the Bucs offense, Barber’s price is all the way down to $3,600 on DraftKings despite still being the starter and going for over 100 total yards and a touchdown just 2 weeks ago. You could do much worse at that price.
As reported by: Scott Smith RB Marlon Mack (ankle) returns to practice Friday
There was cause for concern after Mack missed practice on Thursday, but it appears he was a full go on Friday. Following the best fantasy outing of his career, it looks like the Colts lead back will now be available for Week 8 in what will be another friendly matchup against Oakland.
As reported by: George Bremer Texans confirm WR Will Fuller's season is over with torn ACL
While closing out another stellar performance last night against the Dolphins, Fuller tore his ACL on a deep pass late in the game. This is a huge hit to the Texans offense as Fuller’s deep threat ability opens up the field for all other skill players. Deshaun Watson’s numbers suffered greatly in the four games that Fuller missed last season. Perhaps the Texans will be better able to fill that void this year with Keke Coutee, who has the bye week to recover from a hamstring injury of his own and is now in line for the No. 2 role. Outside of Coutee, the Texans don’t have much wide receiver depth with Bruce Ellington also on IR. DeAndre Hopkins could lead the league in targets for the rest of the season, likely increasing his floor even more.
Other tagged players: DeAndre Hopkins, Keke Coutee, Deshaun Watson Raid for Value
UPDATE: The absence of of Allen Robinson brings Taylor Gabriel (FD) and Anthony Miller (DK) into consideration on their respective sites. I still side with the Raiders receivers as preferred plays but the Bears receivers can be used as pivots. ///
The Raiders will turn to Jordy Nelson and Martavis Bryant as their primary pass catchers with Amari Cooper out of town. Both of these guys are priced low enough where you can consider them core plays on their respective sites on a week absent of slam dunk value. Raiders offensive coordinator, Greg Olson, did talk up Martavis a bit after the Cooper trade went down and Tavis is the guy that has the highest upside as the 33 year old Jordy Nelson doesn’t have break away speed. Martavis offers a significant discount from Jordy on DraftKings and is my preferred option there. Both guys are priced at $5,300 on FanDuel making it a more difficult decision. Jordy has shown a better rapport with Carr in the red zone this season and I’m siding with Jordy’s higher touchdown equity on FanDuel.
Other tagged players: Jordy Nelson Marlon Mack Back at Practice
Marlon Mack appears to be back at practice today. Good news for everyone’s sleeper RB in week 8.
As reported by: George Bremer Twitter
Leonard Fournette Ruled Out This Week
A.J. Bouye and Leonard Fournette Ruled Out This Week. This is why the Jags acquired Carlos Hyde, to lead this team on the ground in Fournette’s absence. Expect a ground heavy game for Jacksonville as they have no desire to let Blake Bortles make plays in the passing game any longer.
As reported by: Duuuval Twitter Robby Anderson not Practicing
WR Robby Anderson not on the practice field. If Anderson cannot play then we would have some major WR value open up on the Jets.
As reported by: Eric Allen Twitter Will Fuller Likely Out for the Year
Will Fuller is believed to have suffered a torn ACL that would end his season. Fuller has been often injured in his short NFL career and it appears as though another season will end prematurely. Look for Deandre Hopkins to continue to excel as the target monster in the offense.
As reported by: Adam Schefter Twitter Matt Breida (ankle) didn't practice Thursday
Matt Breida didn’t practice Thursday due to an ankle injury. This is Breida’s second consecutive DNP, and he appears truly questionable for this weekend’s matchup with the Cardinals. If he is ultimately unable to suit up, look for Raheem Mostert to see the majority of the carries out of the 49ers backfield, with Alfred Morris serving as a change-of-pace option.
Mike Gesicki (shoulder), Devante Parker (quad) active Thursday for Dolphins
Mike Gesicki (shoulder) and Devante Parker (quad) are both active Thursday for the Dolphins against the Texans. Look for both to be involved in the passing game with Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson both out for the depleted Dolphins passing attack.
A.J. Derby (foot) inactive Thursday
A.J. Derby is inactive Thursday night due to a foot injury. Look for Mike Gesicki to see the reps from the tight end position in Derby’s absence.
Allen Robinson (groin) doesn't practice again Thursday
Allen Robinson missed practice again Thursday due to a groin injury, and appears truly questionable to suit up this weekend against the Jets. If Robinson is unable to go, look for Taylor Gabriel and Trey Burton to both see target increases in his absence, as well as for Tarik Cohen to continue to be used heavily in the passing game. Keep a close eye on this situation at Bears practice Friday, as Robinson currently appears to be one of the biggest names who’s status for week 8 is in serious question.
Jack Doyle (hip) limited in practice again Thursday
Jack Doyle was limited in practice again Thursday due to his hip injury. This makes for Doyle’s second consecutive limited practice, which seems to bode well for the tight end’s likelihood of returning this week to face the Raiders after missing weeks 3-7 due to the injury. It is possible the Colts ideally would’ve held him out one more week heading into their bye week 9, but with Erik Swoope logging DNPs thus far this week, Doyle may have to be ready to suit up. Keep an eye on his Friday practice status for a clearer picture of his week 8 availability.