We are on the precipice of the NFC and AFC Championship games which will determine the matchup for Super Bowl 50. The four teams remaining are all relatively healthy heading into the games so it should be a full slate for fantasy games. Players in this report are all likely to play, so unless an impact fantasy player has been already ruled out you can expect to see them on the field. So without further ado, here is the next edition of the fantasy football walking wounded.
Rob Gronkowski (TE-NE)
Gronkowski is listed as questionable along with several other Patriots on their injury report. However, that status should be ignored because he will absolutely play against Denver despite being listed as having back and knee ailments. Gronkowski has had his share of big injuries over the years, but he always manages to come back and produce at an elite level. He will play a big role in New England’s offensive attack against a solid Denver defense and is great fantasy option as always.
Carson Palmer (QB-ARZ)
There is no doubt that Palmer will play on Sunday in the NFC Championship against Carolina. He practiced fully all week so his status is not in question. The only question is his ability to perform at a high level after suffering the dislocated finger a few weeks ago. He played much better in the second half of Arizona’s win over Green Bay, but his ability to put it all together for a full four quarters will be a significant storyline heading into this game.
David Johnson (RB-ARZ)
The rookie running back was limited in practice earlier in the week as he continues dealing with a toe injury. However, he did practice in a full capacity on Friday so he will be good to go for Sunday’s showdown against the Panthers. Johnson has seen a downward trend in his statistics over the past few weeks, but he is still an explosive running back who will need to produce in order to alleviate some pressure off of Carson Palmer.
Jonathan Stewart (RB-CAR)
Stewart returned from a three-week absence to explode against Seattle in last week’s win in the NFC Divisional Round. He rolled his ankle in that victory so there was some concern about his status for the NFC Championship, especially coming off a foot injury. Stewart did practice during the week and he is listed as probable. He will be on the field against Arizona and will be leaned on heavily to establish Carolina’s running game against a tough Cardinals’ defense.
Peyton Manning (QB-DEN)
Manning has been beat up all season with various injuries, including a foot injury which cost him several weeks earlier in the season. He will be on the field on Sunday for the AFC Championship against Tom Brady and the Patriots, but how much he contributes is unknown. Denver will likely employ a conservative offensive attack to protect Manning given how fragile and immobile he is. Do not expect him to light up the scoreboard as the Broncos will heavily rely on their running game.
Jared Allen (DL-CAR)
Allen has officially been ruled out for the NFC Championship game on Sunday. This news is not surprising given he fractured his foot last week. However, he claimed that he felt 100% ready to play and expressed some frustration when he was informed he would be ruled out. Allen is one of the toughest players in the league, but Carolina was not taking any chances even in a game of this magnitude.
Michael A. Stein, Esq. is the Chief Justice of Fantasy Judgment, the industry's premier dispute resolution service, and is also the co-host of the Fantasy Alarm podcast. You can contact him at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Facebook and Twitter (@FantasyJudgment).