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 NFL action kicks off.
If you missed Friday’s full show, no worries! Here’s what you need to know before setting your lineups:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New Orleans Saints – 1:00 PM EST
NO QB Derek Carr (OUT) & RB Alvin Kamara (active)
The Saints’ hot start to the season feels like a distant memory. After a dominant pair of wins to open the season, New Orleans has lost three straight. Even more concerning is the health of Derek Carr, who is expected to miss multiple weeks after suffering an injury against the Chiefs. With the status of star running back Alvin Kamara ($7,700) also up in the air, it’s anyone’s guess as to how the team will look this Sunday against Tampa Bay.
- A rookie quarterback is a scary thought for Steve and Meghan. A deep threat like Rashid Shaheed ($5,600) now becomes difficult to start, and even Chris Olave ($6,600) could struggle against a good Bucs secondary.
- Steve’s biggest concern is a poor Saints offensive line trying to protect Rattler against a ferocious Tampa Bay defense that loves to blitz.
- On Friday, Kamara was taken off the injury report and should be good to go this week. He’s the only Saint that fantasy managers should feel comfortable starting.
See their full analysis here:
Washington Commanders @ Baltimore Ravens – 1:00 PM EST
WAS RB Brian Robinson Jr. (game time decision)
Despite playing last week against the Browns, Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. is a game time decision this week against the Ravens. In a matchup with an over/under of 51.5 points, even a slightly banged-up BRJ would have plenty of value for fantasy managers. Should the second-year RB sit out, veteran Austin Ekeler ($5,600) and journeyman Jeremy McNichols ($4,500) are expected to handle most of the carries.
- Steve doesn’t think the Commanders trust Ekeler in the end zone; he doesn’t have a goal line touch this year. McNichols has scored three touchdowns in his past two games.
- Still, that doesn’t necessarily mean start McNichols. Most of his work in recent weeks has come in garbage time with Washington up big.
- There’s also the threat of Jayden Daniels ($7,300) running the ball himself. In a game that could see the Commanders trailing (seven-point underdogs), there might not be many carries to go around.
See their full analysis here:
Indianapolis Colts @ Tennessee Titans – 1:00 PM EST
IND QB Anthony Richardson (probable), WR Michael Pittman Jr. (questionable) and RB Jonathan Taylor (OUT)
Few teams in the NFL have been hit harder by the injury bug than the Colts. With their starting quarterback, running back, and wide receiver all in danger of missing Week 6’s game vs. the Titans, there’s a million different ways this offense could perform. As of now, Taylor has already been ruled out, Richardson ($6,000) is expected to play, and Pittman Jr. ($6,300) will “try to play through” his injury. In short, this is a tricky situation that will require plenty of monitoring over the weekend.
- Steve and Meghan both wish it was Joe Flacco ($6,000) starting once again on Sunday. Second-year QB Richardson hasn’t had consistent chemistry with any of his wide receivers this season.
- For all their offensive shortcomings, the Tennessee defense is terrific against the run. That could spell trouble for Trey Sermon ($6,000) and Tyler Goodson ($5,400), especially with Richardson under center.
- Sermon performed well last week (18.3 DK fantasy points), but a rise in ownership means a loss of value this week. That, coupled with a difficult matchup, makes him a risky play.
See their full analysis here:
Houston Texans @ New England Patriots – 1:00 PM EST
HOU WR Nico Collins (OUT)
A monster campaign for Nico Collins was put on hold this week. The NFL’s leading receiver (567 yards) was placed on injured reserve, opening up a massive hole on an elite Texans offense. With his favorite target gone, it’s anyone’s guess as to where quarterback C.J. Stroud ($7,000) will throw the ball. More targets for Stefon Diggs ($7,400)? A return to form for Tank Dell ($6,200)? Could Dalton Schultz ($4,100) get more involved?
- In theory, Diggs should see the biggest jump in production without Collins. However, being covered as the number one option by a good cornerback like Christian Gonzalez could make things more difficult this week.
- Meghan hasn’t liked what she’s seen from Dell all season. His high DFS price doesn’t match his production, even with more opportunity. Both Dell and Diggs are boom-or-bust plays on Sunday.
- Steve’s favorite play is Schultz. The tight end hasn’t been great this year (14 receptions for 116 yards), but he received six targets last week after Collins left the game. Stroud will need a red zone target, and the 6’5 pass catcher could fill that void.
See their full analysis here:
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Las Vegas Raiders – 4:05 PM EST
LV RB Zamir White (questionable) and WR Jakobi Meyers (questionable)
The Raiders can’t catch a break. As the Davante Adams (hamstring) trade request saga rolls on, the on-field product remains awful. Gardner Minshew II ($4,900) has been replaced by Aidan O’Connell ($4,900) at quarterback, but it might not make a difference this week against a crushing Steelers defense. Now, with two of their better offensive weapons questionable for Sunday’s game, things are looking very dire in Las Vegas.
- Once again, Steve can’t find anything positive on this Raiders offense. A date with T.J. Watt and company means there is nobody he’s excited to start on this team.
- O’Connell struggled to get the ball out quickly last season. Over a limited sample size in 2024, it’s been more of the same. He’s been under pressure on nearly half of his drop-backs, completing just five of thirteen pass attempts for 43 yards (3.3 yards per attempt).
- The only Las Vegas player Meghan and Steve could talk themselves into starting is Brock Bowers ($6,000). Pittsburgh’s defense giving up the 15th-most DK fantasy points to tight ends.
See their full analysis here:
Cincinnati Bengals @ New York Giants – 8:20 PM EST
NYG WR Malik Nabers (OUT) and RB Devin Singletary (questionable)
A tough hit in Week 4 against the Cowboys has derailed Malik Nabers’ outstanding rookie campaign. On Friday, the Giants announced that he would miss his second straight game. Starting running back Devin Singletary ($6,300) is also at risk of not playing again, leaving New York’s offense in flux. While the team was able to move the ball in a 29-20 win over the Seahawks last Sunday, there’s no guarantee Daniel Jones ($5,300) can put together another big performance without his top weapons.
- Against an elite Bengals offense on Sunday night, this contest could become a shootout; the over/under is at 47 points.
- Should Jones throw the ball often, Wan’Dale Robinson ($6,100) and Darius Slayton ($4,600) will benefit the most. Although he doesn’t do much after the catch, Steve is backing Robinson, who has become a PPR monster (32 receptions over five games).
See their full analysis here:
- Meghan isn’t sold on Tyrone Tracy Jr. ($5,700) should Singletary sit. While the rookie RB did a great job filling in last week (18 carries for 129 yards), a pass-heavy game script doesn’t favor the ground game.
See their full analysis here:
Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets – 8:15 PM EST (Mon.)
BUF RB James Cook (questionable) and WR Khalil Shakir (questionable)
After a hot 3-0 start, the Bills have put up a combined 30 points during two straight losses. Some of the team’s offensive struggles can be attributed to the absence of Khalil Shakir ($5,900). The slot specialist has been Buffalo’s leading receiver this season with 230 yards, but an awkward tackle forced him out of Week 4’s game against the Ravens. He has yet to return to action. To make matters worse, starting running back James Cook’s ($7,200) status for Monday night’s game against the Jets is questionable. The third-year star is the fantasy RB5 on the year.
- Steve thinks Shakir is the clear WR1 in Buffalo. No other Bills wideout has shown they can replicate his production, including offseason pickup Curtis Samuel ($3,900).
- Against an elite Jets secondary, it’s tough to back any of Josh Allen’s ($7,500) pass catchers other than Dalton Kincaid ($5,100).
- Cook’s usage has been up and down all season. He had 20 carries last Sunday vs. the Texans, but just nine carries a week prior in Baltimore. Even if the running back does play, there’s no guarantee he will handle a big workload given his health concerns.
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
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