DFS Alerts
Eddie Lacy officially ruled out for Week 10, S Earl Thomas doubtful, DT Sheldon Richardson will play
Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said Thomas Rawls will be their “guy” against the Cardinals Thursday night with Eddie Lacy sidelined. Rawls took over the early-down role last weekend after Lacy got hurt and posted a season-high 39 yards on 4.3 yards per carry while adding two receptions for 31 yards. Seattle will get C.J. Prosise back after essentially missing five straight games. He’s expected to be the primary passing-down back, although he could lose a some of those snaps to J.D. McKissic. The group has a tough matchup this week; Arizona ranks seventh in yards per carry (3.7) and they’re holding RBs to the 11th-fewest PPR points this season. On Sunday, they limited Carlos Hyde to 41 rushing yards on 12 carries but allowed him to haul in nine catches for 84. With Prosise back, Rawls won’t receive many opportunities to exploit any weaknesses in coverage. Seattle’s pass defense allowed 247 scoreless passing yards without Thomas against the Redskins and quarterback Kirk Cousins was 2-for-5 on passes 20+ yards downfield. They have a friendly matchup with Drew Stanton on Thursday, who only completed 50% of his passes for 201 yards, two scores, and a pick against a weak 49ers pass defense. Richardson has been more productive in pass-rush than run defense this season, accumulating the 24th-most pressures among interior defenders. His presence should help Seahawks apply pressure on Stanton, who’ll be playing behind the second-worst offensive line in football by PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency metric.
Other tagged players: Seattle Seahawks, Thomas Rawls, C.J. Prosise, Drew Stanton
Matt Forte didn't practice Wednesday
Forte’s surgically-repaired knee swelled up, keeping him sidelined today. That makes him questionable for this weekend. If he’s unable to suit up, it should be a nice boost for Bilal Powell, although he could be in a timeshare with Elijah McGuire, who out-snapped Powell 20-15 last week and out-touched him 14-9. Even so, Powell should take over most of the receiving work. Forte has averaged 5.8 receptions per game over the past four weeks while Powell added 2.3 during the same stretch. That alone presents a nice volume against a Tampa Bay defense that ranks 29th in receiving RB DVOA (per FO) and gives up the third-most PPR points per game to the position while posting bottom-11 numbers in RB receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. Powell is just $4.0k on DraftKings this week.
Other tagged players: Bilal Powell, Elijah McGuire Ryan Griffin unlikely to play Week 10, C.J. Fiedorowicz expected to suit up
Griffin is expected to be sidelined this weekend after suffering his second concussion of the season. Teammate C.J. Fiedorowicz was activated from the IR Tuesday, as expected, and he’s expected to play against the Rams. He’s reportedly fully recovered from his concussion and experiencing no symptoms anymore. With Griffin out, Fiedorowicz could immediately step into a sizable snap count. He has a difficult spot right off the bat though. In addition to having Tom Savage under center, he’ll have to battle a Rams defense that ranked fourth in TE DVOA heading into Week 9. They successfully shut down Evan Engram for most of the game Sunday, limiting him to just four catches on ten targets, although the rookie nabbed a garbage time score to save his fantasy day. Through nine weeks, the Rams are allowing the tenth-fewest PPR points per game to TEs.
Other tagged players: C.J. Fiedorowicz Jamison Crowder, Jordan Reed, and several Redskins linemen returned to practice Wednesday
The Redskins are getting healthier. RG Brandon Scherff, LG Shawn Lauvao, and C Spencer Long all participated in some individual drills Wednesday after missing Week 9’s game. Crowder (hamstring) and Reed (hamstring) were doing the same and both appear to have a shot at suiting up this weekend against the Vikings. It’s a tough spot for Crowder as he’ll battle Terrence Newman in the slot; the CB has limited receivers to the 12th-fewest yards per cover snap (0.95) when lined up inside and a solid 59% catch rate – which is low for slot corners. The receiver had posted his best game of the year in Week 8, hauling in nine balls for 123 yards on 13 targets, and he’ll try to pick things up where he left off. Reed (hamstring) hasn’t been fully healthy all season and could play limited snaps if he suits up. On top of that, Minnesota has held tight ends to the eighth-fewest yards this season (45/g). The Vikings rank seventh in adjusted sack rate, so a healthier line will be very important for the Redskins offense. Cousins has taken the most sacks in the league over the past two weeks (10), in large part due to the injuries up front.
Other tagged players: Jordan Reed, Washington Commanders, Kirk Cousins Ryan Griffin isn't practicing Wednesday
Griffin seems like a long shot to play this weekend after suffering his second concussion of the season. Teammate C.J. Fiedorowicz was activated from the IR Tuesday, as expected, enabling him to suit up this weekend against the Rams. He’s reportedly fully recovered from his concussion and experiencing no symptoms anymore. With Griffin on the doubtful side of things, Fiedorowicz could immediately step into a sizable snap count. He has a difficult spot right off the bat though. In addition to having Tom Savage under center, he’ll have to battle a Rams defense that ranked fourth in TE DVOA heading into Week 9. They successfully shut down Evan Engram for most of the game Sunday, limiting him to just four catches on ten targets, although the rookie nabbed a garbage time score to save his fantasy day. Through nine weeks, the Rams are allowing the tenth-fewest PPR points per game to TEs.
Targets, Targets, Targets
Shepard returned from injury last week and is now the only option capable of being an NFL WR in this offense (other than Evan Engram, who’s supposed to be a TE). This week the Giants get a matchup against the 49ers, who should be able to at least do something to shut down Engram (SF ranks first in DVOA vs. the TE), likely leaving Shepard to be the focal point in an offense that has a 26.75 projected team total. Shepard had nine targets last week, even though the Giants were out of the game by halftime. This week, they come in as 7.5-point favorites against a SF team that ranks 25th in DVOA vs. the pass. At Shepard’s price of only $5,500 on a full-point PPR site like DraftKings, he is my top projected PT/$ WR on the entire slate.
Martellus Bennett ruled out for Week 10
It’ll be Bennett’s second straight absence as he tends to a shoulder injury. Lance Kendricks and Richard Rogers received 29 and 33 snaps with Bennett sidelined in Week 9 with Kendricks leading the two with a 2/3/32/0 line. Quarterback Brett Hundley will likely continue prioritizing the receivers. Davante Adams appears to be his favorite target; the receiver has attracted ten targets in two of the three games Hundley has played significant snaps. Due to Hundley’s poor play, he hasn’t been able to exceed 54 yards in either of those outings though. This week, they’ll take on the Bears and Adams will primarily see Prince Amukamara and Kyle Fuller. Since Week 5, Amukamara has only conceded 13 targets, the fourth-fewest among 65 qualifiers (per PFF), while Fuller has held receivers to an impressive 46% catch rate despite being targeted the sixth-most during that stretch. In a sad state of affairs without Aaron Rodgers, the Packers are currently 5.5-point road dogs with an implied total of 16.25 points.
Other tagged players: Brett Hundley, Davante Adams Jeremy Hill isn't practicing Wednesday, Tyler Boyd is participating
Hill was a late scratch Sunday after suffering an ankle injury in warmups. If he can’t go, it will allow Joe Mixon to start again and pick up a few more touches. He garnered 16 in Jacksonville last Sunday and scored, although he only managed 45 yards. On the season, he’s produced just 2.9 yards per carry and his Week 10 opponent, the Titans, have held opponents to the fourth-fewest ypc this season (3.6). On top of that, they’ve given up the fewest rushing touchdowns this year (3). Setting up as a pass funnel defense, the Titans rank 22nd in pass DVOA and have permitted the seventh-most scores through the air (1.9/g). That opens up a nice spot for Andy Dalton on the road. Since 2015, the QB has tossed 1.7 touchdowns per game when away, a 0.5 touchdown bump over his production at home. His go-to receiver A.J. Green will square off with A’doree’ Jackson, who’s allowed the tenth-most touchdowns this season (3). Boyd may return from a three-game absence but he isn’t expected to pick up a large enough role to be on the fantasy radar.
Other tagged players: Joe Mixon, Tyler Boyd, Andy Dalton, A.J. Green Charles Clay and Kelvin Benjamin are both expected to play Week 10
Clay (knee) will return from a three-game absence when Buffalo hosts New Orleans this weekend. The Saints currently have the league’s most-improved pass defense from a season ago and that’s extended to tight ends. In addition to ranking fourth in TE DVOA (per FO), they’ve allowed the third-fewest PPR points to the position. Considering the added injury risk, Clay, who remains the team’s leading receiver despite being sidelined, may be a tough sell in fantasy this week. On the bright side, the Bills are at home and he could benefit from quarterback Tyrod Taylor’s home splits as he normally does. Since 2016, Clay hasn’t caught a touchdown on the road (10 games) but he’s averaged 0.6 at the Ralph (10 games). Saints CB Marshon Lattimore, PFF’s top-graded corner, will likely follow Benjamin around this weekend. Lattimore frustrated Mike Evans in Week 9; the Bucs top WR finished with just one catch for 13 yards and earned a suspension for fighting the CB. Lattimore’s raw numbers are nothing short of impressive. Despite taking on opposing WR1s all year, he’s limited QBs to the second-lowest passer rating (37.4) while allowing the eighth-fewest yards (160), posting the ninth-best cover snaps per reception rate (16.3), and he hasn’t been charged with a single touchdown. That sets up a very tough spot for Benjamin, who may have a limited playbook and snap count on Sunday in his first game with the Bills.
Other tagged players: Kelvin Benjamin Colts CB Vontae Davis ruled out for Week 10
Antonio Brown will likely have a mismatch with CB Pierre Desir, who struggled to contain Houston’s outside receivers, primarily DeAndre Hopkins on the left side, and finished the week with the sixth-most receptions allowed (6), fifth-most yards (86), and he gave up a TD to Tom Savage. Although Ben Roethlisberger hasn’t had any huge home games this season, he’s still playing better in Pittsburgh with two of his three multi-score outings coming at home (out of three games). He’s had a tough home schedule so far, facing the Vikings, Jaguars, and Bengals, all of whom rank in the top ten in opposing passer rating, which makes his Week 10 matchup with the Colts a welcome relief. Not only are they 18th in passer rating but they’re allowing the most yards per attempt (8.3) and giving up the ninth-most fantasy points to QBs. Despite a relatively slow start to the season, Roethlisberger checks in as our QB6 this week. His partner in crime, Brown, is our WR1.
Other tagged players: Antonio Brown, Ben Roethlisberger Chris Hogan isn't practicing Wednesday
The receiver injured his shoulder late in Week 8’s game and is looking doubtful for this weekend’s matchup with the Broncos. If he can’t go it would open up snaps for Danny Amendola and Phillip Dorsett and should provide more targets for Brandin Cooks and Rob Gronkowski. Gronk has hit double-digit targets in three games this season and he’s found the end zone five times. It’s already a solid spot for him with the Broncos allowing the third-most PPR points to TEs, so the added volume would be very welcome. Gronkowski is currently second among tight ends with 2.11 yards per route run (per PFF), a number that’s better than all but seven wide receivers. Despite a hefty price tag, Gronk currently projects in our top six points-per-dollar TEs on both DraftKings and FanDuel.
Other tagged players: Rob Gronkowski, Phillip Dorsett, Danny Amendola, Brandin Cooks Colts LB John Simon isn't expected to play Week 10
Simon was an integral part of the Colts run defense through the first six games until he was injured early on in Week 7. Without him, they’ve actually been decent against opposing ground games though. Outside of an outlier performance from T.J. Yeldon in which he picked up 122 yards on nine carries, the Colts haven’t allowed any running back to pick up more than 57 yards. That was Lamar Miller, who combined with D’Onta Foreman for 94 yards on 21 carries last week. The game prior, they handled the collection of Bengals runners, limiting them to 58 yards on the same number of attempts. This week may be a different story though, as they’re headed to Pittsburgh to face Le’Veon Bell and the Steelers. Pittsburgh ranks ninth in adjusted line yards (per FO) and Bell has averaged 129.7 rushing yards over his last three games. His production tends to slow down at home as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s increases though. Bell has scored all five of his touchdowns on the road this season while Ben has posted two of his three multi-score outings in the three games they’ve played in Pittsburgh. With the Colts coming to town this weekend, the trend could continue as Indy’s defense is permitting the ninth-most fantasy points to QBs this year while allowing the most yards per attempt (8.3). Plus, top receiver Antonio Brown will have a mismatch with CB Pierre Desir, who struggled to contain Houston’s outside receivers, primarily DeAndre Hopkins on the left side, and finished the week with the sixth-most receptions allowed (6), fifth-most yards (86), and he gave up a TD to Tom Savage.
Other tagged players: Le'Veon Bell, Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown Broncos RT Menelik Watson placed on IR
Watson was having a horrendous season. Despite playing in seven games, he’s been charged with nine sacks (per PFF). For comparison, that was the most allowed by any tackle for the entirety of the 2016 season. As a unit, the Broncos are currently 27th in adjusted sack rate (per FO). This may be a case where going to the bench could help Denver’s offensive line but it may not be anything drastic. Donald Stephenson (calf) could return from injury to take Watson’s place; he’s earned poor marks throughout his career. Fortunately for them, New England hasn’t boasted a fierce pass rush this season, they’re 22nd in adjusted sack rate. That could provide QB Brock Osweiler more time in the pocket than last week. Against the Eagles, he was under pressure on a ridiculous 59% of his dropbacks and finished 8-of-21 for 74 scoreless yards and a pick on those plays. On his 17 dropbacks when not facing pressure, Osweiler was competent, posting a 64.7% completion rate with 134 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. The Patriots pass defense has been much worse than the Eagles this season, ranking 29th in pass DVOA while Philly is eighth. They’ve also allowed the most fantasy points to QBs, although they’re trending in the right direction; over the past four weeks, they’ve given up the 16th-most per game (they’ve played three games during that stretch). They’re still funneling production towards wide receivers though, permitting the fifth-most per game to the position over that span. On the season, they’re 30th in WR1 DVOA while allowing the most yards per game (90.4) to opposing number ones. This all bodes well for Demaryius Thomas, who picked up his 2015 trend of attracting the most targets from Osweiler. He logged a team-high 12 last week while Emmanuel Sanders finished second with five. Thomas scored his first touchdown of the season while hauling in eight of his passes for 70 yards. For the level of volume he could receive in a favorable matchup, Thomas’ price ($7.0k on FD, $6.1k on DK) appears to be a good deal.
Other tagged players: Brock Osweiler, Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders Sam Bradford is heading to the IR, ending his season
Bradford underwent an arthroscopic procedure Tuesday to clean up his left knee. Although there wasn’t major damage found, the Vikings have decided to shut him down for the season. Teddy Bridgewater will be activated to the 53-man roster on Wednesday. As of now, the Vikings plan on having Bridgewater serve as Keenum’s backup when they take on the Redskins this weekend. Washington has allowed the 11th-most fantasy points to QBs but with Josh Norman back in the fold, they have three corners in the top 27 of PFF’s coverage grades, all of whom have posted 0.84 yards per cover snap or better. That sets up a tough matchup for Keenum and the Vikings passing attack. The Redskins are worse against the run, ranking 27th in adjusted line yards. Since Dalvin Cook’s injury, Jerick McKinnon has picked up between 17 and 22 touches in each game but he’s been out-carried by Latavius Murray in each of the past two – Murray garnered 18 and 19 carries in those contests. Murray is expected to start and handle most of the early-down work while McKinnon takes on the passing-down role but he’ll be on a short leash like he was in Week 8. He only managed 39 yards on those 19 attempts and McKinnon ended up out-snapping him 54 to 31. Outside of one solid game for Murray, McKinnon has looked like the better back and McKinnon’s added value in the passing game makes him the more appealing fantasy asset.
As reported by: Ian Rapoport Other tagged players: Teddy Bridgewater, Case Keenum, Latavius Murray, Jerick McKinnon Charles Clay and CB E.J. Gaines limited Wednesday, Zay Jones didn't participate
Clay (knee) will try to return from a three-game absence when Buffalo hosts New Orleans this weekend. The Saints currently have the league’s most-improved pass defense from a season ago and that’s extended to tight ends. In addition to ranking fourth in TE DVOA (per FO), they’ve allowed the third-fewest PPR points to the position. Considering the added injury risk, Clay, who remains the team’s leading receiver despite being sidelined, may be a tough sell in fantasy this week. On the bright side, the Bills are at home and he could benefit from quarterback Tyrod Taylor’s home splits as he normally does. Since 2016, Clay hasn’t caught a touchdown on the road (10 games) but he’s averaged 0.6 at the Ralph (10 games). Jones is considered day-to-day after tweaking his knee Thursday night. It’s a bad start to the week as he was a DNP on Monday as well. With Kelvin Benjamin in the fold, Jones is expected to switch to the Z role while his new teammate takes over the X. That will allow him a better release as he’ll often be lined up off the line of scrimmage, providing some extra yards between him and cornerbacks, and could take some of the defense’s attention off him. The change should make a difference right away as Saints CB Marshon Lattimore, PFF’s top-graded corner, will likely follow Benjamin around this weekend. Lattimore frustrated Mike Evans in Week 9; the Bucs top WR finished with just one catch for 13 yards and earned a suspension for fighting the CB. That’ll leave Jones, who’s coming off his best game of the season (6/53/1), with Ken Crawley, the 44th-ranked CB in yards per cover snap (1.14, per PFF). He’s limited receivers to a 48% catch rate though and Jones has had some serious efficiency problems so far. Gaines (hamstring) is expected to make his return from a two-game absence this week. His presence would make things more difficult for Michael Thomas and Tedd Ginn as he represents a big upgrade over Shareece Wright.
Other tagged players: Zay Jones, Buffalo Bills