Lions Beat: Don't expect a balanced offense

Jul 06, 2017

NFC North beat writers were asked about the Lions run game and the possibility of a balanced offense:

Rob Demovsky: In short, no, unless the return of Ameer Abdullah from the foot injury that ruined his 2016 season is a game-changer or Matt Asiata suddenly becomes something more than just the complementary piece he was in Minnesota. Otherwise, it looks a lot like the status quo for the Lions' offense, which will once again rely heavily on quarterback Matthew Stafford.

That's not a bad thing given his ability to get on a hot streak as he showed last season. The good news is he has an upgraded offensive line led by former Packers Pro Bowl guard T.J. Lang to protect him.

Related players: Theo Riddick

Fantasy Impact:

All three beat writers who write for opponents of the Lions in the NFC North seemed to agree the Lions will need to rely on Stafford again this season, and the run game's current status won't give the team balance on offense. No one thinks Abdullah is a sure thing, but if he can stay healthy he'll obviously give the run game a little boost.

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Bears RB D'Andre Swift, WR Keenan Allen both Questionable for Week 12

Scott Bair

33 minutes ago

D'Andre Swift is questionable to play Vikings with a groin injury, though he was limited Thursday and a full participant on Friday.

Keenan Allen is questionable with an ankle injury. He was limited on Friday, his first day on the participation report.

Related Players: Roschon Johnson, Travis Homer, D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze

Fantasy Impact:

Separate reports called Swift "very likely" to play, but this is seemingly a new issue for Allen.

If Keenan were to miss Week 12, it would boost the floor of all pass-catchers, namely Moore, Oduzne, and Cole Kmet. Moore + Odunze would sneak closer to WR2 territory than their low-end WR3 designations they have with a healthy Allen.

Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco officially Out for Week 12

Matt McMullen

42 minutes ago

Charles Omenihu (knee) and Isiah Pacheco (ankle) won’t play on Sunday, per Coach Reid.

“Just taking it day-by-day,” Reid added.

Related Players: Samaje Perine

Fantasy Impact:

It was later reported that Pacheco was "healthy enough" but they're hoping to hold him back one more game with a short week coming up. This makes Hunt a volume-based RB2 in Week 12.

Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb returns to Friday practice

Joseph Hoyt

1 hour ago

CeeDee Lamb practiced today, per Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. That’s a good sign.

Lamb (back/foot) was limited in a walkthrough on Wednesday and missed practice on Thursday.

Related Players: Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin, Jalen Brooks, Ryan Flournoy

Fantasy Impact:

Obviously good news for the Cowboys' potential in rolling out an NFL offense in Week 12. The floor is capped for Lamb but we should expect a ton of action funneling his way against the Commanders, which puts him on the WR1/2 fringe.