The final week to clinch the fantasy football playoffs is here! Injuries are once again shaking up the fantasy football landscape, and as we head into a pivotal week of the season, the margin for error is razor-thin. Several big-name players across every position are dealing with issues that could swing matchups. From Justin Herbert's hand fracture to Davante Adams' hamstring strain, fantasy managers must read the article below to gauge how these injuries will affect their lineups. Below is a clear, no-nonsense breakdown of who’s actually good to go, who carries hidden risk, and who could burn you in the fantasy playoffs.
Quarterbacks
Justin Herbert
Injury: Left hand fracture
Analysis: Herbert had plates and screws inserted into his hand to stabilize his metacarpal fracture in his left hand. The surgery will keep the bone stable, but post-surgery, he will experience a good deal of swelling and difficulty with manual dexterity, making it difficult to grip a ball. Additionally, if Herbert plays on Monday, he will be wearing either a cast, a bulky brace, or a heavy tape job that will make ball handling difficult. The upside is that throwing will be completely unaffected, and his fantasy stat line should be steady if he can play. Herbert plays Monday night, so if he is your starter, make sure you have Trey Lance on your roster just in case.
Jayden Daniels
Injury: Left elbow dislocation
Analysis: Daniels is expected to return and start this week after suffering a horrific elbow dislocation. How he did not need season-ending surgery, I have no idea, but with this being his left elbow, his throwing and running will be unaffected. Re-injury risk is not even that high, considering the direction of force needed to dislocate the elbow is extremely uncommon. Daniels can be a solid starter this week.
Lamar Jackson
Injury: Ankle injury
Analysis: Jackson is off the injury report and set to play as he continues to battle numerous mild injuries. This season Jackson has dealt with an ankle injury, toe injury, had his foot stepped on, and of course the more significant hamstring earlier this season. Jackson's full practice Friday makes it unlikely this injury will slow him down. Jackson has not retained his elite rushing upside following the hamstring injury earlier this season, but each week out from the hamstring injury should allow him to improve his rushing upside. Jackson is still a solid QB1.