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 DraftKings Sportsbook analyst Steve Buchanan (@SBuchanan24) and NFL guru Meghan Townsley (@mtownsleyy) on Injury Report Live, streaming every Friday at 3 p.m. ET on DKN X and DK Instagram!
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 at New York Giants – 1:00 PM
TB WR Mike Evans (hamstring)
After suffering a string of four straight losses, there’s hope on the horizon for the Buccaneers. Ahead of a dream matchup vs. the hapless Giants, Tampa Bay appears set to welcome back Mike Evans. The star wide receiver has been out of action since Week 7, when he suffered a hamstring injury against the Ravens. Now, with fellow wideout Chris Godwin out for the rest of the season, the five-time Pro Bowler could take full control of the passing game. However, head coach Todd Bowles has already implied that the team won’t rush the veteran’s progress in his first game back, but they will “play him as long as he’s healthy.“
- Despite the nature of his hamstring injury, Steve likes Evans ($7,000) this weekend. Baker Mayfield ($6,100) clearly favors him in the red zone, so there should be plenty of big-play opportunities.
- The Giants have been fairly solid against opposing tight ends, which might force some targets away from Cade Otton ($5,500).
See their full analysis here:
Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts – 1:00 PM EST
DET TE Sam LaPorta (shoulder)
Fans might not have noticed it during last week’s 52-6 drubbing of the Jaguars, but the Lions went without Sam LaPorta ($4,300) in Week 12. The tight end suffered a shoulder injury that kept him out of action last week, even though the NFL’s highest-scoring offense (33.6 PPG) clearly didn’t need any help. Detroit will have a slightly more challenging time on the road against the Colts, so there’s reason to believe Jared Goff ($6,600) will look to his young TE down the field. Still, the second-year pro has struggled to produce on a consistent basis this season.
- LaPorta has struggled this season, averaging 8.8 DK fantasy points. However, the Colts are vulnerable against tight ends, giving up the fourth-most points to the position.
- Steve is looking elsewhere due to Detroit’s overpowering run game. The Lions have rushed the ball 60 times in the red zone with David Montgomery ($6,700) and Jahmyr Gibbs ($7,300) so far, making it tough for a touchdown-dependent player like LaPorta to make an impact.
- If you’re looking for a Lions pass catcher, Jameson Williams ($6,000) might make more sense. The wide receiver has more big-play upside than LaPorta at a slightly more expensive price.
See their full analysis here:
Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders – 1:00 PM EST
DAL WR CeeDee Lamb (back/foot)
The Cowboys’ season from hell continued on Monday night, suffering a humiliating 34-10 defeat to the Texans on Monday Night Football. With quarterback Dak Prescott out for the rest of the season, it remains to be seen if the ‘Boys can even field a mediocre offense going forward. That certainly won’t happen without CeeDee Lamb. Although the star wide receiver played vs. Houston, his absence during Thursday’s practice was a red flag. Luckily for Dallas, Lamb isn’t on the injury report heading into Sunday’s game with the Commanders, although his involvement in the offense remains to be seen.
- While quarterback Cooper Rush ($5,000) doesn’t inspire much confidence, the career backup did throw for nearly 400 passing yards last week. He’s capable enough to feed Dallas’ top weapons.
- Sunday’s game against an electric Commanders offense will likely demand plenty of passes from the Cowboys. Assuming Lamb ($7,300) is 100%, he’s a good bet for plenty of targets.
- Steve thinks that Luke Schoonmaker ($2,500) could be an interesting pickup with Jake Ferguson ruled out. The tight end hauled in six catches for 56 yards in Week 11.
See their full analysis here:
San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers – 4:25 PM EST
SF QB Brock Purdy (shoulder)
A chaotic season for the 5-5 49ers just got worse. On Friday, the team ruled starting quarterback Brock Purdy out for this weekend’s game against the Packers, making a crucial matchup even more difficult. Even though San Francisco employs some of the game’s best offensive weapons, it’s now difficult to imagine they can keep pace with a Green Bay offense scoring the eighth-most points in the NFL (25.0 PPG). Head coach Kyle Shanahan will likely try to prioritize Christian McCaffrey ($8,500) and the running game, but an early deficit could lead to plenty of passes.
- Should Purdy ($6,400) sit, Meghan would prefer Joshua Dobbs ($4,000) over Brandon Allen ($4,000). The former Vikings QB has had some fantasy success before, so he might do well against a familiar opponent. However, the team has announced that Allen will get the starting nod.
- It might be difficult to trust San Francisco’s wide receivers, but George Kittle ($6,000) could still put up points on Sunday. Green Bay has given up the 20th-most DK fantasy points to tight ends.
- Although the Packers haven’t been great against the run, McCaffrey hasn’t looked like himself since returning to action in Week 10. Still, the All-Pro is good enough to make an impact as a receiver if he can’t get going on the ground.
See their full analysis here:
Baltimore Ravens at Los Angeles Chargers – 8:15 PM EST (Mon.)
WR Ladd McConkey (shoulder)
Ahead of this week’s highly anticipated Harbaugh Bowl, the Chargers have some questions. While Los Angeles’ offense is riding high after last week’s 34-27 win over the Bengals, the team might be without Ladd McConkey ($6,000) this week. The former Georgia Bulldog didn’t participate in Thursday’s practice and was limited on Friday, casting doubt over his status for Monday night. Although Justin Herbert ($5,400) has a number of talented targets to throw to, the offense would look quite different without its rookie standout.
- McConkey has been a terrific safety blanket for Herbert, so his potential absence would open up plenty of opportunity for Los Angeles’ other weapons.
- Quentin Johnston ($4,900) is inconsistent, but he’s the best option the Chargers have. The Ravens have been vulnerable to big plays this season, and the second-year pro is LA’s most explosive weapon. With or without McConkey, this is a terrific spot for Johnston at an affordable price.
- Despite their stellar reputation, this is not the same Baltimore defense most fans are used to. The Ravens are giving up the most DK fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season.
See their full analysis here:
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user 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.