A player's injury status can have a significant effect on both real life and fantasy football. So, each week, PFF injury analyst Mario Pilato will comb through the official injury reports for each NFL game and give updates and analysis for fantasy-relevant players.
Injuries are fluid, so make sure to stay up to date by following @PFF_Mario on Twitter.
KEY
DNP: Did not participate in practice
LP: Limited participation in practice
FP: Full participation
(-): Not listed
OUT: Player will not play
D: Player is unlikely to play
Q: Player is not certain to play
NIR – Rest: Not injury-related or resting veteran
LAR @ SEA | NYG @ ATL | MIA @ TB | NO @ WFT | PHI @ CAR | NE @ HOU | GB @ CIN | TEN @ JAX | DEN @ PIT | DET @ MIN | CLE @ LAC | CHI @ LV |
SF @ ARZ | NYG @ DAL| BUF @ KC | IND @ BAL
Los Angeles Rams @ Seattle Seahawks (+2.5)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Mon. Status | Tues. Status | Wed. Status | Game Status |
| Tyler Higbee | TE | LA | Ankle | TE8 | 9.0 | LP | LP | FP | (-) |
| Johnny Mundt | TE | LA | Shoulder | (-) | 0.3 | LP | LP | FP | (-) |
| Chris Carson | RB | SEA | Neck | RB20 | 9.4 | (-) | DNP | DNP | Q |
| Penny Hart | WR | SEA | Knee | (-) | 0.8 | DNP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Colby Parkinson | TE | SEA | Foot | (-) | 0.0 | FP | (-) | (-) | (-) |
The Over/Under for this game is currently 53.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
New York Jets @ Atlanta Falcons (-2.5)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| Elijah Moore | WR | NYJ | Concussion | WR76 | 8.9 | LP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Tyler Kroft | TE | NYJ | Back | TE44 | 4.6 | DNP | (-) | (-) | OUT |
| Jeff Smith | WR | NYJ | Concussion | (-) | 0.1 | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
| Russell Gage | WR | ATL | Ankle | WR110 | 0.0 | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
| Denzel Mims | WR | NYJ | Illness | WR118 | 0.0 | DNP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Calvin Ridley | WR | ATL | NIR – Rest | (-) | 0.0 | (-) | (-) | DNP | OUT |
Mario's Take: Falcons WR Russell Gage missed the past two weeks and has been ruled out this week due to an ankle sprain. I believe he is dealing wit a moderate ankle sprain. I expect Gage to be back after the team's Week 6 bye. WR Calvin Ridley did not fly with the team to London due to an undisclosed personal matter. He will be ready to go in Week 7 after their bye.
Andrew's Take: Without Ridley, look for expanded roles for Cordarrelle Patterson, Mike Davis and Olamide Zaccheaus.
No team has allowed more fantasy points to running backs this season than the New York Jets, with a huge chunk of that coming from receiving production. Gang Green ranks bottom three in yards, receptions and targets to the position.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 45. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Miami Dolphins @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-10)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| Antonio Brown | WR | TB | Knee | WR24 | 16.0 | FP | FP | DNP | (-) |
| Chris Godwin | WR | TB | Thumb | WR14 | 14.2 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
| DeVante Parker | WR | MIA | Shoulder | WR39 | 12.1 | LP | LP | LP | Q |
| Giovani Bernard | RB | TB | Knee | RB71 | 3.8 | LP | LP | FP | Q |
| Rob Gronkowski | TE | TB | Ribs | (-) | 3.2 | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
| Adam Shaheen | TE | MIA | Neck | (-) | 1.0 | LP | FP | FP | (-) |
Mario's Take: Dolphins WR DeVante Parker has been limited at practice all week with a hamstring issue. He has been reported as developing soreness in his hamstring and is a true game-time decision. I do not expect him to play in Week 5, as he is at high-risk for worsening the issue.
Buccaneers TE Rob Gronkowski will miss his second straight week due to multiple fractured ribs and a punctured lung. I believe he will miss at least another week or two. RB Giovani Bernard missed Week 4 with a Grade 1 sprained MCL. He was a limited participant for most of the week but got a full practice in on Friday. I believe he will return to action in Week 5.
Andrew's Take: Major upgrades for Mike Gesicki and Jaylen Waddle without Parker available in lineups. The big-bodied wide receiver led Miami in targets a week ago (10) so feel confident starting the other Dolphins pieces versus Tampa who ranks first in passing attempts faced this season.
Cameron Brate is the 1-for-1 replacement for Gronk. He ran 69% of the routes a week ago and saw six targets. Great pay-down option in DFS on DraftKings.
Giovani Bernard is going to make his return which puts a damper on Leonard Fournette‘s ceiling. Gio should fill back on playing strictly on third downs which will limit Fournette's ability for top-tier receiving numbers.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 48. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
New Orleans Saints @ Washington Football Team (+2.5)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| Antonio Gibson | RB | WAS | Shin | RB17 | 12.5 | DNP | LP | LP | Q |
| Curtis Samuel | WR | WAS | Groin | WR65 | 8.3 | DNP | DNP | LP | Q |
| J.D. McKissic | RB | WAS | Ankle | RB41 | 6.1 | LP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Dyami Brown | WR | WAS | knee | WR93 | 4.4 | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
| Cam Sims | WR | WAS | Hamstring | WR122 | 1.3 | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
Mario's Take: Washington Football Team RB Antonio Gibson is suffering from a stress fracture in his shin. He has been managing the injury and playing with it. The issue will most likely not go away until the end of the season: I expect him to play in Week 5. WR Curtis Samuel sat out practice for the majority of the week but got a limited session in Friday. I believe they are trying to manage his groin issue by decreasing volume, so I expect Samuel to play in Week 5. WR Dyami Brown injured his knee during the team's Week 4 matchup with the Falcons. I do not believe it's a serious injury, and I expect him to be back in the next week or two.
Andrew's Take: If Samuel suits up he remains a strong punt play option at just $3K on DraftKings with so many other WRs banged up on the roster. Tight end Ricky Seals-Jones also looks even better as a streamer with more opportunity for targets.
His routes run rate per dropback went from 3% to 81% in Week 4, and he saw four targets (two end-zone targets) with Logan Thomas sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Seals-Jones is firmly in the tight end streaming conversation for Week 5 and is more than worth his $2,500 salary on DraftKings.
Terry McLaurin should also continue to see close to a 30% target share as he has done all season up to this point. He's a great low-rostered DFS option at just 4% projected rostership.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 43.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Philadelphia Eagles @ Carolina Panthers (-3)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| Quez Watkins | WR | PHI | Knee | WR79 | 6.2 | LP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Christian McCaffrey | RB | CAR | Hamstring | (-) | 0.0 | LP | LP | DNP | D |
| Spencer Brown | RB | CAR | Knee | (-) | 0.0 | LP | FP | FP | (-) |
Mario's Take: Panthers RB Christian McCaffery will miss his second straight week with a hamstring strain. I believe he is dealing with a Grade 1 strain and will be back in Week 6.
Andrew's Take: Chuba Hubbard looked primed to be CMC-lite after stepping into action Week 3, but he ended up losing significant pass-game work to veteran Rodney Smith. The rookie ran just 10 routes in Week 4, dampering his fantasy outlook. The plus matchup versus the Eagles – sixth-most fantasy points allowed to RBs – relegates Hubbard to low-end fantasy RB2 status.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 45.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
New England Patriots @ Houston Texans (+8)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| Brandin Cooks | WR | HST | NIR – Rest | WR20 | 17.6 | DNP | (-) | (-) | (-) |
| Danny Amendola | WR | HST | Thigh | WR113 | 8.8 | LP | LP | LP | Q |
| Nick Folk | K | NE | Left Knee | K12 | 8.5 | LP | LP | LP | Q |
| Chris Conley | WR | HST | NIR – Rest | WR88 | 5.4 | DNP | DNP | (-) | (-) |
| Rex Burkhead | RB | HST | Hip | RB83 | 1.9 | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
| Scottie Phillips | RB | HST | Illness | (-) | 0.0 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Brevin Jordan | TE | HST | Illness | (-) | 0.0 | (-) | (-) | DNP | Q |
| Deshaun Watson | QB | HST | NIR | (-) | 0.0 | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
The Over/Under for this game is currently 39.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Mario's Take: Panthers RB Christian McCaffery will miss his second straight week with a hamstring strain. I believe he is dealing with a Grade 1 strain and will be back in Week 6.
Andrew's Take: Damien Harris has plummeted down the fantasy football rankings in the wake of the Patriots losing four of the five starting offensive linemen. The Patriots’ run-blocking unit was already bottom-five through four weeks, so it’s a major cause for concern. He’s nothing more than a back-end RB2 for Week 5 with a lack of rushing efficiency and absence of juice in the passing game.
Green Bay Packers @ Cincinnati Bengals (+3)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| Aaron Jones | RB | GB | Ankle | RB3 | 16.3 | LP | LP | LP | (-) |
| Tee Higgins | WR | CIN | Shoulder | WR23 | 15.7 | LP | LP | FP | (-) |
| Joe Mixon | RB | CIN | Ankle | RB59 | 9.0 | DNP | DNP | DNP | Q |
| Marcedes Lewis | TE | GB | NIR – Rest | (-) | 1.7 | (-) | DNP | FP | (-) |
| Mike Thomas | WR | CIN | Ankle | (-) | 1.5 | LP | LP | DNP | D |
Mario's Take: Packers RB Aaron Jones is managing an ankle sprain. There is no concern with his availability for Week 5.
Bengals WR Tee Higgins missed Week 4 with a shoulder issue. I believe he is dealing with a Grade 2 strain. I expect Higgins to return to action in Week 5. RB Joe Mixon missed practice all week and is dealing with an ankle injury. I believe he is dealing with a Grade 1 high-ankle sprain — RTP is usually one to three weeks. His coach believes he is trending towards playing. I do not expect him to get his normal volume or be as effective.
Andrew's Take: Mixon will not be 100% even though he is expected to play, so he can't be trusted in fantasy lineups as anything more than a fringe RB2/RB3. Part of his allure in fantasy football is his massive workload, and that does not seem to be in his likeliest range of outcomes this week. Re-injuries also happen all the time, so be sure to hold Samaje Perine for at least week.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 50.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (+4.5)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| Derrick Henry | RB | TEN | NIR – Rest | RB1 | 18.5 | (-) | DNP | FP | (-) |
| A.J. Brown | WR | TEN | Hamstring | WR75 | 12.5 | LP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Nick Westbrook-Ikhine | WR | TEN | Hamstring | WR81 | 8.1 | DNP | LP | FP | Q |
| Jeremy McNichols | RB | TEN | Hamstring | RB51 | 4.4 | LP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Carlos Hyde | RB | JAX | Shoulder/tooth | RB66 | 2.3 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Racey McMath | WR | TEN | Quad | (-) | 0.8 | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
| Khari Blasingame | RB | TEN | Ankle | (-) | 0.3 | LP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Tommy Hudson | TE | TEN | Ankle | (-) | 0.0 | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
| Julio Jones | WR | TEN | Hamstring | WR77 | 0.0 | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
Mario's Take: Titans WR A.J. Brown missed Week 4 with a Grade 1 hamstring strain. I expect Brown to return in Week 5. Research shows there is a 10% dip in productivity in their first game back, but due to circumstances I do not believe that happens. Brown has a 20% chance of reinjury. WR Julio Jones will miss his second straight week with a hamstring strain. Like his teammate, he is dealing with a Grade 1 strain. Age can play a factor in how fast a player can recover, but I expect Jones back in the next week or two.
Andrew's Take: A.J. Brown WR1 szn has returned. Star him across all formats versus Jacksonville. They have allowed the fifth-most yards to WRs this season.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 48.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Denver Broncos @ Pittsburgh Steelers (+1.5)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| Ben Roethlisberger | QB | PIT | Pectoral/Hip | QB30 | 17.3 | DNP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Teddy Bridgewater | QB | DEN | Concussion | QB32 | 16.8 | DNP | LP | FP | Q |
| Chase Claypool | WR | PIT | Hamstring | WR78 | 12.5 | LP | LP | FP | (-) |
| Courtland Sutton | WR | DEN | Ankle | WR33 | 11.7 | (-) | (-) | LP | Q |
| Melvin Gordon III | RB | DEN | Lower Leg | RB29 | 9.5 | DNP | LP | LP | Q |
| JuJu Smith-Schuster | WR | PIT | Ribs | WR48 | 9.0 | LP | FP | FP | (-) |
| James Washington | WR | PIT | Groin | WR91 | 4.2 | (-) | LP | DNP | OUT |
| Albert Okwuegbunam | TE | DEN | Hamstring | TE50 | 4.1 | LP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
| Diontae Spencer | WR | DEN | Chest | (-) | 1.2 | DNP | LP | LP | Q |
Mario's Take: Broncos QB Teddy Bridgewater suffered a concussion in Week 4. He has progressed through the concussion protocol well, and I expect him to play in Week 5. WR Courtland Sutton suffered in ankle injury in practice late in the week. This is never a good sign, and I am pessimistic he can go in Week 5. He needs to be monitored as the game approaches. RB Melvin Gordon III is dealing with a unspecified lower leg injury. With little information it is hard to know his true status. He has practiced in a limited fashion for the majority of the week, which gives optimism to Gordon playing in Week 5.
Andrew's Take: Late-week injuries are never a good sign, which is why fantasy managers should proceed with extreme caution with Courtland Sutton. He's a fantasy WR3 at best. If he's out boost Tim Patrick and Noah Fant in the rankings.
Chase Claypool will play, but that's not enough of a reason to start him. Big Ben has showed he can only support Najee Harris and Diontae Johnson as reliable fantasy options. Factor in that Denver ranks sixth in PFF coverage grade; it's a no-brainer to bench Claypool this week.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 39.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings (-10)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| Dalvin Cook | RB | MIN | Ankle | RB2 | 16.3 | DNP | DNP | LP | Q |
| D'Andre Swift | RB | DET | Groin | RB9 | 15.0 | LP | LP | LP | Q |
| T.J. Hockenson | TE | DET | Knee | TE4 | 11.0 | DNP | LP | LP | Q |
| Jamaal Williams | RB | DET | Hip | RB30 | 9.3 | LP | LP | LP | Q |
| Greg Joseph | K | MIN | Right Hip | K14 | 8.4 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Dede Westbrook | WR | MIN | Quadriceps | WR127 | 2.0 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Ihmir Smith-Marsette | WR | MIN | Toe | (-) | 0.3 | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
Mario's Take: Vikings RB Dalvin Cook is dealing with a high-ankle sprain he suffered in Week 2. He seemed to jave aggravated the injury in Week 4. If he plays, I do not expect him to be effective in Week 5.
Lions RB D'Andre Swift is managing his groin injury he has dealt with all year. He will play in Week 5. TE T.J. Hockenson is dealing with a knee issue. He was a DNP Wednesday and limited the rest of the week. He is trending in the right direction, and I believe he plays in Week 5. RB Jamaal Williams is dealing with a minor hip issue, but I expect him to play in Week 5.
Andrew's Take: Cook (if active) is more of high-end RB2, rather than a locked-and-loaded stud. Sprinkle in Alexander Mattison in large-field GPPs even if Cook is active. Any re-injury would immediately thrust Mattison into a full-time role versus the lowly Lions, which would surely result in 30-plus fantasy points.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 49.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Cleveland Browns @ Los Angeles Chargers (-2.5)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| Keenan Allen | WR | LAC | Ankle | WR10 | 17.0 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Austin Ekeler | RB | LAC | Ankle | RB6 | 15.7 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Odell Beckham Jr. | WR | CLV | Shoulder | WR22 | 14.2 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
| David Njoku | TE | CLV | Knee | TE30 | 5.8 | DNP | DNP | LP | Q |
| Justin Jackson | RB | LAC | Groin | RB68 | 2.8 | LP | DNP | DNP | D |
Mario's Take: Browns TE David Njoku has been dealing with a knee issue this week. He has only got one limited practice session in this week, and I am pessimistic about his potential to play in Week 5.
Chargers RB Justin Jackson is dealing with a Grade 1 groin strain, RTP two to three weeks. He will not play in Week 5 and I believe he is likely to miss Week 6 as well.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 47. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Chicago Bears @ Las Vegas Raiders (-5.5)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| Darren Waller | TE | LV | Knee | TE2 | 16.3 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Josh Jacobs | RB | LV | Ankle | RB24 | 13.7 | LP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Darnell Mooney | WR | CHI | Groin | WR40 | 13.1 | LP | LP | FP | (-) |
| Hunter Renfrow | WR | LV | Ankle | WR45 | 12.7 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Damien Williams | RB | CHI | Quad | RB23 | 11.3 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Foster Moreau | TE | LV | Ankle | TE54 | 2.4 | (-) | (-) | LP | (-) |
| Alec Ingold | RB | LV | Shoulder | RB91 | 1.7 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Peyton Barber | RB | LV | Toe | RB65 | 1.2 | DNP | DNP | LP | Q |
| Derek Carrier | TE | LV | Pectoral | (-) | 1.0 | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| Andy Dalton | QB | CHI | Knee | QB36 | 0.3 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Jesse James | TE | CHI | NIR – Rest | (-) | 0.1 | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| J.P. Holtz | TE | CHI | Quad | (-) | 0.1 | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| David Montgomery | RB | CHI | Knee | (-) | 0.0 | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| Jesper Horsted | TE | CHI | Knee | (-) | 0.0 | FP | FP | FP | Q |
Mario's Take: Bears RB David Montgomery suffered a serious knee injury in Week 4. I believe he suffered a multi-ligament sprain and bone bruise. He is expected to be out for the next four to five weeks. I do not expect Montgomery back until after the team's Week 10 bye.
Andrew's Take: Start Damien Williams.
David Montgomery will be sidelined for the next several weeks, sliding Williams into the starting role. He played 33% of the snaps before Montgomery went down and commanded 10 touches, including two receptions. His role as the team’s primary RB pass-catcher should help make up for any work he splits on early downs with rookie Khalil Herbert.
Williams has been impressive as a rusher in a limited capacity in the Windy City, earning a 78.9 PFF rushing grade that ranks eighth among running backs with at least 15 carries.
He faces a Las Vegas Raiders defense in Week 5 that has allowed the second-highest explosive run rate and third-highest passer rating on targets to running backs. Giddy up. But be wary that on DraftKings he is projected to be the third chalkiest RB. Probably a solid fade in GPPs.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 44.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals (-5)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| DeAndre Hopkins | WR | ARZ | NIR – Rest | WR12 | 14.1 | DNP | (-) | (-) | (-) |
| Chase Edmonds | RB | ARZ | Shoulder | RB14 | 14.0 | DNP | DNP | LP | Q |
| A.J. Green | WR | ARZ | NIR – Rest | WR44 | 12.0 | LP | (-) | (-) | (-) |
| George Kittle | TE | SF | Calf | TE3 | 11.4 | DNP | DNP | DNP | D |
| Elijah Mitchell | RB | SF | Shoulder | RB27 | 10.5 | LP | LP | FP | (-) |
| James Conner | RB | ARZ | NIR – Rest | RB37 | 7.5 | DNP | (-) | LP | (-) |
| Maxx Williams | TE | ARZ | Shoulder | TE23 | 5.9 | DNP | LP | LP | Q |
| Eno Benjamin | RB | ARZ | Hamstring | (-) | 0.1 | LP | LP | LP | Q |
| Jimmy Garoppolo | QB | SF | Calf | QB34 | 0.0 | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
Mario's Take: Cardinals RB Chase Edmonds is dealing with a shoulder issue. He got his first limited practice in on Friday. I believe he is dealing with a A/C joint sprain: He is a game-time decision, but I am optimistic about his chance to play. 49ers TE George Kittle and QB Jimmy Garoppolo will miss Week 5 with their calf strains, RTP one to three weeks.
Andrew's Take: If active, start Edmonds. And leave DFS lineups open with Edmonds and/or James Conner for late swaps. Each is projecting for sub-6% rostership, despite a great matchup. Same goes for Elijah Mitchell who is making his return to the lineup today. Arizona ranks as one of the league's worst run defenses, so Mitchell should have a field day if he gets the requisite volume he has when he's been healthy.
Lance will make his first start and for DFS-purposes that means he gets you exposure to the high-powered Arizona Cardinals offense.
Just last week, Lance scored 20.4 fantasy points — two passing touchdowns, 41 rushing yards — in just one half of football in an offensive game plan designed for Jimmy Garoppolo. So just imagine his fantasy upside with a full week of install in a game with a 50-point projected total. Chills.
Those who played Justin Fields in cash in his first start might be hesitant to go back to a rookie signal-caller, but the scenarios are completely different. The 49ers will build their offensive game plan around Lance’s strengths as a passer and rusher, something the Chicago Bears have not done yet.
The Cardinals rank last in yards per carry allowed and 31st in PFF run-defense grade. Conversely, they are strong against the pass, ranking fifth in PFF coverage grade and first in explosive pass percentage allowed. Anticipate the 49ers running the ball with their rookie quarterback who is making his first start on the road. The rushing alone will easily make Lance worth the $5,700 investment on DraftKings.
No Kittle means Ross Dwelley will start for the 49ers. However there a plethora of better alternatives available on most waiver wires.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 48.5 PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys (-7)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| Saquon Barkley | RB | NYG | Knee | RB4 | 17.4 | LP | FP | (-) | (-) |
| Amari Cooper | WR | DAL | Hamstring | WR13 | 16.4 | DNP | LP | LP | (-) |
| Ezekiel Elliott | RB | DAL | Knee | RB7 | 15.0 | DNP | LP | LP | (-) |
| Kenny Golladay | WR | NYG | Groin | WR29 | 14.1 | LP | FP | (-) | (-) |
| Sterling Shepard | WR | NYG | Hamstring | WR98 | 8.1 | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
| Darius Slayton | WR | NYG | Hamstring | WR112 | 6.4 | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
| C.J. Board | WR | NYG | Clavicle | (-) | 1.6 | FP | FP | (-) | (-) |
| Kaden Smith | TE | NYG | Knee | (-) | 0.6 | DNP | LP | (-) | (-) |
Mario's Take: Giants WR Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton will miss their second straight game with a Grade 1 hamstring strain. I believe they will return in the next week or two.
Andrew's Take: Play Kadarius Toney in deep leagues and in DFS.
Kadarius Toney’s appeal is tied to the other Giants WRs being inactive. With that a reality, he’s an awesome DFS target at $4,000. The polarizing first-rounder tied Kenny Golladay for a team-leading nine targets and flashed his insane elusiveness with five forced missed tackles in Week 4.
With Trevon Diggs most likely locking down Golladay, expect Jones to target Toney early and often. Ancillary/secondary wide receivers, such as Antonio Brown, Mike Williams, Jalen Reagor and Robby Anderson also saw major target/production boosts when they faced Dallas this season.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 52.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs (-2.5)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| Tyreek Hill | WR | KC | Knee | WR2 | 20.4 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Stefon Diggs | WR | BUF | NIR – Rest | WR4 | 17.4 | (-) | (-) | DNP | (-) |
| Emmanuel Sanders | WR | BUF | NIR – Rest | WR38 | 12.6 | (-) | DNP | (-) | (-) |
| Taiwan Jones | RB | BUF | Hamstring | (-) | 0.0 | DNP | DNP | LP | (-) |
The Over/Under for this game is currently 56.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Indianapolis Colts @ Baltimore Ravens (-7)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| Carson Wentz | QB | IND | Ankles | QB29 | 16.7 | FP | FP | (-) |
| Nyheim Hines | RB | IND | Shoulder | RB36 | 9.0 | DNP | LP | (-) |
| Jack Doyle | TE | IND | NIR – Rest | TE29 | 6.5 | (-) | DNP | (-) |
| Jordan Wilkins | RB | IND | Illness | RB98 | 0.1 | (-) | DNP | (-) |
The Over/Under for this game is currently 46. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
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