If you have a key player who's questionable, you might be feeling a little better this morning. Overnight reporting from ESPN's Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler suggests Saquon Barkley, Tee Higgins, Marquise Brown, and Darren Waller will play. The same goes for Robert Woods, which matters given the news that Tank Dell's expected to sit.
Also, Keaton Mitchell has been activated, cluttering an already confusing Ravens backfield. And Jeff Wilson has *not* been activated, opening the door for Salvon Ahmed and/or Chris Brooks (if active) to back up Raheem Mostert. I still believe Brooks is a higher-upside dart throw over Ahmed, on the assumption Miami rolls over Carolina.
Other news includes the elevation of veteran Damien Williams from the practice squad. Where is he playing these days? The Cardinals. While I think he's a longshot to see more than two touches, his presence isn't ideal for those who invested heavily in Emari Demercado or Keaontay Ingram. The 31-year-old Williams is a terrific pass-catcher, so he could poach a few fantasy points from Demercado/Ingram.
And Kirk Cousins reportedly will not waiver his no-trade clause, meaning the "what happens if he gets traded?" speculation I've been pushing has been moot. Jefferson remains a must-stash in all leagues, unless you're 0-5 or 1-4 and desperate for wins. In that case, don't take the first offer that comes to you (like Jefferson for Tyler Boyd and Gus Edwards). Any potentially playoff-bound manager understands that Jefferson can put them over the top. Be courageous and patient -- if not for you, then for your opponents who expect you to get a great haul for the #1 fantasy WR.
Oh, and remember to set your lineups early today if you have a Raven or Titan, because of the London game.
For DraftKings 50/50 DFS lineups, I made huge changes about 30 seconds ago, right after writing "London game." My original slate (constructed last night) featured Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase, while including teammates Adam Thielen and Chuba Hubbard. My official, final slate is Trevor Lawrence, Raheem Mostert, D'Onta Foreman, Christian Kirk, Calvin Ridley, D.J. Moore, Logan Thomas, Jaylen Waddle, and the Texans DST.
Why? Well, Foreman is uber-cheap, and Thomas and the Texans are among the cheapest out there. All three could realistically score 10+ points. The Jags are facing a Colts D that's yielding the third-most passing yards. Travis Etienne is coming off a career-high-tying 30-touch performance. I don't think Jacksonville's interested in overworking their star running back, especially with Tank Bigsby pitching in and an ascending passing attack that's still rounding into form.
And with Wilson not activated, I feel more comfortable with the high-ceiling Mostert. The opposite is true for the expensive Chase with Higgins on the mend. Sure, Chase should be great. But at his price, we'd need elite numbers, and I'm not willing to downgrade elsewhere to take that chance. As for Waddle, he's a breakout waiting to happen. I've tried to buy low. No dice. Hope you have better luck these next few hours.
For the 4:00pm Eastern games, I'm trying to thread the needle on "good" players while going all in on the Patriots' impending implosion: Jimmy G., Kyren Williams, Breece Hall, Cooper Kupp, Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, Hunter Henry, Mike Gesicki, and the Bucs DST. Going top-heavy in some respects, leaving me with just enough funds to pair New England's TEs. Why? Because I believe Mac Jones will get benched if he doesn't produce, and he has two capable tight ends at his disposal, as well as a diminishing supply of downfield threats.
Whatever happens, there will be a lot to discuss tomorrow, as always. Good luck today.