DFS Alerts
Julio Jones OUT this week for Atlanta
We at least get the news on Julio early this week as the team has confirmed that he is out for their game against the 49ers. Mohamed Sanu and Taylor Gabriel will benefit the most with Jones out but it’s probably the Falcons RBs, Freeman and Coleman, who will benefit the most as the game script should see the Falcons favor the run against a 49ers team that simply can’t stop it (31st in DVOA).
As reported by: Vaughn McClure on Twitter Other tagged players: Mohamed Sanu, Taylor Gabriel
Donte Moncrief remains sidelined for Colts
The Colts #2 WR has missed practice all week and appears as if he will not play against the Vikings this weekend. That’ll make Phillip Dorsett the #2 but he’s shown no ability to be a viable DFS option and facing a top ranked pass defense in the Vikings that’s unlikely to change.
As reported by: Stephen Holder on Twitter Theo Riddick continues to not practice for Lions
It’s likely Riddick will not play this week after missing yet another practice. Dwayne Washington will get the bulk of the RB work but is facing a Giants defense that is 5th in RB DVOA.
As reported by: Tim Twentyman on Twitter Darren Sproles ruled OUT for Eagles this week
Sproles will not play this week due to a concussion meaning Ryan Mathews will handle the bulk of the RB work for the Eagles in their game against the Ravens. Kenjon Barner will back Mathews up but neither are viable DFS options facing the tough Ravens rush defense (top 3 in DVOA).
As reported by: Jimmy Kempski on Twitter Gaines, Quinn (IR) Cunningham (IR) inactive for LA; Rawls/Collins the only active SEA RBs
E.J. Gaines was doubtful coming in, so this news isn’t that surprising. His absence isn’t all that likely to hurt the Rams defense, especially considering his very weak 37.4 grade on PFF – to give you an idea of how poor that is, the other Rams DBs have grades of 82.4 (Trumaine Johnson) and 78.3 (Lamarcus Joyner). Robert Quinn and Benny Cunningham have both been placed on IR. You are going to want to avoid the Rams side of things entirely if you are playing Thursday contests, but the Seattle side has some intriguing options. The Seahawks struggled against this defense earlier this year – albeit on the road with Russell Wilson banged up – but the top targets here remain Thomas Rawls and the Seattle D/ST. Rawls is one of just two active RBs on the Seattle side and if the Seahawks control this game as expected, he should see plenty of work.
As reported by: John Boyle Other tagged players: Alex Collins
Kelvin Benjamin has limited practice Thursday
Benjamin hurt his back in practice Wednesday. As of now, he’ still expected to play Sunday, but should be considered questionable. Assuming he plays, he’ll be in a tough spot against Josh Norman. Fortunately, Norman isn’t expected to shadow Benjamin, but Benjamin lines up on his side for roughly 50% of his routes. The third-year receiver has been very unproductive recently, failing to catch more than three passes in any of the past four games. During that stretch, he hauled in just 34.8% of his targets and averaged 34.5 yards per game. If he plays, he’ll be a very risky tournament play, if anything.
As reported by: Joe Person
Brandon Marshall will be on "pitch count" Saturday
Marshall is dealing with several injuries right now to his back, foot, and knee. New York’s season is over and there’s no reason for him to risk damaging himself further, so he’ll likely be somewhat limited the rest of the way. He told reporters he’ll be on a snap count when the Dolphins visit on Saturday. It’s an interesting spot to fire up Robby Anderson, who is Bryce Petty’s favorite target, in tournaments. When Petty is under center, Anderson’s usage is through the roof. He’s hovering around a 31% target share, which is similar to Mike Evans. He’s had consecutive weeks with at least 11 targets and should see plenty again Saturday, especially with Marshall limited. It’s a tough matchup though. He’ll see a mix of Byron Maxwell (when Marshall isn’t on the field), who has a stellar 85.3 PFF grade and Tony Lippett, who has a solid 71.8 score. Plus, the Jets are only implied to score 17.5 points. Still, given his expected volume, he’s in play for GPPs. FanDuel has him priced just $200 above the minimum and he currently projects as our 11th-best points-per-dollar WR on the site.
As reported by: ESPN Other tagged players: Robbie Chosen Michael Floyd claimed by Patriots
Floyd did not have a good season with the Cardinals. He had 33 receptions for 446 yards and four touchdowns and was inefficient, catching just 46.5% of his targets. It’s very doubtful the Patriots use him this week considering he’s joining the team on a Thursday. With Chris Hogan, Julian Edelman, and Malcolm Mitchell playing well, Floyd will probably struggle to get snaps down the stretch. New England likely signed him for depth in case of emergency, but given his talent, it’s possible he carves out a role for himself, so it’s an interesting situation to monitor.
As reported by: Ian Rapoport T.Y. Hilton doesn't practice Thursday
Hilton (back) was likely getting a rest day. His status isn’t in question for Week 15, and with Moncrief doubtful, he’s an excellent fantasy target this weekend. While he does have to deal with the Vikings’ pass defense, he will surely be a target monster. Also, Hilton scores more touchdowns without Moncrief in the lineup. So far this season, he’s averaged 0.8 scores per game when Moncrief is inactive and 0.25 when he plays.
As reported by: Mike Chappell Marquess Wilson downgraded to DNP Thursday
Wilson missed their last game with a groin injury but returned to a limited session yesterday. However, today he was held out entirely with a foot injury. A downgrade like this puts him more towards the doubtful side for Week 15. Even if he plays, he’s not a great fantasy option. Chicago will have Alshon Jeffery back, who should soak up targets, and they have an implied team total of just 16.75 points.
As reported by: Brad Biggs Mohamed Sanu has limited practice Thursday
Sanu (groin) was limited yesterday as well, which indicates he’s on track to play the 49ers this weekend. If Julio Jones (toe) ends up sitting out again, it could be a great spot to target Sanu. He’s much more capable of being the featured guy than a player like Taylor Gabriel, and Gabriel had 83 yards and touchdown last week. Game flow is a bit of a concern with the Falcons favored by 14 points at home, but they have an implied team total of 32.5 points, which is the highest on the board by far.
As reported by: Vaughn McClure Mark Ingram returns to practice; Michael Thomas continues to participate
Ingram’s toe injury has nagged him for a few weeks now. Although he’ll likely play against the Cardinals this weekend, he’ll be a risky option; he’s banged up and in a time share. Arizona has been strong against the rush, ranking 7th in DVOA, and over the past four weeks, they’ve allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to running backs. Thomas (foot) has put together consecutive practices after missing Sunday’s game. He appears to be on track to play in Week 15, but unfortunately, he’ll be stuck in Patrick Peterson’s shadow coverage. Meanwhile, Brandin Cooks will line up with Marcus Cooper, who has a very poor 40.2 PFF grade this season. This game has an appealing 50.5-point total and a 2.5-point spread (favoring Arizona), which means it doesn’t need to be a full fade for New Orleans, despite playing on the road. Cooks appears to have the best individual matchup to do damage for the Saints.
As reported by: ESPN Other tagged players: Michael Thomas, Brandin Cooks Benny Cunningham placed on IR
Cunningham (neck) is done for the season. His absence will provide extra snaps and targets for Todd Gurley down the stretch. The second-year running back won’t be a great option tonight in a tough matchup with the Seahawks and their 3rd-ranked rush defense though. Another big issue is the expected game script, which is as bad as it can get; Los Angeles are 15.5-point underdogs and have an implied team total of 11.75 points.
As reported by: Adam Caplan Other tagged players: Todd Gurley C.J. Fiedorowicz does not practice for Texans on Thursday
The Texans TE has missed practice all week with a concussion and appears unlikely to play Sunday. Ryan Griffin gets a huge bump in value but has a moderately difficult match up against a Jaguars team that is 11th in TE DVOA (and not to mention having Brock Osweiler as his QB).
As reported by: Aaron Wilson on Twitter Other tagged players: Ryan Griffin Jordan Reed practices on Thursday
Reed was able to play last week and while he certainly isn’t at full health he should be able to play again this week on Monday Night against the Panthers. He’s always in play due to his huge upside but he’s probably best saved for the Primetime type slates.
As reported by: Mike Jones on Twitter