Fri Nov 1 8:55am ET
By MIKE BARNER
Contributing Writer
Otton can produce big Week 9
The 49ers and Steelers are the only teams on a bye for Week 9, leaving us with plenty of options to sift through in DFS. Let’s highlight the top players to consider at each position, as well as a few to possibly avoid based on their matchups.
Quarterbacks
Jalen Hurts, PHI vs. JAX ($7,800): Since the Eagles had their bye in Week 5, Hurts has four passing touchdowns and five rushing touchdowns over three games. He also did not throw an interception in any of those three games. This is a stellar matchup for him against the Jaguars, who have allowed the second-most passing yards per game in the league.
Bo Nix, DEN at BAL ($5,900): Nix took advantage of the porous Panthers defense last week, throwing for 284 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for a touchdown, marking his fourth rushing score of the season. Nix has at least two passing touchdowns in three of his last four games. That’s noteworthy because the Ravens are tied for the most passing touchdowns allowed in the league. Nix could be worth the risk in tournament play at his cheap salary.
Player to Avoid
Kyler Murray, ARI vs. CHI ($6,600): The Bears have locked down opposing passing games. They are tied with the Dolphins for the fewest passing touchdowns allowed in the league. They have more interceptions (seven) than they have allowed passing touchdowns (five). Murray doesn’t come with a ton of upside in this matchup.
Running Backs
Alvin Kamara, NO at CAR ($7,800): The Panthers have allowed the most fantasy points per game to running backs in the league. They have allowed 13 rushing touchdowns to running backs, which is three more than any other team. When Kamara faced them in Week 1, he finished with 83 rushing yards, 27 receiving yards and a rushing touchdown. He is someone to consider building your entire entry around.
Chase Brown, CIN vs. LV ($5,900): Brown has surpassed Zack Moss as the lead rushing option for the Bengals. Over the last four games, Moss has rushed 26 times for 55 yards and no touchdowns. Brown has 49 carries for 175 yards and two touchdowns during that same span. In a game that the Bengals should win handedly at home, Brown could be asked to carry the ball a lot as they try to run out the clock in the fourth quarter.
Player to Avoid
Rico Dowdle, DAL at ATL ($5,800): Dowdle is already back practicing after sitting out Week 8 with an illness. While he should be good to go against the Falcons, that doesn’t mean he’s someone to consider in DFS. He has run for fewer than 50 yards in all but one of his games this season. Further hurting his cause is that the Falcons have given up just four total touchdowns to running backs this season.
Wide Receivers
A.J. Brown, PHI vs. JAX ($7,900): Brown has played four games for the Eagles this season. He has at least five receptions and 84 yards in each of them. He also has three receiving touchdowns. A Hurts and Brown stack will do a number on your budget, but with how bad the Jaguars have been on defense, it could be well worth it.
Courtland Sutton, DEN at BAL ($5,400): Sutton had his best game of the season last week against the lowly Panthers, catching eight passes for 100 yards. He received 11 targets, marking his third game of the season with double-digit targets. With the Broncos likely needing to throw a lot in this game, Sutton should remain busy.
Player to Avoid
Zay Flowers, BAL vs. DEN ($7,000): Flowers comes into this matchup with at least 111 receiving yards in three of his last four games. However, he has four games this season in which he has finished with fewer than 40 receiving yards. He also has just one touchdown. This will not be an easy matchup against the Broncos, who have given up the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers. Flowers is just too risky at his expensive salary.
Tight Ends
David Njoku, CLE vs. LAC ($5,500): The trade of Amari Cooper to the Bills has proven to be a major windfall for Njoku. Two weeks ago, he caught 10 of 14 targets for 76 yards and a touchdown against the Bengals. Last week, he finished with five receptions, 61 yards and a touchdown on seven targets against the Ravens. Expect the Browns to continue to look his way early and often for the remainder of the season.
Cade Otton, TB at KC ($4,800): The injuries to Chris Godwin (ankle) and Mike Evans (hamstring) have left the Buccaneers to rely more on Otton. He hasn’t disappointed, posting 17 receptions for 181 yards and two touchdowns over the last two games. A hefty workload against a Chiefs team that is tied for the second-most receptions allowed to tight ends in the league could be a recipe for success for Otton.
Player to Avoid
Tucker Kraft, GB vs. DET ($4,400): The big question mark for this game is if Jordan Love (groin) will be able to play. If he’s out, Kraft receives a huge downgrade with Malik Willis under center. Even if Love plays, this is not a great matchup for Kraft. The Lions have allowed a total of just 25 receptions for 210 yards and one touchdown to tight ends this season.
Mike Barner has been covering fantasy sports since 2007. His work has appeared in Sports Illustrated, Yahoo, SportsLine and RotoWire. Mike was also a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Follow Mike on Twitter @rotomikebarner.
Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 14
Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. should get WR2 consideration in Week 14 when the Cardinals host the Seattle Seahawks. Harrison Jr. had a solid game last week, scoring the Cardinals' lone touchdown. He also saw his largest target share of the season, receiving 12 targets. With the Cardinals in pursuit of winning the NFC West division, it is expected that they will empty the playbook and come out swinging in this matchup. Taking more shots down the field has been something the Cardinals have needed to incorporate into this offense, and Harrison Jr. is the best option to receive those downfield shots. With Harrison Jr.'s usage increasing, managers should feel much more comfortable with him in the lineup.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Trey Benson should not be considered for starting lineups in fantasy in Week 14. The Cardinals will have a home divisional matchup with the Seattle Seahawks in what will be a pivotal game for the NFC West. Benson saw an uptick in usage before the Week 11 bye, but post-bye week, that trend has not continued. Benson has had just seven total carries over the last two weeks. With Benson's usage not at a reliable level, he remains a handcuff for James Conner but is not a fantasy starter.
From RotoBaller
According to Andy Vasquez of NJ Advance Media, New York Jets running back Breece Hall (knee) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's divisional tilt against the Miami Dolphins. The star running back was dealing with this knee injury before last weekend's game but was able to suit up. This week, Hall was unable to participate in practice on Wednesday and Thursday and was also not seen during Friday's session. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status over the weekend but should look to find an alternative option as the Iowa State product is facing an uphill battle to play. If Hall cannot play, rookie Braelon Allen would be viewed as a must-start option in all formats, as he will likely take on a hefty workload. Throughout his rookie campaign, Allen has posted a modest 3.6 yards per carry with three scores while operating as the No.2 option. However, he has a favorable matchup against Miami, which has allowed the 13th-most PPR points to opposing RBs this season.
From RotoBaller
According to Joe Person of The Athletic, Carolina Panthers defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (knee) is expected to suit up this weekend against the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite not practicing this week and carrying a "questionable" designation, head coach Dave Canales expects the 31-year-old to be on the field. Over his past five contests, Clowney has tallied 21 tackles (12 solo) with nine assists, 2.5 sacks, and one pass deflection. If Clowney can suit up this weekend, fantasy managers in IDP formats should expect him to see his typical starting workload.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner should be viewed as a high-end RB2 in Week 14 in the Cardinals' divisional battle with the Seattle Seahawks. Conner struggled on the ground in the previous matchup with the Seahawks, recording his season-low of eight rushing yards; however, he remained productive, catching five passes for 41 yards in that game. Conner is the workhorse of this Cardinals offense, and his usage rate is among the highest of all running backs in the NFL. With the Cardinals needing to win this game to position themselves well for a playoff spot, we can expect them to rely on Conner heavily. Fantasy managers should insert Conner into their starting lineups if he isn't already there in Week 14.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Troy Hill (foot) and safety Mike Edwards (hamstring) will not suit up in Week 14 to face the Las Vegas Raiders, according to Brianna Dix. Hill has been dealing with a lingering foot injury over the past two weeks but has yet to officially miss time due to it. Edwards sustained his hamstring strain during their Week 13 victory over the Carolina Panthers. As a result, fantasy managers in IDP formats should expect Zyon McCollum and Jamel Dean to see most of the snaps at cornerback, while Antoine Winfield and Christian Izien will see most of the opportunities at safety.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray should be considered a high-end quarterback play in Week 14 when the Cardinals host the Seattle Seahawks. This matchup will be the season's biggest game for the Cardinals as they position themselves to try to reach the playoffs. With the stakes of this game as high as they get for a regular-season matchup, we can expect the Cardinals' offense to completely empty the playbook, which would include utilizing Murray's rushing ability. Murray has struggled in his last two games, especially in their previous matchup against the Seahawks, making him due for a huge bounce-back. The offense made strides a week ago but settled for too many field goals to get the win. With the expected increase in rushing and a sense of urgency from the Cardinals, fantasy managers should trust Murray in the starting lineup.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (concussion) is good to go for Sunday's divisional tilt against the Cleveland Browns, according to Chris Adamski of Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Austin entered concussion protocol following their Week 13 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Austin opened the week as a limited participant but quickly upgraded to full participation on Thursday. Austin has found the back of the end zone in each of his past two contests after tallying just 19 yards during Weeks 10 and 11. Overall, the sophomore wideout has averaged 36.0 receiving yards per game since Week 6 and should be viewed as a risky flex option in deeper formats facing a Cleveland secondary that has allowed the ninth-most PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.
From RotoBaller
According to Scott Petrak of the Chronicle-Telegram, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion) is not practicing on Friday. This is not a good sign for availability heading into the weekend, as Tillman also did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the final injury report later on Friday, as it will likely clarify his status. Tillman sustained this concussion during Week 12's victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He could not play last week and is now in danger of missing his second-straight contest. If Tillman cannot suit up, fantasy managers should expect Jerry Jeudy and tight end David Njoku to lead the passing attack against a tough Pittsburgh secondary. Last weekend, Jeudy posted a career-best 235 receiving yards.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers OLB Jadeveon Clowney (knee), S Nick Scott (hamstring, personal)did not practice and are listed as questionable on the final Week 14 injury report Friday, Dec. 6. LB Josey Jewell (hamstring) was limited at practice and is questionable while CB Caleb Farley (shoulder), OLB D.J. Wonnum (knee) and OG Robert Hunt were full participants at practice and are questionable.
From TheHuddle
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said that quarterback Aidan O'Connell (illness) will be a "full-go" at Friday's practice and is on track to play in the Week 14 tilt on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. O'Connell was under the weather on Thursday and did not practice, but he's feeling better on Friday and should suit up this weekend for his second straight start with Gardner Minshew II (collarbone) out for the season. The second-year signal-caller was basically a game manager for the Raiders in his rookie season, but he threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns in a near upset of the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs last Friday in his third start of the season. With O'Connell good to go this weekend, he'll have the potential for another big game as a QB2 against a Bucs defense that has allowed the most fantasy points per game to opposing QBs this year.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) was not seen at the portion of practice open to the media on Friday, suggesting that he'll eventually be ruled out for the Week 14 contest versus the visiting Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Goedert was labeled week-to-week after getting hurt in the Week 13 win over the Baltimore Ravens and hasn't practiced at all this week. Fantasy managers should have already moved him to their benches. The good news for the Eagles is that it looks like receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) has practiced in full this week and appears to be ready to return after a two-game absence. With Goedert likely out against Carolina, expect Grant Calcaterra to see more pass-catching opportunities in one of the best offenses in the league. In three games that Goedert missed earlier this year due to injury, Calcaterra caught all nine of his targets for 93 yards.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Jalen Coker (quadriceps) is officially listed as doubtful to play in Week 14 on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. Coker was a full participant in the first practice of the week but evidently suffered a setback and was downgraded to limited on Thursday, making it unlikely he'll make his return this Sunday. The 23-year-old will be missing his third straight game if he's officially active on Sunday morning. Coker, an undrafted rookie free agent, has mostly been a dynasty/keeper stash in his first year in the NFL in 2024, as he's caught just 17 of his 26 targets for 263 yards and one touchdown in seven games (one start) for the Panthers. With Coker likely to miss a third straight game, David Moore will be a boom/bust WR4/flex play in deeper fantasy leagues behind Adam Thielen and rookie Xavier Legette in a game in which the Panthers will likely have to throw often.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers rookie tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (neck) was a full practice participant on Friday but is questionable to face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in Week 14 action. Sanders' full practice means he's likely on the right side of questionable, but the Panthers won't be taking any chances after he suffered a scary neck injury in the Week 12 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The 21-year-old could see fewer offensive snaps against Philly, too, if he's active, making him a risky TE2 streamer for fantasy purposes. However, Sanders will be an intriguing sleeper pick at a low cost in DFS if he's active after he caught nine of his 10 targets for 144 yards and a touchdown in his three previous games. If Sanders sits again this weekend, Tommy Tremble will be in play as a TE2 streamer after going for season-highs in catches (five) and receiving yards (77) in last week's overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said that wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (ankle) will be a "full-go" at practice on Friday and is on track to suit up on Sunday in Week 14 against the hosting Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Meyers popped up on the injury report on Thursday and was listed as a non-participant, thus putting his status for Week 14 in doubt. It looks like fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief now, although you may want to check back on his final status for Sunday. The 28-year-old is the clear WR1 in Vegas and has been on a heater the last two weeks, going for 16 receptions on 26 targets for 218 yards. With quarterback Aidan O'Connell returning in the Week 13 loss to the Chiefs, Meyers had six catches on 11 targets for 97 yards. With heavy volume likely coming again this Sunday, Meyers lines up as a must-start, high-end WR2 for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
There was no sign of running back Breece Hall (knee) at the portion of practice open to the media on Friday. This is very notable after Hall was held out of practice on both Wednesday and Thursday as the team prepares to take on the division-rival Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium this Sunday. Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich was optimistic earlier this week that Hall would be available in Week 14, but fantasy managers should be pretty worried at this point that he might be inactive this Sunday. Hall played through a questionable tag in last week's loss to the Seattle Seahawks but played a season-low 62% of the offensive snaps and finished with 12 carries for 60 yards while failing to haul in his only target in the passing game. If Hall is active on Sunday, he could once again play a smaller role in New York's backfield, giving him bust potential. Rookie Braelon Allen is worth a speculative pickup if you're desperate at the position in Week 14 with six teams on bye.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson confirmed on Friday that quarterback Trevor Lawrence (concussion, shoulder) will have surgery to fix a sprained AC joint in his left (non-throwing) shoulder. However, Lawrence must first clear the league's concussion protocol before surgery is scheduled. The former first overall pick out of Clemson suffered a scary concussion in the Week 13 loss to the division-rival Houston Texans and was placed on Injured Reserve. Although Lawrence would be eligible to return in the Week 18 regular-season finale, the Jaguars are shutting him down for the season and will have him undergo surgery on his shoulder. The 25-year-old should be fully ready for the start of the 2025 season next fall, but after a very disappointing 2024 campaign, Lawrence will probably go undrafted next year in standard 12-team, one-QB fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll told assembled media that rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (hip flexor) will not practice on Friday ahead of the Giants' game against New Orleans. The rookie from LSU missing Friday's practice is not a positive development, so it will be worth checking to see how the Giants designate him on the official injury report. At 2-10, the Giants' year is already lost, though Nabers has been by far their best player and a reliable fantasy option. Against a similarly bad Saints defense, Nabers is a high-end WR2, but he'll have to be healthy enough to play first.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (hip/back) returned to practice on Friday, according to a report from Fox Sports' Greg Auman. The rookie from Oregon has been in stellar form recently, compiling 313 rushing yards, three touchdowns, and 12 catches in his past three games, but he did not practice either Wednesday or Thursday as Tampa prepares for Las Vegas in Week 14. Fantasy managers will have to keep on eye on the injury report to see if Irving will be ready for a decent matchup against the Raiders. If available, Irving's play lately has moved him into RB1 territory as the fantasy playoffs approach.
From RotoBaller
Baker Mayfield (Achilles/knee) is once again practicing on Friday, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. The former No. 1 overall pick also registered full practices the two prior days, so it stands to reason that he will be good to go for Week 14 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Even better for Mayfield, his top target in receiver Mike Evans (hamstring/calf) and running back Bucky Irving (hip/back) both returned to practice after missing the two prior days. Mayfield has been a steal this year in fantasy and should remain a nice starting option again in a plus matchup against the struggling Raiders.
From RotoBaller