DFS Alerts
Ameer Abdullah questionable for Week 13
Abdullah (neck) returned to practice Friday. If he’s able to suit up, he’ll face a Ravens defense allowing the seventh-fewest PPR point to RBs. The back is returning a poor 3.4 yards per carry and he’s only scored three times. If he ends up sitting this one out, it would be a nice bump for Dwayne Washington, who’s slated to return this weekend. He’s only averaging 2.8 yards per carry over his two-year career and he could lose some carries to Zack Zenner. Plus, he’ll give way to Theo Riddick on passing downs. It appears to be a backfield to avoid in either case.
Christian McCaffrey and Greg Olsen questionable for Week 13
McCaffrey sets up as an intriguing GPP target, especially if Saints CB Marshon Lattimore plays, which could swing targets from Devin Funchess to the back. The Saints struggle to stop receiving RBs; they’re giving up the ninth-most receptions and sixth-most receiving yards to the position. Last time McCaffrey played the Saints, he went off for 101 receiving yards on nine catches. He’s also logged the sixth-most targets inside the ten-yard line (7). While he’s priced up for the matchup, he has plenty of upside to pay it off and we’re projecting just 7.5% ownership on DraftKings. Olsen returned to practice today and appears to headed for a game-time decision. If he plays, he’ll likely be limited as he re-aggravated his foot injury last weekend. If he sits, it would be a boost for Ed Dickson. The tight end could also benefit from Lattimore shadowing Funchess. New Orleans has been pretty solid against tight ends though, allowing the ninth-fewest PPR points to the position.
Other tagged players: Greg Olsen, Ed Dickson Chargers CB Casey Hayward questionable for Week 13, Mike Williams ruled out
Hayward is mourning the loss of his brother but he’s expected to suit up this weekend against the Browns. He’ll likely shadow Corey Coleman, which spells trouble for the receiver. Hayward has earned PFF’s top cover grade among all CBs and he’s limited receivers to an impressive 45% catch rate (per PFF). Our WR/CB matchup tool provides Coleman the fourth-worst rating of the week. Williams’ absence will provide Travis Benjamin more snaps but the rookie was a part-time player, so it won’t change very much on this offense.
Other tagged players: Mike Williams, Corey Coleman Ty Montgomery placed on IR
Montgomery’s season is over. Green Bay will rely on Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams the rest of the way.
Saints CBs Marshon Lattimore and P.J. Williams questionable for Week 13; CB Ken Crawley will play; S Marcus Williams ruled out
Lattimore (ankle) was limited in practice today after collecting a DNP yesterday. Williams was downgraded today and didn’t participate. Lattimore ranks eighth in yards per cover snap (0.74, per PFF) while holding passers to the third-lowest rating (47.4), and he often follows WR1s. If Lattimore can’t go, it would be a nice boost for Devin Funchess, who’s coming off his first 100-yard game of the season (108). Although Christian McCaffrey should be heavily involved whether Lattimore plays or not, he could see a little boost if Funchess has to contend with the corner. Last time McCaffrey played the Saints, he went off for 101 receiving yards on nine catches. The Saints are giving up the ninth-most receptions and sixth-most receiving yards to RBs.
Doug Martin, LB Robert Ayers, CB Vernon Hargreaves, and S T.J. Ward ruled out for Week 13; DeSean Jackson and Cameron Brate questionable
Martin suffered a concussion Sunday and hasn’t practiced all week. Jacquizz Rodgers ended up leading the backfield last week with nine touches for 37 yards. If Martin misses any time, Rodgers could move into the starting lineup while Charles Sims handles the passing-down work. Rodgers has returned 3.6 yards per carry this season and he could potentially lose some early-down work to Peyton Barber, which would make it a three-way committee.Green Bay’s defense has been solid up front, they’re currently 11th in adjusted line yards (per FO). On the defensive side of the ball, Ward is also in the concussion protocol. He’s PFF’s 68th-ranked cover safety among 84 qualifiers but he’s 17th in run defense. He and Chris Conte split time at safety and they complement each other well; Conte has earned the 75th run defense grade and the 21st in coverage. If Ward is out, Conte would likely take over a full-time role against the Packers on Sunday. Ayers is one of their best run-stoppers, his absence will be a boost for Green Bay’s runners. Aaron Jones is currently questionable but he could potentially supplant Jamaal Williams as the featured guy if he returns. Brate and Jackson are fully expected to play Sunday.
Other tagged players: DeSean Jackson, Cameron Brate, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Aaron Jones, LB Clay Matthews, and DT Kenny Clark questionable for Week 13
Jones has been dealing with a knee injury he suffered in Week 10. If he’s able to suit up this weekend without limitations, he should resume his starting role. While Jamaal Williams had a very nice game against the Steelers with 135 total yards and two TDs, he’s been an inefficient runner, averaging 3.4 yards per carry or less in all three starts this season. Jones has been a little up and down but he’s flashed some serious upside, posting 125 or more rushing yards in two of the four games he’s picked up double-digit carries. It’ll be a backfield to watch heading into Sunday as Jones could potentially be on a snap count if he plays, leaving him in a timeshare with Williams. Tampa Bay ranks 14th in adjusted line yards (per FO) and they’ve given up the 11th-most PPR points to RBs.
Cordarrelle Patterson, RG Gabe Jackson, and CB David Amerson questionable for Week 13; Amari Cooper ruled out
Cooper was never expected to play after suffering a concussion and an ankle sprain last week. The Raiders will also be without Michael Crabtree (suspension) and the Giants placed their best corner, Janoris Jenkins, on the IR earlier this week. That sets up nice spots for Patterson and Johnny Holton on the outside. Seth Roberts will be the de facto number one receiver but he’ll have the tougher spot against Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who’s surrendering the seventh-fewest yards per cover snap when lined up inside (0.84, per PFF). Despite both Crabtree and Cooper leaving Week 12 early, Roberts only saw three targets in a tough matchup with Chris Harris. Patterson picked up four looks and turned them into a team-high 72 yards. Jared Cook flopped last week but he should see a nice target boost in one of the best matchups a tight end could ask for – the Giants are giving up the most PPR points to the position.
Pay Up For This Premier TE
With plenty of value to be had at other skill positions this week, paying up at tight end is the optimal strategy in cash games and GPPs. One of the most lethal threats in a pass-first offense, Rob Gronkowski should be worth every penny of his steep price tag this week against his native Buffalo Bills. Playing in front of friends and family, Gronkowski has torched Buffalo to the tune of 6 receptions and 97 receiving yards per game with seven touchdowns in six career games played at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Fade him at your own peril.
Underpriced WR With Dream Matchup
One of the few bright spots in an otherwise forgettable season for Green Bay, Davante Adams is finally starting to put his game together after struggling with consistency early in his career. He has found instant chemistry with backup Brett Hundley as well; entering Week 13 averaging 8.5 targets and 70 receiving yards which includes three touchdowns since Aaron Rodgers went down to injury in Week 6. He draws a juicy matchup this week against a hapless Tampa Bay secondary that ranks 30th in pass defense DVOA and has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing receivers this season. Also leading all NFL receivers with 18 red zone targets, Adams makes for a tremendous overall play in a game he should have no problems paying off his manageable price tag.
Keep Riding This Target Monster
One of the league’s most difficult receivers to cover, Keenan Allen has shaken off a midseason slump and enters week 13 with 23 receptions for 331 yards and three touchdowns over his last two games. He draws a tasty Week 13 matchup against a Cleveland secondary ranks 27th in pass defense DVOA and ranks dead last in DVOA against opposing #1 receivers this season.Currently third in the NFL with 107 targets, Allen’s usage is bankable regardless of matchup because of his ability to move around in various offensive formations, primarily the slot, where he’ll be able to avoid shutdown corner Jason McCourty for much of this week’s game. With running back Melvin Gordon likely to struggle in the ground game, expect a big showing from Philip Rivers’ favorite target in a game the Chargers desperately need to win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
High-Volume RB In Great Bounce-Back Spot
After struggling to produce in a great matchup last week, LeSean McCoy is in a prime bounce back spot this week with a home matchup against the Patriots. Currently third among all NFL running backs in touches per game, McCoy is one of the few true “bell cow” running backs that is worth paying up for on a weekly basis. He draws a great matchup at home against a weak Patriots defense that ranks 29th in run defense DVOA this season. Also the primary target in Buffalo’s passing game, McCoy trails only Christian McCaffrey in red zone targets among NFL running backs, while the Patriots rank 29th in pass defense DVOA against opposing running backs.
Adrian Peterson will be a game-time decision Week 13
Peterson has been sidelined this week with a neck injury but offensive coordinator Harold Goodwin fully expects Peterson to suit up on Sunday and head coach Bruce Arians said Peterson could play without practicing. If he suits up, he’ll maintain his featured role against the Rams. Last time these two teams faced, LA blew the Cardinals out 33-0 and Peterson only touched the ball 12 times. Vegas seems to think it could get out of hand again as the Rams are 7-point road favorites and the Cardinals have the fifth-lowest implied total on the board (18.5). Peterson posted a pair of nice games since joining the team but he’s also returned 1.9 yards per carry or fewer in three of his six appearances with Arizona and he’s averaging 3.5 ypc overall with the team.
Target This QB In A Potential Shootout
Thriving in his second year under new head coach Sean McVay, Jared Goff draws a sneaky good matchup on the road this week against an Arizona defense that can be exploited through the air. He won’t be cheap, but with plenty of mouths to feed in an unpredictable offense, paying up for Goff takes the frustration of sacrificing salary at your skill positions in the event the Rams opt to spread the ball around during this contest, making him a solid overall option to target in a game that should play at a very fast pace.
Senorise Perry questionable for Week 13, Jarvis Landry removed from injury report
Perry remains in the concussion protocol. If he’s able to play, he could take some snaps and touches away from Kenyan Drake. Landry popped up on the injury report yesterday but he’s all set for Sunday. He has a difficult matchup with Chris Harris in the slot, who’s allowing the third-fewest yards per cover snap (0.71) and boasts the second-best cover snaps per reception rate (19.3, per PFF) when lined up inside.
Other tagged players: Jarvis Landry