QUARTERBACKS:
Drew Lock (DEN): This week, the Broncos travel into Atlanta to match up against the Atlanta Falcons. As of this writing, the Broncos are four-point underdogs. The Falcons defense has been dreadful this year, so Lock should have no problem slinging it to Jeudy, Hamler, Fant, and even Albert O. this week.
Derek Carr (LVR): Derek Carr faces off against the Chargers in Week 9, and the Broncos in Week 10 over the next two weeks. The Chargers seemingly can’t catch a break, after losing another close contest last week versus the Broncos. Carr faces the same Chargers team, who traded away a former all-pro defensive back at the deadline. This is a must-win game for the Raiders if they want to stay alive in the Wild Card race. This game has a 53.5 total, and only an one point spread, which means it will be high scoring and competitive, two things we like for fantasy purposes.
RUNNING BACKS:
DeeJay Dallas (SEA): Multiple injuries to the Seahawks running back room leaves them left with DeeJay Dallas (and potentially Carlos Hyde if he returns) this week. Dallas, a fourth round draft pick, was buried to fourth on the depth chart at the start of the season, but with injuries to Hyde and Homer, along with Carson not being 100% healthy, he could be as high as the RB2 on Seattle this week again, potentially the starter if Carson is unable to go. Seattle is a pass-first team now, but the running backs should have value as bye week fill ins. Keep an eye on injured RB Rashaad Penny as well, who may or may not be added off the PUP list in the next few weeks. Don’t add Penny now, but just keep an eye on him for the future.
Tyler Ervin (GB): This is a tricky one. Packers RB Aaron Jones has been out due to an injury the last two weeks. Third String RB A.J. Dillon tested positive for COVID this week, and close contact, backup running back Jamaal Williams was also placed on the COVID list as well. Because of this, the Packers are in a tight situation. Jones might be forced to play at less than 100% this week on Thursday night, but if he can’t go, the Packers will have to turn to Tyler Ervin and Dexter Williams. If you’re in a pinch, at least these guys will have a role. Being a 49ers player also tested positive for COVID, there’s a chance this game gets rescheduled, but as of now that is not expected. Regardless, the Packers will be without Williams & Dillon in this one.
WIDE RECEIVERS:
Randall Cobb (HOU): Receivers are hard to come by these days, but Randall Cobb has been a top-40 wide-out to this point here in Week 8. He’s already had his bye and is the slot receiver for the Texans. Volume may not be consistent week-to-week, but in a situation with multiple receivers out, Cobb is a usable option over the next two weeks.
Darnell Mooney (CHI): Mooney has quietly been a solid player over the last two weeks. Mooney had 40 receiving yards two weeks ago, and 17.90 fantasy points last week after getting into the end zone. With Anthony Miller not consistently living up to expectations, Mooney has quietly become viable as a flex option recently. The Bears released Ted Ginn, another backup receiver, for what it’s worth.
TIGHT ENDS:
Darren Fells (HOU): Fells has typically been more of a red zone, touchdown threat than anything else in recent memory, but that’s where the fantasy points are most valuable. Fells has been a low end TE2 this year (Sits at TE21), and has three touchdowns along with multiple games with double digit fantasy points this season. He put up a goose egg last week, but it was a scheme situation that was not in his favor. He gets the Jags in Week 9, a prime matchup to put up top 12-15 tight end numbers. Earlier in the year against the Jaguars, Fells had 57 receiving yards and a touchdown. While the touchdown is hard to predict, as always, at least it’s worth noting he had over 50 receiving yards in that game.
Jordan Reed (SF): Look, we all know that Reed has been one of the more injury prone tight ends in the league over the last few years, and even this season. He’s on IR as I write this. However, with the state of the 49ers, Reed might need to come back as quickly as possible from his short-term IR stint. If this happens, we’ve seen him be a startable tight end in the past before, so I’d go back to the well there. If Reed can’t go, Ross Dwelley becomes an interesting option for those desperate for a TE.
INJURY REPORT
QUARTERBACKS:
Andy Dalton (COVID): Placed on the COVID List, still battling a concussion.
Jimmy Garoppolo (Ankle): Expected to be out 6+ weeks.
Gardner Minshew (Thumb): Expected to miss this week versus the Texans, maybe more.
RUNNING BACKS:
Tevin Coleman (Knee): Expected to miss with a knee injury.
A.J. Dillon (COVID): Placed on the COVID List.
Darrell Henderson (Thigh): Uncertain status.
Jonathan Taylor (Ankle): Practiced on Wednesday, but uncertain for Sunday.
Jamaal Williams (GB): Placed on the COVID List, ruled out this week.
WIDE RECEIVERS:
Kenny Golladay (Hip): Left early on Sunday, ruled out for Week 9 and could be out much longer.
T.Y. Hilton (Groin): Status is up in the air at this time.
Calvin Ridley (Foot): Unclear if he will play on Sunday with a foot sprain, monitor this injury.
TIGHT ENDS:
Austin Hooper (Abdomen): On bye this week, expected to play in Week 10.
George Kittle (Foot): Fractured his foot, expected to be out for eight weeks or more.
(Cover Photo: Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
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