DFS Alerts

Markus Wheaton, CB Prince Amukamara, and G Kyle Long inactive for Bears Sunday

The Bears have the weakest receiving corps in the league, which could lead to Mike Glennon targeting his tight ends and running backs quite a bit. He threw to those positions on a combined 65% of his passes in Week 1. As 7-point road dogs, projected game flow seems to favor running back Tarik Cohen, who accumulated 12 targets last week as the preferred receiving back. Last year, the Buccaneers ranked 26th in DVOA against receiving running backs, per FO. They were also 26th against the rush, which could favor Howard early on. Even so, given his injury combined with expected game flow and his timeshare with Cohen, Howard is looking like a risky option in fantasy. At receiver, Kendall Wright disappointed many in Week 1 but he’s the unquestioned number one receiver now that Kevin White is sidelined. He may make sense as a tournament option in full PPR this week. Although Tampa Bay ranked eighth in WR1 DVOA in 2016, they allowed the sixth-most receptions per game (9.2). Plus, slot corner Robert McClain allowed a terrible 85% catch rate last season, the highest mark among starting cornerbacks this week.

Amukamara’s absence could help Mike Evans but the Bears were able to limit Julio Jones in Week 1 to a 4/66/0 line without him. That extended their success against opposing top receivers from last season. According to Football Outsiders, they held WR1s to the second-fewest receptions per game last year (6.9). At the same time, they allowed WR2s the third-most catches (7.5). In Week 1, WR2 Mohamed Sanu led the Falcons with nine targets and six receptions. These trends make DeSean Jackson an appealing GPP pivot option off of Evans. Although with Amukamara inactive, Evans takes an upgrade.

Sam Bradford (knee) officially inactive, Case Keenum will start

Bradford hardly did anything in warmups Sunday morning and Minnesota has decided to be cautious with their starting quarterback. An MRI on Tuesday came back negative, but there is so much scar tissue in his knee that it’s hard to get a clear picture. That means backup quarterback Case Keenum will get the start today, an obvious downgrade for their passing game and upgrade for the Steelers defense. Keenum finished 31st in PFF quarterback rating among 37 quarterbacks with at least 25% of their team’s dropbacks in 2016 (78.23). He tossed more interceptions than touchdowns – 11 picks to nine scores – and he was sacked 23 times across 10 appearances. Overall, he was sacked on 19.8% of his dropbacks, the eighth-highest rate among those 37 QBs. While under pressure, he tossed five picks. Expect the Steelers to bring the house this afternoon, especially if Keenum starts, in order to generate sacks and turnovers. This should benefit Le’Veon Bell as well: the spread has widened to 9.5 points in the Steelers favor.

Report: Vikings will start Case Keenum Sunday, Sam Bradford (knee) won't play

Bradford hardly did anything in warmups Sunday morning and Minnesota has decided to be cautious with their starting quarterback. An MRI on Tuesday came back negative, but there is so much scar tissue in his knee that it’s hard to get a clear picture. That means backup quarterback Case Keenum will get the start today, an obvious downgrade for their passing game and upgrade for the Steelers defense. Keenum finished 31st in PFF quarterback rating among 37 quarterbacks with at least 25% of their team’s dropbacks in 2016 (78.23). He tossed more interceptions than touchdowns – 11 picks to nine scores – and he was sacked 23 times across 10 appearances. Overall, he was sacked on 19.8% of his dropbacks, the eighth-highest rate among those 37 QBs. While under pressure, he tossed five picks. Expect the Steelers to bring the house this afternoon, especially if Keenum starts, in order to generate sacks and turnovers. This should benefit Le’Veon Bell as well: the spread has widened to 9.5 points in the Steelers favor.

Broncos S Darian Stewart (groin) and RG Ronald Leary (concussion) expected to play Sunday

Leary suffered a concussion Monday night against the Chargers and Stewart injured his groin. Leary has cleared the concussion protocol and is on track to play Sunday, which will help Denver’s running game and pass protection; he earned an above-average 80.2 PFF grade last season. Although Denver’s starting free safety Stewart was rarely targeted in coverage last season – just 35 times – he managed to pick off three passes. His presence is important for the Broncos as they would likely start undrafted rookie Jamal Carter in his place, who earned a poor 55.6 PFF grade in his debut.

Sam Bradford watch: the Vikings starting QB looking closer to doubtful, Case Keenum could get the start

Bradford hardly did anything in warmups Sunday morning and Minnesota may decide to be cautious with their starting quarterback; we’ll know for sure when the Vikings announce their inactives in a little bit. An MRI on Tuesday came back negative, but there is so much scar tissue in his knee that it’s hard to get a clear picture. That means backup quarterback Case Keenum could get the start today, an obvious downgrade for their passing game and upgrade for the Steelers defense. Keenum finished 31st in PFF quarterback rating among 37 quarterbacks with at least 25% of their team’s dropbacks in 2016 (78.23). He tossed more interceptions than touchdowns – 11 picks to nine scores – and he was sacked 23 times across 10 appearances. Overall, he was sacked on 19.8% of his dropbacks, the eighth-highest rate among those 37 QBs. While under pressure, he tossed five picks. Expect the Steelers to bring the house this afternoon, especially if Keenum starts, in order to generate sacks and turnovers.

Buccaneers LB Kwon Alexander (illness) expected to play Sunday

Alexander will reportedly play through his questionable tag against the Bears this afternoon. His presence could be a downgrade for Jordan Howard and an upgrade for Tarik Cohen. Last season, Alexander finished eighth with 58 tackles while defending the rush and eighth in run stops (35), which represents a loss for the offense, per PFF. He struggled in pass coverage though, allowing a 73.4% catch rate and the seventh-most receptions among linebackers (58). Teams seemed to throw his way a bunch as he was targeted once every 6.8 cover snaps, the 16th-highest rate among LBs. With the Bears entering the game as 7-point dogs and Cohen emerging as the preferred receiving back, this spot could set up nicely for the rookie, especially in full PPR formats.

Wet and windy weather expected in Seattle Sunday

RotoGrinders meteorologist Kevin Roth is anticipating steady rain for most of the 49ers-Seahawks game this afternoon. On top of that, there will be sustained winds around 15 mph with gusts exceeding that speed. It’s probably best to avoid kickers from this one and it’s a downgrade for the passing games of both teams. Seattle’s defense is looking even better against quarterback Brian Hoyer, who will probably be forced to pass a lot in the second half as the 49ers are currently 14-point dogs. We’re also expecting precipitation for the Eagles-Chiefs, Browns-Ravens, and possibly the Lions-Giants games, although it should be scattered and light for those ones. It’ll be windy in Jacksonville for the Titans-Jags matchup, but they won’t be dealing with crosswinds. Instead, kickers and quarterbacks will get a half with the wind and one against it.

Steelers LB Bud Dupree expected to play Sunday, DE Stephon Tuitt (biceps) expected to be inactive

Dupree is expected to make his season debut this afternoon but Tuitt will reportedly remain sidelined as he tends to a biceps injury he suffered in Week 1. Dupree could provide a boost for a Steelers pass rush that was able to pressure DeShone Kizer on 46.3% of his dropbacks in Week 1 and sack him seven times. The linebacker finished second on the team with 4.5 sacks in 2016

Josh Doctson (hamstring) expected to play Sunday

The receiver was limited in practice this week and considered questionable due to tightness in his hamstring. Even if he plays, he’s expected to be on a snap count. After playing just 20 in Week 1, Doctson isn’t on the fantasy radar yet. Washington played Ryan Grant ahead of him as their WR3, providing him 37 snaps. He attracted six targets, catching four of them for 61 yards. Until Doctson gets healthy, he’ll probably have a similar role in the rotation and Kirk Cousins will continue to look for Terrelle Pryor downfield. The newcomer led the squad with 11 targets but he only caught six for 66 yards. There may have been some chemistry issues between him and Cousins or early-season jitters as they narrowly missed on several big plays, including a 50-yard bomb Pryor dropped in the end zone. Although he didn’t turn in a massive fantasy score, Pryor demonstrated his massive upside. Not only was he ninth in the league in average air yards per target (16.3) – and topped all receivers who were targeted more than seven times – he accounted for a whopping 45.18% of his team’s total air yards, which ranked fourth, per Next Gen Stats. He has a difficult matchup with Trumaine Johnson this week, so it may not be the best time to target him, but he should still pick up plenty of air yards and is always a threat for a big touchdown play

Richard Sherman (hamstring) expected to play Sunday

Since 2016, Sherman has limited opposing receivers to a 48% catch rate and 0.2 fantasy points per route defended, per PFF. His presence should make things difficult for Marquise Goodwin and Pierre Garcon, although he was poor in coverage last week, earning 51.0 grade, which was good for 58th among 90 qualifying cornerbacks. Even so, Brian Hoyer doesn’t present a huge threat at quarterback and it would be surprising if he and his receivers could get the best of Sherman today. The 49ers are 14-point road dogs and implied to score a slate-low 13.75 points. Seattle’s defense will be a popular option; we’re projecting the third-highest ownership on DraftKings (10.0%) and a tie for the second-highest on FanDuel with Oakland and Arizona (12.5%).

Vikings CB Xavier Rhodes (hip) and LB Anthony Barr (hamstring) expected to play Sunday

Although they’re both listed questionable, Adam Schefter reports the Vikings are “optimistic” they can play in Pittsburgh today. Against the Saints, Rhodes allowed two receptions for 22 scoreless yards in coverage. If he suits up, he’ll have the unenviable task of guarding Antonio Brown the most on Sunday. Brown would have the challenge of producing fantasy points against a cornerback who’s limited opposing wideouts to a 48% catch rate and 0.2 fantasy points per route defended since 2016, per PFF. Barr struggled in 2016, earning a poor 39.4 PFF grade but he’ll look to return to his 2015 in which he scored an elite 91.4. He didn’t have a great start Monday night, though, he finished 34th among 43 qualifying linebackers in rushing defense (42.8).

Terrance Williams (ankle) expected to play Sunday

Adam Schefter reports Williams is expected to play through his sprained ankle and questionable tag this afternoon. He’s headed into the no-fly zone in Denver though, so he’s not looking like a great fantasy target despite hauling in 6-of-7 targets last week and leading the team in receiving yards (68). He’s going to see Aqib Talib the most. Among Week 2 starters, the cornerback has allowed the fewest fantasy points per route defended since 2016 (0.15) and a stellar catch rate of 52%. Facing a tough cornerback group last week, Dak Prescott targeted Jason Witten a team-high nine times and provided Ezekiel Elliott a career-high five receptions. Dallas was expected to use the running back more in the passing game this season and this is another great spot to follow through on that plan.

Sam Bradford (knee) says he expects to play Sunday but remains a game-time decision

The quarterback had an MRI Tuesday after feeling some pain and discomfort in his surgically-repaired knee and the team’s medical team believes his ligaments are in tact. Apparently, there is so much scar tissue it’s hard to tell for sure, which is worrisome. According to beat writer Aditi Kinkhabwala, he’s “told folks he expects to play.” However, Minnesota elevated rookie QB Kyle Sloter from the practice squad as a precaution and will wait to see Bradford warm up before making an official decision regarding his playing status. Bradford is coming off a tremendous game against the Saints defense, in which he threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns with an 84.4% completion rate, earning a 95.2 QBR. His 7.8-yard average depth of target was 1.2 yards above his 2016 average, although it still would’ve only been tied for 32nd last year, and he attempted the fourth-most balls at least 20 yards downfield (5). He was very efficient on those deep passes too, completing all five for 130 yards – the second-most in Week 1 – and a touchdown. Heading into the regular season he was optimistic about Minnesota’s downfield passing game and he delivered in the opener. Expected game flow indicates Bradford could be tasked with passing quite a bit in Week 2 as the Vikings are currently 6.5-point underdogs. Even so, he remains a risk given his knee injury. Minnesota allowed the third-fewest pressures last week – just 18.2% of Bradford’s dropbacks – but blitz-happy Pittsburgh pressured DeShone Kizer on 46.3% of his dropbacks and sacked him 36.4% of the time, per PFF. Part of that was due to the rookie holding onto the ball too long but the point remains that the Steelers could get after Bradford early and often this afternoon.

Jordan Howard (shoulder) expected to play Sunday, Markus Wheaton (finger) a "much longer shot"

Chicago’s running back is considered questionable but Ian Rapoport says he’s expected to play against Tampa Bay this afternoon. Things don’t look as good for Wheaton, who’s still dealing with a broken finger. The Bears have the weakest receiving corps in the league, which could lead to Mike Glennon targeting his tight ends and running backs quite a bit. He threw to those positions for a combined 65% of his passes in Week 1. As 7-point road dogs, projected game flow seems to favor running back Tarik Cohen, who accumulated 12 targets last week as the preferred receiving back. Last year, the Buccaneers ranked 26th in DVOA against receiving running backs, per FO. They were also 26th against the rush, which could favor Howard early on. Even so, given his injury combined with expected game flow and his timeshare with Cohen, Howard is looking like a risky option in fantasy. At receiver, Kendall Wright disappointed many in Week 1 but he’s the unquestioned number one receiver now that Kevin White is sidelined. He may make sense as a tournament option in full PPR this week. Although Tampa Bay ranked eighth in WR1 DVOA in 2016, they allowed the sixth-most receptions per game (9.2). Plus, slot corner Robert McClain allowed a terrible 85% catch rate last season, the highest mark among starting cornerbacks this week.

Jalen Ramsey (ankle) expected to play Sunday

Ramsey was sidelined all week in practice but it appears he’ll play through his ankle injury this afternoon. Even though he may be a bit hobbled up, his presence on the field is a downgrade for Rishard Matthews and Corey Davis. Our WR/CB matchup model provides Matthews a poor -3.46 rating in Week 2. It won’t get much easier for Eric Decker in the slot; Aaron Colvin has only allowed 0.16 fantasy points per route defended since 2016, the third-lowest mark among starting cornerbacks this week. Prior to exiting Week 1 with a concussion, C.J. Fiedorowicz caught all four of his targets for 46 yards against the Jaguars. In Tennessee, Titans tight end Delanie Walker displayed his chemistry with Marcus Mariota, posting team-highs in receptions (7) and yards (76) on nine targets. Given the tough matchups for the receivers, it could be a high-volume day for Walker.