Dose: Murray Shines Again
The Dallas Cowboys improved to 6-0 on the road as they topped the Chicago Bears 41-28 at Soldier Field on Thursday night. Once again, it was DeMarco Murray stealing the show as the beastly back rumbled his way to 228 total yards, which is the highest single-game output of Murray’s impressive 2014 campaign. Not only was Murray dicing up Chicago on a season-high 32 carries, but he also added a season-high nine catches in what amounted to a monstrous game, especially in PPR formats. Murray has stayed away from the seemingly inevitable injuries that fantasy owners assumed would claim his season after the Cowboys showed little concern for his large early season workloads, so the good times continue to roll for Dallas and DeMarco.
Garbage time was friendly to fantasy options from Chicago as the lopsided second half breathed new life into the unconscious Chicago offense. Alshon Jeffery, Matt Forte, and Jay Cutler all found the end zone in the fourth period as fantasy footballers in crucial playoff matchups watched with trepidation. Solid fantasy nights were salvaged all around as the Bears made a late charge with Jay Cutler completing 32 passes, his highest total since Week 1. Two more opportunities for Chicago to play from behind are looming in the fantasy playoffs, with the Bears hosting both New Orleans and Detroit over the next two weeks.
Cowboys at Bears Quick Slants
Brandon Marshall (ribs) departed Thursday’s game early and was immediately taken to the hospital for evaluation. No updates have been provided on Marshall’s status yet but a multiple week injury could certainly be possible. … The fantasy world was burned on Thursday as four of Dallas’ five scores were recorded by little-owned options. Cole Beasley found the end zone twice, with Gavin Escobar and Joseph Randle also chipping in with “fantasy frustrating” touchdowns. … Martellus Bennett had himself a nice night, catching 12 of 15 targets for 84 yards and a score. Bennett now has 20 catches on 26 targets for 193 yards over the last two weeks and is as reliable as fantasy tight ends get at the moment.
In Other News…
Ravens DL Haloti Ngata was suspended four games by the NFL on Thursday for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy. Baltimore’s defense has been rather stout against the run this season, allowing the fourth lowest amount of rushing yards among NFL teams and giving up just 3.6 yards per attempt. That will change with the absence of Ngata however, so Lamar Miller owners can feel a bit better about starting him this week if needed.
Jerick McKinnon (back) missed another practice on Thursday, which leaves fantasy owners staring at a likely Minnesota backfield of Matt Asiata and Ben Tate once again. The underwhelming duo combined for 67 yards on 19 carries (3.5 ypc) last week in McKinnon’s absence and draws an even stiffer run defense this week as Minnesota hosts the New York Jets. Fantasy owners should flex McKinnon if he is active and run far from this situation if McKinnon sits out.
Reports out of Oakland state that running back Latavius Murray has been taking “lower-team reps” at practice this week as the Raiders prepare to face the San Francisco 49ers. Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew will likely remain in the picture but Murray can still be productive with a limited workload, as he showed in Week 12 against Kansas City. It may be 2015 before the world gets a glimpse of Murray as a lead back unfortunately, but he could still return flex value for the remainder of 2014 in limited work.
DeAngelo Williams (hand) is now expected to miss Week 14, opening the door for Jonathan Stewart to handle more work in the Carolina backfield. Stewart was solid last week, running for 85 yards on 12 carries, and has been involved in the Panthers passing game over the last month as well. Jerick McKinnon or Andre Ellington owners would be wise to snag Stewart if he is relaxing on their local waiver wire.
New and Notes
Reggie Bush is practicing in full this week and will return in Week 14 as the Detroit starting running back, according to coach Jim Caldwell. Joique Bell will remain involved in the Detroit running game, but Bush’s presence may lower his touch total moving forward. … Philadelphia wide receiver Jeremy Maclin is expected to be covered by Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman for the majority of Sunday’s game. The rough matchup dings Maclin’s fantasy value for the week, but with a healthy average of 9.9 targets per week, Maclin could still potentially turn in a decent fantasy day if he remains heavily involved in Chip Kelly’s offense. Maclin has been a phenomenal fantasy asset this season, so benching him in the fantasy playoffs is a tall order despite the brutal matchup. … Minnesota OC Norv Turner confirmed that Charles Johnson is the team’s starting “X” receiver. Johnson has been targeted 21 times over the last three weeks and has left Cordarrelle Patterson in his dust. … Andre Ellington (hip) looks unlikely to suit up on Sunday, despite coach Bruce Arians labeling him a “game time decision.” The Arizona backfield will likely be one part Marion Grice, one part Michael Bush, and one part Stepfan Taylor on Sunday. Fantasy owners should not follow that recipe in crucial playoff matchups.
Injury Notes
New England receiver Aaron Dobson was placed on the injured reserve with a hamstring injury. The young receiver caught just three passes this season and never got on track with the Patriots. … Julian Edelman (thigh) announced on Thursday that he aggravated his thigh injury in Week 13, but all signs point to the Patriots receiver playing this week. … Roddy White (ankle) did not practice on Thursday and is a dicey bet to play this week. Feel free to fire up Harry Douglas once again if White sits. … Rashad Jennings (ankle) did not practice on Thursday and is looking less and less likely to play on Sunday. Rookie Andre Williams could potentially stumble into a nice matchup against Tennessee if Jennings can’t suit up. … Isaiah Crowell (hip) practiced in limited fashion on Thursday and now looks likely to play on Sunday. … Jordan Cameron (concussion) looks like a decent bet to finally return this week after a long absence due to a concussion. Hopefully Cameron owners have a safer option queued up. … Torrey Smith (knee) didn’t practice on Thursday and will need a Friday practice appearance to reassure owners about his Sunday status. … Kendall Wright (hand) is dealing with a cracked bone in his hand and his Week 14 prospects are looking questionable at this point. Stay tuned for more news about the Tennessee receiver this weekend.
