NFL Quick Hits: Manziel likely to start for Browns

By John Halpin
Published

The Browns are expected to name Johnny Manziel as the starting quarterback for their Week 14 home matchup with the 49ers. Manziel started in Weeks 9 and 10, but was benched following some partying (about which he apparently lied to his coaches) over the bye weekend. 

In his last two starts, Manziel completed 48 of 78 passes for 540 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, and added 48 rushing yards. He'll face a 49ers squad that ranks 26th in passer rating against (97.9), 27th in passing yards allowed (269.9) and 28th in YPA (8.0). Manziel is startable in two-QB leagues, and can even be considered over options such as Jay Cutler or Philip Rivers. Check our rankings on Wednesday for more clarity on Manziel's Week 14 playability, or send me a tweet (@jhalpin37) if you have a specific question.

In other news ...

The Patriots are being tight-lipped on Rob Gronkowski's status, but ESPN reported that he'll miss at least another week. Stay tuned. 

Matt Hasselbeck is expected to get one more start for the Colts, with Andrew Luck targeting a Week 15 return.

Jaguars WR Allen Hurns (concussion) has been cleared to play in Week 14.

Here's an update on the Eagles' backfield. Chip Kelly said DeMarco Murray was on the field for just 14 snaps Sunday due to the matchup with the Pats' big linebackers, but this situation is getting weird. Ryan Mathews is still in the league's concussion protocol, so his Week 14 status is TBD.

The Broncos are calling RB C.J. Anderson day-to-day with an ankle injury. Anderson left Sunday's game late in the first half and didn't return, killing my chances to cash with an otherwise good lineup in our weekly FOX 50-player DraftKings league. Make sure to play this week, OK?

Jets CB Darrelle Revis is still in the NFL's concussion protocol, and we won't know his status until later in the week. That could be good news for Titans WR Dorial Green-Beckham, who broke out with five receptions for 119 yards and a score in Week 13. DGB is owned in 3.8 percent of FOXSports.com leagues.

The 49ers are finally admitting to themselves that RB Carlos Hyde (foot) probably won't play again this season. But when you have Fantasy Superstar Shaun Draughn, who cares? In other Niner news, TE Vance McDonald is in the league's concussion protocol. 

The Bills seem to think that RB Karlos Williams (shoulder) will be back this week. Just remember that LeSean McCoy is playing well, and Williams - despite the TD-fueled fantasy production - hasn't gotten double-digit touches since Week 4.

Early DraftKings notes: This looks like a week to save rather than spend at QB. Russell Wilson ($6,300), Blake Bortles ($6,000) and Jameis Winston ($5,500) are good options ... The Bucs host the Saints, so consider pairing Winston with WR Mike Evans ($7,200) or TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins ($2,700) ... Draughn's price has risen to $4,800, which isn't bad for a PPR threat ... The newly busy Ameer Abdullah ($3,600) offers a cheaper tournament option at RB ... If the Dolphins are committing to RB Lamar Miller ($5,700), you can do the same, even against a solid Giants' run defense ... Miller's teammate, DeVante Parker ($4,000), has gotten more involved lately ... Seahawks WR Doug Baldwin ($4,500) has 24 receptions for 433 yards and six TDs over his last four games. Hard to argue with that ... The Seahawks, Packers, Lions and Jags look like your DST plays.

See you back here Friday morning.