Courtesy of Footballguys.com
CLE - DeShone Kizer could start Week 1
Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot
Cleveland Browns QB DeShone Kizer has a chance to be the Week 1 starter if he can perform well during training camp practices and preseason games, in the opinion of The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot.
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That's not outlandish to predict at this point of the year. Kizer was drafted in the second round with the idea that he could potentially develop into a starting quarterback. He's mobile and has a big arm, but Kizer had plenty of work to do when it comes to decision making and accuracy. The Browns have revamped their offensive line, they have a strong rushing attack and there are plenty of options to throw to. Kizer is competing with Cody Kessler and Brock Osweiler (for now) for the starting job.
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TB - QB Jameis Winston destined for a big leap in 2017?
Source: Bonnie Watt - BucsWire, USA Today
Bonnie Watt, from Bucs Wire/USA Today, believes quarterback Jameis Winston is destined to make a big leap in 2017. Winston has thrown for over 4,000 yards in each of the last two years, the first quarterback in NFL history to do so. The Bucs added quality weapons to the passing game this offseason, and the passing game could be incredibly healthy this season.
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Winston could post MVP-type numbers in 2017. He's that good, and the Bucs certainly have a formidable group of weapons around him. From a fantasy perspective, Winston is a QB1 sitting at QB11 (9.04) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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BUF - WR Sammy Watkins to be limited to open camp
Source: The Buffalo News - Jay Skurski
Buffalo Bills WR Sammy Watkins (foot) is unlikely to be ready for a full workload when training camp begins.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Watkins had surgery to repair his foot back in January. He hasn't played a full season in two years, and the Bills are wise to ease him into action. The team didn't pick up his fifth-year option, and Watkins has millions of reasons to play up to his amazing potential in a contract year.
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HOU - Deshaun Watson won't be limited in Texans offense
Source: Jared Dubin - CBS Sports
Jared Dubin, of CBSSports.com, reports Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien says rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson won't be limited in the offense. "We put a lot on his plate during the spring, and he handled it very well," O'Brien said, per the Houston Chronicle. "He made mistakes, and he corrected them. You don't see him make the same mistake twice. He can do a lot of things. He can operate our running game and in our passing game. He's got a lot of athleticism. I don't think we'll have to limit him. Training camp and preseason games will be a big test."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We feel Watson starts for the Texans this year. He's competing with veteran Tom Savage for the starting job in training camp. Watson doesn't have a rocket arm and he'll throw the ball up for grabs sometimes (too often). However, he plays biggest in the brightest moments and has ice in his veins as a passer. With that defense and the weapons around Watson on offense, the Texans should push for the playoffs in 2017.
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DEN - QB Paxton Lynch surged late in offseason
Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis
Denver Broncos QB Paxton Lynch 'played with greater fearlessness' and made significant strides over the final two weeks of the team's offseason program, according to Mike Klis of 9News Denver.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Lynch is tall (6'7") has a rocket arm and the athleticism to be a threat as a runner. He's competing with last year's starter Trevor Siemian for the main job with the Broncos in 2017. The competition begins in training camp and Lynch was surging before the break. Lynch wants to go deep, and he was connecting on long passes with Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders often in mincamp. He needs to be better when it comes to throwing with touch/timing on short routes if he wants to win the job.
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DET - Coach believes RB Zach Zenner can help
Source: Detroit Free Press - Dave Birkett
Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell said he believes RB Zach Zenner can be an effective option for the Lions this season because of his skill set and his steady improvement. 'He can run the ball. He can pass protect. He can catch the ball out of the backfield if need be and I think just another year under his belt is going to be a great help. Zach is one of those guys that I think without question can be effective for us,' Caldwell said.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Zenner is more than just a fullback, but how much more remains a mystery. He is a power back who can catch effectively out of the backfield. Zenner will be the Lions no3 back if he can beat out Dwayne Washington.
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SEA - TE Jimmy Graham in sync with QB
Source: The Tacoma News Tribune - Gregg Bell
Seattle Seahawks TE Jimmy Graham has been more of a complete player than expected and one of QB Russell Wilson's favorite weapons, according to head coach Pete Carroll. 'He and Russell are really tuned in,' Carroll said. 'They spend a lot of time together.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Graham had a bounce back season in his second year with the Seahawks in 2016. The team figured out how to use him properly, and QB Russell Wilson developed an incredible rapport with the veteran tight end. Graham could built off the momentum he established last year, and he's currently going off the board at TE5 (6.07) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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WAS - Perine and Kelley will lead solid rushing attack
Source: John Keim - ESPN.com
John Keim, from ESPN.com, reports that both Rob Kelley and rookie Samaje Perine will lead a solid rushing attack for Washington in 2017. In their last two home games of 2016, Washington faced Carolina (ninth in yards per attempt) and the New York Giants (second). They managed a combined 67 yards on 28 carries. They just weren't good enough versus top run defenses and that could change this season.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Fantasy owners need to monitor this situation in training camp. Both backs will be used, and Washington should also use Chris Thompson as a receiving back. Kelley wore down as the season went on last year, while Perine is a powerful rookie who reminds everyone of Michael Turner (Falcons). Right now, Perine (RB36) and Kelley (RB41) have virtually identical ADPs in 12-team PPR leagues.
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BUF - Zay Jones call offense explosive
Source: Kyle Silagyi - BillsWire, USA Today
Kyle Silagyi, of Billswire/USA Today, reports Buffalo Bills rookie wide receiver Zay Jones has high praise for the offense. In a recent Facebook Live chat, Jones said "I would say 'explosive,' with all the weapons that we have right now, with Tyrod, Sammy, and [LeSean] Shady [McCoy] especially. Also 'dominant,' with our O-line and the running game that we have."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Bills offensive coordinator Rick Dennison has been a part of some productive offenses, mostly during his time in Houston as OC under Gary Kubiak. The system is structured around zone blocking and play action passing. Jones finished his college career at East Carolina as the FBS all-time leader in receptions. He's clearly talented and extremely driven. If Sammy Watkins struggles with injuries again this year, Jones could have an opportunity to do more. Jones should only be a consideration for fantasy owners as a late-round lottery ticket.
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IND - Marlon Mack missed minicamp
Source: The Indianapolis Star - Stephen Holder
Indianapolis Colts RB Marlon Mack (undisclosed) missed minicamp with an undisclosed injury, but Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star doesn't believe the injury is serious.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Mack is competing with Robert Turbin to be the primary backup to Frank Gore in 2017. The rookie from USF is swift and can break off big plays in the blink of an eye. He's got straight-line speed but takes some time to change direction and he's not disciplined running inside. Too often for the Bulls, Mack would bounce runs outside to no avail. He should learn quickly that 'taking it to the corner store' doesn't work that much in the NFL.
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DAL - TE Rico Gathers making mistakes
Source: The Dallas Morning News - David Moore
Dallas Cowboys TE Rico Gathers is still making mistakes as he improves his understanding of the game, and David Moore of the Dallas Morning News believes Gathers will likely be fighting for one of the final spots on the roster.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
A sixth-round pick out of Baylor in 2016, Gathers never played college football. He was a basketball player with the size/athleticism combination (6'8" 275 pounds) that pro teams love to consider as tight ends in the NFL. Gathers is still learning the position, and it looks like he's got quite a way to go before making much of an impact on the field for the Cowboys.
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CAR - WR Devin Funchess needs more targets
Source: Panthers.com - Bill Voth
Carolina Panthers WR Devin Funchess didn't receive enough targets last year, according to head coach Ron Rivera, and general manager Dave Gettleman agreed that Funchess wasn't used properly.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Funchess suffered a sophomore slump in 2016, and he's looking to bounce back this year. It's going to be difficult to 'break out' given the collection of talent the Panthers added this offseason. Rookie RB Christian McCaffrey is a big play runner and a fantastic receiver out of the backfield (or the slot). Rookie WR Curtis Samuel has 'adios' speed and can turn short passes into long gains. We can comfortably project Funchess for 40-ish catches in 2017.
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Source: footballguys.com
CLE - DeShone Kizer could start Week 1
Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot
Cleveland Browns QB DeShone Kizer has a chance to be the Week 1 starter if he can perform well during training camp practices and preseason games, in the opinion of The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
That's not outlandish to predict at this point of the year. Kizer was drafted in the second round with the idea that he could potentially develop into a starting quarterback. He's mobile and has a big arm, but Kizer had plenty of work to do when it comes to decision making and accuracy. The Browns have revamped their offensive line, they have a strong rushing attack and there are plenty of options to throw to. Kizer is competing with Cody Kessler and Brock Osweiler (for now) for the starting job.
Back to Top
TB - QB Jameis Winston destined for a big leap in 2017?
Source: Bonnie Watt - BucsWire, USA Today
Bonnie Watt, from Bucs Wire/USA Today, believes quarterback Jameis Winston is destined to make a big leap in 2017. Winston has thrown for over 4,000 yards in each of the last two years, the first quarterback in NFL history to do so. The Bucs added quality weapons to the passing game this offseason, and the passing game could be incredibly healthy this season.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Winston could post MVP-type numbers in 2017. He's that good, and the Bucs certainly have a formidable group of weapons around him. From a fantasy perspective, Winston is a QB1 sitting at QB11 (9.04) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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BUF - WR Sammy Watkins to be limited to open camp
Source: The Buffalo News - Jay Skurski
Buffalo Bills WR Sammy Watkins (foot) is unlikely to be ready for a full workload when training camp begins.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Watkins had surgery to repair his foot back in January. He hasn't played a full season in two years, and the Bills are wise to ease him into action. The team didn't pick up his fifth-year option, and Watkins has millions of reasons to play up to his amazing potential in a contract year.
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HOU - Deshaun Watson won't be limited in Texans offense
Source: Jared Dubin - CBS Sports
Jared Dubin, of CBSSports.com, reports Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien says rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson won't be limited in the offense. "We put a lot on his plate during the spring, and he handled it very well," O'Brien said, per the Houston Chronicle. "He made mistakes, and he corrected them. You don't see him make the same mistake twice. He can do a lot of things. He can operate our running game and in our passing game. He's got a lot of athleticism. I don't think we'll have to limit him. Training camp and preseason games will be a big test."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We feel Watson starts for the Texans this year. He's competing with veteran Tom Savage for the starting job in training camp. Watson doesn't have a rocket arm and he'll throw the ball up for grabs sometimes (too often). However, he plays biggest in the brightest moments and has ice in his veins as a passer. With that defense and the weapons around Watson on offense, the Texans should push for the playoffs in 2017.
Back to Top
DEN - QB Paxton Lynch surged late in offseason
Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis
Denver Broncos QB Paxton Lynch 'played with greater fearlessness' and made significant strides over the final two weeks of the team's offseason program, according to Mike Klis of 9News Denver.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Lynch is tall (6'7") has a rocket arm and the athleticism to be a threat as a runner. He's competing with last year's starter Trevor Siemian for the main job with the Broncos in 2017. The competition begins in training camp and Lynch was surging before the break. Lynch wants to go deep, and he was connecting on long passes with Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders often in mincamp. He needs to be better when it comes to throwing with touch/timing on short routes if he wants to win the job.
Back to Top
DET - Coach believes RB Zach Zenner can help
Source: Detroit Free Press - Dave Birkett
Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell said he believes RB Zach Zenner can be an effective option for the Lions this season because of his skill set and his steady improvement. 'He can run the ball. He can pass protect. He can catch the ball out of the backfield if need be and I think just another year under his belt is going to be a great help. Zach is one of those guys that I think without question can be effective for us,' Caldwell said.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Zenner is more than just a fullback, but how much more remains a mystery. He is a power back who can catch effectively out of the backfield. Zenner will be the Lions no3 back if he can beat out Dwayne Washington.
Back to Top
SEA - TE Jimmy Graham in sync with QB
Source: The Tacoma News Tribune - Gregg Bell
Seattle Seahawks TE Jimmy Graham has been more of a complete player than expected and one of QB Russell Wilson's favorite weapons, according to head coach Pete Carroll. 'He and Russell are really tuned in,' Carroll said. 'They spend a lot of time together.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Graham had a bounce back season in his second year with the Seahawks in 2016. The team figured out how to use him properly, and QB Russell Wilson developed an incredible rapport with the veteran tight end. Graham could built off the momentum he established last year, and he's currently going off the board at TE5 (6.07) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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WAS - Perine and Kelley will lead solid rushing attack
Source: John Keim - ESPN.com
John Keim, from ESPN.com, reports that both Rob Kelley and rookie Samaje Perine will lead a solid rushing attack for Washington in 2017. In their last two home games of 2016, Washington faced Carolina (ninth in yards per attempt) and the New York Giants (second). They managed a combined 67 yards on 28 carries. They just weren't good enough versus top run defenses and that could change this season.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Fantasy owners need to monitor this situation in training camp. Both backs will be used, and Washington should also use Chris Thompson as a receiving back. Kelley wore down as the season went on last year, while Perine is a powerful rookie who reminds everyone of Michael Turner (Falcons). Right now, Perine (RB36) and Kelley (RB41) have virtually identical ADPs in 12-team PPR leagues.
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BUF - Zay Jones call offense explosive
Source: Kyle Silagyi - BillsWire, USA Today
Kyle Silagyi, of Billswire/USA Today, reports Buffalo Bills rookie wide receiver Zay Jones has high praise for the offense. In a recent Facebook Live chat, Jones said "I would say 'explosive,' with all the weapons that we have right now, with Tyrod, Sammy, and [LeSean] Shady [McCoy] especially. Also 'dominant,' with our O-line and the running game that we have."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Bills offensive coordinator Rick Dennison has been a part of some productive offenses, mostly during his time in Houston as OC under Gary Kubiak. The system is structured around zone blocking and play action passing. Jones finished his college career at East Carolina as the FBS all-time leader in receptions. He's clearly talented and extremely driven. If Sammy Watkins struggles with injuries again this year, Jones could have an opportunity to do more. Jones should only be a consideration for fantasy owners as a late-round lottery ticket.
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IND - Marlon Mack missed minicamp
Source: The Indianapolis Star - Stephen Holder
Indianapolis Colts RB Marlon Mack (undisclosed) missed minicamp with an undisclosed injury, but Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star doesn't believe the injury is serious.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Mack is competing with Robert Turbin to be the primary backup to Frank Gore in 2017. The rookie from USF is swift and can break off big plays in the blink of an eye. He's got straight-line speed but takes some time to change direction and he's not disciplined running inside. Too often for the Bulls, Mack would bounce runs outside to no avail. He should learn quickly that 'taking it to the corner store' doesn't work that much in the NFL.
Back to Top
DAL - TE Rico Gathers making mistakes
Source: The Dallas Morning News - David Moore
Dallas Cowboys TE Rico Gathers is still making mistakes as he improves his understanding of the game, and David Moore of the Dallas Morning News believes Gathers will likely be fighting for one of the final spots on the roster.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
A sixth-round pick out of Baylor in 2016, Gathers never played college football. He was a basketball player with the size/athleticism combination (6'8" 275 pounds) that pro teams love to consider as tight ends in the NFL. Gathers is still learning the position, and it looks like he's got quite a way to go before making much of an impact on the field for the Cowboys.
Back to Top
CAR - WR Devin Funchess needs more targets
Source: Panthers.com - Bill Voth
Carolina Panthers WR Devin Funchess didn't receive enough targets last year, according to head coach Ron Rivera, and general manager Dave Gettleman agreed that Funchess wasn't used properly.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Funchess suffered a sophomore slump in 2016, and he's looking to bounce back this year. It's going to be difficult to 'break out' given the collection of talent the Panthers added this offseason. Rookie RB Christian McCaffrey is a big play runner and a fantastic receiver out of the backfield (or the slot). Rookie WR Curtis Samuel has 'adios' speed and can turn short passes into long gains. We can comfortably project Funchess for 40-ish catches in 2017.
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Source: footballguys.com