Alright folks, it’s time for the rubber to meet the road. NFL Week 14 is typically our last chance to earn our spot in the fantasy football playoffs. Whether you are fighting for seeding or just to make it to the big dance, it’s all hands on deck for a W this week. Injuries in the NFL can be a tricky terrain to navigate but if you know what you’re looking for, there’s value to be found. Let’s start digging!
There have been a ton of major injuries each week and it creates opportunities for us to take advantage of. It’s time to dive into those injury reports and come up with which players should be targeted this week! So, here are the biggest NFL injuries that could affect the NFL Week 14 odds and how they relate to IDP Fantasy.
*Note: Bookmark this article. It will be released here on the IDP+ on Thursday morning of each week and updated as needed by Friday evening. However, injury news happens fast and can change quickly, so for the most up-to-date news and analysis, follow me on X @TheDegenDoc!
Malcom Rodriguez (LB) Detroit Lions
Injury: ACL Tear
Injury Date: 11/28/2024
Expected Recovery Time: 10-12 months
Player to Target: LB Jack Campbell, LB Kwon Alexander
Let’s kick off this NFL Week 14 injuries article with a team that seems absolutely cursed this season. Despite boasting an impressive 11-1 record, the Detroit Lions have suffered an ABSURD amount of injuries on defense this season. Their front seven has been especially decimated and last week they added another key piece to the injured reserve. Lions LB Malcom Rodriguez suffered a torn ACL against the Bears and will miss the rest of the season
An ACL tear refers to a complete tear of a major stabilizing ligament in the knee. This ligament is especially important in providing dynamic stability which allows players to maintain their balance while cutting and jumping. A surgical repair of the ligament is typically required and with it comes a 10-12 month rehab process. With Rodriguez sidelined for the rest of the year, the Lions are losing one of their top tacklers on the season.
Rodriguez joins quite a lengthy list of linebackers and defensive lineman already on the IR. Knowing this, I fully expect Green Bay to lean on the run game and provide plenty of tackle opportunities. The leading tackler on the team, LB Jack Campbell, is the obvious choice to see an increase in production. However, LB Kwon Alexander who was just signed to the Lions in the past few days, has the potential to come in and fill Rodriguez’s slot nicely.