DFS Alerts

Saints RG Larry Warford expected to miss several weeks

Warford was forced from Week 7’s game with an abdominal strain and it’s going to cost him a few games. He’s PFF’s 26th-ranked guard in pass protection and 50th in run blocking. As a unit, the Saints OL has ranked third in pass-blocking efficiency (per PFF) but they’ll take a downgrade with Warford sidelined. It should help Chicago’s pass rush in Week 8; they’re currently sixth with 21 sacks.

DeVante Parker didn't practice Monday

He was expected to collect a DNP today as the Dolphins are going to test his ankle out on Tuesday. The receiver has missed the past two games but Miami is hopeful he can suit up for their Thursday night matchup with the Ravens. If he does, he’ll have a difficult matchup with the Ravens, whose defense has held receivers to the second-fewest PPR points this season. Parker will have Matt Moore throwing to him with Jay Cutler out. In Moore’s four starts last season, Parker averaged a 3.5/5.75/50.5/0.25 line.

Delanie Walker (ankle) has a bone bruise

Coach Mike Mularkey said, “that’s good news” as it was originally reported he could have a high ankle sprain. He’ll have a bye week to rehab which also helps. It’s possible he won’t miss any games as the injury is more about pain tolerance than anything else. If he does sit, it’ll open up 22.5% of the team’s targets. Jonnu Smith would start and eat up some of those looks but Rishard Matthews and Eric Decker figure to see a bump as well.

Hue Jackson: Kevin Hogan (ribs) "in mix to start at QB"

Coach Hue Jackson won’t name a starter for Week 8 yet after benching DeShone Kizer for Cody Kessler on Sunday. Hogan is dealing with bruised ribs but he could start under center this weekend against the Vikings. It looks like all three have a shot – Jackson said as much – and we may not find out more until the Browns practice on Wednesday. Minnesota has limited opposing QBs to the fifth-fewest fantasy points this season while holding them to the ninth-lowest rating (83.0) and picking off the eighth-most passes (7). Kizer, the league-leader in interceptions (11), threw two on Sunday and Kessler added another in relief. Hogan tossed three picks himself in his lone start this season and has been picked off at least once in every game he’s attempted more than 10 passes. With one of the best pass-blocking tackles, Joe Thomas, out for the year, the starter will probably face more pressure than normal. The Vikings will likely be a popular DFS option no matter which guy the Browns put under center.

C.J. Spiller released by Chiefs, Charcandrick West expected to play Week 8

Spiller re-signed with Kansas City for last Thursday’s game because Charcandrick West was in the concussion protocol. They released him again today as West is expected to be cleared to play in Week 8 against the Broncos. He’ll remain in a limited role behind workhorse Kareem Hunt and won’t have much fantasy appeal. Hunt will battle the Broncos in Week 8, whose defense is allowing the second-fewest PPR points to RBs this season.

Week 7 injury roundup

Carson Palmer has a broken arm and given the initial eight-week recovery timetable, he’ll likely be shut down for the season. Drew Stanton is now the starting quarterback in Arizona. He completed 36% of his passes for 62 scoreless yards and added a pick. It’s an obvious downgrade for skill players like Larry Fitzgerald, whose production has decreased in the second half of the past few seasons as it is. They’ll have a bye week to prepare for the 49ers in Week 9.

Jay Cutler has a pair of cracked ribs which will keep him sidelined for 2-3 weeks. Matt Moore will become the starting QB in his absence. He ended up leading a comeback victory in Week 7 and may not be a huge downgrade from Cutler. In 2016, Moore started the final four games of the year, including a matchup with the Steelers in the playoffs. During that stretch, the QB averaged 240.8 yards and 2.25 touchdowns while completing 68.6% of his passes. Miami is hoping to get DeVante Parker back for their Week 8 game against the Ravens on Thursday night. It’s a tough matchup for any passer as the Ravens have limited QBs to a 70.6 passer rating (third), 55.2% completion rate (second), and the fourth-fewest fantasy points. Miami has an easier matchup in Week 9 against the Raiders.

Delanie Walker was hobbled up towards the end of the game Sunday and was spotted with heavy taping and a crutch afterward – reports indicate it might be a high ankle sprain. Tennessee has a bye in Week 8, providing some extra time for Walker to rehab. If he misses any games, Jonnu Smith, who played 49 snaps on Sunday, would start at tight end. He hauled in 2-of-4 targets for 22 scoreless yards against the Browns. With Walker currently commanding a 22.5% market share of the team’s targets, his absence would open up a good chunk of volume for Rishard Matthews and Eric Decker.

Mike Wallace has joined fellow receiver Breshad Perriman in the concussion protocol, potentially leaving Baltimore without their top three wideouts in Week 8 against the Dolphins. With Jeremy Maclin also absent this past Sunday, Joe Flacco peppered Buck Allen with a team-high 11 targets. The Dolphins are allowing the 11th-most receptions to RBs this season (5.8 per game) and ranked 21st in receiving RB DVOA heading into Week 7 – before Matt Forte and Bilal Powell combined for a 7/81/0 line. At receiver, Chris Moore and Griff Whalen both played 58-of-65 snaps. Moore was second on the team with eight looks and hauled in Flacco’s lone TD but he finished with just two receptions. Moore led the team in receiving yards despite only having 44 of them. Even if he’s elevated to the top receiver role again, it doesn’t seem like he’ll offer much upside.

C.J. Prosise only played two snaps before re-aggravating his ankle injury. He’s uncertain for Week 8 and may be limited if he suits up. 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 against the Texans this weekend.

Colts S Malik Hooker will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL and MCL. He had been one of the better coverage safeties this season, picking up PFF’s 24th grade in the area. To make matters worse for the Colts, CB Rashaan Melvin is in the concussion protocol. He’s been their best corner this season, limiting passers to the 18th-lowest rating (70.4). His absence will be a nice upgrade for A.J. Green in Week 8.

49ers LB Reuben Foster returned to the field for the first time since Week 1 but couldn’t stay on it. He ended up leaving early with an injury to his ribs. Foster had started at MLB with NaVorro Bowman now in Oakland and San Francisco had safety Eric Reid rotating in at WLB. With Jaquiski Tartt playing so well at safety, it looks like Reid has lost the role. As a unit, they were dismantled by the Cowboys offense for 265 rushing yards and six total touchdowns. They’ll visit the Eagles next weekend; It’ll be interesting to see how Philly uses their backfield tonight with Wendell Smallwood returning as the 49ers are giving up the most fantasy points to RBs. On the offensive side of things, RT Trent Brown entered the concussion protocol after leaving Sunday’s game early. If he can’t get cleared in time for their Week 8 matchup with the Eagles, it would be a big downgrade for their pass blocking; Brown is currently PFF’s seventh-best tackle in pass protection.

Bills S Jordan Poyer is dealing with a sprained MCL and is considered week-to-week but coach Sean McDermott said, “early signs are positive.” He’s the fifth-ranked safety by PFF this season and carries the second-best coverage score. On top of that, E.J. Gaines went down after re-aggravating his hamstring. He’s the 25th-ranked corner this season. Without these two, the Bills secondary, which has held QBs to the fifth-lowest passer rating and second-fewest passing TDs, would take a big downgrade against the Raiders next week.

Browns LT Joe Thomas tore his triceps, ending his season. It’s a major loss for the struggling Browns offense as Thomas has earned PFF’s third-best tackle grade this season. The Browns OL has already allowed the tenth-most pressures this season and that number figures to rise without their starting blindside tackle. They’ll take on a Minnesota defense currently in sixth with 21 sacks; they’ll be a popular D/ST this weekend.

Jaguars LT Cam Robinson suffered a sprained ankle Sunday. He’s not having a great rookie campaign, earning the 65th tackle grade from PFF. Josh Wells will step in for Robinson if he misses any time; it would be his first NFL start. Wells was charged with the 12th-most pressures among tackles in Week 7 (3). Robinson will have a Week 8 bye to rehab.

Texans LT Chris Clark will be sidelined for 1-2 games with a calf issue. Fortunately for the Texans, LT Duane Brown has ended his hold out and may be able to play this weekend against the Seahawks. Brown finished 2016 with the 14th-best tackle grade from PFF and should provide a nice upgrade from Clark who’s currently 56th among 72 qualifiers.

Panthers C Ryan Kalil and RG Trai Turner both left Week 7 early. Kalil was starting his first game since Week 1 and couldn’t make it through without suffering a setback to his neck injury. His replacement, Tyler Larsen has struggled in pass protection this season, allowing the second-most pressures among centers (16, per PFF) and he’s been charged with the most sacks (3). Turner will undergo an MRI on his knee today. While he’s excelled in run-blocking, picking up the ninth-best PPF grade in the area among guards, he’s 53rd in pass blocking and he’s given up the eighth-most pressures at his position (15).

Saints RG Larry Warford was forced from Week 7’s game with an abdominal strain. He’s PFF’s 26th-ranked guard in pass protection and 50th in run blocking. As a unit, the Saints OL has ranked third in pass-blocking efficiency (per PFF); if Warford, misses time in would be an upgrade for the Bears pass rush in Week 8.

Dan Bailey injured his groin Sunday and he’s expected to miss several weeks, per Ian Rapoport. Dallas will work out kickers early this week to get a backup in place.

Branden Oliver (hamstring) inactive Sunday; Keenan Allen (shoulder) and Melvin Gordon (shoulder) active, as expected

Oliver is a surprise inactive and will not play in today’s game against the Denver Broncos after previously being listed as questionable on the Los Angeles Chargers injury report with a hamstring injury. His absence will continue to ensure Melvin Gordon a ton of passing down work, accruing 20 targets the last two weeks with Oliver unavailable. Additionally, Allen is active and will play this afternoon after previously being a late addition to the injury report with a shoulder injury. As for Gordon, his availability was expected and should receive a full workload as the main cog in the Chargers’ game plan against this stingy Broncos defense. Allen is unarguably the team’s number one wide receiver in terms of snaps and targets, but he draws one of the worst matchups possible against the Broncos’ 3rd ranked pass DVOA versus opposing number one wideouts. Allen is nothing more than the deepest of tournament plays in a terrible matchup and coming off of a late-week injury designation.

Sterling Shepard (ankle) inactive Sunday, previously was expected to play

Shepard was originally expected to in today’s game against the Seattle Seahawks after previously being listed as questionable on the New York Giants injury report with an ankle injury that forced him to miss last week’s contest but will ultimately be inactive for the second consecutive game. His snaps should continue to be spread out among Roger Lewis, Tavarres King, and Travis Rudolph with both Odell Beckham and Brandon Marshall out with injury for the remainder of the season. Their matchups are relatively unappealing, however, as they will do battle with Richard Sherman and the other stingy Seahawks cornerbacks. This makes Evan Engram the top Giants player to target in all formats and will see plenty of Justin Coleman when he is lined up in the slot.

C.J. Prosise (ankle) active Sunday

Prosise is surprisingly active for today’s game against the New York Giants after previously being listed as questionable on the Seattle Seahawks’ injury report with an ankle injury that was expected to keep him sidelined for a third consecutive game. Even though Prosise has been deemed as able to suit up, he will reportedly see only a minimal number of snaps in this Seahawks’ backfield Sunday afternoon. With Prosise likely still limited, Eddie Lacy and Thomas Rawls are expected to continue splitting carries, while J.D. McKissic will mix in on passing downs along with Prosise. That said, none of the aforementioned backs are realistic options on a full slate of games until we get further clarity on the Seahawks backfield situation with Prosise back in the fold.

Benny Cunningham (hamstring) inactive Sunday

Cunningham is inactive and won’t play in today’s game against the Carolina Panthers after previously being listed on the Chicago Bears’ injury report with a hamstring injury. Jordan Howard will obviously continue to see work as the lead back in Chicago, but the absence of Cunningham could open up some extra snaps in passing situations for Tarik Cohen, who had seen his workload decline over the last few weeks with Cunningham active. The Bears will continue to bring Mitchell Trubisky along slowly as a starting quarterback in the NFL, meaning that Howard should be expected to continue seeing a massive market share of touches in their run-first offense going forward and makes for a viable tournament option at running back across the industry.

Micheal Floyd (calf) inactive Sunday; Stefon Diggs (groin) inactive, as expected

Floyd is officially inactive for today’s game against the Baltimore Ravens after previously being listed as questionable on the Minnesota Vikings’ injury report with a calf injury. He’ll join Stefon Diggs among the inactive Vikings wide receivers, opening the door for Laquon Treadwell to work as the number two wide receiver alongside Adam Thielen. However, given the difficult matchup with a Baltimore squad that ranks 2nd in pass DVOA on the season, Treadwell shapes up to be an extremely risky play for daily fantasy formats and is a dart throw option in large-field tournaments, at best.

DeMarco Murray (hamstring) and Delanie Walker (calf) active Sunday

Both Murray and Walker are active and will play in today’s game against the Cleveland Browns after previously being listed as questionable on the Tennessee Titans’ injury report with their respective ailments. Murray looks to be an easy avoid all formats considering he has been dealing with this lingering hamstring issue for more than a couple months now, and the Titans have a more than capable workhorse in Derrick Henry to steal carries if Murray continues to be limited. In fact, Henry likely remains the preferred tournament target over Murray and has immense upside with Tennessee sporting an implied team total over 26 points and currently favored by six points on the road. As for Walker, he missed practice on Friday as well, adding some uncertainty to just how effective he can be in this matchup against a Browns defense that ranks 31st in DVOA versus the tight end position this season.

DeVante Parker (ankle) officially inactive Sunday

Parker will be inactive, as expected, for today’s game against the New York Jets after previously being listed as doubtful on the Miami Dolphins’ injury report with an ankle injury that forced him to miss Week 6 as well. Leontee Carroo and Jakeem Grant will continue to see increased snaps without Parker, while Kenny Stills will likely now draw shadow coverage from Morris Claiborne, making Jarvis Landry the preferred Dolphins’ pass catcher to target in all formats given his expected massive target share and matchup this afternoon.

Jameis Winston (shoulder) active Sunday, as expected

Winston is active, as expected, and will play in today’s game against the Buffalo Bills after previously being listed as questionable on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers injury report earlier in the week with an AC joint sprain he sustained in last week’s contest. It’s a less than appealing matchup against a Bills defense that ranks 3rd in pass DVOA on the season, likely removing Winston from consideration as a viable quarterback play in conjunction with the shoulder injury.

Kenny Britt (knee, groin) officially active Sunday

Britt will be active, as expected, for today’s game against the Tennessee Titans after previously being listed as questionable on the Cleveland Browns’ injury report with separate knee and groin injuries that forced him to miss last week’s contest. Britt and Ricardo Louis are expected to be the Browns’ starting wide receivers with Rashard Higgins handling the slot duties, but it’s difficult to get behind any of them given their inconsistent target shares and being on the receiving end of DeShone Kizer passes, who has already been benched for Kevin Hogan once this season for his poor play.