DFS Alerts
Doug Martin will be inactive Sunday
Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times confirms what we expected; Doug Martin will not play for the Buccaneers on Sunday. Jacquizz Rodgers is expected to start and lead the backfield in his place with Charles Sims working in behind him as a change of pace back. The last time Rodgers played the Panthers he piled up 129 yards on 35 touches. Although it’s doubtful he sees that type of volume again as Charles Sims was still on injured reserve for that game, Tampa Bay is favored by 6.5 points, which means he should have a favorable game flow. Tampa Bay should be playing to win, which is another plus, as they still have an outside shot at the playoffs (although their chances are minimal). Rodgers currently projects as our RB10 in terms of points-per-dollar on FanDuel.
As reported by: Tampa Bay Times Other tagged players: Jacquizz Rodgers
Theo Riddick could return for season finale
Detroit beat writer Dave Birkett reported Riddick (wrist) was able to “ramp up side work last week.” He’s missed the last three games but he’ll make an effort to return to action this weekend when the Lions take on the Packers for the AFC North title. If he plays, it’ll be a tough matchup as Green Bay ranks 11th in rush DVOA and they’ve only allowed one touchdown to opposing running backs over the past five weeks. However, they’ve allowed the 5th-most receiving yards per game to running backs (49.5) over the past four games and Riddick is an excellent pass catcher. Fittingly, Riddick struggled for nine rushing yards on ten carries when he played Green Bay back in Week 3, but caught seven balls for 39 yards. When it comes to finding teams putting in their best effort in Week 17, the Packers-Lions game is one of the few we can really depend on. If Riddick plays, he’ll certainly have some tournament appeal, especially in full PPR. It’ll be a situation to monitor over the course of the week.
As reported by: Dave Birkett Tyrod Taylor unlikely to play this week; E.J. Manuel the probable starter
Wanting to avoid injury on Taylor’s guaranteed contract, the Bills are likely going to sit their starting QB in Taylor this week and make E.J. Manuel the starter. Manuel will be a risky, but high upside, play facing a Jets team that has been terrible against the pass all season long (dead last in Pass DVOA).
As reported by: Adam Schefter on Twitter
The Big Three could sit for Steelers this week
Pittsburgh Head Coach Mike Tomlin stated he is considering sitting Le’Veon Bell, Ben Roethlisberger, and Antonio Brown this weekend in order to preserve their health for the postseason. With a plus match up against the Browns, backups like DeAngelo Williams, Eli Rogers, and Cobi Hamilton could make for prime DFS plays on the always crazy, and unpredictable, week 17.
As reported by: Gerry Dulac on Twitter Other tagged players: Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown Theo Riddick, Joique Bell, and Darius Slay INACTIVE for Lions; no surprises for Cowboys
The Lions only have two running backs active tonight, Dwayne Washington and Zach Zenner. Washington should lead the duo in touches, as he’s done the past two weeks. He’s struggled to get much going, averaging 3.2 yards per carry in that stretch. Dallas ranks 6th in rush DVOA, so he isn’t expected to put up big fantasy numbers tonight either. The Cowboys are playing all of their healthy starters on both sides of the ball even though they’ve locked up home field advantage. Ezekiel Elliot will look to extend his two-game streak of rushing for over 100 yards, but Detroit’s defense hasn’t allowed a 100-yard rusher since Week 4. The Lions have been solid against rushing attacks all season; they’ve only allowed running backs to score four touchdowns on the ground through 14 games. That said, Elliot is the best running back they’ll face this year and he’s proven himself to be pretty matchup proof.
As reported by: Kyle Meinke Other tagged players: Joique Bell, Ezekiel Elliott T.J. Yeldon placed on IR
Yeldon hurt his ankle against the Titans and he’s been placed on the injured reserve list. Chris Ivory will lead the backfield on Sunday against the Colts. He’s in a good spot, as Indianapolis has allowed the 9th-most fantasy points per game to running backs over the past four weeks.
As reported by: NFL.com Other tagged players: Chris Ivory Texans will evaluate Lamar Miller on Wednesday
Miller (ankle) was held out of Saturday’s game and he may miss Week 17 as well. Houston has already won the AFC South, which means they don’t have too much of a reason to push Miller this weekend. He’s been banged up all year with various injuries and he may need the extra week of rest to get ready for the playoffs. However, coach Bill O’Brien said they’re playing to win on Sunday, and he plans to play his healthy starters in full. Houston will evaluate Miller when they practice on Wednesday and they’ll monitor him throughout the week. It’s an interesting situation to follow as Alfred Blue did well against the Bengals, accumulating 90 total yards and a touchdown. He would be a potential value option at running back, although he won’t be a lock. While the Titans have been terrible defending passing attacks, they’ve been solid against the rush. Chris Ivory was the first running back to score on them since Week 11, and they’ve only allowed opposing backs to rush for 66 yards per game since then. Blue is on the tournament radar, but won’t be a viable cash option.
As reported by: Houston Texans Other tagged players: Alfred Blue Tom Savage will start for Texans in Week 17
Many hoped Savage would elevate DeAndre Hopkins back to an elite level against the Bengals on Saturday, but were ultimately disappointed when Hopkins posted a 3/43/0 line. Even so, Savage, on the whole, has been decent since taking over for Brock Osweiler in Week 14. He’s provided Houston with two victories and he hasn’t turned the ball over. At the same time, he hasn’t scored a touchdown yet. Fortunately, he’ll face a Tennessee pass defense that has struggled all season. In fact, they’ve allowed the most fantasy points to wide receivers this year. Although it’s undoubtedly risky to target the Texans passing game in fantasy, this could be the game we’ve been waiting for from Hopkins.
As reported by: Houston Chronicle Other tagged players: DeAndre Hopkins Bryce Petty placed on IR
Welp, it looks like the Jets will give Ryan Fitzpatrick at least one more start when they take on the Bills this Sunday. Petty tore his labrum this past weekend after attempting just three passes. Fitzpatrick stepped in and was instantly horrendous, completing 38.1% of his passes, throwing two interceptions, and posting a QBR of 5.9, according to ESPN. With Fitzpatrick under center, it’ll be hard to trust any skill players on the Jets outside of Bilal Powell. Buffalo’s DST will be a popular option this weekend, and rightfully so, Fitzpatrick has thrown the second-most interceptions this season, despite being benched for several games.
As reported by: Kimberley A. Martin Other tagged players: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bilal Powell Colts plan to play starters in Week 17
The Colts may be eliminated from the playoffs, but coach Chuck Pagano doesn’t care, he just wants to win a football game. He’s the man in charge, so Andrew Luck, T.Y. Hilton, and the rest of the healthy starters will suit up against the Jaguars on Sunday. Donte Moncrief, who injured his shoulder on Saturday, is getting an MRI today and he’s closer to doubtful than questionable. Jacksonville’s pass defense has been pretty solid all season. Over the past four weeks, they’ve allowed the 6th-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Plus, for what it’s worth, there has already been some reverse line movement against the Colts. Despite 91% of wagers being placed on Indy after they opened as 7-point favorites, the spread has shrunk to 4.5 points. It’s not a great spot to target the Colts’ passing game.
As reported by: Mike Chappell Other tagged players: T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief Doug Martin may be inactive again in Week 17
Since returning from a knee injury, Martin has been held to 2.9 yards per carry or less in all but one game. On the season, he’s averaged 2.9 ypc. Due to his general ineffectiveness, coach Doug Koetter made Martin a surprise healthy scratch on Saturday, opting to feature Jacquizz Rodgers instead. Rodgers, who’s rushed the ball 112 times this year, has averaged 4.3 ypc. He had 17 touches for 78 yards and a touchdown against the Saints, while his backup, Charles Sims, touched the ball seven times for 42 yards. Koetter confidently stood by his decision to roll with Rodgers and wouldn’t say whether Martin will be inactive or not in Week 17. Koetter clearly prefers Rodgers at this point though, and it seems like he’ll give him another start against Carolina on Sunday.
As reported by: Rick Stroud Other tagged players: Jacquizz Rodgers Kenneth Farrow headed to IR; Melvin Gordon considered day to day
Farrow hurt his shoulder on Christmas Eve and the Chargers decided to place him on the injured reserve, ending his season. With one meaningless game left, it would be a bit surprising to see Gordon (knee, hip) suit up. Although he will try to play, the organization has little incentive to put him on the field when he’s still dealing with a pair of injuries, especially with one being in his knee. Should he sit, Ronnie Hillman will start against the Chiefs. He won’t be a great fantasy option. Even in a nice matchup with the Browns this past weekend, he averaged 0.7 yards per carry on nine attempts, and his longest rush was for three yards.
As reported by: Michael Gehlken Other tagged players: Melvin Gordon, Ronnie Hillman "Good chance" Paxton Lynch starts for Broncos in Week 17
This comes from Broncos beat writer Mike Klis, who argues starting Lynch is a “no-brainer” public relations move that will provide hope for Broncos fans. Coach Gary Kubiak hasn’t decided himself yet, but Denver has been eliminated from the playoffs and they might as well give their first-round pick one more shot this season. In two starts this year, Lynch was sacked eight times, threw two touchdowns, one interception, and failed to post a QBR higher than 19.4, according to ESPN. Like Siemian, he threw to Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders the most, even giving them a combined 19 of 22 targets the last time he played. Over those pair of games, Thomas averaged a 5.5/55/0.5 line and Sanders posted a 5/54/0 average. Even though Oakland’s defense ranks just 21st against the pass, if Lynch starts, both receivers would be hard to trust in fantasy. We should know for sure within the next couple of days.
As reported by: 9 News Other tagged players: Trevor Siemian Pittsburgh expected to rest Ben, Bell, and Brown in Week 17
The Steelers’ “Killer B’s” – Ben Roethlisberger, Le’Veon Bell, and Antonio Brown – will most likely sit out their season finale next week against Cleveland. With their division wrapped up, coach Mike Tomlin doesn’t want to risk the health of his stars, which makes sense. Steelers beat writer Ed Bouchette believes Brown will lobby to play, so it’s a situation to monitor this week. Either way, Landry Jones will likely start at quarterback and DeAngelo Williams should fill in at running back. Williams is the one to roster in fantasy, as he demonstrated his fantasy potential earlier in the season when Bell was suspended. Fortunately, he gets the Browns this weekend, so he’ll have an excellent matchup. Cleveland has allowed the 4th-most fantasy points per game to running backs over the past four weeks.
As reported by: Ed Bouchette Other tagged players: Le'Veon Bell, Antonio Brown Rob Kelley expected to play Sunday
Like Reed, Kelley (knee) is considered day to day. He will probably miss some practice with a sore knee this week, but according to Redskins beat writer Brian McNally, coach Jay Gruden said he’ll be ready to play this Sunday. If he suits up, he’ll have a tough opponent in the New York Giants, who rank 5th in rush DVOA. They’ve allowed the 7th-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs over the past four weeks.
As reported by: Brian McNally