DFS Alerts
Cole Beasley cleared concussion protocol, will play Week 9
Beasley has only played 48% of the team’s snaps over the past five games and he hasn’t topped 33 yards all season. Whether he plays or not, the Cowboys will continue to employ a run-heavy attack as much as they can. On top of that, the Chiefs have improved their slot corner position tremendously by getting Steven Nelson back on the field in place of Phillip Gaines. Even though Trevor Siemian tried picking on Nelson in his first start of the season, targeting his coverage eight times, Nelson only allowed three receptions. Last year, he trailed only Chris Harris in cover snaps per reception (13.3, per PFF). Dez Bryant has the best spot among the receivers as he only runs 25% of his routes into Marcus Peters’ area. The receiver hasn’t hit 100 receiving yards all season and he’s only topped 63 once but he’s had one of the tougher receiver schedules this season. He’ll get to battle Kenneth Acker in his second start of the season this Sunday. Last week, Acker allowed a 5/69/0 line on seven targets, coming in at 11th on the week in yards per cover snap (1.68). As a unit, the Chiefs are 29th in WR1 DVOA while allowing the most passes (10.4/g) and yards (112.7/g) to the position. This game now has the highest total on the board at 54 points.
A Bad QB Could Mean the Same Production for This WR
Yes, I do realize that Drew Stanton is not a good QB, but this price and spot for Fitz are just too good to ignore. Stanton has taken over for Carson Palmer due to an injury, but this really shouldn’t affect Fitzgerald’s production too much, at least this week. He draws a matchup against an awful 49ers defense that ranks 28th in DVOA vs. WR1s and 29th in pass defense overall. Looking back on Fitzgerald’s stats with Stanton at the helm, we can see that his production doesn’t really take that big of a hit (evident by his two-TD game against this same San Francisco team in the last game that Stanton started). With AP being the lead back in this backfield, and being a back that doesn’t catch a lot of balls out of the backfield, we can expect Fitz to be showered with targets on short routes throughout this cupcake matchup against the winless 49ers. At just $5,900 on DraftKings and $7,400 on FanDuel, Fitzgerald remains an appealing play despite the change at quarterback.
Albert Wilson and LB Dee Ford ruled out for Week 9
Wilson is rehabbing a hamstring issue and hasn’t practiced all week. The receiver hasn’t seen more than four targets in a game and only picked up two in his first full game without Chris Conley, so his absence won’t shift a ton on this offense. It provide a slight boost for Demarcus Robinson, who may be a sneaky GPP option in Week 9. Despite leaving Week 8’s game briefly to be evaluated for a concussion, Robinson played 51-of-62 snaps and he led the Chiefs receivers in snaps in Weeks 6 and 7. Although he ended up logging just two targets last week, he had a tough matchup with Denver. This weekend, he’ll battle Anthony Brown and Jourdan Lewis of the Cowboys, who have allowed four (fifth) and three touchdowns (ninth), respectively. As a unit, Dallas is 25th in WR2 DVOA and have allowed the third-most passes to the position (7.5, per FO). In Week 7, Robinson logged eight targets against a similarly weak Raiders defense (23rd in WR2 DVOA) and turned them into five catches for 69 yards. Robinson has seen as many as three red zone targets in a game this year, showing the Chiefs are willing to use him in scoring position. He’s certainly a very risky, no-floor play, but at $3.2k on DraftKings he may be worth a look as a low-owned, affordable way to get exposure to this game which currently has the highest total on the board (54 points). Ford hasn’t had a strong year but his replacement, Frank Zombo, hasn’t been any better by PFF grading – they rank 97th and 98th among edge defenders by PFF grading. However, Zombo has earned the seventh-best run-stop rate at his position whereas Ford is 44th. That probably won’t be enough to slow Ezekiel Elliott down though, the running back has been on a tear over his past three games, averaging 29.3 carries, 137.7 rushing yards, and 1.3 rushing touchdowns per game. As a unit, the Chiefs are 31st in rush DVOA.
Other tagged players: Demarcus Robinson, Kansas City Chiefs Jamison Crowder, Rob Kelley, and RG Brandon Scherff questionable for Week 9, LT Trent Williams and C Spencer Long doubtful; Jordan Reed, Niles Paul, and LG Shawn Lauvao ruled out
The absence of Reed and Paul could leave Vernon Davis with a huge role in Seattle this weekend. He saw five targets when Reed missed their Week 3 matchup with the Raiders and found the paint. Although he hasn’t attracted a ton of targets this season, he’s leading the league with 18.4 yards per reception. The Seahawks pass defense got worked by Deshaun Watson and company but only two of the quarterback’s passes went to his tight ends. Overall, Seattle has been pretty solid against the better TEs they’ve faced, limiting Jack Doyle, Martellus Bennett, and Delanie Walker to 43 scoreless yards or less each. Evan Engram did the most damage, finishing with a 6/60/1 line but he wasn’t particularly efficient considering he saw 12 targets in that contest. As a unit, Seattle ranks first in TE DVOA. Starting linemen LT Trent Williams, C Spencer Long, LG Shawn Lauvao are all expected to be absent, leaving the Redskins thin on the line once again. Fortunately, RG Brandon Scherff and RT Morgan Moses will suit up. Although Seattle is 18th in adjusted sack rate, they could find success against this banged-up unit. Seahawks DE Frank Clark could cause a lot of problems attacking the Redskins weaker side. He’s posted the fourth-best pass rushing productivity rate among all edge defenders since returning from injury two weeks ago (per PFF). Cousins ended up being sacked four times and committed two turnovers against Dallas (eighth in adjusted sack rate) in Week 8. Cousins targeted Crowder 13 times in that contest and the receiver finally broke out for a big game with nine catches for 123 yards. He’s dealing with a hamstring issue though and he wasn’t able to practice this week; he could end up being a game-time decision. His absence would provide more snaps and targets to Josh Doctson, Ryan Grant, and the recently-demoted Terrelle Pryor. It would also be a further boost for Davis.
Other tagged players: Jordan Reed Emmanuel Sanders expected to play Week 9
Sanders is listed questionable but it would be surprising if he didn’t suit up this weekend following a two-game absence with an ankle injury. He played seven games with Osweiler under center in 2015 (22+ attempts in each) and averaged 8.0 targets per game while Demaryius Thomas saw 10.5 per game. Whether Osweiler will continue to favor Thomas remains to be seen, but he appears to be the better bet, especially with Sanders coming off an injury. Sanders’ outlook does improve with Eagles CB Ronald Darby expected to be sidelined. The receiver will primarily match up with Jalen Mills, who’s allowed the fourth-most total yards (426, per PFF) and fifth-most touchdowns (4) this season, and he’ll also get some run against Rasul Douglas, who’s allowed the 14th-most yards per cover snap (1.36). As a unit, Philly ranks ninth in pass DVOA (per FO) but they’ve allowed the 11th-most PPR points to receivers as they continue to funnel fantasy production to pass-catchers. The Eagles have limited RBs to the sixth-fewest PPR points and the fewest yards per game (43.5) which may force Osweiler to the air often.
Other tagged players: Demaryius Thomas, Brock Osweiler Albert Wilson isn't practicing Friday
Wilson is rehabbing a hamstring issue and hasn’t practiced all week. The receiver hasn’t seen more than four targets in a game and only picked up two in his first full game without Chris Conley, so his absence won’t shift a ton on this offense. It would be a slight boost for Demarcus Robinson, who may be a sneaky GPP option in Week 9. Despite leaving Week 8’s game briefly to be evaluated for a concussion, Robinson played 51-of-62 snaps and he led the Chiefs receivers in snaps in Weeks 6 and 7. Although he ended up logging just two targets last week, he had a tough matchup with Denver. This weekend, he’ll battle Anthony Brown and Jourdan Lewis of the Cowboys, who have allowed four (fifth) and three touchdowns (ninth), respectively. As a unit, Dallas is 25th in WR2 DVOA and have allowed the third-most passes to the position (7.5, per FO). In Week 7, Robinson logged eight targets against a similarly weak Raiders defense (23rd in WR2 DVOA) and turned them into five catches for 69 yards. Robinson has seen as many as three red zone targets in a game this year, showing the Chiefs are willing to use him in scoring position. He’s certainly a very risky, no-floor play, but at $3.2k on DraftKings he may be worth a look as a low-owned, affordable way to get exposure to this game which currently has the highest total on the board (54 points).
Other tagged players: Demarcus Robinson Raiders CB David Amerson ruled out for Week 9, S Karl Joseph questionable
Amerson will miss second game in a row after suffering a midweek setback with his foot injury. Dexter McDonald is expected to fill in and primarily guard DeVante Parker. McDonald has permitted a 78% catch rate this season and he’s earned PFF’s 53rd cover grade. He may be a tougher matchup than Amerson though considering Amerson would have the highest yards per cover snap rate if he had enough snaps to qualify (2.22). Jarvis Landry also has a favorable spot against T.J. Carrie in the slot. Although Carrie has earned PFF’s 36th cover grade, he’s allowing the sixth-most yards per cover snap out when lined up inside (1.55) and has posted the second-worst cover snaps per reception rate (6.4). While it’s normal to see elevated catch rates from slot corners, Carrie’s 77% is still appealing for target-monster Landry. The receiver has averaged 11.4 looks per game and hit double-digits in all but one game. Parker’s return could potentially eat into that volume but he was a full go in three of those outings and averaged 9.0 targets himself.
Other tagged players: DeVante Parker, Jarvis Landry Corey Davis will play Week 9, Delanie Walker questionable
Davis hasn’t played since Week 2 due to a hamstring injury but he’s finally ready to get back on the field this weekend against the Ravens. It’s a tough spot for his first game back, the Ravens are holding receivers to the second-fewest PPR points this season. In the lone full game of his rookie campaign, Davis led the team with ten targets and pulled down six of them for 69 yards. Two of those looks were deep balls 20+ yards downfield. While the receiver clearly carries upside, he’s a risky bet this week coming off an injury against a stout secondary. Baltimore’s weak point may be against tight ends; they rank 32nd in DVOA and have allowed the 12th-most PPR points to the position, although that’s a bit inflated by Marcedes Lewis’ three-touchdown performance back in Week 3. Over the past four weeks, they’ve held tight ends to the 11th-fewest PPR points. Still, if Walker is able to overcome a bone bruise on his right ankle and suit up this weekend, he may be the most appealing pass-catcher on the Titans side, he currently leads the team with 49 targets and 32 receptions.
Other tagged players: Delanie Walker Marqise Lee questionable for Week 9, expected to play; Leonard Fournette removed from injury report
Lee is still dealing with a knee issue but he should be good to go this weekend after returning to practice Friday. He’ll have a tough matchup though, the Bengals are allowing the fourth-fewest PPR points to receivers. Plus, the Jaguars are running the ball more than any other team (53%), limiting his potential volume. Running back Leonard Fournette was a full go in practice and he’ll make his return from a one-game absence. Cincy’s defense is tenth in rush DVOA but 28th in adjusted line yards (4.57, per FO). They have the best red zone defense in the league this year, allowing a touchdown on just 33% of trips inside the 20-yard line. As a result, they’ve given up the third-fewest rushing touchdowns to RBs this season (0.3/g). While the overall numbers have been solid, they’re adjusted line yards indicates they may be performing over their heads a little bit, potentially opening up a better-than-it-looks spot for Fournette. Before taking a week off, Fournette delivered the two best games of his career in Weeks 5 and 6, scoring three touchdowns while picking up 322 total yards. The ankle issue is a bit of a concern as it’s something that bothered him throughout his final season at LSU and has been characterized as a chronic problem. Still, the two weeks off seemed to have served him well and he’ll likely get as much work as he can handle this weekend. The Jaguars are currently 5.5-point home favorites.
Other tagged players: Leonard Fournette Eagles CB Ronald Darby listed questionable for Week 9, not expected to play
Although he’s been able to practice, he’s been running with the second unit as he tries to get his strength and conditioning back up. He’s considered a game-time decision but reporters covering the team expect him to sit this one out and make his return following their Week 10 bye. His continued absence would make things easier for Demaryius Thomas. The receiver may benefit from the change at quarterback as well. With Trevor Siemian, Thomas averaged 8.5 targets per game and he’s hit double-digits once. Across Osweiler’s eight appearances in 2015, Thomas attracted 10.5 looks per game and saw between 10-14 five times. Thomas could spend plenty of time battling Rasul Douglas, who’s allowed the 14th-most yards per cover snap (1.36), and Jalen Mills, who’s allowed the fourth-most total yards (426) and fifth-most touchdowns (4). He appears to be the better bet over Emmanuel Sanders, who’s expected to return this weekend. In addition to coming off an injury, Sanders played in seven of those Osweiler games and averaged 8.0 targets while only hitting double-digits once.
Other tagged players: Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders Sterling Shepard will play Week 9, several other Giants ruled out
He’ll make his return this weekend following a two-game absence due to an ankle injury. It’ll be Shepard’s first game as the Giants top receiver. If he remains in the slot, he’ll have one of the tougher matchups against Rams CB Nickell Robey-Coleman. Although he’s 30th in PFF cover grades, he’s allowing the second-fewest yards per cover snap when lined up inside (0.47) and he’s posted the fifth-best cover snaps per reception rate (13.3). So far this season, quarterbacks have targeted his coverage just 14 times, the third-fewest among qualifying slot corners. Overall, the Rams are holding receivers to the seventh-fewest PPR points. It won’t get much easier for tight end Evan Engram as he’ll face a defensive unit giving up the fourth-fewest PPR points to his position. Based on fantasy production allowed, the Rams have become a major run-funnel unit. Only San Francisco is permitting more PPR points to RBs and they’re tied with the Colts for the most rushing touchdowns per game (1.0/g). Unfortunately, the Giants backfield is a bit murky. Last week Wayne Gallman led the group in snaps but logged just 22 while Orleans Darkwa (21) and Shane Vereen (16) were close behind and Darkwa out-touched Gallman 12 to 7. Darkwa should get the first crack to establish the hot hand but they’ll likely end up employing a committee, making it hard to trust this group in a very favorable spot. Paul Perkins has been removed from the injury report but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him land on the inactive list Sunday morning. The Giants had several notables ruled out after not practicing all week: LB BJ Goodson (ankle), RT Justin Pugh (back), C Weston Richburg (concussion), DE Olivier Vernon (ankle), and DE Kerry Wynn (knee). all of them are potential starters. Wynn has been filling in for Vernon for the past few games, his absence leaves the Giants thin on the edge.
Other tagged players: New York Giants Ezekiel Elliott will play Week 9
Elliott’s motion for an administrative stay was granted, making him eligible to play this Sunday. The story is not over yet though, per ESPN’s Dan Graziano, a panel of Second Circuit judges will convene next week to decide whether to overturn Monday’s ruling and grant Elliott an injunction. It’s possible he’ll begin serving his suspension next week. For now, he’ll prepare for a meeting with the Chiefs on Sunday. It’s an exploitable spot as they’re 30th in adjusted line yards (per FO) while Dallas’ offensive line is fifth and they’re 31st in rush DVOA. Kanas City is allowing the third-most rushing touchdowns per game to RBs (0.88) and the seventh-most rushing yards (107.6) but they have been effective in coverage. They’re first in receiving RB DVOA and they’re holding backs to the fewest receiving yards per game (25.1). After averaging 4.0 receptions over the first four weeks, Elliott has taken a back seat in the passing game, hauling in just one catch three straight weeks. At the same time, he’s picked up 29.3 carries for 137.7 yards and 1.3 touchdowns per game – he clearly doesn’t need a huge presence in the air to return a strong fantasy performance. As a team, the Cowboys are running the ball at the fifth-highest rate in the league (47.6%) and they’ll likely try to stick with their run-heavy approach as much as they can. It appears to be a great matchup for that type of attack and after the news broke, the game immediately went from a pick’em to favoring the Cowboys by 2.0 points. Zeke’s presence eliminates the fantasy value of Alfred Morris and Darren McFadden, and it is a downgrade for Dez Bryant, who could’ve seen a volume boost if Elliott was suspended. He’s still an appealing buy-low target though considering he’ll avoid Marcus Peters’ coverage most of the game and the Chiefs are 29th in WR1 DVOA while allowing the most passes (10.4/g) and yards (112.7/g) to the position. There may be plenty of fantasy goodness to go around as this game now has the highest total of the week at 52.5 points.
Other tagged players: Darren McFadden, Alfred Morris, Dez Bryant Pierre Garcon headed to IR, out for season
Garcon’s neck injury is apparently severe enough to end his season. His absence will elevate Marquise Goodwin into the WR1 role and should provide a big boost for Aldrick Robinson. In Week 9, Goodwin may be shadowed by Patrick Peterson, the top cornerback in both yards per cover snap (0.32) and cover snaps per reception (36.9). Robinson filled in for Goodwin back in Week 4 against the Cardinals and piled up 12 targets while Peterson chased Garcon. He’ll primarily see CB Tramon Williams, who was responsible for six catches and 62 yards on eight targets in his first start last week. Robinson is an interesting value option at just $4.0k on DraftKings and $4.8k on FanDuel this week.
Other tagged players: Marquise Goodwin, Aldrick Robinson Jets CB Morris Claiborne inactive Week 9, Jeremy Kerley, DT Muhammad Wilkerson and CB Buster Skrine will play
Claiborne injured his foot last weekend and it didn’t heal up in time to play on a short week. Skrine will return from a one-game absence due to a concussion and man the slot against Jordan Matthews. The receiver hasn’t pulled in more than five targets in a game this season and his quarterback Tyrod Taylor has struggled on the road. Since 2016, Taylor has averaged 182 passing yards and 0.7 touchdowns per game outside of Buffalo. Skrine is undoubtedly a favorable matchup, he’s allowed the second-most yards (323), the most touchdowns (3), and sixth-most receptions (22) out of the slot, but Matthews may not receive enough opportunities to exploit it. Claiborne’s absence will make things easier for Zay Jones on the outside but the rookie has been woefully inefficient, catching just 10-of-37 targets so far this season.
Other tagged players: Jordan Matthews, Zay Jones Kelvin Benjamin won't be active Week 9
Benjamin just joined the team this week so he’s not ready to make his debut. Tyrod Taylor will have Jordan Matthews, Zay Jones, Andre Holmes, and Deonte Thompson as his options at receiver tonight, although he may continue to pepper running back LeSean McCoy with the most targets. Since 2016, the running back has struggled to run the ball on the road though, averaging 63.2 rushing yards per game compared to 99.4 at home. The Jets are currently tenth in adjusted line yards (3.89, per FO) but they’re allowing the 12th-most PPR points to RBs. With Charles Clay and Benjamin out, tight end Nick O’Leary could become more active in the passing attack. After seeing six targets when he came in for the injured Clay against the Bengals, he’s been quiet with 2.5 targets per game. The Jets are allowing the eighth-most PPR points to tight ends though and rank 27th in TE DVOA.
Other tagged players: Nick O'Leary, LeSean McCoy