DFS Alerts
Chester Rogers (hamstring) and CB Rashaan Melvin (hamstring, ankle) questionable for Week 5
The Colts could be dangerously thin at cornerback this week with slot corner Nate Hairston already ruled out. The Colts haven’t said who will take over Hairston’s spot but Pierre Desir appears to be their best option. He started in Week 3 when Quincy Wilson was out and played well, limiting receivers to a 3/53/0 line on eight targets (per PFF). It’s also possible they go back to Wilson, who was a complete disaster in his lone start this season – he gave up 171 yards and a touchdown. Vontae Davis didn’t look very good in his first game of the season, he allowed a 5/101/0 line on six targets. He’d matchup with Marquise Goodwin the most if the receiver is able to suit up; he’s currently in the concussion protocol. Chester Rogers is listed as questionable but he’s not expected to play.
Other tagged players: Indianapolis Colts
Derek Carr (back) questionable for Week 5
Carr is no longer ruled out for Sunday’s game, he’s officially listed as questionable on the team’s injury report. He was able to practice today but took snaps behind E.J. Manuel, who’s still tentatively expected to start. This will be an important story to monitor this weekend. They already have a tough matchup with the Ravens, whose defense has limited quarterbacks to the lowest passer rating (63.1) and second-lowest completion percentage (54.4%). If Manuel ends up getting the nod, skill players like Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree will have little hope to produce solid fantasy performances. 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. DeAndre Washington and CBs David Amerson and Gareon Conley are also listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.
Other tagged players: DeAndre Washington, Las Vegas Raiders, Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree Kenny Golladay and Dwayne Washington ruled out for Week 5, as expected; LB Jarrad Davis questionable
Golladay (hamstring) and Washington (quad) were both inactive this past weekend and unable to participate in any practice this week. TJ Jones operated as the third receiver in Golladay’s absence and would resume those duties against the Panthers this weekend. He should see corner Daryl Worley a bunch. The Panthers CB has given up a 116.7 passer rating and a 12/95/2 line on 18 targets (per PFF). It still seems doubtful Jones can get enough targets to produce a strong fantasy game though – he picked up five last time out. Instead, Golden Tate should continue to receive the most looks; his 32 targets represents a 23.2% market share. He’ll square off with Captain Munnerlyn in the slot, who’s only been targeted seven times in that position but has allowed a catch on each occasion and has given up the ninth-most cover yards per snap there (1.22, per PFF). That said, it’s a tough game to target in fantasy as both teams operate at a slow pace – Detroit is 24th and Carolina is 30th (per FO). As a result, the game total currently sits at an unappealing 42.5 points.
Other tagged players: Dwayne Washington, Detroit Lions Tyrell Williams (neck), T Joe Barksdale (foot), and LB Jatavis Brown (ankle) questionable for Week 5, Mike Williams (back) ruled out
Williams was a full participant in practice all week and he’s expected to suit up this weekend 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 and has allowed a 132.6 passer rating. Philip Rivers should look for whoever is in Apple’s coverage, which should provide Travis Benjamin some opportunities as well. It’s possible Jenkins shadows Keenan Allen when he’s lined up on the outside.
Other tagged players: Los Angeles Chargers Pay Up To Be Contrarian at TE?
One of the only reliable receiving options on a run-first offense, veteran Delanie Walker can can pay enormous dividends with proper game flow on his side. This is exactly the situation Walker should find himself in this week against a potent Miami offense in a game the Titans should be forced to throw more than they intend to. Further increasing Walker’s outlook for Week 5 is a matchup against a weak Miami defense that ranks 31st in pass defense DVOA this season and has been depleted at the linebacker position. This bodes well for Walker, who shouldn’t draw much double coverage during this game with Miami likely selling out to stop the run, making him a solid option that might go overlooked due to a perceived difficult matchup.
Lean On This PPR Monster
If you’re looking to take advantage of price at WR in Week 5, look no further than Jarvis Landry, who ranks third among all NFL wide receivers targets per game. Not your prototypical WR 1, Landry spends the majority of his time in the slot, where he uses his elusiveness to get open and breakaway speed to gain yards after the catch. He draws a juicy matchup against an underachieving Tennessee defense that ranks 29th in pass defense DVOA this season. With quarterback Jay Cutler continuing to struggle, expect a heavy workload for Landry in Miami’s first home game of the season.
Don't Pass On This Top WR
Currently ranked eighth in the NFL with a 26% target market share, Hilton has been the lone dependable receiving threat for the Colts this season. After a tough loss to the Seahawks on the road last week, Hilton and the Colts return home to Indianapolis to face a leaky San Francisco secondary that ranks 26th in pass defense DVOA this season. Hilton owns some of the most drastic indoor/outdoor splits among starting receivers; averaging 26 more receiving yards per game on indoor turf where nearly 75% of his career touchdowns have been scored. In a prime bounceback spot for Indianapolis, Hilton should have no problems paying off his manageable price tag as his team’s only reliable wide receiver.
Expect Heavy Workload For This RB
After a breakout 2016 campaign in which he rushed for 997 yards and 10 touchdowns, things haven’t gone as expected for Gordon and the winless Chargers early this season. Woefully inefficient to open the year, Gordon will look to break out on the road in Week 5 against a New York front seven that ranks 31st in run defense DVOA this season. Finally healthy after dealing with a nagging knee injury, Gordon’s usage is bankable when healthy due to his involvement within the passing game. In a game that should see plenty of plays between two inconsistent offenses, take advantage of Gordon’s reduced price tag and great matchup this week.
Don't Get Cute With This "Bell"cow
After a slow start to open the year, Bell has resumed his heavy workload in last week’s victory over Baltimore; parlaying 39 touches into 186 total yards and two touchdowns. Things get much easier for Bell this week taking on a Jacksonville defense that has been shredded on the ground early this year and ranks dead last in run defense DVOA. With gameflow likely on his side throughout much of Sunday’s contest, expect Bell to be worth every penny of his steep price tag as Pittsburgh looks to continue their AFC dominance.
Could This Stud QB Go Overlooked?
Seldom will you find the best quarterback in all of football at a lower than expected ownership levels, but such could be the case this week with Rodgers. A matchup against a formerly stingy Dallas defense may seem risky, but Rodgers has fared well against the Cowboys while playing at home over the course of his career; averaging 269 passing yards per game with a 13-2 TD-INT ratio in eight career games against Dallas. With a non-existent rushing attack, Rodgers will once again be forced to carry the load offensively and his ability to rush the ball makes him a worthwhile commodity to pay up for in Week 5 where many of your opponents will likely opt to spend down at quarterback.
Branden Oliver (hamstring) ruled out for Week 5
Oliver wasn’t a fantasy factor behind Melvin Gordon but his absence should bolster Gordon’s already-high share of the snaps and touches.
Other tagged players: Melvin Gordon Sam Bradford (knee) is practicing again Friday
The quarterback is looking closer to questionable after getting in two practices in a row. He said his knee’s improvement is “night and day” compared to two weeks ago. Bears coach John Fox has said all week he expects Bradford to start Monday and it’s trending in that direction. 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’s excellent news 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. Diggs currently leads the league in receiving yards (391), is second in touchdowns (4), and he’s caught the most deep passes (20+ yards downfield, 8). In Week 1, 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. If Bradford plays, it looks like a great spot to target Diggs.
Other tagged players: Stefon Diggs Dolphins CB Xavien Howard (shoulder) has "good chance" to play Week 5
Miami’s starting RCB is heading for a game-time decision Sunday, he’ll see Eric Decker the most if he plays.
Other tagged players: Eric Decker Chiefs C Mitch Morse (foot), LB Dee Ford (back), and G Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (knee) ruled out for Week 5
The Chiefs will be without two of their starting offensive linemen this weekend against the Texans. It’ll be the third absence in a row for Morse but the first missed game of the season for Duvernay-Tardif. It’s bad timing as Houston currently ranks seventh in adjusted sack rate and Kansas City’s offensive line already ranked dead last in the metric (per FO).
Other tagged players: Houston Texans Packers DT Mike Daniels will play Week 5
Daniels was sidelined last week with a hip injury.