Week 9 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 NFL DFS 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 NFL DFS Injuries for Week 9 Lineups
Devonta Freeman, RB, Atlanta Falcons (Shoulder injury)
According to Falcons HC Dan Quinn, Freeman’s injury is nothing more than a “stinger,” so he likely won’t miss any time if that’s the case. Yet the Falcons lead back is getting an MRI Monday and if tests reveal any sort of more significant damage, Tevin Coleman would see a huge increase in workload beginning next week in a tough road matchup at Carolina.
Martavis Bryant, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers (Inactive in Week 8)
Bryant’s absence in Sunday night’s game against the Lions marked a coming out party for young JuJu Smith-Schuster, who erupted for 193 yards and a TD on 7 catches in the win. He’ll be the top add in seasonal leagues this week and a relative value on DFS sites going forward with Bryant out of the coaches’ favor. Justin Hunter and Eli Rogers would see borderline relevancy if Bryant remains benched, but this is a situation to keep a close eye on in case Martavis regains his role.
Chris Hogan, WR, New England Patriots (Shoulder injury)
Hogan walked off the field in the second half holding his arm limply by his side, which is a scary picture for Patriots fans. There could be a wide range of outcomes from his upcoming MRI, from a shoulder sprain or stinger to a dislocation, but as long as Hogan is out the Patriots offense will suffer since they’re dangerously low on weapons and creativity with Julian Edelman out. Danny Amendola should see more looks and would see more playing time if he weren’t so injury-prone himself, while Brandin Cooks and Gronk will see even more attention in the red zone. The biggest beneficiary of Hogan’s absence might be backs James White and Rex Burkhead, who sparked the Pats offense is also a capable receiver.
Pierre Garcon, WR, San Francisco 49ers (Neck injury)
Garcon sat out most of the second half after taking a hard fall, but perhaps the Niners just wanted to play it safe facing a multi-score deficit against the best team in the NFC on the road. He would not have been a recommended DFS play next week against Patrick Peterson and the Cardinals, so if he’s out Marquise Goodwin could wind getting shut down by the elite corner. Aldrick Robinson and George Kittle would see increased targets, as well as receiving back Matt Breida, but this is clearly an offense to avoid under most circumstances.
Jordan Reed, TE, Washington Redskins (Hamstring injury)
Officially the most injury-prone player in the NFL, Reed departed yet another game in disappointing fashion after catching just one pass for 5 yards. He’s dealing with a hamstring issue in addition to the chest, shoulder, and toe injuries that have turned him into a part-time player for the Redskins and a complete dart throw in DFS contests. Vernon Davis is effectively the starting TE in Washington going forward and he’ll see more looks along with Jamison Crowder and other receivers not named Terrelle Pryor (Read: colossal bust). Chris Thompson also remains an integral weapon for the pass-happy Redskins.
Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens (Concussion protocol)
Flacco took a brutal hit from Dolphins LB Kiko Alonso on Thursday night and immediately asked to be checked out of the game. He’s in the league’s concussion protocol and shouldn’t rush to get back into game action after such a scary moment. Ryan Mallett is only a slight downgrade for Ravens pass catchers considering how Flacco was playing this year, although newly-minted lead back Alex Collins should see more carries as Baltimore looks to get back to a ground-and-pound style to compliment a surging defense.
Zach Miller, TE, Chicago Bears (Dislocated knee)
Miller’s injury is a season-ender and a very nasty one that left viewers queezy at the sight of it. He had promise as a young athlete gaining chemistry with rookie Mitch Trubisky, but now the Bears TE will be blocking specialist Dion Sims, further downgrading a weak offense. Kendall Wright should see more work over the middle of the field as effectively the last man standing in this depleted receiving corps.
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