Fantasy Football News

Miami Dolphins rookie WR Jaylen Waddle has reportedly been flashing as an outside wide receiver during training camp, per Lindsay Jones. (Source: Lindsay Jones of The Athletic)

Fantasy Impact: Waddle was the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and has looked effective in jet sweeps and screens. However, the former University of Alabama wideout is still recovering from an ankle injury he suffered early on during his final collegiate season. He managed to haul in 25 receptions for 557 yards and four touchdowns across four games. With the notorious injury history of DeVante Parker and Will Fuller V already flaring up in training camp, Waddle's current rank as the WR47 is an incredible late-round value to seize on. Factor in his previous continuity with Dolphins' second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and Waddle could be a late-round gem that finishes as a WR3 in 2021.

Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford (thumb) logged his first full padded practice with his new team on Tuesday after suffering a thumb contusion on Monday, per Jourdan Rodrigue. (Source: Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic)

Fantasy Impact: Stafford hit his surgically repaired right thumb on a helmet during a throw Monday, which left a sizable contusion but avoided tears, fractures, or breaks. The 33-year old gunslinger enters his 13th year in the league on a new team that could elevate his stock significantly in fantasy drafts, thanks to an upgraded offensive line and wide receiving corps. Stafford completed two touchdown passes during Tuesday's practice, delivering a back corner end zone throw to Cooper Kupp and another deep touchdown pass to newly acquired speedster DeSean Jackson. Stafford is currently being valued as the QB12 in half-PPR formats and could go berserk in Sean McVay's pass-centric offense in 2021, making him a great value in the seventh and eighth rounds of fantasy drafts.

Chicago Bears RB Damien Williams has reportedly been impressive as a receiver on passing downs during training camp, per Patrick Finley. (Source: Patrick Finley on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Williams didn't play in 2020 but is in line to earn the third-down pass-catching role for Chicago based on the ability he's shown to create mismatches in the passing game during Bears' training camp. Williams scored two touchdowns, including a receiving touchdown, during the Chiefs' comeback win against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV. He also averaged 6.12 YPC on 17 attempts, proving he is just as elusive when given the primary ball-carrier role. Williams is valued as the RB63 in half-PPR formats and will likely be available on fantasy waiver wires to begin the season. Using a late-round selection in fantasy drafts on Williams could prove useful for trade fodder or bench depth as the 2021 season progresses.

Chicago Bears QB Andy Dalton is still on track to be the Week 1 starter against the Los Angeles Rams, per Patrick Finley. (Source: Patrick Finley on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Dalton has reportedly been the most consistent quarterback not only during the Bears' training camp but in recent memory. The 33-year veteran quarterback had three Pro-Bowl seasons in Cincinnati and was decent amidst injuries for the Cowboys in 2020, throwing 14 touchdowns and eight interceptions for 2,170 yards and a 4-5 record as the starter. Expect Chicago to let rookie quarterback Justin Fields develop behind Dalton until he consistently struggles or an injury occurs. While unpopular, Dalton could be a viable early-season streaming option at quarterback, as he is valued extremely low as the QB37 in half-PPR formats.

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Dwayne Haskins has reportedly 'been surprisingly good' during training camp, per Mark Kaboly. (Source: Mark Kaboly of The Athletic)

Fantasy Impact: Haskins has impressed during Steelers training camp, particularly during a two-minute drill that saw him go 4-of-6 for 67 yards to convert a 25-yard passing touchdown. This was the second time in a five-day span where Haskins looked good during the two-minute drill, which simulates the pressure of a game-tying or game-winning drive. Haskins has been committed to developing his game and fitting into the offensive scheme under new Steelers OC Matt Canada according to head coach Mike Tomlin. Haskins should see significant playing time against the Dallas Cowboys during Thursday's Hall of Fame Game.

Seattle Seahawks RB DeeJay Dallas reportedly 'has a shot' to become the team's primary third-down running back in 2021, per Michael Shawn-Dugar. (Source: Michael Shawn-Dugar of The Athletic)

Fantasy Impact: Dallas was given minimal opportunities during his rookie season but did see an increased workload towards the end of 2020 due to injuries at the position. He reportedly has the best hands and elusiveness when breaking on his routes, per Seattle's starting running back, Chris Carson. If Dallas improves on his pass blocking ability in 2021, a bigger role in the receiving game could transpire, especially considering the team's new OC, Shane Waldron, is known for his pass-centric offensive scheme previously with the Los Angeles Rams. Dallas is going undrafted as the RB95 in fantasy drafts, meaning he will likely be available on fantasy waiver wires to start the season.

The retired, former Indianapolis Colts QB, now High school football coach, Philip Rivers has “not ruled out” coming back to the NFL. (Source: Sam Farmer of LA Times)

Fantasy Impact: The recently-retired QB told the Los Angeles Times on Tuesday that he hasn’t shut the door on returning to the NFL. Which seems to be of ironic timing in light of his former team, the Colts, losing starting quarterback Carson Wentz to a foot injury for up to 12 weeks. He currently sits fifth all-time with 63,440 yards passing and 421 touchdown passes. For deeper SuperFlex dynasty leagues it could be worth stashing him in case this where to flourish into something more. Whether you do so or not, this is one to keep an eye on.

Cleveland Browns WR Donovan Peoples-Jones "is taking a big step," according to Albert Breer. (Source: Albert Breer on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Breer added, "He's slimmed down, catching everything, has worked all offseason with Baker Mayfield, and his traits are translating into his play." With Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry ahead of Peoples-Jones in the pass-catching pecking order, it'll be interesting to see if early in the regular season that Baker Mayfield averages more pass plays per game. Last season, the QB averaged the fourth-fewest pass plays per game.

Detriot Lions RB D'Andre Swift is "going to be the bellcow," according to Albert Breer. (Source: Albert Breer on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Breer added, "Having Jamaal Williams around has really helped the former second-rounder take another step forward. Williams is also bringing more than expected in the passing game, so he should carve out a nice role." Breer visited the team on his annual training camp tour Tuesday.

Steelers first-round pick RB Najee Harris will likely see the field in Canton. HC Mike Tomlin told reporters Tuesday, "He's a rookie. Man, he needs the process of game preparation and ultimately play. We've got four opportunities for him to do that.” (Source: Brian Batko on Twitter )

Fantasy Impact: Fantasy managers have high expectations for Harris heading into the 2021 season, as they should. The once Alabama superstar was drafted into a near perfect situation where as a rookie they expect him to be a three-down back. Off of sheer volume he’s an ideal RB2 with RB1 upside. Look back to Le'Veon Bell's rookie season where he averaged over 22 touches per game, Tomlin always preferred using one primary running back. If that’s the case for Harris, the rookie running back could be a second-round steal even with a worrisome offensive line.

Cowboys WR Amari Cooper told reporters on Tuesday he is close to 100 percent and “trying to be the best Amari Cooper” he’s ever been. (Source: Michael Gehlken on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Sunday Cowboys’ HC Mike McCarthy said Cooper, who’s currently on the PUP list recovering from ankle surgery, was in real good shape and looks great. Cooper’s latest statements doubles down on that. He isn’t expect to practice until after the team's second preseason game against the Cardinals. When healthy, Cooper has weekly WR1 upside. The Cowboys have no reason to rush him back, but fantasy managers should be excited to hear his progress.

The Buffalo Bills and QB Josh Allen will table contract talks if they don’t have a deal by Week 1, said Buffalo’s GM Brandon Beane. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: In May, the Bills chose to pick up Allen’s fifth-year option after a breakout season in 2020 where he threw for 4,544 yards and 37 touchdowns, while adding eight touchdowns and 421 yards on the ground. That rushing upside along with his ability to frequently connect on deep throws is why he’s currently being drafted as the No. 2 quarterback in fantasy. There’s a real chance Allen could replicate or even build on his sensational 2020 season where he finished as fantasy football’s QB1, averaging over 25 points per game.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan reiterated that he does not believe rookie quarterback Trey Lance will outperform the incumbent Jimmy Garoppolo prior to Week 1. As such, Shanahan currently has no intention of giving Lance first-team reps. (Source: David Lombardi on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Lance, who was taken by the 49ers after they traded up to the No. 3 selection, impressed at North Dakota State but opted out of the 2020 season. He recently signed his rookie deal with San Francisco and is expected to be their franchise quarterback. However, the Niners clearly plan on taking things slow and don't expect to rush Lance into action. He ranks 26th among quarterbacks in the latest expert consensus draft rankings and 11th in the latest dynasty rankings.

Broncos head coach Vic Fangio told the media that the quarterback competition between Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater remains "even steven" and that "there has been no separation" between the two players. (Source: Jeff Legwold on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Lock and Bridgewater will continue to split snaps 50-50 for at least the next three days, so we might not receive clarity on the situation for a little while. It's worth noting that Lock took the first snap of practice on Monday. Bridgewater ranks 33rd among quarterbacks in the latest expert consensus draft rankings while Lock ranks 34th. The two appear to be neck-and-neck, though Lock might have a slight leg up considering he is the incumbent.

Indianapolis Colts rookie TE Kylen Granson has reportedly been living up to the pre-draft hype expressed by Colts' head coach Frank Reich, per Albert Breer. (Source: Albert Breer on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: In the early days of training camp, rookie tight end Kylen Granson has looked impressive, reportedly justifying Reich's pre-draft love for the tight end out of Southern Methodist University. Granson was drafted in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft and impressed scouts with his fluid acceleration and athleticism when running routes. The Colts may have one of the deepest tight end rooms in the NFL with the addition of Granson, returning veteran Jack Doyle and Mo Alie-Cox, who is coming off of the best season in his three-year career.

Ahead of training camp, 98.7 Arizona Sports' Jake Anderson caught up with Arizona Cardinals RB Chase Edmonds. The fourth-year pro's "main focus" this offseason was putting on a few pounds, as he's presumably the lead back. The RB added that his secondary focus was improving his receiving abilities. Edmonds is not concerned about how many carries he gets, but rather how many touches, saying, "I think with me, getting me in the open field and finding a way to just specialize with my mismatch with linebackers is really how I feel I’m the best type of football player at that point. … Coach Kliff is obviously going to specialize in that."

Fantasy Impact: Edmonds noted there are formations that include him and James Conner on the field at the same time. But Edmonds knows the flow and situation of the game will determine the duo's usage, saying, "For my football mind, probably four-minute type of deal, you’ll probably see James in there more often than not. Again, football is a team sport. Everybody has to find their role, their unique role, specialize at it and really just achieve it to the best of their ability and that’s kind of what makes a really good football team.” Preseason usage ultimately will give fantasy gamers a gauge on the duo's roles heading into Week 1.

Observing Sunday's training camp practice for the Falcons, Kevin Knight of The Falcoholic noted that: Kyle Pitts has lined up out wide, in the slot, and in-line thus far in practice. In motion a lot as well. (Source: Kevin Knight on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: It is becoming more evident that Atlanta intends for Pitts to reach target monster status, as he'll have big shoes to fill with Julio Jones out of the picture. In addition, the Falcons don't have much talent in the backfield and aren't very deep defensively, setting up the team to be one of the more pass-heavy offenses in the league. Typically barely ranked outside of the top 5 tight ends in redraft leagues, Pitts could offer tremendous value in his rookie season.

DeVonta Smith missed the second half of practice Saturday, according to Eliot Shorr-Parks. The beat writer added, "Doesn’t look like anything serious." (Source: Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Smith's injury likely has no impact on his status for Week 1. If the WR returns to practice Monday, then consider Smith being held out of the second half of practice as precautionary. The Eagles have an off day Sunday. We'll have more on Smith as news develops.

TE Irv Smith is likely to be the third option in the Vikings passing game and the pass-catcher is most likely to put up significant numbers alongside Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, according to Judd Zulgad. (Source: SKORNorth.com)

Fantasy Impact: Zulgad wrote: One thing that stood out the past two days is how much Irv Smith Jr., is getting the ball. It’s become clear that Kirk Cousins is very comfortable throwing to Smith — more than he was throwing to Kyle Rudolph — and that could result in a big season for the tight end entering his third season. Smith had 36 receptions for 311 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games as a rookie and 30 catches for 365 yards and five touchdowns in 13 games last season. There has been talk about how much of a factor the recently signed Dede Westbrook might be as the third wide receiver. But it’s much more likely that if someone other than Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen put up significant numbers, it will be Smith.

Vikings WR Olabisi Johnson suffered a torn ACL in practice Friday, according to Tom Pelissero. (Source: Tom Pelissero on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: In his first two seasons for the Vikings, Johnson totaled 45 receptions on 64 targets for 483 yards and three touchdowns. Earlier this week, the Vikings signed Dede Westbrook, who is coincidentally working his way back from a torn ACL suffered Week 7 last season.