Fantasy News

Kerryon Johnson (knee) is being placed on injured reserve, according to multiple reports.

Now officially out of the playoff race, the Lions are playing it safe with their franchise running back, opting to shut him down for the final two games to ensure he’s 100% ready to go for the offseason. The rookie had missed the last four games with his knee injury, so he will miss six games total this season. His impressive first NFL season ends with 118 carries for 641 yards and three touchdowns along with 32 receptions for 213 yards and one touchdown in ten games. His 5.4 yards per carry is currently second in the NFL. In Week 3, Johnson became Detroit’s first 100-yard rusher since Thanksgiving of 2013, and the former SEC Offensive Player of the Year should lead the backfield for the next several years. Johnson should be at least an elite RB2 in 2019 fantasy drafts, and he might be a top-ten running back option on an offense that will hopefully improve.

12/19/18 - 09:53 AM ET

Blake Jarwin leads the Cowboys in Week 15 receiving.

Jarwin gained 45 yards on his four receptions against the Colts; he had a long of 18 yards, which also led the team. The second-year tight end has emerged as the top receiving tight end for Dallas the last two weeks, but he’s difficult to trust in fantasy lineups with titles on the line.

12/17/18 - 09:51 AM ET

Devonta Freeman will not return this season.

This was though to be the case, and Falcons head coach Dan Quinn confirmed it today to 92.9 The Game in Atlanta. Those that were stashing Freeman with the hopes of him making a return from injured reserve can safely drop him in redraft leagues. Now the attention turn to whether Freeman will return to the Falcons in 2019, as the team probably wants to re-sign Tevin Coleman and they also have Ito Smith in the mix. Freeman would likely have to be traded if he’s not with Atlanta next season, as it’s unlikely the team just cuts him with a high dead cap it.

Via: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 12/19/18 - 09:52 AM ET

Amari Cooper catches four passes against the Colts.

Cooper gained 32 yards on his four receptions, also adding one carry for 11 yards in the Week 15 loss. While Cooper’s big games with the Cowboys have been monstrous, he’s remained relatively boom/bust fantasy-wise like he has been for much of his career; however, no one could really get going for the Cowboys in this game. Cooper will look to have a big game when he faces a vulnerable Bucs secondary to start fantasy championships.

12/17/18 - 09:49 AM ET

Austin Ekeler (concussion/neck) did not practice on Tuesday.

Ekeler missed last week’s game against the Chiefs, but hopefully he can get cleared by Saturday. That said, Justin Jackson has impressed this month, and Melvin Gordon (knee) will obviously operate as the clear lead back and a superstar RB1 if he makes his expected return.

12/18/18 - 06:07 PM ET

Rod Smith gets three carries against the Colts.

Smith gained 14 yards on his three attempts while mixing in for Ezekiel Elliott. For fantasy purposes, Smith is just a handcuff to Elliott entering championship weeks.

12/17/18 - 09:47 AM ET

Keenan Allen (hip) did not practice today.

Allen was forced out of last Thursday’s game with a hip injury, but he is expected to return this week along with Melvin Gordon (knee) for a Saturday night clash against the Ravens. He is no sure thing and might not even get in a practice until late in the week, though, so fantasy owners should at least have a backup plan in mind.

12/18/18 - 06:07 PM ET