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The usual Friday post here uses much of its space updating fantasy owners (and maybe three or four non-fantasy fans) on players whose status for the upcoming weekend is unclear. Leading off this week are a couple of first-round fantasy running backs.
Packers RB Eddie Lacy missed Thursday's practice due to the sprained ankle that caused his early departure from Sunday night's game. The problem with Lacy is that if he tracks toward gametime decision status, his Monday night game creates lineup havoc for his fantasy owners. Hopefully, you've handcuffed Lacy with James Starks or can do so now. If not, and if Lacy's status is still unclear on Sunday morning, you'll need to bench him.
Eagles RB DeMarco Murray has rushed for just 11 yards on 21 carries, and is staring at a Sunday matchup against the Jets' nasty front. However, Murray hasn't practiced since suffering a hamstring "tweak" on Wednesday, and might not be able to play. If Murray can't go, Ryan Mathews moves into flex territory, and Darren Sproles could be more useful than usual in PPR leagues.
In other news ...
Saints coach Sean Payton sounds optimistic about Drew Brees' chances of playing at Carolina, despite a rotator cuff injury. Even if Brees is able to go, the tough matchup and obviously ailing shoulder leave him out of the fantasy QB1 discussion. (UPDATE, 4:20 P.M. ET: Brees is OUT.)
The Chicago Tribune says it's "increasingly unlikely" that Bears WR Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) will play on Sunday. QB Jimmy Clausen goes to Seattle without Jeffery to face the desperate 0-2 Seahawks, who will welcome back safety Kam Chancellor. Look for many checkdowns to Matt Forte and Martellus Bennett in this massacre.
Russell Wilson will "continue to try to look for" TE Jimmy Graham, who has seven receptions for 62 yards and a score in two games. Look harder, Russell.
Rams rookie RB Todd Gurley has been practicing without restriction and getting more reps this week. Look for Gurley to make his NFL debut on Sunday, and don't hesitate to start him if he's active, even if he figures to be somewhat limited. I've got him at RB28.
Ben Roethlisberger says the Steelers will keep going for two-point conversions. That probably helps the fantasy value of returning RB Le'Veon Bell, and makes PK Josh Scobee close to irrelevant.
D.J. Foster and I previewed the rest of the Week 3 schedule in today's Fantasy 15 podcast. Listen below!
Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins (concussion) hasn't practiced this week, but thinks he'll be able to play on Sunday. It's not up to him, though. Stay tuned.
Dolphins RB Lamar Miller (ankle) and TE Jordan Cameron (groin) returned to practice Thursday on a limited basis. Both look good for Sunday.
The fantasy star of Thursday's Redskins-Giants game? Rueben Randle, of course. Even though Randle went 7-116 with a TD, we've been sucked into his vortex of fantasy disappointment before. Be very skeptical moving forward.
On the Redskins' side, Matt Jones ran 11 times for 38 yards but lost a fumble on his way into the end zone, while Alfred Morris carried six times for 19 yards. According to Pro Football Focus, Jones was on the field for 26 snaps to Morris' 12. Jones didn't catch any passes, but because the 'Skins trailed for much of the game, game flow may have contributed to this disparity, as he's always more likely to play in passing situations. Morris owners shouldn't cut bait just yet.
The Jets are having some injury issues. RB Chris Ivory (quad) and WR Eric Decker (knee) didn't practice Thursday, while CB Darrelle Revis (groin) was limited. Decker sounds like a no-go, with Ivory heading toward a gametime decision and Revis looking OK. RB Bilal Powell is owned in just five percent of FOXSports.com leagues, and could be very busy if Ivory is out. Also, how many times do you think Ryan Fitzpatrick can throw to Brandon Marshall in one game?
Arian Foster is expected to miss another game for the Texans. He's getting close, though.
Colts CB Vontae Davis has been cleared to play after suffering a concussion on Monday, but TE Dwayne Allen (ankle) hasn't practiced this week.
DFS notes (salaries from DraftKings): I don't know how much I trust versatile Patriots RB Dion Lewis, but at $4,200 against a Jags defense that has played well against opposing runners, he's interesting as the preferred option to LeGarrette Blount ... The Lions have been shredded on intermediate routes (see Keenan Allen in Week 1), which is where Peyton Manning ($7,400) and Emmanuel Sanders ($7,600) have been working ... If you're not Gronking at tight end, Kyle Rudolph and Eric Ebron look nice at $3,300 apiece. Rudolph has been targeted 14 times, with 10 catches for 83 yards and a TD ... Looking for a longshot WR? Ted Ginn Jr. has been targeted 16 times in two games. He caught a TD in Week 2, and dropped one in Week 1. Cam Newton is clearly looking in his direction, and the Saints aren't exactly the '85 Bears on defense ... Speaking of Panthers, Jonathan Stewart ($4,900) as the 21st-ranked RB seems logical. He hasn't produced much so far, but it's hard to argue with his matchup or 40 touches in two games ... On the DST front, the Seahawks ($3,400) are obviously a strong option. The Panthers ($3,100) will be very appealing if Brees doesn't play. For a contrarian play, how about the Falcons ($2,900) at Dallas? They're not the best unit around, but I'm confident in Brandon Weeden's INT prowess.
Need help over the weekend? Find us on Twitter (@jhalpin37, @FOXSportsFowler, @FOXSportsMeyer,&@FOXSportsFoster), check out our Week 3 ankings and come to our chat on Sunday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. ET (I'll have the 11 o'clock hour). We'll have your questions covered, but can't stress enough that waiting until 15 minutes before kickoff is a bad plan.
See you back here Tuesday morning. Good luck in Week 3!
