We are headed for the stretch run in season-long fantasy leagues as there are only a couple more weeks left before the playoffs. Trade deadlines are fast approaching and impact players are getting banged up at an exponential rate. It’s been said before and it will be said again – do not hesitate to make your moves now and aggressively set your roster up for the postseason. Depth and flexibility are key at this point of the season so start negotiating deals and be ready to spend your remaining FAAB dollars. So without further ado, here is the next edition of the fantasy football walking wounded.
Aaron Rodgers (QB – GB)
There was some concern earlier in the week about Rodgers’ shoulder, but he is listed as probable and will certainly be on the field this week against Minnesota. You should put the MVP in your lineup without apprehension and expect elite numbers in a key divisional game.
Marshawn Lynch (RB – SEA)
Lynch is listed as questionable for this week’s game against San Francisco as he is dealing with an abdomen injury. He has not practiced this week but there is still a good chance he will play. It has not exactly been Beast Mode for Lynch this year but he has a favorable matchup against the 49ers even in a potentially limited capacity.
Tony Romo (QB – DAL)
Fantasy owners can rejoice that Tony Romo will be back this week which means players like Dez Bryant and Jason Witten will see immediate increases in value and production. Romo has been out for over two months but he instantly regains his QB1 status.
Peyton Manning (QB – DEN)
It’s been a dreadful season for the legendary Peyton Manning despite setting all-time records. He leads the league in interceptions and will now ride the bench this week as he deals with plantar fasciitis and a rib injury. Brock Osweiler will get the start for Denver and is a solid waiver wire acquisition because he could see continued playing time if Manning does not heal quickly.
DeAndre Hopkins (WR – HOU)
Hopkins was dealing with a knee injury this week but returned to practice on Friday and is a lock to play this Sunday against the Jets. He will be covered by Darrelle Revis, which will be a challenge, but he is still clearly a WR1 with a good chance of escaping Revis Island.
Matt Forte (RB – CHI)
Fantasy owners will likely be in limbo with Forte right up until game time as he was limited in practice on Friday. Forte has missed the past two games with an MCL injury so he might need some additional time to recover enough to get back on the field. Jeremy Langford would get another start but will be up against a stingy Denver defense.
Alshon Jeffery (WR – CHI)
It is not looking good for Jeffery to be on the field this Sunday against Denver. He missed practice again on Friday so he is clearly trending in the wrong direction. It would be a difficult matchup anyway against a solid Denver defense, but you should plan on being without him for Week 11.
Sam Bradford (QB – PHI)
Bradford has been officially ruled out for this week’s game against Tampa Bay as he continues to deal with both a concussion and shoulder injury. This was fully expected so you should have already made alternate plans such as backup Mark Sanchez. The Eagles will be able to put up points and rack up yards against Tampa Bay with Sanchez, so do not expect much of a drop off.
Michael Floyd (WR – ARZ)
Floyd was in the midst of a big game last Sunday night against Seattle when he suffered a hamstring injury. He will be a game-time decision this week when Arizona plays again on Sunday night against Cincinnati. This could be problematic for fantasy owners who will need to make lineup decisions well before kickoff of this game.
Victor Cruz (WR – NYG)
After 10 weeks of frustration, the Giants finally put fantasy owners out of their misery by ruling Victor Cruz out for the season after injuring his calf. He initially suffered the injury during the summer while rehabbing his devastating knee injury. Now fantasy owners can drop him and free up a valuable roster spot as we head toward the playoffs.
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).