DFS Alerts
Buccaneers CB Robert McClain not expected to play Week 8; CB Brent Grimes isn't practicing again Friday
Tampa Bay could be without both of their starting corners this weekend. McClain is in the concussion protocol and remained sidelined at practice Friday – beat writer Greg Auman expects him to be inactive Sunday. Grimes remains hopeful he can play against the Panthers, but missing Friday’s practice due to his shoulder injury is a bad sign. The Bucs moved the poor-performing Vernon Hargreaves to the slot last weekend against the Bills, pulling McClain to the outside. He actually performed well; he didn’t allow a reception on four targets, although the splint-wearing Jordan Matthews wasn’t the biggest threat. McClain’s absence will likely force Hargreaves back to the outside to primarily battle Kelvin Benjamin. Last season, Benjamin averaged a 5.5/8.0/81.5/0.5 line against Hargreaves and the Bucs. So far this year, the corner has given up the fifth-most yards (404) and the fifth-most yards per cover snap (1.8) while allowing a 68.3% catch rate. The injury could provide Ryan Smith more snaps at corner – he would probably start if Grimes is out – which further improves this spot for Carolina’s passing attack. Back in Week 3, he stepped in for the injured Grimes and was a disaster, allowing five receptions for 118 yards and two touchdowns.
Redskins CB Josh Norman expected to play Week 8
Beat writer Jane Slater reports Norman “should be good to go” Sunday. If he’s able to return, it would be a downgrade for Dez Bryant and quarterback Dak Prescott. Norman is PFF’s 39th-ranked corner this season while teammates Quinton Dunbar and Kendall Fuller have exceeded him, checking in at 20th and 10th, respectively. It appears Dunbar has surpassed Bashaud Breeland (84th) as he out-snapped him the past two games and he could remain in the starting lineup if Norman returns. As a team, the Redskins have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks but the fourth-fewest to receivers as they funnel receiving production to tight ends (third-most) and running backs (eighth-most receptions per game, second-most receiving touchdowns). That sets up an interesting spot for old-man Jason Witten, for those that trust 15th-year skill players near the halfway mark, and Ezekiel Elliott. Although Washington has limited RBs to the third-fewest rushing yards per game, they’ve also seen the third-fewest attempts and their defensive line is 23rd in adjusted line yards (per FO). Dallas is running the ball the ninth-most in the league (45.2%) and their offensive line is sixth in adjusted line yards.
Other tagged players: Dez Bryant Stefon Diggs and Michael Floyd questionable for Week 8, Sam Bradford ruled out
LT Riley Reiff is also questionable. Diggs is expected to play in London against the Browns this weekend. If he’s able to suit up, he could be shadowed by Jason McCourty (ankle, questionable) which presents a difficult matchup on the surface. The cornerback is having a renaissance year in Cleveland after a few down seasons and finishing in the bottom 18 in yards per cover snap and cover snaps per reception with the Titans in 2016. In 2017, he’s found himself as PFF’s third-ranked cover corner, although that grade may be a bit inflated due to his three interceptions – great production in real life, but worse for QBs than WRs in fantasy. In terms of receiver production, he’s 35th in yards per cover snap and 39th in cover snaps per reception while allowing a 65.5% catch rate. Essentially, this appears to be a case where his PFF grade doesn’t mean he’s a shutdown corner to fear in DFS. The Browns may have one of those in slot corner Briean Boddy-Calhoun though. Despite playing all seven games, he’s only been targeted an absurdly-low five times, allowing him to lead the league with 0.1 yards per cover snap and 54.5 cover snaps per reception. He was forced to the outside a little more than normal with McCourty out against the Titans last week but he still defended 18 routes in the slot. Eric Decker, who worked into his coverage on the outside and in the slot, finished with a blank sheet on just two targets. That sets up a daunting challenge for Adam Thielen this weekend whether Diggs is in or not. If McCourty sits, it’ll force CB Michael Jordan into the nickel corner role and he’ll man the outside. In that scenario, Diggs would see a combination of Jordan, who’s earned poor grades over the past two seasons, and Jamar Taylor, who’s allowed the seventh-most yards (391) and a 72.2% catch rate this year. It’s a clear upgrade for the receiver.
Other tagged players: Michael Floyd, Sam Bradford, Minnesota Vikings Bills CB E.J. Gaines ruled out for Week 8
S Jordan Poyer is still considered day-to-day and LG Richie Incognito will return to practice Friday. As expected, tight end Charles Clay has also been ruled out. Gaines’ absence will likely force Shareece Wright into the starting lineup. That’s great news for Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree. Since Gaines first suffered the injury in Week 4, Wright has been earning more snaps and he’s allowed 14 completions on 18 targets. Despite only starting in one of the three weeks and playing 57% of the defensive snaps, he allowed the third-most receptions and second-most yards per cover snap. Incognito is dealing with an ankle issue but it’s not expected to keep him sidelined on Sunday. The 11th-ranked pass-blocking guard (per PFF) is a big reason why the Bills offensive line is seventh in pass blocking efficiency. They should be able to handle the Raiders pass rush which currently ranks 27th in adjusted sack rate (per FO).
Other tagged players: Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree Marquise Goodwin didn't practice Thursday
Goodwin was limited yesterday with a back issue, so his absence today puts his Week 8 game status in question. We’ll have to see if he can get back on the field tomorrow. The 49ers visit the Eagles defense this weekend which could get top corner Ronald Darby back. If Darby suits up, it’s a downgrade for outside receivers Pierre Garcon and either Goodwin or his replacement, Aldrick Robinson, although they’ll get some run against Jalen Mills as well. Garcon has the advantage there as he’s running 52% of his routes on Mills’ side compared to 25% for Goodwin and 26% for Robinson. The Eagles corner has allowed the most receptions (41), sixth-most yards (400), and fifth-most touchdowns (4) this season. Philly is funneling fantasy production to the opposing receivers and tight ends as they’re giving up the fewest rushing yards (42.0) and eighth-fewest PPR points to RBs. Last week, San Francisco had QB C.J. Beathard toss the rock 38 times as they played from behind and he could see a similar volume this weekend considering the 49ers are 13-point road dogs. With Darby back and slot corner Patrick Robinson having a phenomenal year, currently ranking in the top ten in yards per cover snap and cover snaps per reception when lined up inside (per PFF), Beathard may target Garcon quite a bit. He could also look for George Kittle often if the tight end returns to a high snap count – he played a season-low 31 last week. The Eagles are allowing the fifth-most PPR points to TEs and they struggled against Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis in Week 7; the pair combined for a 12/14/131/2 line. They’re also permitting the seventh-most receptions to RBs (6.57), making Hyde a better option in full PPR formats, but he’s still a risky choice against this defense.
C.J. Prosise didn't practice again Thursday
He hasn’t practiced all week after suffering a setback with his ankle injury last Sunday and he’s not expected to play this weekend. He exited Week 7’s game after playing just two snaps, providing a picture of what the Seahawks might do with their backfield against the Texans. While he was down, Thomas Rawls, Eddie Lacy, and J.D McKissic all saw the field between 21-30 times. They continue to have a full-blown committee without any of them standing out enough to earn more time. It’s probably best to avoid the group in Week 8.
Jeremy Maclin and Breshad Perriman are active Thursday night; Mike Wallace, Michael Campanaro, and Terrance West inactive
Ben Watson is active as well while fellow tight end Maxx Williams is out. Maclin (shoulder) will return from a two-game absence and he has a nice matchup with Dolphins slot CB Bobby McCain, who’s given up 16 receptions on 18 targets when lined up inside. Perriman (concussion) could see an uptick in targets with Wallace (concussion) down but he’s very inefficient this season, catching just 4-of-17 targets. With West and Baltimore’s top three receivers out last week, Flacco peppered Allen with a team-high 11 passes. The Dolphins are allowing the 11th-most receptions to RBs this season (5.8 per game) and now rank 28th in receiving RB DVOA after Matt Forte and Bilal Powell combined for a 7/81/0 line in Week 7. Allen out-snapped Alex Collins 88 to 38 over the past two weeks without West and he should continue that trend against the pass-funnel Miami defense that ranked third in rush DVOA and 27th against the pass. It’s not a particularly appealing game though as it features two inept offenses. As a unit, Baltimore ranks 29th in pass offense DVOA and they’ve averaged a league-worst 157 passing yards per game. Not surprisingly, Vegas has given this one the second-lowest total on the board (38).
Other tagged players: Breshad Perriman, Javorius Allen, Mike Wallace DeVante Parker officially inactive Thursday night
Parker was officially questionable heading into Thursday but he won’t suit up tonight. Matt Moore will be under center with Jay Cutler out. In four starts last season, Moore averaged 240.8 yards and 2.25 touchdowns while completing 68.6% of his passes. He’ll have a very tough matchup with the Ravens tonight though; they’ve limited QBs to a 70.6 passer rating (third), 55.2% completion rate (second), and the fourth-fewest fantasy points. In those four starts, Jarvis Landry averaged a 6.5/9.0/78.75/0.5 line. The receiver has been a target monster all year, picking up double-digit targets in all but one outing this season, and that should continue Thursday night without Parker. He’ll also have a favorable individual matchup with Baltimore’s primary slot CB, Ladarius Webb. When lined up inside, Webb, PFF’s 104th-ranked cover corner, has allowed the most yards per cover snap (2.25). Meanwhile, Kenny Stills will battle outside CBs Jimmy Smith and Brandon Carr, who’ve held receivers to 0.47 (5th) and 0.83 (21st) yards/cover snap, respectively. It’s also worth noting that Baltimore’s rush defense has fallen apart in recent weeks. Over the past four games, they’ve allowed a league-worst 155.75 rushing yards to RBs and the second-most touchdowns (1.0/game). Jay Ajayi has had a down year so far, but he’s received at least 23 carries in each of the last three games. With a backup QB making his first start of the season against one of the best secondaries, the Dolphins should continue to lean on Ajayi.
Other tagged players: Jarvis Landry, Jay Ajayi, Matt Moore Colts CB Rashaan Melvin and LB John Simon didn't practice again Thursday; C Ryan Kelly, S T.J. Green, and S Darius Butler returned
The Colts looked a bit healthier today than yesterday, getting some important players back on the practice field. With Malik Hooker out for the year, Green and Butler are expected to rotate at safety. Their secondary will need all the support it can get if their top corner, Rashaan Melvin, is sidelined – he’s currently in the concussion protocol. He only played seven snaps last weekend and Blake Bortles tore them up for 330 yards. With Melvin out, Indy was forced to use Kenny Moore outside. Although he’s only played limited snaps, he would have PFF’s 107th cover grade if he qualified. His counterpart Vontae Davis hasn’t played much better, earning the 99th mark (and he qualifies). Andy Dalton and A.J. Green will be popular DFS targets and for good reason. Green is commanding a 30.2% market share of Dalton’s passes and he’s third in the league with 2.63 yards per route run. Simon injured his neck last week, his absence would be a downgrade for their rushing defense – he’s currently 17th among edge defenders with nine run stops. Even with Simon, the Colts have been horrendous against the rush over the past four weeks, allowing RBs to pick up the second-most yards per game (136.5) and the most rushing scores (1.25/g). Across the three games prior to Week 7, Joe Mixon averaged 19 touches per game. He only garnered ten last week but he should get back on track in Week 8 and it looks like a great matchup. He’s an interesting pivot option off of or addition to the Dalton/Green stack, especially considering his low salary across the industry ($5.9k FD, $4.7k DK). Vegas provides the Bengals a 10.5-point edge at home and the running back could potentially be paired with the Cincy D/ST which currently ranks 12th in adjusted sack rate (per FO). Meanwhile, the Colts offensive line has been charged with the third-most sacks (15) and Brissett went down ten times against the Jaguars last week.
Other tagged players: A.J. Green, Andy Dalton, Joe Mixon Redskins CB Josh Norman limited Wednesday; LT Trent Williams didn't participate
It’s the second limited practice of the week for Norman ahead of his rivalry game with Dez Bryant. If he’s able to return, it would be a downgrade for the Cowboys receiver and quarterback Dak Prescott. Norman is PFF’s 39th-ranked corner this season while teammates Quinton Dunbar and Kendall Fuller have exceeded him, check in at 20th and 10th, respectively. It appears Dunbar has surpassed Bashaud Breeland (84th) as he out-snapped him the past two games and he could remain in the starting lineup if Norman returns. As a team, the Redskins the ninth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks but the fourth-fewest to receivers as they funnel receiving production to tight ends (third-most) and running backs (eighth-most receptions per game, second-most receiving touchdowns). That sets up an interesting spot for old-man Jason Witten, for those that trust 15th-year skill players near the halfway mark, and Ezekiel Elliott. Although Washington has limited RBs to the third-fewest rushing yards per game, they’ve also seen the third-fewest attempts and their defensive line is 23rd in adjusted line yards (per FO). Dallas is running the ball the ninth-most in the league (45.2%) and their offensive line is sixth. On the other side of the ball, Williams is tentatively expected to play. He’s playing through a knee injury that will require offseason surgery, so he’ll probably have a light practice schedule the rest of the way. He’s PFF’s 12th-ranked tackle.
Other tagged players: Ezekiel Elliott, Dez Bryant, Jason Witten Danny Amendola considered day-to-day with a hyperextended knee
This explains Amendola’s absence from yesterday’s practice. Unbeknownst to the media and public, he suffered the injury during a punt return Sunday night. It could keep him limited this weekend or the Patriots may choose to give him the week off to rehab with a bye coming in Week 9. If he ends up playing, he’ll have a tough matchup with the Chargers. They’re currently eighth in pass DVOA and they’re coming off a shutout victory over the Broncos. Amendola will primarily lineup across from Desmond King in the slot. While Casey Hayward and Trevor Williams are both among the top 11 cover corners by PFF grading, King is 43rd. When lined up inside, he’s 20th in yards per cover snap (1.32) and 26th in cover snaps per reception (7.8, per PFF). It provides the slot receiver the better matchup but he’s only played 47% of the snaps the past two weeks and as mentioned, he could be limited once again. Over that same period, Hogan has run 45% of his routes from the slot, so he may be able to avoid Williams’ coverage (Hayward is expected to shadow Cooks) a solid amount and take advantage of a more favorable matchup. He currently leads the team with ten red zone targets and five touchdowns.
Other tagged players: Chris Hogan Golden Tate practiced again Thursday; Kenny Golladay didn't participate
Tate said he’s unsure if he can play this weekend. It seems he’s closer to the doubtful side of things but we may not get official word until closer to kickoff. Unfortunately, the Lions are slotted to play the Steelers on Sunday night so we may not know before lock. To make matters worse, Golladay was downgraded to a DNP Thursday after getting in a limited session Wednesday. Teammates said they expected him to return this weekend but this news throws a wrench into those plans. We’ll have to see if he can get back on the field tomorrow before jumping to conclusions.
Other tagged players: Kenny Golladay Browns CB Jason McCourty didn't practice again Thursday
He hasn’t practiced yet this week after being inactive this past Sunday. He’s expected to follow Stefon Diggs in London this weekend; if he’s unable to suit up, Diggs will take an upgrade. Last weekend against the Titans, slot corner Briean Boddy-Calhoun, who’s been superb this season, moved to the outside on most two-receiver sets. Michael Jordan became the nickel corner was decent, allowing two receptions on five targets. On the season, he’s earned a 63 PFF grade with across limited snaps. Last year, he appeared in five games for the Rams and started twice, scoring a poor 42.5 grade in the process. Considering McCourty currently sports the second-best mark, it’s clear Diggs would be in a much better spot if Jordan is getting snaps. In that scenario, the receiver would also get some run against Jamar Taylor, who’s allowed the seventh-most yards (391) and a 72.2% catch rate.
Other tagged players: Stefon Diggs Browns DE Myles Garrett ruled out for Week 8
Garrett entered the concussion protocol Tuesday after coming down with symptoms. He won’t clear it in time to play the Vikings in London this weekend. Garrett has been a beast rushing the passer. Since making his pro debut in Week 5, he’s fourth in the league with a 15.4 pass rushing productivity rate (per PFF) while being credited with four sacks and 12 total pressures. His absence is a clear downgrade for the Browns defense against a solid offensive line – the Vikings are currently 11th in pass blocking efficiency and they’ve been charged with the fewest sacks (4).
Michael Thomas returned to practice Thursday
Thomas is dealing with a knee injury but it’s not a serious concern. Perhaps this bigger one is his matchup this weekend with the Prince Amukamara and the Bears. Amukamara has posted the third-best cover snaps per reception rate (23.7) and allowed the seventh-fewest yards per cover snap (0.58, per PFF). As a unit, the Bears are now tenth in pass DVOA and over the past four weeks they’ve allowed the seventh-fewest receptions to the position (9.25 per game). Even Amukamara’s counterpart, Kyle Fuller, has stepped up his game recently. Over the past three games, he’s been targeted the third-most in the league (26) but he’s held receivers to an impressive 42% catch rate. They’re solid inside too – slot corner Bryce Callahan is fifth in cover snaps per reception (13.9) and third in yards per cover snap (0.53, per PFF). It’s a tough spot for Saints receivers.