Big Week of Fantasy Football Headlines!
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Welcome back! The NFL news cycle is beginning to ramp up, and we’ve got you covered. Let’s dig in:
News & Notes:
The list of NFL players that have chosen to opt-out of the 2020 season has started to grow quickly. Here’s a full list of the players sitting out for each team. The biggest fantasy football name so far is Chiefs RB Damien Williams. How many touchdowns will RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire score now? Notable backups now: DeAndre Washington and Darwin Thompson. Might as well pile a few more logs on this CEH fire.
Tampa Bay RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn expected be the backup RB. RB Ronald Jones to start with RB Dare Ogunbowale handling 3rd downs.
*Update* Just after posting this RB LeSean McCoy reached agreement on a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Quick list of players reported this week to be cleared/ready to play in 2020: RB Derrius Guice, TE Evan Engram, WR Bryan Edwards, and RB Bryce Love. Also, Dolphins coach Brian Flores says rookie QB Tua Tagovailoa passed his physical and will practice without limitations.
49ers and RB Raheem Mostert restructured his contract. There will be no trade nor holdout.
Jets deal Jamal Adams the Seahawks.
According to “sources,” NFLPA has now approved all 32 club Infectious Disease Emergency Response (IDER) plans. All training camps are a go.
Dolphins RB Jordan Howard likes his opportunity in Miami. Wants to be part of the “turnaround.”
Despite holdout speculation, RB Dalvin Cook has reported to training camp.
Rookie WR Jalen Reagor already learning multiple receiver positions in Eagles offense.
Patriots RB Sony Michel (foot) is uncertain for the start of football activities. *RB Damien Harris music*
Chargers GM Tom Telesco expressed excitement for QB Tyrod Taylor entering the season as the front-runner for the starting job.
RB LeSean McCoy has talked “to a couple of teams.”
Theory, Analysis, and Hype Pieces:
Top fantasy football values and fades against ADP.
A quick list of 3 intriguing RB profiles: Miles Sanders, Zack Moss, and David Montgomery.
WR Terry McLaurin received a PFF grade of 86.5, which is the 2nd highest for a rookie WR this decade. Scroll up for a sweet McLaurin hype video to go with this tidbit.
“Stronger, smarter [RB] Ronald Jones poised for breakout season”
In PPR, RB targets are worth 3x more fantasy points than carries.
TE Irv Smith Jr. is dripping with potential.
Great post on /r/fantasyfootball debunking the idea that rookie QBs check down more to RBs and TEs.
PFF has Packers RB A.J. Dillon tied for 1st with Zack Moss as the highest graded rookie RBs just ahead of Jonathan Taylor and Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
For those of you in deep superflex leagues: Ex-NFL coach speculates that QB Marcus Mariota can be the next Rich Gannon for Jon Gruden.
A little reminder that when healthy, QB Carson Wentz is #good. And another one.
Taking a look at some undrafted WR and TE deep dynasty targets.
Film Room: How RB Nick Chubb became a top running back.
An in depth breakdown of the Eagles decision to draft WR Jalen Reagor over WR Justin Jefferson. On the flip side, here’s fun video of the Vikings looking very happy that Jefferson fell to them in the rookie draft.
Matt Waldman’s RSP Boiler Room: Chargers rookie RB Joshua Kelley.
An in depth look at WR Marquise Brown’s offseason transformation: ‘They didn’t see the real Marquise Brown.’
Jay Gruden sounds excited for WR A.J. Green because Joe Burrow “throws an unbelievable deep ball.”
What are the chances of multiple players balling out in the same offense?
Film breakdown: RB David Montgomery “can change the identity of the Bears offense.”
The post-hype sleeper drum beat for WR Curtis Samuel continues.
With WR Alshon Jefferey likely starting on the PUP, WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside is projected to be the starting X receiver.
For the devy leaguers or dynasty players that can never get enough of the future: PFF Big Board: Top 50 Prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Rankings, Mocks, Projections, and Tools:
Sortable 2020 projections via FF Astronauts.
Rookie RB and WR analytical model grades via Blake Hampton.
Handy team data chart showing run % vs pass % in 2018 and 2019.
Some Podcasts I Enjoyed This Week:
Dynasty Blueprint: Dynasty team building with Curtis Patrick. Episode 2.
The Audible: “Preseason watch lists” fantastic series this week where they’ve smashed out 10-20 minute episodes with preseason insights on each NFL team.
Establish The Run: Optimal best ball strategy.
The Dynasty Dude: Players entering make or break seasons.
The Fun Stuff:
The NFL has released its NFL top 100 as voted on by the players. As usual, A lot of players aren’t pleased with their rankings including Keenan Allen who calls out Tyreek Hill, Mike Evans, and Chris Godwin. Evans and Godwin respond. Meanwhile, Julio Jones.
One and a half minutes of QB Matthew Stafford throwing bombs to remind you how fun/exciting he was in 2019. (video)
DK Metcalf workout hype video. For those of you who need a second look at Metcalf jumping out of the gym.
Keenan Allen is about to be suspended for lewd conduct.
“Coronavirus won’t last long.”
Austin Ekeler’s veins have veins.
Coach Ron Rivera wearing unreleased Washington merch.
New Steelers TE Eric Ebron thinks he should be drafted as a top 3 TE in fantasy.
Tom Brady calling Rob Gronkowski Robert may be the funniest thing I’ve seen all week.
Derrick Henry standing next to teammate Dion Lewis.
Tampa Bay Bucs hype video featuring old man Brady.