DFS Alerts
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer "anticipates" Sam Bradford will play Week 5
Bradford was able to practice all week and is officially listed as questionable. It looks like he’ll start under center tonight, barring any setbacks. If he does, it’s a clear upgrade for Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, and Kyle Rudolph. Unlike in previous seasons, 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 currently ranks as PFF’s 106th cover corner among 108 qualifiers. Quarterbacks love picking on him while avoiding Prince Amukamara on the opposite side. Fuller has been targeted the fourth-most (30) and he’s given up the 13th-most yards total (220), 12th-most yards per cover snap (1.76), and has 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. Assuming Bradford plays, it looks like a great spot to roster Diggs.
Other tagged players: Stefon Diggs
Davante Adams, DT Mike Daniels, and T Bryan Bulaga active for Week 5; T David Bakhtiari inactive
The Packers will get one of their starting tackles back this weekend with Bulaga active but Bakhtiari isn’t ready to return. Adams was able to get cleared to play after suffering a concussion in Week 4. He’s expected to see Chidobe Awuzie the most this afternoon. The rookie has only played 33 coverage snaps, so he hasn’t been tested too much yet – he did allow a reception all three times he was targeted though (per PFF). Daniels has been a top-performer almost his entire career and he’s an important part of their rush defense. His return is good timing as the Packers visit Ezekiel Elliott and the Cowboys today. Even without him for essentially all of the past three weeks, Green Bay’s defensive line ranks eighth in adjusted line yards per carry (3.56, per FO). Although Elliott beat up the Packers last year, his offensive line has dropped from fourth to 18th in adjusted ypc since last season and the back has only managed 3.6 ypc through four games.
Other tagged players: Green Bay Packers Rams S Maurice Alexander inactive for Week 5
Safety Lamarcus Joyner remains out, leaving Los Angeles without their two starting safeties. Joyner is PFF’s third-ranked safety this season while Alexander sits near the bottom at 70 out of 80 qualifiers. Alexander is a healthy scratch due to his poor play; the Rams decided to promote John Johnson into the starting role after a solid performance in limited snaps last week. He’ll start alongside Cody Davis. In order to exploit the Joyner-less Rams, the Seahawks have to improve at the line of scrimmage. Seattle currently ranks 30th in pass-blocking efficiency and they’ve allowed the fourth-most pressures (65), putting Russell Wilson under pressure on 41% of his dropbacks. Perhaps the most troublesome part of their poor offensive line play is that they’ve been terrible against some of the worst defensive line units in the game; three of their first four opponents rank 25th or worse in adjusted sack rate (per FO). It’ll be a different story this weekend against Aaron Donald – the top-ranked interior defender in pass-rush – and the Rams, whose defensive line ranks third in adjusted sack rate. When Seattle faced the fourth-ranked Green Bay Packers in Week 1, Wilson took three sacks and posted a 33.1 QBR, 51.9% completion rate, and 159 scoreless yards.
DeAndre Washington, CB David Amerson, and CB Gareon Conley inactive for Week 5
RG Gabe Jackson is also inactive. The Raiders will use T.J. Carrie and Sean Smith as their top two corners this afternoon. The former is currently PFF’s 18th-ranked corner and the latter is 58th. With Washington out, the reports regarding Marshawn Lynch seeing an increased workload have a better chance of coming to fruition. With E.J. Manuel under center, the 2-2 Raiders are expected to lean on their solid offensive line – which features a top-14 graded run-blocker at each position (per PFF) – and their running game. Fortunately for the Raiders, the Ravens will be without DT Brandon Williams, who’s a major part of their run defense. Over the past two weeks without him, they’ve allowed 169.5 rushing yards per game and Le’Veon Bell posted 144 yards and two TDs last Sunday. While that type of performance may be out of Lynch’s reach, he’s just $5.1k on DraftKings and we’re projecting 5.0% ownership. Fantasy players will likely shy away due to his current volume issues – 45.2% of the snaps 53.6% of the carries – and terrible 12-yard outing against the Broncos last week. However, Denver is the top rushing defense in DVOA (per FO), yards per game (50.8), and adjusted line yards per carry (2.53) while the Baltimore ranks 17th, 25th (127.3), and 11th (3.85), respectively. If Lynch gets his expected workload boost and finds his rhythm, he could crush his salary, which makes him an interesting GPP target.
Other tagged players: Marshawn Lynch, Las Vegas Raiders C.J. Prosise and CB Jeremy Lane inactive for Week 5
This was expected as both players were doubtful heading into Sunday. DE Cliff Avril was ruled out earlier in the week and he has no timetable for a return. With Prosise out, J.D. McKissic should be utilized as the passing-down back. He showed off his hands on a 27-yard touchdown reception and he’s got some wheels too, which was on display when he ripped a 30-yard touchdown run earlier in the game. Still, it doesn’t seem likely that he’ll receive a big enough workload to be an appealing fantasy option outside of being a high-risk full PPR GPP play. Seattle intends to treat Eddie Lacy as the starter and it seems they’ll give him a chance to earn a featured role, although he’ll probably split early-down duties with Eddie Lacy. Even against a leaky Rams rushing defense which ranks 25th in adjusted line yards per carry (per FO) and has allowed the most rushing touchdowns (7), it’ll be hard to trust any of these guys to get enough volume to post big fantasy scores. With Lane out, Shaquill Griffin will stay at right cornerback and Justin Coleman will move into the slot. Coleman has graded much higher than Lane so far this season – 80.0 cover grade to 45.5 (per PFF) – and he could cause some problems for Cooper Kupp. Through 47 coverage snaps in the slot, Coleman has limited opposing passers to a 27.9 passer rating and 50.0% completion percentage. Griffin will man his normal spot at RCB and primarily square off with Sammy Watkins. It may be an exploitable matchup for the Rams receiver as Griffin is allowing a 103.1 passer rating across 118 coverage snaps and 20 targets. His 8.4 cover snaps per reception represents the 11th-worst rate among corners this season.
Other tagged players: Seattle Seahawks Ty Montgomery ruled out for Week 5
Aaron Jones is expected to start and lead the Packers backfield with Jamaal Williams mixed in. Both will benefit from Cowboys LB Sean Lee’s absence. Last weekend Toddy Gurley tore the Lee-less Dallas defense up for 215 yards and a touchdown. That included a 7/94/1 receiving line, which marked the second time in four weeks an opposing running back led his team in receptions. Last year at UTEP, Jones flashed his ability as a receiver, hauling in 28 passes for 233 yards and three scores. Through four weeks, Green Bay has thrown on 67.7% of their plays, the third-highest rate in the league, which should provide Jones some opportunities to capitalize on the Cowboys’ weakness. When he’s given chances to run, he should be successful. Through three weeks, Green Bay’s offense ranks third in adjusted line yards per carry (4.81, per FO) despite playing with backups while Dallas’ defense ranks 13th in adjusted ypc. Last year, Jones finished 4th in the FBS with 1,773 rushing yards, including four games between 228-301 rushing yards.
Other tagged players: Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams Derek Carr ruled out for Week 5
E.J. Manuel will start for the Raiders today. He’ll have a very tough matchup with the Ravens, whose defense has limited quarterbacks to the lowest passer rating (63.1) and second-lowest completion percentage (54.4%). Skill players like Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree will take downgrades with Manuel under center in a bad spot. Across 17 career starts, the backup QB has never thrown for 300 yards or three touchdowns. He’s been held under 200 yards in six of those games and threw multiple scores in just five. It’s going to be hard for the receivers to produce solid fantasy scores. Instead, it may be best to look at running back Marshawn Lynch, who’s expected see a heavy dose of touches. Given the QB situation, the 2-2 Raiders are expected to lean on their solid offensive line – which features a top-14 graded run-blocker at each position (per PFF) – and their running game, per Eddie Paskal of Raiders.com. Fortunately for the Raiders, the Ravens will be without DT Brandon Williams, who’s a major part of their run defense. Over the past two weeks without him, they’ve allowed 169.5 rushing yards per game and Le’Veon Bell posted 144 yards and two TDs last Sunday. While that type of performance may be out of Lynch’s reach, he’s just $5.1k on DraftKings and we’re projecting 5.0% ownership. Fantasy players will likely shy away due to his current volume issues – 45.2% of the snaps 53.6% of the carries – and terrible 12-yard outing against the Broncos last week. However, Denver is the top rushing defense in DVOA (per FO), yards per game (50.8), and adjusted line yards per carry (2.53) while the Baltimore ranks 17th, 25th (127.3), and 11th (3.85), respectively. If Lynch gets a workload boost and finds his rhythm, he could crush his salary, which makes him an interesting GPP target.
Rain expected for most of the Bills-Bengals game Sunday
Kevin Roth is expecting wet conditions in Cincinnati this afternoon, potentially throughout the whole game. It should hamper the passing games of both teams and provide volume boosts to running backs LeSean McCoy and Joe Mixon. It’s a downgrade for guys like A.J. Green, who’s expected to have a better matchup with Bills CB E.J. Gaines making a surprise appearance on the inactives list. The Bills will still have Tre’Davious White though, he’s earned the eighth-best cover grade from PFF this season. On top of that, the game has the lowest total on the slate (39.5 points) and Green has averaged 5.5 fewer PPR points per game when playing at home over the course of his career. While Green takes an upgrade with Gaines out, Buffalo has played solid team defense against the pass, ranking third in pass DVOA (per FO), and he’ll have to contend with unfavorable weather conditions – it may not be the best spot to target the receiver.
As reported by: RotoGrinders Weather Other tagged players: Joe Mixon, LeSean McCoy, A.J. Green Update: Giants listed Orleans Darkwa as the starting RB for Week 5
It was originally reported Wayne Gallman would start today but the Giants listed Darkwa as the starter on their depth chart. Either way, they’re to split carries this afternoon. Darkwa is leading the team with 4.1 ypc and Gallman has the best single-game rushing performance on the team, although it was for just 42 yards. They’ll have nice spot Sunday as the Chargers rush defense ranks 29th in adjusted line yards per carry (5.36, per FO) and is currently allowing the second-most rushing yards per game (163.5). It won’t help that C Weston Richburg is sidelined though; he’s currently PFF’s 13th-ranked center and the only guy on the Giants’ offensive line with a grade considered “average” or better. Given the offensive line issues, the Giants will likely stick with their focus on quick-passing over the run. With so much uncertainty surrounding the workload share between Gallman and Darkwa, it’ll be hard to trust either of them in this appealing spot.
Dolphins CB Xavien Howard active for Week 5, CB Byron Maxwell inactive
Miami’s starting RCB should see Eric Decker the most if he plays. That presents a favorable matchup for the receiver as Howard grades as PFF’s 94th cover corner. Still, he’ll have Matt Cassel throwing to him, so it’ll be hard to trust him to take advantage of the spot.
Marquise Goodwin (concussion) active for Week 5
Goodwin will primarily matchup with Vontae Davis, who didn’t do well in his season debut last week. The Colts corner allowed a 5/101/0 line on six targets. The receiver hasn’t seen more than six targets in any of the first four games this season but with Rashaan Melvin, the ninth-ranked cover corner by PFF, on Pierre Garcon, quarterback Brian Hoyer may look for Goodwin more frequently than normal.
Tyrell Williams active for Week 5
Williams popped up on the injury report with a questionable tag after getting in a full week of practice but he’ll suit up against the Giants. He’ll see a lot of Janoris Jenkins, which is a tough matchup for any receiver but it doesn’t look like Jenkins will shadow him. That means he’ll get some run against Eli Apple, who’s allowed a touchdown in each of the first four games this year and ranks as PFF’s 81st cover corner. Overall, he’s been targeted the fourth-most among corners, has the fourth-worst cover snaps per reception rate (6.8), and has rewarded quarterbacks 132.6 passer rating. Philip Rivers will probably look for the receiver in Apple’s coverage often, which should provide Travis Benjamin some opportunities as well. It’s possible Jenkins shadows Keenan Allen when he’s lined up on the outside, leaving Williams and Benjamin with the advantage. That may encourage the Chargers to keep Allen in the slot more than normal – he’s running 51% of his routes – where he’ll need to produce against Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. The corner is allowing the 11th-fewest yards per cover snap when inside (0.95) and has the ninth-best cover snaps per reception rate (11.8). Given the tough cornerback group, quarterbacks are targeting their tight ends a ton against the G-Men, whose defense is allowing the second-most targets (9.5), most receptions (7.25), second-most yards (77.25), and most touchdowns (1.25) to the position. There’s been plenty of buzz surrounding Hunter Henry this week as he heads into an ideal matchup. He’s been stuck playing 53.4% of the snaps with Antonio Gates still around and he’s posted two games without a single target. Sitting at 0-4, it would make sense for Los Angeles to cut him loose this week. If they do, he’ll come with a high ceiling – that makes him an appealing GPP option considering he’s projected to see 5.0% ownership on DraftKings with a $3.8k price tag.
49ers S Eric Reid (knee) and LB Reuben Foster (ankle) inactive for Week 5
San Francisco will continue to roll with Jaquiski Tartt and Jimmie Ward at safety. Reid’s absence is a downgrade, particularly for their run defense, but Tartt has been excellent this season. He’s PFF’s second-best coverage safety and major reason why they rank 1st in TE DVOA through four weeks (per FO). With Jack Doyle sidelined, Darrell Daniels and Brandon Williams are going to see more snaps but will have their work cut out for them.
Giants DE Olivier Vernon and C Weston Richburg inactive for Week 5; Jason Pierre-Paul active
JPP is having a down season so far, earning a 46.7 PFF grade after scoring 86.4 a season ago. He’s only generated nine pressures through four games but if he can return to form, he could get after Philip Rivers this weekend. In 2016, Pierre-Paul ranked 22nd among edge defenders with a 9.2 pass-rushing productivity rate. Vernon’s absence will hurt their team pass-rush though, he was 18th in pass-rushing productivity in 2016 (11).
Jets DL Muhammad Wilkerson active for Week 5; Matt Forte inactive
Wilkerson has seen his productivity drop the past couple of seasons; he’s earned poor PFF grades in both 2016 and through four weeks of 2017. Still, the Jets defensive line has managed to find themselves in third in adjusted line yards per carry (3.62, per FO). Meanwhile, Cleveland’s offense is 25th (3.54) and Isaiah Crowell has struggled to 2.9 ypc this season.
Other tagged players: Isaiah Crowell