NFL Week 16 – Injury Check Down Report

Even though Drew Brees says he WILL PLAY – Fantasy owners must have a backup plan

Drew Brees – Questionable:  Drew Brees insists he will play against the Jaguars even with a torn plantar fascia. The reality is, fantasy owners need to have a backup ready to roll.

Brian Hoyer – Questionable:  Hoyer has been limited all week and hasn’t been cleared from his concussion; expect Brandon Weeden to get the start against the Titans.

Adrian Peterson – Probable: Adrian Peterson will play against the Giants after a full week of practice despite an ankle injury.

LeSean McCoy – Out:  McCoy will not play against the Dallas Cowboys; expect Karlos Williams and Mike Gillislee to split carries at running back.

T.J. Yeldon – Doubtful: Yeldon will not play against the Saints. Dennard Robinson will get the start and is expected to have a big day.

Shawn Draghn – Out:  Draghn will not play against the Lions, expect Kendall Gaskins, Dujuan Harris, and full back Bruce Miller to carry the workload.

Matt Jones – OUT

Tevin Coleman – Out:  Tevin Coleman will not play against the Carolina Panthers, fantasy owners can expect Devonta Freeman to start and carry the workload at running back.

Andre Ellington – Questionable:  Andre Ellington is expected to play against the Packers according to Bruce Arians and will back up David Johnson.

Alshon Jeffery – Doubtful:  Alshon Jeffery most likely will not play; expect Eddie Royal, Marc Mariani, and Josh Bellamy to carry the workload at wide receiver.

Calvin Johnson – Questionable:  Calvin Johnson should play against the 49ers after practicing a full week.

Danny Amendola- Questionable:  Amendola is NOT expected to play against the Jets during Week 16.

Dwayne Harris – Questionable:  Dwayne Harris is expected to play against the Vikings. Fantasy owners can expect Ruben Randle and Hakeem Nicks to carry the workload in Odell Beckham’s absence.

Donte Moncreif:  Questionable: Donte Moncreif injured his foot and was limited in practice all week if he cannot play against the Colts, expect Phillip Dorsett to start.

Rishard Matthews – Questionable:  Rishard Matthews most likely will not play against the Colts; fantasy owners can expect Devante Parker, Jarvis Landry and Kenny Stills to carry the workload at wide receiver.

Julian Edelman- Doubtful:  Julian Edelman will not play against the Jets. Fantasy owners can expect Brandon Lafell to carry the workload at wide receiver along with an uncertain Danny Amendola.

Dez Bryant – Doubtful:  Dez Bryant will not play against the Buffalo Bills. Fantasy owners can expect Cole Beasley and Terrance Williams to carry the workload at wide receiver.

Marques Colston – Questionable:  Marques Colston most likely will not play against the Jaguars.

Charles Clay – Out:  Charles Clay will not play against the Cowboys; expect Chris Gragg and Nick O’Leary to be in rotation at Tight End.

Ben Watson – Questionable: Ben Watson has a knee injury and may not play against the Jaguars. Fantasy owners should have a backup plan just in case he does not suit up.

NFL Week 16 – Wide Receiver Sit/Start Report

Markus Wheaton should feast on the Ravens secondary during Week 16

This week marks Championship time for fantasy owners. One development that is sure to impact the outcome of many owners’ season is the suspension of Odell Beckham Jr. For those scrounging to find production from other players, here are a few players who should start and sit in the final week of fantasy.

 

 

Start – Markus Wheaton:  The Steelers are known for throwing it up to Antonio Brown and letting him do what he does best. But, with defenses sure to double and triple team Brown, that should leave Wheaton open for Big Ben in the meantime. Wheaton pulled in a good game against Denver, but fantasy owners are hoping he repeats the 200 yard performance he had against Seattle earlier this year.

 

Start – DeSean Jackson:  The Redskins have a chance to win the NFC East crown this Saturday against division rival Philadelphia. As the team fights for playoff position, expect Cousins to be on the constant lookout for Jackson. After pulling in 153 yards and a touchdown against Buffalo last week, Jackson should provide fantasy gold for this week’s final playoff round.

 

Start – Julius Thomas:  Thomas is obviously a tight end and not a wide receiver, but we are endorsing him as a must-start for this Week 16 road matchup against the New Orleans Saints. The Jaguars aren’t going anywhere near the playoffs, but that doesn’t mean the team’s players can’t have good outings. As a tight end, Thomas has the ability to earn big points for owners, especially with the injury bug continuing to bite many players late in the season. Thomas hauled in a respectable 79 yards against Atlanta last Sunday and could prove a life saver for an owner in a bind.

 

Sit – Brandin Cooks IF Drew Brees SITS:  Brandin Cooks is a MUST-START if Drew Brees takes the field, but have a backup plan ready if Brees is out. Brees is nursing the same foot injury that has sidelined Peyton Manning for much of the season. Cooks has been a fantasy monster this season, but if Matt Flynn is leading the charge for the Saints, he is too risky to trust. Whether you’re in the championship round or playing for pride, don’t count on Cooks to help you out this week if he’s catching passes from Flynn.

NFL Week 15 – Injury Check Down Report

The Panthers will take on the Giants in NJ this week without Jonathan Stewart

Jonathan Stewart – OUT:  Stewart will not play on the road this week against the Giants. Fozzy Whittaker, Cameron Artis Payne and Mike Tolbert will form up a messy backfield on the road against the Giants. These players are not viable options for the fantasy playoffs.

T.J. Yeldon – OUT:  Yeldon will not play against the Falcons. Dennard Robinson will get the start and could help fantasy owners who are in a tough spot.

LeGarrette Blount – IR

Thomas Rawls – OUT

C.J. Anderson – Anderson was limited practice all week, but is expected to play against the Steelers.

Andre Ellington – Game Time Decision:  Ellington is unlikely to play this week against the Eagles. Fantasy owners can expect David Johnson to get the start and get multiple carries at Philadelphia.

DeAngelo Williams:  Williams was limited in practice all week suffering an illness and has a tough matchup against the Denver Broncos.

Andy Dalton – OUT:  Dalton will not play this week in San Francisco. A.J. McCarron will get the start on the road against San Francisco.

Tyler Eifert – OUT:  Eifert will not play Week 15 against San Francisco.

Greg Olsen: Olsen is expected to play against the Giants on the road this Sunday.

Zach Miller: Miller is expected to play on the road against the Vikings for Week 15.

Alshon Jeffery:  Jeffery is expected to play against the Vikings and will be a number one WR option for fantasy owners.

Julian Edelman – OUT:  Edelman is not expected to play against the Titans. Fantasy owners can expect Danny Amendola to carry the workload for the offense.

Dwayne Harris:  Harris injured has a bum shoulder but is expected to play against the Panthers.

Rishard Matthews:  Matthews practiced on a limited basis this week and will be a third option if he suits up against the Chargers.

NFL Week 15 – Running Back Sit/Start Report

Denard Robinson should provide a big boost for fantasy owners during Week 15

Start – Denard Robinson:  With rookie T.J. Yeldon sidelined, Robinson will be the feature back for the Jaguars on Sunday. Last season, when Robinson was the feature back and received double digit touches, he averaged 70 rush yards per game and scored four touchdowns. Robinson’s first crack at a lead back role will be against the porous Atlanta defense that is allowing the second most fantasy points per game to opposing runners. If you picked up Robinson off waivers this week, get him in your lineup ASAP.

Start – Matt Forte:  Forte is in a full-blown timeshare, but still manages to put up viable numbers for his fantasy owners. This week, Forte draws a tough matchup heading on the road to take on the Vikings stingy defense. Last time Forte and the Vikings met, he accumulated just 53 total yards from scrimmage. However, don’t let the numbers discourage you. If you have Forte, there may not be a better option on your roster. Forte has also been Mr. Reliable for you when healthy. Roll the dice on the wily veteran and believe in him turning out good fortune for your team.

Sit – Javorious Allen:  Unsurprisingly, Allen had a tough go against the Seahawks in Seattle. Well now he’s on the road again to face off against a revitalized Chiefs defense. Kansas City is the fifth best defense at limiting the run and first in receiving yards allowed to running backs. There are most certainly better options that Allen for week 15. If you want to keep your season alive, choose wisely and sit him.

NFL Week 15 – Wide Receiver Sit/Start Report

Despite a questionable amount of targets, Ginn is racking up the yards and touchdowns

Start – Ted Ginn:  Ginn has been peaking at the right time for the Carolina Panthers. Last week, he had limited opportunities, but made the most of his two receptions for one hundred and twenty yards and two touchdowns. Ginn has a very high upside, but comes with a high degree of risk because his targets are extremely limited. This week the Panthers play the New York Giants who sport a porous pass defense that is ranked dead last. Tis the season to be jolly and fantasy owners should start Ginn with a promising holiday outlook.

Start – Kamar Aiken:  Despite the Ravens loss last week, Kamar Aiken had five receptions for ninety yards against the Seahawks Legion of Boom. Jimmy Clausen hasn’t hurt Aiken’s prospects and should make an impact against the Kansas City Chiefs whose defense has allowed the third most fantasy points per game to opposing receivers so far this season. Fantasy owners can expect Aiken to perform at a high level, make things happen for this team and be a strong second option at wide receiver.

Start – Jarvis Landry:  Landry had saw stunning “18” targets during the Dolphins Monday night matchup against the Giants. He had 11 receptions for ninety nine yards against the Giants making him a PPR Beast. Despite not seeing the end zone and losing, he has been target more in the offense and remains the number one option at receiver for the Miami Dolphins. Miami will be on the road this week to face the San Diego Chargers whose defense ranks 27^th in the league in points allowed per game. Fantasy owners should start Landry and expect him to have a big game with explosive plays against another weak secondary.

Sit – Brandon LaFell:  LaFell has been a dismal fantasy failure and has NOT made an impact since his return.  His numbers have been absolutely horrible as he has morphed into a professional pass DROPPER. The only thing he might be able to catch is a cold. Fantasy owners have a slew of better options sitting out there to grab. Even if he were to break out this week, he is still an unreliable fantasy option.

NFL Week 15 – Waiver Wire Essentials Report

Tim Hightower got the rock an astounding 28 times during Week 14 – 28 CARRIES!!

Your team may have made it through the first round of playoffs but that doesn’t mean players can’t be added to help out. Target these players in Week 15 to either strengthen your team or keep them away from the competition.

Tim Hightower (Ownership: 41%) 

After a four-year hiatus from the NFL, Tim Hightower was signed by the New Orleans Saints to handle the workload left by the newly injured reserved, Mark Ingram. There was speculation that Hightower would receive the majority of carries and CJ Spiller would serve in a complimentary role. However, no one knew Hightower would receive 28 carries, something Ingram hadn’t done since Week 9 of 2014. Hightower tallied only 85 yards on the ground, but he did manage to find the endzone. With another healthy dosage of touches and a Week 15 home tilt with the Detroit Lions, Hightower should be an RB1 candidate.

James White (Ownership: 50.0%) 

This is definitely the last week White will be available in 50% (or less) of fantasy leagues. The first reason, White now has at least one touchdown in three of the past four weeks. The second reason, LeGarrette Blount exited week 14 early and is questionable heading into week 15. White is one of the few reliable receiving options left in New England and Brady fully trusts him in the backfield. The Titans, who just relinquished 82 total yards and a touchdown to Bilal Powell, will be welcomed into Foxborough Sunday. Pencil White in as an RB1.

Denard Robinson (Ownership: 3.6%) 

The speedy Robinson rushed for 75 yards and a score on just 14 carries in week 14 against the Colts. Furthermore, rookie T.J. Yeldon suffered a knee sprain opening the door of opportunity for Robinson. The severity of the injury is unknown but expect Robinson to receive a healthy mix of touches until Yeldon is fully healed. The Jags host the Atlanta Falcons whom let up 85 yards and a score last week to the aforementioned, Tim Hightower.

Tyler Lockett (Ownership: 21.7%)

Russell Wilson and the Seahawks offense is humming right now and you should get in on the buzz while you still can. Tyler Lockett is a receiver that can be added off waivers and immediately impact your team. Lockett recorded 104 yards and two scores against Baltimore and now has 4 scores and 280 yards over the past four weeks. Lockett is a candidate to add to that massive total as the woeful Browns walk in to CenturyLink Field. Lockett is locked in as a WR2/FLEX option for week 15.

NFL Week 14 – Injury Check Down Report

Rob Gronkowski may play limited snaps Sunday night, but he’s always a redzone target

Rob Gronkowski – Questionable:  Rob Gronkowski is expected to see some limited action for the Patriots in Sunday night’s road clash with the Texans. He is NOT expected to start and there is no way to know how many snaps he will see. But if he were on my time, I would roll the dice and plug him in. This could lead to a ZERO in your tight end spot, but Gronk is always a threat to score.

Gary Barnidge – Questionable:  Gary Branidge been limited in practice all week. It would be surprise if he did not suit up and play. He should put up good numbers against the 49ers defense.

Zach Miller- Active:  Zach Miller will play against the Redskins Sunday. Bennet was placed on IR and this week and Miller has been upgraded to a top 15-option for fantasy owners.

Vernon Davis – Questionable:  Vernon Davis status is uncertain against the Raiders. If he cannot play, Owen Daniels will start and become the primary tight end.

Scott Chandler – Questionable:  Scott Chandler was limited in practice all week, but is expected to play against the Texans. If Rob Gronkowski somehow gets the start, Chandler’s value would go up in smoke.

Crockett Gilmore – Doubtful:  Crockett Gilmore didn’t practice at all this week and is unlikely to play.

C.J. Anderson – Questionable:  Anderson did not practice all week but there is a chance he will dress for the game against the Raiders. Ronnie Hillman was named the starter after getting in a full practice on Friday.

Ronnie Hillman – Active:  Hillman has been named the Week 14 starter for Denver’s home tilt against the visiting Raiders.

Karlos Williams – Out:  Anthony Dixon and MikeGillislee will back up Lesean McCoy. If you have Williams on your roster a backup is recommended.

Marshawn Lynch – Out: Thomas Rawls will remain the starter until Lynch is cleared to practice. Rawls has been very productive in the offense for the Seahawks and has put up good fantasy numbers.

Brandin Cooks – Active: Reports surfaced late in the week that Cooks had suffered a concussion during practice. This was not the case and Cooks is a must start against Tampa.

Allen Hurns – Probable:  Allen Hurns will play in this favorable matchup against the Colts.

Calvin Johnson – Questionable:  Calvin Johnson is expected to play against the St Louis Rams despite missing practice Friday. Johnson has put up good numbers in these last couple of weeks and Fantasy owners can expect him to continue playing well.

Julian Edelman – Out:  Julian Edelman will not play against the Texans. Danny Amendola workload will continue to increase in the offense until his return.

Danny Amendola – Questionable:  Danny Amendola was limited in practice all this week and will play against the Texans. Amendola should see a lot of targets since Edelman is inactive Fantasy owners can expect him to put up good numbers.

DeAndre Hopkins – Probable:  Hopkins was limited in practice all week and was placed on the injury report by the team. Despite being placed on the injury report, he is expected to play and be in the starting lineup against the Patriots.

Stevie Johnson – Out:  Fantasy owners can expect Danny Woodhead and Antonio Gates to be targeted a lot against the Chiefs as the Chargers receiving core is banged up.

Kendall Wright – Out:  Kendall Wright will not play against the New York Jets.

Eddie Royal – Questionable:  Eddie Royal returned to practice after missing five games with a knee injury and is expected to play against the Redskins.

Andre Roberts – Questionable:  Andre Roberts is unlikely to play against the Chicago Bears. If Roberts plays he will be limited to kick returns.

 

NFL Week 14 – Running Back Sit/Start Report

Shady McCoy will help fantasy owners jump start their playoff run

Start – LeSean McCoy:  LeSean McCoy makes his return to Philly to face off against the man who shipped him out of town and the fourth worst rush defense in the NFL. You can bet that Shady McCoy is ready for this game. McCoy continues to put up double-digit fantasy outings since the Bills Week 8 bye and is averaging 15 points during that time frame. Receiving a healthy dosage of touches as the focal point in the Bills backfield, McCoy is locked in as a RB1 for the first week of fantasy playoffs.

Start – T.J. Yeldon:  Yeldon recorded his best fantasy statistical game during Week 13 rushing for 57 yards and a score while also securing all four of his targets for 79 yards. The odds are good that Yeldon will top that number heading into Week 14. The struggling Colts rank in the bottom 10 defenses in terms of stopping the run. The last two feature backs to face the Colts ran for 97 and 136 yards respectively. Finally, Yeldon ran for 105 yards on 22 carries against the Colts during Week 4. All signs point up for the workhorse rookie running back.

Start – Charcandrick West:  During his first game back from a one-week injury, West only ran for 35 yards on 9 carries. To make matters worse, Spencer Ware is still in the mix and snagged a short touchdown for himself. Do not press the panic button yet. West will get it together in the fantasy playoffs starting with a tantalizing matchup with the porous San Diego Chargers defense. The Bolts have allowed the second most yards per carry to running backs this season. Deploy West in your lineups as a solid RB2.

SIT – Todd Gurley:  I know. If you have Gurley, odds are you don’t have a better option and can’t sit him. Heck, Gurley is probably the reason why you’re in the fantasy playoffs in the first place. But if you do have a viable option over Gurley, then you should move the rookie to your bench, and here’s why. Gurley has regressed each week since his week 7 explosion against Cleveland. Teams are keying in on Gurley and stacking the box with at least 7 players every snap. Furthermore, the Detroit Lions are playing some inspiring defense as of late (except for a late game Hail Mary) and no tailback has recorded over 64 yards against the team since the week 9 bye. Gurley is still a RB2/Flex option but he may not be an RB1 until he can get a new quarterback.

NFL Week 14 – Wide Receiver Start Report

Doug Baldwin gets a dream matchup this week against the Ravens

Start – Doug Baldwin:  Doug Baldwin had five receptions for 94 yards and two touchdowns during Week 13 against the Vikings. Out of nowhere, Baldwin has 24 catches for 433 yards since the Seattle Seahawks came off of their Week 9 bye. The Hawks are 7-5 and fighting for a wildcard spot in the playoffs. Implications are extremely high and the team is playing with a high level of confidence. Fantasy owners should start Baldwin against the Ravens with confidence.

Start – John Brown:  Last week John Brown had six receptions for 113 yards against the St Louis Rams. The Arizona Cardinals are currently on top of their division with a 10-2 record in control of the NFC West. Minnesota ranks six in pass defense, but are missing several key players who are grappling with injuries. Carson Palmer is having a banners season and is spreading the ball out to all of his receivers. Expect Brown to be productive and put up some good numbers against the struggling Vikes.

Start – Vincent Jackson:  Vincent Jackson has been a go-to option for Tampa since returning from injury. James Winston is flying high as Tampa faces a Saints team that ranks dead last in defense allowing 31 points and 400 plus yards per game. Expect Jackson to be productive against an awful New Orleans secondary.

Sit – Amari Cooper:  Amari Cooper is still seeing plenty of targets in Oakland, but his production is fading down the stretch part of the season. The Raiders have a nasty matchup against a brutal Denver defense that has been able to shut down most quarterbacks including Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady. Many fantasy owners may not be able to sit Cooper, but against the Broncos, it is worth your time to find another player to plug in.

NFL Week 14 – Waiver Wire Essentials Report

DaVante Parker matches up against a hapless Giants pass defense 

Congrats to those who made the playoffs. However, every savvy fantasy player knows that the real season begins now. Just because you made it past Week 13, doesn’t mean your team can’t get help from the waiver wire. Target these players for depth or an added boost down the stretch.

DeVante Parker (Ownership: 21.1%)

If you didn’t take my advice about DeVante Parker last week, here it is again. After accumulating 71 percent of Tannehill’s passing yardage and a score against a porous Ravens secondary, Parker is now a key asset in this Miami offense. Parker now has 143 yards and two touchdowns in two weeks. He’ll look to keep the streak going against a struggling Giants defense that just let up 270 yards to Jets’ receivers.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins (Ownership: 15.2%)

After a nine game absence, ASJ finally returned to the field for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In his first action back, Seferian-Jenkins caught three balls for 31 yards and saw the second most targets on the team behind Mike Evans. Most importantly, the second-year tight end emerged from the game unscathed and now gets a favorable matchup against divisional foe, New Orleans. The Saints have the worst pass defense in the NFL and frankly can’t stop anyone. ASJ is a good play in week 14 for anyone who may be in need of tight end help.

Bilal Powell (Ownership: 13.0%)

Powell shined and scored his first touchdown of the season in a showdown to see which team is the best in New York. Powell is still getting limited touches but is a significant factor in the receiving game. Whenever the Jets decide to take to the air, Powell replaces Ivory as the primary runner in the backfield. Powell has immediate value in PPR leagues but is worthy of a roster spot in standard leagues as well.

James White (Ownership: 26.5%) 

Rolling with a New England running back is always dangerous. However, White showed in week 13 why every fantasy owner should at least roll the dice on him. White rushed twice for only four yards but he also caught a career high 10 passes for 115 yards and a score. As the Patriots continue to scurry to find more receiving options for Brady, White is making a name for himself in the Dion Lewis role. White is certainly a boom or bust candidate but if you can stomach the risk, the reward just might lead you to a fantasy championship.