Fantasy Football News

Jamison Crowder to garner expanded role in 2017?

By Anthony Cervino   Mon, Jun 26th 8:21am EDT

Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden is suggesting to the media wide receiver Jamison Crowder could see an expanded role in 2017. "I've said all along Jamison can play anywhere," Gruden said via The Washington Post. "He can play outside, inside. He can play running back probably if he wanted to. So we'll utilize Jamison and try to get him more involved, not just in the passing game and the running game." (Source: Washington Post)

Fantasy Impact: After the Redskins allowed Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson to depart via free agency this offseason, the door is open for Crowder to emerge as Washington's top wideout in 2017. Despite adding Terrelle Pryor and seeing the likely the return of second-year receiver Josh Doctson to full health for the first time in his pro career, Crowder remains the favorite to lead the Redskins in receiving. Primarily a slot WR, Crowder is an explosive and dynamic weapon that Kirk Cousins has frequently leaned on as his safety blanket, which is expected to continue moving forward. Coming off of a career year in 2016 in which he accumulated a 67-847-7 stat line while averaging 12.7 YPC, Crowder should be viewed a budding star who could be a steal in fantasy drafts at his #74 overall ADP.

Paxton Lynch 'making a push' for starting job in Denver

By Anthony Cervino   Mon, Jun 26th 7:50am EDT

Denver Broncos beat writer Mike Klis believes Paxton Lynch is "making a push" for the starting quarterback job in 2017. (Source: 9 News Denve)

Fantasy Impact: It appears Lynch is gaining ground on Trevor Siemian, the early favorite to emerge as Denver's starting QB for the 2017 season. Klis is suggesting that Lynch, who struggled throughout his tenure in Denver, "flipped a switch" during the final week of OTAs and is beginning to put it all together. "His switch was flipped. He started to get it," Klis said via 9 News Denver. "He started to play as if he was doing just that – playing. Playing and not thinking about his protections and hot reads and coverages and delivering the ball on time." Entering the training camp portion of the offseason, which begins in late July, Lynch is fully expected to compete with Siemian for the top spot on the depth chart and could ultimately beat him out if he showcases more consistency. I wouldn't expect the Broncos to name their starting quarterback until the conclusion of the preseason.

Todd Gurley hopes to limit missed opportunites

By Andrew Liptock   Sun, Jun 25th 7:29pm EDT

Rams running backs coach Skip Peete says that last season, Todd Gurley sometimes ran away from the play-call. (Source: ESPN)

Fantasy Impact: Even if that were the case, 68.5% of Gurley's yards came after contact. Add that to the fact that his good-blocking-yards-per-attempt, a statistic calculated by ESPN NFL Insider K.C. Joyner, went from the best in the league in 2015 to the seventh-worst in 2016. Numbers say that with better offensive line play, Gurley has all of the tools to succeed, and with the addition of Andrew Whitworth and the departure of Greg Robinson, he should be in line for a bounce back season. Gurley should end up somewhere in-between his fantastic 2015 and disastrous 2016.

Greg Olsen to hold out of training camp?

By Anthony Cervino   Sun, Jun 25th 3:21pm EDT

Carolina Panthers beat writer Joseph Person believes the threat of tight end Greg Olsen holding out "bears watching" moving forward. "Greg Olsen’s desire for a new contract is not a media creation," Person said via the Charlotte Observer. "Olsen wants to be paid at a level commensurate with his production and could make things uncomfortable with the threat of a training camp holdout. I don’t think it will come to that, but the situation bears watching." (Source: Charlotte Observer on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Olsen has been one of the most productive tight ends in the NFL since entering the league in 2007. However, it wasn't until 2012, his second year in Carolina, at which he emerged as one of the league's top players at his position. After compiling three consecutive seasons of at least 77 receptions, 1,008 yards and three touchdowns, the 32-year-old, who still has two years remaining on his current contract, believes he is in line for a new deal that will pay him as an elite TE. Although he is not slated to hit the open market until the 2019 season, the Panthers could ultimately extend Olsen sooner rather than later and finally put the murmurs of their top receiving threat holding out to bed. Olsen is a top five fantasy TE entering the 2017 season.

Tajae Sharpe not guaranteed a roster spot

By Sam Waldorf   Sat, Jun 24th 1:48pm EDT

A year after being the Titans' second leading receiver, with 522 receiving yards and two touchdowns, Tajae Sharpe will "have a chance," to make the team this year said Head Coach Mike Mularkey. (Source: Nashville Tennessean)

Fantasy Impact: Sharpe has declined to speak to reporters since being accused of assault in May, and he also is two weeks removed from surgery on his right foot to repair a stress fracture. Sharpe was already the odd man out in the Titans receiving corps, after the team added two receivers in the first three rounds of the 2017 NFL draft and also recently signed Eric Decker to a one-year deal. Sharpe should not be touched by any fantasy owners, except in extremely deep leagues.

Thomas Rawls, Eddie Lacy to split workload?

By Anthony Cervino   Sat, Jun 24th 7:44am EDT

Seattle Seahawks beat reporter Bob Condotta believes running backs Eddie Lacy and Thomas Rawls will "take a fairly equal share of the base down carries" in 2017. (Source: The Seattle Times)

Fantasy Impact: Since Marshawn Lynch retired following the 2015 season -- he recently un-retired and was acquired by the Oakland Raiders -- the Seahawks' backfield has been a volatile unit. Entering 2017, expect very much of the same. Although they signed Lacy as a free agent this offseason, Rawls, a similar style back, remains in the mix for carries and could split the early-down workload with the former. For the third down role/ primary receiver out of the backfield, expect that role to be handled by C.J. Prosise, who showed promise last season before being lost to injury. From a fantasy football perspective, Lacy should be the first RB coming off draft boards in upcoming fantasy drafts, but be sure to handcuff him with Rawls as neither one of them could be trusted to remain healthy or produce on a consistent basis. As for Prosise, he should be targeted around Round 10 or later, but should garner greater value in PPR scoring formats.

Matt Forte to be Jets' lead back?

By Anthony Cervino   Sat, Jun 24th 7:23am EDT

New York Jets beat writer Connor Hughes believes running back Matt Forte will be the team's "offensive workhorse" in 2017. (Source: NJ.com)

Fantasy Impact: With the Jets heading into a rebuilding year in 2017 -- they moved on from a plethora of players over the age of 30 this offseason -- it comes to a surprise that Hughes believes Forte will lead their backfield. Throughout the offseason, most experts, including myself, think Bilal Powell will continue to lead the duo in touches and total yards as he had at the tail end of the 2016 campaign. From a fantasy football perspective, Powell has been the first Jets' rusher coming off the board in mock drafts, while Forte is going a handful of rounds later. However, even if Forte opens the upcoming season as the starter, I'd still expect Powell to supersede him sooner rather than later.

Josh Reynolds signs deal with Rams

By Andrew Liptock   Thu, Jun 22nd 1:10pm EDT

Along with four others, the Rams locked up 4th-round WR Josh Reynolds on Wednesday. (Source: LA Rams on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: While the Rams have plenty of slot-type receivers, they have lacked a quality #1 for a long time. Robert Woods is best suited for the flanker role, so besides Reynolds, the only other prototypical X receiver on the roster is 2016 6th-round pick Mike Thomas. Reynolds should be drafted in all dynasty leagues and could contribute sooner rather than later in a weak LA receiving group.

Markus Wheaton currently the favorite to win the WR3 job in Chicago

By Adam Nessel   Thu, Jun 22nd 12:38pm EDT

The WR3 starting position is up for grabs in Chicago, and it seems like Markus Wheaton is ahead of Victor Cruz and Kendall Wright. (Source: Chicago Tribune)

Fantasy Impact: The fantasy appeal for Markus Wheaton is non-existent at this point, but it is worth noting that he will most likely be on the field in three-receiver sets for the Bears. Wheaton is a field stretcher, as noted by his 4.45 40-yard dash time at the 2013 combine. He has a chance to make a few big plays here and there, but it is hard to imagine a situation where this Bears offense makes a third WR fantasy-relevant. Wheaton becomes a little intriguing in fantasy if Kevin White continues to be plagued with injuries.

Derek Carr inks long-term deal

By Anthony Cervino   Thu, Jun 22nd 10:14am EDT

ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting the Oakland Raiders and quarterback Derek Carr have agreed to a five-year deal worth $125 million on Thursday. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The Raiders made Carr the highest-paid player in NFL history Thursday with his five-year, $125 million extension. The 26-year-old signal caller, who is entering his fourth year in the NFL, appears primed for his breakout season in 2017 and could be one of fantasy football's studs at his position. Carr should be viewed a mid-range QB1 with top five upside amongst quarterbacks.

Eric Decker's deal worth $3.85 million

By Sam Waldorf   Thu, Jun 22nd 7:30am EDT

Eric Decker's one-year contract with the Tennessee Titans has a base salary of $1.35 million, a $2.5 million signing bonus, and $1.5 million available via incentives. (Source: Tom Pelissero on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: This is a pay cut for Decker, who was scheduled to make $6.5 million before being released by the New York Jets. But the pay cut may be well worth it, as Decker lands in a city with a better QB and a better chance to win. If Decker stays healthy this season, and produces like he is has in the past, he could be a viable WR2 and lead the Titans in receptions and receiving touchdowns.

Jeremy Maclin played hurt in 2016

By Richard King   Wed, Jun 21st 10:59am EDT

Jeremy Maclin played the majority of last year with a torn groin (Source: The Kansas City Star)

Fantasy Impact: After leaving Kansas City for Baltimore in the offseason the loss of pace that was reported could be related more to the injury he was playing through, rather than getting older. While it is still very early in the offseason, the outlook of Maclin's draft pedigree is going to be reliant on his ability to get down the field and the strength in his groin.

Corey Coleman not charged in alleged Dec. 31 assault

By Anthony Cervino   Wed, Jun 21st 9:18am EDT

Cleveland Browns beat writer Nate Ulrich is reporting wide receiver Corey Coleman was not charged by Cuyahoga County Court in an alleged assault hearing stemming from December 31, 2016. (Source: Ohio.com)

Fantasy Impact: Although Coleman was not charged, the other parties involved that include his brother, Jonathan, and associate, Jared Floyd were both indicted on one count of felonious assault on Adam Sapp last New Years Eve. However, per the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office, the "matter remains under investigation," which means Coleman is not completely in the clear yet. Currently, Coleman is not expected to receive any disciplinary action from the NFL.

Devonta Freeman, Falcons nearing an extension?

By Anthony Cervino   Wed, Jun 21st 9:01am EDT

ESPN's Dianna Russini is reporting the Atlanta Falcons are "confident they'll have a deal done" with running back Devonta Freeman "by the first week of training camp." (Source: Dianna Russini on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: It appears the Falcons and Freeman are close to agreeing to terms on a new long-term contract extension. Per reports, the Falcons are "confident" that it will get done by the first week of July's training camp. Freeman, who would enter his walk year if a new deal is not agreed upon, is currently slated to earn $1.838 million in 2017 and is vastly underpaid compared to his production since becoming Atlanta's featured back in 2015. Freeman has accumulated at least 1,541 total yards and 13 touchdowns in each of the past two seasons.

DeShone Kizer gains ground on Cody Kessler

By Michael Trivisonno   Tue, Jun 20th 7:50pm EDT

The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot reports Browns second-round QB DeShone Kizer "has considerably narrowed the gap" to Cody Kessler. (Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer)

Fantasy Impact: The rookie will push hard for the starting job in training camp. QBs coach David Lee bluntly said Kizer is "not ready to play" last week, so he clearly still has work to do. Kessler is still the slight favorite to open Week 1 as the starter, but his spot atop the depth chart is precarious at best. Kizer can have a chance to really make an impact year one if he shows enough in training camp.

Nelson Agholor impresses in minicamp

By Mike Maher   Tue, Jun 20th 2:58pm EDT

Nelson Agholor has drawn rave reviews from Eagles Head Coach Doug Pederson after the final minicamp of the offseason. Practicing in the slot for the injured Jordan Matthews, Doug Pederson said, "“I’ll tell you, he’s been explosive in there," per Matt Mullin of PhillyVoice.com. "He’s made some big plays for us in there this spring. And his confidence level is high right now. I’m excited to see him grow in that position, and it’s been valuable for him.” (Source: Matt Mullin, PhillyVoice)

Fantasy Impact: A first round pick in 2015, Agholor has been a bust of epic proportions, even getting deactivated on game day some weeks. His contract all but assures him a spot on Philadelphia's 53-man roster, but if he doesn't impress in 2017 this will be his last season with the team. A strong showing in minicamp is finally a step in the right direction for the young wide receiver.

Marquess Wilson signs with Jets

By Anthony Cervino   Tue, Jun 20th 1:11pm EDT

ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting the New York Jets have agreed to terms with free-agent wide receiver Marquess Wilson. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Wilson, who spent the first four years of his career in Chicago, signed with the Jets Tuesday. The 24-year-old wideout could carve out a role on a Jets offense that is desperate for veteran leadership outside of Josh McCown, Matt Forte and Bilal Powell. If Wilson could remain healthy -- he's only appeared in 30 of a possible 64 career games -- he could enter the 2017 season as New York's WR3 but will hold minimal fantasy value, if any at all.

Pro Football Talk is reporting free agent wide receiver Anquan Boldin is expected to wait until "right before" training camp to sign with a team. "For me, training camp is a necessary evil," Boldin said Monday. "I think that’s the only way you can get prepared for a season. So I prefer to sign right before training camp to make sure I get in, learn the new system, learn my teammates, get all the mistakes out of the way, get hit a couple times to make sure that when that first game comes I feel fully prepared.” (Source: Pro Football Talk)

Fantasy Impact: Boldin, 36, intends to play his 15th NFL season in 2017 -- he is expected to sign with a team prior to the start of training camp in late July. However, the question remains, who will he sign with? Although reports suggest that he'd prefer to "stay close to home" in Florida, the veteran wideout will likely play for a team that best fits his skill set, especially if they are a championship contender. Coming off of a 67-584-8 season in 2016, Boldin could certainly help a club with a need at wide receiver, likely assuming a lesser role as a WR3.

D'Onta Foreman signs rookie deal

By Anthony Cervino   Mon, Jun 19th 9:45am EDT

The Houston Texans and running back D'Onta Foreman have agreed to terms on a four-year deal. (Source: John McClain on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Foreman signed his rookie deal with the Texans Saturday. The freshman rusher is expected to open the 2017 season as Lamar Miller's primary backup, a role previously held by Alfred Blue. Barring an injury to Miller, Foreman should not garner very much, if any, fantasy value at the start of the upcoming campaign.

Mike Williams to return for training camp?

By Anthony Cervino   Mon, Jun 19th 9:40am EDT

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn "hopes" wide receiver Mike Williams will be ready for the start of training camp. (Source: ESPN)

Fantasy Impact: Williams is dealing with a mild disc herniation which he sustained during his first practice of rookie minicamp and has been sidelined since. The rookie wideout is already falling behind the rest of the team and would be a dire setback if he is unable to return at the start of training camp in late July. Currently, Williams' fantasy outlook is up in the air since his role and injury situation is in question.