Gross Bombs: NFL Props for Week 16
Josh Gross
The NFL landscape for Week 2 will see some significant shifts due to injuries with some players already ruled out and/or listed as doubtful. After the Friday practice reports, we do have some extra clarity on where we’ll be headed Sunday, so let’s break it down.
Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers
It’s been reported that Austin Ekeler will not even travel with the Chargers to Tennessee, so the doubtful tag he’s being listed with would seem optimistic. We’re likely going to see Joshua Kelley get his first crack at a feature role, although you could argue that 16 rush attempts in Week 1 might have qualified as “featured.” It was only the seventh time in Kelley’s four-year career that he’s had double-digit rush attempts. He’s walking into a tough matchup against the Titans as they finished Week 1 in the top 12 in stuffed runs and adjusted line yards. Elijah Dotson and Isaiah Spiller will likely chip in, but this should be Kelley’s show, regardless of the matchup.
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
This injury kind of came out of nowhere with C.J. Stroud being listed as questionable with a shoulder issue. The first two days of practice went fine for the rookie quarterback, and then something must have popped up Friday. It’s always a concern when a player is a late addition. Davis Mills would take over if Stroud cannot play. The Texans would likely be very careful with the second overall pick from this year’s draft if there are any concerns.
Aaron Jones/Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers
Both players for the Packers are listed as questionable, but I have my doubts about either one playing. Christian Watson has yet to log one full practice since the week of the regular season started, and he’s already missed a game. I have a hard time believing that he’s ready to go suddenly after one limited session, but we’ll have to see. Romeo Doubs would be set to be the No. 1 target, but no Packers receiver played more than 53% of the snaps in Week 1. Aaron Jones is worrisome as well since he exited Week 1 with a hamstring issue. If he’s out, AJ Dillon will be the lead back, and Emmanuel Wilson would likely be the backup.
DeAndre Hopkins, Tennessee Titans
The most likely outcome here would be DeAndre Hopkins suits up and plays. As Adam Pfeifer pointed out in the FTN Discord, Hopkins has made a habit of not practicing and still playing despite that. I had hoped to see him at least get in one limited practice with a new team, but alas. The educated guess says this isn’t a big deal but you need to monitor it heading into Sunday morning.
Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders
This is not surprising given the hit Jakobi Meyers took last week, but he has been ruled out with a concussion. Davante Adams is surely going to see a boatload of targets but Hunter Renfrow and DeAndre Carter would be candidates to slide into the role vacated by Meyers. I don’t exactly think either is super appealing, but they could be cheap fliers for DFS lineups. It’s tough to guess because every receiver but Adams and Meyers played under 25% of the snaps in Week 1.
Brandin Cooks, Dallas Cowboys
Brandin Cooks was not the most likely player to be in your lineup against the New York Jets, but he’s dealing with an MCL injury and is questionable. He only played six snaps in the slot in Week 1 so regardless of who takes his spot, they have to deal with the boundary cornerback duo of Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed. The likeliest candidate is KaVonte Turpin, but it’s hard to make that case.
Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams
Many fantasy players spent a lot of money in FAAB or burned their No. 1 waiver priority on Puka Nakua after his dominant debut. Nacua gave everyone a bit of a scare by being on the injury report Friday but coach Sean McVay says Nacua is expected to still play.
