NFL Injury Report: Week 1

The time is finally here folks, week 1 of the NFL season is upon us, and there are already some very tricky injury situations to evaluate in week 1. I've targeted five situations that I will be paying very close attention to, as they look to be highly exploitable for fantasy purposes. As always, keep track of these situations right up until Sunday, or Thursday if applicable.

1. Alshon Jeffery (Bears) - Calf Injury

Packers at Bears (Sunday, 1:00 PM ET)

The week 1 prospects for Jeffery are very murky at this point, as the Bears have him listed as questionable and aren't offering much in terms of updates. They've also asked Alshon to not make any public comments regarding his status, only making the situation even tougher to predict at this point in time. My gut tells me he won't play this weekend, as many people who follow the Bears closely fear that the injury might be worse than expected. This is not good news for me, as I own many shares of him in season long fantasy leagues, but it does offer some intriguing DFS implications. If he is unable to play, there are a few Bears receivers who look to provide great value in a game where they will likely be playing from behind, and looking to throw the ball. Eddie Royal stands out right away as someone who will benefit greatly in the form of targets with Jeffery out, as well as Marquis Wilson. Tight end Martellus Bennett is a great value option even with Jeffery in, and will be a staple of my cash game lineups. For his $3900 DraftKings and $5000 FanDuel price tags, Royal makes a great cash game option without Jeffery in the lineup.

Projection for Eddie Royal: 8 catches - 84 yards

Projection for Martellus Bennett - 8 catches - 74 yards - 1 touchdown

2. Arian Foster (Texans) - Groin Injury

Chiefs at Texans (Sunday, 1:00 PM ET)

For week 1, we know that Arian Foster will not be in the lineup, but his long term projection don't look as bad, as the Texans didn't place him on the IR to start the year. For week 1 fantasy purposes, we know that Alfred Blue will be the starting running back and receive the lion's share of the carries. I was considering Blue in cash games, but with all of the value that is cropping up at WR and TE, I don't think it's a necessary risk to take, although he does offer a safe floor. The vegas total is one of the lowest in week 1 at 40, and the Texans are only 1 point favorites at home against the Chiefs. For GPP purposes, I really like Blue as an RB2 if you are looking to pay up for some other premium position players.

Projection for Alfred Blue: 22 carries - 92 total yards

3. Lesean McCoy (Bills) - Hamstring Injury

Colts at Bills (Sunday, 1:00 PM ET)

Right now things look optimistic for Shady to lace them up in week 1, as he and Head Coach Rex Ryan have insinuated that he will be ready by Sunday. The issue is the hamstring, which is a notoriously finicky injury that can be aggravated very easily, so if things don't go well throughout the week, they may decide to hold him out as a precaution. Keep a close eye on the practice reports throughout the week, as McCoy is hoping to be a full participant. If McCoy is unable to go, I don't love the back up options in Buffalo, but guys like Carlos Williams and Bryce Brown could be worth a look on some GPP rosters.

Projection for Lesean McCoy, if active: 20 carries - 105 total yards - 1 touchdown

4. Michael Floyd (Cardinals) - Hand Injury

Saints at Cardinals (Sunday, 4:05 PM ET)

Compared to Alshon Jeffery, the situation with Michael Floyd looks a bit better, as the team has been pretty good offering updates on his condition. Head Coach Bruce Arians has come out and said Floyd could play week one, but he's still listed as questionable on the team site. As we've all come to learn, 'questionable' doesn't mean much going into a game, as many players end up toughing out whatever injury they have and play. If Floyd is unable to go, John Brown and Larry Fitzgerald get a major boost against a very weak Saints secondary that will be without their best DB, Keenan Lewis. On DraftKings, I prefer Brown as he is $1000 cheaper at $4500, but they are both $6000 on FanDuel and are cash game considerations as well as in tournaments. The fact that Floyd's injury is a couple dislocated fingers is worrisome for a receiver, but not nearly as bad as a nagging lower body injury that could limit his mobility.

Projection for John Brown: 8 catches - 87 yards - 1 touchdown

Projection for Larry Fitzgerald: 9 catches - 84 yards - 1 touchdown

5. Zach Ertz (Eagles) - Groin Injury

Eagles at Falcons (Monday, 7:10 PM ET)

Ertz is coming off of offseason groin surgery, and is listed as doubtful for the Eagles week 1 match up against the Falcons. Head Coach Chip Kelly did mention that Ertz 'could play' in week 1, so this will be a situation to monitor all the way until Sunday. Even if Ertz is able to go, Brent Celek is still technically their starting tight end, and if Ertz can't go, he makes a great value option. He is minimum priced on DraftKings and FanDuel, and is taking part in the game with the highest over under of the week at 55. Multiple reports from Eagles beat writers predict that Celek, not Ertz, will lead the team in snaps this season, and Chip Kelly can't go through one press conference without gushing about Celek. You can do a lot worse at tight end, and for minimum price, I like Celek in all formats if Ertz can't go.

Projection for Brent Celek: 5 catches - 45 yards