Injury analysis for Week 1 of NFL DFS on FanDuel and DraftKings

Week one is finally here and we got all your DFS content covered. We started things off with our Cash Game article and GPP stacks article. Now, let's take a look at some key injuries which could affect our decision-making for the Sunday main slate.

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Running Backs

J.K. Dobbins FD 6900 DK 5600
Opponent NYJ
Proj Points FD - 10.06 DK - 10.48

Dobbins was limited both Wednesday and Thursday and remains questionable for week one after coming off an ACL tear in 2021. If he is ruled out we could see Mike Davis carry the load, at least on the early downs. The Ravens also have Justice Hill and newly signed Kenyan Drake to turn to as well but don't like them nearly as much for DFS this week.

Miles Sanders FD 6500 DK 5400
Opponent DET
Proj Points FD - 10.4 DK - 11.47

After having his status up in the air early in the week, Sanders has practiced in full both Wednesday and Thursday and is fully expected to play and carry the load against the Lions.

Wide Receivers

Michael Thomas FD 6200 DK 5700
Opponent ATL
Proj Points FD - 8.11 DK - 9.88

Thomas practiced in a limited fashion on Wednesday and Thursday after dealing with a hamstring issue sustained in late August. It caused him to miss the final two preseason games and he is no stranger to missing time not playing a full season since 2019. There is optimism he plays on Sunday but likely won't be close to 100% and I can't see the Saints pushing him with his injury history. If this is the case, I will be upgrading Jarvis Landry who is best utilized in cash games, rookie Chris Olave who is cheap and comes with a ton of upside, and even elite pass-catching running back Alvin Kamara.

Rondale Moore FD 5500 DK 4000
Opponent KC
Proj Points FD - 7.81 DK - 9.65

Suffered a hamstring injury in practice on Thursday and will undergo an MRI. There is a good chance they hold him out of week one which would be an upgrade to Marquise Brown who likely gets the highest target share followed by veteran A.J. Green. With Zach Ertz also dealing with an injury, it could mean an increased role for Andy Isabella and/or Greg Dortsch. Stay tuned for more news.

Update: Moore has been ruled out!

Drake London FD 5500 DK 5000
Opponent NO
Proj Points FD - 7.12 DK - 8.75

London sustained a knee injury in week one of the preseason and has been slowly getting more involved in practices including limited sessions on Wednesday and Thursday this week. I don't foresee them pushing the rookie in his first game so there could be added opportunities for Bryan Edwards, Olamide Zaccheaus, and KhaDarel Hodge in a tough matchup against the Saints. The most likely scenario would be a monster target share for the second-year tight end, Kyle Pitts.

Diontae Johnson FD 6700 DK 6000
Opponent CIN
Proj Points FD - 9.83 DK - 12.16

Johnson was dealing with a shoulder injury coming into the week and was a limited participant both Wednesday and Thursday. It went from bad to worse Thursday as he left early with cramping which really puts his status in jeopardy for Sunday. The Steelers would likely lean on Chase Claypool as the lead wideout with some extra work going in the direction of their 2nd round rookie, George Pickens.

Update: Johnson said he will play Week 1

Sterling Shepard FD 5500 DK 4900
Opponent TEN
Proj Points FD - 7.21 DK - 9.08

While Shepard was limited in practice this week, he is expected to play against the Titans on Sunday. I actually prefer if he played and was not 100% as I am more inclined to roster Kadarius Toney and this news could lower his ownership and also the chances he is focused on by the secondary.

Update: Shepard was removed from injury report and good to go on Sunday

Allen Lazard FD 6300 DK 5600
Opponent MIN
Proj Points FD - 12.75 DK - 15.3

The Packers lost elite wideout Davante Adams in the offseason and now could be without Allen Lazard who missed practice Wednesday and Thursday. Lazard missing week one against a rebuilding Vikings secondary would mean some adding targets for Sammy Watkins, Randall Cobb in the slot, and rookies Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. Good luck trying to figure out which one comes out ahead but I would lean the veterans if looking for a stable floor play.

Update: Lazard is not practicing on Friday

Tight Ends

George Kittle FD 6100 DK 5900
Opponent CHI
Proj Points FD - 9.33 DK - 11.39

Kittlesustained a groin injury at practice on Monday and has missed practice since and is highly questionable for week one. This would elevate Tyler Kroft as a viable punt play at the position but likely means Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk get extra touches. It also probably means the 49ers lean more on the rushing attack, as well.

Zach Ertz FD 5600 DK 4400
Opponent KC
Proj Points FD - 6.86 DK - 8.68

Ertz was not present at Thursday's practice but there is some speculation it could have been a veteran's day off. With Rondale Moore sustaining an injury on Thursday, the Cards could really use Ertz so this is another one we will have to wait for more news on leading up to Sunday.

Update - Ertz practiced in full on Friday 

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