This article will be continuously updated through Sunday morning.
This is in addition to a Tuesday update with transaction recommendations. Remember that these projections are an imperfect analysis working with the most current information and five years of historical data. If players practice in full, they’ll be excluded from any specific analysis and should be assumed healthy unless otherwise stated.
“*” indicates full breakdown below
Justin Fields (doubtful)
Deshaun Watson*
Daniel Jones*
Kyler Murray*
Matthew Stafford*
Michael Wilson (doubtful)*
Drake London (out)*
Curtis Samuel (out)*
DeVante Parker (out)*
Robert Woods (out)
Emari Demercado (out)*
Dameon Pierce (out)*
Clyde Edwards-Helaire (out)
Tyrod Taylor (out)
Darren Waller (out)*
Quarterbacks
Matthew Stafford - Thumb
Stafford's injury seems more serious than the Rams are letting on as of now, given the fact IR was mentioned. The last time Stafford played through this injury, he threw for 178 yards and no touchdowns. The Rams would be better suited to sit him. He shouldn't be anywhere near lineups, even if he ends up playing.\
Deshaun Watson - Shoulder
Watson will play in Week 9 but shouldn't be near most single-QB lineups. I'm fine waiting to see what Watson is capable of doing, given he tried to return too soon last time around.
Kyler Murray - ACL
Barring unforeseen circumstances, Kyler seems likely to return in Week 10. This is the last opportunity to try and acquire a rushing QB at a relatively low value. The dip in rushing production after an ACL is 10-15%. However, don't let that stop you, as even with the dip, Murray would still be top 6 amongst QBs in rush yards per game this year. Remember, we need to separate real NFL from fantasy. And for fantasy, Kyler Murray meets every criterion we want for a killer QB1 season.
Daniel Jones - Neck
He is not startable in any format until he proves he's healthy and can produce.
Running Backs
Emeri Demercado - Toe
Demercado's injury could lead to seeing more Keaontay Ingram. This makes Ingram a fine tournament play. James Conner is eligible to return next week.
Wide Receivers
Michael Wilson - Shoulder
Wilson's absence moreso implicates Trey McBride, who has even less target competition. With a rookie QB starting, another safety valve/junk time extravaganza could be in store for the 2nd year breakout.
Drake London - Groin
London is out for Week 9. The mean missed time with a groin injury is 1-3 games across the NFL, with a median of 18 days. Among WRs, the mean is 1 missed game, and the mode is 0 missed games. London’s young age and his lack of history with soft tissue strains will undoubtedly help his cause.
Curtis Samuel - Toe
The severity of Samuel's toe injury is unknown, but the fact that he didn't get close to the practice field all week does not bode well. Unfortunately, toe injuries tend to be either 1-week absences or extended absences. Acquiring Jamison Crowder might be a good idea.
DeVante Parker - Concussion
Parker is dealing with his second concussion in as many seasons and may struggle to return in Week 9. Additionally, Kendrick Bourne's ACL tear could open the door for Pop Douglas. Add him if he's out there.
Tight Ends
Darren Waller - Hamstring
Waller is on IR-watch after some comments made by him and the team.
Good luck!
