It is the last week in many NFL fantasy leagues. For those in the championship match, few things are worse than going into the weekend with a team full of injuries. The following players are all suffering from some form of injury. Some are out, while the status of others remains in doubt. Overall, all of the NFL injuries on this list will have as significant impact on fantasy in Week 16.
Julio Jones, WR
Atlanta Falcons
Julio Jones missed practice this week, due to injuries to his ankle and thumb. Sitting Jones out of practice could be precautionary. However, Jones missed two games last season due to injury and is not guaranteed to play on Sunday.
Who Benefits: Mohamed Sanu. If Jones cannot go on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, Mohamed Sanu should see an increase in his targets and fantasy potential. Although not as big or talented as Jones, Sanu is a good receiver, capable of boxing out and making plays on third down. Sanu had a big game against the Saints two weeks ago, catching six passes for 83 yards and a touchdown. If he is the number one receiving option in Week 16, he could surpass those numbers on Sunday.
Rex Burkhead, RB
New England Patriots
Rex Burkhead suffered a knee injury in Week 15, against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Though the injury is not severe, he is expected to be out until the playoffs.
Who Benefits: James White. With Dion Lewis moving into primary back duties the last few weeks, Rex Burkhead has been relegated to the role of spelling Lewis and goal-line duties. With Burkhead ruled out on Sunday, James White should his touches increase on Sunday. White has been non-existent in New England the last few games, which suggests he will have fresh legs this weekend. In a PPR league, White could be worth a flex start with Burkhead out of the lineup.
Marqise Lee, WR
Jacksonville Jaguars
Marqise Lee is continuing to deal with an ankle injury, which may sideline him to the playoffs. Lee was on pace to set career highs in yardage and touchdowns before this injury to his ankle.
Who Benefits: Keelan Cole and Dede Westbrook. One of the more interesting fantasy elements of 2017 has to be the Jacksonville Jaguars “next man up” mentality on offense. After losing Allen Robinson, Marqise Lee stepped up. Now with Lee and Allen Hurns dealing with injuries, Keelan Cole and Dede Westbrook have filled in at receiver, with surprisingly good results. Cole is coming off a 186-yard two touchdown performance in Week 15, while Westbrook had 81 yards and a touchdown the week before. Either could have a good game in Week 16 against San Francisco.
Davante Adams, WR
Green Bay Packers
Davante Adams took a vicious hit on Sunday, leaving him concussed and doubtful for the Packers game on Saturday. With the Packers officially eliminated from the playoffs, there is good chance he will not play again in 2017.
Who Benefits: Jordy Nelson. With Adams sidelined (and Rodgers shut down for the season), Brett Hundley will start on Saturday. Hundley developed a report with Adams but struggled to do the same with Jordy Nelson. This week, Hundley will need to target Nelson, if he wants to have any chance of upsetting the Minnesota Vikings. Nelson has been a bust this season, but he will have one final chance at redemption on Sunday.
Michael Bennett, DE
Seattle Seahawks
Michael Bennett is currently dealing with swelling in his knee. He is limited in practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday. He wants to play, but if the swelling does not subside, he could miss the Seahawks’ game against the Cowboys.
Who Benefits: Ezekiel Elliott: The Seahawks defense has progressively declined this season, with injuries being the main culprit. The Seahawks have given up 72 points over the last two games. They also allowed Todd Gurley to score four touchdowns in Week 15. Elliott is coming back from a six-game suspension, fresh and angry. Without Bennett, Seattle will have even more difficulty containing Elliott. Elliott could come close to have a Todd Gurley level game, if he gets enough touches on offense.
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