Sunday’s Week 6 NFL Injuries: Updates, Fantasy Lineups, and More
Each week of the 2017 NFL season seems to bring a new round of upsets, breakouts, and injuries. Sunday’s Week 6 games certainly had no shortage of injuries, with significant injuries to several marquee players.
In case you need a quick recap of the stars that we have already lost, Odell Beckham Jr. suffered a season-ending fractured left ankle during last Sunday’s 27-22 defeat to the Chargers. In the Texans Week 5 42-34 loss to the Chiefs, J.J. Watt suffered a tibial plateau fracture which will require season-ending surgery. Other key injuries from the same week included Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and Texans linebacker Whitney Mercilus.
As we enter another week of NFL football, here are the injuries from Sunday that you should keep track of, along with how they may impact your fantasy lineup or bet slip:
1. Aaron Rodgers
Green Bay Packers fans were devastated when quarterback Aaron Rodgers was carted off the field on Sunday after being hit by Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr. The hit was clean, but Rodgers landed on his right shoulder and was driven into the turf. Though the extent of his injury was initially uncertain, there has been official word that Rodgers will likely be out for the season as a result of the impending surgery on his broken collarbone.
What This Means For Green Bay:
Brett Hundley stepped up for Rodgers on Sunday, and the backup quarterback will likely take his place throughout the rest of the season.
"I've got three years invested in Brett Hundley, two years invested in Joe Callahan," stated Coach Mike McCarthy. "The quarterback room is exactly where it needs to be, OK?”
It’s too soon to judge, but Hundley was sacked four times and went 18 of 33 for 157 yards and one touchdown in their 23-10 loss to the Vikings. Still, Hundley is a solid fantasy football option as he averaged 43.7 rushing yards per game while at UCLA and knows the Packers offense after three years of development. As you look at the New Orleans Saints vs Green Bay Packers betting odds for Sunday, the Saints are 5.5-point favorites. The Saints are 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing the Packers, and with a backup quarterback in play, this could definitely work in their favor.
2. Jameis Winston
Jamies Winston was another quarterback that suffered injuries during Sunday’s chaos. During the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals, Winston went down on his right shoulder after a forceful hit from Cardinals linebacker Chandler Jones. Winston is reported to have been diagnosed Monday with a sprained AC joint and is considered day-to-day. Coach Dirk Koetter made the following statement to ESPN regarding the injury.
"The way I understand it, he will be cleared medically to play. I know Jameis can handle a lot of pain -- that's not gonna be an issue -- I think it's going to be more of, 'Does Jameis feel like he can play at the level he needs to play at?'”, stated Koetter. “Obviously, the No. 1 thing in all of this is Jameis' long-term health. That has to be the No. 1 thing."
What This Means For The Bucs:
If Winston is unable to play against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday that means Ryan Fitzpatrick will be taking over the position. Note to those concerned about their fantasy football lineup: always build depth at quarterback. In Sunday’s game, Fitzpatrick completed 22 of 32 passes for 290 yards and three touchdowns after being called in for Winston. The Bills won 20-16 in their latest matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, with the Bills averaging 17.8 points and 106.6 rushing yards per game. The Bills are currently 3-point favorites against the Buccaneers at BetOnline Sportsbook, and they should be able to cover the spread.
3. Leonard Fournette
Leonard Fournette, running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars, hyperextended his knee during the fourth quarter during the team’s loss to the Rams. Though he did not return to Sunday’s game, the injury has been ruled a right sprained ankle and Fournette is expected to play Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts.
What This Means For The Jaguars:
The minor nature of Fournette’s injury could be good news for Jacksonville fans. Fournette had 21 carries for 130 yards and a TD before leaving the game against the Los Angeles Rams due to his injury. At BetOnline Sportsbook, the Jags are currently 3-point favorites over the Colts. BestUSASportsbooks.com summizes if Fournette does not play in the Week 7 matchup against Indianapolis, fantasy lineups and fans could see an appearance from backup running back Chris Ivory.