DFS Alerts
C.J. Fiedorowicz has cleared the concussion protocol
Fiedorowicz showed up on the Texans injury report with a concussion Wednesday but he’s gotten in consecutive full practices and will be ready for the season opener on Sunday. Fiedorowicz seemed to have good chemistry with Brock Osweiler last season as he went on to obliterate his previous career-highs, finishing with 54 receptions for 559 yards and four scores on 89 targets. It’s yet to be seen how he’ll perform with Tom Savage at the helm. In the lone game they both started in 2016, Fiedorwicz led the squad in targets (7) and caught four passes for 42 scoreless yards. Will Fuller, who won’t play this weekend, tied for second with six targets in that game. Houston will start Braxton Miller in his place, which should help Fiedorowicz secure a larger workload as Miller hasn’t proven to be an effective wide receiver at the NFL level. Working against the tight end will be the slow pace and run-heavy offense the Texans are expected to employ this season, and Jacksonville’s solid pass defense.
As reported by: Aaron Wilson
Markus Wheaton (finger) limited in Thursday's practice, CB Prince Amukamara (ankle) didn't participate
Although his return to the practice field is a step in the right direction, Wheaton isn’t expected to play Sunday. That leaves Kevin White, Kendall Wright, and Deonte Thompson as the primary options for Mike Glennon against the Falcons. Offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains said he would employ a “committee” at wide receiver to replace Cameron Meredith, however, he added that he wants Kevin White to become the number one option. That means White, who averaged 8.75 targets across four games last season, will be given the opportunity to seize the featured role in the passing game. Even so, in a Glennon-led offense, it’ll be tough to trust him. Wright will be involved in the offense but White’s size advantage should give him an edge in scoring position. They’re seven-point dogs in Week 1 against the Falcons, which should force Glennon to throw more than the Bears would like.
Amukamara has now missed two consecutive practices, which puts his Week 1 playing status in doubt. That could pose a serious problem for the Bears’ secondary as he’s expected to match up with Julio Jones the most. If he misses the game, it would elevate Bryce Callahan, who’s behind Amukamara on the depth chart or normal slot corner Cre’veon LeBlanc into a starting role. Both options are downgrades in pass coverage and that’s important as Jones already had the third-best matchup rating against Amukamara, according to our WR/CB matchup tool (38.33). Jones should also see Marcus Cooper on some of his routes; the corner earned an abysmal 40.3 grade from Pro Football Focus and allowed 0.34 fantasy points per route defended, the 13th-most among projected starters in Week 1.
Chiefs released C.J. Spiller Thursday
Spiller has been cut again by the Chiefs, but he’ll be back tomorrow. As a veteran, his contract would become guaranteed if he were on the roster for their season opener. By releasing him and re-signing him again tomorrow, for the third time in a week, it would release them of that financial obligation. Kareem Hunt will be the featured back Thursday night against the Patriots and Charcandrick West figures to pick up some touches as well.
As reported by: Terez A. Paylor Patriots defense expected to focus on limiting Travis Kelce Thursday night
Beat writer Jeff Howe reports the Patriots are going to work on taking away Travis Kelce tonight. They often find success when attempting to diminish the production of opponents’ top passing weapons, but they’ll need to rely on safety Patrick Chung to get the job done tonight. Chung earned a poor 41.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus last season and scored a 45.1 in pass coverage – 27th among 33 qualifiers. Howe added that New England has installed support packages for Chung, which will help the cause but also leave them vulnerable to attack from the dynamic Tyreek Hill or potentially Chris Conley. Hill is expected to be shadowed by Malcolm Butler, who picked up a superb 88.1 grade last year.
As reported by: Jeff Howe Chester Rogers (hamstring) misses practice again Thursday
The wide receiver isn’t expected to play Sunday. That will force Indianapolis to run with Kamar Aiken or Quan Bray in three-wide sets, but Scott Tolzien will primarily target T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief, and Jack Doyle. With Aaron Doland still holding out and expected to miss Week 1, Tolzien should be afforded face less pressure. On top of that, the Colts are purposefully using a simple offensive approach and limited Tolzien’s downfield passing. While they may still struggle to score, short, high-percentage passes will be useful in full PPR formats and Hilton will be the top option.
As reported by: Kevin Bowen Jordan Matthews (chest) says he'll be a "full go" Sunday
Matthews was a full participant in Thursday’s practice and was optimistic he would be able to play a full complement of snaps against the Jets in Week 1. Our WR/CB matchup tool highlights his excellent matchup with slot corner Buster Skrine, providing him the 13th-best rating of the week (29.88).
As reported by: Joe Buscaglia LeSean McCoy (illness) ends up participating in practice Thursday
He was a limited participant after missing the earlier session. Clearly, the stomach bug isn’t too bad and he’s expected to start on Sunday. He’ll get all the work he can handle in a great matchup with the Jets. Although New York was one of the best rushing defenses in the NFL in 2016, it’s doubtful they’ll be such a force this year. Their only front-seven starter to grade well last season was Leonard Williams (87.5 PFF grade) while they’ll roll with four guys who earned below-average or poor scores. McCoy should get a ton of volume and compete for the most touches this week while having a better chance for goal line work with Mike Gillislee’s departure.
As reported by: Joe Buscaglia Aaron Donald expected to miss Week 1
The Rams DT will continue to hold out. Donald was Pro Football Focus’ top-ranked interior defensive lineman in 2016, earning a ridiculous 98.5 grade. Naturally, his absence will be a huge boost for the Colts’ Scott Tolzien-led offense. Old man Frank Gore takes an upgrade as well, but it doesn’t make him a very exciting DFS option. He averaged 3.9 yards per carry last season and only scored four times while touchdown vulture Robert Turbin found the paint on seven occasions. Donald’s absence should help Tolzien and his receivers quite a bit as he scored a 99.0 in pass rush a season ago. Indianapolis has said they’re going to stay simple on offense, limiting aggressive deep balls from their backup quarterback. That could mean plenty of short, high-percentage passes, which would be particularly useful for T.Y. Hilton and Jack Doyle in full PPR formats. Fortunately, Tolzien will be afforded more time in the pocket and should face less pressure. In turn, that’s a major downgrade for the Rams defense as their turnover and sack upside will be limited.
As reported by: Adam Schefter Sam Bradford "optimistic about downfield passing game"
The Vikings quarterback, who finished dead last in average depth of target in 2016 among 36 qualifiers (6.6), added that he’s hoping Minnesota will utilize some of the deep passing plays in Week 1. Bradford has a good matchup for more aggressive play-calling; he’s facing a Saints defense that’s finished in the bottom-three in pass DVOA for two years straight. Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen both have favorable CB matchups according to our WR/CB matchup tool, earning ratings of 21.04 and 19.35, respectively. Currently, the game has a 48-point total and the Vikings are implied to score 25.75 points, the seventh-most on the slate. Thielen’s 11.4 average depth of target bested Diggs’ 8.7 but they were nearly even in targets at least 20 yards down field – Thielen caught 9-of-15 while Diggs hauled in 8-of-14. There’s a lot to be desired in that area as 38 receivers picked up more deep looks than these guys. Although it’s hard to say whether Bradford was simply giving the press a quote he thought they’d like to hear or being genuine, it would make sense for it to be at least partially truthful. He’s healthy, in his second year as the starter, and he says he feels comfortable with Pat Shurmur’s offense. While this doesn’t make Bradford a strong quarterback option, – he projects as our QB12 this week – it certainly adds to Stefon Diggs’ and Adam Thielen’s fantasy appeal. Many expect Diggs, who showed massive upside potential at times last year, to take some big steps forward and Thielen is an intriguing boom-or-bust option that may see a bump in big plays this year. Fortunately, they start the year off with a great spot to produce.
As reported by: Chris Tomasson Other tagged players: Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen Danny Shelton (knee) expected to play Sunday
The Browns nose tackle should be ready for their Week 1 matchup with Le’Veon Bell and the Steelers after getting in consecutive practices this week. Shelton ranked 15th among 125 qualifying interior lineman in 2016 (85.2) and he was particularly effective against the run, checking in at eighth (87.8). His presence will be a big boost for a rushing defense that will be without rookie defensive end Myles Garrett. Bell is expected to receive his normal workload despite missing training camp and the preseason. With the Steelers favored by nine points, he’s expected to have a favorable game script. Bell narrowly edges out David Johnson as our RB1 this week and he even tops our points-per-dollar projections at his position on FanDuel even though he costs $9.3k.
As reported by: Scott Petrak Kenny Golladay and T.J. Jones expected to split reps as third WR Sunday
Lions offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter hinted that T.J. Jones will be ahead of Golladay in the wide receiver rotation while adding that both guys would split reps in three-wide sets. Cooter made it clear the rookie Golladay could earn a larger role as the season progresses if he can get open and be productive with his opportunities. There’s been plenty of speculation about Golladay’s use in the red zone this season after he scored twice in the first preseason game. Standing tall at 6’4”, 213 pounds, he has four inches and nearly 25 pounds on Jones, which makes him a better target in scoring position. With Anquan Boldin’s departure, 22 red zone targets are unaccounted for from 2016. Between Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, and breakout-candidate Eric Ebron, he’ll have plenty of competition near the end zone but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him on the field ahead of Jones inside the 20-yard line this weekend.
As reported by: Kyle Meinke Other tagged players: TJ Jones Odell Beckham (ankle) held out of practice Thursday
It’s the second day in a row he warmed up with the team and subsequently went off to the sidelines to work with a trainer. New York probably won’t make a decision on his playing status until later in the week but Coach McAdoo has plainly stated that they’ll play him if he’s cleared to play by the team’s doctors. Historically, the Cowboys have done well against Beckham, limiting him to 71 yards on 8 targets per game while he’s averaged an even 100 yards with 11.05 targets against all other teams.
As reported by: Jordan Raanan LeSean McCoy will miss practice Thursday due to an illness
A stomach bug will keep McCoy sidelined Thursday. Fortunately, he’s not dealing with an injury and he has a few days to recover ahead of his Week 1 matchup with the Jes. If he does play, he’ll be one of the top running back options on the slate. He’ll compete for the most touches of anyone on Sunday; not only did coach Sean McDermott say he’s prepared to play him every snap if necessary, but the Bills are nine-point favorites. Although there is some concern over Mike Tolbert vulturing touchdowns this season, he’s less of a threat than Mike Gillislee was last year and the coaching staff appears more adamant to keep him on the field as much as they can.
As reported by: Chris Brown T.J. Yeldon (hamstring) expected to practice Thursday
Yeldon, who’s listed as the third “co-starter” on the Jaguars depth chart, wasn’t able to practice on Wednesday. He’ll return today, which is a good indication that he’ll suit up Sunday. Rookie Leonard Fournette is expected to be the actual starter and handle the lion’s share of the running back duties. Jacksonville is expected to employ a run-heavy approach this season, but they have a tough opening matchup with possibly the best front seven in the NFL. He currently projects as our RB17 and he isn’t exactly cheap. It may be best to wait to target the rookie.
As reported by: John Oehser Other tagged players: Leonard Fournette Allen Hurns could still have "prominent role" in Jaguars offense in the slot
Despite being listed behind Dede Westbrook and Keelan Cole on the depth chart earlier this week, Hurns is expected to be the slot receiver in three-wide sets this year. Hurns played 69.8% of his snaps in the slot a season ago and that number could rise in 2017 as he’s dubbed it his “permanent position.” While it’s tempting to put all of the blame on Blake Bortles for Hurns’ poor 2016 campaign, the receiver posted an abhorrent 23.08% drop rate when in the slot. Of course, Bortles also contributed to Hurns’ league-low 47.6% catch rate among 25 qualifying slot receivers as he delivered 16 uncatchable passes on 42 targets. Considering he’s well below Allen Robinson and Marqise Lee on the targets totem pole and the Jaguars will be prioritizing their running game, Hurns won’t be a viable fantasy target at the start of the season. Week 1 is particularly tough against the stout Texans defense. Our WR/CB matchup tool gives Hurns a -7.05 rating against slot corner Kareem Jackson, our 15th-lowest rating of the week.
As reported by: First Coast News