Fantasy Report: Julio Jones and AJ Brown Out Among Other Stars

Both Julio Jones and AJ Brown were dealing with hamstring issues after week 3’s matchup with the Colts, where Brown left early and Julio sat much of the second half. Now they have both been downgraded to out ahead of Sundays game.

George Kittle also “not guaranteed” to start. Dalvin Cook is questionable with his ankle injury. Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton were ruled out as well.

There are a lot of fantasy implications with the first development. For one, Derrick Henry will get loads of work against a weak Jets run defense. Ryan Tannehill’s production is now more volatile this week without a clear 1 and 2 receiving target. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine got 4 receptions for 53 yards with 1 TD last week and could be the new 1# target. Geoff Swaim (3 rec, 27 yrds) or Chester Rodgers (1 rec, 6 yrds and 1 TD) could also be in the mix for targets. An outside bet I’m eyeing is Tight End Anthony Firkser. He had 3 receptions for 19 yards in week 1 but missed the following 2 weeks due to injury. Firkser is slated to return fully healthy this week and has more talent than the other receiving targets. If the Titans are unable to get the ground game going, look for Firkser to have a good game.

Another injury to keep an eye on is George Kittle. He had a calf strain last week against the Packers. It was thought to be minor and now Kyle Shanahan says he is sorer than expected. So while Kittle is still questionable, make sure to watch for an update. If he can get healthy by Sunday, he will be in for a good matchup against a weak Seattle secondary. If he is indeed out, Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk will be more than glad to pick up the slack.

Dalvin Cook is still questionable with the injury to his ankle. He is expected to play but that remains to be seen. If Cook starts, he is a lock, keep in mind though he may be splitting work with Alexander Mattison. If Cook is out, Mattison owners should sit him due to the strength of the Browns run defense from their new addition Jadaveon Clowney.

The Giants ruled out both Shepard and Slayton this week due to hamstring injuries suffered in week 3 against the Falcons. Look for Kenny Golladay to get more targets as he still is the 1# option in New York. The rookie Kadarius Toney should get more work as well. Saquon Barkley coming off a season-high 22 touches and should figure to get more work against the weaker Saints D-Line. The TEs in New York might get work but if it is split between the two it will be negligible. Golladay will draw Marshon Lattimore so he is best left on the bench as well as most offensive players on an unsure Giants team.

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