Travis Rudolph Daily Fantasy News, Rankings, Projections

The Giants will be without two of their starting cornerbacks as Apple and Janoris Jenkins (ankle, IR) are both out. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Ross Cockrell will be the starting CBs against a Raiders squad missing Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree. DRC and Cockrell have earned PFF's 40th and 73rd coverage grades, respectively. Seth Roberts and Cordarrelle Patterson are in line for solid target bumps, as is tight end Jared Cook. Of course, the Giants are notoriously poor at defending tight ends - they've given up the most PPR points to the position - so Cook figures to be a popular option in DFS today. Harrison's presence will be a downgrade for Marshawn Lynch, he's PFF's top-graded run defense grade among interior defenders. Still, Lynch may be used as a workhorse back again this week with Oakland in must-win mode. The Raiders ran him out there for 75% of the offensive snaps in Week 12 and gave him a season-high 29 touches. He returned 110 total yards and a score. The Giants have given up the third-most rushing yards to RBs over the past four weeks (120.7/g).

After being sidelined Sunday with migraines, Shepard was unable to practice Tuesday and Wednesday. Apparently, the migraines returned when he attempted light activity which doesn't bode well for his chances of playing tonight. Although the receiver traveled with the team to Washington, ESPN's Stephanie Bell says, "it's difficult to imagine him taking the field" and beat writer Dan Duggan expects him to be inactive. Unfortunately, we probably won't know much more until after lock as the Giants-Redskins game kicks off at 8:30 pm eastern and the team will likely need to see how he responds in warmups prior to making a decision. If he's out, Travis Rudolph would man the slot while Roger Lewis would become the de facto number one wideout and Tavarres King gets a bump as well. Tight end Evan Engram already has a strong outlook against a Redskins defense giving up the most yards and fourth-most PPR points to tight ends, and his volume should rise if Shepard is out. If Shepard suits up, he'll take on a defense that's displayed serious vulnerability to inside receivers. They've played four games in which their opponent's slot receiver was their WR1 or WR2 and gave up a touchdown to that player in all four. Those receivers were Nelson Agholor (twice; 6/86/1, 4/45/1), Doug Baldwin (7/108/1), and Adam Thielen (8/166/1). Shepard will likely be heavily targeted given the lack of options around him - he's averaged 11 targets in the two games he's served as the WR1 - and it looks like he has a great spot to produce with his opportunities. He will come with risk though as there's legitimate concern the migraines could return mid-game if he plays.

Odell Beckham has a broken fibula and is likely headed to the IR. He's reportedly seeking a second opinion before undergoing surgery. It was an awful day for the Giants receiving corps as Sterling Shepard sprained his ankle and could be out for two weeks, per Adam Schefter. Brandon Marshall went down with an ankle sprain as well but his timetable isn't clear, and Dwayne Harris fractured his foot and is done for the year. With the litany of injuries at the position, they promoted WR Travis Rudolph from the practice squad Monday morning and signed WR Tavarres King. Roger Lewis will be elevated into a starting role this weekend and tight end Evan Engram should become more involved. He was held without a catch on just four targets this past weekend but he has a decent spot against Denver in Week 6 as the Broncos are allowing the sixth-most PPR points to tight ends this season. However, the Giants offense as a whole may struggle to move the ball and put drives together, limiting his potential upside. New York currently has an implied total of just 15.0 points.

J.J. Watt has a left tibial plateau fracture, a season-ending injury. To make matters worse, Houston also lost linebacker Whitney Mercilus for the year after he tore his pectoral muscle Sunday night. He posted a team-high 7.5 sacks last season while Watt was sidelined for all but three games. Houston's front seven isn't nearly as intimidating without these two guys but the Browns may not be able to take advantage in Week 6. Isaiah Crowell has struggled to a 3.1 ypc rate while the team ranked 25th in adjusted line yards per carry heading into Week 5. The situation could help the struggling DeShone Kizer (if he maintains his starting job), who's leading the league with 11 turnovers.

Charles Clay was carted off the field with a knee injury that's believed to be at least an MCL sprain - he'll have an MRI Monday to see if there's further damage. As of now, the Bills leading receiver is expected to miss a few weeks. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor is now without two of his top three pass-catchers with Jordan Matthews also sidelined. Running back LeSean McCoy ended up leading the squad with nine targets while tight end Nick O'Leary posted a team-high 54 receiving yards. Receiver Zay Jones matched O'Leary with six targets but continued to be inefficient, catching just one of those passes for nine yards. The Bills have a bye in Week 6 and will host the Bucs after that. Depending on how Tampa's injuries at safety and linebacker play out, O'Leary, who's now the second on the team among non-injured players with 106 receiving yards, could have a solid matchup.

Chris Conley ruptured his Achilles Sunday night, ending his season. Conley was leading the team with 15.9 yards per reception and third in total receiving yards (175). His absence will elevate Albert Wilson into the WR2 role, although the offense will continue to run through Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Kareem Hunt. Wilson has been pretty efficient this season, catching 80% of his targets, but his 1.42 yards per route run (per PFF) leaves a lot to be desired. He has a poor matchup with the Steelers tough secondary next weekend.

Players to monitor this week:

DeVante Parker exited Week 5 early with a sprained ankle and left the stadium on crutches. It's believed to be minor and he'll have a shot to play the Falcons in Week 6. If he ends up sidelined, Jarvis Landry could see some extra targets but this offense has been terrible and they weren't even able to take advantage of a poor Titans secondary - QB Jay Cutler finished with 92 passing yards and one score.

Jordy Nelson is apparently dealing with a hamstring issue, which is why he wasn't on the field for Green Bay's final drive Sunday afternoon. If he misses any time, it's a boost for Randall Cobb, Davante Adams, and would elevate Geronimo Allison into the WR3 role when they take on the Vikings in Week 6. If Nelson plays, he'll have a difficult matchup with CB Xavier Rhodes

Matthew Stafford had his ankle and quad heavily taped by the end of their Week 5 matchup with the Panthers. He was able to finish the game but missed his post-game news conference in order to get treatment. He says he's fine - we'll need to see him practice this week to believe him.

Travis Kelce is in the concussion protocol. He was originally cleared to return to Sunday night's game but wasn't able to go in the second half. If he misses any time, it'll help Tyreek Hill and Albert Wilson.

Bilal Powell was sidelined Sunday after suffering a calf injury in the second quarter. It doesn't appear serious and Matt Forte is still dealing with turf toe - it's possible he resumes the featured role against the Patriots this weekend. New England is allowing the third-most yards per carry (5.0) and they ranked 27th in receiving RB DVOA heading into Week 5.

Tyler Boyd went down with a knee injury, the extent of which is currently unknown. Rookie receiver John Ross has a chance to suit up following their Week 6 bye, in which case he'd take over the WR3 role. If neither guy can go, those duties will fall to Alex Erickson. The Bengals also lost both starting corners, Dre Kirkpatrick and Adam Jones, during the game yesterday. Their injuries could help Ben Roethlisberger and his receivers in Week 7 if they're not able to return.