Injuries are an unfortunate reality of every NFL season. For worried fantasy managers or opportunistic DFS players, they can make or break your entire lineup. What could have been a relaxing weekend can suddenly turn into hours of scrolling social media for any breaking news.
Luckily, DraftKings Network has you covered. Tune in to Meghan Townsley (@mtownsleyy) and Steve Buchanan (@SBuchanan24) on Injury Report Live, streaming every Friday at 3 p.m. ET on DKN X and YouTube!
The pair will react to the latest injury updates, analyze the juiciest matchups of the week, and discuss their favorite DFS and season-long fantasy plays before Sunday’s Week 3 NFL action kicks off.
If you missed Friday’s full show, no worries! Here’s what you need to know before setting your lineups:
Philadelphia Eagles @ New Orleans Saints – 1:00 PM EST
PHI WR A.J. Brown (out)
- After scoring just 21 points against the Falcons last week, it’s clear that Jalen Hurts ($7,300) missed his top wideout.
- DeVonta Smith ($6,900) should get plenty of targets in a potential shootout; DraftKings Sportsbook has set the total at 49.5 points.
- Both Steve and Meghan expect a big game from Saquon Barkley ($7,700) in AJB’s absence.
See clip here:
Houston Texans @ Minnesota Vikings – 1:00 PM EST
HOU RBs Joe Mixon (doubtful) & Dameon Pierce (out)
- Mixon (ankle) left last week’s game against the Bears. Consider him unlikely to play.
- With Pierce ruled out (hamstring) and likely no Mixon, Cam Akers ($4,700) is Houston’s de facto RB1.
- Steve is avoiding Akers due to a pass-heavy Houston offense and possible receiving work for Dare Ogunbowale ($4,500).
See clip here:
MIN WRs Justin Jefferson (healthy) & Jordan Addison (out)
- Despite some midweek concern, Jefferson ($8,600) will take the field against Houston.
- Steve: “I have no problem paying up for Jefferson despite him being the second most expensive guy on [Sunday’s] slate.”
- Addison (ankle) is set to miss his third straight game; Jalen Nailor ($4,400) will serve as Minnesota’s WR2.
See clip here:
Green Bay Packers @ Tennessee Titans – 1:00 PM EST
GB QB Jordan Love (questionable)
- Meghan thinks Love ($6,200) looks pretty mobile for someone who just injured their MCL; she thinks he could play this week.
- Even if Love is in, avoid Green Bay’s wide receivers. The Packers will likely go on the ground against a poor Titans run defense.
- Josh Jacobs ($6,700) is poised for a good game regardless of who plays quarterback.
See clip here:
TEN RB Tyjae Spears (questionable)
- Even if Spears ($4,900) does play, Meghan and Steve view Tony Pollard ($6,000) as Tennessee’s lead back.
- With or without Spears, Pollard is a much better play than someone like Seattle’s Zach Charbonnet.
Chicago Bears @ Indianapolis Colts – 1:00 PM EST
IND WR Josh Downs (questionable)
- Downs ($4,700) looks likely to play for the first time all season; his chemistry with Anthony Richardson ($6,700) will be something to monitor Sunday.
- Steve is worried that Richardson seems more inclined to run the ball than throw it short. The second-year wideout could also split snaps with rookie Adonai Mitchell ($4,000).
- Meghan thinks Downs could serve as a solid safety blanket out of the slot for Richardson this week.
See clip here:
Los Angeles Chargers @ Pittsburgh Steelers – 1:00 PM EST
QB Justin Herbert (questionable)
- Practice pictures show plenty of tape on Herbert’s ($5,700) ankle.
- A game against a ferocious Steelers defense isn’t ideal for a quarterback battling an injury. Managers should fade Herbert even if he does play.
- An already tough matchup for J.K. Dobbins ($6,400) becomes even more difficult without Herbert.
- Meghan is playing the under on Herbert passing yards if he’s active.
See clip here:
Miami Dolphins @ Seattle Seahawks – 1:00 PM EST
SEA RB Kenneth Walker III (doubtful)
- Walker III looks like he will miss his second straight game; Zach Charbonnet ($6,000) is set to take most of Seattle’s carries.
- Despite Seattle being 4.5-point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook, Charbonnet’s inefficiency makes him a stay away for Meghan and Steve.
See clip here:
San Francisco 49ers @ Los Angeles Rams – 4:25 PM EST
SF WR Deebo Samuel (out) & TE George Kittle (doubtful)
- Without two of their best weapons, “everyone” will be looking at Jordan Mason ($6,200). Steve suggests betting on the 49ers RB to score two touchdowns (+350 on DraftKings Sportsbook).
- Brock Purdy ($6,000) makes sense on paper, but the Niners could run the ball heavily in a potential blowout.
- Meghan’s favorite prop of the week is Jauan Jennings ($4,100). Purdy will need a big target in the red zone if Kittle can’t play, and the Rams’ pass defense is struggling.
See clip here:
LAR WR Cooper Kupp (out)
- With most of their major offensive weapons out, it’s anyone’s guess as to which LA receiver steps up.
- The only Ram Steve will consider backing on Sunday is Kyren Williams ($7,100).
See clip here:
Kansas City Chiefs @ Atlanta Falcons – 8:20 PM EST
KC RB Isiah Pacheco (IR)
- Now that Pacheco (fibula) is set to miss an extended period of time, the Chiefs’ running back room is a three-man race.
- Carson Steele ($5,400) is the early favorite, but veteran Samaje Perine ($5,500) could handle most of the passing work. Despite being held out this week, Kareem Hunt is someone to watch long-term.
- Steve thinks Steele is the “flashy new toy” that could backfire against a quality Atlanta run defense. However, Meghan likes Steele in season-long fantasy formats.
See clip here:
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is barmy) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.