From game-time decisions to injuries so significant they affect the value of every single position, let's break down the Fantasy and DFS impact of injuries for every Week 1 matchup. Know when to pivot and how your fantasy roster will be affected.
Below, you'll find a game-by-game look at the injuries you need to know that will have the biggest impact for Fantasy leagues, as well as the implications for DFS players. This week's list of notable names includes quarterbacks Kyler Murray; running backs Jonathan Taylor, Kenneth Walker and Breece Hall; receivers Marquise Brown, Christian Watson, Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr.; tight ends Mark Andrews and George Kittle; and many others, including key offensive line and defensive injuries to know.
You can also see how this week's injuries affect the Fantasy projections from the SportsLine Projection Model. All you have to do is head over to SportsLine's companion post to this piece that tracks all the projections you need to know related to this week's injury report.
- WR Adam Thielen (ankle) - Questionable
- WR D.J. Chark (hamstring) - Out
- WR Terrace Marshall (back) - Cleared
- RB Cordarrelle Patterson (thigh) - Questionable
- WR KhaDarel Hodge (ankle) - Questionable
- CB Jeff Okudah (ankle) - Out
The majority of the Panthers veteran receivers are dealing with injuries and D.J. Chark has officially been ruled out for Sunday's game, leaving rookie quarterback Bryce Young without a key weapon. If Thielen is unable to suit up, Jonathan Mingo should serve as the primary receiver. Even as the first look for Young, it's difficult to trust Mingo outside of a deep league flex option. Terrace Marshall is cleared to play and should step into a larger role with the absence of Chark.
The good news is that Miles Sanders – who was dealing with an injury during preseason – is not listed on the report. The Panthers will likely lean on their run game against a Falcons defense that gave up the 10th most rushing yards in the league in 2022. Sanders should see strong volume and is a reliable RB2 this week.
For the Falcons, the potential absence of Patterson could have an impact on the Falcons pass catchers' target share. Tyler Allgeier hasn't been used as a receiving back and target share out of the backfield should be funneled through Bijan Robinson.
DFS impact
While the Panthers' receivers are extremely cost effective, it's best to avoid them as a whole with limited upside. Miles Sanders is well-priced and a strong value play given the injuries to the Panthers' receiving corps.
Notable injuries
- RB Dare Ogunbowale (hamstring) - Questionable
- WR John Metchie (hamstring) - Out
- LB Christian Harris (shoulder) - Cleared
- SAF Jimmie Ward (groin) - Out
- WR Odell Beckham Jr. (ankle) - Cleared
- TE Mark Andrews (quadriceps) - Questionable
- CB Marlon Humphrey (foot) - Out
The combination of inactives for John Metchie and Marlon Humphrey could entice Fantasy managers to play Texans receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell. But outside of 14-16 team leagues, Collins and Dell are risky plays in C.J. Stroud's first game.
The Texans were strong against the pass in 2022, holding opposing quarterbacks to the fewest fantasy points in the league. However, much of that might've been related to the Texans struggling to stop the run. If Mark Andrews is out in Week 1, Fantasy managers could turn to rookie receiver Zay Flowers or Rashod Bateman as WR3 or flex options. Beckham was cleared to play but remains a risky option in his first active game post-ACL injury.
It's interesting to note that Rashod Bateman was not listed on the injury report, despite dealing with offseason recovery issues.
DFS impact
Bateman and Flowers are priced at $5,300 and $4,000, respectively. With injuries to the Texans defense, Flowers is an interesting value play in tournaments. It's a risky play though, as the Ravens could get up early and lean on the run.
Notable injuries
- QB Joe Burrow (calf) - Cleared
- WR Marquise Goodwin (illness) - Cleared
- DB Juan Thornhill (calf) - Questionable
- CB Denzel Ward (concussion) - Cleared
Despite dealing with a calf injury during preseason, head coach Zac Taylor confirmed Joe Burrow will play in Week 1. The Bengals head into Week 1 with a clean injury report.
Although the Browns are dealing with injuries to their secondary – their strength in 2022 – expect a balanced attack and strong start from all Bengals.
DFS impact
There's no significant impact to DFS in this matchup. With Burrow cleared early, all Bengals are playable.
Notable injuries
- None
- RB Jonathan Taylor (ankle) - PUP
- RB Zack Moss (arm) - Questionable
- WR Ashton Dulin (knee-ACL) - IR
- TE Jelani Woods (hamstring) - IR
- LB Shaquille Leonard (concussion) - Cleared
With Jonathan Taylor out for four weeks, the Colts' backfield will take a committee approach with no true lead back. Deon Jackson filled in for Taylor in 2022 but rookie Evan Hull could be a factor as well. Zack Moss is questionable but logged three limited practices this week. If Moss is available, his involvement could make this backfield difficult to trust. Shane Steichen confirmed the Colts will play the "hot hand" so if Jackson gets the start, he could have some deep league impact.
DFS impact
While the Colts' running backs are very appealing, given the confirmed committee approach there's no true strong play here in DFS. If Moss is out, Jackson would be the most reliable play but only suitable for tournaments.
The lack of a true lead back could increase Fantasy output for Anthony Richardson, who is only $5,600 on DraftKings. The Jags are an excellent defensive matchup and could struggle to stop Richardson on the ground. He's a risky option in cash games but has tournament upside.
Notable injuries
Bucs
- WR Russell Gage (knee) - IR
- C Ryan Jansen (knee) - IR
- OG Cody Mauch (back) - Questionable
- DT Calijah Kancey (calf) - Questionable
- RB Kene Nwangwu (back) - IR
- OLB Marcus Davenport (ankle) - Questionable
The potential loss of offensive lineman Cody Mauch is significant for the effectiveness of Rachaad White and protection for Baker Mayfield. The Bucs lost center Ryan Jensen for the year and are coming off a season where they struggled immensely with pass protection and run blocking. Although White's ground production may suffer, he's still a fine RB2 with his receiving upside.
The Vikings have a relatively clean injury report and have no significant injury impact on the offensive side of the ball, though it's possible they'll be down a pass rusher if Davenport is unable to go.
DFS impact
Minnesota's defense struggled on defense in general but had major issues against the pass. If the Bucs are down another lineman, they could opt to focus on quick, short passes, benefiting Chris Godwin.
Notable injuries
- WR Treylon Burks (knee) - Cleared
- WR Kyle Philips (knee - MCL) - IR
- OLB Harold Landry (abdomen) - Questionable
- RB Kendre Miller (hamstring) – Questionable
- RB Eno Benjamin (Achilles) - IR
- WR Tre'Quan Smith (groin) - Out
- LB Darien Butler (concussion) - Out
- CB Marshon Lattimore (knee) - Cleared
Despite suffering an injury preseason, Burks was not listed on the injury report and practiced in full all week, giving Ryan Tannehill his top three pass catchers entering the regular season along with DeAndre Hopkins and Chigoziem Okonkwo.
With Alvin Kamara on suspension, the New Orleans running back room is lacking depth and if Kendre Miller is out, Jamaal Williams is in line for a significant workload in Week 1. Fantasy managers should monitor reports throughout the weekend. The only concern for Williams is that the Titans allowed the fewest rushing yards in 2022. Sheer volume and goal line opportunities ensure Williams is a viable Fantasy option.
DFS impact
Volume and price makes Williams an option in cash games but the majority of Fantasy points should come from the Saints' receiving corps.
Notable injuries
- RB Jordan Mason (foot) - Cleared
- WR Ray-Ray McCloud (wrist) - Cleared
- WR Danny Gray (should) - IR
- TE George Kittle (groin) - Questionable
- LB Oren Burks (knee) - Cleared
- CB Charvarius Ward (heel) - Questionable
- SAF Talanoa Hufanga (knee) - Cleared
- SAF Tashaun Gipson (back) - Cleared
- K Jake Moody (quadriceps) - Cleared
- DT Cameron Heyward (stomach) - Cleared
- DT Larry Ogunjobi (foot) - Questionable
George Kittle remains questionable and Fantasy managers should monitor his status throughout the weekend. Kittle logged limited practices this week so it's possible he plays. But, given his injury history, a backup option should be rostered.
San Francisco's extensive list of defensive injuries is cleared with the exception of Charvarius Ward. That's significant to note with both George Pickens and Diontae Johnson serving as WR3 and flex options this week.
DFS impact
Despite the long list, there's no significant impact to DFS. The most important thing to note is that even if Kittle is active, he's an extremely risky play in DFS due to possible limitations. His absence could benefit Brandon Aiyuk as a strong value play at just $4,900 on DraftKings.
Notable injuries
- QB Kyler Murray (knee – ACL) - PUP
- WR Marquise Brown (hamstring) - Questionable
- TE Zach Ertz (knee) - Questionable
- WR Terry McLaurin (toe) - Cleared
- WR Dax Milne (groin) - Out
- DE Chase Young (neck) - Questionable
Terry McLaurin was not listed on the injury report and practiced in full Thursday and Friday. Although the potential absence of Chase Young is a blow to the Washington defense, the only viable Fantasy options for the Cardinals remain James Conner and Marquise Brown, if healthy.
Brown and Ertz were both limited in practice all week before receiving questionable tags. If neither can go, the Cardinals would be left to rely on Rondale Moore, Michael Wilson, Zach Pascal, Greg Dortch and Trey McBride in the passing game.
DFS impact
There's not a significant injury impact to either team in DFS. This matchup is likely a lackluster affair with the majority of upside coming from the running backs.
Notable injuries
- WR Christian Watson (hamstring) - Out
- WR Romeo Doubs (hamstring) - Questionable
- LB Rashan Gary (knee) - Cleared
- CB Eric Stokes (foot) - PUP
- None
Matt LaFleur announced on Friday that Christian Watson is out for Sunday's game. Watson's absence leaves a big hole in the Packers offense and Romeo Doubs' availability is still in question, though he did practice in limited fashion for a second straight day on Friday. Second round pick Jayden Reed was slated to primarily play in the slot but has the capabilities to fill in across the field for the Packers. Reed is an interesting flex option in deep leagues. The Packers will likely rely on the ground game with Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon serving as good RB1 and RB2 options in lineups.
DFS impact
While Reed is risky is redraft, he's an excellent value play in DFS at just $3000 on DraftKings. Reed showed immediate impact on the field during preseason and could serve as the primary target for Jordan Love. If Doubs is available, he's a strong value play as well. But Aaron Jones at $6300 becomes an enticing move with Chicago's defense allowing the most rushing touchdowns and second most rushing yards in 2022.
Notable injuries
- WR DeAndre Carter (knee) - Questionable
- DE Chandler Jones (NIR) - Out
- WR Jerry Jeudy (hamstring) - Questionable
- WR Tim Patrick (achilles) - IR
Fantasy managers hoping for clarity around Jerry Jeudy's available must monitor his status throughout the weekend. Although risk of reinjury with hamstring injuries is a possibility, Jeudy should start in all formats if active given the matchup with a porous Vegas defense. Injuries to the receiving corps also opens the door for Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine to have increased receiving work.
For the Raiders, if Carter is unable to go then that could mean return duties for Hunter Renfrow.
DFS impact
If Jeudy is unable to play, Courtland Sutton at $5,200 because an interesting play in both cash and tournament formats. Rookie Marvin Mims would be a cheap value play at just $3,000, suitable for tournament play only.
Notable injuries
- None
- RB Rhamondre Stevenson (illness) - Questionable
- WR DeVante Parker (knee) - Questionable
- WR Tyquan Thornton (shoulder) - IR
- OG Mike Onwenu (ankle) - Questionable
- OG Cole Strange (leg) - Questionable
- CB Jack Jones (hamstring) - Out
Rhamondre Stevenson was a surprise addition to Friday's injury report after missing practice with an illness. Fantasy managers should monitor his status throughout the weekend but reports are that he's likely to play. Despite the difficult matchup and the addition of Ezekiel Elliott, Stevenson is still a top-20 back and should be started in all formats.
DFS impact
If Stevenson is active, he's an interesting contrarian play. The Eagles are a tough draw but the Patriots receiving corps is lacking and DeVante Parker is questionable. If the Patriots play from behind, Stevenson could have strong receiving upside for tournament play on DraftKings, despite the $7,000 price tag.
Notable injuries
- RB Jeff Wilson (abdomen) - IR
- OT Terron Armstead (leg) - Out
- CB Jalen Ramsey (knee) - IR
- WR Jalen Guyton (knee) - PUP
Terron Armstead is out for Week 1 -- a major blow to the Miami offensive line. However, Miami's offense remains strong with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Jeff Wilson's absence leaves Raheem Mostert as the Dolphins' RB1. Fantasy managers can look to Mostert for a low-end RB2 or flex option in what should be one of the highest scoring games of the weekend.
DFS impact
The Dolphins' newly acquired cornerback Jalen Ramsey is on IR, leaving the Dolphins secondary vulnerable. Justin Herbert, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are well-priced and excellent DFS options in both cash and tournament play. Mostert is listed at $5,400 on DraftKings. While De'Von Achane could make an early impact, the rookie will likely be eased into play, making Mostert an interesting play in tournaments.
Notable injuries
- QB Stetson Bennett (shoulder) - Out
- WR Cooper Kupp (hamstring) - Out
- RB Kenneth Walker (groin) - Cleared
- RB Kenny McIntosh (knee) - Out
- WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (wrist) - Cleared
- OG Damien Lewis (shoulder) - Questionable
- LB Boye Mafe (illness) - Cleared
- CB Devon Witherspoon (hamstring) - Questionable
- SS Jamal Adams (knee) - Out
With Cooper Kupp out for Week 1 – and possibly longer – the Rams turn to Van Jefferson as their WR1. Jefferson is an interesting option in deep leagues but Tyler Higbee is poised to see significant looks from Matthew Stafford and has legitimate top-five upside this week. Fantasy managers should monitor the performance of rookie Puka Nacua for future usage but keep the rookie on the bench for this week.
Kenneth Walker is cleared for Week 1 and listed as the Seahawks RB1. Despite lack of clarity around the usage of Zach Charbonnet, Walker is a fine RB2 option. Fantasy managers should also note that Smith-Njigba practiced in full this week and was not listed on the injury report.
DFS impact
From a Fantasy perspective, this matchup feels like a trap. DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are the only comfortable options within the matchup, despite the availability of Smith-Njigba.
Notable injuries
- OT Tyron Smith (ankle) - Questionable
- OG Tyler Smith (hamstring) - Doubtful
- SS Donovan Wilson (calf) - Doubtful
- RB Gary Brightwell (knee) - Cleared
- WR Wan'Dale Robinson (knee) - Doubtful
- TE Darren Waller (hamstring) - Questionable
The Cowboys' offensive line took some significant blows with Tyler Smith doubtful and Tyron Smith questionable. Tyler Smith didn't practice all week, while Tyron Smith was limited both Thursday and Friday. Despite the potential loss, Tony Pollard is still a must-start in all formats.
Robinson's status is expected but Darren Waller was a late addition to the injury report on Friday. Waller's absence would be significant for the Giants as Waller was expected to serve as Daniel Jones' primary pass catcher. The Cowboys defense was a strong Fantasy asset in 2022 but they were vulnerable to giving up big plays and yardage with aggressive play.
DFS impact
If Waller is out, Giants receivers Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins and Parris Campbell become strong value plays. Daniel Bellinger would move into the TE1 role but generally lacked upside in the role in 2022. Campbell and Hodgins have the potential for big performances. The Giants may also lean on Saquon Barkley as well.
Notable injuries
- OLB Von Miller (knee – ACL) - PUP
- SS Micah Hyde (back) – TBD
- RB Breece Hall (knee – ACL) - TBD
- OT Duane Brown (shoulder) – TBD
- OT Mekhi Becton (knee) - TBD
Although we await final confirmation as we get closer to the Monday night game, the Jets have vocalized that both Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook will play in Week 1. For Fantasy managers, playing Hall with no clear direction on snap count is risky. Hall should be benched, if possible. Cook is a fine RB2 option, despite the difficult matchup.
DFS impact
It's hard to trust the volume Hall will receive in the Monday night game, making Hall a risky option in DFS. Cook will likely have a stable workload but draws a tough matchup and could have limited upside if Hall is utilized on third downs. Neither is an ideal option in DFS.
