Drew Brees Back Plus News And Notes

[Go PRO](=) | [View Online](=) [Unsubscribe]( | [Sign Up]() [Footballguys.com](=)Daily Email Update • Vol. 22, #246 • Dec. 19th, 2020 --------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks To Our Sponsor, [The 2020 Footballguys Playoff Challenge]( Howdy {NAME}, It's Fantasy Football Playoff Time and we're here for you. We've got some News and Notes so let's get to it. J --------------------------------------------------------------- Sponsored by [The 2020 Footballguys Playoff Challenge]( [The 2020 Footballguys Playoff Challenge]( features a guaranteed prize pool with a $100,000 grand prize and $370,000 in total prizes. All prizes are fully guaranteed and the 2020 Challenge is capped at 12,500 teams. It's a simple yet challenging contest that runs from the start of the NFL playoffs through the Super Bowl. No salary caps, no weekly roster submissions, and no free agency to deal with. Just build your 12-player team once and watch it perform throughout the NFL playoffs. Players on your team are only eliminated when their NFL team loses, so target the high scorers who advance deep into the NFL playoffs. - Entry fee: $35 per team - $100,000 Grand Prize - $370,000 in guaranteed prizes (increased from $300,000) paid down to 1,800th place (increased from 1,600) - Contest capped at a maximum of 12,500 entries (increased from 10,000) - Entry Deadline: Saturday, January 9th at 4:30 PM ET It’s THE way to play playoff Fantasy Football backed by the people you know at Footballguys and the FFPC. [Sign Up Now]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [NO - QB Drew Brees activated](#1) 2. [BUF - WR Stefon Diggs taken to locker room](#2) 3. [NYG - QB Colt McCoy likely to start](#3) 4. [NYG - QB Daniel Jones likely won't start](#4) 5. [NO - WR Michael Thomas officially hits IR](#5) 6. [DET - QB Matthew Stafford to give it a go?](#6) 7. [PIT - RB James Conner questionable for MNF](#7) 8. [BAL - WR Marquise Brown back from COVID list](#8) 9. [PIT - No designation for QB Ben Roethlisberger](#9) 10. [CIN - WR A.J. Green set for MNF](#10) 11. [SEA - RB Rashaad Penny activated](#11) 12. [CIN - QB Brandon Allen out Week 15](#12) 13. [WAS - QB Taylor Heinicke added to roster](#13) 14. [HOU - RB Duke Johnson to miss Week 15](#14) 15. [NE - RB Damien Harris to miss Week 15](#15) 16. [NYG - G-Men activate QB Clayton Thorson](#16) 17. [CIN - QB Ryan Finley to start Monday night](#17) 18. [LAC - RB Troymaine Pope reunites with Bolts](#18) 19. [HOU - WR Chad Hansen signed to active roster](#19) 20. [CLE - CLE expects three questionable players to play](#20) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [NO - QB Drew Brees activated]( Source: NewOrleansSaints.com New Orleans Saints QB [Drew Brees](=) (ribs) was activated from the Reserve/Injured list Saturday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Saints were waiting for Brees to be 100 percent ready and they must think he is. He's going to wear protection like he always has for those injured ribs. Brees is a low-end QB1 for Fantasy GMs out there in week two of the fantasy playoffs. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [BUF - WR Stefon Diggs taken to locker room]() Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero Buffalo Bills WR [Stefon Diggs](=) (foot) was taken to the locker room late in the game against the Denver Broncos Saturday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Diggs had 11 catches for 147 yards against the Broncos before leaving the game. We'll know more about his status early next week. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [NYG - QB Colt McCoy likely to start]() Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter New York Giants QB [Colt McCoy](=) is 'on track' to start Sunday, Dec. 20, in the team's Week 15 game against the Cleveland Browns, sources said Saturday. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This move was expected as the week of practice went on. Daniel Jones has been battling a hamstring injury this year and now he's got an ankle problem to go on top of that. Darius Slayton, Sterling Shepard, and Evan Engram should be downgraded with McCoy in at quarterback. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [NYG - QB Daniel Jones likely won't start]() Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter New York Giants QB [Daniel Jones](=) (ankle, hamstring) is not expected to start Week 15 as he deals with ankle and hamstring injuries., sources said Saturday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The team wanted to see him in Saturday's walkthrough. Without Jones as the starter, Colt McCoy gets another nod as the quarterback. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [NO - WR Michael Thomas officially hits IR]( Source: NewOrleansSaints.com Updating a previous story, New Orleans Saints WR [Michael Thomas](=) (ankle) was officially placed on the Reserve/Injured list Saturday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is the best move for the Saints as they look to make a Super Bowl run. Thomas has not looked like himself this reason due to a high-ankle sprain that has bothered him. The Saints are expecting to have Thomas close to 100 percent healthy for the playoffs. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [DET - QB Matthew Stafford to give it a go?](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Detroit Lions QB [Matthew Stafford](=) (ribs, thumb) is now preparing to play Sunday, Dec. 20, in Week 15 against the Tennessee Titans, sources said Saturday. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Everyone knows Stafford is tough and he's proving it yet again. He got in a limited practice on Friday and now looks to start against a Titans team that you can move the ball against. With Stafford banged up and continuing to miss WR Kenny Golladay, Fantasy GMs should have better options in Week 15. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [PIT - RB James Conner questionable for MNF](=) Source: Bengals.com Pittsburgh Steelers RB [James Conner](=) (quadriceps) was limited at practice and is questionable for the Week 15 game against the Cincinnati Bengals Monday, Dec. 21. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The game is on Monday night, so have other options at the ready if Conner is a late scratch. Benny Snell would get more time if Conner is limited in the game and he would start if Conner can't play. If Conner does play, Fantasy GMs know the risk involved with starting him as a RB2/flex play in the second week of the fantasy playoffs. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [BAL - WR Marquise Brown back from COVID list]( Source: ESPN.com - Field Yates Baltimore Ravens WR [Marquise Brown](=) was activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Brown is going to play in Week 15 against the Jaguars. Fantasy GMs look to him as a WR4 or deep flex option most weeks and this time is no different. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [PIT - No designation for QB Ben Roethlisberger](=) Source: Bengals.com Pittsburgh Steelers QB [Ben Roethlisberger](=) (non-injury) practiced in full Saturday, Dec. 19, and doesn't carry an injury designation into the Week 15 game against the Cincinnati Bengals Monday, Dec. 21. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Roethlisberger has struggled over the last two weeks. He has a chance to bounce back in a big way against a bad Bengals team on Monday night. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [CIN - WR A.J. Green set for MNF](=) Source: Bengals.com Cincinnati Bengals WR [A.J. Green](=) (non-injury) practiced in full Saturday, Dec. 19, and doesn't carry an injury designation into the game Monday, Dec. 21, against the Pittsburgh Steelers. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Green is ready to go, but he's going to be catching passes from backup quarterback Ryan Finley. That means Fantasy GMs won't be starting him in Week 15. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [SEA - RB Rashaad Penny activated](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Seattle Seahawks RB Rashaad Penny (knee) was activated from the Reserve/Injured list Saturday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Penny is expected to be active for Week 15. He hasn't played since tearing up his knee last December. Penny will push Carlos Hyde for playing time behind starter Chris Carson. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [CIN - QB Brandon Allen out Week 15]( Source: Around The NFL Cincinnati Bengals QB [Brandon Allen](=) (knee) on Saturday, Dec. 19, was ruled out of the team's Week 15 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a knee injury, head coach Zac Taylor announced. [Ryan Finley](=) will get the start Monday. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Allen was trying to get back out there but that's not the case. Instead, the team turns to Finley and that means they should be in for a long night against the Steelers on Monday. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [WAS - QB Taylor Heinicke added to roster]() Source: ProFootballTalk.com Washington Football Team QB Taylor Heinicke on Saturday, Dec. 19, was activated to the active roster from the practice squad. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Washington needs the quarterback help with Alex Smith (calf) out of action. Dwayne Haskins gets the start for the Football Team in Week 15. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [HOU - RB Duke Johnson to miss Week 15]() Source: Houston Chronicle - Aaron Wilson Houston Texans RB [Duke Johnson](=) (neck) on Saturday, Dec. 19, was ruled out for the Week 15 game Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts with a neck injury and did not travel with the team. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Johnson did not practice late in the week, so we're not shocked with this news. That means David Johnson will get a three-down role for the Texans in Week 15 against the Colts. We like David Johnson as a low-end RB2/flex option for Fantasy GMs. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [NE - RB Damien Harris to miss Week 15](=) Source: Patriots.com New England Patriots RB [Damien Harris](=) (ankle) on Saturday, Dec. 19, was ruled out of the team's Week 15 game Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Harris was limited on Thursday and Friday but the team has decided that he's not ready to play. Sony Michel will be the lead back for the Patriots in Week 15 and he's worth considering as a low-end RB2/flex play. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [NYG - G-Men activate QB Clayton Thorson](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport New York Giants QB Clayton Thorson was activated from the practice squad Saturday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Giants are without QB Daniel Jones in Week 15. Thorson will back up QB Colt McCoy against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Dec. 20. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [CIN - QB Ryan Finley to start Monday night]( Source: Around The NFL Cincinnati Bengals QB [Ryan Finley](=) will start Monday, Dec. 21, in the team's Week 15 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers with [Brandon Allen](=) (knee) ruled out with a knee injury Saturday, head coach Zac Taylor announced. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] There was some optimism that Allen would be able to play despite the injury. That's not the case and Finley will get the nod instead. Finley is a tall, strong-armed pocket passer but his accuracy and decision making are big issues. That means Fantasy GMs should downgrade any and all Bengals skill position players they might be considering. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [LAC - RB Troymaine Pope reunites with Bolts]( Source: NFLCommunications.com Free-agent RB [Troymaine Pope](=) was re-signed to the Los Angeles Chargers' practice squad Saturday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Pope had some success in spot duty with the Chargers earlier this year. He gives them experience and depth on the practice squad. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [HOU - WR Chad Hansen signed to active roster]( Source: NFLCommunications.com Updating a previous story, Houston Texans WR [Chad Hansen](=) was officially signed to the active roster from the practice squad Saturday, Dec. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hansen has had 12 catches over the last two games. Fantasy GMs can look at him as a 'what-the-heck' flex in Week 15 against the Colts. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [CLE - CLE expects three questionable players to play]() Source: Akron Beacon Journal - Nate Ulrich Cleveland Browns TE [Austin Hooper](=) (neck), CB Denzel Ward (calf) and WR KhaDarel Hodge (hamstring) are expected to play in Week 15's game versus the New York Giants, even though both players were officially listed as questionable on the injury report, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's good that Hooper will be out there for the Browns offense but Fantasy GMs have other and better options to go with in Week 15. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of the Footballguys Family. We'll see you tomorrow with the Update. I hope all the bounces go your way. Peace, J = = Thank you for subscribing to our Footballguys Daily Update Email! You're subscribed as {EMAIL} To unsubscribe, click [here](. * Footballguys.com * PO Box 937 * Cabot, AR 72023-0937 * News Items Powered By: =