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NFL Player News - Week of 7/8/19
Courtesy of Footballlguys.com
OAK - RB Josh Jacobs may not be three-down back
Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal - Michael Gehlken
Oakland Raiders RB Josh Jacobs is expected to lead the team in carries this season but may not be on the field for all three downs even though the team believes he can handle the role.
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Gehlken is one of the best beat writers out there, so let's keep track of Jacobs' usage as a receiver during the preseason. He's a low-end RB2 with upside for Fantasy GMs this year, even if he's not used as much as a receiver. Jacobs has the talent, hands and concentration...plus, he could even line up out of the backfield if asked. Maybe the Raiders want to get Jalen Richard some touches here and there.
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LAR - RB Todd Gurley not changing style
Source: NFL Network - Omar Ruiz
Los Angeles Rams RB Todd Gurley (knee) said he does not plan to change his playing style even though he has been dealing with knee issues.
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That's cool, but let's see if he can hold up. Reports this offseason have speculated the Rams want to manage Gurley's workload better, leading Fantasy GMs to let the superstar back fall to the first-round/second-round turn in fantasy drafts. He won't be used in the preseason (per GM Les Snead), so expect his ADP to stay in the same area for those of you drafting in late August.
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KC - RB Damien Williams being asked to carry the load
Source: Chiefs.com - B.J. Kissel
Kansas City Chiefs RB Damien Williams has 'taken the challenge' and 'earned the right to be (the full-time starter),' according to head coach Andy Reid.
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Williams is the lead back but the team does have Carlos Hyde to push him. One could make the argument that Hyde has more natural talent than Williams, but right now it's Williams who sits atop the depth chart. Williams is capable of being featured as a runner or receiver out of the backfield. He's not as dynamic as other starters in the league, but he's on one of the best offenses out there and is a low-end RB1 with upside for Fantasy GMs in 2019. Williams has a current ADP of RB12 (2.09) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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DEN - WR DaeSean Hamilton likely to be No. 3 WR
Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis
Denver Broncos WR DaeSean Hamilton is expected to be the No. 3 receiver for the Broncos this season and will be used mostly as a slot receiver.
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Hamilton didn't impress as a rookie in 2018. He's a refined route runner and can get open against tight coverage, but at times he looked lost as a rookie and Hamilton dealt with injuries towards the end of the season. The Broncos hope the future of the WR corps is Courtland Sutton as the No. 1 and Hamilton as the eventual No. 2 receiver...likely if/when Emmanuel Sanders moves on in 2020.
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NE - RB Sony Michel hopes to be ready for camp
Source: NFL Network - Omar Ruiz
New England Patriots RB Sony Michel (knee) said he hopes to be ready for the start of training camp.
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Michel's status is one to watch closely in camp, mainly because the Patriots added a quality rookie in Alabama RB Damien Harris in the third round of the 2019 NFL draft. If Michel were to miss time, Harris has the type of ability to take over in the backfield. Michel has been running at 'full tilt' after recovering from offseason arthroscopic knee surgery, according to multiple reports.
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CLE - WR Rashard Higgins has rapport with QB
Source: 1 No Source
Cleveland Browns WR Rashard Higgins grew a rapport with QB Baker Mayfield on the second-team offense early last season, and Mayfield leaned on Higgins when things broke down in the pocket. The Browns plan to use four-wide receiver sets often this year. Higgins received 43 percent of his targets more than 15 yards in the air last year, according to Sharp Analysis. He caught 17 of 23 targets for 390 yards and three touchdowns. Higgins isn't a speed receiver, but he finds ways to get down the field.
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Higgins has nuance as a route runner, good hands and the concentration to make tough catches near the sideline or the back of the end zone. Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry will get a bulk of the targets with the Browns in 2019, but remember Higgins in deep dynasty formats or if you're looking for a cheap DFS play in a good matchup.
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OAK - QB Derek Carr entering critical season
Source: ESPN.com - Dan Graziano
Oakland Raiders QB Derek Carr is signed through 2022, but he has no more guaranteed money on his contract beyond this season, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano. While Carr would be guaranteed $2.9 million of his $18.9 million salary for the 2020 season if he's still on the roster a week after Super Bowl LIV, he would be owed nothing if he were released before then.
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The Raiders went out of their way this offseason to put much better weapons around Carr this year. Just acquiring Antonio Brown via trade should help elevate Carr's game. Add in guys like Tyrell Williams and rookie RB Josh Jacobs and you can see how the Raiders offense should be much improved in 2019. With three first-round picks in the 2019 NFL draft, the Raiders did not choose a quarterback. They have given Carr a vote of confidence, and now he needs to produce. Carr could easily outperform his current ADP of QB23 (14.03) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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PHI - RB Miles Sanders expects shared workload
Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Charean Williams
Philadelphia Eagles RB Miles Sanders expects plenty of competition at his position in training camp and for the ball to 'spread out a lot' between Jordan Howard, Corey Clement, Wendell Smallwood and himself, according to comments he made during an interview Tuesday, July 9, on the NFL Network.'It's definitely going to be competitive. That's what I like about rooms like this. It was like this at Penn State. It was a very talented running back room. But I'm just used to that stuff - competing and making each other better. Nobody's really going to be the star running back, I think. I think the ball's going to be spread out a lot, and that's what I kind of like, too,' Sanders said.
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The rookie is on the right track here. Sanders should be the satellite back behind starter (and classic power back) Jordan Howard. The rest of the players like Clement and Smallwood in the backfield could get into the reserve mix as well. Sanders has missed time this offseason recovering from a hamstring injury. We'll see if he can impress in training camp.
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ARI - WR Kevin White excited to 'revive' career
Source: The Arizona Republic - Bob McManaman
Arizona Cardinals WR Kevin White thinks he can get his career back on track in Arizona after playing just 14 games over four years since being selected with the No. 7 pick of the 2015 draft by the Chicago Bears. 'Oh, man. This could revive my career,' White said. ' ... The fans haven't seen Kevin White yet. I think, God-willing, they'll be able to see it this year under this offense and this coaching staff and this organization.'
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White has his work cut out for him, largely due to the talented trio of rookie WRs the Cardinals added this offseason. They've got Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk at the top of the depth chart, but rookie Hakeem Butler, Andy Isabella and Keesean Johnson are all likely ahead of White. A first-round pick for the Bears in the 2015 NFL draft, not only has White never played a full season but he's never played 16 games in his four-year career.
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CAR - QB Cam Newton to be full go at camp
Source: Charlotte Observer - Brendan Marks
Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton (shoulder) is slated to be a full participant when training camp opens July 24. Newton struggled with soreness and tightness in his right shoulder stemming from scar tissue and cartilage damage that built up after his surgery for a torn rotator cuff.
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It's been all good news for Newton during this offseason. Newton had the shoulder cleaned out in the offseason and it was revealed the cartilage damage was much less severe than anticipated. He's changed his throwing motion in an effort to be less stressful on the joint. If healthy, Newton is a low-end QB1 for Fantasy GMs. His current ADP is QB11 (9.06) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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SF - QB Jimmy Garoppolo set for training camp
Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Charean Williams
San Francisco 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo (knee) expects to participate in full workouts during right away, according to Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk.
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The 49ers as a whole are in make-or-break mode...or at least they're getting close to it in 2019. Head coach Kyle Shanahan needs to start winning as he has a 10-22 record with the 49ers over the last two years. That comes down to Garoppolo staying healthy for the first time in his career. He's played nine games for the 49ers in two seasons. Fantasy GMs are taking a chance on Garoppolo at QB18 (12.04) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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DEN - WR Courtland Sutton set to become Denver's WR1
Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis
Denver Broncos WR Courtland Sutton has a 'great chance' to meet his own expectations and become the team's No. 1 receiver based on his offseason work with Joe Flacco, according to Mike Klis of 9News.com.'I'm excited going into this season knowing that I am going to get to be the No. 1 and I'll get all of the looks and all of the pressure,'' Sutton said.
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Fantasy GMs need to know there's a changing of the guard at the WR position in Denver. Emmanuel Sanders, when he's fully recovered from his 2018 Achilles' injury, is likely to be the No. 2 receiver for the Broncos with Sutton getting the top spot. Sutton has worked on his subtlety and nuance as a route runner this offseason to go along with his already great size/speed combination. The Broncos are a run-heavy offense, but Sutton provides Fantasy GMs with WR3 upside. His current ADP is WR45 (10.03) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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IND - TE Jack Doyle being patient with recovery
Source: CNHI Sports Indiana - George Bremer
Indianapolis Colts TE Jack Doyle (kidney) is reportedly happy with his progress from the kidney procedure he had late last season, but he is planning on being patient with how quickly he returns to the field.'I really am trying to take it one day at a time, not rushing anything. But I'm happy with where I'm at and happy with the progress I've made. It's definitely going in the right direction, and when it's time to get back out there, I'll be excited to be back out there. I promise you that,' Doyle said.
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No hurries, no worries here with the veteran tight end. Doyle lost 25 pounds during the process and is working to regain the weight the right way. He's hoping to be back for training camp.
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NYJ - WR Jamison Crowder poised for big season?
Source: New York Post - Brian Costello
New York Jets WR Jamison Crowder had an 'impressive spring' and 'looked fully healthy' during the offseason, according to Brian Costello of the New York Post.
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Poised for a 'big' season might be an overstatement. Poised for a 'good' season...that seems to be more reasonable. We love Crowder's ability to get open and provide his quarterback a reliable target on underneath routes, but he's the No. 3 receiver for the Jets behind Robby Anderson and Quincy Enunwa. Add in TE Chris Herndon and oh yeah, RB Le'Veon Bell and you can see how the targets could be spread a little thin for Crowder. Projecting him for around 50 catches in 2019 seems fair.
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NE - TE Rob Gronkowski works out with Tom Brady
Source: MassLive.com - Andrew Callahan
Former New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski worked out in a private throwing session with Patriots QB Tom Brady Monday, July 8.
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We all want to know if Gronkowski is officially retired or if he could make a comeback later in the year. This workout is only going to fuel rumors that he could return. The Patriots could certainly use him as they've got Matt LaCosse as the top tight end on their depth chart while veteran Ben Watson is suspended the first four games of the 2019 season. On the other hand, many see this purely as two friends catching up in California. Don't expect this speculation to die down any time soon.
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PHI - QB Carson Wentz putting in work
Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra
Philadelphia Eagles QB Carson Wentz (back) has been putting in work rehabbing this offseason after having his last two seasons cut short by different injuries, according to OT Lane Johnson. 'I love it, every day when I go in the building, all I see is him in there before everybody else, rehabbing, doing whatever it takes.' Johnson said of Wentz. 'I just think he's really on a different mental state than he's ever been as far as training and ignoring distractions and really trying to be the best player he is. So, I just see that worker and a guy who is about to do some big things this season.'
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Wentz has not played a full 16-game regular season since his rookie year in 2016. He needs to stay healthy and play like we all know he can so the Eagles can make a postseason run. If healthy, Wentz could finish the year as a top-5 fantasy quarterback. He's currently going off the board at QB8 (8.01) in 12-team fantasy leagues.
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CLE - RB Duke Johnson moves on from agent
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Cleveland Browns RB Duke Johnson has parted with his agent, Kristin Campbell of 40 Sports & Entertainment Group, amid a trade request.
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It's an ...interesting move for Johnson to say the least. The Browns have shown little interest in trading away Johnson at this time. First, they need him as a backup to Nick Chubb while Kareem Hunt serves his eight-game suspension. Second, there are rumors they haven't really gotten much interest in him at all. Johnson has talent but his skill set is not that unique in the NFL and it would take an injury with another team for someone to really have legitimate interest.
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PHI - RB Jordan Howard primed for short-yardage role?
Source: PhillyVoice.com - Jimmy Kempski
Philadelphia Eagles RB Jordan Howard is expected to be sort of the 'meat and potatoes' back who will see the 'lion's share' of work in short yardage and in the four-minute offense, according to Jimmy Kempski of the Philly Voice.
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That sounds about right. Howard should be the lead ball-carrier for the Eagles in 2019, but he's going to work in a RBBC with at least rookie Miles Sanders (and maybe another back). He's got a current ADP of RB38 (8.05) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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MIA - RB Kalen Ballage struggled catching the ball
Source: The Miami Herald - Barry Jackson
Miami Dolphins RB Kalen Ballage appeared unnatural as a receiver out of the backfield during offseason practices, according to beat writer Barry Jackson, and he struggled with several balls thrown in his direction.
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That's a bit unusual given Ballage's skill set he showed in college at Arizona State. He's a big and swift runner who can also line up as a slot receiver if need be. It sounds like he needs to clean up his receiving game in training camp and the preseason. He was a natural receiver in college, so we're not sure why he's reportedly struggling in that department this year.
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NYJ - WR Robby Anderson to run wider selection of routes
Source: New York Daily News - Manish Mehta
New York Jets WR Robby Anderson will be more involved in the offense in 2019, according to head coach Adam Gase. 'We're just going to keep trying to think of ways to get him the ball, ways to create variety in his routes,' Gase said. 'Instead of just doing one or two things, maybe we can open that thing up to five, six, seven things to where he's a threat on multiple levels whether it be underneath, intermediate or down the field.' Anderson said his goal is to become 'the best receiver in the NFL.'
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Anderson should be able to thrive under Gase. Former Jets OC Jeremy Bates never really knew what to do with the veteran receiver. Anderson is a WR3 with upside for Fantasy GMs in 2019. He has a current ADP of WR31 (7.04) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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CHI - RB Mike Davis did work on zone read runs in 2018
Source: Pro Football Focus
Chicago Bears RB Mike Davis - as a member of the Seattle Seahawks last season - averaged 4.9 yards per carry on 53 zone-read runs, topping Chris Carson's 4.07 mark on 88 attempts and Rashaad Penny's 4.71 average on 34 carries, per Pro Football Focus.
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Davis has always been a talented runner but his production in the NFL has been inconsistent (just like it was for him in college at South Carolina). He'll work in a RBBC with Tarik Cohen and rookie David Montgomery. Davis is not getting drafted right now, while Montgomery has a current ADP of RB21 (4.03) and Cohen at RB28 (5.12) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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WAS - TE Jordan Reed needs to stay healthy
Source: NBC Sports Washington - Ryan Homler
Washington Redskins TE Jordan Reed was clearly not healthy in 2018, playing in 13 games while playing through multiple injuries. When he is 100 percent, he might be the most dynamic receiver on the roster.
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Everyone knows that Reed is incredibly talented as a receiver...and everyone already knows that he has an injury history that reads like Infinite Jest. Reed is a boom/bust player for Washington who provides plenty of upside...along with plenty of risk...as a low-end TE2 in fantasy leagues.
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WAS - WR Paul Richardson could be deep threat
Source: NBC Sports Washington - JP Finlay
Washington Redskins WR Paul Richardson (knee, shoulder) could be a deep threat for the team if he is able to stay healthy this season. He did not participate in team drills during offseason workouts.
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This always seems to be the case with Richardson. He's dealt with the injury bug dating all the way back to his college days at the University of Colorado. Richardson has speed to burn and tracks passes with ease over his shoulder. Talent has never been an issue, but seemingly constant knee problems have plagued his football career. He only made it through seven games in 2018, his first season with Washington.
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ATL - WR Julio Jones plans to report
Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Darin Gantt
Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones said he will not hold out of training camp because of his contract situation.
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According to the report, Jones said he has talked with owner Arthur Blank and is not worried about his contract. We're not worried about it either as the Falcons should once again make Jones one of the highest paid receivers in the league.
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NYG - QB Eli Manning in no rush to retire
Source: The New Orleans Advocate - Rod Walker
New York Giants QB Eli Manning turned 38 in January, making him the third-oldest quarterback in the league. However, he appears to have no designs on retiring anytime soon.'You take it year by year. I've been blessed going into my 16th year. That's been a blessing in itself. I love what I'm doing. I love the work that goes into it. You never know when it's going to be your last year or when it's going to be the end for you, so you try to take advantage of the years you're here and enjoy every moment. ... I'm not rushing into retirement. ... I still love being around the guys and the teammates and playing this game. I'm going to play it for as long as I think I can hang with these guys,' Manning said.
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Let's also remember, few players are in a rush to retire. In most cases, they're not the one making the decision. Manning perhaps has one more year left as the Giants starter. Daniel Jones was a top-10 pick in the 2019 NFL draft, and he is clearly the quarterback of the future. Most players drafted this highly see action sooner than later. Manning is in the final year of his contract and is likely to have to move on if he wants to keep starting in 2020.
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TEN - QB Ryan Tannehill is not going to start
Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Charean Williams
Tennessee Titans QB Ryan Tannehill will be the backup to QB Marcus Mariota, head coach Mike Vrabel said again on Sunday, July 7. He said Tannehill's job is to make Mariota better. 'His job as a backup - everybody's job as a backup - is to push the guy in front of him,' Vrabel said.
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They are certainly getting the message out that Mariota has nothing to worry about in 2019. This is a make-or-break year for Mariota as he is in the final year of his rookie contract. He has to stay healthy and prove that he's the long-term answer for the Titans. However, if Mariota gets banged up again then Tannehill would get some playing time. If Mariota is healthy, we think the Titans ride with him even if he struggles a bit. Tannehill is there to hold a clipboard if things work out the way the Titans want them to.
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NO - QB Drew Brees tailed off
Source: ESPN.com - Mike Triplett
New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees averaged 285 passing yards per game with 29 touchdowns and two interceptions over the first 11 games, but he averaged 234.5 yards over his final six games, including the playoffs, with seven touchdowns and five interceptions.
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It's important to note this trend when you're considering Brees in 2019. The Saints are no longer filling the air with footballs on a weekly basis, and they will likely continue to be balanced in 2019. Brees is 40-years old and all great quarterbacks slow down eventually. He's a low-end QB1 with some sweet NFC South matchups (can you say shootouts?) in November that Fantasy GMs will want a part of.
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BUF - WR Cole Beasley winning over QB
Source: BuffaloBills.com - Nate Mendelson
Buffalo Bills WR Cole Beasley is going to be a 'safety valve' in the passing game, according to QB Josh Allen.
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That should be Beasley's main priority for the Bills. He will work the underneath routes to give Allen a consistent target to go to whenever the chains need to move or he's under too much pressure. The Bills are going to feature a run-heavy offense, so that does put a cap on Beasley's potential. From a fantasy perspective, it's fair to project Beasley for around 45 catches in 2019.
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BUF - WR John Brown a good fit?
Source: BuffaloBills.com - Nate Mendelson
Buffalo Bills WR John Brown's 'knack for gaining separation on fly routes' should fit well with QB Josh Allen's love of the deep ball, according to Nate Mendelson BuffaloBills.com.
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Brown had a bit of a bounce-back season in 2018 with the Ravens. He averaged a career-best 17.0 yards per catch and (most importantly) stayed healthy for a full 16-game season...something he hadn't done since his rookie year of 2014. Brown should be the favorite deep threat for Josh Allen, and he could easily outperform his current ADP of WR68 (14.10) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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MIA - RB Kenyan Drake a force after contact
Source: The Miami Herald - Barry Jackson
Miami Dolphins RB Kenyan Drake is tied with Cleveland Browns RB Nick Chubb for first place with 3.7 yards after contact per attempt among the 54 NFL backs with 100 or more carries when they've been contacted at or behind the line of scrimmage since 2016, per Pro Football Focus. The league average among the group is 2.3.
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It's kind of a surprise given that Drake is not a big back (like Chubb) but it does highlight how slippery the young runner is. We'll see how much new OC Chad O'Shea uses Drake in 2019 as he always was underutilized under former head coach Adam Gase. Drake has a current ADP of RB24 (4.11) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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PIT - WR James Washington could surprise
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Pittsburgh Steelers WR James Washington 'will sneak up on people this year,' according to teammate JuJu Smith-Schuster.
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Washington has a skill set that reminds some of former Dolphins wide receiver Chris Chambers because of his wingspan and ball-tracking ability. Behind Smith-Schuster there is a vacuum at the Steelers WR position. Guys like Washington, Donte Moncrief and rookie Diontae Johnson (don't forget Ryan Switzer too) will compete for snaps, time and targets.
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TEN - TE Delanie Walker unsure about start of camp
Source: SI.com - Jenny Vrentas
Updating previous reports, Tennessee Titans TE Delanie Walker (ankle) isn't sure whether he will begin training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list or not, telling The MMQB that he'll 'leave it up to the coaches.' Walker did return to the field during organized team activities and felt good about his progress, according to The MMQB.
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Walker has been working his way back from the ankle injury that cost him most of the 2018 season. He's a long-time veteran who doesn't need to get a ton of work in training camp. The Titans are likely to ease him back once he's ready for action.
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BAL - Third down crucial for QB Lamar Jackson
Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley
Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson ranked 31st in passer rating (76.0) and 32nd in completion rate (55.1 percent) on third downs last season.
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Jackson needs to be a better passer in obvious passing situations. The reports about Jackson this offseason have been lukewarm at best in terms of what he's doing with his arm. We'll have to see if Jackson looks improved as a passer in training camp and the preseason before we get too excited about his prospects. However, with Jackson's elite athleticism there is no denying his upside as a fantasy quarterback. He's a QB2 with upside, and Jackson has a current ADP of QB20 (12.11) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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BUF - RB Frank Gore a welcomed addition
Source: BuffaloBills.com - Nate Mendelson
Buffalo Bills RB LeSean McCoy said he has been 'begging' the front office to sign RB Frank Gore for the last two seasons.
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McCoy got his wish, and it will likely cost him playing time. This offseason, McCoy, Gore and rookie Devin Singletary have all been getting first-team reps. The Bills are going to run the ball early and often, so this is looking like a RBBC -- perhaps even with three backs. That negatively impacts the fantasy value of McCoy. His RB1 days are long gone, so Fantasy GMs look at McCoy now as a low-end RB3 or RB4. His current ADP is RB40 (8.12) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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DET - Darrell Bevell excited about TE room
Source: DetroitLions.com - Tim Twentyman
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said he's excited about the team's options at tight end heading into the 2019 season. 'I think that whole room has been a big upgrade in all ways,' he said. 'From Jesse (James) to T.J. (Hockenson) to Logan (Thomas) ... it's a great group for us to work with to kind of sift through those guys and find out what they're doing well,' said Bevell. 'But that's a talented group. We're really excited about all of those guys.'
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Bevell should be excited about the room as the Lions upgraded the position through free agency (James, Thomas) and the draft (Hockenson). The question is not talent with the Lions tight end group -- it's usage. Will Bevell use his tight ends more? The Lions want to run the ball early and often (Kerryon Johnson, hello!) but they could mix in some play-action passes geared towards getting these tight ends involved. If they do use tight ends more in 2019, things are shaping up to be a TEBC which obviously negatively impacts the fantasy value of guys like James or Hockenson.
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Source: footballgius.com
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Originally Posted by yisman
