Week 5 DFS Injury Impact
Injuries and players missing time for other reasons are always a big deal in fantasy football but even more so in DFS where one player’s issues can completely alter an entire game and the next man up mantra becomes vital due to the salary cap nature of DFS. Thus, it’s important to stay on top of all the injury and suspension news before locking in your DFS lineups.
Editor’s note: DFS Pass buyers will receive a “Gameday Alerts” email, one hour before the main kickoff on Sunday and Ben will be on Periscope at 11:30 AM ET.
Here are the most relevant players on the main slate (If you’re looking for injury news for the primetime slate, check out the primetime slate article) in danger of missing time or returning to action in Week 5:
Atlanta Falcons @ Pittsburgh Steelers – 1:00pm ET
OUT for the Falcons: Keanu Neal, Deion Jones, Ricardo Allen, Grady Jarrett, and Derrick Shelby
Upgrade: The Entire Steelers’ Offense
The Steelers are in a complete smash spot playing at home this week against a bad and banged up Falcons’ defense. Atlanta ranks 25th in passing yards allowed per game, 27th in Pass DVOA, 26th in rushing yards allowed per game, and 30th in Run DVOA. They simply can’t stop the run or pass and will be playing on Sunday without Neal, Jones, Allen, Jarrett, and Shelby. Pittsburgh has a current Implied Team Total of 30.25 points. Start your Steelers everywhere.
OUT for the Steelers: Le’Veon Bell
Upgrade: James Conner
It looks like Bell will be returning soon, which means Conner knows he only has a few more games to show out as the Steelers’ feature back. It’s easy to assume Conner is a highly motivated individual. His passion and excitement on the football field are obvious to spot and Conner has already kicked cancer’s ass in the past. Look for him to turn those positive vibes into Week 5 production against a bad and banged up Falcons’ defense. A guaranteed workload should help as well as Conner still ranks ninth in opportunities per game (21.8) on the year.
IN for the Falcons: Devonta Freeman
OUT for the Steelers: Ryan Shazier
Upgrade: Devonta Freeman
Tevin Coleman was in consideration weekly while Freeman was out due to injury. However, Freeman will return this week, once again muddying the Falcons’ RB waters. Freeman’s return is notable though, especially since this could be one of the best games for fantasy purposes of the season. The Over/Under is currently set at 57.5 points and neither team has an Implied Team Total below 27.25 points. Thus, Freeman can be considered in tournaments against a Steelers’ defense that continues to struggle without Shazier. Pittsburgh ranks tied for 22nd in rushing yards allowed and 17th in Run DVOA.
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