Jene Bramel
Footballguy
Good luck with your playoff games, everyone. 
EARLY GAMES
Baltimore at Miami
The Ravens have begun giving their veterans and key defensive players more rest during the week, but are getting healthier. Asa Jackson will be back today, likely in a subpackage role only. He could take the slot snaps Matt Elam had been getting over the past month. Jeromy Miles started over Darian Stewart last week, so it'll be interesting to see how the Ravens use their safety group with Jackson back. Jackson could eventually push Anthony Levine out of the starting lineup. Haloti Ngata was suspended for four games this week. Timmy Jernigan has had durability questions but will see his snap count double.
Jelani Jenkins missed time with a shoulder and back injury last Monday but fully practiced this week and should play. The Dolphins will again need to use Jimmy Wilson at corner and R.J. Stanford in the slot today. Wilson has a hamstring strain but is listed probable.
Carolina at New Orleans
Star Lotulelei will return this week. The Panthers are healthy on defense. Tre Boston is expected to replace Thomas DeCoud at free safety, but there's little fantasy value there.
David Hawthorne is off the injury report and could reclaim the every-down role today. Ramon Humber spelled Hawthorne for about 20 snaps last week. The Panthers offensive line has been struggling. Cam Jordan is a must start today and Junior Galette makes for a spot upside play in sack-heavy leagues.
Houston at Jacksonville
Jadeveon Clowney is having a second surgery on his knee. More on that in this week's RTD, but it's something we should be concerned about for the long term. Danieal Manning is questionable with a hamstring injury and tentatively expected to play. If he can't go, Kendrick Lewis and D.J. Swearinger will both see close to full time snaps.
Jeremiah George is probable this week. I doubt we'll see him bump J.T. Thomas from the lineup, but there's been no specifics from the coaching staff. Plan to use Thomas today, but I'll have any lineup changes on Twitter as soon as I see them this morning.
Indianapolis at Cleveland
Vontae Davis is out with a concussion. Josh Gordy will see more time today. This is a great spot for both D'Qwell Jackson and Jerrell Freeman, particularly if Isaiah Crowell is active. The loss of Davis will make it easier for the Browns to convert third downs and the stat crew is much more favorable than the home Colts' crew.
Karlos Dansby is a game time decision. He had three consecutive limited practices and has a good chance to play today. He may not play every down if he goes, however, as I think a three man rotation is likely. Consider Dansby a boom-bust LB2 if he's active. Craig Robertson should be safe to use even if Dansby goes.
New York Giants at Tennessee
With Robert Ayers and Mathias Kiwanuka on injured reserve, Damontre Moore gets a big bump in opportunity. He may still rotate out on some base downs, but will get a chance to prove himself against the run again. Jacquian Williams is again out with a concussion. He tried to practice Wednesday and was shut down the rest of the week. You can now consider his absence indefinite. Mark Herzlich is also out with a concussion. Spencer Paysinger will play every down alongside Jameel McClain. Cullen Jenkins will return to the lineup.
Avery Williamson had a poor statistical week but played every down in Week 13, while Wesley Woodyard sat for about one-third of the team's snaps. Don't fear using Williamson today. His floor is better this week and the big play chances are good.
New York Jets at Minnesota
Muhammad Wilkerson is out. Otherwise the Jets are healthy. Jason Babin saw more snaps last week with Wilkerson out, playing nearly every down. He's a risky upside play in deeper leagues today.
Anthony Barr will not play today. He did not practice and is listed doubtful after aggravating a knee injury last week. Gerald Hodges will likely replace him and I think Hodges will play every down. The matchup isn't good enough to consider Hodges more than a LB3, but he's an option in deeper leagues if you're stuck.
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati
James Harrison is unlikely to play. He was unable to practice this week with a knee injury and is listed doubtful. That makes the timing of Jarvis Jones return from the injured reserve list near perfect. Jones may not be ready to play every down, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him play more snaps than expected. Ryan Shazier is back today and will likely rotate into the base defense, with Vince Williams continuing to work in the nickel.
Vpntaze Burfict is out and showing no signs of returning soon. Domata Peko injured his elbow last week, but will try to play with a brace today. Adam Jones will play after last week's concussion. As always, be mindful of the assist-heavy Cincinnati stat crew when making lineup decisions.
St. Louis at Washington
James Laurinaitis is listed with an ankle injury this week, rather than his usual foot. He's probable to play. Chris Long was probably sore after playing more snaps than expected last week. Washington is a strong matchup for pass rushers -- Robert Quinn is a must start today and Long isn't a bad upside bet either.
Keenan Robinson didn't practice all week and is questionable. He came back into play after the knee injury last week and Washington has allowed players to go without practice and still play. But it's looking very unlikely that Robinson will play this week. Will Compton would replace him. Brandon Meriweather will be replaced by Phillip Thomas at safety today. Thomas should put up DB3+ numbers, especially if Robinson cannot play.
Tampa Bay at Detroit
Lavonte David is questionable. Lovie Smith was optimistic on David this week, saying he had a good week of practice. Make sure he's on the active roster, but he should be a solid fantasy start if he plays today. Mason Foster is dinged up. He may play, but I'd bet we'll see Danny Lansanah replace him in nickel packages if Foster plays. I'd keep Lansanah in lineups today.
The Lions are healthy and have no expected depth chart changes. Get Ezekiel Ansah in lineups today.
LATE GAMES
Buffalo at Denver
The Bills are heatlhy on defense. Marcell Dareus missed a series or two last week and was limited with a hip injury in practice this week. He's listed probable and should see his usual snap count. There should be no depth chart changes today. That means Nigel Bradham is more risky than usual. He'll sit in some dime packages and the Broncos could spread the Bills out if C.J. Anderson doesn't get on track early against a solid run front. Consider him a boom-bust LB3 today. And Denver is among the toughest pass rush matchups in the league. Mario Williams and Jerry Hughes have been on a two month tear, but have a low floor today. Bench them only for similarly talented options with above-average matchups, but lower your expectations.
Danny Trevathan will be back next week. That gives us one more week without any concern for Brandon Marshall, who has been a LB1. Aqib Talib has been fully practicing and is closer to full strength with his hamstring strain.
Kansas City at Arizona
The Chiefs have lots of defenders listed on the injury report. None missed practice this week and all are probable. With Ron Parker now offically back at safety, there should be no unexpected depth chart moves today.
Tyrann Mathieu will miss 2-3 weeks after thumb surgery this week. Tony Jefferson will be the primary beneficiary. He goes from a base defensive player to full time safety again. This should be another great spot for Calais Campbell. Make sure he's in lineups in all formats.
San Francisco at Oakland
There are no expected depth chart changes for the Niners. NaVorro Bowman's window to prove he's ready to practice and play is closing. Next week will be big for him. Glenn Dorsey is still out. Ray McDonald is probable and will be back in the rotation. That may cut down on the snaps Tank Carradine saw last week.
Sio Moore is questionable with a hip injury suffered during practice this week. He was limited on Thursday and Friday and there's nothing of note in the local media. Tony Sparano said it "crept up" on Moore this week but hasn't provided any meaningful status updates. Be careful before trusting him without a hedge today.
Seattle at Philadelphia
Jeremy Lane has been limited with a glute injury this week and might miss today's game. The Seahawks are otherwise healthy without expected depth chart changes.
The Eagles are also healthy and have no expected depth chart changes today. This should be a very good spot for Mychal Kendricks. Teams have been able to pressure Russell Wilson, so consider Trent Cole as a spot upside play in deeper sack-heavy leagues.
SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
New England at San Diego
Chandler Jones should be active tonight, but he'll likely play a situational pass rusher role only. His presence shouldn't affect the snap count or production of Dont'a Hightower or Jamie Collins.
The Chargers are healthy, including Corey Liuget who missed Wednesday practice. But they're rotating everyone at linebacker. Other than Liuget and Eric Weddle, this is a team to avoid in tackle heavy and balanced leagues.
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Atlanta at Green Bay
The Falcons will still be without Robert Alford, but are otherwise healthy. William Moore returned to a full time role immediately last week. Kemal Ishmael played a big nickel role, which further cut into the rotational time of Joplo Bartu and Prince Shembo. The same is likely this week.
Sam Barrington replaced A.J. Hawk in a few packages last week. Barrington doesn't have much fantasy value but the snap count situation is one to watch for future weeks. Clay Matthews and the safeties are the lone fantasy values here.
Best of luck in your fantasy games this weekend. Reading the Defense returns on Tuesday. Follow me on Twitter @JeneBramel for breaking news and analysis during the games today.
EARLY GAMES
Baltimore at Miami
The Ravens have begun giving their veterans and key defensive players more rest during the week, but are getting healthier. Asa Jackson will be back today, likely in a subpackage role only. He could take the slot snaps Matt Elam had been getting over the past month. Jeromy Miles started over Darian Stewart last week, so it'll be interesting to see how the Ravens use their safety group with Jackson back. Jackson could eventually push Anthony Levine out of the starting lineup. Haloti Ngata was suspended for four games this week. Timmy Jernigan has had durability questions but will see his snap count double.
Jelani Jenkins missed time with a shoulder and back injury last Monday but fully practiced this week and should play. The Dolphins will again need to use Jimmy Wilson at corner and R.J. Stanford in the slot today. Wilson has a hamstring strain but is listed probable.
Carolina at New Orleans
Star Lotulelei will return this week. The Panthers are healthy on defense. Tre Boston is expected to replace Thomas DeCoud at free safety, but there's little fantasy value there.
David Hawthorne is off the injury report and could reclaim the every-down role today. Ramon Humber spelled Hawthorne for about 20 snaps last week. The Panthers offensive line has been struggling. Cam Jordan is a must start today and Junior Galette makes for a spot upside play in sack-heavy leagues.
Houston at Jacksonville
Jadeveon Clowney is having a second surgery on his knee. More on that in this week's RTD, but it's something we should be concerned about for the long term. Danieal Manning is questionable with a hamstring injury and tentatively expected to play. If he can't go, Kendrick Lewis and D.J. Swearinger will both see close to full time snaps.
Jeremiah George is probable this week. I doubt we'll see him bump J.T. Thomas from the lineup, but there's been no specifics from the coaching staff. Plan to use Thomas today, but I'll have any lineup changes on Twitter as soon as I see them this morning.
Indianapolis at Cleveland
Vontae Davis is out with a concussion. Josh Gordy will see more time today. This is a great spot for both D'Qwell Jackson and Jerrell Freeman, particularly if Isaiah Crowell is active. The loss of Davis will make it easier for the Browns to convert third downs and the stat crew is much more favorable than the home Colts' crew.
Karlos Dansby is a game time decision. He had three consecutive limited practices and has a good chance to play today. He may not play every down if he goes, however, as I think a three man rotation is likely. Consider Dansby a boom-bust LB2 if he's active. Craig Robertson should be safe to use even if Dansby goes.
New York Giants at Tennessee
With Robert Ayers and Mathias Kiwanuka on injured reserve, Damontre Moore gets a big bump in opportunity. He may still rotate out on some base downs, but will get a chance to prove himself against the run again. Jacquian Williams is again out with a concussion. He tried to practice Wednesday and was shut down the rest of the week. You can now consider his absence indefinite. Mark Herzlich is also out with a concussion. Spencer Paysinger will play every down alongside Jameel McClain. Cullen Jenkins will return to the lineup.
Avery Williamson had a poor statistical week but played every down in Week 13, while Wesley Woodyard sat for about one-third of the team's snaps. Don't fear using Williamson today. His floor is better this week and the big play chances are good.
New York Jets at Minnesota
Muhammad Wilkerson is out. Otherwise the Jets are healthy. Jason Babin saw more snaps last week with Wilkerson out, playing nearly every down. He's a risky upside play in deeper leagues today.
Anthony Barr will not play today. He did not practice and is listed doubtful after aggravating a knee injury last week. Gerald Hodges will likely replace him and I think Hodges will play every down. The matchup isn't good enough to consider Hodges more than a LB3, but he's an option in deeper leagues if you're stuck.
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati
James Harrison is unlikely to play. He was unable to practice this week with a knee injury and is listed doubtful. That makes the timing of Jarvis Jones return from the injured reserve list near perfect. Jones may not be ready to play every down, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him play more snaps than expected. Ryan Shazier is back today and will likely rotate into the base defense, with Vince Williams continuing to work in the nickel.
Vpntaze Burfict is out and showing no signs of returning soon. Domata Peko injured his elbow last week, but will try to play with a brace today. Adam Jones will play after last week's concussion. As always, be mindful of the assist-heavy Cincinnati stat crew when making lineup decisions.
St. Louis at Washington
James Laurinaitis is listed with an ankle injury this week, rather than his usual foot. He's probable to play. Chris Long was probably sore after playing more snaps than expected last week. Washington is a strong matchup for pass rushers -- Robert Quinn is a must start today and Long isn't a bad upside bet either.
Keenan Robinson didn't practice all week and is questionable. He came back into play after the knee injury last week and Washington has allowed players to go without practice and still play. But it's looking very unlikely that Robinson will play this week. Will Compton would replace him. Brandon Meriweather will be replaced by Phillip Thomas at safety today. Thomas should put up DB3+ numbers, especially if Robinson cannot play.
Tampa Bay at Detroit
Lavonte David is questionable. Lovie Smith was optimistic on David this week, saying he had a good week of practice. Make sure he's on the active roster, but he should be a solid fantasy start if he plays today. Mason Foster is dinged up. He may play, but I'd bet we'll see Danny Lansanah replace him in nickel packages if Foster plays. I'd keep Lansanah in lineups today.
The Lions are healthy and have no expected depth chart changes. Get Ezekiel Ansah in lineups today.
LATE GAMES
Buffalo at Denver
The Bills are heatlhy on defense. Marcell Dareus missed a series or two last week and was limited with a hip injury in practice this week. He's listed probable and should see his usual snap count. There should be no depth chart changes today. That means Nigel Bradham is more risky than usual. He'll sit in some dime packages and the Broncos could spread the Bills out if C.J. Anderson doesn't get on track early against a solid run front. Consider him a boom-bust LB3 today. And Denver is among the toughest pass rush matchups in the league. Mario Williams and Jerry Hughes have been on a two month tear, but have a low floor today. Bench them only for similarly talented options with above-average matchups, but lower your expectations.
Danny Trevathan will be back next week. That gives us one more week without any concern for Brandon Marshall, who has been a LB1. Aqib Talib has been fully practicing and is closer to full strength with his hamstring strain.
Kansas City at Arizona
The Chiefs have lots of defenders listed on the injury report. None missed practice this week and all are probable. With Ron Parker now offically back at safety, there should be no unexpected depth chart moves today.
Tyrann Mathieu will miss 2-3 weeks after thumb surgery this week. Tony Jefferson will be the primary beneficiary. He goes from a base defensive player to full time safety again. This should be another great spot for Calais Campbell. Make sure he's in lineups in all formats.
San Francisco at Oakland
There are no expected depth chart changes for the Niners. NaVorro Bowman's window to prove he's ready to practice and play is closing. Next week will be big for him. Glenn Dorsey is still out. Ray McDonald is probable and will be back in the rotation. That may cut down on the snaps Tank Carradine saw last week.
Sio Moore is questionable with a hip injury suffered during practice this week. He was limited on Thursday and Friday and there's nothing of note in the local media. Tony Sparano said it "crept up" on Moore this week but hasn't provided any meaningful status updates. Be careful before trusting him without a hedge today.
Seattle at Philadelphia
Jeremy Lane has been limited with a glute injury this week and might miss today's game. The Seahawks are otherwise healthy without expected depth chart changes.
The Eagles are also healthy and have no expected depth chart changes today. This should be a very good spot for Mychal Kendricks. Teams have been able to pressure Russell Wilson, so consider Trent Cole as a spot upside play in deeper sack-heavy leagues.
SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
New England at San Diego
Chandler Jones should be active tonight, but he'll likely play a situational pass rusher role only. His presence shouldn't affect the snap count or production of Dont'a Hightower or Jamie Collins.
The Chargers are healthy, including Corey Liuget who missed Wednesday practice. But they're rotating everyone at linebacker. Other than Liuget and Eric Weddle, this is a team to avoid in tackle heavy and balanced leagues.
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Atlanta at Green Bay
The Falcons will still be without Robert Alford, but are otherwise healthy. William Moore returned to a full time role immediately last week. Kemal Ishmael played a big nickel role, which further cut into the rotational time of Joplo Bartu and Prince Shembo. The same is likely this week.
Sam Barrington replaced A.J. Hawk in a few packages last week. Barrington doesn't have much fantasy value but the snap count situation is one to watch for future weeks. Clay Matthews and the safeties are the lone fantasy values here.
Best of luck in your fantasy games this weekend. Reading the Defense returns on Tuesday. Follow me on Twitter @JeneBramel for breaking news and analysis during the games today.
