Footballguys #233 - 12/16

To unsubscribe from these mailings, click [here]. 8065187 --- [Footballguys.com] Volume 17, Issue #233 -- Friday, December 17th, 2016 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email [This week’s special Footballguys contest!] We're hosting another contest on FanDuel for our readers. Just like last week, it's a 50/50 Double Up contest that's just $5 to play — finish anywhere in the top-half and you'll win $10. All entry fees are paid back out to our readers as prize money. Are you smarter than the average fan? Prove it. But hurry, spots are limited in this special contest. [Play Now] --------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Folks, Good Saturday to you. We've got the News and Notes you need so let's get to it. J SITE NEWS INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [ATL - WR Julio Jones ruled out Week 15] 2. [GB - QB Aaron Rodgers' status in question] 3. [NO - WR Michael Thomas set to play] 4. [NO - RB Mark Ingram not on injury report] 5. [DET - Doubtful tag for RB Theo Riddick] 6. [SD - RB Melvin Gordon will not play] 7. [OAK - Questionable tag for WR Michael Crabtree] 8. [OAK - WR Amari Cooper listed as questionable] 9. [MIN - RB Adrian Peterson says he will play] 10. [CIN - WR A.J. Green limited Friday] 11. [NYJ - WR Brandon Marshall tabbed questionable] 12. [PHI - Duo to fill Darren Sproles' roles in Week 15] 13. [PHI - RB Darren Sproles out for Week 15] 14. [GB - WR Ty Montgomery on track to play] 15. [DET - QB Matthew Stafford ready to play] 16. [DET - RB Zach Zenner questionable] 17. [WAS - TE Jordan Reed limited Friday] 18. [SD - Tyrell Williams should play] 19. [OAK - QB Derek Carr ready to play] 20. [DEN - QB Trevor Siemian on track to play] 21. [CLE - RB Duke Johnson on track to play] 22. [CIN - WR Brandon LaFell ready to play] 23. [NE - TE Martellus Bennett questionable] 24. [BUF - QB Tyrod Taylor not on injury report] 25. [BUF - WR Sammy Watkins listed as questionable] 26. [IND - WR T.Y. Hilton records full practice] 27. [NYJ - WR Quincy Enunwa draws questionable tag] 28. [NYJ - RB Matt Forte questionable for Week 15] 29. [IND - WR Donte Moncrief will not play Week 15] 30. [JAX - RB Chris Ivory gets in full practice] 31. [CAR - QB Cam Newton throwing Friday] 32. [GB - RB James Starks still in protocol] 33. [PHI - WR Jordan Matthews expected to go] --------------------------------------------------------------- 1. [ATL - WR Julio Jones ruled out Week 15] Source: ESPN.com - Vaughn McClure Atlanta Falcons WR [Julio Jones] (toe) will not play Week 15 against the San Francisco 49ers. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Falcons are going to use Taylor Gabriel and Mohamed Sanu this week against the hapless 49ers. Fantasy owners can consider both WR3 plays, with Gabriel having the most upside of the pair. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 2. [GB - QB Aaron Rodgers' status in question] Source: Packers.com Green Bay Packers QB [Aaron Rodgers] (calf) did not participate in practice Friday, Dec. 16, and is listed as questionable for Week 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Rodgers didn't practice this week, but he is still likely to play against the Bears. The matchup screams no-brainer QB1, but this injury and the weather (expected to be windy and in the single digits) give us a bit of pause when considering Rodgers. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 3. [NO - WR Michael Thomas set to play] Source: NewOrleansSaints.com New Orleans Saints WR [Michael Thomas] (foot) was a full participant in practice Friday, Dec. 16, and isn't listed on the Week 15 injury report. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Good news for Thomas. After missing last week, the Saints will be glad to have him back. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 4. [NO - RB Mark Ingram not on injury report] Source: NewOrleansSaints.com New Orleans Saints RB [Mark Ingram] (toe, knee) was a limited participant in practice Friday, Dec. 16, and he isn't listed on the Week 15 injury report. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Good news for Ingram here. The risk of re-aggravation is always there but he looks ready to go. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 5. [DET - Doubtful tag for RB Theo Riddick] Source: DetroitLions.com Updating a previous report, Detroit Lions RB [Theo Riddick] (wrist) did not participate in practice Friday, Dec. 16, and is listed as doubtful for Week 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Riddick is highly unlikely to play. That makes Dwayne Washington the lead back for the Lions, but he's just a RB4 against the Giants. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 6. [SD - RB Melvin Gordon will not play] Source: Chargers.com San Diego Chargers RB [Melvin Gordon] (hip, knee) did not participate in practice Friday, Dec. 16, and has been ruled out for Week 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Fantasy owners have been prepared for this ever since Gordon went down last week. If you made it this far with Gordon, then you'll have to find other options. Kenneth Farrow takes over as the starter, but he could split time with Ronnie Hillman. We've got Farrow as a RB2 option this week. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 7. [OAK - Questionable tag for WR Michael Crabtree] Source: Raiders.com Oakland Raiders WR [Michael Crabtree] (finger) was limited during practice Friday, Dec. 16, and is listed as questionable for Week 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Crabtree is banged up with a similar injury to his QB Derek Carr. He's still worth considering as a WR2 with WR1 upside. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 8. [OAK - WR Amari Cooper listed as questionable] Source: Raiders.com Oakland Raiders WR [Amari Cooper] (shoulder) was limited during practice Friday, Dec. 16, and is listed as questionable for Week 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Cooper's injury may not be as big of a deal as QB Derek Carr continuing to play with a finger injury. Against the Chargers, Cooper is worth putting in as a WR2 but he does have WR1 upside. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 9. [MIN - RB Adrian Peterson says he will play] Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune - Andrew Krammer Minnesota Vikings RB [Adrian Peterson] (knee) said he will be able to play in the team's Week 15 game. Peterson said he plans to wear a knee brace when he is playing. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We have no idea what to expect from Peterson this week. Throw him in as a 'what the heck' flex if you'd like, but don't get too excited about his return. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 10. [CIN - WR A.J. Green limited Friday] Source: Bengals.com Updating a previous report, Cincinnati Bengals WR [A.J. Green] (hamstring) was limited during practice Friday, Dec. 16. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Green is not going to play this week. He has been listed as doubtful for Week 15. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 11. [NYJ - WR Brandon Marshall tabbed questionable] Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Rich Cimini New York Jets WR [Brandon Marshall] (knee, foot, back) is being listed as questionable to play in the team's Week 15 game Saturday, Dec. 17, against the Miami Dolphins. He was limited in practice for the third consecutive day Friday, Dec. 16. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] With Marshall limited, fantasy owners need to look at him as a WR3 in Week 15. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 12. [PHI - Duo to fill Darren Sproles' roles in Week 15] Source: NJ Advanced Media - Matt Lombardo Philadelphia Eagles RBs [Kenjon Barner] and Byron Marshall will share the passing-down/breather-back roles in Week 15 versus the Baltimore Ravens left behind by [Darren Sproles], who has been ruled out. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Neither back should have much fantasy relevance in Week 15. Ryan Mathews will get a bulk of the work, and we look at him as a RB3 against the Ravens. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 13. [PHI - RB Darren Sproles out for Week 15] Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane Philadelphia Eagles RB [Darren Sproles] (concussion) is out for Week 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Without Sproles, we will see Ryan Mathews get a bulk of the work for the Eagles. Kenjon Barner will fill in for Sproles as a returner. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 14. [GB - WR Ty Montgomery on track to play] Source: Packers.com Green Bay Packers RB/WR [Ty Montgomery] (shoulder) was limited during practice Friday, Dec. 16, but is not on the injury report for Week 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Montgomery should split time once again with Christine Michael in the Packers backfield. He's a RB3 or WR3 or flex option in Week 15. It's going to be super cold in Chicago on Sunday, so the Packers should lean on their rushing attack. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 15. [DET - QB Matthew Stafford ready to play] Source: DetroitLions.com Detroit Lions QB [Matthew Stafford] (finger) fully participated in practice Friday, Dec. 16, and is not on the injury report for Week 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Stafford has QB1 potential for fantasy owners this week against the Giants, but this finger injury does give us pause when considering him against other possibilities at quarterback in Week 15. Put him in the QB2 level just to be safe. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 16. [DET - RB Zach Zenner questionable] Source: DetroitLions.com Detroit Lions RB [Zach Zenner] (concussion) was limited during practice Friday, Dec. 16, and is listed as questionable for Week 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Dwayne Washington should be the lead back for the Lions this week. If Zenner does play we don't think he has much fantasy value against the Giants. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 17. [WAS - TE Jordan Reed limited Friday] Source: Redskins.com Washington Redskins TE [Jordan Reed] (shoulder) was limited during practice Friday, Dec. 16. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] If you need some Monday night punch in Week 15, then Reed makes for a TE1 option. He was on a snap count in Week 14, but his snaps should increase this week against the Panthers. Make sure to monitor Reed's practice status on Saturday. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 18. [SD - Tyrell Williams should play] Source: Chargers.com San Diego Chargers WR [Tyrell Williams] (shoulder) fully participated in practice Friday, Dec. 16, and is not on the injury report for Week 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The shoulder injury isn't slowing him down in practice anymore but we can't trust him as anything more than a WR3 or flex option. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 19. [OAK - QB Derek Carr ready to play] Source: Raiders.com Oakland Raiders QB [Derek Carr] (finger) fully participated in practice Friday, Dec. 16, and is not on the injury report for Week 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Carr has a good matchup against the Chargers in Week 15. However, this finger injury does make trusting him in your lineup a little tricky. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 20. [DEN - QB Trevor Siemian on track to play] Source: DenverBroncos.com Denver Broncos QB [Trevor Siemian] (foot) fully participated in practice Friday, Dec. 16, and is not on the injury report for Week 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Siemian isn't at full strength, but he's certainly healthy enough to play. He makes for a decent streaming option in a game against the Patriots on Sunday. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 21. [CLE - RB Duke Johnson on track to play] Source: ClevelandBrowns.com Cleveland Browns RB [Duke Johnson] (ankle) fully participated in practice Friday, Dec. 16, and is not on the injury report for Week 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Johnson could put up 'what the heck' flex numbers this week against the Bills. If you made it this far, Johnson has probably not been a part of your lineup. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 22. [CIN - WR Brandon LaFell ready to play] Source: Bengals.com Cincinnati Bengals WR [Brandon LaFell] (knee) fully participated in practice Friday, Dec. 16, and is not on the injury report for Week 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Without A.J. Green on the field against the Steelers, we've got LaFell as a deep 'what the heck' flex. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 23. [NE - TE Martellus Bennett questionable] Source: Patriots.com New England Patriots TE [Martellus Bennett] (ankle, shoulder) was limited during practice Friday, Dec. 16, and is listed as questionable for Week 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bennett is healthy enough to trust in Week 15. We've got him as a TE1 against a Broncos defense that is historically weak against the tight end. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 24. [BUF - QB Tyrod Taylor not on injury report] Source: BuffaloBills.com Buffalo Bills QB [Tyrod Taylor] (groin) fully participated in practice Friday, Dec. 16, and is not on the injury report for Week 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Against the Browns on Sunday, Taylor could put up big numbers. He's a QB1 this week, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him finish as a top 10 fantasy option in Week 15. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 25. [BUF - WR Sammy Watkins listed as questionable] Source: BuffaloBills.com Buffalo Bills WR [Sammy Watkins] (foot) was limited during practice Friday, Dec. 16, and is listed as questionable for Week 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Watkins has definite upside against the Browns but keep an eye on him Sunday to check his status. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 26. [IND - WR T.Y. Hilton records full practice] Source: NFLMedia.com Indianapolis Colts WR [T.Y. Hilton] (back) logged a full practice Friday, Dec. 16. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hilton is a WR1 against the Vikings this week. It sounds like Andrew Luck is going to play, so that helps Hilton's fantasy value. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 27. [NYJ - WR Quincy Enunwa draws questionable tag] Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Rich Cimini New York Jets WR [Quincy Enunwa] (ribs) is being considered questionable to play in the team's Week 15 game Saturday, Dec. 17, against the Miami Dolphins. He was limited in practice for the third consecutive day Friday, Dec. 16. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Enunwa is down the pecking order, and being banged up doesn't help his fantasy value. You've got better options out there. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 28. [NYJ - RB Matt Forte questionable for Week 15] Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Rich Cimini New York Jets RB [Matt Forte] (knee) was limited in practice Friday, Dec. 16, and has been listed as questionable on the team's Week 15 injury report. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Forte is a game-time decision, but even if he does play it should only be in a limited fashion. That puts a damper on Bilal Powell's RB2 potential in Week 15 against the Dolphins. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 29. [IND - WR Donte Moncrief will not play Week 15] Source: Colts.com - Kevin Bowen Indianapolis Colts WR [Donte Moncrief] (hamstring) has been ruled out for Week 15 versus the Minnesota Vikings. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That bumps the fantasy potential for T.Y. Hilton up. Andrew Luck is going to play against the Vikings, and he should be targeting Hilton early and often. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 30. [JAX - RB Chris Ivory gets in full practice] Source: Jaguars.com Jacksonville Jaguars RB [Chris Ivory] practiced in full Friday, Dec. 16 and is no longer on the team's Week 15 injury report. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ivory has missed two weeks with this hamstring injury. He'll be back this week, but T.J. Yeldon should remain as the lead back. Even though Ivory is on track to play, we're not trusting him in fantasy lineups. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 31. [CAR - QB Cam Newton throwing Friday] Source: Black & Blue Review - Bill Voth Carolina Panthers QB [Cam Newton] (shoulder) is throwing in practice Friday, Dec. 16. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This makes us feel a little bit better about Newton's fantasy prospects this week. We've got Newton as a QB1 against Washington on Monday night. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 32. [GB - RB James Starks still in protocol] Source: Packers.com Green Bay Packers RB [James Starks] (concussion) remains in the concussion protocol Friday, Dec. 16, but he's making progress, according to head coach Mike McCarthy. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Packers will use Ty Montgomery and Christine Michael as their top runners. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 33. [PHI - WR Jordan Matthews expected to go] Source: USA TODAY Sports - Turron Davenport Philadelphia Eagles WR [Jordan Matthews] (ankle) is expected to play in Week 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Against a tough Ravens defense, we've got Matthews as a WR3 or flex option for fantasy owners. You likely have a better choice at the position in Week 15. [Back to 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 to footballguys-public-fulltext as {EMAIL} To unsubscribe, click [here]. * Footballguys.com * PO Box 937 * Cabot, AR 72023-0937 * 8065187 [News Items Powered By:] ---