Fantasy Football News

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.

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).

Ezekiel Elliott investigation by the NFL coming to a close

By Anthony Cervino   Fri, Jul 21st 1:33pm EDT

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero is reporting the NFL is "wrapping up" their investigation on Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott. "The investigatory part of the process is nearing completion, sources say, and the league has shared its findings with the NFLPA, Elliott and his representatives," Pelissero said via NFL.com. "It remains unclear whether Elliott will be suspended or otherwise disciplined. The report the NFL sent to the NFLPA made no recommendation one way or another on potential discipline, according to two people who have seen it." (Source: NFL.com)

Fantasy Impact: Although the league's investigation on Elliott is "coming to a close," there is still uncertainty about whether or not the second year rusher will be suspended. Last week, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Elliott is facing a "short suspension," which could mean one or two games. From a fantasy football perspective, if Elliott is indeed suspended, his ADP could fall, depending on the length of his potential ban.

Adam Shaheen expected to have an immediate impact for the Bears

By Adam Nessel   Fri, Jul 21st 12:42pm EDT

With Zach Miller on the bubble of making the Chicago Bears roster this season, rookie TE Adam Shaheen is expected to be a contributor early on. (Source: Chicago Tribune)

Fantasy Impact: The fact that Chicago Bears GM Adam Pace took him in the 2nd round of this year's draft means Adam Shaheen is in line to get opportunities early in the season. While there might be a big learning curve coming from Division II competition, Shaheen has the size (6'6', 277 lbs.) to be an advantage in the middle of the field as well as a primary target in the red zone. If Shaheen can find a good connection with QB Mike Glennon, he could find himself with the most red zone targets amongst all Bears pass catchers. There is some deep league intrigue here for Shaheen.

Patrick Mahomes inks rookie deal

By Anthony Cervino   Fri, Jul 21st 6:25am EDT

The Kansas City Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes have agreed to terms on a four-year deal Thursday. (Source: Terez Paylor on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Mahomes signed his rookie deal with the Chiefs Thursday. The 10th overall pick in April's draft is expected to open the 2017 season as Alex Smith's primary backup. He'll likely sit out the year and be groomed to start in 2018.

Keenan Allen looks 'good' entering training camp

By Anthony Cervino   Fri, Jul 21st 6:22am EDT

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is suggesting wide receiver Keenen Allen (knee) "looks as good as he did before he got hurt." (Source: Pro Football Talk)

Fantasy Impact: Allen is returning from a torn ACL he suffered early in Week 1 of the 2016 season. The oft-injured 25-year-old wideout, who missed 26 career games since 2013, must prove he can remain healthy and return to the high-level of play he's showcased while on the field. If Allen can play close to a full 16-game slate, he has the ability to produce back end WR1 numbers.

Dan Orlovsky signs with Rams

By Anthony Cervino   Thu, Jul 20th 4:37pm EDT

ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting free agent quarterback Dan Orlovsky has signed with the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Orlovsky will join the Rams as their third quarterback on the roster heading into training camp. He'll likely compete with Sean Mannion for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart behind presumed starter Jared Goff. Orlovsky hasn't appeared in an NFL game since the 2015 season as a member of the Lions.

Trai Turner signed a four-year extension with Panthers

By Sean Fitzpatrick   Thu, Jul 20th 3:55pm EDT

Trai Turner just a solid extension from the Panthers in the amount of $45 million over the next four seasons which includes $20.3 million guaranteed. Turner has reached back-to-back Pro Bowls so the guard deserved it. (Source: Trai Turner on Twittter)

Fantasy Impact: Turner had a down season last year but is one of the more sure bets on Carolina's offensive line. His solid play bodes well for Cam Newton and Jonathan Stewart in fantasy this season.

ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting free agent running back Chris Johnson has re-signed with the Arizona Cardinals on a one-year deal Thursday. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Johnson will join the Cardinals for the third consecutive year in 2017. The 31-year-old running back, who only played in four games last season after being placed on IR with a groin injury, will likely assume the role of David Johnson's primary backup. He'll have minimal fantasy value while David Johnson is healthy.

Matthew Stafford could receive extension in the coming weeks

By Anthony Cervino   Thu, Jul 20th 1:09pm EDT

NFL Network's Stacey Dales is reporting Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford could receive a contract extension within the coming weeks. (Source: NFL Total Access)

Fantasy Impact: Dales is adding that the No. 1 priority for the Lions is re-signing Stafford, their franchise signal caller. "There is internal optimism that they are going to get something done within the next two weeks," Dales said via Total Access. Although Stafford dons a winless, 0-3 record in the postseason, the Lions are confident that he can eventually get the team over the hump. I don't expect Stafford to reach the open market in 2018. In the wake of Derek Carr's recent extension, Stafford could command somewhere in between the range of $24-to-$26 million per year.

Jaylon Smith to practice 'every other day' at camp

By Anthony Cervino   Thu, Jul 20th 12:54pm EDT

Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett told the media linebacker Jaylon Smith (knee) will continue to practice "every other day" as he did for the duration of the offseason. (Source: Pro Football Talk)

Fantasy Impact: Smith reported to training camp Wednesday with the 2017 rookie class so he could get a head start on the remaining veterans, who will report Monday, after missing his entire rookie year last season rehabbing the knee injury suffered at Notre Dame. Although Smith's nerve has yet to fully regenerate, he is still expected to be a full go for the start of the upcoming season barring a setback.

Jamaal Williams to open camp as Packers RB2

By Anthony Cervino   Thu, Jul 20th 12:46pm EDT

Green Bay Packers beat reporter Jason Wilde believes Jamaal Williams will open training camp as the team's RB2. (Source: Jason WIlde on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: In Wilde's positional breakdown via the Wisconsin State Journal, he has Ty Montgomery listed as the starter, with Williams and Aaron Jones slated as the No. 2 and No. 3 rushers on the depth chart. Barring injury, Montgomery is all but a lock to enter the 2017 season as Green Bay's RB1, but Williams and Jones, both rookies, are expected to partake in a training camp/ preseason battle to see who will emerge as the RB2. Williams versus Gren is one of the more intriguing position battles around the NFL entering the final portion of the offseason as whoever comes out on top could have a significant regular season role behind Montgomery.

Kenny Britt coming off the best season of his career

By Mark Leipold   Thu, Jul 20th 8:33am EDT

Kenny Britt is coming off the best season of his career (68 receptions, 1,002 yards, and five touchdowns), and after dealing with a minor injury through OTAs, is ready for training camp, which starts in one week. (Source: Cleveland Browns Website)

Fantasy Impact: Britt is currently being drafted at #117 (Pick 10.09), which is 16 slots behind fellow Browns WR Corey Coleman. Britt figures to be the primary target, and may become a security blanket for whichever QB wins the starting job. Britt is being overlooked as the potential WR1 on his team, and is a good value at this current ADP, and should see plenty of volume to have a safe floor, especially in PPR formats. Britt could well be a starting WR3 or Flex option on your fantasy team, but Coleman has more upside if you're looking for a higher ceiling. Coleman is also a better dart throw late in "Best Ball" draft formats.