Let’s take a look at the latest news and notes around fantasy football. To stay up to date on all of the latest fantasy football news, be sure to follow @FantasyProsNFL on Twitter and bookmark the FantasyPros NFL Player News page.
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Patrick Mahomes taking ‘more ownership on offense’ in training camp
Patrick Mahomes is reportedly taking more ownership on offense with all of the new faces this training camp according to TheMMQB.com’s Albert Breer. (Source: Albert Breer on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Mahomes has already started gaining a rapport with newcomers Marquez Valdes-Scantling and JuJu Smith-Schuster in training camp, hooking up with both on some amazing catches. Mahomes has really taken control and worked on integrating his newest receiving weapons. MVS doesn’t have the cheetah speed lost with the trade of Tyreek Hill but he has more than enough to keep defenses honest over the top. JuJu gives Mahomes just about the most reliable short-range target he’s ever had not named Travis Kelce to take advantage of the space defenses like to give Kansas City’s explosive offense underneath. Mahomes knows he will have to make adjustments this season with defenses seemingly developing somewhat of a blueprint to at least slow the offense down at times last season. It is up to Mahomes to find the open receiver and attack defenses more intelligently than in past years when just chucking the ball downfield hoping Hill was open was a reliable option. It is good seeing the $500 million man take ownership of the offense with all the new faces and variables this season because it can only help his already QB1 caliber numbers.
Diontae Johnson signs two-year contract extension
Diontae Johnson and the Steelers have agreed to a 2-year, $36.71M contract extension that includes $27M guaranteed. (Source: Mike Garafolo on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding Diontae Johnson as he enters the 2022 season. The Steelers are bound to implement a more run heavy offense, are yet to name a starter at the quarterback position, and also added a talented rookie wide receiver to the roster in George Pickens. Johnson finished sixth and second in the NFL in targets per game over the past two seasons respectively, but will likely see those numbers decrease due to the aforementioned factors. The fourth-year receiver will still be Pittsburgh’s WR1, but fantasy managers should not expect him to see 10.6 targets per game like he did in 2021. Johnson is currently being drafted as WR14 according to FantasyPros average draft position.
Tony Pollard could see more work as receiver this season
Tony Pollard is expected to see more time as a receiver this season while running routes outside of the simple runningback route tree according to dallascowboys.com’s Patrik Walker. (Source: Patrik Walker on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Dallas wants to utilize Pollard’s talents in the receiving game, lining him up split wide and creating mismatches against opposing defenses. Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore said Pollard “can go vertically and put defenders in tough spots as to how they want to defend him.” Pollard was expected to be involved more in the passing game this season but his role will likely expand due to James Washington (foot) likely to miss 6-10 weeks. Pollard could play receiver enough to gain dual position eligibility and will at a minimum offer huge upside in PPR leagues as with his RB status and possible relatively high target volume.
Marvin Jones Jr listed as starter in Jacksonville
Marvin Jones Jr will start at wide receiver in Jacksonville’s new-look offense this season according to Jaguar Report’s John Shipley. (Source: John Shipley, Jaguars Report)
Fantasy Impact: It has been no secret this off-season that Jones would be the opening week starter but the release of Jacksonville’s depth chart makes it official. Jones will start across from Zay Jones with Christian Kirk in the slot as all three have been taking first-team reps. Laquon Treadwell is the only other Jaguars receiver to take any first-team reps, notably leaving last year’s fantasy lightning Rod, Laviska Shenault Jr noticeably one of the odd men out. Last season for Jacksonville, Jones caught 73 balls for 832 yards and four touchdowns, and with the expected development from second-year quarterback Trevor Lawrence in Doug Pederson’s offense, those numbers should only improve in 2022.
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