Week 7 DFS NFL Injury Report and Updates
Daily fantasy football is one of the most popular DFS contests for good reason, as each Sunday is full of action and excitement. Every week, we’ll bring you our top GPP and Cash Game plays for DFS NFL on FanDuel and DraftKings. We’ll also provide an article every Monday to update you on the key injuries across the NFL and discuss how they might affect playing time and production for healthier players going forward.
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Key DFS NFL Injuries for Week 7 Lineups
Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers (Fractured collarbone)
It’s looking very bleak for the annual MVP candidate, as Rodgers will likely undergo surgery that will put his season in jeopardy. This is a massive hit for Jordy Nelson and Davante Adams, even though the latter caught a touchdown from consistently overwhelmed backup Brett Hundley. It’s possible the Packers will bring in a veteran to try and steer the ship, but for now, downgrade all Green Bay skill players ahead of what would’ve otherwise been a great spot against New Orleans next week. UPDATE: Injury will require surgery and Rodgers return this season is in doubt
Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Denver Broncos (Left game with ankle injury)
Sanders suffered a very awkward hit below the knee, which looks like it could cause him to miss some time. Sadly, for a Broncos offense that was somehow unable to move the ball at home against the Giants on Sunday night, top WR Demaryius Thomas also suffered a lower leg injury. Thomas returned to the game but was noticeably hobbled. He will feast on targets as long as Sanders remains out, while TE A.J. Derby and WR Bennie Fowler could see more work over the middle of the field.
Leonard Fournette, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars (Left game with ankle injury)
What originally appeared to be a hyperextended knee, or even worse, is apparently just a twisted ankle for Fournette. He’ll undergo tests over the next few days to determine the severity of this non-contact injury he sustained against the Rams. Despite leaving the field in noticeable pain, he reportedly could’ve returned to the game if it was closer. If Fournette isn’t ready for Week 7, Chris Ivory would carry the mail in a juicy matchup at the Colts.
Jameis Winston, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Left game with shoulder injury)
Tampa got off to a dreadful start in Arizona, which might’ve necessitated their caution with Winston. After leaving, he warmed up at one point during the second half and, therefore, seems likely to return next Sunday. This is probably a unit to shy away from in a tough spot at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo, and Winston’s shaky recent play makes Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson somewhat risky DFS options. Cameron Brate, however, has been fantastic at TE and will be worth using since he’s demonstrated chemistry with both Winston and backup Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Stefon Diggs, WR, Minnesota Vikings (Inactive in Week 6 – groin injury)
The Vikings are finding ways to move the ball with Case Keenum filling in for the continuously hobbled Sam Bradford (knee). The train kept rolling with Stefon Diggs out in Week 6. Granted, it came against a struggling Packers defense, which took a mental hit when Rodgers was carted off early in a road loss. Then, Jerick McKinnon exploded as a runner and receiver, and Adam Thielen saw a huge workload in Diggs’ absence. Thielen and Kyle Rudolph will be solid Cash options against the Ravens in Week 7, and McKinnon should continue to flash upside as a dangerous dual threat.
Terrance West, RB, Jeremy Maclin, WR, Baltimore Ravens (Inactive in Week 6 – calf/shoulder injuries)
While the Ravens’ offense proved tremendously ineffective once again in an overtime loss to the Bears, West’s continued absence provides some clarity for this backfield. He’s expected to miss a couple more weeks, which makes Alex Collins a low-budget option to consider in non-PPR formats. Javorius “Buck” Allen is the preferred play in PPR formats and will be worth a look in tournaments in Weeks 8 and 9 against the Dolphins and Titans. Baltimore is at Minnesota in Week 7, so even though Maclin’s absence ensures more targets for Mike Wallace, there are no remotely safe plays in this struggling offense.
Golden Tate, WR, Detroit Lions (Left game with shoulder injury)
This is worth noting in conjunction with Matthew Stafford’s somewhat shaky and turnover-prone play in the Superdome on Sunday, which led to three defensive touchdowns for New Orleans. Tate is the second-most important player on Detroit’s offense, and if he’s inactive or questionable following the Lions’ bye week in Week 8 (along with starting tackle Greg Robinson), Pittsburgh’s impressive defense will become an appealing DFS play. UPDATE: Reports indicate Tate will miss ‘a few weeks’
Tyreek Hill, WR, Kansas City Chiefs (Concussion protocol)
An explosive talent capable of breaking a big play at any time, Hill was hit hard during one of his electric punt returns and placed in the league’s concussion protocol. That’s concerning for the Chiefs’ Thursday night tilt with the Raiders, but early reports are positive. Should Hill sit, De’Anthony Thomas and Albert Wilson would form an uninspiring duo, while Travis Kelce and Kareem Hunt would see more looks in the passing game in a prime matchup.
Bashaud Breeland, CB, Washington Redskins (Left game with knee injury)
Breeland is arguably the second-best cornerback on his team. It’s worth noting his potential absence because top DB Josh Norman is already expected to miss three more weeks with a rib injury. Washington’s previously sturdy pass defense looked vulnerable in a close win over the 49ers on Sunday. In Week 7, this unit will face an elite Philadelphia passing attack, boosting the DFS stock of Alshon Jeffery, Zach Ertz, and Nelson Agholor.
Luke Kuechly, MLB, Carolina Panthers (Concussion protocol)
Because he is without a doubt one of the most impactful players in the NFL, Luke Kuechly’s third career concussion is definitely worth noting. The Panthers’ defense is extremely stingy with him on the field but looked disorganized in a loss to the Eagles on Sunday. If Kuechly isn’t cleared ahead of a Week 7 trip to Chicago, Jordan Howard will remain a solid option after gashing the Ravens in Week 6. Kendall Wright and Zach Miller will be worth a look as dart throws.
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