We have reached the penultimate week of the NFL season which is the championship game in many fantasy football leagues. If you are vying for a title, then congratulations on surviving or overcoming the injury bug that has plagued so many GM’s all season. This week is no different so it could be a challenge for many of you in your quest for fantasy football greatness. So without further adieu, here is the next installment of the walking wounded.
DeMarco Murray (RB-DAL)
DeMarco Murray has provided an epic season for fantasy GM’s eclipsing 100 yards in all but three games and scoring 11 touchdowns. Let’s not forget about his 54 catches which have been PPR gold. But he is suffering from a hand injury and has been limited in practice all week. He is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Colts, so fantasy GM’s are understandably panicked. With the Cowboys’ season on the line the next two weeks, you should expect Murray to play. However, it would behoove you to pick up Joseph Randle as a handcuff just in case.
Julio Jones (WR-ATL)
Julio Jones still has not practiced as of Friday and will likely be a game-time decision on Sunday as a result of his hip injury. This injury has been devastating for fantasy GM’s who were salivating over his epic Week 14 performance. Hopefully you took my advice last week and added Harry Douglas who has provided solid production when playing as Atlanta’s first or second receiver. If Jones does not play, then Douglas is a viable replacement once again.
Peyton Manning (QB-DEN)
Peyton Manning had a rough week against San Diego after suffering from the flu and then injuring his thigh. He did practice in a limited capacity on Friday and will play on Monday night against the Bengals. Even though the Broncos already wrapped up the AFC West title, a first round bye is still at stake along with Cincinnati. Denver has implemented a new style of offense more focused on the running game, so expect more of the same against a solid Cincinnati defense especially with Manning possibly not being 100%.
T.Y. Hilton (WR-IND)
T.Y. Hilton is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury for Sunday’s game against Dallas. Indianapolis has already clinched the AFC South, so do not expect Hilton to play in this game. The Colts will need Hilton to be at 100% if they hope to advance in the playoffs, so it makes sense that they are conservative with his status. This is a crushing blow to fantasy GM’s, but Donte Moncrief could be a suitable replacement for championship week.
C.J. Spiller (RB-BUF)
C.J. Spiller has been fantasy poison all season but is due to return this week from a broken collarbone. Fred Jackson has carried the load the past few weeks so we don’t know yet what kind of role Spiller will have. He has proven to be untrustworthy all year so don’t start believing in him now. He is at best a flex option if you are desperate.
Cam Newton (QB-CAR)
Cam Newton is set to return after a brief absence due to his near-tragic car accident a couple weeks ago. Newton sustained two fractures in his back which is similar to the injury Tony Romo had earlier in the season which only cost him one game. Don’t expect Newton to do much running given his condition, but he should be fine throwing the ball against a beaten and demoralized Cleveland team coming off of a 30-0 thrashing by the Bengals.
Keenan Allen (WR-SD)
Keenan Allen sustained a broken collarbone and is likely done for the season. He has been officially ruled out for Saturday’s game against the 49ers so you should feel free to drop him in non-keeper leagues. It was a disappointing season for Allen who only had three games with 100+ yards and finished the year with just three touchdown catches. You can expect Malcom Floyd, Eddie Royal and Antonio Gates to be the recipients of those lost targets.
Rashad Jennings (RB-NYG)
Rashad Jennings has been ruled out for this week against the Rams. Andre Williams will get the start once again, but that does not mean he is a reliable fantasy option for you. He had a breakout game a couple weeks ago against a terrible Tennessee defense, but he has been held in check in every other game. The Rams’ defense has not allowed a touchdown in the past three games, so don’t expect Williams to be the one who cracks the code. He is at best a deep RB2 or flex option during championship week.
Andre Johnson (WR-HOU)
Andre Johnson has passed all of the physical tests and is listed as probable for this week against Baltimore after recovering from a concussion. The problem is that Case Keenum is now playing quarterback which does not bode well for Johnson’s fantasy value. It is also questionable whether DeAndre Hopkins is able to play, so the Ravens will be able to focus on covering Johnson which would minimize his ability to find open space.
Ryan Mathews (RB-SD)
Ryan Mathews continues to provide his detractors right as he is officially ruled out for Saturday’s game against San Francisco. Mathews is dealing with an ankle injury which is just latest in a long line of maladies. He has been limited to only six games all season with a total 330 yards rushing and three touchdowns. If you haven’t learned your lesson already, then this should seal the deal and convince you that Mathews has no business on your fantasy team ever again.
Michael A. Stein, Esq. is the Chief Justice of Fantasy Judgment, the industry's premier dispute resolution service, and is also the co-host of the Fantasy Alarm podcast. You can contact him at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Facebook and Twitter (@FantasyJudgment),