Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert will return from a two-game absence after he passed through the NFL's concussion protocol this week.
That's pretty big news for a Bengals team that's been missing the huge target down the middle of the field. Though, we should probably temper expectations here. Eifert is going up against a Baltimore Ravens defense that has yielded the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends on the season.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning got in a full practice on Thursday and will be Brock Osweiler's backup against the San Diego Chargers. This is an obvious indication that the Broncos will go with Osweiler in the playoffs.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel has been ruled out of the team's season finale on Sunday. With Josh McCown on injured reserve, the Browns will start Austin Davis with Terrelle Pryor acting as the backup.
New York Jets running back Bilal Powell is listed as questionable with an ankle injury and is unlikely to play against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. This would be a huge loss for a team that controls its destiny in the AFC playoff race. Powell has put up 359 total yards and two touchdowns over the past four games — vastly out-playing Chris Ivory during that span.
Two Carolina Panthers starters will likely find themselves sidelined when the team attempts to clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs on Sunday. Jonathan Stewart has already been ruled out with a sprained MCL. He's missed the past two games with this injury.
Meanwhile, Ted Ginn is listed as doubtful with a knee injury. With the stakes being relatively high here, it's interesting to see him with such a status. Hopefully this doesn't linger into the playoffs.
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman will not play Sunday. He didn't travel with the team to Miami due to a foot injury. With Edelman out, former Houston Texans receiver Keshawn Martin (seven catches last week) should continue to take on a larger role in the team's passing game.
With home-field advantage in the AFC on the line here, the Patriots will likely play their starters as long as the game is close. This makes Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, James White and Martin viable DFS options.
St. Louis Rams running back Todd Gurley missed a second consecutive practice on Thursday and is unlikely to play against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. The rookie was seen in a walking boot during the week, which is definitely not a good sign. With Gurley likely out, Tre Mason will handle the primary ball-carrier duties against a 49ers defense that has yielded the second-most fantasy points to running backs on the year.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd didn't practice on Thursday with an unspecified knee injury. The Cards are remaining quiet on this front, which could be an indication that the injury is severe. If Floyd is unable to go, John Brown becomes an even better DFS option against Seattle.