Fantasy Football: Top injuries by position heading into Week 6
By Genna Preston
Fantasy Football owners would be wise to adjust their lineups due to these top injuries heading into Week 6 action.
Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) walks off of the field after getting injured in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 48-33. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
The worst news a fantasy football owner can get is that their star player has fallen short to injury. Actually, it doesn’t even need to be a star player, any injured player will affect your lineup.
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We expect to see a ton of injuries in the latter half of the season but, this year there have been a substantial amount early out. I am sure you have learned by now having an injured player in your lineup could be the reason you lose your weekly matchup. Just ask fantasy owners that currently have Rob Gronkowski.
When examining this week’s fantasy football injury report, keep in mind several of the players listed questionable are likely to start; the NFL removed the probable status. There are also several players listed questionable that will be game day decisions; if you can afford to fill those positions, do it!
I have identified the most valuable fantasy football injuries for Week 6. This list is broken down by position in no particular order. Be sure to track these players and change your lineups accordingly.
Next: 4. Your entire lineup revolves around this position
4. Quarterbacks
The quarterback injuries this season have been rough for fantasy football owners. Robert Griffin III and Tony Romo didn’t even get a chance to prove their worth before they fell short.
The Cleveland Browns are now on their fifth quarterback of the season! Then last week, Carson Palmer and Cam Newton were out due to concussions from Week 4. Luckily enough for Palmer owners, he has been cleared and will suit up in Monday night’s game against the New York Jets.
Unfortunately for Newton owners, he’s coming off a concussion and is too risky to start this week. Fantasy owners are advised to look elsewhere this week as there is no guarantee he’ll be back to form in such a short amount of time.
Next: 3. This position is injury prone
Sep 11, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Arian Foster (29) rushes against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Miami, 12-10. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
3. Running Backs
Unfortunately, it has become more common than not for your fantasy football running backs to get injured. We have seen elite players like Jonathan Stewart miss the last three weeks due to a hamstring injury. Spoiler alert, he’s still listed questionable but, is expected to play.
This week there is five valuable fantasy football running backs listed questionable, and even a few who are already ruled out. Make sure you set your lineups accordingly.
Questionable: Jonathan Stewart (Carolina Panthers), LeGarrette Blount (New England Patriots), Eddie Lacy (Green Bay Packers), Rashad Jennings (New York Giants), Arian Foster (Miami Dolphins)
Out: Theo Riddick (Detroit Lions), Dwayne Washington (Detroit Lions), Latavius Murray (Oakland Raiders)
Filler Options: Jay Ajayi, Jordan Howard
Next: 2. Injured receivers shouldn't be in your lineup
Oct 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith, Sr. (89) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
2. Wide Receivers
This season there is a debate over what position should be drafted first, running back or wide receiver. Personally, it doesn’t matter as both are important positions in fantasy football. However, wide receivers bring your fantasy team a ton of points every week.
You cannot afford to start an injured player or have an injured player in your lineup. Some players will be limited which ultimately limit your point production. Be sure to track this week’s wide receiver’s as several are listed questionable for Week 6.
Questionable Status: Kelvin Benjamin (Carolina Panthers), Julian Edelman (New England Patriots), Anquan Boldin (Detroit Lions), Dez Bryant (Dallas Cowboys), Will Fuller (Houston Texans)
Doubtful: Steve Smith Sr. (Baltimore Ravens)
Out: Josh Doctson (Washington Redskins)
Filler Options: Cameron Meredith, Cole Beasley, John Brown
Next: 1. These questionable tight ends are no surprise
Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed (86) scores a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
1. Tight Ends
There are not too many valuable fantasy football tight ends; unless you were luckily enough to draft players like Rob Gronkowski, Jason Witten, or Jordan Reed. Or, unlucky! These tight ends, and then some, are listed as questionable for their Week 6 matchups.
Questionable: Rob Gronkowski (New England Patriots) Jason Witten (Dallas Cowboys), Jordan Reed (Washington Redskins), Austin Seferian-Jenkins (Jets)
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Out: Tyler Eifert (Cincinnati Bengals), Jordan Cameron (Miami Dolphins)
Filler Options: Jesse James, Lance Kendricks, Charles Clay.