DraftKings Network - What we know about Marlon Mack’s injury and recovery timelineAnother great SB Nation bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52893/DKN_Favicon_32x32..png2019-11-25T13:28:17-08:00http://dknetwork.draftkings.com/rss/stream/207468562019-11-25T13:28:17-08:002019-11-25T13:28:17-08:00Marlon Mack formally ruled out for Week 13
<figure>
<img alt="Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack carries the ball as Jacksonville Jaguars corner back D.J. Hayden defends in the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GfODeJG2O5yffaHZHCK10obnvg8=/0x0:2981x1987/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65771691/usa_today_13680084.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Colts made the obvious announcement on Monday as Marlon Mack continues recovering from his broken hand.</p> <p id="IapCNG">The <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> will be without <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20840982/marlon-mack-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Marlon Mack</a> for Week 13 after head coach Frank Reich formally ruled him out. <span>Mack</span> broke his hand eight days ago, and had surgery shortly after. He is likely to miss several weeks, but the team is not prepared to shut him down yet.</p>
<p id="nVR3QX"><span>Jonathan Williams</span> started in his place in Week 12 against the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a>. He rushed 26 times for 104 yards and a touchdown. <span>Jordan Wilkins</span> returned from his ankle injury but was strictly an emergency back and got no touches. <span>Nyheim Hines</span> had nine carries for 51 yards.</p>
<h2 id="Lyi0X0">
<a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/fantasy-football">Fantasy football</a> analysis: Colts running backs</h2>
<p id="3vK68A"><span>Williams</span> impressed against the Texans and seems to be in position to retain the starting role for Week 13 against the <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Titans</a>. <span>Wilkins</span> will eventually work his way back into the mix, but until he does or Reich offers clarity on his role, we are stuck assuming <span>Williams</span> is the starter and best fantasy option.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2019/11/25/20982621/marlon-mack-injury-update-week-13-fantasy-football-jonathan-williams-jordan-wilkinsDavid Fucillo2019-11-25T07:50:00-08:002019-11-25T07:50:00-08:00What Jonathan Williams, Phillip Lindsay performances tells us about Week 13 DFS RB salaries
<figure>
<img alt="Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Williams runs with the ball for a touchdown as Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph attempts to make a tackle during the third quarter at NRG Stadium." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/t5zecFNrKKpfGyiUnmch7TbXlmU=/0x0:2621x1747/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65768224/usa_today_13695347.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The mid-tier options at running back could prove to be valuable in Week 13. Steve Buchanan dives into two of those names and their matchups. </p> <p id="0OvzFt">It was the usual cast of characters atop the fantasy leaderboards at the running back position in Week 12. <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20838791/leonard-fournette-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Leonard Fournette</a> actually reached the end zone (twice!), <span>Christian McCaffrey</span> posted another 30+ DKFP day and <span>Derrick Henry</span> did his thing against the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jaguars</a>. With those performances in the books, what can we expect out of this position in Week 13? I look at two mid-tier options to consider and how they can help you save some salary during your roster construction. Salaries via <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/lobby">DraftKings</a>.</p>
<h2 id="3CBEk8">
<span>Jonathan Williams</span> ($5,300) vs. <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Titans</a>
</h2>
<p id="1k5u8U">The new shiny toy in the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> offense is here because of the injury to <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20840982/marlon-mack-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Marlon Mack</a>, who is dealing with a fractured hand. To <span>Williams</span>’ credit, he’s helped ease the burden of the loss of <span>Mack</span> by playing very well over the last two weeks. After coming in against the Jaguars in Week 11 in which he rushed for 116 yards on 13 carries, <span>Williams</span> followed that up with 104 yards, a touchdown on 26 carries against the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a> in Week 12. So, in essentially a week and a half, <span>Williams</span> has logged 39 carries, 220 yards and a touchdown for a total of 42.8 DKFP. Not too shabby for someone who hardly took the field at any point during the season prior to the injury. </p>
<div class="c-float-right"><div id="9TmYhx"><div data-anthem-component="aside:8883274"></div></div></div>
<p id="YkHFvj"><span>Williams</span> will once again draw the start in Week 13 against a Titans defense that’s hovered around league-average against the run. After running with a bare minimum salary of $3,000 in Week 12, <span>Williams</span> takes a massive jump of $2,300 to $5,300 in Week 13. It’s hard to imagine that <span>Williams</span> can keep up this pace that he’s on since taking over the starters role but he continues to be gifted with good spots to do so. The Titans have faced some big time names over the past three weeks in <span>Christian McCaffrey</span>, <span>Damien Williams</span> and <span>Leonard Fournette</span>. They haven’t responded well, allowing an average of 110 rushing yards and 32 DKFP. While I can’t realistically say that Williams can keep on pace with those averages, he certainly has shown that in his limited appearances. </p>
<h2 id="VLkmrt">
<span>Phillip Lindsay</span> ($5,000) vs. <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Chargers</a>
</h2>
<p id="fO5NZT"><span>Lindsay</span> was named the “starter” for the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> after essentially splitting carries each and every week with <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/9/13/20863972/royce-freeman-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Royce Freeman</a>. Well, in his second week in the new role, <span>Lindsay</span> was a non-factor in the 20-3 loss to the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a>, scoring just 7.8 DKFP. He carried the ball 13 times, which was 11 times more than Freeman but only managed 57 yards. So sure, it’s nice being the “starter” but we need more than that when using him on a weekly basis. </p>
<p id="kl3ss9">Luckily for Lindsay, he has a great matchup in Week 13 against the Chargers, who have been one of the worst run defenses in the league. Opposing receivers are averaging 20.8 DKFP per week, 97 rushing and 45 receiving yards. While the Chargers have held opposing backs to an average of 60 rushing yards over the last three weeks, they have given up three rushing touchdowns in that same span. Lindsay sees a salary $5,000 and will likely be shunned by people who he burned last week. Again, if Lindsay is going to handle the lion share of the carries, he’s simply too cheap to ignore against a Chargers defense that has struggled all season long. Don’t be afraid to go back here, especially when you consider he has a $200 discount from where he was in Week 12.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2019/11/25/20981699/dfs-salaries-week-13-running-backs-jonathan-williams-phillip-lindsay-fantasy-football-statsSteve Buchanan2019-11-25T06:08:16-08:002019-11-25T06:08:16-08:00The 10 most important players to watch in Week 12
<figure>
<img alt="Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott throws the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Sunday, November 17, 2019." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4dIcJbt8B51y6oz-lIugyC0xgTk=/0x259:1860x1499/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65736438/1183188861.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The playoff race is heating up and Week 12 is make-or-break for several teams. We break down who could prove critical in these key matchups, and one free agent who could still impact things down the stretch.</p> <p id="9K9aAV">The NFL kicks off Week 12 with the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> hosting the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> on <em>Thursday Night Football</em>. This is a huge matchup with the teams tied atop the AFC South at 6-4. The Colts won the first matchup in Week 7, so plenty is riding on this one even with six weeks remaining in the season.</p>
<p id="itbCmE">The playoff race is heating up across the NFL and quite a few teams are fast approaching must-win mode if they want any kind of shot at a Lombardi Trophy. There will be a host of players looking to get their teams over the hump this weekend. We’ve got a look at the ten most important or notable players heading into Week 12 of the NFL season.</p>
<h2 id="h7cFwQ">
<span>Dak Prescott</span>, QB, <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a>
</h2>
<p id="OkJX1V">The 6-4 Cowboys travel to face the 9-1 <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> in a possible <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> preview. The Cowboys’ divisional games will be more important for winning the NFC East, but Sunday’s game is a huge marker for Dallas to measure itself against coming down the stretch. <span>Dak Prescott</span> is having a career year in a potential contract season, but the Patriots have the best pass defense in the NFL. This will tell us a lot about where Dak and this offense stand as the playoffs approach.</p>
<p id="u5nvKE"><strong>UPDATE</strong>: The Cowboys came up short against the Patriots, losing 13-9. Prescott had a chance to climb into the MVP race with a game-winning drive to close out the game, but couldn’t get the job done.</p>
<h2 id="xVLA4D">
<span>Jimmy Garoppolo</span>, QB, <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a>
</h2>
<p id="Mq8kYF">Jimmy G had a career-best game last week in bringing the 49ers back against the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a>. This week, <span>Garoppolo</span> and the 49ers open a three-game stretch that is <a href="https://twitter.com/nwagoner/status/1196868928145907717">unprecedented in its difficulty</a>. They play three straight games against teams that are 8-2 right now: home vs. the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a> and then on the road against the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> and <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a>. <span>Garoppolo</span> could be without tight end <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/11/11/20959896/george-kittle-fantasy-football-injury-trade-dfs-salary-stats-2019">George Kittle</a> again this week and wide receiver <span>Emmanuel Sanders</span> is playing with a rib injury. Garoppolo will need to step up if the 49ers want to prove they belong atop the NFC.</p>
<p id="D5PipY"><strong>UPDATE</strong>: The 49ers crushed the Packers, and while the defense deserves much of the credit, Garoppolo had a strong game. He completed 14 of 20 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns in the 37-8 win.</p>
<h2 id="ONiPxv">
<span>Preston Smith</span>/Za’Darius <span>Smith</span>, LB, Green Bay Packers</h2>
<p id="NUfyBG">A Packers win moves them to the top of the NFC, and their pass rush will be key. The 49ers offensive line struggled against a fierce <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> pass rush two weeks ago, and Garoppolo will be without left tackle Joe Staley. If <span>Kittle</span> doesn’t play and <span>Sanders</span> is slow with his rib injury, Garoppolo could face problems without his safety blankets. Smith and Smith could flip the script in this game in a hurry.</p>
<p id="skWuux"><strong>UPDATE</strong>: The Packers lost big to the 49ers, but it was not due to a lack of effort by the two Smiths. They combined for two sacks and gave the 49ers offensive line a ton of trouble in pass protection for extended stretches.</p>
<h2 id="1uDFEF">
<span>Jonathan Williams</span>/<span>Nyheim Hines</span>/<span>Jordan Wilkins</span>, RB, Indianapolis Colts</h2>
<p id="x3auWl"><a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20840982/marlon-mack-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Marlon Mack</a> broke his right hand in last week’s win over Jacksonville, and he will miss multiple weeks after surgery. <span>Williams</span> replaced him as the lead back, with <span>Hines</span> serving as the passing down back. The Colts should have <span>Jordan Wilkins</span> back, so how they utilize this trio will be important on <em>Thursday Night Football</em> against the Texans. Jacoby Brissett may or may not have <span>T.Y. Hilton</span> at his disposal, so the backfield will be critical as the Colts play for first place in the AFC South.</p>
<p id="I83t3q"><strong>UPDATE</strong>: This was the Jonathan Williams show. The Colts came up short against the Texans, but Williams had a solid night. He rushed 26 times for 104 yards and a touchdown and had three receptions for 17 yards. Nyheim Hines had nine carries for 51 yards and two catches for ten yards. Jordan Wilkins was effectively an emergency running back.</p>
<h2 id="hNAeYf">
<span>Kyle Allen</span>, QB, <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a>
</h2>
<p id="M2IB8V">When <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20837383/cam-newton-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Cam Newton</a> went down with his foot injury, <span>Allen</span> took over and got off to a hot start with four touchdowns in Arizona and seven total in his first four games. After the Panthers bye, things went downhill in a hurry and he’s coming off a four-interception performance against the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> last week. If he doesn’t turn things around, the Panthers playoff chances are going to disappear in a hurry.</p>
<p id="6j2auM"><strong>UPDATE</strong>: The Panthers came up short in New Orleans due to their kicker, but Kyle Allen bounced back after a miserable Week 11. Allen completed 23 of 36 passes for 256 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-31 loss.</p>
<h2 id="MxebRz">
<span>Michael Thomas</span>, WR, New Orleans Saints</h2>
<p id="916ddF">The Saints wide receiver depth chart is <span>Thomas</span> and then everyone else. Through ten games, <span>Thomas</span> has 94 receptions for 1,141 yards and five touchdowns. The 94 receptions is a record for ten games, and he is a key cog to this Saints offense. They’re going to make the playoffs, but how far they go will depend on where <span>Thomas</span> can take them. He looked great with <span>Drew Brees</span>, looked great with <span>Teddy Bridgewater</span>, and still looks great in <span>Brees</span>’ return.</p>
<p id="xfxr4G"><strong>UPDATE</strong>: Michael Thomas once again dominated the stat sheet. He had ten receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown in the Saints 34-31 win over Carolina. His 104 receptions are a ridiculous 23 more than the next closest receiver (DeAndre Hopkins). Thomas won’t win the MVP award, but he’s making an argument for at least modest consideration.</p>
<h2 id="cdefq2">
<span>Mark Andrews</span>, TE, Baltimore Ravens</h2>
<p id="RKgKPa">It’d be easy to say <span>Lamar Jackson</span> is the player to watch, but Andrews will be a key weapon against this <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a> secondary. <span>Marquise Brown</span> and Willie Snead could have a difficult day against the Rams top-flight cornerbacks. If Aaron Donald is able to get pressure on Jackson, Andrews could be the outlet option that keys the offense when Jackson isn’t finding his running lanes.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/nfl/2019/11/20/20972280/nfl-schedule-week-12-dak-prescott-jimmy-garoppolo-cowboys-vs-patriots-packers-vs-49ersDavid Fucillo2019-11-22T04:10:00-08:002019-11-22T04:10:00-08:00What happened to Jordan Wilkins in Week 12
<figure>
<img alt="Indianapolis Colts running back Jordan Wilkins warms up before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YFbQxdlB_VENHF167Dm9RESFxXM=/0x92:2742x1920/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65752500/usa_today_13648044.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Colts RB Jordan Wilkins was a popular fantasy football waiver wire addition in Week 12, but then disappeared on <em>Thursday Night Football</em>. We break down what happened.</p> <p id="7d6vAo"><a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> running back <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20840982/marlon-mack-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Marlon Mack</a> broke his hand last week against the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a>, and that left <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/fantasy-football">fantasy football</a> owners scrambling. <span>Jonathan Williams</span> impressed when he replaced <span>Mack</span> in Week 11, but <span>Nyheim Hines</span> remained a viable option and <span>Jordan Wilkins</span> was expected to return from his ankle injury.</p>
<p id="NAr6JB"><span>Williams</span> was looking like the starter for Week 12, but early in the week, Colts head coach Frank Reich said we could see a split between <span>Williams</span> and <span>Wilkins</span>. We know not to trust everything coaches say, and it became clear we should not have trusted Reich on this.</p>
<p id="GffuGT">On Thursday afternoon, we heard a couple reports that said <span>Williams</span> would be the starter. He ended up getting the start, and he excelled in a workhorse role. He rushed 26 times for 104 yards and a touchdown, and also caught three passes for 17 yards.</p>
<p id="0z24Mh"><span>Hines</span> had a busy night himself, rushing nine times and catching two of three targets. But Wilkins was almost entirely absent. He had no touches after it seemed like he would be a part of the game plan.</p>
<p id="fE6aUS">Following the game, Reich announced that Wilkins was only active as an emergency option. Thanks, Frank.</p>
<div id="dFo066">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jordan Wilkins was emergency-only at RB tonight. Reich says they were cautious given that they likely won’t have Mack for a couple of weeks</p>— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoelAErickson/status/1197736045904830465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="bAImhq"><span>Mack</span>’s status is uncertain following surgery on his right hand. ESPN’s Adam Schefter said the injury is not thought to be season-ending, but one has to wonder if he’ll be back in time to impact fantasy playoffs. If the Colts stick around the playoff chase, maybe he is back in Week 15 or 16. If they slip out of it and it does not look like they’ll bounce back, maybe he eventually gets shut down for the season.</p>
<p id="LWl6mc">Whatever the case with Mack, we know he won’t be playing next week when the Colts face the Titans. The question will once again return as to what kind of workload Williams will have and how much, if at all, Wilkins will impact it. I’d guess Williams will get another sizable workload, but this appears to be an evolving situation.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2019/11/22/20977311/jordan-wilkins-fantasy-football-week-12-vs-texans-jonathan-williams-nyheim-hinesDavid Fucillo2019-11-21T20:27:24-08:002019-11-21T20:27:24-08:00Jonathan Williams shines for fantasy owners in Week 12 TNF
<figure>
<img alt="Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Williams runs the ball in the second quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns at Lucas Oil Stadium." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fx5hHm4gWnjY4Lx6rJCTtfrVcX4=/1x0:3145x2096/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65751216/usa_today_13224107.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Colts RB Jonathan Williams took over the lead back role while Marlon Mack is out with a hand fracture. He excelled in Week 12 and should retain the job next week.</p> <h2 id="X9lwGC">Colts-Texans recap</h2>
<p id="CBq7tW">The Colts came up short against the Texans, but Jonathan Williams shined. He was a workhorse in Week 12, rushing 26 times for 104 yards and a touchdown, and adding three receptions for 17 yards. Nyheim Hines ended the game with nine rushes for 51 yards and two catches on three targets for ten yards. Jordan Wilkins was active but did not get a single touch. Hines looked good rushing at times, but <span>Williams</span> is likely to retain the starting job in Week 13.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="7ZypXh">
<p id="bl9anV">All the questions of who would get touches at running back for the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> on <em>Thursday Night Football</em> have a definitive answer through two quarters of play. <span>Jonathan Williams</span> is your lead running back with 13 rushing attempts and two receptions going into halftime. <span>Jordan Wilkins</span>, who was cleared to play, has yet to see a touch while <span>Nyheim Hines</span> has done well on his limited work with two carries for 24 yards and one reception for five yards. </p>
<p id="252hCd"><span>Williams</span>’ numbers aren’t anything to write home about with 33 rushing yards and 12 receiving yards, but opportunity is king in <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/fantasy-football">fantasy football</a>. As long as he continues to lead the way, his value will sky-rocket with <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20840982/marlon-mack-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Marlon Mack</a> possibly out 2-3 games. Add in the Colts stout offensive line and proclivity for running the ball and he should sustain value even if he can’t put up big numbers against a good <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a> run defense. </p>
<p id="Fm0RoD"></p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2019/11/21/20977044/jonathan-williams-starter-fantasy-football-week-12-tnf-colts-vs-texans-jordan-wilkins-nyheim-hinesChet Gresham2019-11-21T16:55:49-08:002019-11-21T16:55:49-08:00Jonathan Williams to be treated as starting running back over Jordan Wilkins in Week 12 [UPDATE]
<figure>
<img alt="Jonathan Williams of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-3-mpk5FcijaPleteMuzOnCc4QY=/77x0:3965x2592/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65749723/1188504005.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Jonathan Williams would appear to be the guy to start in fantasy football in Week 12.</p> <p id="69B0N1"><strong>Status update</strong>: In case you weren’t quite sure with Ian Rapoport’s report, we have another indicator that Jonathan Williams will get the start tonight. During pre-game warmups, Williams took reps with the Colts’ first team offense, per <a href="https://twitter.com/zkeefer/status/1197677767401312256">beat writer Zak Keefer</a>. It’s possible Jordan Wilkins plays spoiler, but as things currently stand, Williams is the clear fantasy start over Wilkins if you have to make that decision in traditional fantasy football or DFS.</p>
<p id="XbqTJR">The <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> will give running back <span>Jonathan Williams</span> the starting edge over <span>Jordan Wilkins</span> in Week 12 on <em>Thursday Night Football</em>, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1197628406529171476">NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport</a>. Wilkins was ahead of him on the depth chart earlier in the season, but Rapoport reported that <span>Williams</span> will get the start based on expected formations and usage.</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><div id="aB7pQb"><div data-anthem-component="aside:8889963"></div></div></div>
<p id="VlExP6"><span>Williams</span> replaced <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20840982/marlon-mack-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Marlon Mack</a> last week after the latter broke his hand against the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a>. Williams rushed for 116 yards on 13 carries. Nyheim Hines remained the passing down back behind Williams. Wilkins had been sidelined with an ankle injury last week but was removed from the injury report this week. </p>
<h2 id="wkYX4U">
<a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/fantasy-football">Fantasy football</a> analysis: Colts RBs <span>Jonathan Williams</span>, <span>Jordan Wilkins</span>
</h2>
<p id="wYkEeJ">Early in the week, head coach Frank Reich told the media that they would split playing time with <span>Nyheim Hines</span> also getting work. It’s possible we see an even split tonight, but based on Rapoport’s report, Williams would appear to be the guy you should start tonight. If you’re desperate in a deep league, Wilkins could be worth a roll of the dice — but know it’s a significant gamble over Williams.</p>
<p id="uite8U">Hines remains a decent PPR option, primarily in deeper leagues. Even with <span>T.Y. Hilton</span> expected back, Hines should see plenty of work catching passes out of the backfield.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2019/11/21/20976708/jonathan-williams-fantasy-football-start-sit-advice-jordan-wilkins-week-12-vs-texans-tnfDavid Fucillo2019-11-21T14:31:55-08:002019-11-21T14:31:55-08:00Key start/sit options for Week 12 TNF between Colts and Texans [UPDATE]
<figure>
<img alt="Jacoby Brissett of the Indianapolis Colts calls an audible during the second quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ReG6J6TSpoYI42rqFZNPSiOHGlo=/20x0:2980x1973/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65746042/1188779498.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We break down the best and worst fantasy football start/sit options for Week 12 <em>Thursday Night Football</em>.</p> <h2 id="KyIlpi">Injury report update</h2>
<p id="LxcjUp">T.Y. Hilton believes <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/11/21/20976451/ty-hilton-injury-update-week-12-fantasy-football-vs-texans-zach-pascal">he is good to go for Week 12 <em>Thursday Night Football</em></a>. The training staff and coaching staff have to give final clearance, but we’ve heard repeatedly that they are comfortable with Hilton playing even without getting a full workout in during the week. Whether Hilton is active or not tonight, Zach Pascal is a solid flex option against a shaky Texans pass defense.</p>
<p id="l8zoQh">Jonathan Williams is expected to <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/11/21/20976708/jonathan-williams-fantasy-football-start-sit-advice-jordan-wilkins-week-12-vs-texans-tnf">get the starting nod at running back</a> against the Texans. It is still possible Jordan Wilkins gets a decent amount of work, but it’s uncertain what the work split will look like. For now, Williams is the start over Wilkins in fantasy leagues.</p>
<p id="YbeFfv">Will Fuller is <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/11/21/20976757/will-fuller-injury-status-update-week-12-fantasy-football-vs-colts-kenny-stills">expected to play on Thursday</a>. He has been limited in practice the past two weeks, and has not played since Week 7. There will be some rust, but he is a decent flex option for TNF. Kenny Stills takes a hit in value if Fuller is active.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="zYGMQ5">
<p id="WwYt9h">The NFL kicks off Week 12 on <em>Thursday Night Football</em> with the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> at the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a>. The Texans are 3.5-point favorites on <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/"><strong>DraftKings Sportbook</strong></a>, and the game has been given a total points of 45.5, which ranks towards the middle of the pack among games on the Week 12 schedule. </p>
<p id="cpYsna">There are a few notable players on the injury report that will need to have their statuses monitored leading up to the game. For the Colts, <span>T.Y. Hilton</span> (calf) is listed as questionable, but was listed as a full participant in practice on Wednesday, a good sign for his playing status. <span>Eric Ebron</span> (ankle) and Mo-Alie Cox are also listed as questionable for the Colts, while <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20840982/marlon-mack-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Marlon Mack</a> (hand) is out. For the Texans, Will Fuller (hamstring) is listed as questionable. </p>
<p id="511AVV">Texans QB <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20841565/deshaun-watson-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">DeShaun Watson</a> and WR <span>DeAndre Hopkins</span> are both must-starts. Here are some other players from the Thursday night game that fantasy owners can consider starting or sitting in their seasonal leagues.</p>
<h1 id="wiGYdX">Start QB <span>Jacoby Brissett</span> </h1>
<p id="3PaF6e"><span>Brissett</span> has a solid matchup against a Texans pass defense that has allowed elevated fantasy points to opposing QBs. The Texans have allowed the sixth most fantasy points to QBs on the back of allowing 274 passing yards per game, fourth highest among all defenses. Houston has also allowed the sixth most passing touchdowns. The potential return of <span>T.Y. Hilton</span> (calf) is also a plus for Brissett, as it gives him another playmaking weapon. In his previous start vs. Houston this season, Brissett had his best fantasy performance of the season, tossing four TD passes and throwing for 326 yards. </p>
<h1 id="rKTCEg">Sit RB <span>Carlos Hyde</span>
</h1>
<p id="VjsiSf"><span>Hyde</span> leads Texans RBs in both touches and snaps, playing on just over 50% of Houston’s total offensive plays while seeing about 16 touches per game, roughly double the eight touches per game <span>Duke Johnson</span> has seen. However, this is not a great matchup for <span>Hyde</span> given the Colts’ ability to limit fantasy production to running backs. The Colts have allowed the fifth fewest fantasy points per game to opposing RBs and have been stout at keeping running backs out of the end zone, allowing just three rushing touchdowns all season, tied for second fewest. Hyde isn’t in a great spot this week and is better served left on the bench unless fantasy owners have no better options. </p>
<h1 id="bj793j">Start WR T.Y. Hilton</h1>
<p id="H39rZG">Hilton has not played since Week 8 and did not practice on Monday or Tuesday, but was listed as a full participant in Wednesday’s estimated practice report, a good sign for his playing status. Prior to his injury, Hilton was averaging 11 fantasy points per game and saw five targets inside the 10-yard line in six games, contributing to five TDs. Hilton has a plus matchup against a Texans defense that has allowed the sixth most fantasy points per game to WR and sixth most receiving TDs to WR. In Hilton’s previous game vs. the Texans this season, he saw a heavy 11 targets and caught six passes for 74 yards and a TD. Hilton’s TD reception came on a target inside the 10-yard line. </p>
<h1 id="z1yUPu">Sit Colts RBs in standard, but start <span>Nyheim Hines</span> in PPR</h1>
<p id="ZfRSYd"><span>Marlon Mack</span> (hand) is out, and this looks like the dreaded running back by committee approach for the Colts this week. <span>Jonathan Williams</span> and <span>Jordan Wilkins</span> are candidates to split the early down work, with <span>Nyheim Hines</span> a candidate for snaps on passing downs. Hines has PPR start appeal given his receiving ability, especially since the Texans have allowed the most receptions to RBs and second most receiving yards to RBs. Unless a clear favorite for the majority of snaps emerges leading up to the game on Thursday, this looks like a situation to mostly avoid given the uncertain workloads. </p>
<h1 id="J1UiqG">Start TE <span>Jack Doyle</span> if <span>Eric Ebron</span> and Mo-Alie Cox are out</h1>
<p id="CCYs9B">Both Ebron and Cox are listed on the injury report as questionable to play, and if both are ruled out, <span>Doyle</span> could be in line for heavy snaps and a tick up in targets against a poor Houston pass defense. If the Colts end up having all of their tight ends healthy, Doyle would be a less appealing fantasy play, as he is averaging just 4.5 fantasy points per game and has seen only three red zone targets. Keep it locked into DK Nation for up-to-the-minute news on the statuses of Ebron and Cox.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2019/11/21/20974987/tnf-fantasy-football-start-sit-week-12-colts-vs-texans-ty-hilton-nyheim-hines-jacoby-brissettTimothy Finnegan2019-11-21T13:40:46-08:002019-11-21T13:40:46-08:00What to do with Jonathan Williams, Jordan Wilkins, Nyheim Hines in Week 12 fantasy football [UPDATE]
<figure>
<img alt="Jonathan Williams of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tjWYIGrRK8YBnhQnyl0ed4Eih9o=/0x0:4194x2796/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65745462/1188270988.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Colts running back situation has a lot of questions following Marlon Mack’s injury. We break down the start/sit considerations in Week 12.</p> <p id="Zav2s1"><strong>UPDATE</strong>: Jonathan Williams is <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/11/21/20976708/jonathan-williams-fantasy-football-start-sit-advice-jordan-wilkins-week-12-vs-texans-tnf">expected to get the starting nod</a> over Jordan Wilkins, per Ian Rapoport. Wilkins likely will get some work, but how much is unclear. Williams would appear to be the guy to start in fantasy football over Wilkins.</p>
<p id="A1QQ8w">The <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> running back situation is quite the sticky situation. <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20840982/marlon-mack-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Marlon Mack</a> broke his hand last week and is out indefinitely following surgery. <span>Jonathan Williams</span> replaced him as the starter, leap-frogging <span>Nyheim Hines</span> and matching <span>Mack</span> with 14 touches.</p>
<p id="bulirc">Things get interesting this week when the Colts travel to face the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> on <em>Thursday Night Football</em>. <span>Jordan Wilkins</span> missed last week’s game with an ankle injury, but he returned to practice on Tuesday and was removed from the final injury report.</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><div id="ROgxmC"><div data-anthem-component="aside:8889963"></div></div></div>
<h2 id="wRBvcR">
<a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/fantasy-football">Fantasy football</a> analysis: Colts RBs <span>Jonathan Williams</span>, <span>Jordan Wilkins</span>, Nyheim Hines</h2>
<p id="Hd3bAg">Wilkins looks good to be active on Thursday, and that raises questions about how the workload will be distributed. Wilkins could grab some carries from <span>Williams</span>, but if I were to roll the dice, it would be on Williams.</p>
<p id="MroXqo">Wilkins did not practice or play last week. This week, he was listed as limited on Tuesday and Wednesday. It’s worth noting all three practices this week were walkthroughs, so the practice participation reports are estimations of what would have happened if it was a normal practice. Wilkins could be in great shape, but we are left guessing right now.</p>
<p id="pIgmwB">Wilkins has a decent ceiling given he was higher on the depth chart prior to being hurt. However, he also has a lower floor. Texans run defense is below average, and given how he looked last week against Jacksonville, it’s a solid opportunity for Williams to build on that game.</p>
<p id="xBVjHA">As for Hines? He’s strictly a PPR option. He’s not a great one, but in deeper PPR leagues, he’ll get enough targets to be interesting.</p>
<h2 id="ch9dMC">Start/Sit Recommendation</h2>
<p id="Epspt8"><strong>Jonathan Williams</strong>: Start<br><strong>Jordan Wilkins</strong>: Sit<br><strong>Nyheim Hines</strong>: Start in deeper PPR leagues</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2019/11/21/20975273/jordan-wilkins-start-sit-advice-jonathan-williams-fantasy-football-week-12-vs-texans-nyheim-hinesDavid Fucillo