Sunday, December 4, 2016

Sunday morning observations -- Week 13

Good morning, Fools. It's chilly and drizzly today in North Texas, but it's always beautiful in Fantasyland. And for most of us, it's the last week of the regular season, so playoff berths and seeding are up for grabs.

Let's take our weekly swing around the NFL for the news we can use to finish strong...

Tom Brady is questionable with his knee, but fully expected to play. He certainly has a favorable matchup, but he'll be Gronk-less, and that's not optimal. I'll be starting him with confidence in one league nevertheless. At least we know Julian Edelman, Malcolm Mitchell, Chris Hogan and Martellus Bennett are good to go.

Andrew Luck is out of the concussion protocol and will play tomorrow night. He's also expected to have TY Hilton available despite his back injury (he fully participated in Saturday's practice, but is still listed as Q). I like both Hilton and Donte Moncrief in this highly favorable matchup.

I wish I knew more about Sammy Watkins' foot and tolerance for pain, because I wanted to start him today against the Raiders. But it just feels very risky, despite last week's solid 80-yard performance. I'm going back and forth on him.

Mark Ingram has looked iffy to play all week, but it now appears that he will make his usual start. That puts a damper on Tim Hightower's value, obviously.

Trevor Siemian won't play due to a foot injury, giving rookie Paxton Lynch his second start. As a Demaryius Thomas owner, that makes me nervous. But I feel better knowing that Lynch hit Thomas on a short TD pass in his previous start in Week 5. And he hit Emmanuel Sanders for a 5-yard TD pass in Week 4 as well. So no need to sit either wideout in today's favorable matchup with the Jags.

Contrary to previous reports, DeVante Parker tested his hamstring during warmups and will be active. The Dolfan in me is excited with this news, but the Jarvis Landry owner in me is disappointed.

Though not official yet, it is looking like Jordan Matthews and Marvin Jones won't suit up today.

We also know that Chris Ivory, Allen Hurns, Jeremy Maclin, Tavon Austin, Julius Thomas and Charles Clay have already been ruled out.

Finally, if Chris Boswell is your kicker, you should probably make other plans. The Steelers signed Randy Bullock yesterday after Boswell developed an abdomen problem. No word yet on whether or not Boswell will be active, but there's no reason to take any chances at that position. You can safely drop Boswell for another kicker with a favorable matchup, especially one playing indoors.

Speaking of weather, it doesn't look like it will be a major factor anywhere today. Some light snow is expected for the Texans-Packers game and light rain in Chicago, but no strong winds are forecast for any of the outdoor contests.

That's it for now. Inactives and other late-breaking news coming soon via Twitter. Go get 'em, Fools!

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