Fantasy Football News

Greg Olsen will report to camp

By Joe Paxton   Mon, Jul 24th 10:25pm EDT

Greg Olsen will not hold out as many had feared. Olsen will be reporting to camp to get ready for the season. (Source: NBCSports)

Fantasy Impact: No missed workouts is a good thing for Olsen; who should be a top tight end in 2017.

Lucky Whitehead cut by Cowboys

By Anthony Cervino   Mon, Jul 24th 6:37pm EDT

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport is reporting the Dallas Cowboys released wide receiver Lucky Whitehead on Monday. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Just hours after the news of Whitehead's June arrest blossomed through the media, Dallas cut their kick return ace. Cowboys' brass is clearly trying to send a message to their locker room in the wake of Whitehead's release. This has been the second consecutive offseason in which multiple Cowboys' players that include Ezekiel Elliott and David Irving were in and out of the headlines for off the field issues.

Giovani Bernard expected to be ready for camp

By Anthony Cervino   Mon, Jul 24th 5:45pm EDT

Cincinnati Bengals beat writer Jim Owczarski is reporting running back Giovani Bernard (knee) is expected to be ready for the start of training camp. (Source: Jim Owczarski on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Although Bernard is eight months removed from ACL surgery, he is "surprisingly" expected to be cleared for the start of training camp. Despite the addition of Joe Mixon in the second round of April's draft, Bernard should still maintain his role in the offense as the Bengals' third down back/ primary receiver out of the backfield. Jeremy Hill will likely be the rusher whose playing time is affected by Mixon's presence on early downs.

Tyler Eifert expected to be ready for training camp

By Anthony Cervino   Mon, Jul 24th 5:39pm EDT

Cincinnati Bengals beat writer Jim Owczarski is reporting that "all indications" are that tight end Tyler Eifert (back) will be good to go for the start of training camp. (Source: Jim Owczarski on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Eifert, who underwent back surgery during the early portion of the offseason and missed all of the team's offseason workouts, is expected to be a full go for the start of training camp. Eifert is no stranger to injury. Since his rookie year in 2013, he's missed 27 of a possible 64 career games. However, although he is quite effective in the red zone while on the field -- he's caught 20 career touchdowns -- his injury history is a concern for a player who holds a TE6 ADP.

Jordan Matthews will be limited to begin camp

By Anthony Cervino   Mon, Jul 24th 5:29pm EDT

Philadelphia Eagles beat writer Zach Berman is reporting wide receiver Jordan Matthews (knee) will be limited at the start of training camp as he is still experiencing knee tendinitis. (Source: Zach Berman on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Eagles head coach Doug Pederson told the media that although Matthews is still bothered by his lingering knee tendinitis, he's "not concerned [that] it will stretch into the regular season." Despite the additions of Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith to the roster this offseason, Matthews is still expected to have a significant role in the passing game. Currently, he is slated to open the 2017 season as the team's WR2.

Travis Kelce good to go for camp

By Anthony Cervino   Mon, Jul 24th 5:14pm EDT

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport is reporting Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (shoulder) is medically cleared for training camp. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Kelce, who underwent offseason shoulder surgery early in the offseason, is a full-go for the start of training camp. Coming off of a career year in 2016 in which he accumulated an 85-1,125-4 stat line, which translates to 138.0 fantasy points -- he was the No. 1 scoring tight end in standard formats -- Kelce should be one of the top TEs targeted in upcoming fantasy drafts. However, at his TE2 ADP, I'd pass on Kelce that early in drafts and target players like Hunter Henry and Zach Ertz, who present greater value in the mid-rounds.

Willie Snead signs RFA tender

By Anthony Cervino   Mon, Jul 24th 5:05pm EDT

ESPN's Field Yates is reporting New Orleans Saints wide receiver Willie Snead has signed his ERFA tender.

Fantasy Impact: Snead's one-year deal is worth $615k of fully guaranteed money. The 24-year-old wideout, who is coming off of another solid year in 2016 producing a 72-895-4 stat line, is primed to enter the upcoming season as the Saints' WR2. At his WR37 ADP, he could be one of the steals of fantasy drafts in 2017.

Duke Johnson may be top candidate for Cleveland's slot receiver job

By Mark Leipold   Mon, Jul 24th 3:54pm EDT

Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports that Duke Johnson "is the leading candidate to replace Andrew Hawkins as the No. 1 slot receiver." (Source: Cleveland.com)

Fantasy Impact: Johnson has 177 carries and 114 receptions over his first two seasons in the NFL. Cabot expects Johnson to surpass his average of 57 receptions this season. Cabot also reported that it remained to be seen how Johnson's carry numbers would be impacted. This would indicate that Johnson may be adopting more of a Ty Montgomery or Tyreek Hill type of role as a utility player. Johnson was effective at running the ball over his first two seasons, averaging 4.9 yards per carry, so it's hard to imagine that his carries will go away significantly, but this might put him in line for more touches overall, in line with my previous update. While it's hard to speculate too much before training camp starts (Wednesday for the Browns veterans), I'm definitely buying Johnson at his current ADP of 135.3 in Standard and 106.7 in PPR scoring, according to FantasyPros aggregated ADP data. I'm certainly willing to take his upside in the 12th round of Standard and the 9th round of PPR.

Andrew Luck opens camp on PUP list

By Anthony Cervino   Mon, Jul 24th 1:48pm EDT

Indianapolis Colts beat writer Stephen Holder is reporting quarterback Andrew Luck (shoulder) will open training camp on the PUP list. (Source: Stephen Holder on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Holder is adding that although Luck is entering training camp on the PUP list, he did not suffer a setback and "will be ready" for the start of the 2017 regular season. Per Colts general manager Chris Ballard, Luck, who underwent offseason shoulder surgery, has begun his throwing program. However, he did not put a timetable on the franchise signal caller's full return to football activities. Luck could be activated from the PUP list at any time moving forward.

Latavius Murray opens camp on PUP list

By Anthony Cervino   Mon, Jul 24th 12:05pm EDT

NFL Network's IanRapoport is reporting Minnesota Vikings running back Latavius Murray (ankle) will open training camp on the active/ PUP list. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Rapoport believes Murray is entering camp on the PUP list for "precautionary" reasons. Upon his return, he is expected to compete with Dalvin Cook for the role of the Vikings' RB1 job for the 2017 season. However, if Cook emerges on top, I'd fully expect Murray to assume the role of the team's short yardage/ goal line back.

Teddy Bridgewater starts camp on PUP list

By Justin Grasso   Mon, Jul 24th 11:07am EDT

Vikings quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater is expected to start training camp on the PUP list. Bridgewater suffered a knee injury towards the end of pre-season last year that kept him out for the entire season and the spring. He was able to get some workouts in without a knee brace a few weeks ago but he is very limited. The timetable for his return is currently unknown. (Source: NFL.com)

Fantasy Impact: At this point, fantasy owners should have all of their attention focused on Sam Bradford when it comes to Vikings quarterbacks. The Vikings staff have been very vague when discussing Bridgwater's injury situation. Rumors have gone around that it could take up until half the season until he can finally return. Owners who draft Bradford could stash away Bridgwater as a backup, but it is unlikely he will be a big fantasy contributor this season.

Sammy Watkins not yet '100 percent?'

By Anthony Cervino   Sun, Jul 23rd 7:26am EDT

Buffalo Bills beat writer Jay Skurski is reporting wide receiver Sammy Watkins (foot) "should be close to 100 percent" at the start of training camp. (Source: Jay Skurski on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Watkins, who is coming off of offseason foot surgery, is nearing "100 percent" as training camp approaches, after practicing in a limited capacity at OTAs. From a fantasy football perspective, the 24-year-old wideout is entering a contract year after the Bills declined to pick up his fifth-year option this offseason. Watkins must prove to the team, plus, his fantasy owners, that he can remain healthy and productive moving forward before committing to him long-term. Currently, he holds a WR16 ADP and is falling in fantasy drafts, which is a bargain if he plays up to his capability. However, I'm treading lightly with Watkins entering 2017, unless he falls to somewhere in the back-end of the third round in 12 team leagues.

Jalen Ramsey to open camp on the PUP list

By Anthony Cervino   Sun, Jul 23rd 7:15am EDT

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport is reporting Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back Jalen Ramsey (groin) will open training camp on the active/ PUP list. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Ramsey, who underwent a core muscle surgery earlier in the offseason, will enter camp on the PUP list. The second year corner is a key piece to a Jaguars' defense that began to turn the corner in 2016, finishing the year ranked sixth in the NFL in total defense. Barring a setback, Ramsey should be fine for Week 1.

Dez Bryant misses conditioning workout

By Anthony Cervino   Sun, Jul 23rd 7:09am EDT

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport is reporting Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant "missed his conditioning run" Friday. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The negative offseason headlines continue to brew in Dallas. This time, with Ezekiel Elliott facing a "short suspension," Bryant showed up three hours late to training camp and missed his conditioning run," citing a sinus infection and headaches as his reason for his tardiness. Coming off of a magical 13-3 season in 2016, the Cowboys enter 2017 as serious contenders for the Super Bowl. They must right the ship if they hope to achieve that feat.

Eddie Lacy may not be '100 percent' for start of camp

By Anthony Cervino   Sun, Jul 23rd 7:02am EDT

Seattle Seahawks beat writer Bob Condotta is suggesting running back Eddie Lacy (ankle) may not be "100 percent" for the start of training camp. (Source: Bob Condotta on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Lacy is coming off a season-ending ankle injury that has kept him sidelined through the bulk of Seattle's offseason workouts. Per Condotta, it is "unclear" about whether or not the veteran rusher, who has battled weight and injury issues, will be fully healthy for the start of training camp on July 30. If he is fully recovered, Lacy is expected to have a "significant role" in the offense in 2017. He'll likely partake in a training camp/ preseason battle for the starting job on early downs against another oft-injured rusher, Thomas Rawls. Barring a setback, I fully expect Lacy to emerge as the team's RB1 when Week 1 rolls around with Rawls acting as his handcuff, and C.J. Prosise assuming the role of the third down back/ primary receiver out of the backfield.

Griff Whalen signs with the Baltimore Ravens

By Stacie Rigby   Sat, Jul 22nd 11:11pm EDT

The Baltimore Ravens signed veteran wide receiver Griff Whalen on Friday. This will be Whalen's fifth team since he joined the NFL after signing as an undrafted free agent with the Indianapolis Colts in 2012. He also spent time with the Miami Dolphins, the San Diego Chargers and the New England Patriots in 2016. Whalen only played eight games in 2016 for the Chargers recording two receptions for 22 yards. (Source: Baltimore Ravens)

Fantasy Impact: Whalen played 41 games (three starts) over three seasons and recorded 47 catches for 509 yards and three touchdowns (NFL). The Ravens are deep with starting WRs: Breshad Perriman, Mike Wallace, Jeremy Maclin and Chris Moore. Whalen could be used as a returner, where he has averaged 8.2 yards per punt return and 24.2 yards per kick return.

David Njoku building rapport with QB DeShone Kizer

By Mark Leipold   Sat, Jul 22nd 2:41pm EDT

In the TE positional preview on the official website of the Cleveland Browns, writer Andrew Gribble notes, "At rookie minicamp, Njoku developed a nice rapport with quarterback DeShone Kizer and made a number of big plays." (Source: Cleveland Browns Website)

Fantasy Impact: Njoku is certainly a lock for the roster, and the heavy favorite for the top job at the TE position. TE coach Greg Seamon acknowledged that it is a hard position for rookies to pick up, so Njoku is really a low-end TE2 if anything on the redraft radar. He has immense upside in terms of opportunity, especially as the Browns released last year's top TE Gary Barnidge. Gribble noted in his preview, "Browns tight ends have accounted for 40 percent (14 of 35) of the team's touchdown catches over the past two seasons." This leaves plenty of opportunity for Njoku to step up if he can learn the position quickly. Expectations should be tempered, though, as it's really rare for TEs to be good fantasy players as rookies. Njoku should be the best bet of the rookie TEs, and is an excellent Dynasty prospect along with fellow rookies OJ Howard and Evan Engram. Both Howard and Engram have more competition for targets, though. If Njoku shines in training camp against the veterans, he is worth a look in redraft, but probably not until then. It's also a good sign for the long term that Njoku is getting extra work with fellow rookie Kizer, who may get starts this year and beyond. Njoku is typically going as a late first round pick in Dynasty rookie drafts, around Evan Engram and after OJ Howard.

Michael Campanaro is placed on PUP list

By Stacie Rigby   Sat, Jul 22nd 3:21am EDT

Baltimore Ravens veteran wide receiver Michael Campanaro was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list on Friday. He suffered a toe injury last May during the OTAs. He has also suffered back, hamstring and calf injuries in three NFL seasons. (Source: Baltimore Ravens)

Fantasy Impact: Campanaro has only played 11 games and recorded 12 receptions for 137 yards and one touchdown since he was signed back in 2014. A very injury-prone player that has shown flashes of speed on catches but has never played a full season. Ravens have a tight starting WR group so he will basically be used as a reserve WR and he is in line for the kicker returner and starting punter position.

ESPN's Dan Graziano is reporting free agent wide receiver Anquan Boldin will visit with the Buffalo Bills Monday. (Source: Dan Graziano on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Per reports, Boldin has a visit lined up with the Bills Monday. Although the 36-year-old wideout remains a free agent, he is fully expected to sign with a club and play out the 2017 season. Depending on his landing spot, he could be worth a late round flier in upcoming fantasy drafts.

Cam Newton expected to be ready for camp

By Anthony Cervino   Fri, Jul 21st 2:24pm EDT

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport is reporting Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (shoulder) is "throwing with his teammates in Baltimore this week." (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Newton, who underwent offseason shoulder surgery, is "expected to be ready when camp begins next week," per Rapoport. Reports are suggesting the 28-year-old signal caller should be at, or close to "100 percent" by that time. Newton will attempt to bounce back from a poor 2016 season in which he produced career low numbers in completion percentage (52.9), rushing attempts (90) and yards rushing (359) while matching a career low mark in rushing touchdowns (five).