Eric Decker Daily Fantasy News, Rankings, Projections
Harry Douglas to be activated for tomorrow's game, making it more likely that Rishard Matthews doesn't play
Douglas being activated does not bode well for Matthew's chances of suiting up, although he hasn't yet been downgraded beyond questionable. Assuming he's out, Corey Davis becomes a stronger play while Eric Decker also gets a slight uptick in value. Delanie Walker's outlook would also improve a bit, but it's worth noting he had his lowest yardage total of the season (17) on eight targets when these teams met earlier in the year.
Delanie Walker (ankle) has a bone bruise
Coach Mike Mularkey said, "that's good news" as it was originally reported he could have a high ankle sprain. He'll have a bye week to rehab which also helps. It's possible he won't miss any games as the injury is more about pain tolerance than anything else. If he does sit, it'll open up 22.5% of the team's targets. Jonnu Smith would start and eat up some of those looks but Rishard Matthews and Eric Decker figure to see a bump as well.
Week 7 injury roundup
Carson Palmer has a broken arm and given the initial eight-week recovery timetable, he’ll likely be shut down for the season. Drew Stanton is now the starting quarterback in Arizona. He completed 36% of his passes for 62 scoreless yards and added a pick. It’s an obvious downgrade for skill players like Larry Fitzgerald, whose production has decreased in the second half of the past few seasons as it is. They’ll have a bye week to prepare for the 49ers in Week 9.
Jay Cutler has a pair of cracked ribs which will keep him sidelined for 2-3 weeks. Matt Moore will become the starting QB in his absence. He ended up leading a comeback victory in Week 7 and may not be a huge downgrade from Cutler. In 2016, Moore started the final four games of the year, including a matchup with the Steelers in the playoffs. During that stretch, the QB averaged 240.8 yards and 2.25 touchdowns while completing 68.6% of his passes. Miami is hoping to get DeVante Parker back for their Week 8 game against the Ravens on Thursday night. It’s a tough matchup for any passer as the Ravens have limited QBs to a 70.6 passer rating (third), 55.2% completion rate (second), and the fourth-fewest fantasy points. Miami has an easier matchup in Week 9 against the Raiders.
Delanie Walker was hobbled up towards the end of the game Sunday and was spotted with heavy taping and a crutch afterward - reports indicate it might be a high ankle sprain. Tennessee has a bye in Week 8, providing some extra time for Walker to rehab. If he misses any games, Jonnu Smith, who played 49 snaps on Sunday, would start at tight end. He hauled in 2-of-4 targets for 22 scoreless yards against the Browns. With Walker currently commanding a 22.5% market share of the team's targets, his absence would open up a good chunk of volume for Rishard Matthews and Eric Decker.
Mike Wallace has joined fellow receiver Breshad Perriman in the concussion protocol, potentially leaving Baltimore without their top three wideouts in Week 8 against the Dolphins. With Jeremy Maclin also absent this past Sunday, Joe Flacco peppered Buck Allen with a team-high 11 targets. The Dolphins are allowing the 11th-most receptions to RBs this season (5.8 per game) and ranked 21st in receiving RB DVOA heading into Week 7 – before Matt Forte and Bilal Powell combined for a 7/81/0 line. At receiver, Chris Moore and Griff Whalen both played 58-of-65 snaps. Moore was second on the team with eight looks and hauled in Flacco’s lone TD but he finished with just two receptions. Moore led the team in receiving yards despite only having 44 of them. Even if he’s elevated to the top receiver role again, it doesn’t seem like he’ll offer much upside.
C.J. Prosise only played two snaps before re-aggravating his ankle injury. He’s uncertain for Week 8 and may be limited if he suits up. While he was down, Thomas Rawls, Eddie Lacy, and J.D McKissic all saw the field between 21-30 times. They continue to have a full-blown committee without any of them standing out enough to earn more time. It’s probably best to avoid the group against the Texans this weekend.
Colts S Malik Hooker will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL and MCL. He had been one of the better coverage safeties this season, picking up PFF’s 24th grade in the area. To make matters worse for the Colts, CB Rashaan Melvin is in the concussion protocol. He’s been their best corner this season, limiting passers to the 18th-lowest rating (70.4). His absence will be a nice upgrade for A.J. Green in Week 8.
49ers LB Reuben Foster returned to the field for the first time since Week 1 but couldn’t stay on it. He ended up leaving early with an injury to his ribs. Foster had started at MLB with NaVorro Bowman now in Oakland and San Francisco had safety Eric Reid rotating in at WLB. With Jaquiski Tartt playing so well at safety, it looks like Reid has lost the role. As a unit, they were dismantled by the Cowboys offense for 265 rushing yards and six total touchdowns. They’ll visit the Eagles next weekend; It’ll be interesting to see how Philly uses their backfield tonight with Wendell Smallwood returning as the 49ers are giving up the most fantasy points to RBs. On the offensive side of things, RT Trent Brown entered the concussion protocol after leaving Sunday’s game early. If he can’t get cleared in time for their Week 8 matchup with the Eagles, it would be a big downgrade for their pass blocking; Brown is currently PFF’s seventh-best tackle in pass protection.
Bills S Jordan Poyer is dealing with a sprained MCL and is considered week-to-week but coach Sean McDermott said, "early signs are positive." He’s the fifth-ranked safety by PFF this season and carries the second-best coverage score. On top of that, E.J. Gaines went down after re-aggravating his hamstring. He’s the 25th-ranked corner this season. Without these two, the Bills secondary, which has held QBs to the fifth-lowest passer rating and second-fewest passing TDs, would take a big downgrade against the Raiders next week.
Browns LT Joe Thomas tore his triceps, ending his season. It's a major loss for the struggling Browns offense as Thomas has earned PFF’s third-best tackle grade this season. The Browns OL has already allowed the tenth-most pressures this season and that number figures to rise without their starting blindside tackle. They’ll take on a Minnesota defense currently in sixth with 21 sacks; they’ll be a popular D/ST this weekend.
Jaguars LT Cam Robinson suffered a sprained ankle Sunday. He’s not having a great rookie campaign, earning the 65th tackle grade from PFF. Josh Wells will step in for Robinson if he misses any time; it would be his first NFL start. Wells was charged with the 12th-most pressures among tackles in Week 7 (3). Robinson will have a Week 8 bye to rehab.
Texans LT Chris Clark will be sidelined for 1-2 games with a calf issue. Fortunately for the Texans, LT Duane Brown has ended his hold out and may be able to play this weekend against the Seahawks. Brown finished 2016 with the 14th-best tackle grade from PFF and should provide a nice upgrade from Clark who’s currently 56th among 72 qualifiers.
Panthers C Ryan Kalil and RG Trai Turner both left Week 7 early. Kalil was starting his first game since Week 1 and couldn’t make it through without suffering a setback to his neck injury. His replacement, Tyler Larsen has struggled in pass protection this season, allowing the second-most pressures among centers (16, per PFF) and he’s been charged with the most sacks (3). Turner will undergo an MRI on his knee today. While he’s excelled in run-blocking, picking up the ninth-best PPF grade in the area among guards, he’s 53rd in pass blocking and he’s given up the eighth-most pressures at his position (15).
Saints RG Larry Warford was forced from Week 7’s game with an abdominal strain. He’s PFF’s 26th-ranked guard in pass protection and 50th in run blocking. As a unit, the Saints OL has ranked third in pass-blocking efficiency (per PFF); if Warford, misses time in would be an upgrade for the Bears pass rush in Week 8.
Dan Bailey injured his groin Sunday and he’s expected to miss several weeks, per Ian Rapoport. Dallas will work out kickers early this week to get a backup in place.
Dolphins CB Xavien Howard (shoulder) has "good chance" to play Week 5
Miami's starting RCB is heading for a game-time decision Sunday, he'll see Eric Decker the most if he plays.
Corey Davis ruled out for Week 5
Davis isn't ready for a return. The Titans will continue to use Taywan Taylor as their third receiver behind Rishard Matthews and Eric Decker. They'll have a terrific spot against the Dolphins this weekend but may have Matt Cassel throwing to them, which would be a clear downgrade.
Corey Davis (hamstring) ruled out for Week 3
Davis tweaked his hamstring on Sunday and left in the third quarter. His absence will provide a bump in volume for Rishard Matthews, Eric Decker, and Delanie Walker in a tough matchup with Seattle. As a team, the Seahawks have limited opposing quarterbacks to a 71.5 passer rating this season (5th) and 5.9 yards per attempt (6th). However, their top three cornerbacks - Richard Sherman, Jeremy Lane, and Shaquill Griffin - have all earned poor marks from PFF between 41.7-51.1. Since 2016, Lane has posted the worst stats, allowing a 71% catch rate and 0.31 fantasy points per route defended. That provides Eric Decker a better matchup than Matthews but he's had trouble getting in a groove with quarterback Marcus Mariota. The slot receiver has only pulled down six of his 13 targets for 42 scoreless yards. Taywan Taylor will operate as the WR3 with Davis sidelined, he's hauled in all three of his looks for 56 yards, including a 42-yard reception against Jacksonville. After receiving 25 deep targets in 2016, Matthews hasn't received any this season. Without Davis available, who's tallied three deep targets so far, Matthews should get more downfield opportunities. He finished eighth in yards per route last season (2.13) and fifth in deep-passing catch rate (44%) last year.
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.
A.J. Bouye removed from injury report, Jalen Ramsey (ankle, questionable) will be a game-time decision
Bouye returned to practice after being sidelined Thursday with an illness. Ramsey hasn't practiced all week. Bouye's presence will make things difficult for rookie Corey Davis. The Jaguars right cornerback has limited opposing receivers to a very low 45% catch rate since 2016, the fourth-lowest mark among Week 2 starters. If Ramsey ends up sidelined, it'll be a big boost for Rishard Matthews, who could siphon off targets from Davis in a more favorable matchup. If Ramsey plays, he'll have a similarly difficult spot as the left corner has limited receivers to a 50% catch rate since 2016. Although slot corner Aaron Colvin, who will line up across from Eric Decker the most, has permitted a 65% catch rate, he's limited fantasy production to 0.16 points per route defended, the third-best mark among Week 2 starters. Due to Jacksonville's strong defense, Tennessee is currently implied to scored 20.75 points in a pick'em game.
WR Looking To Score In First Game With New Team
Is Eric Decker an injury concern as the season goes on? Yes. Is highly-drafted rookie Corey Davis likely to take some targets away from Decker as he gets more experience later in the season? Also yes. But neither of those factors are in play this week, as Decker is healthy and ready to connect with Marcus Mariota against the Raiders secondary. Decker has scored 43 TDs on 335 receptions over the past five seasons, and Oakland has injury and effectiveness concerns on its defense, leading to Tennessee having the sixth-highest projected point total this week.
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.