2017 Fantasy Football: Michael Crabtree, Aqib Talib Suspended Two Games Each

UPDATE:

The NFL has suspended Oakland Raiders WR Michael Crabtree and Denver Broncos CB Aqib Talib two games each for their actions in Sunday’s game in Oakland.

In a nutshell, just a few minutes into the game, Talib ripped Crabtree’s chain off of him (again), Crabtree later plowed Talib through a group of people on the sideline and a melee between both teams ensued. I’m sure you remember Talib ripped Crabtree’s chain off of his neck in their game in Denver last year. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Crabtree even taped his chain to his chest before the game so that it wouldn’t get ripped off.

NFL Vice President of Football Operations, Jon Runyon — who issued the suspensions — wrote the following in his letter notifying Crabtree of his suspension:

"The series of flagrant violations for which you are being disciplined began with 12:31 remaining in the first quarter – less than three minutes into the game. First, you punched a Broncos opponent Chris Harris in the midsection, resulting in him being removed from the game. Then, on the subsequent play, you blocked a different Broncos opponent (Aqib Talib) into the sidelines beyond the yellow media border, well after the play was over. Your actions triggered a melee and endangered various sideline and League personnel, including one of our Game Officials who was injured trying to maintain control of the situation. Finally, during the ensuing altercation, you grabbed and twisted that same opponent's facemask and threw a punch at him…Such actions have no place in this game, engender ill will between teams, and lead to further confrontations."

Crabtree will miss games against the New York Giants (Week 13) and Kansas City Chiefs (Week 14). According to Schefter, Crabtree is appealing his suspension.

Crabtree is a regular starter on many fantasy teams, so you’ll need to look for other options. With fellow Raiders WR Amari Cooper currently in the concussion protocol and nursing an ankle injury, look for WR Seth Roberts and TE Jared Cook to see increased roles for the Raiders.

Runyon wrote the following in his letter notifying Talib of his suspension:

"The series of flagrant violations for which you are being disciplined began less than three minutes into the game. First, while competing on the field of play, you deliberately ripped your opponent's chain from his neck just as you did last year when you played against him. Then, when the two of you went to the ground after a subsequent play, you aggressively removed his helmet and threw it in his direction, endangering him and various sideline personnel in the near vicinity. Finally, once you were momentarily separated from your opponent, you again engaged him and threw a punch…Such actions have no place in this game, engender ill will between teams, and lead to further confrontations."

Talib will miss games against the Miami Dolphins (Week 13) and New York Jets (Week 14). Talib will also appeal his suspension. If Talib remains suspended, it’s a pretty decent blow to the Broncos D/ST, although they do have Bradley Roby, who is more than capable of stepping up. Talib just happens to be a good matchup for WR’s with size. He’s also, obviously, good at getting in guys’ heads.

The Dolphins are 28th against D/ST’s, allowing 10.2 FPPG. The Jets are 23rd, allowing 8.5. While Denver’s defense hasn’t been the vaunted fantasy unit that it has in recent years, they’ll still be an option in these two matchups.