Courtesy of Footballguys.com
DET - RB Ameer Abdullah to get at least 200 touches?
Source: Detroit Lions.com - Tim Twentyman
Tim Twentyman, of official team site DetroitLions.com, wrote that the plan going into last season according to team GM Bob Quinn was for running back Ameer Abdullah to get "at least 200 touches" as a runner.
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Quinn has reiterated that Abdullah is still the starter, but Twentyman reminded us that Theo Riddick will still get his share of reps and that Abdullah "isn't expected to get a whole lot of goal line carries". Abdullah's upside is limited in nonPPR leagues, and even in PPR leagues he probably doesn't have RB1 upside, which makes his mid-round ADP accurate.
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IND - WR T.Y. Hilton not sweating QB Andrew Luck
Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Charean Williams
Indianapolis Colts WR T.Y. Hilton said he doesn't expect it to take long for he and QB Andrew Luck (shoulder) to find their rhythm. 'For him, the main thing is to just get healthy and we'll pick up where we left off,' Hilton said. 'Two days back-to-back is all we need.'
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Hilton is going around the 1-2 turn in most PPR leagues, and he earned the spot near the top of the second tier of WR1s with a strong year despite Luck playing through his shoulder injury last year. If Luck's surgery makes him more effective in 2017, Hilton has a chance to finish in the top five receivers.
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LAC - TE Hunter Henry the total package
Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Curtis Crabtree
Los Angeles Chargers TE Hunter Henry's has rare awareness and ball skills and is poised for a long career, according to tight ends coach John McNulty. 'You don't have to spell everything out A-Z for him,' McNulty said. 'He can catch the ball that gets in on him fast, and he makes the contested catches with big, strong hands.'
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Henry isn't the most physically talented tight end and he'll share with Antonio Gates this year, but he could eventually be a Jason Witten type for the Chargers. He has more value in dynasty than redraft for now.
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MIN - QB Sam Bradford better under pressure
Source: NFL.com - Gregg Rosenthal
Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Bradford was the most accurate passer under pressure and most accurate on throws over 20 yards last season, according to Pro Football Focus.
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Bradford performed admirably considering that he was behind one of the worst lines in the league with almost no help from the running game. There are so many quarterbacks that can outperform ADP in drafts this year that Bradford shouldn't be a primary target, but if you get caught on the wrong side of a run, he'll be a good high floor fallback.
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NYJ - TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins likes offense
Source: NewYorkJets.com - Ethan Greenberg
New York Jets TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins said he knows this year's offense more than past offenses, and he likes how offensive coordinator John Morton is making an emphasis to use the tight end.
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Morton is a new offensive coordinator replacing Chan Gailey, who has been good at getting production out of limited talent in the past. Seferian-Jenkins talent has never been in question, but his ability to stay healthy and out of trouble has held him back in the past. The Jets have little experience at wide receiver, but they also have one of the worst quarterback situations in the league. He's only worth draft consideration in deep leagues, but should be on our tight end streamer and waiver wire watch lists.
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DET - More two tight end sets for Detroit?
Source: DetroitLions.com - Tim Twentyman
Detroit Lions TE Darren Fells' ability to serve as a good blocker on the edge could be of even greater importance to the Lions until OT Taylor Decker can return from a torn labrum, according to DetroitLions.com's Tim Twentyman.
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Fourth-round pick Michael Roberts is also a good two-way tight end who could help as a blocker while Decker is out. Decker is an a good run blocker, so his loss hurts Ameer Abdullah and the running game. If a tight end is kept in more as a blocker, then there will either be fewer three-wide sets, hurting whoever wins the slot receiver job, or fewer two tight end sets, hurting Eric Ebron's increased opportunity.
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CAR - QB Cam Newton instructed to run less
Source: SiriusXM NFL Radio - Ross Tucker
Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton has been encouraged to get the ball out quicker and run less often, according to head coach Ron Rivera.
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Newton is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, and the team doesn't want to get him beat up this year. He had a career low 90 rushing attempts last season, and that number could be even a little less this season. With new weapons like RB Christian McCaffrey and WR Curtis Samuel, Newton has better options around him. Short passes/dump offs can replace his scrambling and maintain his fantasy value. Newton can still be a top-10 fantasy quarterback even if he scrambles less often. He's currently QB8 (8.07) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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DEN - WR Demaryius Thomas' hip pain is gone
Source: DenverBroncos.com - Aric DiLalla
Denver Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas (hip) said the pain in his hip that bothered him last season is gone.
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Thomas was hurt on the first play of the first game in 2016, but he played through the pain and still ended the season as a top-20 fantasy WR. This year he gets his play back (WR screen) with OC Mike McCoy running the show. Yes, the quarterback position is up in the air but Thomas is going to be the centerpiece of what the Broncos do offensively. Fantasy owners are expecting a bounce-back season as he's getting drafted at WR14 (3.05) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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MIA - WR Kenny Stills ready to build on 2016
Source: The Palm Beach Post - Hal Habib
Miami Dolphins WR Kenny Stills' nine receiving touchdowns last year were the sixth-most in the NFL, and Hal Habib of the Palm Beach Post believes Stills' success will continue this season and can be largely credited to head coach Adam Gase.
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Stills was an excellent vertical threat in the Dolphins offense last year. He could lose opportunity to DeVante Parker in a possible breakout season, but if the Miami offense improves in year two under Gase and gets better health on the offensive line, that could make up for Stills becoming the clear #3. He's a good late round best ball pick.
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DEN - WR Emmanuel Sanders happy with either QB
Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis
Denver Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders said he believes he can produce with either QB Trevor Siemian or QB Paxton Lynch as the starter because they throw catchable passes. 'Both of those guys throw catchable passes,' Sanders said. 'When it comes to the deep ball, Paxton loves to throw the deep ball. Big, strong arm. Trevor, he loves to throw the out routes, the in-routes. He's a checkdown, all-around type guy.'
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Sanders is being a bit coy here and playing it friendly. Behind the scenes it would be easy to see a player like him preferring the guy that wants to go deep. Sanders himself is a deep threat who can thrive on big plays. The quarterback best fit for those type of passes is Lynch. It's an "open" competition in training camp but if the lightbulb comes on for Lynch then the 2016 first-round pick could be named the starter.
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PHI - RB Ryan Mathews will be evaluated
Source: Philadelphia Daily News - Les Bowen
Philadelphia Eagles RB Ryan Mathews (neck) will be evaluated when he reports to training camp in regards to his neck fusion. If he passes the evaluation, he could be released.
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We can't imagine the Eagles hanging onto Mathews. If he's healthy enough to release, that's likely the direction the team goes. There have been reports to the contrary but there's really no room for him on the roster. They have LeGarrette Blount as the two-down hammer and guys like Darren Sproles and rookie DJ Pumphrey for passing down work. By waiting until he passes a physical, the Eagles don't have to pay him any money and can extinguish the $4 million cap hit Mathews is set to have.
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PHI - QB Carson Wentz working with receivers
Source: 247Sports - Jeff Kerr
Philadelphia Eagles QB Carson Wentz is working with several Eagles this week, including WRs Alshon Jeffery and Jordan Matthews and TE Zach Ertz.
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Welcome to beautiful North Dakota! Wentz is one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the game today, and the Eagles did a good job of adding better pass-catching talent around him this offseason. Matthews had the best quote during a live video by Jeffery. "We out here in North Dakota. Ain't no rap stations on the radio or nothing baby," Matthews said. "Straight bison burgers, country music, and red heads. Shoutout to Carson Wentz."
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NE - WR Danny Amendola considered a lock
Source: ESPNBoston.com - Mike Reiss
New England Patriots WR Danny Amendola is considered a lock to make the team, according to beat writer Mike Reiss.
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The Pats are jam-packed at the position, but Amendola took a pay cut earlier this year and that greatly helps his chances. He was slated to make $6 million in 2017, but now his cap hit is just a little over $3 million. Amendola's main competition for a spot (the last one?) on the depth chart is free agent addition Andrew Hawkins.
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DEN - WR Demaryius Thomas still going strong
Source: Colorado Springs Gazette - Paul Klee
Denver Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas is one of three players in NFL history with five or more consecutive seasons with at least 90 receptions and at least 1,000 yards, and he said he thinks he still has a couple of good years left.
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Thomas is feeling better after a hip injury limited him for a lot of last year. He'll benefit from more screen passes under new (old) offensive coordinator Mike McCoy and should be a WR1 in PPR leagues this year.
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BUF - WR Anquan Boldin a fit in Buffalo?
Source: NFL Network - Brian Baldinger
Free-agent WR Anquan Boldin (Bills) is going to be signed, in the opinion of Brian Baldinger of the NFL Network, and Baldinger believes the Buffalo Bills are the best fit for Boldin.
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Boldin would be a big upgrade at the #2 receiver spot for Buffalo even at this late stage of his career, although the team doesn't use a slot receiver as much as the Lions did last year. Boldin might have to wait for an injury to an established receiver to get a call from a team.
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NFL - RB Rashad Jennings hoping to find a home
Source: The News and Advance - Damien Sordelett
Free-agent RB Rashad Jennings (Giants) said he has maintained a strict workout regimen and is in the best shape of his life, and he is hoping to sign with a team before the start of the season.
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Jennings is fresh off of a stint on Dancing with the Stars. His pass blocking and receiving should get him a look as we get closer to the beginning of the season and teams assess the readiness of their younger backs to handle passing down work.
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CLE - Cleveland QB battle a two-man race?
Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot
Cleveland Browns QBs Cody Kessler and DeShone Kizer are in an apparent two-man race for the starting quarterback position, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Kessler and Kizer split first-team repetitions throughout minicamp, with QB Brock Osweiler working with the second team. Furthermore, Cabot expects head coach Hue Jackson to name a starter shortly after the preseason begins.
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No surprise here. Kessler could handle the starting job for the Browns, but he's not an exciting option or a playmaker at the position. Instead, he's more of a game manager who can work the field on short/underneath routes. Kizer could be the quarterback of the future if he develops further as a passer. The rookie from Notre Dame is big, strong and athletic. However, he does 'bird dog' his throws and stares down his targets. Plus, he struggles to make quick decisions when forced off his first read. We'll see if he's improved during training camp and the preseason.
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NO - RB Adrian Peterson eyes 500 receiving yards
Source: BleacherReport.com - Dan Pompei
New Orleans Saints RB Adrian Peterson has had more than 400 receiving yards only once in his career, but he is shooting for 500 in 2017.
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Peterson wants to do more as a receiver, and it's unclear how much he'll be used in that capacity with his new team. The Saints have a jam-packed and talented backfield with Peterson, Mark Ingram and rookie Alvin Kamara. We should see Peterson and Ingram split carries in some form of RBBC. There will be a split of targets/receptions out of the backfield as well, and that split might also include the elusive Kamara in the mix. As you can see, this is an interesting situation for fantasy owners to navigate.
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MIN - RB Latavius Murray falling back
Source: SportingNews.com - Vinnie Iyer
Minnesota Vikings RB Latavius Murray (ankle) is losing his grip on the starting job due to the addition of RB Dalvin Cook. Murray has missed the entire offseason recovering from ankle surgery, and Cook's blend of speed and versatility coincides with offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur's stylistic history at the position.
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Had the Vikings known Cook would fall to the second round of the 2017 NFL draft, they probably wouldn't have paid Murray a three-year, $15 million contract with $3.4 million guaranteed. Cook is a threat to score anytime he touches the ball, and he's a much more dangerous runner than Murray. The rookie from Florida State has a history of fumbling, he needs to work on pass protection, and he's not a power player so perhaps Murray can get some time as a goal-line back for the Vikings if he doesn't win the starting job.
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MIN - Dalvin Cook built to succeed with OC
Source: SportingNews.com - Vinnie Iyer
Minnesota Vikings RB Dalvin Cook, a versatile, quick back is built to succeed under offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur. Shurmur has leaned toward using one back more than a committee style in his career. With RB Latavius Murray (ankle) still recovering from offseason ankle surgery, Cook is in a prime position to usurp him as the lead back.
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This should come as no surprise. Cook is a dangerous runner who can gash a defense for big plays time and time again during a game. He's more dangerous than Murray, and the rookie could easily win the starting job for the Vikings. Murray will have a role, and perhaps that is to vulture away touchdowns from Cook near pay dirt.
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SF - RB Carlos Hyde must earning starting job
Source: CSNBayArea.com - Matt Maiocco
San Francisco 49ers RB Carlos Hyde will need to earn his starting job over rookie RB Joe Williams, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. Maiocco envisions a committee approach with RB Tim Hightower also being involved.
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Fantasy owners seem split on Hyde's outlook for 2017. Some feel as the 49ers starter he's got low-end RB1 upside, while still others think he'll be unseated by Williams sooner rather than later. In the final year of his rookie contract, Hyde is a bit of an odd fit for Kyle Shanahan's zone-blocking system. The oft-injured veteran has a current ADP of RB18 (4.07) in 12-team PPR leagues. That could change drastically if we watch this battle unfold in favor of Williams (or a RBBC) in training camp and the preseason.
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SF - QB Brian Hoyer leading players' camp
Source: CSNBayArea.com - Matt Maiocco
San Francisco 49ers QB Brian Hoyer is heading what is dubbed 'Camp Hoyer' prior to the start of training camp. At least 10 quarterbacks, wide receivers, tight ends and running backs attended workouts Monday, July 10, and Tuesday, July 11.
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Hoyer knows the Kyle Shanahan system from his days in Cleveland, so he can continue to build chemistry with his new teammates. The 49ers aren't anywhere near competing for a playoff spot, but from a fantasy perspective we like the upside of some of there skill position players -- Pierre Garcon specifically. He should be able to outperform his current ADP of WR35 (7.07) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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NYJ - WR Quincy Enunwa most efficient on deep balls
Source: ProFootballFocus.com - Cam Mellor
New York Jets WR Quincy Enunwa had the highest catch rate on deep targets in the NFL last season, hauling in eight such receptions on 10 tries for 278 yards.
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Enunwa had a breakout season in 2016 and now he's the no1 wide receiver for the Jets entering 2017. We'll see if moving him around from the slot to the outside helps him best the numbers he posted last year. Enunwa's situation would feel a lot better if the Jets had a better quarterback situation. He's got a current ADP of WR44 (9.11) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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GB - Green Bay has embraced TE in red zone
Source: ProFootballReference.com
Green Bay Packers TEs Andrew Quarless (13) and Richard Rodgers (14) ranked among the team's top three players in red zone targets in 2014 in 2015, respectively, before Jared Cook's injury-plagued 2016 campaign ruined the streak. Martellus Bennett signed a three-year, $21 million contract to be the team's top tight end in the offseason.
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Message! Fantasy owners were already excited about Bennett signing with the Packers and that sounds even better with this historical data. Bennett could work to become a favorite target of QB Aaron Rodgers quickly ... especially when the team is near pay dirt. He's coming off the board at TE8 (7.10) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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HOU - Deshaun Watson will be ready when needed
Source: NFL Network - Alex Flanagan
Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson said he will be ready to play whenever head coach Bill O'Brien believes he is ready to start. QB Tom Savage is expected to be the starting quarterback when the regular season begins.
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Watson is going to compete for the job in camp, but it may take him a bit of time to get up to speed in the NFL. He plays big in the brightest moments, and Watson is potentially the quarterback of the future for the Texans. When he's ready, the team is likely to keep things simple for the rookie. With the Texans defense and a strong rushing attack, Watson could be the leader of a team that makes a deep postseason run in 2017.
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NE - RB Mike Gillislee dealt with injury
Source: ESPNBoston.com - Mike Reiss
New England Patriots RB Mike Gillislee (undisclosed) dealt with an undisclosed injury during offseason workouts, but running backs coach Ivan Fears said it did not appear to be a long-term issue.
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Gillislee is the player most likely to take over the LeGarrette Blount role in 2017. There may not be 18 rushing touchdowns (like there was for Blount last year), but obviously Gillislee can have plenty of fantasy value. Right now, Gillislee is RB28 (6.05) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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WAS - Washington, QB Kirk Cousins still not close
Source: Yahoo! Sports - Charles Robinson
The Washington Redskins still have not made much progress in contract talks with QB Kirk Cousins and the two sides are not close to a deal.
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Washington has until July 17th to sign Cousins to a long-term deal and time is winding down. Earlier reports had a small glimmer of hope, but that's been extinguished in recent days. Cousins looks to play for the second straight season on the franchise tag. He'll make almost $24 million on the one-year tender if he doesn't get a deal done by next Monday.
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NFL - RB DeAngelo Williams won't play for four teams
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Free-agent RB DeAngelo Williams (Steelers) said the Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys are four teams he wouldn't be interested in playing for.
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His split with the Panthers was rough, so he's not going back there. He doesn't want to play in Dallas because he grew up a 49ers fan. The Browns are pretty much self explanatory and the Jaguars are better than Cleveland but not enough for Williams to want to play there. He's gotten zero interest on the open market to this point, and Williams might only get interest when injuries strike in training camp.
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IND - OC happy with RB Robert Turbin's offseason
Source: CBS 4 Indianapolis - Mike Chappell
Indianapolis Colts RB Robert Turbin had an impressive offseason and look better than he did last offseason, according to offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski. Turbin said he would embrace a bigger role in the offensive scheme.
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The positive reports about Turbin have been a constant drumbeat this offseason. Entering training camp, Turbin is second on the depth chart behind Frank Gore but he will be pushed for that spot by rookie Marlon Mack. Turbin or Mack will have little fantasy value if Gore stays healthy.
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NE - RB Dion Lewis could see limited snaps
Source: ESPNBoston.com - Mike Reiss
The New England Patriots could consider limiting RB Dion Lewis' regular season snaps in order to keep him healthy for all 16 games, in the opinion of ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss.
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Lewis is going to work as a change-of-pace back behind Mike Gillislee. He'll likely be behind James White too. Lewis will only have fantasy value if guys above him on the depth chart get hurt.
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NE - WR Andrew Hawkins may be on bubble
Source: ESPNBoston.com - Mike Reiss
New England Patriots WR Andrew Hawkins could be on the roster bubble during training camp if the Patriots decide to keep only six wide receivers on their final roster, in the opinion of ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss.
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Hawkins was added this offseason by the Patriots, and he's certainly no lock for the 53-man roster. He does fit what the Pats want from their WRs as he's quick, shifty and elusive after the catch. His primary competition for perhaps the final spot on the depth chart at wide receiver is Danny Amendola.
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DET - WR Golden Tate tough to bring down
Source: DetroitLions.com - Tim Twentyman
Detroit Lions WR Golden Tate was seventh in the NFL last season with 153 receiving yards after contact.
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A converted running back, Tate is elusive and tough after the catch. That's why he was no2 in the NFL (Jarvis Lanrdy, 639 yards) with 611 yards after the catch in 2016. In PPR leagues, Tate is a solid WR2 with a current ADP of WR25 (5.02).
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NO - RB Mark Ingram perfect as a red zone receiver
Source: ProFootballReference.com
New Orleans Saints RB Mark Ingram hauled in all 10 of his targets inside the 20 last season, making him only one of five players with at least five such targets to catch every one.
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Ingram has had 50 and 46 catches over the last two years, and he could best those numbers in 2017. With Adrian Peterson taking some carries away from Ingram, we could see him get more targets in the passing game. Of course, rookie Alvin Kamara could be used in that role too but Ingram should get the nod due to his experience and effectiveness.
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Source: footballguys.com
DET - RB Ameer Abdullah to get at least 200 touches?
Source: Detroit Lions.com - Tim Twentyman
Tim Twentyman, of official team site DetroitLions.com, wrote that the plan going into last season according to team GM Bob Quinn was for running back Ameer Abdullah to get "at least 200 touches" as a runner.
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Quinn has reiterated that Abdullah is still the starter, but Twentyman reminded us that Theo Riddick will still get his share of reps and that Abdullah "isn't expected to get a whole lot of goal line carries". Abdullah's upside is limited in nonPPR leagues, and even in PPR leagues he probably doesn't have RB1 upside, which makes his mid-round ADP accurate.
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IND - WR T.Y. Hilton not sweating QB Andrew Luck
Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Charean Williams
Indianapolis Colts WR T.Y. Hilton said he doesn't expect it to take long for he and QB Andrew Luck (shoulder) to find their rhythm. 'For him, the main thing is to just get healthy and we'll pick up where we left off,' Hilton said. 'Two days back-to-back is all we need.'
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Hilton is going around the 1-2 turn in most PPR leagues, and he earned the spot near the top of the second tier of WR1s with a strong year despite Luck playing through his shoulder injury last year. If Luck's surgery makes him more effective in 2017, Hilton has a chance to finish in the top five receivers.
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LAC - TE Hunter Henry the total package
Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Curtis Crabtree
Los Angeles Chargers TE Hunter Henry's has rare awareness and ball skills and is poised for a long career, according to tight ends coach John McNulty. 'You don't have to spell everything out A-Z for him,' McNulty said. 'He can catch the ball that gets in on him fast, and he makes the contested catches with big, strong hands.'
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Henry isn't the most physically talented tight end and he'll share with Antonio Gates this year, but he could eventually be a Jason Witten type for the Chargers. He has more value in dynasty than redraft for now.
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MIN - QB Sam Bradford better under pressure
Source: NFL.com - Gregg Rosenthal
Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Bradford was the most accurate passer under pressure and most accurate on throws over 20 yards last season, according to Pro Football Focus.
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Bradford performed admirably considering that he was behind one of the worst lines in the league with almost no help from the running game. There are so many quarterbacks that can outperform ADP in drafts this year that Bradford shouldn't be a primary target, but if you get caught on the wrong side of a run, he'll be a good high floor fallback.
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NYJ - TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins likes offense
Source: NewYorkJets.com - Ethan Greenberg
New York Jets TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins said he knows this year's offense more than past offenses, and he likes how offensive coordinator John Morton is making an emphasis to use the tight end.
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Morton is a new offensive coordinator replacing Chan Gailey, who has been good at getting production out of limited talent in the past. Seferian-Jenkins talent has never been in question, but his ability to stay healthy and out of trouble has held him back in the past. The Jets have little experience at wide receiver, but they also have one of the worst quarterback situations in the league. He's only worth draft consideration in deep leagues, but should be on our tight end streamer and waiver wire watch lists.
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DET - More two tight end sets for Detroit?
Source: DetroitLions.com - Tim Twentyman
Detroit Lions TE Darren Fells' ability to serve as a good blocker on the edge could be of even greater importance to the Lions until OT Taylor Decker can return from a torn labrum, according to DetroitLions.com's Tim Twentyman.
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Fourth-round pick Michael Roberts is also a good two-way tight end who could help as a blocker while Decker is out. Decker is an a good run blocker, so his loss hurts Ameer Abdullah and the running game. If a tight end is kept in more as a blocker, then there will either be fewer three-wide sets, hurting whoever wins the slot receiver job, or fewer two tight end sets, hurting Eric Ebron's increased opportunity.
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CAR - QB Cam Newton instructed to run less
Source: SiriusXM NFL Radio - Ross Tucker
Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton has been encouraged to get the ball out quicker and run less often, according to head coach Ron Rivera.
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Newton is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, and the team doesn't want to get him beat up this year. He had a career low 90 rushing attempts last season, and that number could be even a little less this season. With new weapons like RB Christian McCaffrey and WR Curtis Samuel, Newton has better options around him. Short passes/dump offs can replace his scrambling and maintain his fantasy value. Newton can still be a top-10 fantasy quarterback even if he scrambles less often. He's currently QB8 (8.07) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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DEN - WR Demaryius Thomas' hip pain is gone
Source: DenverBroncos.com - Aric DiLalla
Denver Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas (hip) said the pain in his hip that bothered him last season is gone.
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Thomas was hurt on the first play of the first game in 2016, but he played through the pain and still ended the season as a top-20 fantasy WR. This year he gets his play back (WR screen) with OC Mike McCoy running the show. Yes, the quarterback position is up in the air but Thomas is going to be the centerpiece of what the Broncos do offensively. Fantasy owners are expecting a bounce-back season as he's getting drafted at WR14 (3.05) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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MIA - WR Kenny Stills ready to build on 2016
Source: The Palm Beach Post - Hal Habib
Miami Dolphins WR Kenny Stills' nine receiving touchdowns last year were the sixth-most in the NFL, and Hal Habib of the Palm Beach Post believes Stills' success will continue this season and can be largely credited to head coach Adam Gase.
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Stills was an excellent vertical threat in the Dolphins offense last year. He could lose opportunity to DeVante Parker in a possible breakout season, but if the Miami offense improves in year two under Gase and gets better health on the offensive line, that could make up for Stills becoming the clear #3. He's a good late round best ball pick.
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DEN - WR Emmanuel Sanders happy with either QB
Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis
Denver Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders said he believes he can produce with either QB Trevor Siemian or QB Paxton Lynch as the starter because they throw catchable passes. 'Both of those guys throw catchable passes,' Sanders said. 'When it comes to the deep ball, Paxton loves to throw the deep ball. Big, strong arm. Trevor, he loves to throw the out routes, the in-routes. He's a checkdown, all-around type guy.'
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Sanders is being a bit coy here and playing it friendly. Behind the scenes it would be easy to see a player like him preferring the guy that wants to go deep. Sanders himself is a deep threat who can thrive on big plays. The quarterback best fit for those type of passes is Lynch. It's an "open" competition in training camp but if the lightbulb comes on for Lynch then the 2016 first-round pick could be named the starter.
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PHI - RB Ryan Mathews will be evaluated
Source: Philadelphia Daily News - Les Bowen
Philadelphia Eagles RB Ryan Mathews (neck) will be evaluated when he reports to training camp in regards to his neck fusion. If he passes the evaluation, he could be released.
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We can't imagine the Eagles hanging onto Mathews. If he's healthy enough to release, that's likely the direction the team goes. There have been reports to the contrary but there's really no room for him on the roster. They have LeGarrette Blount as the two-down hammer and guys like Darren Sproles and rookie DJ Pumphrey for passing down work. By waiting until he passes a physical, the Eagles don't have to pay him any money and can extinguish the $4 million cap hit Mathews is set to have.
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PHI - QB Carson Wentz working with receivers
Source: 247Sports - Jeff Kerr
Philadelphia Eagles QB Carson Wentz is working with several Eagles this week, including WRs Alshon Jeffery and Jordan Matthews and TE Zach Ertz.
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Welcome to beautiful North Dakota! Wentz is one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the game today, and the Eagles did a good job of adding better pass-catching talent around him this offseason. Matthews had the best quote during a live video by Jeffery. "We out here in North Dakota. Ain't no rap stations on the radio or nothing baby," Matthews said. "Straight bison burgers, country music, and red heads. Shoutout to Carson Wentz."
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NE - WR Danny Amendola considered a lock
Source: ESPNBoston.com - Mike Reiss
New England Patriots WR Danny Amendola is considered a lock to make the team, according to beat writer Mike Reiss.
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The Pats are jam-packed at the position, but Amendola took a pay cut earlier this year and that greatly helps his chances. He was slated to make $6 million in 2017, but now his cap hit is just a little over $3 million. Amendola's main competition for a spot (the last one?) on the depth chart is free agent addition Andrew Hawkins.
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DEN - WR Demaryius Thomas still going strong
Source: Colorado Springs Gazette - Paul Klee
Denver Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas is one of three players in NFL history with five or more consecutive seasons with at least 90 receptions and at least 1,000 yards, and he said he thinks he still has a couple of good years left.
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Thomas is feeling better after a hip injury limited him for a lot of last year. He'll benefit from more screen passes under new (old) offensive coordinator Mike McCoy and should be a WR1 in PPR leagues this year.
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BUF - WR Anquan Boldin a fit in Buffalo?
Source: NFL Network - Brian Baldinger
Free-agent WR Anquan Boldin (Bills) is going to be signed, in the opinion of Brian Baldinger of the NFL Network, and Baldinger believes the Buffalo Bills are the best fit for Boldin.
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Boldin would be a big upgrade at the #2 receiver spot for Buffalo even at this late stage of his career, although the team doesn't use a slot receiver as much as the Lions did last year. Boldin might have to wait for an injury to an established receiver to get a call from a team.
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NFL - RB Rashad Jennings hoping to find a home
Source: The News and Advance - Damien Sordelett
Free-agent RB Rashad Jennings (Giants) said he has maintained a strict workout regimen and is in the best shape of his life, and he is hoping to sign with a team before the start of the season.
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Jennings is fresh off of a stint on Dancing with the Stars. His pass blocking and receiving should get him a look as we get closer to the beginning of the season and teams assess the readiness of their younger backs to handle passing down work.
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CLE - Cleveland QB battle a two-man race?
Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot
Cleveland Browns QBs Cody Kessler and DeShone Kizer are in an apparent two-man race for the starting quarterback position, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Kessler and Kizer split first-team repetitions throughout minicamp, with QB Brock Osweiler working with the second team. Furthermore, Cabot expects head coach Hue Jackson to name a starter shortly after the preseason begins.
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No surprise here. Kessler could handle the starting job for the Browns, but he's not an exciting option or a playmaker at the position. Instead, he's more of a game manager who can work the field on short/underneath routes. Kizer could be the quarterback of the future if he develops further as a passer. The rookie from Notre Dame is big, strong and athletic. However, he does 'bird dog' his throws and stares down his targets. Plus, he struggles to make quick decisions when forced off his first read. We'll see if he's improved during training camp and the preseason.
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NO - RB Adrian Peterson eyes 500 receiving yards
Source: BleacherReport.com - Dan Pompei
New Orleans Saints RB Adrian Peterson has had more than 400 receiving yards only once in his career, but he is shooting for 500 in 2017.
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Peterson wants to do more as a receiver, and it's unclear how much he'll be used in that capacity with his new team. The Saints have a jam-packed and talented backfield with Peterson, Mark Ingram and rookie Alvin Kamara. We should see Peterson and Ingram split carries in some form of RBBC. There will be a split of targets/receptions out of the backfield as well, and that split might also include the elusive Kamara in the mix. As you can see, this is an interesting situation for fantasy owners to navigate.
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MIN - RB Latavius Murray falling back
Source: SportingNews.com - Vinnie Iyer
Minnesota Vikings RB Latavius Murray (ankle) is losing his grip on the starting job due to the addition of RB Dalvin Cook. Murray has missed the entire offseason recovering from ankle surgery, and Cook's blend of speed and versatility coincides with offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur's stylistic history at the position.
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Had the Vikings known Cook would fall to the second round of the 2017 NFL draft, they probably wouldn't have paid Murray a three-year, $15 million contract with $3.4 million guaranteed. Cook is a threat to score anytime he touches the ball, and he's a much more dangerous runner than Murray. The rookie from Florida State has a history of fumbling, he needs to work on pass protection, and he's not a power player so perhaps Murray can get some time as a goal-line back for the Vikings if he doesn't win the starting job.
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MIN - Dalvin Cook built to succeed with OC
Source: SportingNews.com - Vinnie Iyer
Minnesota Vikings RB Dalvin Cook, a versatile, quick back is built to succeed under offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur. Shurmur has leaned toward using one back more than a committee style in his career. With RB Latavius Murray (ankle) still recovering from offseason ankle surgery, Cook is in a prime position to usurp him as the lead back.
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This should come as no surprise. Cook is a dangerous runner who can gash a defense for big plays time and time again during a game. He's more dangerous than Murray, and the rookie could easily win the starting job for the Vikings. Murray will have a role, and perhaps that is to vulture away touchdowns from Cook near pay dirt.
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SF - RB Carlos Hyde must earning starting job
Source: CSNBayArea.com - Matt Maiocco
San Francisco 49ers RB Carlos Hyde will need to earn his starting job over rookie RB Joe Williams, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. Maiocco envisions a committee approach with RB Tim Hightower also being involved.
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Fantasy owners seem split on Hyde's outlook for 2017. Some feel as the 49ers starter he's got low-end RB1 upside, while still others think he'll be unseated by Williams sooner rather than later. In the final year of his rookie contract, Hyde is a bit of an odd fit for Kyle Shanahan's zone-blocking system. The oft-injured veteran has a current ADP of RB18 (4.07) in 12-team PPR leagues. That could change drastically if we watch this battle unfold in favor of Williams (or a RBBC) in training camp and the preseason.
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SF - QB Brian Hoyer leading players' camp
Source: CSNBayArea.com - Matt Maiocco
San Francisco 49ers QB Brian Hoyer is heading what is dubbed 'Camp Hoyer' prior to the start of training camp. At least 10 quarterbacks, wide receivers, tight ends and running backs attended workouts Monday, July 10, and Tuesday, July 11.
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Hoyer knows the Kyle Shanahan system from his days in Cleveland, so he can continue to build chemistry with his new teammates. The 49ers aren't anywhere near competing for a playoff spot, but from a fantasy perspective we like the upside of some of there skill position players -- Pierre Garcon specifically. He should be able to outperform his current ADP of WR35 (7.07) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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NYJ - WR Quincy Enunwa most efficient on deep balls
Source: ProFootballFocus.com - Cam Mellor
New York Jets WR Quincy Enunwa had the highest catch rate on deep targets in the NFL last season, hauling in eight such receptions on 10 tries for 278 yards.
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Enunwa had a breakout season in 2016 and now he's the no1 wide receiver for the Jets entering 2017. We'll see if moving him around from the slot to the outside helps him best the numbers he posted last year. Enunwa's situation would feel a lot better if the Jets had a better quarterback situation. He's got a current ADP of WR44 (9.11) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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GB - Green Bay has embraced TE in red zone
Source: ProFootballReference.com
Green Bay Packers TEs Andrew Quarless (13) and Richard Rodgers (14) ranked among the team's top three players in red zone targets in 2014 in 2015, respectively, before Jared Cook's injury-plagued 2016 campaign ruined the streak. Martellus Bennett signed a three-year, $21 million contract to be the team's top tight end in the offseason.
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Message! Fantasy owners were already excited about Bennett signing with the Packers and that sounds even better with this historical data. Bennett could work to become a favorite target of QB Aaron Rodgers quickly ... especially when the team is near pay dirt. He's coming off the board at TE8 (7.10) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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HOU - Deshaun Watson will be ready when needed
Source: NFL Network - Alex Flanagan
Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson said he will be ready to play whenever head coach Bill O'Brien believes he is ready to start. QB Tom Savage is expected to be the starting quarterback when the regular season begins.
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Watson is going to compete for the job in camp, but it may take him a bit of time to get up to speed in the NFL. He plays big in the brightest moments, and Watson is potentially the quarterback of the future for the Texans. When he's ready, the team is likely to keep things simple for the rookie. With the Texans defense and a strong rushing attack, Watson could be the leader of a team that makes a deep postseason run in 2017.
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NE - RB Mike Gillislee dealt with injury
Source: ESPNBoston.com - Mike Reiss
New England Patriots RB Mike Gillislee (undisclosed) dealt with an undisclosed injury during offseason workouts, but running backs coach Ivan Fears said it did not appear to be a long-term issue.
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Gillislee is the player most likely to take over the LeGarrette Blount role in 2017. There may not be 18 rushing touchdowns (like there was for Blount last year), but obviously Gillislee can have plenty of fantasy value. Right now, Gillislee is RB28 (6.05) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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WAS - Washington, QB Kirk Cousins still not close
Source: Yahoo! Sports - Charles Robinson
The Washington Redskins still have not made much progress in contract talks with QB Kirk Cousins and the two sides are not close to a deal.
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Washington has until July 17th to sign Cousins to a long-term deal and time is winding down. Earlier reports had a small glimmer of hope, but that's been extinguished in recent days. Cousins looks to play for the second straight season on the franchise tag. He'll make almost $24 million on the one-year tender if he doesn't get a deal done by next Monday.
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NFL - RB DeAngelo Williams won't play for four teams
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Free-agent RB DeAngelo Williams (Steelers) said the Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys are four teams he wouldn't be interested in playing for.
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His split with the Panthers was rough, so he's not going back there. He doesn't want to play in Dallas because he grew up a 49ers fan. The Browns are pretty much self explanatory and the Jaguars are better than Cleveland but not enough for Williams to want to play there. He's gotten zero interest on the open market to this point, and Williams might only get interest when injuries strike in training camp.
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IND - OC happy with RB Robert Turbin's offseason
Source: CBS 4 Indianapolis - Mike Chappell
Indianapolis Colts RB Robert Turbin had an impressive offseason and look better than he did last offseason, according to offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski. Turbin said he would embrace a bigger role in the offensive scheme.
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The positive reports about Turbin have been a constant drumbeat this offseason. Entering training camp, Turbin is second on the depth chart behind Frank Gore but he will be pushed for that spot by rookie Marlon Mack. Turbin or Mack will have little fantasy value if Gore stays healthy.
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NE - RB Dion Lewis could see limited snaps
Source: ESPNBoston.com - Mike Reiss
The New England Patriots could consider limiting RB Dion Lewis' regular season snaps in order to keep him healthy for all 16 games, in the opinion of ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss.
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Lewis is going to work as a change-of-pace back behind Mike Gillislee. He'll likely be behind James White too. Lewis will only have fantasy value if guys above him on the depth chart get hurt.
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NE - WR Andrew Hawkins may be on bubble
Source: ESPNBoston.com - Mike Reiss
New England Patriots WR Andrew Hawkins could be on the roster bubble during training camp if the Patriots decide to keep only six wide receivers on their final roster, in the opinion of ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss.
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Hawkins was added this offseason by the Patriots, and he's certainly no lock for the 53-man roster. He does fit what the Pats want from their WRs as he's quick, shifty and elusive after the catch. His primary competition for perhaps the final spot on the depth chart at wide receiver is Danny Amendola.
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DET - WR Golden Tate tough to bring down
Source: DetroitLions.com - Tim Twentyman
Detroit Lions WR Golden Tate was seventh in the NFL last season with 153 receiving yards after contact.
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A converted running back, Tate is elusive and tough after the catch. That's why he was no2 in the NFL (Jarvis Lanrdy, 639 yards) with 611 yards after the catch in 2016. In PPR leagues, Tate is a solid WR2 with a current ADP of WR25 (5.02).
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NO - RB Mark Ingram perfect as a red zone receiver
Source: ProFootballReference.com
New Orleans Saints RB Mark Ingram hauled in all 10 of his targets inside the 20 last season, making him only one of five players with at least five such targets to catch every one.
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Ingram has had 50 and 46 catches over the last two years, and he could best those numbers in 2017. With Adrian Peterson taking some carries away from Ingram, we could see him get more targets in the passing game. Of course, rookie Alvin Kamara could be used in that role too but Ingram should get the nod due to his experience and effectiveness.
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Source: footballguys.com