Dose: Jags Top Titans on TNF
A Thursday night matchup between 2-12 teams delivered just what fantasy owners expected as the Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the Tennessee Titans, with players from off the fantasy grid accounting for most of the scoring in the Jacksonville’s 21-13 victory.
Tennessee kick-started the scoring on Thursday night with a first quarter touchdown reception by Leon Washington. Washington turned out to be the most productive Titans fantasy asset in this contest, as the running back set season-highs in carries (four), receptions (seven), and total yards (73). Considering Washington had just 22 total touches on the season prior to Week 16, this performance certainly helped a grand total of zero fantasy teams. On the receiving end, Kendall Wright was productive despite playing with an injured hand. Wright hauled in four of five targets for 73 yards in a useful PPR effort.
Jacksonville’s backfield was the primary source of excitement for the winning team on Thursday, as running backs Toby Gerhart and Jordan Todman both found the endzone. Gerhart looked surprisingly solid on the night, turning 12 carries into 53 yards including a goal line touchdown plunge. This effort surely relieved fantasy owners who were forced to start Gerhart in desperate circumstances. Todman’s touchdown was the key score in the game, as his 62-yard scoring scamper helped extend Jacksonville’s lead to 21-10 in the fourth quarter.
Titans at Jaguars Quick Slants
Tennessee receiver Derek Hagan tied his season-high with seven targets, but only managed three catches for 47 yards. … Bishop Sankey out-carried Shonn Greene 14-7 on the night while Leon Washington handled the receiving work out of the Tennessee backfield. This came on the heels of a Week 15 game that saw Greene lead the way with 16 carries to Sankey’s three and Washington receiving only two targets. … Cecil Shorts led Jacksonville in targets but caught only two of his seven chances for 15 yards. … Rookie Marqise Lee led Jaguars receivers with four catches for 65 yards, giving the youngster four games with 50+ receiving yards over the last five weeks.
In Other News…
DeMarco Murray (hand) has been the hot topic of fantasy championship week as the Dallas running back’s availability will impact countless title games. Murray got in a “limited” practice on Thursday and is looking more and more likely to be active in Week 16. Murray owners should still keep Joseph Randle and/or Lance Dunbar around in case of a late scratch scenario but it appears that Murray should be ready to start against Indianapolis on Sunday.
Frank Gore (concussion) is reportedly “moving through the concussion protocol” and is on track to start on Saturday against San Diego. With fellow running back Carlos Hyde (ankle, back) looking unlikely to suit up, it will be Gore leading the 49ers backfield against the Bolts with Alfonso Smith handling backup duties. Gore has only averaged 11.5 carries per game over the last four weeks and although he is likely to see an increased workload on Saturday, Gore and the San Francisco offense are best left to continue their struggles away from fantasy starting lineups.
Philadelphia running back LeSean McCoy admitted on Thursday that Chris Polk has taken over as the Eagles’ goal-line back. This is terrible news for McCoy owners, who are now faced with a mountain of reasons for concern as the fantasy season prepares to crown league champions. A tough matchup with Washington’s run defense and the increasing interference of Chris Polk and Darren Sproles is making McCoy a less exciting fantasy start by the minute. McCoy is realistically residing in RB2 territory for Saturday’s NFC East matchup between Philadelphia and Washington.
News and Notes
The Houston Texans are likely to roll with Case Keenum at quarterback on Sunday, which shouldn’t excite anyone but Baltimore D/ST owners. Keenum’s wide receiver options could be mighty thin with Andre Johnson (concussion) just recently passing concussion protocol and DeAndre Hopkins (ankle) considered a game-time decision on Sunday. This is a situation to avoid if possible. … Cam Newton (back) turned in a full practice on Thursday and looks poised to start on Sunday. Cam will be a shaky play this week coming off the back injury, with at least a dozen safer options available at the quarterback position in Week 16. … Reggie Wayne (triceps) is reportedly looking at a reduced snap count over the last two weeks of the regular season as the Colts prepare for the playoffs. Hakeem Nicks and rookie Donte Moncrief should be the main recipients of the extra available field time. … Green Bay wide receiver Randall Cobb said on Thursday that he hasn’t begun talks with the organization about a long-term contract yet. This will be an offseason situation to monitor, especially for dynasty owners of Davante Adams. … Philip Rivers (back, chest) practiced in full on Thursday but won’t be playing at 100% anytime soon as his nagging injuries have been slow to heal. Rivers has thrown multiple touchdowns in a game just once since Week 8 and is difficult to trust at this point in the season.
Injury Notes
T.Y. Hilton (hamstring) missed Thursday’s practice due to a bad hammy and his status is now in doubt for Week 16. Stay tuned on Friday for another critical update from Indianapolis. … Julio Jones (hip) missed practice again on Thursday. Harry Douglas may be a fantasy savior once again this week if Jones sits out. … C.J. Spiller (collarbone) practiced Thursday but Buffalo is unsure of whether he will suit up this week alongside Fred Jackson. … Minnesota tight end Kyle Rudolph (ankle, knee) missed practice Thursday and is a dicey bet to suit up on Sunday. … Rashad Jennings (ankle) did not practice Thursday and appears to be a likely candidate to miss Week 16. This scenario would give rookie Andre Williams another shot to start. … After two no-shows in Weeks 14 and 15, Torrey Smith (knee) is not listed on Baltimore’s Week 16 injury report. Smith isn’t an ideal play this week but can be rolled out if fantasy squads are in a pinch at wide receiver. … Peyton Manning (thigh) was given a breather on Thursday, but all signs point to the Denver quarterback being active on Monday night as the Broncos travel to Cincinnati. … Ryan Mathews (ankle) missed practice again on Thursday and looks extremely doubtful for Week 16. Branden Oliver will be the beneficiary on Saturday as San Diego faces San Francisco.
