Lineup Prep: Week 4
Wed Sep 28 9:09am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Olave is producing big numbers
It sure has been an interesting first three weeks of the season. The quarterback and running back positions have been a bust outside of a handful of players. Those positions are a lot more top heavy than usual. And the tight end spot is a mess with just a couple players producing, but that isn’t as surprising as the others. I do think things will start to even out at running back and quarterback. Don’t get too down over some of these slow starts. Remember, it is a long season with plenty of ups and downs. Sometimes having patience is as important as anything when it comes to being a good fantasy owner.
With that said, here are my random thoughts for the week. . . . .
I’m like the rest of you and have no idea what the Broncos coaching staff is doing. I mean Mike Boone started working into the rotation more at running back, playing 19 percent of the snaps. Yes, Mike Boone. This is a guy that has been in the league since 2018 and has topped 100-rushing yards in a season once. He is stealing work from Javonte Williams, one of the most talented backs in the game. So I’m still holding out hope for a Williams breakout, though. The coaching staff has to see that Williams should be on the field more. Melvin Gordon has been alright, but he isn’t on the same level as Williams right now. Let’s hope it starts this week.
Trevor Lawrence seems to have turned the corner. He has really looked good the last two games. It helps that the coaching staff is competent this year and he has some good pieces around him to work with. The more confidence he gets, the better he is going to continue to play. He is currently 10th overall in fantasy quarterback scoring. I don’t think that is a fluke. He could keep that ranking all season.
So D’Andre Swift is hurt again. I guess I shouldn’t have gotten my hopes up with him. You just see the talent on the field and want that in your lineup. The problem is he can’t seem to avoid injury at this stage of his career. Let’s just hope he gets on the field sooner than later. He can be a difference maker for fantasy teams. I will be waiting patiently for his return.
Selling high on Cordarrelle Patterson might not be a bad idea. Remember, he had a phenomenal start to his season last year before fading in the second half. The worrisome for me right now is his lack of work in the passing game, having four catches in three games. I just don’t see him cracking 100-plus rushing yards every week. He is going to need to get his reception totals up if he hopes to sustain his current production.
I think it might be time to just say Mark Andrews is the best fantasy tight end in the game right now. He finished that way last year, but Travis Kelce still had a higher ADP this year. It is early, but after three games, Andrews sits atop the rankings once again at tight end. He has 31 targets in three games and at least five catches every game. The Ravens might not throw a lot, but when they do, it normally goes to Andrews. Plus, Lamar Jackson is playing at an MVP level this year, which helps Andrews even more.
You have to wonder if Baker Mayfield was the problem all along in Cleveland. That offense was a mess the last few years and struggled to connect with his top playmakers. Well, it seems to be the same in Carolina with D.J. Moore disappearing in the offense right now. And meanwhile in Cleveland, that offense is looking awfully good with Jacoby Brissett leading the way. I think Mayfield might be running out of time as a starter in the NFL.
Nick Chubb might have just four receptions for 28 yards this year, but he still is second overall in fantasy running back scoring. He has two 100-yard gams and finding the end zone on a regular basis. Maybe he will put up a Derrick Henry in his prime season, meaning he will still be a top fantasy back despite a lack of catches. It might happen with the state of the running back position right now. I would not sell high on Chubb.
News and Notes: The Chargers claimed defensive end Derrek Tuszka off waivers from the Titans. He gives the Chargers some depth at the position with Joey Bosa injured. . . . .The Chiefs released kicker Matt Ammendola, which is a pretty good sign Harrison Butker will be ready to take over the kicking duties once again.
HOT PLAYS
Javonte Williams, RB, Broncos. The usage of Williams has been baffling this year, especially last week. Melvin Gordon struggled much of the game and even fumbled twice (didn’t lose them), but got the key goal-line carries late in the game. Williams played a season low 45 percent of the snaps. Mike Boone even got in the mix somehow, playing 19 percent of the snaps. We don’t get it. But even with that said, don’t give up hope on a breakout season from Williams. He can do damage as long as he keeps getting 16 or more touches per game. If he gets that workload again this week, look for him to post big numbers against the Raiders. Las Vegas has been terrible against the run, allowing the third most fantasy points to running backs.
David Njoku, TE, Browns. Njoku broke out last eek, catching nine passes for 89 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets. This has been building, though, after three catches on five targets the previous game. Njoku is becoming a favorite target of Jacoby Brissett in an offense that is starting to gel. He should keep up his hot ways this week against the Falcons, a team that has struggled to stop opposing tight ends. Atlanta allows the second most fantasy points to tight ends and are 27th overall against the pass.
Chris Olave, WR, Saints. Olave has 13 targets each of his last two games. He had career highs in receptions (nine) and yards (147) last week. He has emerged as the top target in the passing game in a hurry. Olave is a super talented player that is going to keep getting better. His future is so bright. Olave should keep his hot ways going this week against a Vikings team that allows 275.7-passing yards per game.
Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers. Rodgers is starting to heat up. He has multiple touchdowns two straight games and seems to be getting on the same page with his receivers once again. It seemed like just a matter of time before Rodgers got going. We would expect him to maybe have his best game of the season this week. Remember, he played well last week against a really good Bucs defense. He gets the Patriots this week, a team that allows the seventh most fantasy points to quarterbacks. New England has allowed six passing touchdowns this season.
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, 49ers. The addition of Jimmy Garoppolo to the lineup was a positive for Aiyuk, scoring his first touchdown of the season last week. He was targeted eight times, giving him eight targets each of his last two games. He has eight receptions during that stretch and seems to be hitting his stride after a disappointing Week 1. Look for him to rack up the targets this week against the Rams, a team that has allowed the second most fantasy points to receivers. Aiyuk had a 100-yard game against the Rams last week, getting six receptions for 107 yards in Week 18.
COLD PLAYS
Matthew Stafford, QB, Rams. Stafford is off to a slow start to his season. He has fewer than 14 fantasy points two of three games. He is yet to have a 300-yard game and one or no scores two of three. He actually has more interceptions (five) than touchdowns (four) on the season. Even though he plays in an explosive offense, he is a little hard to trust right now, especially this week against the 49ers. San Francisco allows the second fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks and are first overall against the pass, allowing 148.3-passing yards per game. If you have better options, go with them.
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Broncos. Jeudy was able to play this week despite dealing with a couple different injuries. He didn’t do much, though, catching two passes for 17 yards despite playing 59 percent of the snaps. Jeudy had a big Week 1 but done nothing outside of that. And Courtland Sutton is dominating the targets from Russell Wilson right now, which doesn’t bode well for Jeudy. He probably isn’t worth using right now. Plus, he has a tough matchup against the Raiders, a team that can’t stop the run but does pretty well against the pass. Las Vegas allows the eighth fewest fantasy points to receivers.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Chiefs. Edwards-Helaire did score a touchdown last week, but ran seven times for no yards. The only thing that saved his fantasy day was the score and his five receptions. His yardage total was terrible. Edwards-Helaire is fourth in running back scoring right now, but that can’t sustain at his current pace. His season high in touches is just 12 and he averages 11.3 touches per game. He isn’t getting enough work to be an elite fantasy back. Don’t be surprised if he is held out of the end zone this week, playing a great Bucs defense. Tampa allows the fewest fantasy points to running backs and have yet to allow a rushing touchdown this season.
D.J. Chark, WR, Lions. Chark is shaping up to be a boom or bust play for fantasy teams. He has been bust two straight games, though. He has three catches his last two games after scoring 15.2 fantasy points in Week 1. He is going to be a hard player to trust in an offense that has a lot of competition for targets. Chark has value in the right matchup, but Week 4 might not be a time to use him. Seattle can’t stop the run, but do alright against the pass. Seattle allows the third fewest fantasy points to receivers and given up just three passing touchdowns all season.
J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ravens. Dobbins returned from his torn ACL last week and played 43 percent of the snaps. The good news is he looked healthy and got some work. The bad news is he played fewer snaps than Justice Hill and didn’t do much with his chances. Dobbins had seven carries for 23 yards. We do think Dobbins will be a fantasy factor before the year is out, but he is going to be eased into action. Until he gets a big workload and starts producing on the field, we think it is best to leave Dobbins on fantasy benches. And this makes even more sense this week against a very good Bills defense. Buffalo allows the fourth fewest fantasy points to running backs and are second overall against the run, allowing just 57.7-rushing yards per game.
SLEEPERS
Craig Reynolds, RB, Lions. Reynolds is set to serve as the top backup for the Lions the next few weeks with D’Andre Swift expected out. This gives Reynolds some good value in an offense that likes to rotate backs. The top backup for the Lions has played at 33 percent of the snaps the first three games. Reynolds showed well during the preseason, earning a roster spot with the team. He has some upside if getting the touches. He should get double-digit touches this week against the Seahawks, a team that allows the sixth most fantasy points to running backs. Seattle is 31st overall against the run, allowing 157-rushing yards per game.
Isaiah McKenzie, WR, Bills. McKenzie had his best game of the season last week and has touchdown two of three games. He had season highs in receptions (seven) and yards (76) last week and that was even a game that Gabe Davis returned to the lineup. It is clear that McKenzie is here to stay in a good Bills passing game. He will keep getting the targets. And he is a solid play this week against a bad Ravens pass defense. Baltimore is dead last against the pass and allows the most fantasy points to receivers.
Geno Smith, QB, Seahawks. Smith has been a pleasant surprise for the Seahawks. He is completing passes at a high level and making good decisions. He has at least 19 fantasy points two of three games. The Seahawks told him to take more chances last week and he did, leading to his best numbers of the season. Smith was 32-of-44 for 325 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. He could post similar numbers this week against the Lions. Detroit allows the third most fantasy points to quarterbacks and allow a league high 31 points per game.
Alec Pierce, WR, Colts. Pierce had his best game as a pro last week, catching three passes for 61 yards on five targets. And the kicker is he played just 45 percent of the snaps, so he was targeted often when on the field. His play likely earned him more playing time and targets going forward. And with Michael Pittman drawing so much attention in coverage, this might bode well for Pierce to get more looks. He might be worth a shot this week against the Titans, a team that allows the fifth most fantasy points to receivers. Tennessee has allowed eight passing touchdowns this year. Don’t be surprised if Pierce scores his first NFL touchdown in Week 4.
Cooper Rush, QB, Cowboys. Rush has been a pleasant surprise for the Cowboys, showing well as the starter while Dak Prescott is out. He led his team to a road victory against a division rival last week. And he did it against a pretty good pass defense, going 21-of-31 for 215 yards and a touchdown without a turnover. He hasn’t really had a favorable matchup, but that changes this week, getting the Commanders. Washington allows the fifth most fantasy points to quarterbacks and rank 28th overall against the pass, allowing 274-passing yards per game.
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: Seahawks/Lions, Jaguars/Eagles, Bills/Ravens, Chiefs/Bucs
Low Scoring Games: Titans/Colts, Bears/Giants, Jets/Steelers.
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.
- Pats coach Jerod Mayo says QB Drake Maye will 'put the work in'
- Patriots name Eliot Wolf executive VP of player personnel
- Bill Belichick gets weekly spot on ESPN's 'ManningCast'
- Broncos first-round QB Bo Nix signs rookie contract
- Cardinals, WR Zay Jones agree on one-year deal
- Aidan O'Connell is early leader in Raiders' QB competition
- It's official: Bears rookie Caleb Williams to start at QB
- Giants sign first-round pick Malik Nabers to reported $29.2M deal
- Coach Dan Campbell to miss Lions' rookie minicamp
- Raiders sign first-round pick Brock Bowers, others
- Saints sign first-round OT Taliese Fuaga to $17.3M deal
- Pro Football Hall of Fame CB Jimmy Johnson dies at 86
- Rams releasing veteran WR Ben Skowronek
- Lions GM: QB Jared Goff 'earned' extension, a high priority
- Giants sign WR Allen Robinson
- NFL to release 2024 schedule on May 15
- Broncos release QB Ben DiNucci
- Chiefs' Rashee Rice suspect in alleged assault in Dallas
- Broncos' 'Orange Crush' DC Joe Collier dies at 91
- Giants add QB Nathan Rourke
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings | Post-NFL Draft Update
The Paur Report
Free-agent wide receiver Albert Wilson has decided to retire from professional football after seven seasons. Wilson joined the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent ahead of the 2014 season. He spent four seasons with the Chiefs, and Wilson achieved a career-high 554 receiving yards during his final season with the team. After that, Wilson joined the Miami Dolphins for the next three seasons. He was fairly lackluster during his time with the Dolphins. He bounced around with the Raiders and Vikings but hasn't seen the field since the 2021 season. Wilson will finish his career with 218 receptions, 2,499 yards, and 12 touchdowns.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is under investigation in relation to a night club assault,. Dynasty Analysis: An adventurous off-season continues for Rice, who already has a massive legal problem in relation to a street racing incident. This new investigation is looking like it's going to take some time to unravel but it's clear a suspension (and possibly a lengthy one) is coming sooner rather than later. Rice is a hold for now as his value is clearly in flux.
Dynasty | The Cowboys have released wide receiver Martavis Bryant. Dynasty Analysis: Marty B will likely attempt to resume his comeback with another team as Dallas just couldn't hold on to him. Bryant was once a highly regarded dynasty asset but suspensions derailed his career before it could really even get going. Bryant will look to latch on elsewhere but it's hard to see him being a worthwhile dynasty pickup until he makes a final roster.
Dynasty | The Giants have signed wide receiver Allen Robinson. Dynasty Analysis: Robinson had a 102/1,250/6 season for the Bears in 2020 but has fallen off the face of the earth since with just over 1,000 receiving yards and a total of four touchdowns in the three years since, including stops with Chicago, Los Angeles and Pittsburgh. Robinson is a fringe roster candidate at best at this point and while he has a chance to re-emerge in New York, don't hold your breath.
Dynasty | The Cardinals have signed wide receiver Zay Jones. Dynasty Analysis: Jones has had some nice moments over his seven seasons in Buffalo, Las Vegas, and Jacksonville, though he's never posted more than 823 receiving yards or seven touchdowns in any given season. Jones could be viable opposite Marvin Harrison, Jr. if he can beat out Michael Wilson but that's no given. At this point, Jones looks like a roster worthy player but a potential roster clogger at the same time.
Free-agent wide receiver Jarvis Landry spent an hour running around catching passes as a tryout player at the Jacksonville Jaguars' rookie minicamp on Friday. Landry was one of the league's top receivers in the first seven years of his career, making five Pro Bowls with the Dolphins and Browns. He led the NFL in catches in 2017 with 112 and had three 1,000-yard seasons in that span. But Landry only played in 12 games in 2021 with Cleveland due to a knee sprain, and he had a career-low in catches (52) and receiving yards (570). He played in just nine games with the Saints in 2022 due to an ankle injury and sat out in 2023. Landry looked healthy on Friday and was pleased with his workout, but it remains to be seen if the Jags will add him as receiver depth in addition to Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis and first-round rookie Brian Thomas.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels didn't have any "wow" moments during his first rookie minicamp practice, but he still managed to impress fellow rookies and the coaching staff. "He's a stud," third-round receiver Luke McCaffrey said. "I know he's one heck of a quarterback and a lot of fun to play with from a personality standpoint. I've had a blast in these 24 hours with him. He's just fun to be around; he's good energy." Daniels was the No. 2 overall pick in last year's NFL draft and is expected to take over as the team's starter under center right away in Week 1 this fall. The 23-year-old former LSU Tiger is a dual-threat QB with plenty of athleticism, and he could be the most NFL-ready signal-caller of all the rookie QBs not named Caleb Williams. In Year 1, Daniels will be a low-end QB2 in fantasy with considerable upside for his rushing ability.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers rookie first-round wide receiver Xavier Legette, who was taken 32nd overall in this year's NFL draft last month, has had trouble connecting with the team's rookie quarterbacks so far in rookie minicamp practices. Legette has always had the size-speed combination -- his 4.39-second 40-yard dash tied for the sixth-fastest among wideouts at this year's scouting combine -- but he kept hearing that he had to improve as a route-runner as he took part in Senior Bowl practices and the combine. At 6-foot-1, 221 pounds, some questioned Legette's ability to drop his hips and quickly get out of his breaks. Legette has been compared physically to DK Metcalf, who Panthers head coach Dave Canales worked with in Seattle. At the very least, Legette will give second-year QB Bryce Young a speed, big-bodied target deep down the field in 2024, but expecting much more than that might be unwise in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said that second-round rookie defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton (foot) has an injury to his left foot -- not the same foot as his college season but the same injury -- and has surgery scheduled for next week. "Not giving any timelines for that," Quinn said. The 21-year-old had surgery in January on his right foot to fix a partial Jones fracture, but now he'll be forced to undergo a similar surgery on his other foot. It's not what you want to hear from a high draft pick as they head into their first NFL offseason. It remains to be seen when Newton will be able to practice with the team. Any missed time in training camp this summer would be a big blow to his development as he looks to carve out a role on the interior of Washington's defensive line in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears rookie first-round wide receiver Rome Odunze (hamstring) is dealing with hamstring tightness and will sit out of Saturday's rookie minicamp practice. It's likely nothing to worry about in the long run, but it's also not a great start for Odunze as he looks to get going as a top-10 pick in this year's NFL draft. It's something to keep an eye on with the 21-year-old from Washington as we get deeper into the offseason and closer to training camp. The Bears took Odunze at No. 9 overall to give rookie quarterback Caleb Williams more weapons in the passing attack in addition to established veterans DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. Odunze was extremely productive in college and is ultra-athletic on the football field, but it's going to be tough for him to produce consistent numbers in Chicago's offense in his rookie season as long as both Moore and Allen stay healthy.
From RotoBaller
The Tennessee Titans signed first-round offensive tackle JC Latham to his four-year, fully-guaranteed rookie deal on Friday worth $26.04 million. The deal was confirmed by his agents Drew Rosenhaus, Ryan Matha and Jason Rosenhaus. The contract also includes the standard fifth-year player option for first-round picks. The 21-year-old offensive lineman was taken by the Titans with the seventh overall pick out of Alabama. He will be a huge upgrade for an offensive line that was in need of serious help this offseason and should start from Day 1 in his rookie season, at least at right tackle. The addition of Latham in 2024 should have an immediate positive impact in fantasy for young quarterback Will Levis and the rest of Tennessee's option as they enter their first season without workhorse back Derrick Henry.
From RotoBaller
The Denver Broncos signed rookie quarterback Bo Nix to his rookie deal on Friday, according to a source. As is the case with all first-round selections, Nix will have a fifth-year team option attached to his first NFL contract. Needing to add more competition to their QB room this offseason after getting rid of Russell Wilson, the Broncos reached for Nix, the former Oregon signal-caller, with the 12th overall pick in last month's NFL draft. The Broncos have admitted that Nix could probably benefit from sitting and learning a year, but it's not like Denver already has a veteran starter in place. Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson will all compete for the starting gig in training camp and the preseason. At best, Nix would be a low-end QB2 in superflex leagues if he's starting out of the gates in Week 1 in 2024.
From RotoBaller
The Las Vegas Raiders signed veteran Gardner Minshew to a two-year, $25 million contract this offseason, yet 2023 fourth-round pick Aidan O'Connell is the early favorite to handle QB1 duties in 2024, according to head coach Antonio Pierce. "Aidan's earned the right to go out there and earn the first snap," Pierce said. "What he's done this offseason -- changing his body, his work ethic, being here every day, blocking out the outside noise. He's not worried about anything. I'm excited." O'Connell replaced Jimmy Garoppolo in the middle of last season and threw for 2,219 yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. The team went 5-5 during his 10 starts. Although the job sounds like it's his to lose, Minshew will also likely have the chance to battle for the starting role this offseason. The 27-year-old has thrown for 59 touchdowns and 24 interceptions during his five-year career and has looked like at least a mid-level starter at times. Whoever wins the job will get to throw to Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, and Brock Bowers this year, so either could be a solid QB2 in Superflex formats.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (Achilles) is working his way back from a Week 8 Achilles tear from last season, and reports out of Atlanta suggest he is making great progress. "Kirk is every day improving," Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said. "He's been doing all those things, he's been throwing, he's been out there pretty much full-go. Now, we got him in a limited basis, obviously 'cause he's still in his rehab and his treatment and all those types of things." The 35-year-old signal-caller has not been dropping back behind an offensive line or facing a rush, but he's evidently looked good on his dropbacks and reps with his new wide receiver group. Despite Atlanta selecting Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Cousins remains the clear starter in 2024 as long as he holds up. The four-time Pro Bowler has thrown for at least 4,000 yards seven times in his nine-year career as a starter, while the Falcons have not had a 4,000-yard passer since Matt Ryan in 2020. If Cousins isn't limited by his major injury, he'll remain a fringe QB1 option surrounded by Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Darnell Mooney, and company.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent wide receiver Zay Jones is signing with the Arizona Cardinals, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The 29-year-old went on visits with the Tennessee Titans and Dallas Cowboys this week, but he ultimately landed in a spot where he can compete for targets right away. Jones was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars after they selected LSU wideout Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but there's a real chance his situation is better in Arizona. Rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. is expected to occupy the WR1 role right away, but Jones is almost certainly slated to start in three-wide sets, and he might even beat out Michael Wilson to start in two-wide sets. He and tight end Trey McBride could battle it out to be Kyler Murray's No. 2 option in the passing game. Pencil in Jones as at least a deep league flex option in 2024.
From RotoBaller
The Carolina Panthers released veteran running back Tarik Cohen, who was attempting a comeback from a series of injuries that derailed his time as a Pro Bowl return man with the Chicago Bears. Cohen hasn't played in a regular-season game in the NFL since 2020, and it remains to be seen if he'll latch on with another club this offseason. The 28-year-old was a former fourth-round pick in 2017 by the Bears out of North Carolina A&T. He was never much of a ball-carrier at 5-foot-6, 181 pounds, but he excelled as a returner and as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. Cohen suffered an ACL tear in Week 3 of 2020 and also tore his Achilles in May of 2022. He spent most of last year on Carolina's practice squad but missed two months with a hamstring injury.
From RotoBaller
When asked who would be calling the team's offensive plays in 2024, Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson remained non-committal. "Don't play a game until September. So, we've got some time," Pederson said. Offensive coordinator Press Taylor was responsible for calling most of the team's plays in a disappointing 2023 season, so Pederson is seriously considering taking back those duties in 2024. A lot of the team's offensive struggles in the second half of last year had to do with the fact that quarterback Trevor Lawrence was playing injured, and that they were missing one of their top receivers in Christian Kirk. The Jaguars finished with 339.5 total yards per game (13th in the league) and 22.2 points per game (tied for 13th).
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said that wide receiver Gabe Davis (knee) is working through an injury, so the team hasn't been able to see much from him yet after adding him in free agency this offseason. Davis missed the postseason last year with the Buffalo Bills due to a knee injury that he suffered in the Week 18 season finale against the Miami Dolphins, and apparently it's still an issue. While we don't expect the injury to keep him from participating in training camp or being ready for the start of the 2024 season, it's bad news for a player looking to learn a new offense in Jacksonville. The 25-year-old is another strong offensive situation in Jacksonville, but he'll face competition for targets from Christian Kirk and Brian Thomas and tight end Evan Engram, likely making him a boom/bust fantasy option yet again.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus officially named rookie quarterback Caleb Williams as the team's starting QB on Friday at rookie minicamp. Everyone already knew that Williams would be Chicago's starting signal-caller when they selected him first overall in last month's NFL draft out of USC. The path was cleared for the 22-year-old when they traded Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier in the offseason. There's always a learning curve for rookies that start right out of the gates in the NFL, but Williams may have the best chance for immediate success given all the weapons he has around him, especially in the passing attack. The trio of DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and rookie first-rounder Rome Odunze -- not to mention tight end Cole Kmet -- will help Williams immensely. As far as his fantasy value for Year 1 in the NFL, Williams will be on the QB2 map with upside.
From RotoBaller
The New York Giants signed No. 6 overall pick, wide receiver Malik Nabers, to his rookie deal on Friday. The deal is a four-year, $29,207,750 fully guaranteed deal that includes an $18,062,000 signing bonus and a fifth-year team option. The Giants passed on adding competition for quarterback Daniel Jones in this year's NFL draft and instead gave Jones big-time receiving help with perhaps the most explosive and athletic wideout in this year's strong class of receivers. The 20-year-old from LSU will immediately slot in as New York's No. 1 pass-catcher in 2024. He was wildly productive for the Tigers and should be heavily targeted as he transitions to the NFL, but he won't turn 21 until later this summer and could struggle for consistency if Jones continues to struggle as a passer. Fantasy managers in single-year leagues shouldn't be relying too heavily on Nabers in his rookie season in a Giants offense that has had its share of problems with Jones leading them.
From RotoBaller
