DFS Alerts
TD drought to end against the Saints?
With only one 4-game TD drought in his entire career, OBJ is primed to get into the endzone soon after starting the season with three scoreless games. Some might be scared away by his matchup with Marshon Lattimore, but Lattimore simply hasn’t been playing at the same elite level as last season. He’s already been burned for 175 yards on 12 targets so far this year including a TD, and if OBJ can find his way onto any other Saints CB the matchup becomes extremely favorable.
Rishard Matthews Parting Ways with Tennessee
Rishard Matthews told A to Z Sports that he asked the Titans for his release and he is planning on moving on. It is a blindsiding development after Matthews just signed an extension. Matthews played 50% of the snaps this season for the Titans. 65 of his 95 snaps came from the slot position. Taywan Taylor seems to be the likely candidate to take over those slot snaps now.
As reported by: Ian Rapoport Twitter
Vikings Optimistic that RB Dalvin Cook Will Play Tonight vs Rams
Vikings optimistic that RB Dalvin Cook will play tonight vs Rams. Check back closer to kick off for the official inactive list. If active, Cook will make for an interesting option in the Showdown slate.
As reported by: Adam Schefter Twitter RB Leonard Fournette (hamstring) limited in practice Wednesday
Consider him on the right side of questionable for Week 4 after the Jaguars played it safe with their workhorse back in Week 3. Fournette is needed after Jacksonville got limited production from their running game and offense as a whole in a 9-6 loss to the Titans. It’d be a nice spot for him this week attached to a 7.5-point home favorite, though his workload could be scaled back, especially if the game got out of hand.
As reported by: Michael DiRocco
QB Marcus Mariota (elbow) will start Sunday
Head Coach Mike Vrabel announced Mariota as the starter for Sunday after he played the majority of snaps in the Titans low-scoring victory over Jacksonville in Week 3. On Monday, Vrabel also noted that Mariota still had some limitations on his throws so he may be not be 100% even though he’s getting the start. Given this concern and the Titans’ low implied total against a solid Eagles defense this week, he’s probably best avoided despite the dirt cheap salary across sites this week.
As reported by: Erik Bacharach TE Eric Ebron (shoulder, knee) doesn't practice Wednesday
Ebron played nearly 90% of the snaps last Sunday and finished the game so this could possibly just be a rest day. Check back on his status later in the week as he should be a nice value once again with TE Jack Doyle (hip) expected to be out. Despite a mildly disappointing Week 3, he saw 11 targets and his salary only rose by $200 on DraftKings for Week 4.
As reported by: @Colts RB Joe Mixon (knee) doesn't practice Wednesday
RB Joe Mixon (knee) is reportedly progressing well but his initial timetable for returning was 2-4 weeks. Fellow RB Giovani Bernard should be in line for another big workload on Sunday after seeing 17 touches and a rushing touchdown in Week 3. The Bengals Week 4 opponent, Atlanta, allowed nearly 30 receptions in total to Alvin Kamara and Christian McCaffrey in the past 2 weeks and Bernard fits the pass-catching mold of those backs.
Other tagged players: Giovani Bernard RB Matt Breida (knee) not practicing Wednesday
This was more or less expected as Breida suffered what looked like a serious knee injury during Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs. However, he was able to return in that game and is looking at a questionable tag for Sunday’s matchup against the Chargers. With backup C.J. Beathard now under center, perhaps the 49ers focus on their run game more assuming gamescript allows it. Beathard targeted (checked down to) running backs heavily in his starts last season which could be a plus for Breida.
WR Doug Baldwin (knee) to practice for first time Wednesday
It appears the Seahawks’ top receiver may be available for Sunday’s game at Arizona. He’s desperately needed on a lackluster passing offense that has veteran Brandon Marshall struggling to get separation and deep threat Tyler Lockett forced into the slot. A return to full practice participation by Friday would give Baldwin a good chance to suit up.
Other tagged players: Tyler Lockett, Brandon Marshall WR Alshon Jeffery (shoulder) gets in first full practice of season
The Eagles WR1 now looks questionable for Sunday’s game after getting in limited practices last week. If Jeffery does play this week, he’ll make for a risky option as a limited snap count is possible. Fellow wideout Nelson Agholor’s value would also take a hit. Both receivers are priced the same this week on DraftKings heading into a low total game at Tennessee.
Other tagged players: Nelson Agholor Rams place CB Aqib Talib on IR
The Rams lose their 5-time pro bowl cornerback which should make a previously stingy secondary a little more beatable moving forward. Wideouts Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen should be the first beneficiaries on Thursday. Fellow defensive back Marcus Peters is questionable for that game as well.
As reported by: @RamsNFL Rookie RB Looking at a Bigger Role This Week
The New England Patriots used a first round pick on Running Back Sony Michel in this past April’s draft, the first time since 2006 (Laurence Maroney) they have used a first-rounder at the position. Michel has put up only 84 yards on his 24 carries this season, but he could be looking at an expanded role now that fellow RB Rex Burkhead has been placed on Injured Reserve. The Miami Dolphins run defense has been stout so far this season, ranking 7th in rushing yards per game allowed, but the game script could be in Michel’s favor this week with the Patriots listed as six-point favorites at home.
Overlooked RB Putting Up Big Points at Cheap Prices This Season
Austin Ekeler has put up some impressive numbers so far this season, ranking second in the league in rushing yards per attempt with 163 yards on only 20 carries (8.2 Y/A), and tacking on 11 receptions for 132 receiving yards and a touchdown. Ekeler has managed to remain involved no matter the gameflow this year, posting 126 yards in the Chargers Week 1 loss to Kansas City and 98 yards in the team’s Week 2 win over Buffalo. Priced as one of the cheaper RBs to receive regular playing time across sites, Ekeler should be a bargain this week with the Chargers listed as a large home favorite.
Rookie RB Poised to Increase His Share of Carries
Kerryon Johnson has seen his number of carries increase each week so far this season, and the Lions second-round pick just became the first Detroit Running Back to go over 100 yards since 2013 – a drought of 70 games. Johnson ranks 6th in the NFL in Rushing Yards per Attempt, with 161 rushing yards on just 29 carries this season, along with 10 receptions for 52 yards. Dallas has generally had a good rushing defense and ranks 10th in rushing yards allowed per game this season, but the team just lost LB Sean Lee to a hamstring injury, and the Cowboys run defense could be much more vulnerable without their defensive captain. Kerryon Johnson is only $4,400 on DraftKings, $5,700 on FanDuel, and $8,700 on FantasyDraft this week, and is shaping up as a point-per-dollar bargain.
RB LeSean McCoy (ribs) says he's playing Sunday
The Bills’ best offensive weapon should take on the majority of the backfield work this week, though how much that materializes to is questionable with the team being 10 point underdogs at Green Bay.
As reported by: Mike Rodak