From game-time decisions to injuries so significant they affect the value of every single position, let’s break down the Fantasy and DFS impact of injuries for every Week 4 matchup. Know when to pivot and how your fantasy roster will be affected.
Below, you’ll find a game-by-game look at the injuries you need to know that will have the biggest impact for Fantasy leagues, as well as the implications for DFS players. This week’s list of notable names includes quarterbacks Justin Herbert and Jameis Winston; running backs Dalvin Cook, David Montgomery, J.K. Dobbins, Alvin Kamara, and D’Andre Swift; receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown, Chris Godwin, Gabe Davis, Julio Jones, Keenan Allen and Michael Thomas; tight ends Dalton Schultz and Dawson Knox; and many others, including key offensive line and defensive injuries to know.
Notable injuries
Vikings
RB Dalvin Cook (shoulder) – ClearedCB Andrew Booth Jr. (quadriceps) – DoubtfulOLB Za’Darius Smith (knee) – Questionable
Saints
QB Jameis Winston (back) – DoubtfulRB Alvin Kamara (ribs) – QuestionableWR Michael Thomas (foot) – OutWR Jarvis Landy (ankle) – QuestionableWR Tre’Quan Smith (concussion) – Cleared
TE Taysom Hill (ribs) – ClearedSS Marcus Maye (ribs) – Out
Thomas is officially out and Winston is currently unlikely to play. Fantasy managers need to prepare for the overall impact on healthy players. Andy Dalton is taking first-team reps and will likely be the starter. Dalton’s upside is limited but he’s a stable veteran that could be beneficial for Alvin Kamara. Kamara only has five receptions on the season, and increased check downs from Dalton would be a welcome sight for Kamara if he’s able to suit up. The loss of Winston and Thomas also affects Chris Olave, who is currently tied with Tyreek Hill for most targets over 20 yards and is coming off a game with nine receptions on 13 targets for 147 yards. While Olave’s receiving depth will certainly take a hit this week, he will benefit from the absence of Thomas and operate as the team’s WR1.
Dalvin Cook returned to practice in full. He is all set to play and fantasy managers should start him in all formats.
DFS impact
The absence of Thomas and Winston has a significant impact for those playing a showdown for this early Sunday morning game. Olave is relatively low-priced as the expected WR1. Lack of deep ball looks could be a concern for Olave but the rookie has an incredibly diverse route tree and should fill in for Thomas’ role. Andy Dalton and Taysom Hill are both priced at $6K on DraftKings and could be considered for value priced options.
Notable injuries
Browns
OT Jack Conklin (knee) – ClearedDE Myles Garrett (shoulder) – Questionable
Falcons
RB Cordarrelle Patterson (knee) – Questionable
If Garrett is unable to play, the Browns defense would take a significant hit overall. Cordarrelle Patterson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts would benefit in his absence. The key takeaway would be increased confidence in Marcus Mariota as a steaming option. With popular streamers like Jameis Winston unlikely to play and Jared Goff dealing a depleted receiving corps, Mariota could provide a stable floor and potential upside against a Cleveland defense gave up a 300-yard, four-TD game to Joe Flacco in Week 2. Patterson was added to the injury report and is questionable. Fantasy managers would need to monitor and pivot to options on other teams if Patterson if unable to play. Backup Tyler Allgeier would be a risky play outside of very deep leagues.
DFS Impact
Absence of Garrett could make Mariota and London a cost-effective stack. Mariota is $5,600 on DraftKings and London is priced at $6,100 despite averaging more points per game than many of his higher-priced counterparts.
Notable injuries
Bills
WR Gabe Davis (ankle) – QuestionableTE Dawson Knox (foot) – QuestionableFS Jordan Poyer (foot) – QuestionableCB Dane Jackson (knee) – Questionable
DT Ed Oliver (ankle) – Questionable
Ravens
RB J.K. Dobbins (chest) – Cleared
Knox is questionable after logging limited practices this week and his availability should be monitored through the weekend. If active, Knox is a low-end TE1. Davis is a bit more concerning because he reaggravated his ankle injury during practice this week. If Davis is unable to play, Isaiah McKenzie becomes a viable option coming off a strong Week 3 performance.
Dobbins has been cleared to play. However, Fantasy managers should be wary of starting Dobbins. In his season debut in Week 3, Dobbins had only seven carries for 23 yards and played 43% of snaps. Fantasy managers should expect a slow ramp up in volume coming off a significant injury. With a difficult matchup defensively, Dobbins is a low-end flex option at best.
DFS Impact
Despite reasonable pricing, Dobbins should be avoided in DFS. Ravens running backs are not viable options this week, and DFS play should center around Lamar Jackson and Mark Andrews. The potential absence of Davis is intriguing in DFS. In Week 2, with Davis out, Diggs saw a major increase in usage with 12 receptions on 15 targets, 148 yards and three touchdowns. Diggs is the most expensive receiver on the slate but a major play against a struggling Baltimore secondary. McKenzie at $5,100 could be a solid value play.
Notable injuries
Commanders
None
Cowboys
QB Dak Prescott (thumb) – OutWR Michael Gallup (knee) – ClearedTE Dalton Schultz (knee) – QuestionableDE DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) – ClearedSS Jayron Kearse (knee) – Questionable
Gallup has been cleared to play, and while this is fantastic news, Fantasy managers should be weary playing Gallup in his first game off a torn ACL. Gallup can be a low-end flex option but managers should opt to look elsewhere unless we get news regarding a defined snap count for Gallup. Schultz is still questionable and Fantasy managers should monitor his status. If healthy and active, Schultz can be started with such a shallow pull of high-upside options at tight end.
DFS Impact
While the matchup against Washington is appealing, Schultz and Gallup are risky DFS options without confirmation around potential snap limitations on game day.
Notable injuries
Seahawks
None
Lions
RB D’Andre Swift (shoulder) – OutWR Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) – OutWR D.J. Chark (ankle) – QuestionableWR Josh Reynolds (ankle) – QuestionableTE T.J. Hockenson (hip) – ClearedC Frank Ragnow (groin) – Cleared
St. Brown is officially out for Week 4, and this is a major blow to Detroit and Jared Goff. Goff’s floor with St. Brown has been very stable through the back half of 2021 and throughout 2022. Goff was my top streaming option of the week, but I’m concerned that lack of weapons will limit his upside. Both Chark and Reynolds have missed practice this week. As expected, Swift will be out in Week 4. Jamaal Williams will step in as the lead back and look to capitalize on what has already been a strong season for him. With the injuries to the receiving corps, Hockenson will stand to benefit the most with a potential increase in targets. Hockenson’s start to the season has been disappointing averaging just over three receptions per game.
DFS Impact
Williams is likely to see one of the highest ownership percentages of the entire slate as a lead back with goal line guarantees, priced at only $6,100 on DraftKings. Fantasy managers looking for a contrarian play could use Hockenson, whose lack of production has him priced at only $4,100 with a likely low ownership percentage. This could be an appealing play with injuries to the receiving corps.
Notable injuries
Chargers
QB Justin Herbert (ribs) – ClearedWR Keenan Allen (hamstring) – OutWR Jaylen Guyton (knee-ACL) – OutOT Rashawn Slater (biceps) – OutDE Joey Bosa (groin) – OutDB J.C. Jackson (ankle) – ClearedC Corey Linsley (knee) – Questionable
Texans
RB Dameon Pierce (hip) – ClearedTE Brevin Jordan (ankle) – OutTE Pharaoh Brown (shoulder) – Questionable
Keenan Allen has officially been ruled out, a major blow to a Chargers team with many injury concerns. Allen’s absence re-opens the door for Josh Palmer who has been a reliable option while stepping in for Allen. In Week 2 Palmer had four receptions on eight targets for 30 yards and a touchdown. In Week 2, Palmer had six receptions on nine targets for 99 yards.
Pierce was limited early in the week but is good to go after back-to-back full practices. He has taken control of the Texans backfield and is an RB2 against an injury-ridden Chargers defense.
DFS Impact
At only $5K on DraftKings, Palmer is a good value play. Pierce has solidified his role as the lead back in the Texans offense and is a solid option at only $5,600 on DraftKings.
Notable injuries
Titans
WR Kyle Philips (shoulder) – Questionable
WR Treylon Burks (illness) – ClearedTE Austin Hooper (neck) – Cleared
Colts
RB Jonathan Taylor (toe) – ClearedC Ryan Kelly (knee) – ClearedDT DeForest Buckner (elbow) – Questionable
LB Shaquille Leonard (back) – Questionable
CB Stephon Gilmore (hamstring) – Cleared
Robert Woods was the primary beneficiary of Philips’ absence in Week 3. If Philips is out again, Woods could be a low-end flex option.
Taylor has been cleared and will play in Week 4. He’s a bounce-back candidate against a Tennessee defense that has struggled against the run. Shaq Leonard is questionable but could make his season debut – which would be a huge upgrade for a struggling Colts defense.
DFS Impact
While the absence of Philips may increase targets for Woods and Burks, there is limited upside in the run-first Titans offense making neither receiver an ideal option in DFS..
Notable injuries
Bears
RB David Montgomery (ankle) – OutWR Velus Jones Jr. (hamstring) – QuestionableTE Ryan Griffin (Achilles) – DoubtfulILB Roquan Smith (quadriceps) – Cleared
Giants
WR Sterling Shepard (knee-ACL) – OutWR Kadarius Toney (hamstring) – OutWR Wan’Dale Robinson (knee) – Out
With Montgomery out, Khalil Herbert is a must-start in all formats. When Montgomery went down early in Week 3, Herbert saw 20 carries for 157 yards and two touchdowns. This is not the first time we’ve seen success from Herbert in relief of Montgomery. In 2021 during a four-game stretch, Herbert averaged nearly 20 carries and 90 yards per game.
Toney and Robinson have been ruled out for Sunday’s game. With Sterling Shepard on IR, the Giants will have to rely heavily on Saquon Barkley. In deeper leagues, Fantasy managers can consider streaming Richie James. James has 14 receptions on 17 targets for 146 yards in total this season. His ceiling appears limited but he offers a decent floor.
DFS Impact
Herbert is an excellent option at only $5,700 on DraftKings. Barkley will likely be a popular play and is the fourth most expensive back on the slate. But despite high ownership, he is a play in both cash and GPP lineups. James is a very cheap value play at only $4K on DraftKings. Daniel Bellinger could also be an interesting play in GPP lineups. While the low-priced tight and hasn’t seen incredibly high usage, the Giants could lean on him to help with such an incredibly depleted receiving corps.
Notable injuries
Jaguars
WR Zay Jones (ankle) – Questionable
Eagles
RB Miles Sanders (hip) – ClearedRB Boston Scott (ribs) – OutWR DeVonta Smith (back) – ClearedCB Darius Slay (back) – Cleared
Zay Jones, who is questionable for Week 4 coming off a breakout performance last week, has separated himself as the clear WR2 in the Jags offense. If Zay Jones is inactive, Marvin Jones becomes a low-end flex streaming option in deep leagues.
Sanders has been cleared and is a low-end RB2 for Week 4. Smith will play and is a must-start in all formats and after a huge eight-reception, 169-yard game that included one touchdown.
DFS Impact
If active, Zay Jones is a high-upside value play even in a tough matchup against the Eagles. Smith is an interesting option in DFS with only $5,800 salary and moderate projected ownership. He can be a contrarian option against the higher-priced, high-owned A.J. Brown.
Notable injuries
Jets
QB Zach Wilson (knee) – ClearedFS Jordan Whitehead (calf) – Cleared
Steelers
FS Minkah Fitzpatrick (concussion) – Cleared
Wilson will start in Week 4, leaving Fantasy managers concerned about the impact his return has on pass volume and target share. Heading into Week 4, Joe Flacco led the NFL in pass attempts and the primary beneficiaries have been rookie Garrett Wilson, Tyler Conklin and both running backs, Michael Carter and Breece Hall. Fantasy managers should prepare for a reduction in targets for all pass catchers but the aforementioned players are still start-worthy options in Week 4 against a Pittsburgh defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
DFS impact
While Jets pass catchers are risky plays with the unknown of Wilson’s return, they are all reasonably-priced and still options against a struggling Pittsburgh defense, with Hall and Wilson serving as the highest-priced options at $5,400 on DraftKings.
Notable injuries
Cardinals
WR Rondale Moore (hamstring) – QuestionableWR Marquise Brown (foot) – QuestionableWR Greg Dortch (back) – ClearedWR A.J. Green (knee) – OutRB James Conner (knee) – ClearedC Rodney Hudson (knee) – QuestionableK Matt Prater (hip) – QuestionableDE J.J. Watt (calf) – Questionable
Panthers
RB Christian McCaffrey (thigh) – QuestionableWR Laviska Shenault (hamstring) – QuestionableCB Jaycee Horn (calf) – Cleared
With Brown and Moore questionable, Fantasy managers will need to monitor reports leading up to the game. Brown is a must start if he plays. Moore’s status is significant for Fantasy managers who are looking to stream Greg Dortch. Dortch has been a reliable streaming option through the first three games of the season and a top-20 receiver in PPR. If Moore is active, Dortch would be a risky play.
Fantasy managers will need to continue to monitor McCaffrey’s status through the weekend. If McCaffrey is out, Chuba Hubbard and D’Onta Foreman will complete for touches. Both backs have seen action this season and while Hubbard is officially second on the depth chart, this backfield would likely be split, making neither option appealing to Fantasy managers.
DFS Impact
With A.J. Green out, Dortch is still a solid value play even with a rise in price if Moore is unable to play. If I’m going to take a swing on one of these Panthers running backs, it will be Foreman, who is the minimum price on DraftKings and showed 100+ yard game upside while filling in for Derrick Henry last year.
Notable injuries
Broncos
RB Melvin Gordon (neck) – Cleared
Raiders
WR Hunter Renfrow (concussion) – OutTE Foster Moreau (knee) – OutMLB Denzel Perryman (ankle) – Questionable
Melvin Gordon has been cleared to play. With Renfrow officially out for the second week in a row, Mack Hollins is a low-end flex option in deep leagues.
DFS Impact
Despite the difficult matchup against a tough Denver defense, Hollins is a solid value play at only $4,200 on DraftKings. With Gordon cleared to play, Williams is risky option due to oddly high price at $6,600 in a split backfield. While Darren Waller isn’t the most cost-effective tight end on the slate, the absence of Moreau is something to note. Moreau saw four targets on a 50% snap count in Week 3. His absence could increase target share for Waller against a Denver defense who has struggled against tight ends.
Notable injuries
Patriots
QB Mac Jones (ankle) – OutWR Jakobi Meyers (knee) – QuestionableDB Adrian Phillips (ribs) – Questionable
Packers
WR Allen Lazard (ankle) – ClearedWR Christian Watson (hamstring) – Cleared
OT David Bakhtiari (knee) – ClearedOG Elgton Jenkins (knee) – ClearedCB Jaire Alexander (groin) – Questionable
Jones is officially out and Brian Hoyer will start. While Hoyer is a veteran, this is a blow to a wide receiving corps that was already unreliable for Fantasy managers. We are still monitoring the status of Jakobi Meyers. Before his injury, Meyers had a nearly 30% target share. If he returns without limitations, he can be a low-end flex option.
Lazard will play for the second week in a row and Watson should return to action. Despite Watson’s return, Doubs remains a flex option after an impressive Week 4.
DFS Impact
Patriots receivers are risky plays with the uncertainty around Hoyer, even though all Pats receivers are sub-$5K on DraftKings. The injury to Jones increased the value of Rhamondre Stevenson, who appears to be gaining control of the Patriots backfield and could have upside at only $5,200. Despite a difficult matchup with a tough New England secondary, Doubs is still a solid value play at only $4,500.
Notable injuries
Chiefs
WR Mecole Hardman (heel) – ClearedWR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (abdomen) – QuestionableK Harrison Butker (ankle) – Questionable
Buccaneers
WR Chris Godwin (hamstring) – Questionable
WR Julio Jones (knee) – QuestionableWR Breshad Perriman (knee) – DoubtfulWR Russell Gage (hamstring) – Questionable
While both Hardman and Valdes-Scantling are dealing with injuries, neither player is a reliable option.
Gage, Godwin and Jones remain questionable, with Godwin and Jones likely being game-time decisions. Fantasy managers will need to monitor status through the weekend. If Godwin and Jones are out, Gage is a flex option even with the return of Mike Evans.
DFS Impact
DFS value plays will likely be determined by the status of Godwin and Jones. But Mike Evans, returning from suspension, is a showdown must-play as Tom Brady welcomes back his WR1.
Notable injuries
Rams
TBD
49ers
TBD
Analysis to come.
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