The Week That Was Football: The Injuries From Week 16

Big name injuries highlight this week’s Football Week That Was.

First and foremost, congratulations to all that are in the clubhouse with a fantasy football title.  To those still in the hunt tonight and in Week 17, good luck and keep the faith!

DeMarco MurrayIf there ever was a doubt, there isn’t any longer.  DeMarco Murray is one tough dude.  Six days after surgery, the Cowboys RB rushed 22 times for 58 yards and a TD in the division clinching win against the Colts.  Personally, I think he should have been pulled much earlier in the blowout than he was.  Why make that point here?  Well, all reason and common sense would say that Murray should sit out week 17 in order to get ready for the playoffs.  However, because the Cowboys took greater risks than warranted with their star RB (and QB for that matter), who knows what they will do.  Watch the news closely if you are in a week 17 title game.  If you are playing daily, I cannot see how you can risk playing Murray.  Joe Randle on the other hand could be a bargain.

Steven Jackson:  Steven Jackson injured a quad Sunday and did not return.  I am sure he will try and give it a go in next week’s battle to get into the playoffs with a losing record (yes, there should be a rule that says you have to be over .500 to knock a winning team out of the playoffs but I digress).  Jackson is a guy to avoid in all formats next week.  He has rushed for over 50 yards only once since week 10.  If Jackson is ruled out or is obviously only suiting up to be a decoy, Devonta Freeman could surprise.  Yes, Atlanta’s offensive line is not good but Freeman has talent and showed some spark amassing 84 yards from scrimmage and a TD after Jackson took a seat.  This is a situation worth monitoring if you are in the hunt for cheap value in daily or in need of a RB for your week 17 showdown.

T.Y. Hilton:   T.Y. Hilton sat out with his injured hamstring and the effects on the Colts were palpable.  All those who put their faith in Donte Moncrief, well, that didn’t work did it?  Moncrief tallied a dismal 2 catches for 5 yards.  I have to guess that the Colts take no chances next week in what will be a meaningless game so you should take no chances rostering Colts in week 17.

Julian Edelman:   Julian Edelman sat out Sunday’s game against the Jets but in typical Patriot fashion, it was simply next man up.  This week, that man was Danny Amendola.  The former Ram returned from the NFL version of WitSec (in common parlance called Witness Protection) and hauled in 8 passes for 63 yards.  Watch the news this week.  If Denver wins, forcing the Pats to win week 17 to secure home field throughout and if Edelman cannot go in week 17, Amendola will make a nice ppr play.

Percy HarvinPercy Harvin suffered a rib injury against the Patriots yesterday and did not return.  Before the injury, he was producing some, hauling in 4 passes for 44 yards and even rushing for a yard.   I am not going to waste your time here other than to say that you have to be a big thrill seeker who cares not about consequences to risk a week 17 title by starting Harvin.

Johnny Manziel:   Johnny Manziel suffered a hamstring injury and did not return yesterday.  The Browns season is over and there is just no earthly reason to throw Johnny Football to the wolves next week.  The only really fantasy football newsworthy item here is that Brian Hoyer should start week 17 and has every motivation to show possible future employers he is worthy of running an NFL offense in 2015. 

C.J. SpillerThe good news is that C.J. Spiller returned to the field in week 16.  The bad news is that he carried only four times and went backwards, netting negative 4 yards.  He did catch 4 passes for 14 yards, so those in PPR leagues got something.  If New England has something to play for next week against the Bills, C.J. should be nowhere near your daily or week 17 super bowl lineup. 

Final Thought 1: Injury news changes quickly so make sure to check back right here at fantasyalarm.com for all the news you need to know.

Final Thought 2:  As loyal readers and listeners know, I have been a harsh critic of Jason Garrett’s over the years (though I did like him as a backup to both Aikman and Peete).  I have yelled, screamed and snarked about Coach Garrett’s decision-making, game management and amazing refusal to run the football from 2007-2013.  However, one must give credit where credit is due.  Garrett still makes some game management decisions that befuddle but he grew up as a coach this year, altered his strategy of throw, throw and throw and the results have been great.  Congratulations coach on a job well done.  Keep up the good work, do NOT risk key players in a meaningless game next week and get ready for a deep playoff run!