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:
Minnesota Vikings at Jacksonville Jaguars – 1:00 PM EST
JAX QB Trevor Lawrence (shoulder)
The Jaguars truly can’t catch a break. Days after a brutal 28-23 loss to the Eagles, Jacksonville head coach Doug Pederson announced on Friday that quarterback Trevor Lawrence is unlikely to play in Sunday’s game against the Vikings. The former number one overall pick may be struggling this year, but his shoulder injury is a major setback for a 2-7 squad desperate for a win. If Lawrence can’t go, backup Mac Jones ($4,400) is likely to start in his place.
- Jones, a former first round pick, was abysmal during his final season with the Patriots two years ago. However, a dirt-cheap price makes him an attractive option for those looking to punt on the quarterback position in DFS contests.
- Normally, the Vikings would be an attractive matchup for Jacksonville’s wide receivers. Unfortunately, the Jags are dealing with a slew of injuries at that position. That makes rostering anyone on this offense, including Jones, a major risk.
See their full analysis here:
Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints – 1:00 PM EST
ATL WR Drake London (hip)
The Falcons may sit atop the NFC South, but not everything is rosy in Atlanta. Star wide receiver Drake London ($6,700) suffered a hip injury during last week’s 27-21 win over the Cowboys, casting doubt over his status going forward. However, the third-year pro appears likely to suit up on Sunday against the Saints, even at less than 100% health. On a team with plenty of other options for quarterback Kirk Cousins ($6,700) to target, can fantasy managers trust London in their lineups?
- Steve is all-in on London this week. Now that cornerback Marshon Lattimore has been traded to the Commanders, the Saints’ secondary is incredibly vulnerable. A potential snap count is something to worry about, but the matchup here is simply too good to pass up.
- Darnell Mooney ($6,500) is also a good bet to go off against New Orleans; Meghan is calling the veteran her favorite play of the week. Should London play, the former Chicago Bear would make even more sense at a reduced price.
See their full analysis here:
NO WR Chris Olave (concussion)
A nasty hit last Sunday forced Saints star Chris Olave out of action, potentially for the rest of the season. Frequent concussions have left the wide receiver’s NFL future in doubt, casting another dark cloud over a disappointing season in New Orleans. With fellow wideout Rashid Shaheed also done for the year, it’s anyone’s guess as to which player might emerge as quarterback Derek Carr’s top target going forward.
- There isn’t an obvious answer for Olave’s replacement on the roster. Rookie wide receiver Mason Tipton ($4,500) makes sense in theory, but he didn’t record a single catch last week against the Panthers.
- The only New Orleans player that excelled on offense was Alvin Kamara ($8,100). The All-Pro running back had 215 yards from scrimmage on a whopping 35 touches last Sunday. He’s in line for another massive workload this weekend, even against a good Falcons run defense.
- Meghan is staying away from tight end Taysom Hill ($4,000). While the veteran is always good for a big game or two each season, he’s incredibly touchdown-dependent on an offense that has struggled to score recently.
See their full analysis here:
San Francisco 49ers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 1:00 PM EST
SF RB Christian McCaffrey (Achilles/calf)
After two long months, Christian McCaffrey is nearing a comeback. The superstar running back has battled both Achilles and calf injuries all summer, keeping him sidelined through San Francisco’s first eight games. Now, with the team designating him to return from injured reserve this week, it appears that CMC is ready to go against Tampa Bay this Sunday. It’s a much-needed development for the 49ers, who have battled injuries and inconsistency en route to a 4-4 record this season.
- Obviously, season-long fantasy managers need to start McCaffrey immediately. However, Steve believes his price is a bit too high after so much time missed.
- Still, even a limited CMC should have some success against a Bucs defense giving up the sixth-most DK fantasy points to opposing running backs.
- Meghan thinks Brock Purdy ($6,500) makes a lot of sense in this matchup. Tampa Bay gives up a ton of yards, and the 49ers could welcome back both Deebo Samuel ($6,900) and Jauan Jennings ($5,200) at wide receiver this week.
See their full analysis here:
Buffalo Bills at Indianapolis Colts – 1:00 PM EST
BUF WR Keon Coleman (wrist)
The Bills will be without one of their top playmakers this week, as head coach Sean McDermott announced on Friday that wide receiver Keon Coleman would miss Sunday’s game with the Colts. Losing the talented rookie is a significant blow to a Bills offense already dealing with injury issues for fellow wideout Amari Cooper (questionable). With so many questions surrounding Buffalo’s pass catchers, it remains to be seen how quarterback Josh Allen will distribute the football in Week 10.
- Regardless of if Cooper (wrist) is available on Sunday, Khalil Shakir ($6,000) needs to be hammered in all lineups. Indianapolis’ defense is one of the NFL’s worst at defending slot receivers. His line of 66.5 receiving yards is one of the best over plays on the board this weekend.
- The only other Bills weapon Steve and Meghan are seriously considering is Dalton Kincaid ($4,900). The second-year tight end has regressed this season, but he’s poised for plenty of work this week at a very affordable price.
See their full analysis here:
IND WR Michael Pittman Jr. (back)
The Colts offense has struggled in recent weeks, and things are only going to get more difficult on Sunday. After missing practice all week, wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. has been ruled out of Sunday’s game vs. the Bills. Without their leading wideout, targets should open up for both Josh Downs ($6,200) and Alec Pierce ($4,900), although figuring out who quarterback Joe Flacco ($5,500) will target is easier said than done.
- The move from Anthony Richardson to Flacco at quarterback has made Pittman Jr. an afterthought in the Colts offense, so Steve isn’t viewing this as a major loss for the team or fantasy managers.
- MPJ’s absence has a bigger impact on Pierce and rookie Adonai Mitchell ($3,400) than it does on Downs, who has clear chemistry with Flacco.
See their full analysis here:
- Pierce has thrived under Richardson, but Flacco has struggled to throw the ball deep downfield. Meghan still likes the third-year receiver as a cheap boom-or-bust option, but Downs is better set up for success.
See their full analysis here:
Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys – 4:25 PM EST
DAL QB Dak Prescott (hamstring)
A bad season for the 3-5 Cowboys turned into a nightmare last Sunday, as both quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) were forced to leave mid-game against the Falcons with injuries. While it appears the latter avoided anything serious, the same can’t be said for Dallas’ face of the franchise. The team announced on Friday that Prescott, a three-time Pro Bowler, would be placed on the injured reserve, sidelining him for at least four weeks. To make matters worse, the ‘Boys welcome the 6-2 Eagles to town this Sunday.
- Sunday’s matchup against a ferocious Philadelphia defense does backup QB Cooper Rush ($5,100) no favors. A struggling, injured offense taking the field against an elite pass rush is a recipe for disaster.
- Despite the injury concerns, Steve believes plenty of Dallas’ stars are overpriced. Both Lamb ($8,600) and running back Rico Dowdle ($6,100) cost far too much given the questions surrounding this offense.
- If you are going to play any Cowboy this weekend, tight end Jake Ferguson ($5,000) could serve as a safety blanket for Rush.
See their full analysis here:
Detroit Lions at Houston Texans – 8:20 PM EST
HOU WR Nico Collins (hamstring)
After getting off to a terrific start, Texans star Nico Collins ($7,900) has been sidelined since October 6th with a hamstring injury. Now, after a month of rehabbing, the wide receiver has been activated from the injured reserve. While he’s currently questionable for Sunday night’s game against the Lions, Collins is desperately needed in Houston. The team has accumulated an average of just 312.5 yards per game in his absence.
- Steve thinks the Texans would be crazy to give Collins his normal workload. If there’s a snap count this week, the veteran is a tough sell in DFS contests.
- If you’re inclined to play Collins, Meghan likes pairing him with quarterback CJ Stroud ($6,800).
- Fellow wide receiver Tank Dell ($7,400) has struggled whenever Collins is in the lineup, which makes the second-year pro a fade.
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.