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:
Indianapolis Colts @ Jacksonville Jaguars – 1:00 PM EST
IND RB Jonathan Taylor (OUT)
Jonathan Taylor is the engine of the Colts offense, so it’s anyone’s guess as to who will step up after the team ruled him out of Sunday’s game in Jacksonville. With so many snaps now available, either one of Trey Sermon ($5,700) or Tyler Goodson ($5,400) could have a day to remember. The only issue? Head coach Shane Steichen has said this will be a RB committee.
- Even if there wasn’t a committee in place, Steve wouldn’t start any Colts running back. The Jaguars field a surprisingly competent run defense (10th-fewest rushing yards allowed).
- Meghan thinks the only answer, if you’re inclined to start an Indianapolis RB, is Sermon. He’s the only non-Taylor back to get a single carry this season. Still, his career 3.7 yards per carry leaves much to be desired.
- Steve doesn’t love Sermon in DFS when compared to similarly priced options like Jerome Ford ($5,800) and De’Andre Swift ($5,700).
See their full analysis here:
IND QB Anthony Richardson (questionable)
Health issues have been an unfortunate reality of Anthony Richardson’s ($6,000) young NFL career. Last year, the fourth-overall pick had his rookie season cut short due to a shoulder injury. Now, he’s battling a hip ailment that could force backup Joe Flacco ($5,500) back into action on Sunday.
- If Flacco does start, Steve is pairing him with Michael Pittman Jr. ($6,000) at a cheap total cost of $11,500 on DraftKings DFS.
- Due to his shaky health and inconsistent play, Meghan doesn’t see Richardson as a viable fantasy starter this week.
- Jacksonville cornerback Ronald Darby has been exploited by opposing wideouts all season. Pittman Jr., Josh Downs ($5,100) and even Alec Pierce ($4,900) could have some value.
See their full analysis here:
Cleveland Browns @ Washington Commanders – 1:00 PM EST
WSH RBs Brian Robinson Jr. ($6,600) and Austin Ekeler ($5,600)
A dynamic Commanders‘ offense dealt with some uncertainty this week due to the health of Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) and Austin Ekeler (concussion). The running back tandem has been crucial to Washington’s third-ranked rushing offense. Although both were cleared to play this week, it’s not clear who will get a bigger workload against the Browns.
- The Browns’ defense has been good, but not dominant (11th in yards allowed), so Meghan thinks Jayden Daniels ($6,800) will have a solid day passing the football. That wouldn’t be ideal for Robinson Jr., who gets most of his work on the ground (eight catches in four games).
- Steve liked what he saw from third-string running back Jeremy McNichols ($4,600), who had 68 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just eight carries last week. With such a cheap price, he could deliver plenty of value.
- Both are fading Ekeler, who has had a dramatic fantasy fall-off over the past two seasons.
See their full analysis here:
Houston Texans @ Buffalo Bills – 1:00 PM EST
BUF WR Khalil Shakir (OUT)
Josh Allen ($7,700) and company got some tough news on Friday. Standout wide receiver Khalil Shakir was ruled out of this week’s showdown against the Houston Texans with an ankle injury. This season, the slot specialist has put up a team-leading 18 receptions and 230 receiving yards.
- Meghan thinks Dalton Kincaid ($5,300) could step up as the No. 1 option. The former first-round draft pick has seen his targets go up every week, and he remains a top red zone option.
- Steve thinks Curtis Samuel ($4,200) could move into Shakir’s role at a cheap price. The veteran WR has the second-most snaps from the slot on the team.
See their full analysis here:
Las Vegas Raiders @ Denver Broncos – 4:05 PM EST
LV WR Davante Adams (OUT) and RB Zamir White (doubtful)
A Friday injury report last week has evolved into a full-blown trade request for (soon to be former) Raiders star Davante Adams. To make matters worse, starting running back Zamir White isn’t expected to play this week against the Broncos. There’s plenty of questions and few answers in Vegas. Is there anyone on this offense DFS and season-long fantasy managers can trust?
- Adams dropped a cryptic Edgar Allen Poe post on Friday. Could he be sent to the Ravens?
- Quarterback Gardner Minshew II ($5,100) has regressed every week this season. His poor play is enough for Meghan and Steve to avoid rookie standout Brock Bowers ($5,500), the favorite to lead Las Vegas in targets.
See their full analysis here:
- Steve is completely out on all things Las Vegas. With two key starters out, Minshew II struggling, and Denver’s defense on deck, there’s no upside this week. That means staying away from reasonably priced receivers like Jakobi Meyers ($5,500) and Tre Tucker ($4,100).
See their full analysis here:
Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers – 4:25 PM EST
SF TE George Kittle (questionable)
The 49ers welcomed George Kittle back into action last Sunday against the Patriots, and he delivered. The San Francisco star put together four catches for 45 yards and a touchdown, good enough for 14.5 fantasy points (TE4). Despite his stellar performance vs. New England, the star tight end is questionable for this week’s matchup with the Cardinals due to a rib injury.
- Kittle’s rib injury appears to be mild, so it’s more likely than not he plays on Sunday.
- The biggest loser from Kittle’s return is Jauan Jennings ($5,600). Brandon Aiyuk ($6,300) should turn things around this season with or without Kittle starting.
- Meghan pointed out that Brock Purdy ($6,200) targeted the slot heavily vs. New England (48% of pass attempts to the slot), which favors Jennings. However, there’s no guarantee a similar game script unfolds vs. Arizona.
See their full analysis here:
New York Giants @ Seattle Seahawks – 4:25 PM EST
NYG WR Malik Nabers (OUT)
On Friday, the Giants announced that rookie standout Malik Nabers wouldn’t play in Week 5 due to a concussion. It’s a brutal blow for New York, who desperately need a win this Sunday against the Seahawks. With their star receiver out, can any other Giants pass catcher have a big game?
- After Meghan faded him last week, Wan’Dale Robinson ($5,600) put together a big game (11 catches for 71 yards) against the Cowboys. She expects a solid follow-up performance without Nabers.
- Steve isn’t quite as high on Robinson due to his lack of yards after catch ability.
- While the Seahawks have a good secondary, five of their defensive starters are questionable. The Lions just dropped 42 points on Seattle last Monday, so there’s some hope for New York’s skill position players.
See their full analysis here:
Green Bay Packers @ Los Angeles Rams – 4:25 PM EST
WRs Christian Watson (doubtful) and Romeo Doubs (doubtful)
As of Friday’s injury report, both Watson (ankle) and Doubs (personal) are unlikely to play in Los Angeles. That means Jordan Love ($6,500) and the Packers might miss two of their best offensive weapons, but it might not be an issue against a weak Rams secondary.
- Meghan’s favorite play of the week is Dontayvion Wicks ($5,000). She’d pair him with Love in all DFS contests.
- Despite being more expensive than Wicks, Jayden Reed ($6,500) is primed to put up big numbers as well. Both wide receivers could go off on Sunday.
- Steve likes Wicks over 51.5 and Reed over 67.5 receiving yards this week.
OCTOBER 5: Green Bay has suspended Doubs for one game.
See their full analysis here:
New Orleans Saints @ Kansas City Chiefs – 8:15 PM EST (Mon.)
KC WR Rashee Rice (OUT)
The defending Super Bowl champions were dealt a significant blow in Week 4. Rashee Rice collided on the field with teammate Patrick Mahomes ($7,000), resulting in a brutal injury for the wide receiver. While his long-term status remains uncertain, but the second-year star has already been ruled out of this week’s matchup with the Saints.
- Mahomes has been a far cry from elite this season (5.1 air yards per attempt), but name value will keep his price high. For that reason, Meghan and Steve are staying away.
- With Rice out, Meghan’s boom-bust play of the week is Xavier Worthy ($6,200). The rookie had a monster Week 1 (20.8 fantasy points), but hasn’t had consistent production so far.
See their full analysis here:
- Steve isn’t high on any KC pass catcher other than Travis Kelce ($5,800). He’s interested in playing the tight end’s receiving yards over 56.5 at -115.
See their full analysis here:
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
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