DFS Alerts

Drew Stanton is practicing Tuesday

The quarterback sprained his knee last Thursday against the Seahawks. The Cardinals won’t release an injury report today but Stanton was present during the portion of practice open to the media. It appears he was limited though as he was reportedly working on the side. If he can’t play this weekend, Blaine Gabbert would start under center against the Texans. It’s one of the best matchups a quarterback can have; the Texans have allowed the most yards per attempt (8.3), the third-most passing touchdowns (19), and the fifth-best passer rating. Not surprisingly, they’ve allowed the most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Of course, it’ll be a bit tough to trust either of these quarterbacks to deliver in the spot but it won’t get much better for them. Although Larry Fitzgerald has seen his production tail off in the second half of the past few seasons, the situation may prevent that from happening. Stanton has leaned heavily on the veteran receiver, sending 31% of his targets in Fitzgerald’s direction over the past two games. While the quarterback has been inefficient, completing just 48.4% of his passes while averaging 5.93 yard per attempt, he’s done much better when throwing to Fitz. Across Stanton’s two starts, he has a 65% completion rate and averages 7.96 yards per attempt when passing to his top receiver. On top of that, Texans slot corner Kareem Jackson has earned PFF’s 109th cover grade out of 116 qualifiers.

Philip Rivers in concussion protocol

Rivers was apparently concussed trying to make a tackle after he threw an interception. He hasn’t missed a game since 2006 but that streak could end this week. Beat writer Jack Wang believes Kellen Clemens would draw the start if Rivers isn’t cleared to play. They host the Bills in Week 11, whose defense was embarrassed on the ground against the Saints, giving up 298 yards and six scores. Should Clemens get the nod, they’ll likely try to hide him and ride Melvin Gordon’s legs as much as they can.

Allen Hurns isn't expected to play Week 11

Hurns hurt his ankle late in Jacksonville’s Week 10 victory over the Chargers. Coach Doug Marrone said he doesn’t “anticipate” him playing this weekend when they visit the Browns. His absence would open up targets for Marqise Lee, who’s found the end zone in two straight games. He’ll likely be followed around by Jason McCourty though, who only allowed seven yards against the Lions in Week 10. He’s still allowing a 66% catch rate but he’s jumped to 19th in yards per cover snap (0.87, per PFF). The Browns do play a lot of zone defense, so despite McCourty’s best efforts in man coverage, Cleveland is dead last in WR1 DVOA. Although the Jaguars prefer to go run-heavy, the Browns have been stellar against the rush, ranking first in DVOA and second in adjusted line yards heading into Week 10 (per FO). Bortles ended up dropping back a league-high 57 times on Sunday as Leonard Fournette struggled to get things going on the ground. Cleveland’s pass funnel defense may force Jacksonville into a similar approach. That could make Dede Westbrook a sneaky, albeit no-floor, GPP play if he’s finally be activated off the IR. He could immediately step into a sizable role with Hurns down but there will likely be plenty of question mark surrounding his expected workload. If he’s on the field, he’ll have a much nice matchup with Jamar Taylor. The Browns CB has given up the fifth-most yards and a 71% catch rate. If Westbrook doesn’t suit up, Keelan Cole, who attracted eight targets this past Sunday, would be the WR2.

Ty Montgomery questionable for Week 11

Montgomery re-aggravated a rib injury on Sunday, forcing him from the game. It’s not considered serious though; coach Mike McCarthy said the back has a chance to play this weekend. It’ll be worth following this story during the week. If he’s able to play without limitations, he could have a huge role with Aaron Jones sidelined. If he’s out, Jamaal Williams would likely take on a monster workload. On Sunday, they’ll face a Ravens defense giving up the third-most rushing yards (110.8/g) and ninth-most rushing scores (0.7/g) to RBs.

Seahawks signed CB Byron Maxwell

Seattle needs to replace the injured Richard Sherman and it looks like they’ve opted to bring in Maxwell to fill their vacancy instead of relying on the unwanted Jeremy Lane. Maxwell only played in two games for the Dolphins this season and he didn’t play well, allowing 1.78 yards per cover snap and a reception every nine cover snaps which would be the fourth and 15th-worst, respectively. In 2016, his numbers were much better, perhaps a change of scenery will help. Seattle takes on Atlanta Monday night and Maxwell could have a role in that one; we’ll learn more as the week progresses.

Cowboys LB Sean Lee isn't expected to play Week 11

Lee injured his hamstring Sunday and could miss a couple of games. It would be a huge loss for Dallas as Lee is playing well this season, earning PFF’s tenth-best linebacker grade. His 11.9% run-stop rate would be good for second at his position if he qualified. His absence would open up a better matchup for the stable of Eagles backs. It’s not yet clear if Jay Ajayi will take over the featured role this week after he logged 17 snaps in his first game with the team. That situation will be worth watching during the week.

Danny Woodhead questionable for Week 11

Woodhead, who’s been in the IR with a serious hamstring injury will practice tomorrow and possibly return to the field on Sunday. He’ll be closely monitored by the coaching staff throughout the week to see how he responds. If he’s able to play, he could be limited in his first game back but the snaps he picks up would likely come at the expense of fellow passing-down RB Buck Allen.

Zach Ertz had a full practice Monday

Erz took a game off ahead of Philly’s bye week to nurse a hamstring injury. Although he said it’s too soon to know if he’ll be able to play this weekend against the Cowboys, he likely will. He’s been a touchdown machine over past four games, finding the end zone five times in that stretch, although his receptions and yards have been a bit sporadic and he’s seen five or six targets over the last three outings. He’ll have a nice spot this weekend; the Cowboys were 26th in TE DVOA heading into Week 10 and they allowed Austin Hooper to reel in all six of his targets for a 6/49/1 line on Sunday.

Rob Kelley will miss multiple games

Kelley was diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain and an MCL sprain. It’s not clear how long he’ll be out but the injuries are possibly season-ending as they may place him on IR. That will elevate Samaje Perine to the early-down role and coach Jay Gruden said he’ll begin to “get more and more carries.” Chris Thomspon will still mix in for some rushing attempts while continuing to handle the bulk of the passing downs. Thompson attracted seven targets last game and his Week 11 matchup with the Saints isn’t a bad for his skill set. In addition to the Saints ranking 28th in rush DVOA, they’ve given up the second-most receptions and sixth-most receiving yards to the position. On top of that, Thompson will have a friendly $5.4k price tag on DraftKings this week, possibly the cheapest he’ll be the rest of the season. Given the spot and his ability to generate huge plays, Thompson is shaping up to be a solid DFS play in Week 11.

Corey Coleman will play Week 11

Coach Hue Jackson said Coleman is healthy and will be out there this weekend against the Jaguars. It’s possibly the worst game a receiver can come back to and he could potentially be limited in some capacity given his extended absence. On the bright side, he was dealing with a hand injury, so he shouldn’t have had any issues staying in football shape. Plus, the Browns are desperate for a competent receiver. With Kenny Britt injured and in the dog house for most of Coleman’s absence, Ricardo Louis has been the de facto WR1 but he hasn’t caught more than three passes over the past four games and he’s failed to find the end zone once this year. Britt managed to pick up 55 snaps last week and even scored once but he only added one other catch for 19 yards. Running back Duke Johnson continues to pace the team in receptions (42), targets (54), and receiving yards (358). It’s possible Johnson loses some looks with Coleman back. The receiver will primarily line up across from A.J. Bouye, who’s shut down receivers this season, limiting them to a 41.7% catch rate.

Marcus Mariota and Delanie Walker expected to play Week 11

Mariota is dealing with non-throwing shoulder and ankle injuries heading into a Thursday night matchup with the Steelers but he’s fully expected to play. It’s a difficult spot considering the Steelers are fifth in pass DVOA and holding QBs to the third-fewest fantasy points this season. However, with injuries to CB Joe Haden and S Mike Mitchell, the matchup will be a bit easier than it looks on paper. The Titans are 7.0-point road dogs, which could force Mariota to the air often. He attempted a season-high 44 attempts in Week 10 and finished with 256 yards and a score. On the season, he’s 18th with 7.19 yards per attempt and 29th in touchdown passes (7). He’s added three scores on the ground though and picked up at least 24 rushing yards in five games. He was expected to be more involved as a runner this past weekend and he followed through with 51 rushing yards. Delanie Walker suffered a wrist injury Sunday but still led the team with six receptions and 63 yards. He’s also expected to be out there against the Steelers, whose defense continues to shut down tight ends. They were second in DVOA heading into the week and limited Jack Doyle to a 2/9/0 line on five looks. They’re now third in PPR points allowed to the position.

Week 10 injury roundup

Devonta Freeman suffered his second concussion of the season against the Cowboys Sunday. Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen reported the running back isn’t expected to be cleared in time to play next Monday night and added it’s possible he’ll be out for an extended period of time. That will give Tevin Coleman the start against the Seahawks, whose defense is limiting RBs to the fourth-fewest PPR points. He turned a season-high 21 touches into 85 yards and a score against Dallas in Week 10. On the season, he’s averaging 4.8 yards per carry and 8.1 yards per target. Generally speaking, he’ll carry plenty of upside in the featured role, but he’ll have a tough matchup this week.

Marcus Mariota is dealing with non-throwing shoulder and ankle injuries heading into a Thursday night matchup with the Steelers but he’s fully expected to play. It’s a difficult spot considering the Steelers are fifth in pass DVOA and holding QBs to the third-fewest fantasy points this season. However, with injuries to CB Joe Haden and S Mike Mitchell, the matchup will be a bit easier than it looks on paper. The Titans are 7.0-point road dogs, which could force Mariota to the air often. He attempted a season-high 44 attempts in Week 10 and finished with 256 yards and a score. On the season, he’s 18th with 7.19 yards per attempt and 29th in touchdown passes (7). He’s added three scores on the ground though and picked up at least 24 rushing yards in five games. He was expected to be more involved as a runner this past weekend and he followed through with 51 rushing yards. Delanie Walker suffered a wrist injury Sunday but still led the team with six receptions and 63 yards. He’s also expected to suit up against the Steelers, whose defense continues to shut down tight ends. They were second in DVOA heading into the week and limited Jack Doyle to a 2/9/0 line on five looks. They’re now third in PPR points allowed to the position.

Aaron Jones and Ty Montgomery both left Week 10 early. Jones is believed to have suffered an MCL sprain and he’s expected to miss 3-6 weeks while Montgomery re-aggravated a rib injury and could also miss some time. That leaves Jamaal Williams as Green Bay’s featured back. He ended up seeing 21 touches Sunday but only managed 74 scoreless yards. Next week he’ll face a Ravens defense giving up the third-most rushing yards (110.8/g) and ninth-most rushing scores (0.7/g) to RBs. Brett Hundley tweaked his hamstring during the game which is something to keep an eye on this week.

Will Fuller is dealing with cracked ribs. Although it’s nothing too serious, Fuller will be sidelined for at least one game. Bruce Ellington will serve as the WR2 behind DeAndre Hopkins while Fuller is down. He managed to pick up eight targets and caught Tom Savage’s lone touchdown. Hopkins piled up 14 looks and will undoubtedly continue to be a target monster. With Savage under center, he’ll continue to have some efficiency problems though – he’s only caught 43% of his passes the past two games – and he won’t have as many scoring opportunities. C.J. Fiedorowicz could also benefit from Fuller’s absence. He saw six looks in his first game since Week 1 but he only caught two for ten yards.

Rob Kelley was diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain and a grade 1/2 MCL sprain. It’s not clear how long he’ll be out for but it’s highly doubtful he’ll be able to suit up this weekend against the Saints. That should elevate Samaje Perine to the early-down role with Chris Thomspon mixing in for carries while continuing to handle the bulk of the passing downs. Both backs tallied nine carries and Thompson attracted seven targets. Week 11 isn’t a bad matchup for Thompson. In addition to the Saints ranking 28th in rush DVOA, they’ve given up the second-most receptions and sixth-most receiving yards to the position. On top of that, Thompson will have a friendly $5.4k price tag on DraftKings this week, possibly the cheapest he’ll be the rest of the season. Given the spot and his ability to generate huge plays, Thompson is shaping up to be a solid DFS play in Week 11. Ryan Grant entered the concussion protocol. Despite the receiver leaving early, Terrelle Pryor didn’t see a single target and was out-snapped by Maurice Harris, who made a terrific touchdown grab. It’s possible Harris operates as the WR3 if Grant is out, it’ll be something to monitor this week.

Allen Hurns injured his leg late Sunday and is in danger of missing Jacksonville’s Week 11 matchup with the Browns. Should he sit, it would be a nice boost for Marqise Lee, who caught a touchdown for the second straight game. Dede Westbrook could be activated for the first time this season and may immediately step into a sizable role if Hurns is sidelined.

Jacoby Brissett has entered the concussion protocol. He’ll have an extra week to clear it with the Colts on a bye. If he’s able to play in Week 12, he’ll have a terrific matchup with the woeful Texans pass defense.

Steelers CB Joe Haden has a non-displaced fibula fracture and S Mike Mitchell is dealing with an ankle injury. Fortunately, Haden’s injury won’t require surgery but he’s expected to miss up to six weeks due to the injury. He was having a really strong season, his absence will undoubtedly be a downgrade for the stout Steelers secondary. Coty Sensabaugh played poorly in place of Haden, allowing a 3/83/1 line on four targets. He’ll primarily battle Rishard Matthews on Thursday night. The receiver was second on the team with five catches and 50 yards in Week 10 but he was out-targeted by Corey Davis 10-7 in the rookie’s first game since Week 2. Davis will have his hands full with Artie Burns, who’s 19th in cover snaps per reception (14.1, per PFF), which could encourage Marcus Mariota to send more passes in Matthews’ direction.

Jets CB Morris Claiborne re-aggravated his foot injury causing him to leave Week 10 early. He’ll have a bye to rehab this week. If he’s able to return for their Week 12 matchup with the Panthers, Claiborne will likely shadow Devin Funchess around.

Adam Jones is in the concussion protocol. Although he’s picked up PFF’s 100th cover grade, he’s limiting receivers to a 50% catch rate and 0.85 yards per cover snap which would be 19th if he qualified. He’d primarily line up across from Demaryius Thomas in Week 11 if he plays. Although Thomas tends to be Brock Osweiler’s favorite target, Emmanuel Sanders picked up a team-high 11 looks against the Patriots due to his more favorable matchup with CB Malcolm Butler – he finished with a 6/137/0 line. Sanders would arguably have the better spot again going up against Dre Kirkpatrick, PFF’s 104th cover corner, who’s allowed 1.06 yards per cover snap (43rd).

Cowboys LB Sean Lee injured his hamstring Sunday and could miss a couple of games. It would be a huge loss for Dallas as Lee is playing well this season, earning PFF’s tenth-best linebacker grade. His 11.9% run-stop rate would be good for second at his position if he qualified. His absence would open up a better matchup for the stable of Eagles backs. It’s not yet clear if Jay Ajayi will take over the featured role this week after he logged 17 snaps in his first game with the team. That situation will be worth watching during the week.

Browns LB Jamie Collins suffered a torn MCL and is out for the year. His 9% run-stop rate would be tenth among linebackers if he qualified. His absence will be a little boost for Leonard Fournette. Cleveland’s run defense was the top-ranked unit in DVOA and second in adjusted line yards (per FO) heading into the week but they allowed Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick to combine for 5.8 yards per carry on Sunday with both managing runs of 20+ yards. Fournette is coming off his worst game of the season in which he turned 19 touches into 46 yards against a much worse Chargers run defense. He’ll have a tough spot to bounce back but his volume should remain high.

Giants RT Justin Pugh left early with a back injury. If he misses any time, Bobby Hart, PFF’s 67th-ranked tackle, would continue to fill in. It’s a slight downgrade but Pugh has also scored poorly this season. Running back Orleans Darkwa has taken over the Giants backfield, logging 16 touches against the 49ers. He’s now averaging 5.1 yards per carry heading into a Week 11 showdown against a Chief run defense currently in 30th in adjusted line yards (4.66).

Seahawks S Earl Thomas expected to return Week 11, S Kam Chancellor questionable

PFF’s seventh-ranked safety should be able to suit up next Monday night against the Falcons. His presence will be a boost for an ailing secondary. CB Richard Sherman is done for the season and Chancellor is dealing with a stinger. If Chancellor misses any time it would be an upgrade for tight end Austin Hooper, who’s coming off a strong 6/6/49/1 performance against Dallas. He’s now second on the team in receiving yards and is tied for the team-high in touchdowns (3).

Aaron Jones expected to miss 3-6 weeks

Jones is believed to have suffered an MCL sprain Sunday. Adam Schefter reports the injury is going to keep him sidelined for at least three weeks. Green Bay is thin at running back with Ty Montgomery (ribs) also expected to miss time. After both players exited Week 10 early, Jamaal Williams stepped into the featured role. He ended up seeing 21 touches but only managed 74 scoreless yards. Next week he’ll face a Ravens defense giving up the third-most rushing yards (110.8/g) and ninth-most rushing scores (0.7/g) to RBs.

Eagles CB Ronald Darby expected to return Week 11

Darby hasn’t played since dislocating his ankle back in Week 1. His presence will make things tougher for outside receivers Dez Bryant and Terrance Williams, although he’ll primarily see the latter. After a monster Week 9 for Williams in which he caught all nine of his targets for 141 yards, he came crashing back to earth with a 1/4/9/0 line in Week 10 as the Cowboys offense struggled in Atlanta. Bryant picked up a team-high eight targets but only managed to reel in four for 39 scoreless yards. As a unit, the Eagles pass defense finds itself in eighth in pass DVOA and they’ve given up the sixth-fewest touchdowns to WRs despite being without Darby. Early lines have the Eagles as 3.0-point road favorites.