RADIO
Lorenzo Cain With RBI In NLCS Game 5
10/18:Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Lorenzo Cain gave the Brewers the lead early in NLCS Game 5 Wednesday. His third-inning double drove Orlando Arcia to give the Brewers a 1-0 lead against Clayton Kershaw. Milwaukee had not led at any point during the 13 innings Tuesday. Cain was also thrown out trying to steal second base in the first inning. He disputed the call as he believed that his hand leaving the base was helped along by the fielder. Cain provides a strong average, elite speed and great defense at the top of the order. He will attempt to help kickstart the Milwaukee offense as they return home needing to win the next two games to advance.Source: ESPN.com
Brandon Woodruff Takes Loss In NLCS Game 5
10/18:Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Brandon Woodruff performed well in relief Wednesday versus Los Angeles. He came in with no one out in the first inning and kept the Dodgers down until an unearned run in the fifth inning. He would eventually struggle in the sixth and leave after 5 1/3 innings having allowed three runs (two earned). The Brewers offense would be held down for the second straight game helping to hand Woodruff the loss. The Dodgers lead the series three games to two so it is unknown whether Woodruff will pitch again in 2018.Source: ESPN.com
Marquise Goodwin's Upside Back In Play
10/18:San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Marquise Goodwin’s fantasy stock skyrocketed in Week 6 after he amassed 126 yards including touchdowns of 67 and 30 yards. Goodwin’s explosiveness seemingly convinced quarterback C.J. Beathard to stray from his dink and dunk ways. The tandem will try to carry the momentum to Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams who have struggled against the pass in the past three weeks, allowing almost three scores per game through the air and 7.8 yards per attempt. While his outcome variance remains wide, Goodwin is the perfect option to complement high-floor receivers on fantasy rosters. He’s a solid WR3 with upside.Source: TeamRankings.com
Julius Randle Looks Good In Pelicans Debut
10/18:New Orleans Pelicans power forward Julius Randle played 24 minutes off the bench in Wednesday's season-opening win over the Houston Rockets, scoring 25 points on 9-for-15 shooting while grabbing eight rebounds and adding three assists. Randle was 2-for-4 from deep, tying his career-high in three-point attempts. If he continues to step out onto the perimeter and hit those shots at a good clip, Randle should exceed the value that fantasy owners placed on him during draft season. He'll look to continue his stellar play on Friday against a Kings team that had one of the league's worst defensive ratings last year while also allowing the ninth-most rebounds.Source: ESPN
E'Twaun Moore Scores 21 Against Rockets
10/18:With the New Orleans Pelicans running a fairly short rotation so far, expect to see strong production from shooting guard E'Twaun Moore this season. In the team's Game 1 win over the Houston Rockets, Moore scored 21 points on 8-for-12 shooting while grabbing three rebounds and dishing out two assists. Moore won't put up 20 or more points every night, but he can improve on the 12.5 points per game he averaged last year, especially if he ups his attempts from deep. Moore's in a good spot to perform well on Friday against a Kings defense that struggled to defend the outside shot last season.Source: ESPN
Elfrid Payton Has Triple-Double In Pelicans Debut
10/18:New Orleans Pelicans point guard Elfrid Payton scored 10 points on 5-for-13 shooting to go along with 10 rebounds and 10 assists in Wednesday's win over the Houston Rockets. Payton's passing ability is going to lead to a lot of double-digit assist nights with this Pelicans team, and while he won't be putting up 10 rebounds per game, he can give fantasy owners good rebounding numbers from the point guard position. Expect Payton's scoring to be uneven this season with New Orleans having so many offensive weapons, but he'll help fantasy owners in a lot of other ways. He gets a good chance to continue showing his stuff on Friday against the Kings.Source: ESPN
Jeff Heuerman Seeing Targets Not Results
10/18:Many a gym-goer have experienced the frustration of putting in a ton of work without seeing any immediate results in the mirror. Should you fall in that boat, Denver Broncos tight end Jeff Heuerman feels your pain. Heuerman has seen 17 targets over the Broncos last three games (tied with Demaryius Thomas for the second-most on the team) but has produced a mere nine receptions for 98 yards. In other words, less than four fantasy points per game. Despite facing four of the league's premier TEs, Arizona has held opposing tight ends to an average of 43.8 yards per game (eighth-fewest) so while quarterback Case Keenum has looked his way quite often in recent weeks, Heuerman shouldn't warrant much consideration outside of the deepest of leagues.Source: NFL
Jrue Holiday Struggles From Three Against Houston
10/18:New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday scored 10 points on 5-for-12 shooting in Wednesday against the Rockets, but he missed all six of his three-point attempts. Holiday also added eight assists. On a night where New Orleans had all three of their big men feasting on the Rockets, Holiday took a bit of a backseat. He should play a bigger role on Friday against a Kings team that allowed the third-highest three-point field goal percentage last season and the 12th-most assists in the NBA.Source: ESPN
Raheem Mostert's Usage Something To Monitor
10/18:San Francisco 49ers running back Raheem Mostert was the team’s biggest surprise in Week 6, racing for 87 yards on 12 carries. After experiencing fumbling issues throughout his career, Mostert earned the trust of head coach Kyle Shanahan by working on ball security. He was rewarded with 40% of offensive snaps, rendering veteran Alfred Morris to the bench. Shanahan’s played coy on Mostert’s usage going forward, but it’s apparent the fourth-year back provides a spark spelling starter Matt Breida (ankle, shoulder). Mostert shouldn’t be on starting rosters in Week 7, but his role is something to monitor. He’s a speculative add for managers with bench flexibility.Source: CSN Bay Area - Jennifer Lee Chan
Anthony Davis Has Huge Night Against Rockets
10/18:New Orleans Pelicans center Anthony Davis was the first overall pick in many fantasy drafts this year, and Wednesday's victory over the Rockets reminded owners why they chose the Brow with that pick. Davis scored 32 points on 13-for-21 shooting while also grabbing 16 rebounds and adding in eight assists. The Pelicans play the Kings on Friday, and Davis should once again be in store for a strong outing against a young Kings frontcourt.Source: ESPN
Nikola Mirotic Scores 30 In Season Opener
10/18:New Orleans Pelicans power forward Nikola Mirotic came up huge in his team's season-opening win over the Houston Rockets, scoring 30 points on 11-for-20 shooting, including a 6-for-8 mark from downtown. Mirotic also grabbed 10 rebounds to open the year with a double-double, and he added in three assists as well. Don't expect the same production on Friday against the Kings, but Sacramento did have the fourth-worst defensive rating last season, so Mirotic can be expected to remain productive.Source: ESPN
Ish Smith Scores 11 Off The Bench
10/18:Detroit Pistons point guard Ish Smith scored 11 points in 29 minutes of action against the Nets on Wednesday, going 5-for-11 from the field and adding in three assists. Despite playing nearly 30 minutes, Smith isn't a hugely intriguing fantasy player unless he can start to offer more production across the board. He'll look to provide solid value on Saturday against a Bulls defense that struggled last season, but Smith's fantasy value is likely to remain fairly dependent on matchups.Source: ESPN
Bruce Brown Jr. Barely Contributes In First Start
10/18:With both Reggie Bullock and Stanley Johnson unavailable on Wednesday, the Pistons inserted rookie Bruce Brown Jr. into their starting lineup. It didn't go well for Brown, though, as he was held scoreless in 19 minutes of action. Brown missed all three of his shot attempts, grabbed a pair of rebounds, and added in an assist and a block. His presence in the starting lineup doesn't offer any fantasy upside at this point, and even a good matchup with the Bulls on Saturday doesn't make brown worth consideration in DFS lineups.Source: ESPN
Matt Breida Reliable Despite Health Risks
10/18:San Francisco 49ers Matt Breida (ankle, shoulder) isn’t fully healthy but has suited up for all six games in 2018. Breida’s proven his toughness and also been effective, leading the NFL in yards per carry (6.8). The Niners take on the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7, who surrender just 99.0 rush yards per game but are fifth-worst in yards per attempt (4.8). With the Niners structurally dedicated to a committee running game, he’ll share snaps with backfield mates Raheem Mostert and Kyle Juszczyk. However, he’s immune to game script. This bodes well against the high-powered Rams offense. Despite the timeshare risks, Breida is a back-end RB2 with upside if he factors into the passing game.Source: ESPN.com
Reggie Jackson Scores 19 Against Nets
10/18:Detroit Pistons point guard Reggie Jackson scored 19 points in Wednesday's win over the Brooklyn Nets, making seven of his 20 shot attempts, including a 2-for-9 mark from three. Jackson grabbed a pair rebounds while also dishing out four assists while playing a team-high 35 minutes. Jackson's likely to have some uneven production over the course of the season, but Saturday's meeting with Chicago offers him a chance to put up another strong outing against a team that struggled defensively last season.Source: ESPN
Demaryius Thomas Looks to Extend His TD Streak
10/18:Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas ranks 46th among WRs at 55 receiving yards per game. Unsurprisingly, all three of his double-digit fantasy point performances this season (standard scoring) have come in games where he was able to showcase his dancing ability. Thomas has found the end zone in two-straight games, and while I'd normally ride the wave, the Cardinals have yet to allow a TD to an opposing WR at home this season - while allowing the fewest to the position overall (two). Even more concerning is the fact that Thomas has now seen a total of 22 targets over the Broncos last four games after amassing 21 through their first two. Factor in the inconsistent quarterback play and Thomas should be viewed as a WR3/flex option heading into this Thursday night matchup.Source: NFL
Blake Griffin Leads Detroit In Scoring In Opener
10/18:Detroit Pistons power forward Blake Griffin scored a team-high 26 points on 8-for-17 shooting while also adding in eight rebounds and six assists. Detroit will likely run the offense through the former Clippers star a good amount this season, so expect strong assist numbers to continue for Griffin. When Detroit meets Chicago on Saturday, expect strong production for Griffin. Chicago allowed the second-most assists last season and also struggled to keep opponents off the boards, though some of Griffin's rebounding potential is cannibalized playing beside center Andre Drummond.Source: ESPN
Andre Drummond Grabs 20 Rebounds
10/18:Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond pulled down 20 rebounds in Wednesday's season-opening victory over the Brooklyn Nets, including nine offensive boards. Drummond also added 24 points on 10-for-21 shooting. Drummond was 1-for-3 from downtown after having attempted just 30 threes through his first six NBA seasons. That development is worth paying attention to as the season rolls along. Detroit will play Chicago on Saturday, who allowed the fifth-most rebounds last season. Expect another strong performance from Drummond.Source: ESPN
Emmanuel Sanders' Floor is the Ceiling
10/18:Michael Jordan once told us that "The ceiling is the roof!" Well, the floor might be the ceiling this week for Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. Sanders has seen seven or more targets in five of six games -- catching at least five passes in all five -- so it's safe to assume he'll see around five receptions Thursday night against the Cardinals. Problem is, Arizona has yet to allow a receiver to find the end zone at home and the two touchdowns opposing WRs have put up on them on the season are the fewest in the league. Sanders should be viewed as a WR2 in PPR leagues -- based on volume alone -- but owners in standard leagues would be wise to look elsewhere if upside is the goal this week.Source: NFL
Spencer Dinwiddie Shoots Well Against Pistons
10/17:Brooklyn Nets point guard Spencer Dinwiddie scored 23 points on 10-for-18 shooting off the bench in Wednesday's season-opening loss to the Detroit Pistons. He also added six assists, four rebounds, and a steal. Dinwiddie played 32 minutes for the Nets and finished as a plus-six overall. He'll continue to serve as the team's top backup off the bench for the foreseeable future, but when Brooklyn starts getting their injured players back Dinwiddie could see a drop down under 30 minutes. For now, though, he has a decent matchup on Friday against a Knicks team that allowed the ninth-most assists last season.Source: ESPN
D'Angelo Russell Ineffective Against Detroit
10/17:Brooklyn Nets guard D'Angelo Russell only managed to score eight points on 3-for-9 shooting in Wednesday's loss to the Detroit Pistons, with the former Laker making just one of his four attempts from three. Russell added five assists and a pair of rebounds, but his 25 minutes ranked just sixth on the team. Russell will try to get back on track Friday against the Knicks, who allowed the sixth-most three pointers and 11th-most points per game last season, but how the team's guard rotation shakes out will determine Russell's fantasy value more than anything else.Source: ESPN
Phillip Lindsay Cracks Top-20
10/17:Having put up at least 75 yards from scrimmage in four of his six games this season, Denver Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay quietly ranks among the Top-20 RBs in terms of scrimmage yards per game (including the ejection-shortened Week 3). Meanwhile, the Cardinals have allowed opposing RBs to pick up 138.8 rushing yards per game on 4.5 yards per carry while giving up an additional 57 yards through the air - all of which rank among the dregs of the league. He doesn't see the volume some of the league's elite backs see -- his 12.5 touches per game rank 32nd -- but he's averaging 14 PPR fantasy points per game (over the five games in which he played all four quarters) and shouldn't have much trouble surpassing that number this week given the matchup.Source: Bob McManaman
Jared Dudley Struggles In Season Opener
10/17:Due to injuries, the Brooklyn Nets were forced to start veteran forward Jared Dudley in the team's season-opening loss to the Pistons. Dudley could see plenty of run in the short term on this team, but Wednesday's performance doesn't suggest that he's worth any fantasy consideration after he finished with just one point while shooting 0-for-5 from the field and grabbing three rebounds, dishing out three assists, and recording three steals. Dudley's 36 minutes suggest he'll play a big role for now, but don't expect too much improvement against the Knicks on Friday.Source: ESPN
Jarrett Allen Records Double-Double Against Detroit
10/17:Brooklyn Nets center Jarrett Allen opened the 2018-2019 season with a double-double in Wednesday's loss to the Detroit Pistons. The second-year big man scored 17 points on 6-for-10 shooting while also adding in 10 rebounds and four blocked shots. Allen is looking like a strong contender to be among the league leaders in blocks this season and will look to keep that going on Friday against the Knicks, who ranked near the middle of the league in rebounds and blocks allowed last season thanks to the presence of center Enes Kanter. Allen could see a slight drop in his numbers in this matchup.Source: ESPN
Royce Freeman a Solid Bet to Find the End Zone
10/17:Denver Broncos running back Royce Freeman has been held out of the end zone in two-straight games but a matchup with the Arizona Cardinals could be just what he needs to bring the scoring drought to an end. No team has allowed more rushing touchdowns to opposing running backs than the eight allowed by the Arizona Cardinals, and while I could run through their statistics, just trust me when I say their run defense has been lousy. In nearly every way imaginable. Freeman lands in the RB2 conversation this week -- due to the presence of Phillip Lindsay -- but don't be surprised if he outperforms his ranking on Thursday night.Source: Bob McManaman
Caris LeVert Leads Nets In Scoring In Opener
10/17:Brooklyn Nets guard Caris Levert scored a team-high 27 points on 10-for-18 shooting in Wednesday's season-opening loss to the Detroit Pistons. LeVert also made seven of his eight free throw attempts while adding four rebounds and four assists. A popular sleeper pick heading into the year, LeVert should occupy a spot in the team's starting lineup until DeMarre Carroll returns from ankle surgery. Brooklyn next plays the Knicks on Friday, where LeVert will look to continue playing a significant role in Brooklyn's offense.Source: ESPN
Myles Turner Hosted A Block Party Against Grizzlies
10/17:Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner was a defensive anchor Wednesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies. Turner blocked four shots while also contributing eight points and eight rebounds in just 20 minutes. The Pacers dominated Memphis in this one allowing Turner to get more rest throughout the game, thus limiting him to just 20 minutes. Although the emergence of Domantas Sabonis has taken away some fantasy value from Turner, Turner remains one of the top shot-blockers in the league. Look for Turner to continue his shot-blocking barrage Friday night against the Atlanta Hawks.Source: ESPN
Luke Willson Isn't An Option In Week 7
10/17:Detroit Lions tight end Luke Willson is the starter in name only. He did not garner a target in Week 5 against the Packers and only has seven targets on the season, which leads all Lions tight ends. He's been able to corral four of those looks for 29 yards, but hasn't found the end zone, and has yet even draw a red zone target. The tight end position isn't of use to the Lions right now and is often the fourth, and sometimes fifth option in the passing game. Fade Willson and any other Lions tight end until we see a shift in target share.Source: NFL.com
Victor Oladipo Solid In Season Opener
10/17:Indiana Pacers shooting guard Victor Oladipo looked sharp Wednesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies. Oladipo finished with 16 points on 6-for-11 shooting, five assists, and five rebounds in 26 minutes. The Pacers had the game in hand for most of the night so Oladipo was able to get more rest in this one. Although he did not show his elite steal potential here, Oladipo will more than likely get more opportunities in the games to come. Look for Oladipo to take more charge Friday night against the Atlanta Hawks, who just gave up 31 points to Tim Hardaway Jr.Source: ESPN
Bojan Bogdanovic Scores Game-High 19 Points Wednesday
10/17:Indiana Pacers small forward Bojan Bogdanovic shot the lights out Wednesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies. Bogdanovic lead all players with 19 points on 7-for-9 shooting while also contributing six rebounds in 27 minutes. Bogdanovic is a sharpshooter from outside as evident by his 3-for-3 three-point shooting Wednesday, but he won't contribute much else on the stat sheet. If you need some three-point shooting or cheap scoring, Bogdanovic could be an asset to your team. Bogdanovic will look to build off this performance Friday night against the Milwaukee Bucks.Source: ESPN
