Fantasy News

Marlon Mack (hamstring) is inactive for Week 1.

Mack made it interesting and worked his way into a game-time decision, but the expectation had been that he would not play against the Bengals. Jordan Wilkins is expected to draw the start for Indy, but Christine Michael and Nyheim Hines should both get a decent amount of work. Mack appears to be close to a return, so Week 2 against the Redskins is a possibility.

9/9/18 - 11:31 AM ET

Sony Michel (hamstring) is inactive for the season opener.

The rookie running back was limited in practice all week after missing most of the summer, so this was fully expected. Rex Burkhead, James White, and Jeremy Hill will carry the load at running back for New England versus Houston. Michel is probably going to need to work his way into a full practice participant before the Patriots activate him on gameday.

9/9/18 - 11:30 AM ET

Will Fuller (hamstring) is out for Week 1.

Fuller was limited in practice all week and was a game-time decision, but he’s not ready to go against New England. This is a slight blow to Deshaun Watson as he takes the field for a potential shootout, but it probably means a few more targets for DeAndre Hopkins. Consider Fuller 50/50 for Week 2 against the Titans.

9/9/18 - 11:25 AM ET

Austin Carr is starting in the slot for the Saints, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Rapoport says the 2017 undrafted free agent from Northwestern has gained Drew Brees’ trust and calls him a potential “fantasy sleeper.” There was a lot of hype around third-round rookie receiver Tre’Quan Smith, and the team also signed former Bears receiver Cameron Meredith, but it’ll be Carr that starts next to Michael Thomas and Ted Ginn Jr. today against the Buccaneers. We don’t recommend putting Carr in fantasy lineups quite yet, but this is a fine matchup if you want to take a shot, particularly in deeper leagues. PPR players should take notice of Carr, who is worth adding to the end of benches.

Via: Ian Rapoport 9/9/18 - 08:48 AM ET

David Johnson has signed a three-year extension with the Cardinals, according to multiple reports.

The extension is reportedly worth $39 million and can be worth $45 million, so this makes Johnson the second-highest-paid running back in the NFL behind Todd Gurley. It’s a shorter contract than Gurley, and it’ll allow Johnson to potentially hit free agency as a 30-year-old in 2022—but this might be a steal for Arizona. This comes on the eve of the start of the season for the Cardinals, so Johnson might have a little more peace of mind as he hits the field with long-term security before a likely 300-400 touches coming up over the next 16 games. DJ will still be plenty motivated this season despite the contract, as he’s said he wants to prove the doubters wrong after people might have forgotten about him because of his basically-missed 2017 season. If healthy, Johnson will certainly be in the mix as the top fantasy RB in 2018.

9/8/18 - 09:44 PM ET

Jermaine Kearse (abdomen) is listed as doubtful for Week 1.

Kearse is reportedly expected to miss the opener against Detroit, and this doubtful designation indicates he’ll likely be out. Kearse should not be in fantasy lineups for Week 1, especially with him playing on Monday night.

9/8/18 - 04:49 PM ET

Marshawn Lynch is not on the Week 1 injury report.

Lynch was limited in practice all week with a groin injury, but he’s ready to go for the final game of the week on Monday night against the Rams. The veteran running back is in FLEX consideration in a tough matchup to start the season.

9/8/18 - 03:55 PM ET