Footballguys #229 - 12/12

To unsubscribe from these mailings, click [here]. 8065187 --- [Footballguys.com] Volume 17, Issue #229 -- Monday, December 12th, 2016 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email Hi Folks, Week 14's in the books and we're rolling on. We've got the News and Notes you need so let's get to it. J SITE NEWS INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [LA - Jeff Fisher fired] 2. [NYJ - RB Matt Forte day-to-day] 3. [SD - RB Melvin Gordon week-to-week] 4. [MIA - QB Ryan Tannehill to get second opinion] 5. [MIA - QB Ryan Tannehill avoids ACL tear] 6. [PHI - RB Wendell Smallwood suffers MCL sprain - placed on IR] 7. [DAL - QB Dak Prescott's job secure] 8. [PHI - RB Darren Sproles in concussion protocol] 9. [GB - QB Aaron Rodgers' calf injury not too painful] 10. [CLE - Robert Griffin to start again] 11. [NFL - DeShone Kizer enters draft] 12. [IND - WR Donte Moncrief day-to-day] 13. [BUF - QB Tyrod Taylor remains starter] 14. [CIN - WR A.J. Green should practice this week] 15. [DEN - RB Devontae Booker must improve] 16. [DEN - QB Trevor Siemian feels fine] 17. [MIN - DT Sharrif Floyd placed on IR] 18. [GB - WR Ty Montgomery a running back according to coach] 19. [BUF - Rex Ryan likely to finish out season] 20. [MIA - Mike Pouncey will not play in Week 15] 21. [CAR - WR Kelvin Benjamin not benched for poor effort] 22. [MIA - ILB Kiko Alonso confident he'll play] 23. [GB - TE Jared Cook should be fine] 24. [NYG - RB Shane Vereen has concussion] 25. [DAL - RB Darren McFadden returning] 26. [NYG - RB Paul Perkins splits it up] 27. [GB - GB backfield duo emerges] --------------------------------------------------------------- 1. [LA - Jeff Fisher fired] Source: ESPN - Chris Mortensen Los Angeles Rams head coach Jeff Fisher was fired Monday, Dec. 12, according to sources. Fisher was signed to a contract extension just last week. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This news shouldn't come as a shock to anyone subject to watching the Rams. Fisher made no steps towards progress with the Rams this year, and the team is going in a different direction. Landing in Hollywood should be pretty enticing for potential head coaching candidates out there. Cutting Fisher improves the dynasty stock of guys like Jared Goff and Todd Gurley. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 2. [NYJ - RB Matt Forte day-to-day] Source: The Associated Press - Dennis Waszak Jr. New York Jets RB [Matt Forte] (knee) is considered day-to-day because of the knee injury he suffered in Week 14. Head coach Todd Bowles said he will know more about Forte's injury Tuesday, Dec. 13. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We'll know more about his status as the week of practice goes on. Get Bilal Powell off the waiver wire if you can. He would start and has RB1 potential if he plays this week. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 3. [SD - RB Melvin Gordon week-to-week] Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport San Diego Chargers RB [Melvin Gordon] (hip) is considered week-to-week with a hip strain, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Gordon's status is going to help decide fantasy playoff games in Week 15. The Chargers are still gathering information on the extent of Gordon's injury, but he does want to play. Stay tuned and keep your fingers crossed if Gordon is on your team. Grab Kenneth Farrow off your waiver wire. If he's gone, then add Ronnie Hillman in super deep leagues. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 4. [MIA - QB Ryan Tannehill to get second opinion] Source: ESPN - Jeff Darlington Updating a previous report, Miami Dolphins QB [Ryan Tannehill] (knee) will get a second opinion on his injured knee Tuesday, Dec. 13, to confirm he doesn't need surgery. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It sounds like Tannehill has dodged a much worse injury. The second opinion won't get him back any sooner than the postseason...if the Dolphins can make it in as a Wild Card team. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 5. [MIA - QB Ryan Tannehill avoids ACL tear] Source: ESPN.com - James Walker Updating a previous report, Miami Dolphins QB [Ryan Tannehill] (knee) has been diagnosed with an ACL and MCL sprain and not a tear to either ligament. The team is unsure if he will be able to return to the field this season, however. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Tannehill may be able to return for the postseason if the Dolphins make it that far. Matt Moore will be the starter in the meantime, and he's more than capable with plenty of veteran experience. The Dolphins have the next two games on the road (at the Jets, at the Bills), then finish with a home contest against the Patriots. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 6. [PHI - RB Wendell Smallwood suffers MCL sprain - placed on IR] Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Zach Berman Philadelphia Eagles RB [Wendell Smallwood] (knee) will 'miss time' after being diagnosed with an MCL sprain following a Week 14 loss to the Washington Redskins. He's been placed on Injured Reserve. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Smallwood went on Injured Reserve with this injury. The Eagles also have Darren Sproles banged up (concussion). That leaves Ryan Mathews and Kenjon Barner as the only healthy backs on the roster as they travel to play the Ravens in Week 15. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 7. [DAL - QB Dak Prescott's job secure] Source: The Dallas Morning News - Jon Machota Dallas Cowboys QB [Dak Prescott] will only come out of the lineup in favor of backup [Tony Romo] if the rookie is unavailable and/or injured, according to team owner Jerry Jones. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It is ridiculous to consider a QB switch in Dallas. Prescott had a couple of picks in the game against the Giants, and he just couldn't get the offense moving through the air. The Cowboys are 11-2 with Prescott at the helm, and there's no need to go to Romo unless there's an injury. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 8. [PHI - RB Darren Sproles in concussion protocol] Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Zach Berman Philadelphia Eagles RB [Darren Sproles] (concussion) was placed in the league's concussion protocol Monday, Dec. 12. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] His status for Week 15 is up in the air. Sproles will need to be cleared before resuming practice, and that could take some time. Without him on the field, the Eagles would continue to use more of Ryan Mathews. Wendell Smallwood could miss some time with an MCL sprain, so the Eagles are hurting at the RB position. Kenjon Barner is the only healthy body (along with Mathews) in the backfield. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 9. [GB - QB Aaron Rodgers' calf injury not too painful] Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Updating a previous report, Green Bay Packers TE [Aaron Rodgers] (calf, hamstring) is dealing with a more minor calf injury than the one he suffered two years ago, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Good news for Rodgers here. He could be somewhat limited in practice this week to get some extra healing. Stay tuned, but it sounds like he's good to go for Week 15. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 10. [CLE - Robert Griffin to start again] Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot Cleveland Browns QB [Robert Griffin III] will be the starting quarterback against the Buffalo Bills in Week 15 as long as he is healthy. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Griffin wasn't able to do much in his return last week. We'll have him as a low-end QB2 for fantasy owners in week two of the fantasy playoffs. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 11. [NFL - DeShone Kizer enters draft] Source: ESPN.com - Matt Fortuna Notre Dame QB DeShone Kizer declared for the 2017 NFL draft Monday, Dec. 12, and will forgo his final two years of college eligibility. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Kizer can operate a deep passing game from out of the shotgun. He's got a big arm and good pass placement throwing downfield. Kizer is athletic enough to be a threat as a runner. His decision making needs work, but Kizer has the tools to be a first-round pick. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 12. [IND - WR Donte Moncrief day-to-day] Source: IndySportsCentral.com - Mike Chappell Indianapolis Colts WR [Donte Moncrief] (hamstring) is day-to-day with a hamstring injury, according to head coach Chuck Pagano. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Make other plans if you have Moncrief on your fantasy team. Hamstring injuries are known to linger if not given enough time to heal. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 13. [BUF - QB Tyrod Taylor remains starter] Source: WGR Sports Radio 550 - Joe Buscaglia Buffalo Bills QB [Tyrod Taylor] will start in Week 15, according to head coach Rex Ryan. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is turning into a weekly affirmation. Taylor may still be playing for his job past this season. Former first-round pick E.J. Manuel remains the backup for Buffalo. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 14. [CIN - WR A.J. Green should practice this week] Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Jim Owczarski Cincinnati Bengals WR [A.J. Green] (hamstring) is expected to practice Wednesday, Dec. 14, according to head coach Marvin Lewis. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] With Green potentially coming back, it could boost the numbers of QB Andy Dalton. Keep an eye on his practice status during the week. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 15. [DEN - RB Devontae Booker must improve] Source: The Denver Post - Nicki Jhabvala Denver Broncos RB [Devontae Booker] 'has to step up to the plate,' according to head coach Gary Kubiak. Kubiak added that a lot has been put on Booker's plate and that he believes in the rookie running back. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Booker has been just plain bad after taking over as the starter due to C.J. Anderson's knee injury. We saw Justin Forsett take over in the backfield in Week 14, and that's what we think continues. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 16. [DEN - QB Trevor Siemian feels fine] Source: DenverBroncos.com - Andrew Mason Denver Broncos QB [Trevor Siemian] (foot) did not suffer any setbacks to his injured foot in Denver's Week 14 loss to the Tennessee Titans, according to head coach Gary Kubiak. 'He should be good moving forward,' Kubiak said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Broncos aren't running the ball well, so the offense is all on the shoulders of Siemian. Going to the air so often, Siemian makes for a nice streaming option...especially against a high-powered Patriots offense in Week 15. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 17. [MIN - DT Sharrif Floyd placed on IR] Source: Vikings.com Minnesota Vikings DT Sharrif Floyd (knee) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Monday, Dec. 12. DT Toby Johnson was subsequently signed to the active roster. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] A first-round pick in 2013, Floyd has been unable to stay healthy consistently. This season he only played in Week 1, then Floyd had clean up surgery on his troublesome knee. He's not coming back this year, but so long as he's healthy perhaps he could play up to expectations in the final year of his rookie deal in 2017. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 18. [GB - WR Ty Montgomery a running back according to coach] Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Tom Silverstein Green Bay Packers RB/WR [Ty Montgomery] is a running back and hasn't been in a wide receiver meeting for months, according to head coach Mike McCarthy. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Packers are using him as a runner and receiver, so his official designation only changes in league software where he's listed as one or the other. He's got RB3/WR4/flex appeal going forward so long as his role stays the same. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 19. [BUF - Rex Ryan likely to finish out season] Source: The Buffalo News - Vic Carucci Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan will likely be allowed to finish out the season in his current position due to team owner Terry Pegula's opposition to making an in-season coaching change. Pregame media reports prior to the Bills' Week 14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers had suggested Ryan could be fired as early as Monday, Dec. 12, and replaced by offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ryan may keep his job for the final three weeks of the season, but after that is unknown. We expect the Bills to move on from Ryan unless there's some sort of rally here at the end...and even that is questionable. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 20. [MIA - Mike Pouncey will not play in Week 15] Source: The Miami Herald - Adam H. Beasley Miami Dolphins C Mike Pouncey (hip) has been ruled out for Week 15 against the New York Jets. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We haven't seen Pouncey for a few weeks, and there's no sign of his eventual return in 2016. Anthony Steen will continue to start in his place. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 21. [CAR - WR Kelvin Benjamin not benched for poor effort] Source: Charlotte Observer - Jourdan Rodrigue Carolina Panthers WR [Kelvin Benjamin] was not benched in a Week 14 win against the San Diego Chargers despite not play in the last series and a half, according to head coach Ron Rivera. Instead, Rivera suggested personnel groupings were to blame for his absence. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Fantasy owners can't trust Benjamin...and they haven't been able to in quite some time. In nine games this season, Benjamin has five or fewer catches and he hasn't had over double-digit targets since Week 10. He's almost in the 'what the heck' flex category moving forward until we see his role grow. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 22. [MIA - ILB Kiko Alonso confident he'll play] Source: NFL Network - James Palmer Miami Dolphins LB Kiko Alonso (hamstring, thumb) feels confident he can play Saturday, Dec. 17, in Week 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Alonso was out on the field for pre-game warmups against the Cardinals on Sunday, but he was unable to play. The extra rest should help him be ready for the Jets this week. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 23. [GB - TE Jared Cook should be fine] Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky Updating a previous report, Green Bay Packers TE [Jared Cook] (lung) is expected to be fine for Week 15 after he sustained a lung contusion Sunday, Dec. 11. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Watch Cook's practice status during the week. He's only a TE2 for fantasy owners as he's not a consistent player from week to week. In the second week of the fantasy playoffs you'll have better options. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 24. [NYG - RB Shane Vereen has concussion] Source: Newsday - Tom Rock New York Giants RB [Shane Vereen] (concussion) played three snaps Sunday, Dec. 11, before leaving with a concussion. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] So much for Vereen's return. He'll go through the concussion protocol now. Even if he's on the field, Vereen isn't much of a fantasy asset as he'd be splitting time as a backup with rookie Paul Perkins. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 25. [DAL - RB Darren McFadden returning] Source: The Dallas Morning News - Jon Machota Dallas Cowboys RB [Darren McFadden] (elbow) will be moved to the 53-man roster this week, owner Jerry Jones said Monday, Dec. 12. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] McFadden will return to the roster, but if he gets on the field it will only be for a part-time role. Ezekiel Elliott is the featured back, so McFadden would be competing for change-of-pace touches. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 26. [NYG - RB Paul Perkins splits it up] Source: The Associated Press New York Giants RB [Paul Perkins] and RB [Rashad Jennings] each rushed 15 times for 45 yards Sunday, Dec. 11, against the Dallas Cowboys. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] With Shane Vereen down with a concussion, Perkins was able to do more. The rookie from UCLA has a dash of Jamaal Charles to his game. We'll be watching his development in dynasty leagues, but he's nothing more than a desperation 'what the heck' flex for redraft owners. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 27. [GB - GB backfield duo emerges] Source: The Associated Press Green Bay Packers RB [Ty Montgomery] and RB [Christine Michael] split the carries Sunday, Dec. 11. Montgomery rushed nine times for 41 yards and a touchdown, while Michael rushed 10 times for 36 yards. Montgomery also caught three balls for 45 yards. RB [James Starks] rushed twice for three yards. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Fantasy owners need to react to this new trend for the Packers. Montgomery is getting worked in methodically as a running back, and he's a RB3/flex option with this role. Michael is doing more as Starks continues to disappoint. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of Footballguys. Peace, J --- Thank you for subscribing to our Footballguys Daily Update Email! Get your 3 Free Downloads [here]. You are currently subscribed to footballguys-public-fulltext as {EMAIL} To unsubscribe, click [here]. * Footballguys.com * PO Box 937 * Cabot, AR 72023-0937 * 8065187 [News Items Powered By:] ---