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:
Miami Dolphins at New York Jets – 4:25 EST
MIA QB Tua Tagovailoa (hip)
Somehow, the Dolphins still have a shot at the postseason. With a win over the Jets and a Broncos loss vs. the Chiefs, Miami will earn the final playoff spot in the AFC. There’s just one caveat: starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is doubtful to play with a hip injury. It’s another blow for the Pro Bowler, who missed four contests earlier this season due to a concussion suffered in Week 2. On the bright side, backup Tyler ‘Snoop’ Huntley ($4,800) led the Fins to a win last week against the Browns. Should the dual-threat passer start on Sunday, can he put together back-to-back victories?
- It’s been a tough year for Tyreek Hill ($6,700), ranking as just the fantasy WR18 through 16 games played. Still, Meghan and Steve see plenty of value here after last week’s nine-catch, 105-yard performance in Cleveland. The All-Pro’s price tag will never be cheaper than it is now, making this a perfect buy-low opportunity.
- Meghan also likes Jonnu Smith ($5,800) in this one. The veteran tight end has enjoyed a career year, hauling in 79 catches for 828 yards and seven touchdowns this season. He’s a solid option at a thin position.
- Huntley certainly isn’t Tagovailoa, but he looked great in Week 17. The fifth-year-pro threw for 225 yards, ran for 52, and scored both a passing and rushing touchdown vs. the Browns. He’s not a must-start, but the QB certainly deserves consideration against a banged-up Jets defense.
See their full analysis here:
San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals – 4:25 EST
ARI RB James Conner (knee)
Having been eliminated from postseason contention, the Cardinals don’t have much to play for. That’s why it comes as no surprise that veteran James Conner won’t be suiting up in Week 18. As Arizona’s leading rusher with 1094 yards on the ground, the 29-year-old was having one of the best seasons of his career. However, his absence could open up more opportunities for third-stringer Michael Carter ($4,700). With both Conner and rookie Trey Benson (ankle) injured, there isn’t much competition for snaps out of the backfield. The fourth-year-pro had a solid game last Saturday vs. the Rams, gaining 81 yards from scrimmage on 15 touches.
- Steve is calling Carter one of his favorite plays on Sunday’s slate. Averaging just under five yards per carry, the former Jets back has looked good in limited action with Arizona.
- The 49ers run defense has been surprisingly bad this season. San Francisco has given up the fifth-most DK fantasy points to opposing running backs.
See their full analysis here:
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – 8:20 PM
MIN RB Aaron Jones (quad)
The miraculous Vikings face their toughest challenge yet: a season finale against the 14-win Lions to determine the NFC’s number one seed. In this monumental matchup, both squads are looking to make use of every weapon at their disposal. For Minnesota, that makes the health of running back Aaron Jones ($6,400) crucial. The former Packers star has been terrific in his first season with the Purple and Gold, recording 1,471 yards from scrimmage and seven total touchdowns through 16 appearances. Despite a mid-game quad injury suffered last week, the Vikings have already listed the 30-year-old as active for this Sunday’s matchup. Still, as a limited participant in practice all week, it’s tough to determine if he’ll be at 100% for this one.
- Cam Akers ($5,400) filled in nicely last week, rushing for a touchdown in limited action vs. Green Bay. Still, Meghan believes “you’ll have to drag” Jones out of this game.
- Detroit’s defensive line is elite, giving up the fifth-fewest DK fantasy points to opposing running backs. That makes it difficult to play Jones at his current price.
- However, Jones has plenty of ability as a receiver. The running back has caught 46 passes for Minnesota this season, third-most on the roster.
See their full analysis here:
Other DFS advice for Week 18
TB WR Mike Evans vs. NO
The Buccaneers control their own destiny in the NFC South, just needing to beat the helpless Saints at home. While making the postseason is the main priority, the team will also look to feed wideout Mike Evans ($8,000). Despite playing in just 13 games, the veteran is 85 yards away from matching Jerry Rice’s all-time mark of eleven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Quarterback Baker Mayfield ($7,000) is aware of what’s at stake, telling reporters that if Tampa Bay wins, Evans will be getting the record.
- While it’s obvious that Evans will get targeted often, everyone is going to be backing the veteran this weekend. As a pivot, Meghan and Steve like Jalen McMillan ($5,100). The rookie has come on strong recently, putting up 80.2 DK fantasy points over his last four games.
- In a DFS tournament, the difference between Tampa Bay’s top two receivers is drastic. Aside from a price difference of nearly $3,000, projections point to Evans being rostered by more than 35% of managers on Sunday. McMillan? Just two percent.
See their full analysis here:
LAC RB J.K. Dobbins at LV
A remarkable comeback season for J.K. Dobbins ($6,300) continued last week against the Patriots. Playing for the first time in four games due to a knee injury, the former Ravens star ran for 76 yards and a touchdown against the Patriots. If the Steelers lose on Saturday, Los Angeles will have something to play for on Sunday. That could mean a healthy dose of Dobbins with fellow running back Gus Edwards (ankle) already ruled out.
- Dobbins had his best outing of the season in Week 1 against the Raiders, rushing for 135 yards on just 10 carries. Still, Las Vegas is holding opponents to the 11th-fewest rushing yards per game (115.6).
- While Meghan is optimistic about the back’s chances on Sunday, Steve isn’t sure if this price tag is worth it compared to some cheaper options.
See their full analysis here:
GB RB Emanuel Wilson vs. CHI
The Packers still have a reason to play on Sunday, with playoff positioning up for grabs between them and the Commanders. Still, running back Josh Jacobs ($8,100) has already implied he’ll see less touches than normal during Sunday’s matchup with the Bears. That should open up more opportunity for backup Emanuel Wilson ($5,100). In a typically intense, cold weather rivalry game, Green Bay should make a concerted effort to keep the ball on the ground.
- Wilson accounted for 32% of all snaps last week against the Vikings, rushing for 29 yards and a touchdown on just six attempts.
- Head coach Matt LaFleur hasn’t been opposed to mixing things up out of the backfield, giving his backup eight or more carries in five different contests.
- The Bears have struggled to defend the run, giving up the seventh-most DK fantasy points to opposing RBs.
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.