DFS Alerts
The Bald Man with a Plan
Ah yes, the old salary saving QB option! I love going dirt cheap at quarterback when it is viable, as the average fantasy point differential between the top quarterbacks and the mediocre quarterbacks is less than the difference at other positions. Brian Hoyer is not an elite quarterback, but he’s also not a complete scrub. He showed flashes with the Bears a year ago, and the likely game script of this game indicates that Hoyer might be throwing a lot in the second half. I really like him as a low owned, salary saving option under center this week.
Jordan Matthews has been traded to the Bills
Jordan Matthews has been traded to the Bills for CB Ronald Darby. The Bills also receive a third-round 2018 pick. Matthews becomes the clear cut number one receiver for the Bills who are now without Sammy Watkins. In Fantasy circles J-Matt has become a terrific value and now his ADP may jump up a round with his relocation to a team with less weapons than the Eagles.
As reported by: Adam Schefter
Rising Above a Difficult Week 1 Matchup
The Broncos/Chargers game will not be one of the most exciting games of the week, and it feels like this game will largely get ignored on the full week slates. While the Broncos have a lot of uncertainty at quarterback and the Chargers have two very good cornerbacks, that will only serve to keep the Denver wide receivers available at low ownership. The good news is that Sanders and Thomas see such a huge percentage of the targets that it will make up for some inefficient quarterback play, and Trevor Siemian gives them a better chance to move the ball via the air when compared to Paxton Lynch. I like them both as tournament options, but I give Sanders the slight edge.
Bucs-Dolphins game total has dropped 4.0 points since Sunday as weather concerns loom
Hurricane Irma is currently moving on a path that could impact southern Florida this weekend – the projected trajectory places the outer edges of the storm in the region. The NFL is reportedly considering moving the game to a neutral stadium in Orlando or Jacksonville, a different day this week, or potentially a mutual bye week. As of now, it’s scheduled to kick off at 1 pm eastern at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. If it remains there, both teams will most likely be contending with very wet conditions at the very least. Over the past 24 hours, bettors have hammered the under, causing it to fall from 45.5 to 41.5 points. Tampa Bay is still favored by 2.5 points, providing them an implied total of 22.0 points. If the game ends up moving to a neutral site, it would naturally favor the Buccaneers and the game total may rise. It’ll be important to monitor developments over the course of the week as it’s clear weather will have an impact on this matchup one way or another.
As reported by: Tampa Bay Times
Jaguars won't say whether Leonard Fournette (foot) will start Week 1
Fournette didn’t play in the final three preseason games after injuring his foot earlier in August. Although he returned to practice on August 26th and remains optimistic he’ll play, Coach Doug Marrone wouldn’t say either way in a press conference Monday afternoon. He should be considered questionable for the season opener, but things are moving in the right direction. Unfortunately, if he does play, he’ll face a stout Texans rush defense in his NFL debut. Pro Football Focus ranked Houston’s front seven the best in the league heading into the preseason. The Jaguars are currently 5.5-point underdogs and have the second-lowest implied total in Week 1 (17.25). They’re going to make a strong effort to be run-heavy this season and limit passing from Blake Bortles, which should help Fournette’s volume in his rookie campaign overall, but this first game presents a very tough spot for him in fantasy.
As reported by: John Oehser Eric Decker (ankle) will play Week 1
Despite being healthy enough to play in the Titans’ final preseason game, the receiver was held out as a precaution. He’ll be ready to roll for their season opener on Sunday against the Raiders. This matchup currently has the highest total on the board at 51 points. Tennessee is favored by just two points, which sets up a nice fantasy outlook for their passing game and provides them the fifth-highest implied total (26.5 points). It’s a nice spot to target the veteran receiver, who should have a high snap count and is expected to be a popular red zone target. However, given it’s his first game catching passes from Marcus Mariota, there are plenty of unknowns surrounding their chemistry.
As reported by: Terry McCormick Tyrod Taylor remains in concussion protocol; Nathan Peterman will start if needed
Taylor’s health has improved enough since suffering a concussion on August 26th to participate in practice Monday but he’s still questionable for Week 1. In the event he doesn’t clear the protocol before Sunday, Peterman would get the nod. He’s earned high praise from the Bills this preseason with coach Sean McDermott going as far as saying they’re “extremely confident in Nathan.” The rookie QB went 9-for-11 for 81 yards in Week 4 of the preseason against the Lions. However, he’s not going to be a viable option in DFS. Instead, Buffalo should give LeSean McCoy as much work as he can handle. The running back is expected to have a favorable game script at home against the Jets given the eight-point spread favoring the Bills, although that line will likely move some if Taylor is ultimately ruled out.
As reported by: Buffalo News Other tagged players: Nathan Peterman, LeSean McCoy Delvin Breaux to miss six weeks with a fibula injury
Breaux’s fibula injury – which was not initially detected – had continued to worsen over the past two weeks. He’ll now be forced into surgery yet again, with the latest fracture occurring right underneath the plate from the last time he went under the knife. If the timeline is accurate, Breaux’s injury will dip into the first few games of the regular season, which won’t help a Saints secondary that has been ravaged by opposing passing games over the last few seasons. New Orleans improved against the pass last year – it would have been nearly impossible for them to be worse after ranking at or near the bottom of the DvP rankings against every position the year prior.
As reported by: @Saints
Sammy Watkins has been traded to the Rams
The Bills have traded Sammy Watkins and 2018 sixth round pick to the Rams for E.J. Gaines and Rams 2018 second round pick. Sammy Watkins and Tyrod Taylor’s fantasy stock just decreased.
As reported by: Adam Schefter Ezekiel Elliott likely to be suspended
Under the NFL’s league conduct policy Ezekiel Elliott is expected to be suspended. Adam Schefter said there was a “growing sense” Elliott will be suspended. Here is a list of Zeke’s documented incidents this offseason: involved in a night club fight; a speeding ticket; caught on camera pulling a woman’s shirt down. It is a bad look for the league and a decision is coming soon. Le’Veon Bell was suspended to begin the 2016 season and still presented fantasy value down the stretch. Tread lightly in completely fading Elliott in Best Ball and season long leagues. The NFC East will be competitive and the loss of Elliott for any stretch of time will hurt the team.
As reported by: Brandon Lee Gowton Mike Glennon will remain Bears starting Quarterback
Despite Mike Glennon’s 2-of-8 passing for 20 yards and 0.0 QB rating head coach John Fox is sticking with his game plan and will continue to start him. To Mike Glennon’s credit, he hasn’t played in two years. Bears fans will be calling on rookie Mitchell Trubisky who looked like a polished veteran. Trubisky was 18-of-25 for 166 yards and a touchdown against the stout Broncos defense. It is difficult to find any Fantasy goodness outside of Jordan Howard as of now.
As reported by: Kevin Patra Chris Godwin is a diamond in the rough
The Buccaneers have the recipe to be one of the most exciting teams to watch in 2017. The allure on offense is obviously Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson but quietly the explosive, physical, rookie Chris Godwin is making some serious noise. Godwin is currently number two on the depth chart and Roddy White comparisons are being made. Godwin is going to be a discounted GPP pivot off of DeSean Jackson and Mike Evans once the regular season starts.
As reported by: Danny Jaillet Kareem Hunt will have an immediate role in the Chiefs offense
The Chiefs are doing their best to replace Jamaal Charles going forward and Kareem Hunt will be a part of that process. The rookie Hunt whom had 44 career rushing touchdowns at Toledo is pushing Spencer Ware for more work and potentially the starting role in the future. Head coach Andy Reid has stated that “He’s picking it up…I’ve been around a lot of good backs and smart back and he’s right in there.” Charcandrick West will also be in the mix this preseason.
As reported by: Brad Gagnon Paul Perkins to lead Giants committee
The inability to run the Football was an issue for the New York Giants in 2016. They finished 29th in rushing making them basically a one dimensional offense. Paul Perkins, Shane Vereen, Wayne Gallman, Orleans Darkwa are all in a cloudy, yet talented committee. Perkins is the starter with three-down upside and Shane vereen will handle passing yard downs early on.
As reported by: Steve Serby Steelers rookie James Conner likely to sit Friday night against the Giants
Rookie James Conner will likely sit the Steelers preseason opener Friday night against the Giants after injuring shoulder. With Le’Veon Bell holding out the Steelers will use Fitzgerald Touissant and Knile Davis for the bulk of carries. It should be noted that Conner is a cancer survivor whom the Steelers organization are excited about.
As reported by: Bryan DeArdo