Hyde impresses in first preseason game
Preseason football is well and alive and there have been some exciting and not so exciting news coming out after the games. Only so much can be taken away from the first week of preseason football, but there is no denying that there is something worth taking note of.
With that said, here are some of the top news stories that have happened recently.
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Hyde impresses in first preseason game
Carlos Hyde started last night for the 49ers. He finished with 5 rushes for 39 yards. He looked impressive running the ball as well as picking up blitzes.
Fantasy Impact: Hyde looked really good when on the field, he could be a legit RB1 if anything were to happen to Frank Gore. If you draft Gore, Hyde is a must add as a handcuff.
“Boom” Herron shines in preseason opener
Dan Herron tallied 62 yards on 13 carries in relief of Trent Richardson. With Ahmad Bradshaw out and T-Rich only playing briefly, Herron capitalized on his opportunity. Head Coach Chuck Pagano was impressed with the outing, saying “We always talk about you play like you practice, and he’s been doing great. He’s been having a great camp and you could see the results tonight in what he did on the football field.” (Colts.com)
Fantasy Impact: Herron has solidified his position as the third back on the Colts depth chart. He could see considerable playing time in the event of an injury to either Richardson or Bradshaw. Herron is currently little more than an RB4 unless his role in the offense increases. While I recommend drafting him as a handcuff, I wouldn’t draft him under ordinary circumstances.
James White struggles for traction in preseason opener
The rookie training-camp star carried the ball four times for 9 yards against the Redskins. He also returned a kick for 19 yards.
Fantasy Impact: White came off the bench for starter Stevan Ridley, and shared the backfield with Shane Vereen on a third down. While White wasn’t able to get anything started in his first preseason appearance, he didn’t do anything to hurt his cause. The versatile young RB remains a potential value pick with his #168/RB61 ADP.
Spiller shows more against Carolina
After a nondescript preseason opener last week, C.J. Spiller rushed for 22 yards on three carries Friday night. He had a 14-yard run and also caught one pass for three yards.
Fantasy Impact: Give Spiller some room, and he’ll break a few. He got taken out near the goal line, so that limits his upside a bit, but he’s a worthy RB2 on par with Gio Bernard. His skill set is limited, but his talent in that skill set is elite. The coaches just need to set him free from between the tackles.
Bates continues to stand out at Seahawks camp
Phil Bates has continued to impress Pete Carroll, Russell Wilson and numerous observers throughout the first 10 days of camp. Bob Condotta writes that Bates may be the “Seahawks’ next breakout receiving star.” (SeattleTimes.com)
Fantasy Impact: A couple of weeks ago, Bate’s chances of earning a roster spot with the defending champs seemed rather slim. Since then, veteran Sidney Rice retired and promising rookie Kevin Norwood has struggled with a lingering foot injury that could result in a trip to IR. This has opened the door for Bates, who appears to kicking it in on his own. The largest WR in Seahawks camp, Bates could end up seeing some red-zone work as he continues to develop, especially since Seattle had to put TE Anthony McCoy on IR last week. Dynasty owners that had an eye on Norwood may want to turn their attention to Bates instead.
Manuel looks better in second game
E.J. Manuel went 9-13 for 96 yards Friday night against Carolina, completing his first seven passes after going 2-7 last Sunday night. He had nice strikes of 32 yards to Chris Hogan and 28 to Mike Williams.
Fantasy Impact: Manuel needs to show some consistency to earn some fantasy consideration, but this was a good night for him. He looked decisive and aggressive.
Cam Newton still feeling a “thump” in his ankle
Cam Newton is still having some lingering pain in his surgically repaired ankle. (Charlotte Observer)
Fantasy Impact: Cam Newton described his ankle pain as such: “It’s like a thump from your mom when you said something that you weren’t supposed to,” adding, “She’ll thump you dead in your ear or on your head. It’ll hurt for that little second but it’ll go away after 2-3 minutes. It’s a reminder that, hey, you better check yourself.” Cam’s ankle isn’t too concerning this early in the year and as a precaution, he will not play when the Panthers take on the Bills in their preseason opener. Newton has been a top 5 fantasy QB in each of his three years in the NFL and is being drafted in the middle of the 7th round as QB10. He could certainly be one of the best QB value picks this season.
Patterson looks like No. 1 option on Friday night
The second-year man caught three of four targets thrown his way for 38 yards. He did that with both Teddy Bridgewater and Matt Cassel under center in the first half.
Fantasy Impact: Patterson is currently ranked No. 49 overall and No. 20 at his position and rightfully so. He’s ready to break out. With Greg Jennings likely landing the spot opposite and Kyle Rudolph manning the middle of the field, Patterson could attack deep often. If he can improve his route running he could be a nice WR2 this season
Robinson looks sharp in preseason opener
Redskins WR Aldrick Robinson hauled in three passes for 45 yards and a score on Thursday night against the Patriots. Robinson has always had the deep speed, but if his hands improve and his routes are crisp he has breakout potential.
Fantasy Impact: Robinson showed great timing with QB Kirk Cousins on an inside slant for his score. Perhaps more importantly his hands were sure. It will be hard to earn playing time if those in front of him stay healthy, but his progress in the preseason is worth a closer look.
Forbath displays inaccuracy against NE
Not only did Kai Forbath kick the ball out of bounds on a kickoff, but he also did not have enough leg on a 46-yard field goal kick. We should note that Forbath did originally miss another field goal, but it didn’t count due to a delay of game penalty. Forbath then nailed the 39 yarder on the next play.
Fantasy Impact: Missing the uprights is one thing, but it’s never a good look when you miss the field. Forbath’s competitor, Zach Hocker, was two for two on his field goals. If you already drafted Forbath you might want to consider dropping him for Hocker. Things are not looking good for Forbath’s future with the Redskins right now.
Steelers expecting big things from Worilds
After 3½ seasons of bouncing around on special teams, the injured list, and occasionally at outside linebacker, Jason Worilds burst into the Steelers defense in the second half of last season. As the Steelers end two weeks of training camp and prepare for their first preseason game Saturday night at the New York Giants, he has given every indication he is ready to resume that kind of play in 2014. (Pitt Post-Gazette)
Fantasy Impact: Worilds has been a monster in these first two weeks, has avoided any nagging injuries and has a job he finally can call his own at left outside linebacker. If anyone knows defense and defensive players, it’s the Steelers. To say the Steelers have faith in him is an understatement as they gave him a new contract that will pay him more than 9.7 million dollars more than any other player on the defense. 7 of his team high 8 sacks last year came during an 8 game stretch when he started each game. His Expert’s Consensus Ranking (ECR) is listed at 43, which could be low. With the speedster Shazier plugging the holes in the middle, this should allow Worilds the freedom to rush the passer with a little more regularity and increasing his sack total from last year. Consider Worilds a LB3 on your team with the upside to record double digit sacks this year.
Flacco renaissance in the making?
NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport believes Joe Flacco has undergone a “technical and fundamental transformation.” He also reports that Flacco is getting the ball out quicker in camp, and is primed for a bounce back season. (NFL.com)
Fantasy Impact: Flacco had arguably his worst professional season last year, with more sacks and interceptions than he’s ever had. An upgraded supporting cast, including a healthy Dennis Pitta and the newly acquired Steve Smith, should aid in his efforts to bounce back. He’s not a fantasy relevant quarterback option yet, but keep an eye on the offense the first half of the season.
Stafford yet to throw INT in practice
Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has looked impressive in camp, and he’s yet to throw even one interception. (Detroit Free Press)
Fantasy Impact: After tossing a four-year high 19 picks last season, with 11 of them across the final six games, Lombardi has made it a point to get Stafford under control. If he can remain under control, Stafford is practically a lock for a top five finish in fantasy.
Richardson impressive in pro debut
Rookie WR Paul Richardson caught 4 passes on 5 targets for 37 yards as the Seahawks lost their Super Bowl rematch 21-16.
Fantasy Impact: Generally thought of as a deep threat, Richardson showed off the route running ability and separation against Denver that led the Seahawks to use their first pick on the young receiver this past May. If Richardson continues to show that he is more than just a home run threat, he could force his way onto the field sooner rather than later. It wouldn’t be shocking to see Richardson line up in 3 receiver sets this season, as he seems to be a more talented and explosive receiver than Jermaine Kearse. His stock should continue to rise amongst dynasty owners as he sees more action this preseason.
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