Fansided

Impactful NFL DFS Injuries: Week 1

By Matt McGarvey

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 24: Defensive end Olivier Vernon #54 of the New York Giants looks on from the benc in the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 24: Defensive end Olivier Vernon #54 of the New York Giants looks on from the benc in the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 24: Defensive end Olivier Vernon #54 of the New York Giants looks on from the benc in the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) NFL DFS Injuries
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 24: Defensive end Olivier Vernon #54 of the New York Giants looks on from the benc in the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) NFL DFS Injuries /

Impactful NFL DFS Injuries: Week 1

With extensive coverage of the National Football League and how it pertains to fantasy sports, information about injuries to skill position players is easy to come by. What’s not so easy to come by, is actionable fantasy information regarding injuries to non-skill position players. We’ll be exploring some of the NFL DFS Injuries and how they may help you gain an edge week to week.

Olivier Vernon

Olivier Vernon was initially injured during practice roughly two weeks ago, however, it’s now being reported that he has suffered a high ankle sprain. High ankle sprains generally constituted multiple weeks of missed time, so there is a decent chance that Vernon could miss the season opener. This would be a huge loss for the G-Men as their pass rush has already lost Jason Pierre Paul to a trade with Tampa Bay, in the off-season.

More from FanSided

Actionable Takeaway: Its’ no secret that Jacksonville operates as a run first team, however, if they find themselves is must pass situations, they could benefit from a depleted Giants’ pass rush.

Eric Berry

Eric Berry missed practice on Wednesday, and is currently listed as day-to-day. Berry is coming off of a torn Achilles, one of the toughest injuries in all of sports to come back from. This has caused him to suffer through a heel injury throughout the recent weeks. This is not the best of news for the Kansas City defense, who essential has a completely new secondary. These changes were evident during the preseason, as the first team defense was struggling to stop the likes of backup quarterbacks.

Actionable Takeaway: The Kansas City defense was ranked 30th in DVOA last season and improvement seems unlikely (FootballOutsiders). They lost six cornerbacks from last season and will start Ron Parker, who was just signed to the team last weekend. Fire up Phillip Rivers and the entire LA Chargers offense, as a KC defense that struggled last year, may be even worse this year.

Seattle Defense

The intimidating Seattle defense is not so intimidating as it once was. Things have gone down hill in a hurry, and this defense looks to be a shell of its former self. Here is the laundry list of missing players…

Note: Earl Thomas has reported to practice, however his status for week one is undetermined.

Actionable Takeaways: A much different Seattle defense will head to Denver this week, to take on what could be an improved offense. Additions like Case Keenum and Royce Freeman should help this Broncos team exploit a battered defense. Another important note, is that Seattle will be traveling to play at altitude in week one. There are significant betting trends that favor the Broncos when teams travel to play them early in the year. The idea behind this is that with more restrictions on players during training camp and preseason, they are nowhere near as in shape as they would be mid-season. Therefore, the altitude effect plays even more of a factor.

Anthony Castonzo

Left tackle, Anthony Castonzo missed practice Wednesday, and there is a chance that he could miss week one. This would be a massive loss for a bad offensive line, who needs to keep Andrew Luck protected this season. Castonzo is by far the Colts best lineman, with a PFF grade of 80.3. His replacement would be either Le’Raven Clark (50.9) or J’Marcus Webb (ProFootballFocus).

Actionable Takeaway: If the Colts are without the key cog of their offensive line this could spell trouble not only for a below average running game, but for Andrew Luck and his return to the NFL. The Bengals’ defensive line is a formidable force, and even though the Colts should see positive regression throughout the season, you may want to be cautious in week one.

Next. DFS NFL Week 1 Game by Game Breakdown. dark

Stay tuned to Fantasy CPR for all the latest DFS news and Fantasy Football analysis all season long!