RADIO
The injuries and bye weeks are starting to make every fantasy football decision quite pivotal. The regular season is rolling into the heart of the schedule and we’re all fighting for that playoff spot. A couple of injuries have many fearing the possibility of benching a star or two with their status up in the air for Week 9.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been dealing with a hamstring injury but is listed as probable for a big game against the St. Louis Rams. Diggs has emerged as one of the best surprise fantasy stars this year. To put his work in proper perspective, the only wide receivers that are currently averaging more yards per game than Diggs are DeAndre Hopkins, Julio Jones and Alshon Jeffery.
Diggs is by far the best weapon Teddy Bridgewater has and he will continue to get all of the opportunity to have fantasy success. The Vikings will need Diggs playmaking ability against a very good Rams defense and looks like a lock to play on Sunday.
Ronnie Hillman is splitting carries at running back for the Denver Broncos with C.J. Anderson and he’s been the better fantasy threat. Hillman is coming off a game with two touchdowns but is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts with a thigh injury.
Hillman suffered the injury during Thursday’s practice but all signs are pointing towards him starting and getting his normal workload. Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak confirmed Hillman is scheduled to draw the start. Denver should produce great value for at least one of their running backs against Indianapolis. The Colts run defense is just one of their many weaknesses heading into the showdown. Hillman is a safer bet than Anderson.
One of the more terrifying injury stories in the past week has revolved around New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall. Marshall has been tremendous all season and was once against a trustworthy WR1. The foot injury occurred during last week’s disaster game against the Oakland Raiders. Marshall participated in limited practice on Thursday and Friday.
That’s a great sign that he’s trending upwards and should be able to start on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Marshall likely won’t be completely healthy but even at less than 100%, he is better than most options with a very good matchup. Unless your roster is stacked with better alternatives, you should insert Diggs, Hillman and Marshall into your lineups and hope for the best.
