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Malik Turner's Updated Cowboys Fantasy Outlook After 2-TD Game vs. Broncos
Nov 7, 2021
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Malik Turner (17) during pregame warmups before an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Malik Turner was impressive Sunday despite a 30-16 loss to the Denver Broncos. The Illinois native led the Cowboys on offense, catching five passes for 33 yards and two touchdowns.
However, fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to continue having a significant impact on the Dallas offense as the season continues.
Turner entered Sunday's game against the Broncos with just one target in four games this season. He likely only saw more production because Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb were dealing with hamstring and ankle injuries, respectively.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott only turned to Turner against Denver because the Broncos defense did a solid job of covering Cooper and Lamb. Cooper had two catches on five targets, while Lamb had just two catches on nine targets.
Turner sits behind Cooper, Lamb and Cedrick Wilson on Dallas' depth chart, and he hasn't been much of a factor throughout his four-year career. In three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks from 2018 to 2020, the undrafted receiver had just 17 catches for 265 yards and one touchdown on 25 targets across 21 games.
Veteran receiver Michael Gallup is also reportedly set to return from injury for the Cowboys in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons, which means Turner could be used even less in the coming weeks.
Turner is also rostered in zero percent of Yahoo Sports fantasy leagues, which indicates he's likely not going to be much of a fantasy factor as the season rolls on.
If fantasy managers are in need of a wide receiver entering Week 10, it's probably best to steer clear of Turner and focus on other players. New York Jets WR Jamison Crowder (rostered in 24 percent of Yahoo leagues), Los Angeles Rams WR Van Jefferson (rostered in 43 percent of Yahoo leagues) and Miami Dolphins WR DeVante Parker (rostered in 43 percent of Yahoo leagues) would be better additions.
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Fantasy Football Week 9 Rankings: Examining Lineup Options After Injury Reports
Nov 6, 2021
Tennessee Titans running back Adrian Peterson answers questions after an NFL football practice Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans signed the 2012 NFL MVP and four-time All-Pro running back to help replace injured NFL rushing leader Derrick Henry. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
This season has already been a mess in terms of injuries to key players in fantasy football, but Week 9 seems especially rough given the number of stars who will be unavailable.
Coming out of Week 8's games, the big news both in fantasy and real football was Derrick Henry's foot injury. The Tennessee Titans star had successful surgery on Tuesday, per ESPN's Dianna Russini.
NFL Network's Ian Rapaport reported that the Titans are expecting Henry to miss six to 10 weeks. That means a best-case scenario would have him back for the final game of the fantasy regular season.
Focus turned to fantasy quarterbacks Wednesday, when the Green Bay Packers ruled out Aaron Rodgers for their matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs after he was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
The Arizona Cardinals are also taking things easy with Kyler Murray leading up to their game against the San Francisco 49ers. He has yet to practice ahead of the game because of an ankle injury. DeAndre Hopkins has also been held out of practice with a hamstring issue.
There is a chance that Christian McCaffrey could be activated off injured reserve, but Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule seemed to indicate during his Friday press conference his star running back would be on a limited snap count after missing five games with a hamstring injury.
All of this is to say keep a close eye on the inactive lists when they come out prior to Sunday's games to make sure your fantasy team doesn't get caught in a bind.
Here's a look at the top-40 flex rankings for Week 9, as well as some worthwhile replacements if you are looking for roster help.
Top-40 Flex Rankings
1. Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams
2. Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints
3. Austin Ekeler, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
4. Stefon Diggs, WR, Buffalo Bills
5. Ja'Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
6. Dalvin Cook, RB, Minnesota Vikings
7. A.J. Brown, WR, Tennessee Titans
8. Tyreek Hill, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
9. Aaron Jones, RB, Green Bay Packers
10. Deebo Samuel, WR, San Francisco 49ers
11. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas Cowboys
12. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys
13. Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
14. Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
15. Nick Chubb, RB, Cleveland Browns
16. Darrell Henderson, RB, Los Angeles Rams
17. Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs
18. Diontae Johnson, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
19. Keenan Allen, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
20. Davante Adams, WR, Green Bay Packers
21. Cordarrelle Patterson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
22. Darren Waller, TE, Las Vegas Raiders
23. Marquise Brown, WR, Baltimore Ravens
24. Robert Woods, WR, Los Angeles Rams
25. Amari Cooper, WR, Dallas Cowboys
26. Adam Thielen, WR, Minnesota Vikings
27. Joe Mixon, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
28. Brandin Cooks, WR, Houston Texans
29. Josh Jacobs, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
30. D.J. Moore, WR, Carolina Panthers
31. Elijah Mitchell, RB, San Francisco 49ers
32. Mark Andrews, TE, Baltimore Ravens
33. Courtland Sutton, WR, Denver Broncos
34. Chase Claypool, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
35. Mike Williams, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
36. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins
37. Zack Moss, RB, Buffalo Bills
38. George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers
39. Chase Edmonds, RB, Arizona Cardinals
40. Devontae Booker, RB, New York Giants
Week 9 Waiver-Wire Additions
Jordan Howard, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
You could be forgiven if you didn't realize before Week 8 that Jordan Howard was still in the NFL. The 27-year-old spent all season on the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad before getting on to the field in the 44-6 win over the Detroit Lions.
Not only did Howard see action in the game, but he was a fantasy stud with 57 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries. The Indiana alumnus finished as the No. 13 overall player in PPR leagues with 17.7 points.
Even though the game turned into a route for the Eagles, Howard wasn't only playing in mop-up duty. He was the featured back on their third drive with 17 yards on three carries. His first score came from four yards out on their next possession.
Week 9 presents a favorable matchup for Philadelphia's running game. The Los Angeles Chargers defense is allowing an NFL-worst 5.1 yards per carry and ranks second in total rushing yards allowed (1,117).
Philadelphia's strength on offense is running the ball. It's one of four teams averaging at least five yards per carry and ranks seventh overall with 1,053 yards on the ground.
As long as the Eagles can keep the game close, which will allow them to stay out of obvious passing situations, head coach Nick Sirianni should run the ball right at the Chargers to make them prove they can stop it.
Another potential issue is Howard will be competing for carries with Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott and quarterback Jalen Hurts. His performance last time out should at least keep him in the rotation until opposing defenses show they can slow him down.
Howard is only rostered in 11 percent of Yahoo leagues and seven percent of ESPN leagues, per FantasyPros.
Rashod Bateman, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Expectations were high for Rashod Bateman coming into the year after being selected with the No. 27 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens.
A groin injury that required surgery delayed Bateman's debut until Week 6, but he's been as advertised through two games. His six targets against the Los Angeles Chargers were tied with Mark Andrews for most on the team.
Despite turning those six targets into just 29 yards on four catches, it seemed apparent his connection with Lamar Jackson is already strong. They showed off what they were capable of in the next game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Bateman was again targeted six times, but this time he finished with 80 yards on three receptions. The Minnesota product is already tied for fifth on the Ravens in targets (12). The four players ahead of him have played in at least five games.
Coming off a bye in Week 8, the Ravens have a favorable passing matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Their defense is allowing the sixth-most fantasy points per game (25.4) to opposing wide receivers, per The Football Database.
Marquise Brown has been Jackson's go-to receiver this season (37 receptions, 577 yards, six touchdowns), but he's also among the league leaders in drops. He's been an inconsistent player through his first three seasons.
This game has the potential to be where Bateman solidifies his status as the Ravens' No. 1 wide receiver. He's available to roster in 77 percent of ESPN leagues and 64 percent of Yahoo leagues, per FantasyPros.
Adrian Peterson, RB, Tennessee Titans
There was a strong debate about whether to include Adrian Peterson on this list. He only joined the Titans as a member of their practice squad Monday as an injury replacement for Henry.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Friday that the Titans had signed Peterson to their active roster, making him eligible to play against the Los Angeles Rams.
"This is a permanent move to the active roster," Garafolo added. "He’s impressed them that quickly that it’s go time already."
Betting on a 36-year-old running back who hasn't played a game all season has the potential to backfire for your fantasy team. That's indisputable.
But Peterson wasn't a disaster the last time we saw him. The seven-time Pro Bowler had 705 yards from scrimmage and seven rushing touchdowns in 16 games for the Detroit Lions in 2020.
It would be foolish to expect Peterson to come in and put up anything close to the numbers that Henry was producing this season. Henry is a unicorn at his position. He was leading the league in carries (219), rushing yards (937), rushing touchdowns (10) and rushing yards per game (117.1). It's unclear how much Tennessee's offense will adjust with Peterson at running back in Henry's stead.
Assuming Peterson gets a high volume of touches, he's going to be worth having on your fantasy roster. Sunday's matchup against the Rams isn't a bad way for Peterson to get his feet wet. They rank 13th in total rushing yards allowed (827) and are tied for 18th in rushing touchdowns allowed (eight).
Opposing running backs average 16.2 points per game against the Rams defense, per The Football Database.
Peterson isn't going to be a factor in the passing game, but any running back who gets between 15-18 carries is worth rostering. He's still available in 37 percent of Yahoo leagues and 54 percent of ESPN leagues, per FantasyPros.
Christian McCaffrey, Kyler Murray NFL Injury Statuses, Fantasy Impact for Week 9
Nov 5, 2021
FILE - In this Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, file photo, Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey (22) warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans in Houston. McCaffrey did not practice Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021, a sign that he could miss his third straight game while trying to rehab from a hamstring injury. (AP Photo/Justin Rex, File)
The Carolina Panthers running back could make his first game appearance since Week 3 after dealing with a hamstring injury.
Carolina head coach Matt Rhule confirmed Friday that the team is hopeful McCaffrey will be ready to play in Sunday's Week 9 clash with the New England Patriots, per The Athletic'sJoseph Person.
The Panthers have used Chuba Hubbard in McCaffrey's spot. The rookie could still be a valuable No. 2 running back or flex option in fantasy football lineups depending on how often McCaffrey is used against New England.
The prognosis on Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is not as promising as of Friday afternoon. Murray and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins are considered game-time decisions for the clash with the San Francisco 49ers, per 98.7 Arizona Sports' Tyler Drake.
Below is a look at the rest of the injuries affecting fantasy football teams ahead of the Week 9 slate.
Carolina "Hopeful" of Christian McCaffrey's Return
Rhule delivered one of the most promising updates so far involving McCaffrey on Friday.
The star running back has been plagued by his hamstring injury since the Week 3 Thursday night game against the Houston Texans.
McCaffrey's absence has been felt in the fantasy football world since he was the No. 1 overall pick in many drafts. We all know how much of an impact McCaffrey makes when he is healthy, but it is understandable to be a bit cautious about his production if he does play.
As Person noted in his report, the Panthers need to activate McCaffrey from the injured reserve by Saturday for him to eligible to face the Patriots.
If McCaffrey plays, you have to assume that he will in line for a large number of snaps. but be wary that Carolina trusts Hubbard and that the Oklahoma State product will play some type of role Sunday.
New England has allowed the fourth-most receiving yards to running backs in the NFL. That is a promising sign for anyone welcoming back McCaffrey or for someone who has Hubbard as a depth back.
McCaffrey's usage will undoubtedly grow in the coming weeks, but if he plays Sunday, expect some time of split between him and Hubbard as he eases back into game play.
Kyler Murray Listed as Game-Time Decision
The game-time designation given to Kyler Murray could leave fantasy football managers with an uneasy feeling.
The Cardinals play in the 4 p.m. ET window, so one will not know until the middle of the early afternoon games if he will play or not. Basically, you have to prepare for the worst and hope for the best with your quarterback situation if Murray is on your roster.
"He's progressing; we'll see how he feels Sunday and go from there," Kingsbury said. "I know he wants to play. He understands how important a division game is and is playing at a really high level. We're not going to put him out there unless he can function. He wants to play. We'll see."
Colt McCoy is Murray's backup, but if he plays, the Cardinals will likely try to use their two-pronged rushing attack to beat San Francisco.
Justin Fields is probably the best insurance option on the waiver wire for Murray. The Chicago Bears do not play until Monday night, so you would not be forced into a decision whether to start Murray or a fantasy backup in the 1 p.m. ET window.
Jordan Love is the only quarterback in the late window that could be a game-day addition. Justin Herbert, Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes and Jimmy Garoppolo play in the late afternoon window, while Ryan Tannehill and Matthew Stafford play Sunday night.
If Murray plays, there could be some concern about starting him because of his ankle. If he is hampered by the injury, look for James Conner and Chase Edmonds to gain more responsibilities out of the backfield and for Zach Ertz to thrive in the short passing game.
