DFS Alerts
Titans signing Brandon Weeden
That could be a bad sign for Marcus Mariota, who’s currently dealing with a hamstring strain and is questionable for Week 5. If Mariota is ruled out. If Mariota is ruled out, Matt Cassel will start. He’s an inaccurate passer with a career completion percentage of 58.8%. That was on display Sunday when he went 4-for-10 with two picks. Although the Titans have a favorable matchup with a fantasy-friendly secondary, it’s going to be a little hard to trust the pass-catchers to produce with Cassel throwing the ball. At least he has a terrific offensive line protecting him that ranks second in pass-blocking efficiency (PFF) and the Dolphins defensive line currently ranks 28th in adjusted sack rate (per FO). If Mariota can suit up, he’ll have a great outlook and so will his pass-catchers – Miami has allowed the third-highest passer rating (112.4) and sixth-most passing yards per game (272).
Other tagged players: Marcus Mariota, Matt Cassel
Davante Adams "could" play Week 5, Ty Montgomery considered a "stretch"
Adams took a vicious hit last Thursday night that landed him in the concussion protocol. He has a few extra days to heal though, and one source told Adam Schefter they “think he goes.” If he’s ultimately ruled out, it would elevate Geronimo Allison into the third receiver role. Montgomery is dealing with multiple broken ribs and believes he can play. ESPN’s Rob Demovsky isn’t so optimistic he can suit up, calling it a “stretch.” If Montgomery is out, Aaron Jones will be a solid asset in DFS, especially in PPR. While the Cowboys have allowed one rushing TD, they’ve given up eight through the air (fourth-most). Plus, they’ve permitted the third-most catches (7.5 per game) and receiving yards (68 per game) to RBs, and the second-most receiving touchdowns (0.5 per game). Last week, Todd Gurley gashed them for 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 ranked ninth in adjusted line yards per carry (4.29, per FO) while Dallas’ defense was 13th (3.84) before Gurley went off for 121 yards on 23 carries. Last year, Jones finished 4th in the FBS with 1,773 rushing yards, including four games between 228-301 rushing yards.
Other tagged players: Ty Montgomery, Geronimo Allison Bills signing WR Philly Brown
Brown was cut by the Bills prior to the start of the season but they’ve brought him back following Jordan Matthews’ injury. He’s not expected to make much of an impact as the fourth or fifth receiver in Buffalo.
Colts C Ryan Kelly will return Week 5
It’s good timing for the Colts as backup center Deyshawn Bond will undergo season-ending surgery on his torn quad this week. Indianapolis could use his help as they currently have the 28th-ranked offensive line in pass-blocking efficiency (PFF). As a rookie in 2016, Kelly earned the 11th-best pass-blocking grade among centers and posted the second-best pass-blocking efficiency rate among rookie centers since 2015. His presence should help quarterback Jacoby Brissett until Andrew Luck returns. Luck is expected to return to practice this week and may get back to game action as soon as Week 6.
Other tagged players: Andrew Luck, Jacoby Brissett Jordan Reed, Rob Kelley, Jamison Crowder and LB Mason Foster are active Monday night
Saftey D.J. Swearinger is also active after being listed with a DNP on Saturday. All five players were questionable heading into their Monday night matchup with Kansas City. The Chiefs pass defense has been stifling this year; they’ve limited quarterbacks to the second-lowest passer rating (64.1) and the lowest completion percentage (50.0%). On top of that, they’ve allowed a league-low two passing touchdowns while forcing four interceptions. However, corners Terrance Mitchell and Phillip Gaines have been pretty poor this season, earning PFF cover grades of 45.7 (81st) and 35.8 (109th), respectively. Mitchell has been targeted the second-most times among all corners (33) and he’s allowed the most receiving yards (303) despite limiting receivers to a 51.5% catch rate – as a result, he has the highest yards per cover snap rate (2.21). He’ll see plenty of Terrelle Pryor, who’s looking for his breakout game with Washington. Crowder will match up with Gaines in the slot, who’s allowing a 119.6 passer rating. Tight end Zach Ertz managed to pick up 97 yards on five catches a week ago. Jordan Reed will see safety Daniel Sorensen quite a bit tonight, who ranks 66th among 81 safeties. Kansas City hasn’t been as strong against the rush, ranking 23rd in yards per carry (4.3) and 15th in adjusted line yards (3.99, per FO). Kelley showed some burst in Week 2 prior to exiting with bruised ribs; he had gained 78 yards on 12 carries against the Rams. Passing-down back Chris Thompson has been playing well and will cut into Kelley’s workload though, limiting his upside.
Other tagged players: Robert Kelley, Jamison Crowder, Washington Commanders, Terrelle Pryor Chiefs LT Eric Fisher (back) active Monday night
Despite not practicing all week, Fisher will suit up for the Chiefs tonight. Linebacker Dee Ford and C Mitch Morse are inactive, as expected. Fisher’s presence will help both the running and passing games as he’s earned a solid 77.4 PFF grade in both areas. Kansas City’s offensive line ranks 1st in FO’s adjusted line yards per carry metric (with plenty of help from Kareem Hunt) and they’ve allowed the third-fewest pressures when in pass protection (per PFF). Meanwhile, Washington is 26th in adjusted line yards, which should help Hunt continue his success on the ground. Their pass rush could give the Chiefs a tough test, they rank eighth in adjusted sack rate; the Chargers are third in the metric and sacked Alex Smith five times last week.
Seahawks DE Cliff Avril (neck) expected to be out "a while"
Avril left in the second quarter of last night’s game against the Colts after sustaining a neck injury. He’s experiencing numbness in his arm and Seattle is going to be very cautious with him. Although a timetable wasn’t set, Pete Carroll said it would be “a while.” Avril wasn’t off to a great start this season, posting a 4.9 pass rushing productivity rate from PFF. His absence will allow Frank Clark to pick up more snaps; he’s accounted for two sacks, 11 total pressures, and a 9.2 pass rushing productivity rate.
As reported by: Ian Rapoport Derek Carr (back) expected to miss 2-6 weeks
Head coach Jack Del Rio said Derek Carr has a transverse process fracture in his back and the typical recovery time is two to six weeks. There have been conflicting reports regarding the long end of the timetable, but it looks like everyone agrees he’ll miss at least two weeks to rehab this injury. Backup E.J. Manuel will start Week 5 against the Ravens. It’s a tough spot for any quarterback; Baltimore has limited passers to the lowest rating (63.1), the second-lowest completion percentage (54.4%), and they’ve racked up a league-high nine interceptions. Across 29 career appearances, Manuel has thrown 19 touchdowns and 16 picks with a 58.5% completion rate. He’s a major downgrade for Oakland’s pass-catchers, who were already in a bad matchup.
As reported by: Ian Rapoport Other tagged players: Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree, Jared Cook Chris Carson (leg) placed on IR
Seattle put Carson on the injured reserve after an MRI revealed he suffered a broken leg on Sunday. Seattle’s backfield may be difficult to predict heading into Week 5, although coach Pete Carroll implied Thomas Rawls will be the lead back. He was inactive in Week 4 along with C.J. Prosise, which allowed Eddie Lacy to lead the team with 52 yards on 11 carries while J.D. McKissic scored twice – once on a 30-yard run and another on a 27-yard reception. Prosise is expected to return this week but McKissic’s performance may have earned him some passing-down snaps, which would cut into Prosise’s workload. If Seattle has all four guys active this weekend, they could all compete for touches. That makes it a dangerous backfield to target in fantasy, even though they’re facing a Rams rush defense that has allowed the most rushing touchdowns (7) and fourth-most yards per attempt (4.9) this season.
Other tagged players: Thomas Rawls, Eddie Lacy, C.J. Prosise, JD McKissic Rex Burkhead (ribs) limited in Monday's practice
After missing the past two games, Burkhead was listed as a limited participant in practice today, signaling he could make his return this Thursday against the Bucs. If he does play, he would likely supplant Dion Lewis as the third option at the position behind Mike Gillislee and James White.
Corey Davis ruled out for Week 5
Davis isn’t ready for a return. The Titans will continue to use Taywan Taylor as their third receiver behind Rishard Matthews and Eric Decker. They’ll have a terrific spot against the Dolphins this weekend but may have Matt Cassel throwing to them, which would be a clear downgrade.
Other tagged players: Rishard Matthews, Eric Decker, Taywan Taylor Cardinals LT D.J. Humphries (knee) not expected to play Week 5
Humphries reinjured his knee and coach Bruce Arians said there’s a slight tear while adding he’s hopeful his starting left tackle can return for Week 6. Arizona’s offensive line continues to struggle without him. They’re 22nd in adjusted line yards per carry (3.69, per FO) and 31st in pass-blocking efficiency (per PFF). They’ve allowed a ridiculous 83 pressures, by far the most in the league, placing Palmer under pressured on 42.3% of his dropbacks. They’ll be challenged by the Eagles in Week 5, who have posted 11 sacks this season (11th) and rank fifth in adjusted line yards per carry (3.06).
Marcus Mariota (hamstring) considered day-to-day
Mariota has been diagnosed with a hamstring strain following an MRI. The Titans want to be cautious with him and are considering signing a quarterback this week. Matt Cassel will reportedly get first-team snaps in Wednesday’s practice and he’ll start against the Dolphins if Mariota is ruled out. He’s an inaccurate passer with a career completion percentage of 58.8%. That was on display yesterday when he went 4-for-10 with two picks. Although the Titans have a favorable matchup with a fantasy-friendly secondary, it’s going to be a little hard to trust the pass-catchers to produce with Cassel throwing the ball. At least he has a terrific offensive line protecting him that ranks second in pass-blocking efficiency (PFF) and the Dolphins defensive line currently ranks 28th in adjusted sack rate (per FO). If Mariota can suit up, he’ll have a great outlook and so will his pass-catchers – Miami has allowed the third-highest passer rating (112.4) and sixth-most passing yards per game (272).
Other tagged players: Matt Cassel Buccaneers activated Doug Martin (suspension) for Week 5
Martin will play against the Patriots Thursday night after missing the first three games due to a suspension. He’s expected to have a limited workload in his return as he hasn’t been able to practice with the team while he served his three-game ban. Even though the Patriots defense has been poor against running backs, allowing the second-most yards per carry (5.1), it may be best to avoid this backfield this week as Jacquizz Rodgers and Charles Sims will pick up snaps and touches. New England has been terrible against the pass as well; they’ve allowed the highest-passer rating (116.5) and the most passing yards (324 per game). Through four games, every opposing quarterback has thrown for over 300 yards and at least two touchdowns. In the past, they’ve been able to limit their opponents’ top weapons but this season they’ve allowed the second-most receiving yards per game to WR1s (110.7, per FO). It’s a great spot for Jameis Winston and Mike Evans.
Other tagged players: Jameis Winston, Mike Evans, Jacquizz Rodgers, Charles Sims Cardinals LB Markus Golden (knee) out for season
An MRI confirmed Golden suffered a torn ACL and he’s done for the year. The linebacker was third with 12.5 sacks in 2016. Although he hadn’t gotten to the quarterback yet this year, he was 17th among edged defenders with 16 pressures. His absence will be a downgrade for their pass rush. Kareem Martin will take over Golden’s role; he’s earned poor grades from PFF in every season he’s played.