Lineup Prep: Week 6
Wed Oct 13 10:22am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Pittman is quickly gaining value
The big fantasy reminder this week is the byes start. They are never fun to deal with but part of the game. Hopefully, you somewhat planned for this day and can roll out some good lineups despite some key players being off. Just reminder that every team has to deal with this. It isn’t just your team. With that said, here are my random thoughts for the week. . . . .
If you haven’t figured it out, Justin Herbert is really, really, really good. I was confused by the many preseason fantasy takes for a regression of Herbert this year. I thought maybe I was watching different tape when looking at Herbert. But the start to this season proved to me that I wasn’t. This guy is special. Herbert has a chance to be one of the all-time greats. He just sees the field so well and makes so many special throws. He is going to be a fantasy great for years to come.
I hear a lot of people say I just don’t know the Bucs receiver that is going to have a big game on a weekly basis. But here is a not so hot take, just start all of them. This passing game is unreal. Sure, one guy might be a little down a few times throughout the year, but for the most part, these guys are going to all produce. The numbers don’t like. Chris Godwin is 13th overall in fantasy receiver scoring. Mike Evans comes in at 11 and Antonio Brown is 26th despite missing a game because of injury. Just start them and be happy with this offense. Don’t overthink things.
I can’t remember a week with so many high scoring fantasy games. The Week 5 scores were just off the charts. There were more 200-plus point games than I have ever seen. Hopefully, you had some of those teams racking up the points. I think this might be a bit of a trend going forward, too. Teams just don’t seem to have an answer for many of these top offenses in the league. We’ll see.
Matt Ryan had a bad first game but has been his usual good self after that. He has done well in the Falcons new offense and is quickly forming a rapport with rookie tight end Kyle Pitts. Ryan has 20-plus fantasy points four straight games. He might not be the flashy fantasy quarterback starter, but it is hard to ignore his production. He gets the weekly chances, too, having at least 35 pass attempts every game. It amazes me that he is unowned in 30 percent of leagues on our site.
So apparently the league has the book on how to slow Patrick Mahomes. It is to stop blitzing and put more in coverage. That is what the Bills did last week, blitzing just once. I’m not convinced this game plan is going to work. The Chiefs will adjust as will Mahomes. Kansas City will find ways to get this offense humming again if teams refuse to blitz him. And fantasy owners shouldn’t worry too much about this talk. In his “down” game last week against the Bills, Mahomes scored 25.7 fantasy points. Mahomes will be just fine.
I don’t think the start of the season for Knox is a fluke. I think he is a legit No. 1 fantasy tight end. He plays in one of the best offenses in football and is maybe the top red-zone passing target on the team. He has touchdowns four straight games and 20-plus points two straight. Knox is a guy that wasn’t even drafted in fantasy leagues. If you were fortunate enough to get him, good work. I’m not sure he is remains a top-five tight end, but I think he can be top 10 for sure.
I kept telling owners to be patient with Robert Woods. I know his start was frustrating but it seemed just a matter of time before he got on the same page with Matthew Stafford and was a bigger part of the offense. Well, he broke out in a huge way in Week 5, catching 12 passes for 150 yards on 14 targets. Even with his slow start, Woods has double-digit fantasy points four of five games. It was probably overblown just a little about his start to the year. Woods will be just fine for fantasy owners. This guy has been an elite fantasy receiver the last several seasons for a reason.
Saquon Barkley just can’t catch a break. Just when you thought he was ready to take off, he gets hit with another injury. He hurt his ankle and is going to miss a few weeks of action. Barkley had 20-plus fantasy points two straight games before suffering the injury in Week 5. For me, I think trying to get Barkley for a cheap price from a disgruntled owner isn’t a bad move. This injury isn’t season ending and we all saw his potential those couple weeks this year when he started to get rolling. Just something to think about.
News and Notes: Raiders head coach Jon Gruden officially resigned from his position Monday. Gruden resigned after emails came to light of offensive language on several subjects. Rich Bisaccia takes over as the interim head coach for the Raiders. Bisaccia has been the special teams coordinator for the team. . . . .The Steelers signed veteran receiver Anthony Miller to their practice squad on Tuesday. He gives the team some depth after a season-ending injury to JuJu Smith-Schuster. . . . .The Broncos signed receiver John Brown to their practice squad on Tuesday. Brown adds some more depth at receiver after the Broncos lost another receiver to injury (KJ Hamler). . . . .New Orleans signed kicker Brian Johnson off the Bears practice squad on Tuesday. He takes over the kicking duties for the Saints because of Cody Parkey getting injured last week.
HOT PLAYS
Jalen Hurts, QB, Eagles. Hurts didn’t throw for 200 yards last week or have a passing touchdown but still managed to score 25.9 fantasy points. He ran for two scores and rushed for 30 yards. His ability to make plays with his feet gives him a very high weekly floor. Hurts is getting it done on a weekly basis for fantasy teams, having at least 23 fantasy points every game. He should keep it rolling this week against the Bucs. The Eagles could be playing from behind, giving Hurts more chances to air it out. And if that happens, look for plenty of success against the worst pass defense in football. Plus, Tampa allows the fifth most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Najee Harris, RB, Steelers. Harris had his first 100-yard rushing game of his career last week. He has been great for his fantasy owners, especially in recent weeks. Harris has three straight games with 21-plus fantasy points. He is getting a ton of weekly touches and producing. He should be a big factor again this week against the Seahawks. Seattle allows the third most fantasy points to running backs and are 31st against the run.
Michael Pittman, WR, Colts. Pittman has emerged as the top target for the Colts and has produced very consistent numbers. He has at least six receptions four straight games. He also scored his first touchdown of the season last week, having a season high 20.9 fantasy points. He can keep it rolling this week against the Texans, a team allowing 257-passing yards per game. Pittman is a top No. 2 fantasy receiver.
Darrell Henderson, RB, Rams. Henderson has missed a game because of injury this year but is still 16th overall in fantasy running back scoring. He has been very good of late, having 80-plus rushing yards two straight games. He also has touchdowns three of four games in the Rams explosive offense. Henderson is becoming a must start for his fantasy owners. He might have his best game of the season this week against the Giants, a team that allows the fifth most fantasy points to running backs.
Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Bills. Sanders might not be the same player as he was earlier in his career but is still getting it done for the Bills. He has been doing his job on a weekly basis and making plays in the red zone. He has multiple touchdowns two of three games. He also has been targeted at least five times every game, giving him a pretty high weekly floor. Sanders seems to have a good chance to find the end zone again this week against the Titans. Tennessee has allowed nine passing touchdowns and give up the most fantasy points to receivers.
COLD PLAYS
Alex Collins, RB, Seahawks. Collins started last week for an injured Chris Carson and 15 times for 47 yards. He has 25 carries for just 91 yards his last two games. Collins is getting the work but doing little with it. Look for more of the same this week against the Steelers. Pittsburgh allows the fourth fewest fantasy points to running backs and rank ninth overall against the run. So even if Carson is out again, leave Collins on your bench unless you are desperate for options.
David Njoku, TE, Browns. Njoku was a big surprise last week, catching seven passes for 149 yards. He had fewer than 20 yards three straight games before last week. He has been erratic throughout the season. Remember, he is the backup tight end to Austin Hooper. Njoku is more of a matchup play - even after last week. And a matchup this week against the Cardinals is not a good one for Njoku. The Cardinals have not allowed a tight end to score double-digit fantasy points all season and allow the second fewest fantasy points to tight ends.
A.J. Brown, WR, Titans. Brown has been a real disappointment this season. He has not had more than 50 yards in a game and found the end zone just once in four games. He has yet to have double-digit targets in a game. Brown also has been slowed by a hamstring injury, which doesn’t help matters for him. We think it will be more of the same this week against the Bills. He likely gets shutdown corner Tre'Davious White in coverage. And the Bills allows the second fewest fantasy points to receivers this season.
Derek Carr, QB, Raiders. Carr has cooled since his hot start. He has fewer than 20 fantasy points two straight games. He also has fewer than 210-passing yards each of his last two games. He had 380-plus passing yards each of his first three games, so his production has really slipped. Carr might do more of the same this week against the Broncos, especially with all the turmoil going on in Las Vegas. Denver allows the second fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks for the season. Go with other options in Week 6.
Both Eagles running backs (Miles Sanders and Kenneth Gainwell). Many thought Gainwell might emerge and get more playing time after a good showing in Week 4, but that wasn’t the case. Sanders played 75 percent of the snaps in Week 5 while Gainwell was on the field just 24 percent of the time. Sanders had 16 touches for just 51 yards in the game. His season high in fantasy points is just 17.3 and he has fewer than double-digit fantasy points three of five games. Gainwell has the exact same line, having two games with doubled-digit points and three with fewer. We just wouldn’t bother with either of these backs right now, especially this week against the Bucs. Tampa clamps down on the run, allowing just 45.8-rushing yards per game.
SLEEPERS
Kendrick Bourne, WR, Patriots. Bourne has double-digit fantasy points two fo three games. He has 14 receptions those three games. He has been much more involved in the offense after a slow start to the year. He might get more looks again this week in a game the Patriots might need to put up some points. New England plays a great Cowboys offense. Dallas also allows the sixth most fantasy points to receivers and rank 31st against the pass. Bourne has a high ceiling in this one.
Taylor Heinicke, QB, Washington. Heinicke is 12th overall in fantasy quarterback scoring his last three games. He has 24-plus fantasy points three of four games. He has done a very good job as the starter for Washington and might keep the job even when Ryan Fitzpatrick is healthy and ready to play again. Heinicke has become a legit streaming option for fantasy teams. He has a lot of weapons to work with offensively and can also make some plays with his legs. Heinicke is setup for another good showing in Week 6 against the Chiefs. Washington might need to score a lot of points to keep up with the Chiefs’ offense, giving Heinicke a lot of chances. Plus, the Chiefs allow the second most fantasy points to quarterbacks and rank 28th overall against the pass.
Quez Watkins, WR, Eagles. Watkins is getting some weekly chances in the Eagles offense as the No. 3 receiver. He has multiple receptions every game and at least 33 yards four straight. He has been targeted 10 times his last two games and played a season high 82 percent of the snaps last week, playing more than No. 2 receiver Jalen Reagor (70 percent). If Watkins is on the field a lot again this week, he could do some damage against a bad Bucs secondary. Tampa allows the second most fantasy points to receivers. Watkins could be a sneaky play for teams looking for bye week or injury fill-ins for Week 6.
Tyler Higbee, TE, Rams. Higbeen does not have more than 40 yards since Week 1 but does have touchdowns two of three games. He has become a top target in the red zone, giving him some weekly value for fantasy teams. It would be nice to see his yardage and catch totals increase, but the touchdowns sure help. And he might find the end zone again this week against the Giants. New York has done alright against the pass but have struggled with tight ends. The Giants allow the seventh most fantasy points to tight ends. It might be a good time to get Higbee in your lineup this week.
Latavius Murray, RB, Ravens. Murray played the most snaps at running back last week (49 percent) and was on the field even more the previous game, playing 62 percent of the snaps. At this point, Murray is the back to use in this offense. He is not a sure thing, having more than 50-rushing yards and double-digit fantasy points just one game, but the potential is certainly there in this offense. And he has a favorable matchup to do his most damage of the season this week anginas the Chargers. Los Angeles is seventh against the pass compared to 32nd against the run.
High/Low Scoring Games
Each week we will take a look at some of the high and low scoring games for the coming week. In high scoring affairs, get your marginal players on those teams in your lineup to take advantage of the possible points barrage. And in the low scoring games, keep those marginal players on the bench and make sure to have your defenses involved in those contests.
High Scoring Games: Bucs/Eagles, Chiefs/Washington, Vikings/Panthers, Chargers/Ravens, Cardinals/Browns, Bills/Titans.
Low Scoring Games: Raiders/Broncos.
Bye Weeks: Falcons, Saints, Jets, 49ers.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
- Chiefs' Rashee Rice suspect in alleged assault in Dallas
- Broncos' 'Orange Crush' DC Joe Collier dies at 91
- Giants add QB Nathan Rourke
- Reinstated S C.J. Moore agrees to deal with Lions
- WR Tyler Boyd to sign 1-year deal with Titans
- Ex-Jags WR Zay Jones visits Cardinals
- Bengals QB Joe Burrow resumes throwing at offseason workouts
- WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling visiting Chargers
- Raiders sign free agent WR Jalen Guyton
- Panthers to sign RB Rashaad Penny
- Pats waive Nathan Rourke, down to four QBs
- RB Duke Johnson retires from NFL after 8 seasons
- Former Bears QB Bob Avellini dies at age 70
- J.J. Watt leaves door open (slightly) for potential return to Texans
- Seahawks sign first-round pick Byron Murphy II
- Jets QB Aaron Rodgers: 'No restrictions' at OTAs
- Former Giants TE Aaron Thomas dies at 86
- Michael Irvin out at NFL Network
- Bills sign Chase Claypool, Deion Jones, Dawuane Smoot
- Dolphins, Odell Beckham Jr. agree to 1-year deal
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings | Post-NFL Draft Update
- Fantasy Six Pack: Dynasty Football Mock Draft Review: Post-NFL Draft
The Paur Report
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix was viewed by many front offices as a backup-caliber player, according to NFL insider Todd McShay. As relayed by Scott Barrett of Fantasy Points, McShay spoke to roughly one dozen teams, and the Broncos were the only one that had a Round 1 grade on Nix. The other teams all had a backup-caliber grade on him. This doesn't necessarily mean that Nix will be a bust and the Broncos will be proven wrong, but it certainly suggests that Denver took a risk by selecting the Oregon product 12th overall in last month's draft. As spring turns to summer, Nix will embark on a competition for the starting quarterback job with Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson. He's an appealing dynasty option but can probably be avoided in most redraft leagues for now.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan drew the praise of wide receivers coach Bryan McClendon, according to PewterReport. McClendon told the media that he likes the rookie's flexibility to play outside or in the slot, and he also feels fortunate that McMillan fell to Tampa Bay in the third round. These comments suggest that not only did Tampa Bay grade McMillan higher than where he was picked, but they also intend to get him involved right away. He's currently projected to compete with Trey Palmer for the No. 3 wide receiver role, but he might have an early leg up on that competition given his versatility in the passing attack. He's a riser in most dynasty rookie drafts but isn't quite on the fantasy radar in most redraft leagues.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder) is progressing well and itching to get back to normal football activities, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. "Richardson feels he's full go at this point," Fowler said during an appearance on SportsCenter. "He's been throwing for a while now. He's gradually grown to where he can throw full time with minimal restrictions. The Colts could be deliberate. They could hold him out for OTAs, 11-man work, minicamp, but the feeling is he wants to get started." These comments suggest that Richardson is pushing to return in a full capacity but Indianapolis may choose to take a more cautious approach in the final stage of his recovery and rehabilitation. Regardless, he should be back to 100 percent in time for the preseason and Week 1 of the regular season. He can be a QB1 in fantasy football as long as he stays healthy. That's easier said than done given that Richardson's physical playing style made him more susceptible to big hits and injuries as a rookie. However, Richardson reportedly might tone down his physicality in 2024, which could lead to him finishing more games (even if it equates to slightly fewer rushing yards and touchdowns, as well as more sacks). He should be treated as a fringe top-12 quarterback heading into fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker drew the praise of running backs coach Skip Peete this week, according to PewterReport. Peete told the media that Tucker "showed a lot of promise early" last season before the Buccaneers ultimately started to lean on Rachaad White and Chase Edmonds. Peete is "excited to see [Tucker] grow this offseason," suggesting the second-year back could carve out a real role in the Tampa Bay offense. Tucker will have to compete with White, Edmonds, and rookie Bucky Irving, but Peete implied that there is plenty of room for competition and he's not the type of coach to lean on just one player. The likelihood of Tucker entering Week 1 with fantasy relevance is low, but he's still a name to watch once training camp gets underway.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Brooks could be heavily involved in the passing game this season. According to head coach Dave Canales, the rookie running back's versatility is "probably the biggest thing that stood out" when the Panthers studied Brooks prior to last month's draft. Although he's recovering from a torn ACL, Brooks was still the first running back off the board, emphasizing Carolina's interest in deploying him as soon as he's healthy. Brooks will compete for touches in a backfield that consists of Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders, and Rashaad Penny, but he might be the best pass-catching option of that group. Canales' glowing comments boost Brooks' fantasy value, and so does the new head coach's experience in Tampa Bay. As Buccaneers offensive coordinator, Canales helped funnel plenty of targets to emerging dual-threat back Rachaad White. White finished last season as the RB4 in PPR leagues, so it's safe to say that Brooks' upside is quite high if he can indeed get involved both on the ground and through the air. Perhaps the biggest obstacle will be the Panthers' offense, which may have to prioritize throwing deeper if they're playing from behind in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis "could have a sneaky-big impact" in 2024, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. The Kentucky product was selected with the 128th overall pick in last month's draft and has impressive power behind his 5-foot-8, 211-pound frame. One NFL scout told Fowler that Davis is a "great complement to [James] Cook and should get a lot of goal-line and short-yardage work, which should result in some touchdowns." Cook is a fine runner, but he struggled in goal-line and short-yardage situations last year, delivering just two touchdowns. On the other hand, he emerged as a real receiving threat, catching 44 passes for 445 yards through the air. It's easy to envision a scenario where the Bills rely on Cook on early downs and in passing situations before turning to Davis when they need a physical back to secure a few yards. Such a backfield dynamic would drop Cook to the RB2 tier in fantasy football while Davis could sneak into RB3/FLEX territory.
From RotoBaller
There's little ambiguity as the who the Baltimore Ravens' top three wide receivers are entering the 2024 season -- Zay Flowers at No. 1, Rashod Bateman at No. 2, and Nelson Agholor at No. 3. Devontez Walker, the speedy fourth-round rookie with big-play ability, will be in position to earn notable snaps this summer, and his size and speed combination adds diversity to the team's receiver corps. The fifth spot will likely be decided by whoever wins the return competition on special teams. Deonte Harty is a former Pro Bowl returner, while Tylan Wallace did a nice job returning punts in 2023. The 22-year-old Walker led North Carolina in touchdowns in just eight games last year and is an intriguing addition to this offense, but he'll be off the fantasy radar in single-year leagues in 2024 unless an injury to one of the wideouts in front of him opens up a bigger role.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh reiterated after the NFL draft that quarterback Josh Johnson is his No. 2 quarterback right now behind starter Lamar Jackson. Harbaugh said that sixth-round rookie Devin Leary will "probably be the third quarterback this year in some way or fashion and grow into the job as we go." Malik Cunningham, who was signed off the New England Patriots' practice squad in December, has time to change the coaching staff's mind in training camp this summer, but the Ravens have been non-committal about their long-term plans for him. Now that Tyler Huntley is now in Cleveland, the 37-year-old journeyman Johnson will be the primary backup for Jackson entering the 2024 season. Needless to say, but the Ravens will be in trouble if Jackson misses time with an injury.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist) threw in front of the media on Tuesday for the first time since injuring his right wrist last November. Burrow has been throwing for more than a month at the tail end of his expected six-month recovery process. Still, he expects this to take time to get all the way back to where he wants to be for training camp in late July. Burrow is fully cleared for everything except contact, which is supposed to come in around a month. "Whenever you have an injury to your throwing side, you're never quite sure how it's gonna turn out at the end, but I'm in a good spot," Burrow said. "I'm happy with where I'm at." Barring a setback when he starts taking contact, the 27-year-old should be ready to go for the start of the 2024 season as he looks to bounce back to being a high-end QB1 in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Titans have signed wide receiver Tyler Boyd. Dynasty Analysis: Amazingly, Boyd has already spend eight years in the league (all with the Bengals). Over the span of his career, he's posted 513 catches for exactly 6,000 yards with 31 touchdowns. The Titans were steadfast in their approach to improve their offense and have now added Tony Pollard, Calvin Ridley and Boyd to a new-look team. The move will certainly have fantasy implications, most notably pushing Treylon Burks down one more spot in the pecking order. Boyd remains a low-ceiling player to have on a dynasty roster but he could have real short-term value should an injury (or a suspension) occur with Hopkins or Ridley.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is under investigation for allegedly hitting a photographer on Monday night in a Dallas club, according to WFAA.com. The 24-year-old is already facing eight felony charges stemming from a multi-vehicle crash in March. Needless to say, this is a situation worth monitoring, as the 2023 second-round pick is beginning to pile up character concerns. He was already expected to face a multi-game suspension from his previous off-field situation, so this development could put his 2024 campaign even more in jeopardy.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions signed veteran defensive lineman Kyle Peko on Tuesday, the team announced on X. Originally undrafted out of the class of 2016, Peko has spent time with the Denver Broncos (two stints), Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans (two stints), and Las Vegas Raiders. Overall, he has racked up 57 total tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, two passes defended, and 8.5 run stuffs in 42 games. With Alim McNeill and DJ Reader occupying starting roles on the interior, Peko is competing for a backup and rotational role.
From RotoBaller
Rookie quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa participated in rookie camp for the Seattle Seahawks last week, and he is accepting an invite to take part in the Arizona Cardinals rookie camp this week. Despite being the all-time passing leader in the Big Ten, Tagovailoa went undrafted and is looking to find a home where he can compete for a roster spot. The younger brother of Tua Tagovailoa posted 11,356 passing yards, 77 passing touchdowns, and 37 interceptions during his college career that included one season at Alabama and four years at Maryland. He'll have an uphill battle to become a starter in the NFL, but a backup role could be attainable for the Ewa Beach, Hawaii native.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks was recently listed as a potential trade candidate by NFL insider Ari Meirov, and after the team signed Tyler Boyd on Tuesday, it could be more likely. The 2022 first-round pick has hauled in just 49 passes for 665 yards and one touchdown in 22 games over the last two seasons. Former Titans general manager Jon Robinson traded A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for the pick that Burks was selected with, along with a third-round pick. Needless to say, the trade has not aged well. Current general manager Ran Carthon and head coach Brian Callahan were not with the organization when Burks was picked, so a change of scenery could be in order. With DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley, and Boyd projected to start in three-wide sets, Burks appears to be the odd man out. If he's dealt, it will likely be in exchange for a late-round pick in the 2025 or 2026 NFL Draft.
From RotoBaller
The New York Giants claimed quarterback Nathan Rourke off waivers on Tuesday, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The 25-year-old began his professional career with the BC Lions of the CFL before getting an opportunity with the Jacksonville Jaguars in January of 2023. He spent roughly a year with the team before being released and claimed by the Patriots. New England cut ties with him on Monday, and he has already found a new home. The Ohio University product has not thrown a regular season pass, and he's likely going to serve as a training camp arm this offseason with the potential to compete with Tommy Devito for the QB3 job behind Daniel Jones and Drew Lock.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions are re-signing safety C.J. Moore to a one-year deal, according to NFL.com. The 28-year-old was suspended all of last season for violating the league's gambling policy, but he was recently reinstated and gets another chance with Detroit. Originally undrafted out of the class of 2019, Moore has played in 56 regular season games (all for Detroit). He's racked up 48 total tackles, one fumble recovery, one interception, and two pass deflections through his first five years in the league. Assuming he makes the 53-man roster, he'll primarily serve as a special-teamer and backup option to starters Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's Chad Graff believes the New England Patriots will be content cutting both wide receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Tyquan Thornton this year after they added rookies Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker with two of their first five draft picks this year. The team would have to eat more than $9 million in dead money if they decide to cut Smith-Schuster. Thornton is the only true speedster in the receiver room, but the former second-rounder in 2022 out of Baylor has been a disappointment in his first two NFL seasons. In 22 total games (12 starts), the 23-year-old has just 35 receptions on 68 targets for 338 yards and two touchdowns. Right now, Kendrick Bourne, Polk, Demario Douglas, Baker, K.J. Osborn and Jalen Reagor figure to be on the final roster at the position.
From RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints took former South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler in the fifth round, mainly because two teams that were very high on him -- the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos -- drafted QBs in the top 12 this year. Despite his drop in this year's NFL draft, Rattler is not perceived as 138 picks worse than Bo Nix, as some evaluators had Rattler awfully close to the same tier as Nix, who went 12th overall to Denver. One team source had zero issues with the perceived image concerns facing Rattler, who appearance in the documentary "QB1" during his high school career didn't portray his personality in the best light. Going into his first NFL season in New Orleans, Rattler is facing an uphill battle to win the No. 2 job from Jake Haener in training camp this summer.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette, who was taken with the final pick in the first round of this year's NFL draft after the Panthers traded up, has drawn comparisons from scouts to Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf, mainly because of his 6-foot-3, 227-pound frame. "Not quite the athlete Metcalf is but he's got some game-breaking ability like that, and he can do a little more with versatility as a runner and pass-catcher," an NFL personnel evaluator said. Second-year quarterback Bryce Young could certainly use some more playmakers like that after a disastrous rookie season. The 23-year-old Legette is probably going to struggle to produce consistently for fantasy managers in single-year leagues in 2024, especially after Carolina also added wideout Diontae Johnson in free agency this offseason.
From RotoBaller
The Atlanta Falcons shocked the world in this year's NFL draft when they took quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at eighth overall despite just signing Kirk Cousins to a big deal in free agency in the offseason. Word spread a week before the draft that the Falcons loved Penix, to the extent that he ranked as high as No. 2 overall at the QB position. The team's brass flew to Seattle to watch Penix throw for a few hours in a private setting on April 5. According to sources, owner Arthur Blank fully endorsed long-term stability at the position. Cousins is 35 years old and coming off a torn Achilles last year, so Penix will give them that long-term stability at the position that Blank was seeking. Atlanta was criticized for the pick since they had plenty of other needs, but they could look smart years down the line when they transition Penix into the starting role.
From RotoBaller
