DFS Alerts
Tom Brady dealing with left shoulder injury, expected to play Week 6
Brady wasn’t able to practice Tuesday after re-aggravating a left shoulder injury he suffered in Week 4. His MRI came back negative though and he said he’ll be out there on Sunday against the Jets. New York currently sits at 14th in pass DVOA (through Week 4, per FO) and 12th in passing yards allowed per game (210), but they’ve had a very friendly strength of schedule in terms of opposing offenses – every team they’ve played ranks 17th or worse in offense DVOA and the Bills, Dolphins, and Browns (not included in the Jets’ defense DVOA ranking) are 23rd or lower. Meanwhile, the Patriots are second and lead the league with 419.4 yards per game. Not surprisingly, the Patriots are second with an implied total of 28.5 points. Brady should be able to do plenty of damage as long as the game is close.
Devin Funchess will play Week 6
Funchess hasn’t practiced the past two days but coach Ron Rivera said he’ll be ready for their Thursday night matchup with the Eagles. He’s been targeted at least eight times for three straight weeks and he’s scored three times over the past two as quarterback Cam Newton came back to life. He’ll have a very nice matchup with Eagles CB Jalen Mills this week. Mills has been targeted more than any corner this year (54) and he’s rewarded quarterbacks with 354 yards (second-most), three touchdowns (fourth-most), and a 94.2 rating.
Update: C Ryan Kalil, C Tyler Larsen, CB James Bradberry, and CB Daryl Worley didn't practice Tuesday
It was originally reported that Kalil was practicing today but he was listed with a DNP. His backup, Larsen, has been playing well in his place, earning the ninth-best center grade from PFF. He was sidelined this afternoon though. Coach Ron Rivera said Bradberry will be fine for Thursday night. He’ll see some Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith, which presents a decent matchup for the receivers. Bradberry’s numbers are towards the middle of the pack: 33rd in passer rating (86.8), 43rd in yards per cover snap (1.11), and 42nd in cover snaps per reception (11.2, per PFF). We’ll get official game statuses for the others tomorrow.
Cardinals released Chris Johnson
Arizona cut Johnson to make room for Adrian Peterson, who they acquired from the Saints on Tuesday. Arizona has had the worst running game in the league with David Johnson sidelined, so they decided to bring in the veteran back for a conditional draft pick. He should jump into a sizable role with Johnson gone considering how poorly the rest of their backs have been on the ground – as a team, they’ve averaged 2.3 yards per carry or fewer for the past three weeks and haven’t topped 51 total rushing yards.Peterson will be an interesting player to follow heading as he could pick up enough volume to become a decent fantasy asset. Andre Ellington will likely man the passing-down role but Peterson should become the primary early-down guy.
Other tagged players: Adrian Peterson Rob Gronkowski (thigh) and Rex Burkhead (ribs) are practicing Tuesday
Gronkowski was a surprise inactive last Thursday but he was able to practice Tuesday and appears to be on track to return this weekend. If he plays, he’ll face a Jets defense that’s limited opposing tight ends to the ninth-fewest PPR points per game. However, they haven’t really been tested over the past three weeks. Last Sunday they did give up a score to David Njoku, who finished with three catches for 48 yards and in Week 1, Charles Clay managed a 4/53/1 line against them. Partially due to an easy tight end schedule, the Jets rank second in TE DVOA (per FO). If Gronk is a go, he’ll come with a hefty price tag and compete with all of the other weapons Tom Brady has at his disposal. So far this season, he’s managed 7.8 targets per game in the crowded offense.
Devin Funchess (knee) isn't practicing again Tuesday; Jonathan Stewart and C Ryan Kalil is participating
It’s the second day in a row Funchess as missed, which is worrisome heading into a Thursday night game. He’s been targeted at least eight times for three straight weeks and he’s scored three times over the past two as quarterback Cam Newton came back to life. If he suits up, he’ll have a very nice matchup with Eagles CB Jalen Mills this week. Mills has been targeted more than any corner this year (54) and he’s rewarded quarterbacks with 354 yards (second-most), three touchdowns (fifth-most), and a 94.2 rating. If he can’t go, it should provide Kelvin Benjamin and tight end Ed Dickson with more looks. Stewart returned to practice after collecting a DNP yesterday. He leads the Carolina backfield with 77 carries but he’s struggled to 3.3 ypc and he’s been out-snapped by Christian McCaffrey each game. McCaffrey leads the team in targets (36), receptions (27), and he’s tied with Funchess for a team-high five red zone looks. He’ll have a favorable matchup with an Eagles defense that ranked 21st in receiving RB DVOA heading into Week 5 (per FO), before letting Andre Ellington rack up nine receptions for 65 yards this past Sunday. Whether Stewart plays or not, McCaffrey should be heavily involved Thursday night. Center Kalil hasn’t played for four weeks and his backup Tyler Larsen has filled in admirably, earning PFF’s ninth-best center grade.
Other tagged players: Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers Wendell Smallwood (knee) and RT Lane Johnson (concussion) aren't practicing Tuesday; DT Fletcher Cox (calf) is participating
Both Smallwood and Johnson appear to be on the doubtful side of things for their Thursday night matchup with the Panthers. If Smallwood can’t go Thursday night against the Panthers, the Eagles could go with a three-man committee at running back again. Against the Cardinals, LeGarrette Blount only played 26-of-67 snaps while Corey Clement picked up 23 and newly-signed Kenjon Barner received 17. Johnson is in the concussion protocol and it seems unlikely he’ll be cleared in time to play Thursday night. He’d be a huge loss as he currently ranks among the top eight tackles in both pass and run blocking (per PFF). On the defensive side of things, Fletcher Cox has missed the past two weeks but appears on track to return. His presence would provide a boost for their pass-rush – Cox has earned PFF’s tenth-best grade in the area among interior defenders and was 14th in pass-rushing productivity prior to his injury. We’ll get official game statuses tomorrow.
Other tagged players: Philadelphia Eagles Cardinals acquire Adrian Peterson from Saints
Arizona has the worst running game in the league with David Johnson sidelined, so they decided to bring in Peterson from the Saints for a conditional draft pick. Peterson didn’t have much of a role in New Orleans and he only managed to play six snaps in his final game with the Saints. He’ll have a chance to earn a featured role in Arizona given how poorly Chris Johnson and the rest of their backs have been on the ground – as a team, they’ve averaged 2.3 yards per carry or fewer for the past three weeks and haven’t topped 51 total rushing yards. Peterson will be an interesting player to follow heading as he could pick up enough volume to become a decent fantasy asset. Andre Ellington will likely man the pass-down role but Peterson could become the primary early-down guy. Back in New Orleans, his absence will open up some touches for Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara. They’ll be taking on a tough rushing defense in Week 6 though; the Lions have limited opponents to the third-fewest rushing yards per game (74.6) and fourth-fewest ypc (3.3), but they have allowed the eighth-most catches to RBs (6.4 per game) which provides some PPR upside. The Lions-Saints game has the highest total of the week at 50.0 points and the Saints are implied to score 27.25, the third-most on the board.
As reported by: Dianna Russini Other tagged players: Mark Ingram, Alvin Kamara, Chris Johnson, Andre Ellington Brandon Marshall (ankle) will undergo season-ending surgery
New York is extremely thin at receiver heading into Week 6 with Odell Beckham and Dwayne Harris also out for the season and Sterling Shepard considered day-to-day. With the litany of injuries at the position, they promoted WR Travis Rudolph from the practice squad Monday morning and signed WR Tavarres King. Roger Lewis will be elevated to a starting role this weekend and tight end Evan Engram should become more involved. Engram was held without a catch on just four targets this past weekend but he has a decent spot against Denver next Sunday, whose defense is allowing the sixth-most PPR points to tight ends this season. However, the Giants offense as a whole may struggle to move the ball and put drives together, limiting his potential upside. New York currently has an implied total of just 14.0 points.Considering their poor offensive line play on top of the concerns at receiver, the Broncos DST figures to be as popular as ever.
Sam Bradford aggravated knee injury, considered day-to-day
Bradford was taken out of Monday night’s game against the Bears due to his lingering knee injury. Although head coach Mike Zimmer said he’ll be day-to-day, Bradford appears doubtful for Week 6’s matchup with the Packers. Case Keenum filled in for Bradford again and completed 81.0% of his 21 pass attempts while leading the Vikings to a 20-17 victory. He’s been very up and down over his four games this season but he’ll have a nice spot against the Packers, whose defense is allowing a 66.2% completion rate and a 94.5 passer rating.
Other tagged players: Case Keenum Ravens signed Bobby Rainey
With Terrance West not expected to play this weekend, Baltimore added Rainey to their 53-man roster. West is essentially the third running back behind Javorius Allen and Alex Collins but his absence should provide a slight snap boost for the other two. Allen has now played 62.6% of the snaps and he’s out-carried Collins 66 to 37. However, Collins has been a much more effective back on the ground; his 7.1 ypc has him leading the team with 261 rushing yards to Allen’s 232. Collins hasn’t even been targeted once in the passing game though and Allen is second on the team with 24 looks. Volume should be on Allen’s side again when they take on the Bears in Week 6. He’ll continue to have more appeal in full PPR formats as he’s averaged 5.0 receptions per game over the past four weeks.
Sam Bradford officially active for Week 5
It’ll be his first game since his masterful Week 1 performance against the Saints in which he threw for 346 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions while completing 84.4% of his passes. The Bears are allowing a 63.0% completion rate this season along with a 103.8 passer rating, the fifth-worst in the league. There’s some risk involved with Bradford considering his history of knee problems and extended absence but he did make a point of saying his knee’s progress feels like “night and day” from last week – it looks like the team has given him the proper amount of time to rehab and he should be fine tonight. His presence is a clear upgrade for Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, and Kyle Rudolph. Unlike last year, Chicago hasn’t been able to limit opposing WR1s, ranking 31st in DVOA against the position (per FO) and Diggs will see a lot of CB Kyle Fuller. That sets up an excellent spot for the receiver as Fuller ranked as PFF’s 106th cover corner among 108 qualifiers heading into Week 5 and quarterbacks love picking on him while avoiding Prince Amukamara on the opposite side. Fuller was targeted the fourth-most (30) through four weeks and he’d given up the 13th-most yards total (220), 12th-most yards per cover snap (1.76), and had the sixth-worst cover snap per reception rate (6.9), per PFF. Heading into the week, Diggs led the league in receiving yards (391), was second in touchdowns (4), and he’s caught the most deep passes (20+ yards downfield, 8). He and Bradford showed great chemistry downfield in Week 1 as Diggs hauled in all three deep looks tossed his way for 68 yards and a score.
Other tagged players: Stefon Diggs Wendell Smallwood (knee) and RT Lane Johnson (concussion) didn't practice Monday; DT Fletcher Cox (calf) participated
The Eagles only had a walkthrough Monday but Smallwood wasn’t able to join the team as he tends to a knee injury that kept him sidelined in Week 5. If he can’t go Thursday night against the Panthers, the Eagles could go with a three-man committee at running back again. Against the Cardinals, LeGarrette Blount only played 26-of-67 snaps while Corey Clement picked up 23 and newly-signed Kenjon Barner received 17. Johnson is in the concussion protocol and it seems unlikely he’ll be cleared in time to play Thursday night. Fletcher Cox has missed the past two weeks. If he’s able to return, it would provide a boost for their pass-rush – Cox has earned PFF’s tenth-best grade in the area among interior defenders and was 14th in pass-rushing productivity prior to his injury.
Other tagged players: Philadelphia Eagles Bears CB Marcus Cooper and C Hroniss Grasu inactive for Week 5
Both players were questionable heading into Monday night. Cooper’s absence will force Kyle Fuller into a full workload on the outside despite the corner’s early-season struggles. He’ll match up with Stefon Diggs most of the night. Heading into the week, the receiver led the league with 3.1 yards per pass route run (per PFF) while Fuller allowed the 13th-most (1.76). Diggs lines up on Fuller’s side for roughly 55% of his routes and our WR/CB matchup model provided the Vikings top pass-catcher the sixth-best rating of the week (27.2). Grasu’s absence could cause trouble for rookie quarterback Mike Trubisky in his debut. Cody Whitehair is expected to fill in at center again; he’s earned the worst pass-blocking grade among all offensive linemen (12.0) and allowed the third-most pressures (10) among centers. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s defensive line ranked eighth in adjusted sack rate (per FO) heading into the week.
Other tagged players: Stefon Diggs, Minnesota Vikings Derek Carr (back) expected to play Week 6
Carr was originally expected to miss 2-6 weeks but he’s ahead of schedule; coach Jack Del Rio confirmed his starting quarterback should be able to play this weekend after a one-game absence. He’ll face a Chargers pass defense that’s limited opponents to 190 passing yards per game, the fourth-best rate in the league. However, they’ve given up the tenth-most touchdowns through the air (8) and the 11th-highest passer rating (96.8). The total yards may be low due to their poor rushing defense. They’ve seen the second-most rushing attempts this year as teams continue to attack them on the ground and they’ve conceded the third-most yards per carry (5.0.). Even the Giants, who have posted the third-fewest rushing yards per game (77.8), were able to pile up 152 yards and 6.1 ypc. Oakland hasn’t had a prolific run game either, ranking 23rd with 90.6 rushing yards per game while Marshawn Lynch has returned 3.4 ypc and their offensive line ranks 21st with 3.91 adjusted ypc (per FO). Perhaps the Chargers defense will allow Lynch to return to form but volume will remain an issue for the veteran running back. Oakland was expected to lean on him in Week 5 with E.J. Manuel under center but he only managed to pick up 12 carries as game flow got away from them (and their offense only ran 54 plays). If their ground game continues to struggle in this spot, Carr should find success through the air. In addition to the previously mentioned stats, they ranked 20th in pass DVOA heading into Week 5. Casey Hayward could shadow Amari Cooper but the cornerback has given up two touchdowns (both against the Giants), 277 yards, a 107.2 passer rating, and 1.59 yards per cover snap (58th, per PFF). Cooper has had some well-document efficiency problems though, catching just 13-of-33 targets, and despite those poor stats from Hayward, he’s held receivers to a 53.3% catch rate. Fellow outside corner, Trevor Williams, has been much better, limiting receivers to the sixth-fewest yards per cover snap (0.53) and quarterbacks to a 63.9 rating. If Hayward follows Cooper, that will leave Williams on Michael Crabtree for most of the game. The Chargers rank 30th in TE DVOA, which could open up some opportunities for Jared Cook, who’s currently second on the team in targets (31, 20.4%) and receiving yards (195).
Other tagged players: Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree, Jared Cook