A player's injury status can have a significant effect on both real life and fantasy football. So, each week, PFF injury analyst Mario Pilato will comb through the official injury reports for each NFL game and give updates and analysis for fantasy-relevant players.
Injuries are fluid, so make sure to stay up to date by following @PFF_Mario on Twitter.
Editor's note: For an up-to-date look at every NFL team's COVID situation, check out PFF's Week 17 COVID-19 tracker
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KEY
DNP: Did not participate in practice
LP: Limited participation in practice
FP: Full participation
(-): Not listed
OUT: Player will not play
D: Player is unlikely to play
Q: Player is not certain to play
NIR – Rest: Not injury-related or resting veteran
TB @ NYJ | LV @ IND | LAR @ BAL | JAX @ NE | KC @ CIN | ATL @ BUF |
MIA @ TEN | NYG @ CHI | PHI @ WFT | ARZ @ DAL | DEN @ LAC | HOU @ SF | CAR @ NO | DET @ SEA | MIN @ GB | CLE @ PIT
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New York Jets (+13)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| Tom Brady | QB | TB | NIR – Rest | QB3 | 30.2 | (-) | DNP | FP | (-) |
| Mike Evans | WR | TB | Hamstring | WR46 | 13.5 | (-) | (-) | LP | Q |
| Antonio Brown | WR | TB | Ankle | WR12 | 13.1 | LP | DNP | DNP | Q |
| Rob Gronkowski | TE | TB | NIR – Rest | TE4 | 12.2 | (-) | (-) | DNP | (-) |
| Breshad Perriman | WR | TB | NIR – Rest | WR66 | 3.8 | LP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Jamison Crowder | WR | NYJ | Calf | 0.0 | DNP | DNP | DNP | (-) | |
| Justin Watson | WR | TB | Quadriceps | 0.0 | (-) | (-) | LP | Q |
Injury Analysis: Antonio Brown aggravated his ankle injury earlier in the week and logged two DNPs in a row. I am very concerned about his availability for Week 17. Brown is a game-time decision, but I am not optimistic.
Mike Evans has been limited this week with his hamstring injury, but I believe he will return for Week 17.
Jamison Crowder has been a DNP all week with his calf injury. I do not expect him to play.
Fantasy Analysis: Until Tevin Coleman returns from the COVID-19 list , Michael Carter can be trusted as a volume-based RB2 even in a tough matchup versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He and Tevin Coleman split carries nearly 50-50 (16 versus 14) in Week 16, but Carter was used more as a receiver.
The rookie ran a route on 62% of Zach Wilson’s dropbacks — an increase of 20 percentage points from Week 15. His receiving work will be his path to fantasy success in Week 17 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The reigning Super Bowl champions rank first in rushing yards allowed to running backs but place second in targets and receptions surrendered to running backs this season.
So although the matchup suggests Carter should receive decent volume in the passing game, Wilson has not involved running backs as much as Mike White. Carter has yet to receive more than three targets in seven games with Wilson under center.
Braxton Berrios ran a route on 88% of the Jets' dropbacks and commanded a 23% target share in Jamison Crowder‘s absence last week. With Crowder doubtful to play in Week 17, the plucky Berrios can be used in a salary pinch. in DFS or in season-long leagues as a WR4.
Mike Evans will be tough to trust as anything more than a fantasy WR3 if he plays amid a hamstring injury and return from the COVID-19 list. Fantasy gamers should expect a bump in usage from Breshad Perriman if Evans is ruled out. He is expected to play per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 45.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Las Vegas Raiders @ Indianapolis Colts (-7)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| Derek Carr | QB | LV | Ribs | QB18 | 19.2 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Josh Jacobs | RB | LV | Ribs | RB16 | 14.6 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Foster Moreau | TE | LV | Abdomen | TE14 | 9.5 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Jack Doyle | TE | IND | Knee/Ankle | TE25 | 6.0 | DNP | DNP | FP | Q |
| Daniel Helm | TE | LV | Knee | 1.8 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
Injury Analysis: Jack Doyle was a DNP Wednesday and Thursday but logged a full practice on Friday. He is trending in the right direction, and I believe he will suit up for Week 17.
Darren Waller did not travel with the team and will not play in Week 17.
QB Carson Wentz has been removed from the COVID list and will suit up for Week 17.
Fantasy Analysis: Foster Moreau didn’t thrive initially as Darren Waller’s replacement, but he has heated up in back-to-back weeks with at least 64 receiving yards. Moreau ran a route on 90% of Derek Carr’s dropbacks in Week 16, which should give fantasy managers the confidence to fire him up if Waller misses another game. The Raiders take on the Colts, who have allowed the most receptions to tight ends this season.
With Wentz back under center, Michael Pittman Jr. can be trusted as a low-end fantasy WR2.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 44.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
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Los Angeles Rams @ Baltimore Ravens (+4.5)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| Marquise Brown | WR | BLT | Illness | WR26 | 12.3 | (-) | DNP | DNP | Q |
| Van Jefferson | WR | LA | Rest | WR32 | 10.2 | (-) | DNP | FP | (-) |
| Latavius Murray | RB | BLT | NIR – Rest | RB52 | 7.2 | (-) | (-) | DNP | (-) |
| Devin Duvernay | WR | BLT | Ankle | WR115 | 2.0 | DNP | LP | FP | Q |
| Patrick Ricard | RB | BLT | Knee | 1.7 | DNP | LP | LP | Q | |
| Lamar Jackson | QB | BLT | Ankle | 0.4 | LP | DNP | DNP | Q | |
| Cam Akers | RB | LA | Achilles | 0.0 | FP | FP | FP | Q | |
| Nick Boyle | TE | BLT | NIR – Rest | 0.0 | (-) | DNP | (-) | (-) |
Injury Analysis: Marquise Brown has been a DNP since Thursday with an illness. He is trending in the wrong direction, and I am pessimistic he plays in Week 17.
QB Lamar Jackson was shown practicing in a limited fashion on Wednesday. He looked horrible; the coaches were jogging faster than him, and he had a noticeable limp. Unless he made a miraculous recovery during his DNPs, I just don't see how he can effectively play in Week 17.
Darrell Henderson Jr. was placed on IR Tuesday after spraining his MCL. He will miss at least the next three weeks.
Fantasy Analysis: QB Tyler Huntley is the guy to immediately slide in for managers looking to replace Lamar Jackson. He has averaged over 53 rushing yards and 22.3 fantasy points per game in his three games this season.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 46.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ New England Patriots (-16.5)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| Damien Harris | RB | NE | Hamstring | RB20 | 13.4 | LP | LP | LP | Q |
| Jakobi Meyers | WR | NE | Thigh | WR35 | 12.8 | LP | LP | LP | Q |
| Brandon Bolden | RB | NE | Knee | RB46 | 9.2 | LP | LP | (-) | (-) |
| Nick Folk | K | NE | Left Knee | K1 | 8.5 | LP | LP | LP | Q |
| James O'Shaughnessy | TE | JAX | Hip | TE48 | 0.0 | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
| Nelson Agholor | WR | NE | Concussion | 0.0 | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT | |
| N'Keal Harry | WR | NE | Hip | WR77 | 0.0 | LP | LP | (-) | (-) |
Injury Analysis: Damien Harris has been a limited participant all week with his hamstring injury. I expect him to play in Week 17.
Jakobi Myers has been dealing with a thigh issue but has logged limited sessions this week. I believe he will be ready to go for Week 17.
Brandon Bolden has been practicing in a limited fashion due to his knee injury, but I expect him to play in Week 17.
N'Keal Harry has a hip injury that has caused him to be a limited participant this week. I believe he will be ready for Week 17.
Nelson Agholor is currently in the five-step concussion protocol. He is yet to practice this week. I do not believe he will play in Week 17.
James O'Shaughnessy has been a DNP all week with a hip injury, and I do not expect him to be ready for Week 17.
James Robinson has been placed on season-ending IR with a torn Achilles. He has a good shot at being ready for the 2022 season.
Fantasy Analysis: With James Robinson out for the remainder of the season, Ogunbowale is the most likely candidate to take over lead running back duties for Jacksonville. Ogunbowale played 83% of the snaps and ran a route on 76% of Trevor Lawrence’s dropbacks in Week 16, tallying 19 touches for 72 offensive yards and a touchdown.
He gets a decent matchup in Week 17 against a Patriots defense that is much weaker against running backs than opposing passing games. New England ranks fourth-worst in rushing yards allowed to running backs over the past four weeks and fourth-worst in receiving yards allowed to backs on the season.
Ogunbowale started in Week 17 of the 2020 season after a Robinson injury and commanded 18 touches for 72 yards. He also saw seven targets.
It’s possible Jacksonville uses more of Ryquell Armstead with Robinson out, but Ogunbowale should be viewed as the favorite to lead the Jaguars' backfield in targets and carries.
If anything, Armstead will siphon away snaps/carries on early downs, which isn't worth much in an offense that is always playing catch-up. Ogunbowale has a long track record of being involved as a pass-catcher, dating back to his days in Tampa Bay.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 41.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Kansas City Chiefs @ Cincinnati Bengals (+5)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| Joe Burrow | QB | CIN | Right Finger | QB10 | 22.0 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Clyde Edwards-Helaire | RB | KC | Shoulder | 0.0 | DNP | DNP | (-) | (-) |
Injury Analysis: RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire has been a DNP all week with a shoulder injury. He is trending in the wrong direction, and I am not optimistic he plays in Week 17.
Fantasy Analysis: Darrel Williams ($5,800) has been the Chiefs’ preferred pass-catching back all year, as evidenced by his 12th-ranked 45% routes run per dropback rate. With Clyde Edwards-Helaire out for the foreseeable future, expect Williams' route participation to increase into the top-five territory. Williams ran a route on 56% of Kansas City's dropbacks when CEH was injured for a six-game stretch earlier this year.
The Chiefs' No. 2 running back led all running backs in receptions (25) and ranked 14th in expected fantasy points per game (16.8). Williams’ pass-catching chops will come in handy versus the Cincinnati Bengals, who rank bottom-five in targets, receptions and yards allowed to running backs this season. It’s also the fifth-best matchup, per PFF’s strength of schedule tool, for running backs.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 51. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Atlanta Falcons @ Buffalo Bills (-14.5)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| Stefon Diggs | WR | BUF | NIR – Rest | WR4 | 18.3 | (-) | (-) | DNP | (-) |
| Devin Singletary | RB | BUF | Ankle | RB13 | 15.4 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Lee Smith | TE | ATL | NIR – Rest | TE60 | 0.9 | (-) | DNP | (-) | (-) |
| Taiwan Jones | RB | BUF | Knee | 0.0 | (-) | DNP | LP | Q | |
| Emmanuel Sanders | WR | BUF | Knee | WR87 | 0.0 | LP | DNP | DNP | Q |
Injury Analysis: WR Emmanuel Sanders has recorded two DNPs in a row due to a knee injury, and I am not optimistic he can play in Week 17.
Fantasy Analysis: Emmanuel Sanders missed practice Thursday and is questionable for Week 17.
Gabriel Davis ($5,000) is a high-value target machine who took full advantage of his uptick in playing time when Emmanuel Sanders last missed time. The second-year WR ran a route on a season-high 90% of Buffalo's dropbacks and caught five of seven targets for 85 yards and two touchdowns in Week 15.
Start Davis if Sanders is ruled out.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 44. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Miami Dolphins @ Tennessee Titans (-3.5)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| A.J. Brown | WR | TEN | Calf | WR5 | 16.5 | (-) | DNP | FP | (-) |
| Adam Shaheen | TE | MIA | Knee | 4.0 | FP | FP | FP | (-) | |
| Phillip Lindsay | RB | MIA | Ankle | RB69 | 0.0 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
Injury Analysis: WR A.J. Brown logged a DNP on Thursday due to a calf injury but is in no danger of missing Week 17.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 39.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
New York Giants @ Chicago Bears (-6)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| Andy Dalton | QB | CHI | Groin | QB27 | 17.9 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Saquon Barkley | RB | NYG | Ankle | RB21 | 16.7 | DNP | LP | LP | (-) |
| Darnell Mooney | WR | CHI | Ankle | WR28 | 13.0 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Cairo Santos | K | CHI | Ribs | K18 | 8.6 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Graham Gano | K | NYG | Illness | K21 | 8.0 | DNP | LP | FP | (-) |
| Kyle Rudolph | TE | NYG | Ankle | TE31 | 7.5 | DNP | LP | LP | (-) |
| Marquise Goodwin | WR | CHI | Illness | WR116 | 3.4 | (-) | DNP | FP | (-) |
| Jimmy Graham | TE | CHI | NIR – Rest | TE41 | 2.7 | DNP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Justin Fields | QB | CHI | Ankle | 1.0 | LP | LP | LP | Q | |
| Chris Myarick | TE | NYG | Hip | 0.3 | (-) | LP | LP | Q | |
| Gary Brightwell | RB | NYG | Neck | 0.1 | DNP | DNP | DNP | (-) | |
| Cullen Gillaspia | RB | NYG | Shin | 0.0 | LP | LP | FP | (-) | |
| J.P. Holtz | TE | CHI | Personal | 0.0 | (-) | DNP | DNP | D | |
| John Ross | WR | NYG | Knee/COVID Ramp Up | 0.0 | LP | DNP | DNP | OUT | |
| Collin Johnson | WR | NYG | Hamstring | 0.0 | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT | |
| Kadarius Toney | WR | NYG | Shoulder | WR99 | 0.0 | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
Injury Analysis: WR Kadarius Toney has been ruled out for Week 17 with a shoulder injury.
WR John Ross has been ruled out of Week 17 with a knee/COVID Ramp Up tag.
QB Justin Fields has been limited all week with an ankle injury. I expect Fields to return in Week 17.
Fantasy Analysis: Andy Dalton is expected to start which means targets are coming for David Montgomery. He had nine targets in his last game with Dalton at QB, to go along with 21 carries for 90 yards.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 37. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Philadelphia Eagles @ Washington Football Team (+3.5)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| Jalen Hurts | QB | PHI | Ankle | QB4 | 23.4 | LP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Taylor Heinicke | QB | WAS | Knee | QB26 | 18.7 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Jordan Howard | RB | PHI | Stinger | RB33 | 7.7 | DNP | LP | LP | Q |
| Kenneth Gainwell | RB | PHI | Ankle | RB58 | 4.2 | LP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Miles Sanders | RB | PHI | Hand | 0.0 | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT | |
| Antonio Gibson | RB | WAS | Hip | 0.0 | LP | DNP | DNP | (-) | |
| Curtis Samuel | WR | WAS | Hamstring | 0.0 | LP | LP | LP | Q |
Injury Analysis: RB Antonio Gibson has been placed on the Reserve/COVID list and will not play in Week 17.
RB Jordan Howard suffered a stinger in Week 16. It is a positive sign that he has logged two straight limited sessions, and I am optimistic he plays in Week 17.
RB Miles Sanders has been a DNP all week and has been ruled out for Week 17. If the Eagles make the playoffs, Sanders has a shot at returning,.
WR Curtis Samuel has been limited all week with a hamstring injury, but I am optimistic he plays in Week 17.
Fantasy Analysis: Antonio Gibson was placed on the COVID/reserve list on Friday, ruling him out for Sunday. In his place we will see a two-man committee between Jaret Patterson and Jonathan Williams in the WFT backfield.
Patterson looked to be the handcuff to Gibson for the majority of the season, but Williams saw the largest role in Week 16, playing 24 snaps while handling 17 routes run. Patterson led the team with nine carries.
I’d lean towards Patterson as my highest-ranked WFT running back, but it’s a situation I’d rather flat-out avoid.
Miles Sanders left Week 16 with a hand injury and has been ruled out for Week 17. Boston Scott ($4,900) led the backfield in his absence with 12 carries for 41 yards and a touchdown. Jordan Howard ($5,200) was also more involved, leading the Eagles in snaps, but he sustained a stinger during the win.
Howard has a chance to play in Week 17, so he is my preferred and highest-ranked Eagles running back. He’s been constantly involved since jumping on the squad midseason and has been surprisingly efficient. Howard is PFF’s fifth-highest graded rusher (80.4) since Week 8, recording top-10 rankings in yards per carry (5.4) and yards after contact per attempt (3.45).
But if Howard is ultimately ruled out, Scott is primed to take over lead duties versus Washington, and he can save DFS gamers a ton of salary.
Howard, listed as questionable for Sunday due to a stinger, is expected to play vs. the WFT, per source of Adam Schefter.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 44.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Arizona Cardinals @ Dallas Cowboys (-6)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| Ezekiel Elliott | RB | DAL | Knee | RB17 | 15.0 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Chase Edmonds | RB | ARZ | Back | RB12 | 13.3 | LP | LP | FP | (-) |
| Zach Ertz | TE | ARZ | Hamstring | TE8 | 10.3 | LP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Tony Pollard | RB | DAL | Foot | RB34 | 8.0 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
| James Conner | RB | ARZ | Heel | RB68 | 6.5 | DNP | DNP | LP | Q |
| Malik Turner | WR | DAL | Calf | 1.1 | LP | FP | FP | (-) | |
| Demetrius Harris | TE | ARZ | Shoulder | 0.6 | DNP | DNP | DNP | Q | |
| Rondale Moore | WR | ARZ | Ankle | WR84 | 0.0 | DNP | LP | LP | Q |
Injury Analysis: RB James Conner was a DNP Wednesday and Thursday but a limited participant on Friday. I am optimistic Conner will be able to return from injury in Week 17.
WR Rondale Moore was able to log to limited sessions in a row and is trending in the right direction with his ankle injury. I believe he returns in Week 17.
Fantasy Analysis: Without James Conner in the lineup, Chase Edmonds exploded on Christmas night. He played 92% of the snaps and caught eight passes for 71 yards on nine targets. Edmonds is a top-5 running back rankings for Week 17 if Conner is sidelined.
Considering Kliff Kingsbury's track record with GTD players like Murray and Hopkins earlier this season, I bet Conner doesn't play. And if he does, he will take a backseat to a healthy Edmonds.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 52. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Denver Broncos @ Los Angeles Chargers (-6.5)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| Drew Lock | QB | DEN | Ankle | QB24 | 17.5 | LP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Javonte Williams | RB | DEN | Knee | RB23 | 12.2 | LP | LP | LP | Q |
| Courtland Sutton | WR | DEN | Illness | WR34 | 11.6 | (-) | (-) | DNP | Q |
| Melvin Gordon III | RB | DEN | Thumb/Hip | RB25 | 10.2 | LP | LP | LP | Q |
| Stephen Anderson | TE | LAC | Shoulder | TE27 | 7.7 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Teddy Bridgewater | QB | DEN | Concussion | 0.9 | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
Injury Analysis: RB Javonte Williams has been limited all week with a knee injury, but I expect him to play in Week 17.
RB Melvin Gordon III has been limited all week with a thumb/hip injury and is expected to be ready for Week 17.
QB Teddy Bridgewater is currently in the five-step concussion protocol and has not practiced all week. He will not play in Week 17.
Fantasy Analysis: Jared Cook, Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick are all out for Denver after being placed on the COVID list.
Jeudy/Patrick being out could open up the floodgates for Courtland Sutton. He averaged 15 fantasy points per game and a 24% target share Weeks 2-7. It also bodes well for Noah Fant, who should see an uptick in targets. Albert Okwuegbunam should also play more as the Broncos run two more double-TEs sets.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 45.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Houston Texans @ San Francisco 49ers (-12.5)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| Elijah Mitchell | RB | SF | Knee | RB14 | 13.7 | LP | LP | LP | Q |
| Chris Conley | WR | HST | Knee | WR67 | 5.4 | LP | LP | LP | Q |
| Jimmy Garoppolo | QB | SF | Right Thumb | 1.8 | DNP | DNP | DNP | D | |
| Antony Auclair | TE | HST | Illness | 0.0 | (-) | DNP | (-) | (-) | |
| Deshaun Watson | QB | HST | NIR | 0.0 | DNP | DNP | DNP | (-) |
Injury Analysis: RB Elijah Mitchell has been limited all week with a knee injury but I expect him to return in Week 17.
QB Jimmy Garoppolo is dealing with an avulsion fracture of his UCL. He has been a DNP all week, and I do not expect him to play in Week 17.
Fantasy Analysis: The optimal quarterback and my recommendation for cash games to save salary in Week 17 is Trey Lance ($4,800). QB Jimmy Garoppolo has a torn ligament in his right thumb, putting his Week 17 status in doubt, which would slide Lance into his second start of the season against the Houston Texans.
Lance would be an immediate top-10 season-long fantasy quarterback due to his rushing ability. In his lone start back in Week 5, he rushed for 89 yards and scored 16 fantasy points despite zero touchdowns, which just goes to show the value mobile quarterbacks offer with their legs.
Case in point, Lance ranks only behind fellow running quarterback Taysom Hill in fantasy points per dropback this season (0.78). As the top QB-value per PFF’s DFS optimizer, the 49ers rookie quarterback should be a lock-in 50/50s and double-ups.
Elijah Mitchell, assuming he plays, is the must-play $6,000-priced running back this week. His matchup is divine — Texans rank last in rushing yards allowed to running backs — and the rookie gets fed when he is healthy, as Mitchell has averaged 25 carries in his last three starts.
Mitchell (knee) is expected to play vs. Houston after a few promising days of practice, per Ian Rapoport.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 44. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints (-6.5)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| Taysom Hill | QB | NO | Right Finger | QB13 | 20.3 | (-) | FP | FP | (-) |
| Lil'Jordan Humphrey | WR | NO | Illness | WR75 | 8.0 | (-) | (-) | DNP | Q |
| Nick Vannett | TE | NO | Ankle | TE50 | 2.4 | LP | LP | LP | (-) |
| Ty Montgomery | RB | NO | Back | RB91 | 0.8 | (-) | DNP | DNP | Q |
| Tre'Quan Smith | WR | NO | Chest | WR107 | 0.0 | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
Injury Analysis: WR Tre'Quan Smith has been ruled out of Week 17 with a chest injury.
RB Ty Montgomery has been a DNP all week with a back issue, and I do not expect him to play in Week 17.
RB Mark Ingram II has popped up on the injury report late in the week with a knee injury. This is never good, but he logged a limited session on Friday, so I believe he will be good to go for Week 17.
Fantasy Analysis: Ingram, listed as questionable, has improved but source said he’s still unlikely to go today. Tony Jones Jr. should assume his snaps. Alvin Kamara saw 31 touches the last time Ingram missed a game for New Orleans.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 38. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Detroit Lions @ Seattle Seahawks (-7)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| D'Andre Swift | RB | DET | Shoulder | RB15 | 16.7 | FP | FP | FP | (-) |
| D.K. Metcalf | WR | SEA | Foot | WR15 | 15.8 | DNP | FP | (-) | (-) |
| Rashaad Penny | RB | SEA | Groin | RB19 | 14.4 | FP | (-) | (-) | (-) |
| Freddie Swain | WR | SEA | Ankle | WR100 | 5.6 | FP | FP | (-) | (-) |
| Alex Collins | RB | SEA | Abdomen | RB90 | 2.3 | LP | LP | DNP | Q |
| Jared Goff | QB | DET | Knee | 0.9 | DNP | DNP | DNP | (-) | |
| Jason Cabinda | RB | DET | Knee | 0.7 | DNP | DNP | DNP | (-) |
Injury Analysis: RB Alex Collins was a DNP on Friday due to abdominal injury and his status is up in the air for Sunday. Due to Rashaad Penny putting a stranglehold on the starting RB position, he may be ruled inactive.
QB Jared Goff has been a DNP all week due to a knee injury. I believe his unlikely to play in Week 17.
Fantasy Analysis: In DFS tournaments, D’Andre Swift is a smart play at $6,000. The Detroit Lions running back is bound to get overlooked for all these early-down grinders in plus-matchups coming off a four-game layoff, but we all know Swift can outscore them all in PPR leagues due to his elite usage as a receiver.
His pass-catching chops will be put to good use versus Seattle, which has been a sieve against running backs in the passing game this season. No team has allowed more receptions, targets or yards to running backs this season.
Amon-Ra St. Brown ($6,000) will not be denied. The fourth-round rookie put the doubters to sleep in Week 16 by continuing his scorching streak of fantasy production with Lions backup quarterback Tim Boyle under center.
St. Brown commanded a 29% target share en route to nine catches for 91 yards plus a touchdown. St. Brown has a 30% target share in his past four games, which ranks fifth-best in the NFL.
Both Swift and ASB should be peppered targets with Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond ruled out after being placed on the COVID-19 list.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 42.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers (-7)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Wed. Status | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status | Game Status |
| Aaron Rodgers | QB | GB | Toe | QB6 | 24.9 | DNP | DNP | LP | (-) |
| Aaron Jones | RB | GB | Knee | RB8 | 17.8 | LP | LP | LP | (-) |
| Dalvin Cook | RB | MIN | Illness | RB5 | 15.6 | LP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Tyler Conklin | TE | MIN | Hamstring | TE19 | 7.8 | DNP | LP | FP | Q |
| C.J. Ham | RB | MIN | Hamstring | 2.3 | LP | FP | FP | (-) | |
| Dominique Dafney | TE | GB | Ankle | 1.2 | LP | LP | LP | (-) | |
| Kene Nwangwu | RB | MIN | Hamstring | RB70 | 0.4 | LP | FP | FP | (-) |
Injury Analysis: QB Kirk Cousins has been ruled out of Week 17 due to COVID-19.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 46.5. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers (+3.5)
| Name | Position | Team | Injury | Fantasy Rank | Proj. points | Thurs. Status | Fri. Status |
| Joe Burrow | QB | CIN | Right Finger | QB10 | 22.0 | FP | FP |
| Clyde Edwards-Helaire | RB | KC | Shoulder | 0.0 | DNP | DNP |
Injury Analysis: N/A
Fantasy Analysis: Browns RB Kareem Hunt (ankle) questionable for Monday night vs. Steelers. He's a boom-or-bust RB3 with his availability/role in question coming off COVID and ankle injury. Would recommend sitting him in most scenarios.
The Over/Under for this game is currently 41. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.
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