Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr. (hamstring) didn't practice Thursday or Friday. He was running on the side field during Thursday's session, but Friday's absence brought some pessimism. Beckham is calling himself day-to-day, and a Monday game adds complication to his fantasy status. If you want to wait until Monday night on Beckham, other WR options include Josh Huff and Dwayne Harris, all of whom will allow for a late swap.
In other news ...
Ravens RB Justin Forsett has had two consecutive 100-yard games, but a sprained ankle has kept him out of practice so far this week. Friday's session should tell us if Forsett will be available on Sunday; if not, rookie Javorius "Buck" Allen will carry the load. Ravens WR Steve Smith (back) was limited in Thursday's practice, and his status is still TBD despite many reports that he's expected to play. Head coach John Harbaugh called Smith's fractures a pain tolerance issue, which is a problem when you have fractured bones in your back.
In this Chicago Sun-Times video, two Bears' beat reporters agree that they really don't know if WR Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) will return on Sunday. Jeffery, who was again limited in Thursday's practice, doesn't know either. Assuming that Jeffery won't play -- the Bears have a bye next week -- think about firing up Marquess Wilson against a Lions' defense that has allowed a league-worst 9.2 yards per pass play. Wilson is owned in just 4 percent of FOXSports.com leagues.
Andrew Luck is probably going to return Sunday. Marshawn Lynch was a full practice participant on Thursday, and is on track to return as well.
Jaguars RB T.J. Yeldon (groin) hasn't practiced this week. If he can't go Sunday, look for a Toby Gerhart/Denard Robinson tandem. If Gerhart ruined your 2014 fantasy season as a fourth-round pick, try to get over it.
Thursday's matchup went as expected, with the Saints easily winning a game that was dominated by fantasy stars Devonta Freeman and Ben Watson.
The Bills aren't shedding much light on their injuries, but this week looks like a yes for WR Sammy Watkins, a no for RB Karlos Williams, a maybe for RB LeSean McCoy (check out this optimistic Friday morning Instagram post), and a maybe/leaning no for QB Tyrod Taylor. Watkins is making noise about wanting the ball more, and he might get his wish if he plays.
The status of Redskins WR DeSean Jackson is "up in the air" after he had an issue with his injured hamstring in Wednesday's practice.
Remember your byes: The Cowboys, Raiders, Rams and Buccaneers are off this week.
So, the Lions don't think rookie RB Ameer Abdullah has a fumbling problem. Maybe so, but teams are usually conservative about trusting rookies who have fumbled, and I'll be starting Joique Bell in a deep league. Bell is a plodder at this point, but if the Lions get near the goal line, they'll probably give the ball to Bell.
"We're going to take the reins off and let him rock." So said Cowboys RB coach Gary Brown on Thursday about Christine Michael. Every fantasy analyst in the galaxy will be hyping Michael next week, so if you want him, get him now (he's owned in 13.9 percent of FOXSports.com leagues). Michael has lots of potential, with the reputation of being a bit of a rockhead, and the possibility of being in a committee. I'm stashing him where my benches are deep enough, but there are limits. For instance, some asked me this week if Duke Johnson should be dumped for Michael, and that's a no. Tweet all the C-Mike questions you want to me @jhalpin37.
DFS notes (salaries from DraftKings): Running backs at home on big favorites are usually solid plays. Marshawn Lynch ($6,900), Eddie Lacy ($6,300) and Chris Ivory ($5,100) fit that description ... With Giants CB Prince Amukamara out, Eagles QB Sam Bradford ($6,000) becomes awfully interesting, possibly stacked with the struggling Jordan Matthews ($6,200) ... If you'd like to save in the backfield and spend everywhere else, consider one or a combo of Charcandrick West ($4,000) and Boom Herron ($3,600). Because pf the Bills' injuries, Herron might be the leader by default - if McCoy remains out, of course ... The aforementioned Marquess Wilson is $4,000, which is fine if Jeffery plays, and great if Jeffery is out ... One game doesn't qualify as a rebound, but Eagles TE Zach Ertz ($2,900) caught five passes for 60 yards in Week 5, and might be ready to live up to some of his preseason hype against a Giants' defense that has been torched by opposing tight ends.
Need help over the weekend? Find us on Twitter (@jhalpin37, @FOXSportsFowler, @FOXSportsMeyer, @FOXSportsFoster), check out our Week 6 rankings and come to our chat on Sunday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. ET (I'll have the 11 o'clock hour). We'll have your questions covered, but can't stress enough that waiting until 15 minutes before kickoff is a bad plan.
Good luck this week!
