Jene Bramel
Footballguy
Week 10??? Really???
http://subscribers.footballguys.com/apps/article.php?article=14bramel_sundayAM_idp_10
http://subscribers.footballguys.com/apps/article.php?article=14bramel_sundayAM_idp_10
EARLY GAMES
Atlanta at Tampa Bay
Local Atlanta media believes Joplo Bartu will start again this week. He's not a great fantasy play, however. The Falcons listed Jonathan Massaquoi questionable, but he fully practiced on Friday and should play. Paul Worrilow and Kemal Ishmael are your only fantasy considerations here.
Alterraun Verner is doubtful for the Bucs. He wasn't playing well, but it's another blow to a struggling Tampa Bay secondary. Lavonte David (knee) and Michael Johnson (hand) have nagging injuries and are listed questionable. The Bucs have no players listed probable and both David and Johnson were fully practicing Friday. They'll play. It's a good matchup for Johnson, use him as a high upside DL2 today.
Dallas at Jacksonville
Rolando McClain is listed questionable and did not practice all week with knee and groin ailments. Local media reports McClain went through the walkthrough and still has a chance to play. But he's a game time decision at best. If he goes, Anthony Hitchens and Bruce Carter will flank him outside. The nickel spots are tough to handicap if McClain plays. Last week, Carter sat and McClain and Hitchens played nearly every down. I don't think McClain is healthy enough to trust, however. Expect Carter to see more snaps today and Hitchens to potentially be an every down middle linebacker. The matchup isn't great but Hitchens would be a LB3+ if McClain is inactive.
Jeremiah George started at middle linebacker last week but is out with an ankle injury today. J.T. Thomas will play inside in the base defense and every down. Telvin Smith will play inside in nickel situations, with Thomas shifting outside. Andre Branch will be out another few weeks with a groin injury.
Kansas City at Buffalo
The Chiefs are healthy. Joe Mays was activated yesterday and will see playing time today, possibly starting and playing the majority of snaps in the base defense over James-Michael Johnson. Josh Mauga still looks locked in as an every-down player. Eric Berry fully practiced this week and is safe to use in lineups.
The Bills defense is healthy coming out of the bye week. I expect no personnel changes at linebacker or safety. It's a strong matchup for Preston Brown. Nigel Bradham is a LB3 with upside with the favorable home stat crew.
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