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:
New York Jets at Jacksonville Jaguars – 1:00 PM EST
NYJ RB Breece Hall (knee)
Heading into the weekend, Breece Hall ($6,400) was trending in the wrong direction. After missing Week 14’s game in Miami, the running back did not participate in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. However, Jets fans have some reason for optimism after head coach Jeff Ulbrich told the media on Friday that the star rusher “looks good.” New York’s offense desperately needs the third-year pro, who has gained over 1,000 yards from scrimmage this season, so his status will be one to monitor.
- This is a terrific matchup for New York’s run game, as the Jaguars are giving up the second-most DK fantasy points to opposing running backs.
- If Hall plays Meghan is going to stay away. There’s a real possibility this turns into a running back committee involving rookies Braelon Allen ($5,400) and Isaiah Davis ($5,000).
- Steve shares that sentiment, as it’s tough to envision the 3-10 Jets feeding a banged-up Hall when they have noting left to play for this season.
See their full analysis here:
Washington Commanders at New Orleans Saints – 1:00 PM EST
NO RB Alvin Kamara (illness)
Despite sitting at 5-8, New Orleans is still within two games of the NFC South title. Any dreams of the postseason will hinge on the health of Alvin Kamara ($7,700). The running back did not participate in practice on Wednesday or Thursday due to an illness, casting doubt over his ability to suit up this week vs. the Commanders. Still, it appears that AK47 will be ready to go after being taken off the injury report on Friday. If the Saints have any hope of pulling off an upset, they’ll need plenty of production from their Pro Bowler out of the backfield.
- After weeks of high costs, Kamara’s price tag has begun to come down a bit. The veteran hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 6.
- Backup quarterback Jake Haener ($5,100) is filling in for Derek Carr (hand/concussion) on Sunday, making an already subpar New Orleans offense even worse.
- Kendre Miller ($4,500) is a sneaky pick to find the end zone vs. a Washington run defense giving up 4.8 yards per carry. Considering his health, don’t expect New Orleans to give Kamara the ball near the goal line.
See their full analysis here:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Los Angeles Chargers – 4:25 PM EST
TB RB Bucky Irving (back)
The Buccaneers have shown major improvement on the ground, thanks in large part to Bucky Irving ($6,300). The Oregon product’s terrific rookie season hit a speed bump when he left last week’s game vs. the Raiders with a back injury. Head coach Todd Bowles has left the door open for the running back to return, but its anyone’s guess as to what Tampa Bay’s depth chart might look like this weekend. If Irving can’t go, most of the carries should go towards some combination of Rachaad White ($5,800) and Sean Tucker ($4,300).
- Los Angeles one of the NFL’s best defensive lines, giving up the sixth-fewest DK fantasy points to opposing running backs. However, the Chargers have allowed the sixth-most rushing yards in the league over the past three games (141.3 YPG).
- Even before Irving was injured, White got the majority of Tampa Bay’s carries. That level of uncertainty makes it difficult to back either player at their current price.
- Neither Steve or Meghan would look to play Tucker, a long-shot option going up against a terrific defense.
See their full analysis here:
LAC QB Justin Herbert (ankle) & WR Ladd McConkey (knee/shoulder)
Despite their stellar 8-5 record, the Chargers are facing plenty of question marks on offense. Star quarterback Justin Herbert ($5,900) suffered an ankle injury during last Sunday’s game vs. the Chiefs. Luckily for the Bolts, their franchise signal caller was not listed on Friday’s injury report. The same can’t be said for rookie Ladd McConkey ($6,300), who was listed as questionable to play. The young pass catcher has been terrific this season, hauling in 58 catches for 815 yards and four touchdowns.
- Despite his questionable tag, Meghan thinks McConkey will play. If that happens, the wideout deserves to start in most lineups. This season, he’s 10th in fantasy points per snap among qualified receivers.
- This would be a terrific opportunity for a QB-WR stack, as the Buccaneers are giving up the ninth-most DK fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.
- If McConkey is out, Steve thinks Josh Palmer ($4,600) could be a decent alternative. The fourth-year pro had six catches for 78 yards against Kansas City last week.
See their full analysis here:
Pittsburgh Steelers at Philadelphia Eagles – 4:25 PM EST
PIT WR George Pickens (hamstring)
Last Sunday was a surprise for fantasy managers, as George Pickens wasn’t able to play against the Browns due to a hamstring injury. Now, it appears that the wideout is set to sit out for the second straight game, as the team announced he would not play in Week 15. That’s tough news for a Steelers team going up against an Eagles defense giving up the second-fewest passing yards per game (178.5 YPG). In Pickens’ absence, it remains to be seen if another receiver can step up as quarterback Russell Wilson’s ($5,700) top target.
- Steve thinks this spot is a stay away even with Pickens. That includes Wilson, who threw for just 158 yards last week vs. Cleveland.
- The only players on the team that fantasy managers should target are at running back. Without their top receiver, expect the Steelers to go run-heavy with Najee Harris ($5,900) and Jaylen Warren ($5,400).
- If there’s any Pittsburgh pass catcher worth playing, it’s Pat Freiermuth ($3,900). The veteran tight end has averaged 14.2 DK fantasy points over his last three outings.
See their full analysis here:
Green Bay Packers at Seattle Seahawks – 8:20 PM
SEA RB Kenneth Walker III (ankle/calf)
When Kenneth Walker III ($6,300) missed last week’s game vs. the Cardinals, Zach Charbonnet ($6,000) was ready to step up. The second-year back ran for 134 yards and two touchdowns against the Cardinals, leading the Seahawks to a 30-18 win. Even though Walker III hasn’t been ruled out, his status for Sunday night’s game is listed as doubtful. Should K9 sit out once again, his backup appears poised to handle a large workload against the Packers.
- After fading him vs. Arizona, Steve is all over Charbonnet this week (if Walker III is out). Green Bay is allowing the tenth-most DK fantasy points to opposing running backs.
- There are multiple avenues for Charbonnet to produce, as he also tallied seven receptions for 59 yards in Week 14.
- Even if Walker III does suit up, he’s probably too expensive to consider playing. The third-year pro has missed practice all week, so it’s unlikely he handles a full workload.
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.