Footballguys #236 - 12/14 - Free Features and News & Notes and MORE

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Limit twenty (20) entries per person. --------------------------------------------------------------- [Footballguys.com]( Volume 19, #236 -- Thursday Night, December 14th, 2017 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email --------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Folks, Welcome to Friday. We've got the News and Notes you need so let's get to it. AND REMEMBER, we've got NFL Football on Saturday this week. Don't forget to set your lineups. J SITE NEWS A. [FREE FEATURE - Exposed (WR/TE Matchups)]() Our Aaron Rudnicki breaks down some of the best and worst WR/TE matchups this week to help you build DFS lineups. B. [FREE FEATURE - Game Predictor](=) Our David Dodds creates the Game Predictor each week. It's our primary tool to establish how each team will attempt to play their game (rush/pass) that week. C. [FREE FEATURE - IDP Matchups to Exploit and Avoid]() Our Dave Larkin breaks down the key IDP clashes to target for your playoff match-ups. D. [FREE FEATURE - DraftKings Starting Stacks]() Our John Mamula with a selection of high-upside QB-based stacks for consideration in GPPs this weekend. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [OAK - WR Amari Cooper unlikely to play](#1) 2. [PHI - WR Alshon Jeffery out sick Thursday](#2) 3. [ARI - RB Adrian Peterson remains sidelined](#3) 4. [CIN - RB Joe Mixon back at practice](#4) 5. [NO - RB Alvin Kamara good to go](#5) 6. [SEA - RB Mike Davis takes part in practice](#6) 7. [SEA - TE Jimmy Graham misses practice](#7) 8. [OAK - WR Cordarrelle Patterson logs full practice](#8) 9. [MIN - Full practice for WR Adam Thielen](#9) 10. [MIN - RB Jerick McKinnon practices in full](#10) 11. [OAK - TE Jared Cook limited in Thursday's practice](#11) 12. [ARI - WR Larry Fitzgerald back on the field](#12) 13. [ARI - WR John Brown limited](#13) 14. [TB - TE Cameron Brate limited in practice Thursday](#14) 15. [JAX - QB Blake Bortles takes part in practice](#15) 16. [JAX - WR Marqise Lee listed as limited](#16) 17. [ATL - WR Mohamed Sanu logs limited practice](#17) 18. [ATL - RB Tevin Coleman sits out practice Thursday](#18) 19. [HOU - RB Lamar Miller listed as limited](#19) 20. [HOU - No practice for WR DeAndre Hopkins](#20) 21. [NO - WR Michael Thomas practices in full again](#21) 22. [HOU - WR Braxton Miller misses practice](#22) 23. [NO - Another full practice for RB Alvin Kamara](#23) 24. [HOU - QB Tom Savage sits again](#24) 25. [NO - WR Ted Ginn upgraded to limited at practice](#25) 26. [CIN - RB Giovani Bernard limited](#26) 27. [CIN - RB Joe Mixon listed as limited](#27) 28. [NE - WR Brandin Cooks practice Thursday](#28) 29. [NE - QB Tom Brady takes part in practice](#29) 30. [NE - WR Chris Hogan limited again](#30) 31. [MIA - RB Damien Williams listed as limited](#31) 32. [PIT - Full practice for WR Martavis Bryant](#32) 33. [PIT - WR JuJu Smith-Schuster limited](#33) 34. [LAC - Full practice for TE Hunter Henry](#34) 35. [BAL - WR Mike Wallace sits again](#35) 36. [CAR - Full practice for TE Greg Olsen](#36) 37. [CAR - WR Devin Funchess fully practices](#37) 38. [NYJ - WR Robby Anderson, WR Jermaine Kearse full go](#38) 39. [CAR - RB Jonathan Stewart back at practice](#39) 40. [CAR - RB Christian McCaffrey practices](#40) 41. [CAR - QB Cam Newton listed as limited](#41) 42. [BUF - TE Charles Clay limited](#42) 43. [BUF - Full practice for QB Tyrod Taylor](#43) 44. [BUF - RB LeSean McCoy has full practice](#44) 45. [BUF - WR Kelvin Benjamin remains limited](#45) 46. [CHI - WR Kendall Wright ready to play](#46) 47. [DET - RB Ameer Abdullah on track to play](#47) 48. [DET - QB Matthew Stafford not on injury report](#48) 49. [OAK - RB Marshawn Lynch sitting Thursday](#49) 50. [PHI - Full practice for TE Zach Ertz](#50) 51. [NYJ - No practice for RB Matt Forte](#51) 52. [NYG - WR Sterling Shepard limited Thursday](#52) 53. [JAX - RB Leonard Fournette idle Thursday](#53) 54. [NE - WR Kenny Britt terms](#54) 55. [SEA - RB Chris Carson running again](#55) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [OAK - WR Amari Cooper unlikely to play]() Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal - Michael Gehlken Oakland Raiders WR [Amari Cooper]( (ankle) was held out of practice Thursday, Dec. 14, and is not expected to play in Week 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Cooper, much like the Raiders' season, has taken a turn for the worse. There's some real speculation that he will be down for the count for the rest of the season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [PHI - WR Alshon Jeffery out sick Thursday](=) Source: PhiladelphiaEagles.com Philadelphia Eagles WR [Alshon Jeffery]( (illness) did not practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Downgrading -- and make no mistake despite the pleasantries out of Philly, it's a downgrade -- from Carson Wentz to Nick Foles is going to pull down Jeffery's production. Whereas he was a nice WR2 play, he's now at best a WR3 and the floor is really, really low. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [ARI - RB Adrian Peterson remains sidelined](=) Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban Arizona Cardinals RB [Adrian Peterson]( (neck) was not able to practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Looks like another week where Peterson will not be available, but Kerwynn Williams is not a great option in his place. He is a decent RB3/Flex option but that's about it. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [CIN - RB Joe Mixon back at practice](=) Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Jim Owczarski Cincinnati Bengals RB [Joe Mixon]( (concussion) is practicing Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It would be great for fantasy owners if Mixon comes back this weekend, but the matchup is rough. The Vikings have a tremendous run defense and the Bengals front line is one of the worst in the NFL. Mixon should produce something this weekend if he plays, but high end RB3/low end RB2 is what we're expecting. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [NO - RB Alvin Kamara good to go](=) Source: NewOrleansSaints.com Updating previous reports, New Orleans Saints RB [Alvin Kamara]( (concussion) will play in Week 15, according to head coach Sean Payton. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Against a Jets team which, let's be honest, we're never sure how they will look, we love Kamara. Consider him a solid RB1 in all formats this week and as long as he's healthy, he has to be in your lineups the rest of the way. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [SEA - RB Mike Davis takes part in practice](=) Source: Seahawks.com Seattle Seahawks RB [Mike Davis]( (ribs) fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] In back to back weeks the Seahawks have fed Mike Davis the ball and while he still isn't getting the full load, he's producing well. Expect more of the same this week against the Rams, and start him as a borderline RB2/RB3, who will be a great flex play. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [SEA - TE Jimmy Graham misses practice](=) Source: Seahawks.com Seattle Seahawks TE [Jimmy Graham]( (ankle) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] File last week away in the trash, and move on. Done? OK, Graham was swamped versus the Jaguars but even though the Rams have a good defense, that shouldn't be the case this time out. He should put up solid TE1 numbers this week, and could find the end zone again as the Seahawks go back to targeting him there. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [OAK - WR Cordarrelle Patterson logs full practice](=) Source: Raiders.com Oakland Raiders WR [Cordarrelle Patterson]( (hip) was a full participant in practice for the second consecutive day Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Patterson had some nice games for a few weeks but fell on his face against Kansas City last week. We expect similar struggles against Dallas this week, especially as Jared Cook and Michael Crabtree likely become the focus. We would avoid Patterson completely this week. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. MIN - Full practice for WR Adam Thielen Source: NFL Minnesota Vikings WR [Adam Thielen]( (knee) fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] After cooling off in Week 13, he bounced back with a big game in a loss to Carolina. He should be successful against a broken Cincinnati secondary, and we have him as a strong WR1 this week. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. MIN - RB Jerick McKinnon practices in full Source: NFL Minnesota Vikings RB [Jerick McKinnon]( (shoulder) fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] McKinnon played well last week, but Latavious Murray seems to be the choice here for the Vikings, which limits McKinnon's value. He's no more than RB4/Flex type play this week. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [OAK - TE Jared Cook limited in Thursday's practice](=) Source: Raiders.com Oakland Raiders TE [Jared Cook]( (wrist) was a limited participant in practice for the second straight day Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Despite a terrible game by the Raiders against Kansas City, Cook played well. We think he should be solid this week again versus Dallas, and is a nice TE2 start with TE1 upside. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. ARI - WR Larry Fitzgerald back on the field Source: NFL Arizona Cardinals WR [Larry Fitzgerald]( (non-injury) fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Even a lousy quarterback can't shut Larry Fitzgerald down. That said, Fitzgerald can only do so much and while he has been targeted copiously over the last few months, they aren't all good targets, so his production has been scattershot. That makes him a borderline WR2/WR3. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. ARI - WR John Brown limited Source: NFL Arizona Cardinals WR [John Brown]( (toe) was limited during practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Brown hasn't played since Week 11 and wasn't producing when he was on the field anyway. You can ignore him in fantasy. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [TB - TE Cameron Brate limited in practice Thursday](=) Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Kelsey Conway Tampa Bay Buccaneers TE [Cameron Brate]( (hip) was a limited participant in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Brate has been well and truly replaced by rookie OJ Howard. Despite his two touchdowns against Green Bay in Week 13, he seems an afterthought in this offense. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. JAX - QB Blake Bortles takes part in practice Source: NFL Jacksonville Jaguars QB [Blake Bortles]( (wrist) fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bortles is playing exceptionally good football right now and faces a Houston defense which has been inconsistent this season. Last time out they had his number, but this time we feel he gets the upper hand and can produce QB1/QB2 numbers. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. JAX - WR Marqise Lee listed as limited Source: NFL Jacksonville Jaguars WR [Marqise Lee]( (foot) was limited during practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Lee is playing really well at the right time, considering his impending free agency and the Jaguars need for wins to make the playoffs. We think he should put up WR3 numbers against Houston this weekend. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [ATL - WR Mohamed Sanu logs limited practice](=) Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Kelsey Conway Atlanta Falcons WR [Mohamed Sanu]( (knee) was a limited participant in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Sanu went HAM on New Orleans last week, and we think he could have a decent game this week against Tampa Bay. He is unlikely to replicate the touchdown, but he should produce enough for a WR3 start. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [ATL - RB Tevin Coleman sits out practice Thursday](=) Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Kelsey Conway Atlanta Falcons RB [Tevin Coleman]( (concussion) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Considering he's still in the protocol, it's hard to feel confident he will be active on Sunday. We think he will be a decent RB3 or flex option if he was though. Tomorrow should put an answer to that question though. No practice, probably no play. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [HOU - RB Lamar Miller listed as limited](=) Source: HoustonTexans.com Houston Texans RB [Lamar Miller]( (knee) was limited during practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Miller has been pretty inconsistent over the last four games, and the injury doesn't help. Facing a stout Jacksonville defense, we consider Miller to be a RB2/RB3 start. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [HOU - No practice for WR DeAndre Hopkins](=) Source: HoustonTexans.com Houston Texans WR [DeAndre Hopkins]( (toe) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hopkins gets a much needed day off, and will be back in the lineup this weekend. Despite having TJ Yates throw to him in a tough matchup, we expect Hopkins to put up borderline WR1/WR2 numbers this week. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [NO - WR Michael Thomas practices in full again]() Source: The Advocate - Joel A. Erickson New Orleans Saints WR [Michael Thomas]( (eye) practiced in full for the second consecutive day Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] There's a fairly good chance Thomas, Drew Brees and the Saints passing offense lights up the Jets this weekend and the only thing which could hamper tat is if New Orleans is way out ahead and running to kill the clock. Even if that happens, Thomas will have produced WR1 numbers. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [HOU - WR Braxton Miller misses practice](=) Source: HoustonTexans.com Houston Texans WR [Braxton Miller]( (concussion) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Miller is likely out, but even if he wasn't TJ Yates vs the Jaguars defense is a reason to pass on him anyway. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 23. [NO - Another full practice for RB Alvin Kamara]() Source: The Advocate - Joel A. Erickson New Orleans Saints RB [Alvin Kamara]( (concussion) practiced in full for the second consecutive day Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Kamara getting back on the field is great for New Orleans and Fantasy GMs alike. He's a solid RB1 this week against the Jets. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 24. [HOU - QB Tom Savage sits again](=) Source: HoustonTexans.com Houston Texans QB [Tom Savage]( (concussion) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's looking like TJ Yates time, which won't hurt DeAndre Hopkins but makes almost everyone else in the passing offense a bad idea waiting to happen. Really, Savage was no great shakes, but he's better than Yates. And we haven't even got to the best part yet -- this week Houston faces a tough Jacksonville defense. Yeah, you should avoid him unless you are in dire straits. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 25. [NO - WR Ted Ginn upgraded to limited at practice]() Source: The Advocate - Joel A. Erickson New Orleans Saints WR [Ted Ginn]( Jr. (ribs) got in a limited practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ginn is two weeks removed from his last serviceable game, and we dislike that trend. His target total has dropped like a rock, and we aren't expecting more of them this time out. He's a very low-end WR5 play even against the Jets. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 26. [CIN - RB Giovani Bernard limited]( Source: Bengals.com Cincinnati Bengals RB [Giovani Bernard]( (knee) was limited during practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bernard did well against the Bears though the overall gameplan was not one which favored running the ball. That was two good games in a row for him, but if Joe Mixon is back on the field, Bernard will not be. He'll be no more than a handcuff again. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 27. [CIN - RB Joe Mixon listed as limited]( Source: Bengals.com Updating a previous report, Cincinnati Bengals RB [Joe Mixon]( (concussion) was limited during practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We'll have to see how he continues to push through concussion protocol. It seems like he could play, though the Vikings defense is one of the tougher opponents he has faced this year and the offensive line is still one of the worst. Consider him a nice RB3 play with a little RB2 upside. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 28. [NE - WR Brandin Cooks practice Thursday](=) Source: Patriots.com New England Patriots WR [Brandin Cooks]( (hand) fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Cooks was brutal last week. Tom Brady was off his game and consistently pressured, and Miami did an excellent job of blanketing the receiver. We think he'll have much more success against the Steelers, throwing for 317 yards, 2.62 touchdowns, and 29.2 fantasy points on average since 2004 against them on average during regular season meetings. He's a great QB1 start. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 29. [NE - QB Tom Brady takes part in practice](=) Source: Patriots.com New England Patriots QB [Tom Brady]( (Achilles') fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Brady usually has Pittsburgh's number, and we think he should be productive this time out as well. Start him as a nice QB1 play, and he should be a big help this week. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 30. [NE - WR Chris Hogan limited again](=) Source: Patriots.com New England Patriots WR [Chris Hogan]( (shoulder) was limited during practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hogan didn't do much last time out, but we think he should be good to go this week. Expect WR3/WR4 numbers this week. What will be interesting for his Fantasy GMs will be next week, when we find out what, if any, impact Kenny Britt has in Week 16 and beyond. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 31. [MIA - RB Damien Williams listed as limited](=) Source: The Miami Herald - Armando Salguero Miami Dolphins RB [Damien Williams]( (shoulder) was limited during practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is still Kenyan Drake's job, so we wouldn't have high hopes for Williams if he does play. Avoid him and start Drake (if you have him) as a nice RB1. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 32. [PIT - Full practice for WR Martavis Bryant]() Source: Steelers.com Pittsburgh Steelers WR [Martavis Bryant]( (non-injury) fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] While he's not being punished and not going to miss the game, Bryant isn't a trustworthy play this weekend. JuJu Smith-Schuster is also back, all of which spells a big decrease in targets from the 10 he got last weekend. He's no more than a WR5. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 33. [PIT - WR JuJu Smith-Schuster limited]() Source: Steelers.com Pittsburgh Steelers WR [JuJu Smith-Schuster]( (hamstring) was limited during practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We'd like this matchup a little more if the Patriots didn't always seem to have the Steelers' number. That said, Smith-Schuster should be effective in his return from suspension, and we see him as a borderline WR3/WR4 option. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 34. [LAC - Full practice for TE Hunter Henry]( Source: Chargers.com Los Angeles Chargers TE [Hunter Henry]( (calf) participated fully in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Henry is coming off his third good week in a row, and we really like him as a solid TE1 this week against the Chiefs. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 35. [BAL - WR Mike Wallace sits again]( Source: BaltimoreRavens.com Baltimore Ravens WR [Mike Wallace]( (ankle) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hopefully it's just a rest day but this passing offense has struggled enough to where Wallace is just a good WR4 start this - and most - weeks. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 36. [CAR - Full practice for TE Greg Olsen]() Source: Panthers.com Carolina Panthers TE [Greg Olsen]( (foot) fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Olsen looked tentative last week and we'd avoid him this week. Hopefully we see improvement against Green Bay, and can use him in Week 16. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 37. [CAR - WR Devin Funchess fully practices]() Source: Panthers.com Carolina Panthers WR [Devin Funchess]( (shoulder) fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Cam Newton isn't throwing a lot or well, but Funchess should see enough work for some low-end WR3 numbers against Green Bay in a big game. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 38. [NYJ - WR Robby Anderson, WR Jermaine Kearse full go](=) Source: NewYorkJets.com New York Jets WRs [Robby Anderson]( (hamstring) and [Jermaine Kearse]( (shoulder) participated fully in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bryce Petty doesn't instill confidence, and that will drag down Anderson and Kearse, both of whom have had good moments this season. Also, the Jets team just looked awful last week and we suspect that funk will continue now that the playoffs are pretty much a non-issue. We'd avoid both of them, but if you are in trouble the most you can expect is WR7 numbers and the hope that they find the end zone. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 39. [CAR - RB Jonathan Stewart back at practice]() Source: Panthers.com Carolina Panthers RB [Jonathan Stewart]( (non-injury) fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Stewart earned himself some more carries with last week's performance, but he won't get them all. That, plus more Cam Newton carries limits him to RB3 value, especially since we don't expect him to vulture that many touchdowns. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 40. [CAR - RB Christian McCaffrey practices]() Source: Panthers.com Carolina Panthers RB [Christian McCaffrey]( (shoulder) fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] McCaffrey should be more effective than he was against a stout Vikings defense, plus we don't expect Jonathan Stewart to vulture that many touchdowns again. While we expect more of McCaffrey, he's still just a RB3 this week, especially as Cam Newton will bit into his carries a bit as well. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 41. [CAR - QB Cam Newton listed as limited]() Source: Panthers.com Carolina Panthers QB [Cam Newton]( (shoulder) was limited during practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Green Bay's defense has seen better days, but Newton isn't throwing the ball well. That said, he should have success on the ground against the Packers and we think with Aaron Rodgers back, Carolina has to throw more. Cam should be a solid QB1 this week. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 42. [BUF - TE Charles Clay limited]( Source: BuffaloBills.com Buffalo Bills TE [Charles Clay]( (knee) was limited in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Clay's been off the fantasy radar for a while now, and that won't change this week. Look elsewhere. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 43. [BUF - Full practice for QB Tyrod Taylor]( Source: BuffaloBills.com Buffalo Bills QB [Tyrod Taylor]( (knee) was a full practice participant Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Taylor is a shaky start this week regardless of practice. The Dolphins are ripe for the pickings but Taylor's knee issues could limit his mobility and therefore his fantasy production. We would avoid him this week as any more than a QB3 emergency sub. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 44. [BUF - RB LeSean McCoy has full practice]( Source: BuffaloBills.com Buffalo Bills RB [LeSean McCoy]( (knee) participated fully in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] McCoy is a RB1 most weeks and this is no exception. In fact, this might be even more of an easy call considering the issues they have at quarterback. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 45. [BUF - WR Kelvin Benjamin remains limited]( Source: BuffaloBills.com Buffalo Bills WR [Kelvin Benjamin]( (knee) was limited in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We don't expect to see him this week, and if he did play there is some question who would throw him the ball. That would make us want to avoid Benjamin in any event. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 46. [CHI - WR Kendall Wright ready to play]( Source: ChicagoBears.com Chicago Bears WR [Kendall Wright]( (shoulder) fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 14, and is not on the injury report for Week 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Wright and Mitch Trubisky connected a lot last week, but it was unusual for the Bears to pass as much as they did. Given that uncertainty, we can't trust him as an upside WR5. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 47. [DET - RB Ameer Abdullah on track to play]( Source: DetroitLions.com Detroit Lions RB [Ameer Abdullah]( (neck) fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 14, and is not on the injury report for Week 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] while he is healthy, the Lions weren't using him a ton when we last saw him in Week 12 and that should continue especially as Theo Riddick has done so well in both the running and passing phases of the game. At best we see Abdullah as an RB4. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 48. [DET - QB Matthew Stafford not on injury report]( Source: DetroitLions.com Detroit Lions QB [Matthew Stafford]( (hand) fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 14, and is not on the injury report for Week 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Even a banged up Stafford should be able to cruise to a nice production total against Chicago. He's a low end QB1 this week, but should push 300 yards and find the end zone. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 49. [OAK - RB Marshawn Lynch sitting Thursday]() Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal - Michael Gehlken Oakland Raiders RB [Marshawn Lynch]( (non-injury) is not participating in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The rest of the offense has struggled without Amari Cooper and the Cowboys now have Sean Lee back. Lynch was able to make fantasy owners happy with a touchdown last week, but we don't feel that will happen against Dallas. Considering him a borderline RB2/RB3 option this week. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 50. [PHI - Full practice for TE Zach Ertz](=) Source: PhiladelphiaEagles.com Philadelphia Eagles TE [Zach Ertz]( (concussion) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ertz is an excellent TE1 play this week against an up and down defense. While losing Carson Wentz hurts, we expect Nick Foles to use Ertz a ton in what is likely to be a more conservative offense. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 51. [NYJ - No practice for RB Matt Forte]() Source: New York Daily News - Manish Mehta New York Jets RB [Matt Forte]( (knee) sat out of practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] With Josh McCown down, the opposition will probably focus on stopping the run - and the run was already inconsistent. If Forte plays, he will probably split carries with Bilal Powell which will limit both of them. We don't see either as more than an RB5. Powell might get a little more production if Forte is out, but not enough to move the needle much. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 52. [NYG - WR Sterling Shepard limited Thursday](=) Source: ESPN.com - Jordan Raanan New York Giants WR [Sterling Shepard]( (hamstring) was limited in practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] A weakened offensive line will make the passing offense even more shaky. That, along with the hamstring, could really impact his production. Right now we don't see him as more than a Hail Mary flex play. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 53. [JAX - RB Leonard Fournette idle Thursday]( Source: ESPN.com - Mike DiRocco Jacksonville Jaguars RB [Leonard Fournette]( (quadriceps) is out of practice Thursday, Dec. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] While Fournette is a top RB1 start, this is a bit concerning. On the one hand, teams often pick Thursday as an extra day off but on the other, Fournette was out Wednesday as well. Friday will be critical in determining whether he will play -- and how effective he will be. Right now, we have him rated as a solid RB1 but that could change if Friday is another day off for Fournette. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 54. [NE - WR Kenny Britt terms](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Updating previous reports, New England Patriots WR [Kenny Britt]('s deal is for one year with a team option for 2018. He'll earn a prorated portion of the veteran minimum of $900,000 this year and $1.5 million next year with a chance at $2 million with incentives. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Nobody expects much from Britt this week, though would anyone be shocked if the Mad Scientist Bill Belichick managed to get a lot of production from him where nobody has before? Avoid him this week but keep an eye on him going forward. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 55. [SEA - RB Chris Carson running again]( Source: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson Seattle Seahawks RB [Chris Carson]( (ankle, leg) has resumed running, according to head coach Pete Carroll, who hopes Carson can return to practice next week. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] There had been talk of a setback, but it seems as if Carson still has a shot to go this year. By the time he does, though, fantasy leagues will be done, though a play in daily fantasy could be warranted. Keep an eye on this. [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: =