Footballguys #227 - 12/5 - News & Notes From Around The League

To unsubscribe {EMAIL} from these mailings, click [here](. --- [FanDuel's Golden 5 Jackpot Still Up For Grabs]( Another week down, another week where FanDuel's Golden 5 jackpot remained unclaimed. That means you can play for $280,000 this week, absolutely FREE! arly this season, FanDuel introduced their NFL Mini Unlimited product, a condensed version of their traditional product in which you only have to select 5 players and the salary cap does not restrict who you can select. To help celebrate the release, they're offering a Golden 5 promotion, where if you select the highest scoring player at each position in your 5-man lineup, you'll take down the jackpot, which currently sits at $280,000! If nobody hits the jackpot, $20,000 more is added to it every week until a winner is crowned. And best of all, it's completely FREE to play! [Enter this week's contest]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Footballguys.com]( Volume 19, #227 -- Tuesday Night, December 5th, 2017 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email --------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Folks, Good Wednesday to you. We've got the News and Notes you need so let's get to it. J SITE NEWS A. [FREE FEATURE - Dynasty Rankings Movement]( Each week, members of the Footballguys staff update their dynasty rankings and offer reasoning behind the rankings movement. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [PIT - WR JuJu Smith-Schuster suspended one game](#1) 2. [NO - No practice for RB Mark Ingram](#2) 3. [PIT - ILB Ryan Shazier will remain in hospital](#3) 4. [NE - TE Rob Gronkowski's suspension stands](#4) 5. [DEN - CB Aqib Talib reinstated from suspension](#5) 6. [BAL - CB Jimmy Smith placed on Injured Reserve](#6) 7. [DEN - DE Derek Wolfe goes to IR](#7) 8. [HOU - Two Texans sent to IR](#8) 9. [OAK - WR Amari Cooper still in protocol](#9) 10. [BUF - WR Jordan Matthews placed on IR](#10) 11. [PIT - Le'Veon Bell seeing incredible usage](#11) 12. [KC - QB Alex Smith underperforming at home](#12) 13. [NE - QB Tom Brady with big-time matchup](#13) 14. [NYJ - RB Bilal Powell with prime matchup](#14) 15. [LAR - ILB Alec Ogletree has chance to play](#15) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [PIT - WR JuJu Smith-Schuster suspended one game]() Source: ESPN.com - Field Yates Pittsburgh Steelers WR [JuJu Smith-Schuster]( has been suspended for Week 14 against the Baltimore Ravens for his illegal peel-back block on and subsequent taunt of Cincinnati Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict in Week 13 versus the Cincinnati Bengals. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Monday night's game between the Steelers and the Bengals got out of hand, so the league is stepping in to squelch this sort of behavior. Smith-Schuster blasted Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict then stood over him and taunted him. The league is suspending the rookie WR for the hit and for the taunting. There will be an appeal, but the one-game ban may stand and that gives Martavis Bryant more fantasy value in Week 14 against the Ravens. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [NO - No practice for RB Mark Ingram](=) Source: ESPN.com - Mike Triplett New Orleans Saints RB [Mark Ingram]( (toe) was not able to practice Tuesday, Dec. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Saints have a short week as they play against the Falcons on Thursday night. Make sure Ingram gets at least a partial practice in on Wednesday. If Ingram can't play, the team would turn even more to Alvin Kamara. We could also see a role develop for Trey Edmunds or Jonathan Williams if Ingram is out. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [PIT - ILB Ryan Shazier will remain in hospital]( Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Pittsburgh Steelers LB Ryan Shazier (back) will continue to be monitored and will undergo further testing to better evaluate his spinal injury in Cincinnati. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] He is expected to return to Pittsburgh in the next day or two to receive further evaluation. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [NE - TE Rob Gronkowski's suspension stands](=) Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo New England Patriots TE [Rob Gronkowski]('s one-game suspension was upheld Tuesday, Dec. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Fantasy owners will be without Gronkowski in the first week of the fantasy playoffs. The Patriots will turn to Dwayne Allen as their top TE with undrafted rookie Jacob Hollister backing him up on Monday night against the Dolphins. If you need TE help, then check the waiver wire for Stephen Anderson as he's starting for the Texans this week. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. DEN - CB Aqib Talib reinstated from suspension Source: NFL Denver Broncos CB Aqib Talib was reinstated from his one-game suspension Tuesday, Dec. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Broncos are at home against the Jets on Sunday. Having Talib out there could complicate things for the Jets WRs. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. BAL - CB Jimmy Smith placed on Injured Reserve Source: NFL Baltimore Ravens CB Jimmy Smith (Achilles') was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Tuesday, Dec. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The NFL has suspended Smith four games for violating the policy on performance enhancing drugs. He will serve the suspension while on Injured Reserve and be available for the start of the next regular season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [DEN - DE Derek Wolfe goes to IR]( Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis Denver Broncos DE Derek Wolfe (neck) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Tuesday, Dec. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Wolfe told "The Drive" on 104.3 The Fan that he had cervical spinal stenosis but did not need surgery. He'll need rest for the injury to heal. Wolfe had been bothered by the injury for most of the season and it resulted in poorer play than we would expect from one of the Broncos best defenders. He's looking to bounce back healthy in 2018. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [HOU - Two Texans sent to IR]() Source: NFL Network - James Palmer Houston Texans WR [Bruce Ellington]( (hamstring) and TE [C.J. Fiedorowicz]( (concussion) were placed on the Reserve/Injured list Tuesday, Dec. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ellington being lost for the season hurts their depth at the WR position, but they could be getting Will Fuller (ribs) back this week. Fiedorowicz has suffered three concussions over the last 12 months and his future in football is in serious doubt. Stephen Anderson will take over as the starting TE for the Texans this week. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [OAK - WR Amari Cooper still in protocol]() Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal - Michael Gehlken Oakland Raiders WR [Amari Cooper]( (concussion, ankle) remains in the concussion protocol and is still nursing an ankle injury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] All reports indicate the ankle problem is worse than the concussion. We could see Cooper cleared from the concussion protocol some time this week. We'll be monitoring his practice status closely before the Raiders big divisional battle against the Chiefs on Sunday. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [BUF - WR Jordan Matthews placed on IR](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Buffalo Bills WR [Jordan Matthews]( (knee) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Tuesday, Dec. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Matthews first (and likely only) year in Buffalo goes down as a huge disappointment. He's missed time and battled through a multitude of injuries, including knee, chest and thumb problems. A second-round pick in 2014, Matthews is headed for the open market this offseason. With a history of knee problems and coming off such a down year (25 catches, 282 yards, one touchdown), we can't imagine teams falling all over themselves to sign Matthews. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. PIT - Le'Veon Bell seeing incredible usage Source: USA TODAY Fantasy Sports Pittsburgh Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell has been on the field for more than 91% of the Steelers' offensive plays this year. That's 11% more than the next highest running back. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bell has had over 100 all-purpose yards (rushing, receiving) in seven straight games. Expect the superstar RB to continue getting a featured role (and then some) as the Steelers have a huge game at home against the Ravens in Week 14. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. KC - QB Alex Smith underperforming at home Source: USA TODAY Fantasy Sports Kansas City Chiefs QB [Alex Smith]( has averaged 238.2 yards and thrown just five touchdowns in five home games this season compared to 292.6 yards and 18 touchdowns in seven road games. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Chiefs lost to the Jets last week, but it wasn't due to Smith. He had 366 yards passing, four touchdowns and 70 yards rushing in Week 13. After buzz that rookie QB Patrick Mahomes could get to start, Smith squashed that with a monster game last Sunday. We'll see if he can continue his hot play but this time at home in a big game against the Raiders in Week 14. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [NE - QB Tom Brady with big-time matchup](=) Source: USA TODAY Fantasy Sports New England Patriots QB [Tom Brady]( has a great matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Week 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Brady always has QB1 upside for his fantasy owners provided the team doesn't go into ultra-conservative mode. Even in a game they should win, the Patriots offense should do enough for fantasy owners to trust Brady in week one of the fantasy playoffs. The Dolphins have given up the second-most points per game to the QB position the last five weeks. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [NYJ - RB Bilal Powell with prime matchup](=) Source: USA TODAY Fantasy Sports New York Jets RB [Bilal Powell]( has a great matchup against the Denver Broncos in Week 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Watch to see how Matt Forte (knee) progresses through the week of practice. The Jets are on the road this week, but the Broncos defense is reeling after starting off the season strong against the run. The Broncos have allowed the second-most points per game to running backs over the last five weeks. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [LAR - ILB Alec Ogletree has chance to play]( Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Los Angeles Rams LB Alec Ogletree (elbow) is considered day-to-day and should be available to play in Week 14, according to head coach Sean McVay. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That's good news for the Rams as Ogletree is one of their best playmakers. They'll likely limit him during the week of practice. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of Footballguys. We'll see you tomorrow with the Update. Peace, J = --- Thank you for subscribing to our Footballguys Daily Update Email! Get your 3 Free Downloads [here](=). You are currently subscribed as {EMAIL} To unsubscribe, click [here](. * Footballguys.com * PO Box 937 * Cabot, AR 72023-0937 * News Items Powered By: =