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.
- 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
- 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
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings | Post-NFL Draft Update
The Paur Report
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
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Alex McGough, a former USFL MVP who transitioned from quarterback this offseason, could use his pure athleticism to secure a roster spot prior to the 2024 campaign, head coach Matt LaFleur told the media. McGough spent all of 2023 operating as Green Bay's No. 3 quarterback. "He's a really athletic guy," LaFleur explained. "He spent a lot of time on the scout team running receiver routes, and he did such a great job. We feel like he's such a talented athlete, [so] why not give him a chance there? He's a smart guy, works his tail off. I think he can contribute [on special teams] as well. We felt like that might be his best chance here." These comments suggest that the Packers place great value on McGough's athleticism and don't want to risk losing someone like him, even if his impact is limited to special teams in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Free agent cornerback Stephon Gilmore still wants to play football but is waiting for the right opportunity, he told NFL insider Josina Anderson. "I know the value I still bring," Gilmore said. "If you watch the tape, I feel like I played well the last two years, and literally almost played every snap last year." Indeed, Gilmore was impactful in 2023. He started all 17 games for the Cowboys, registering two interceptions, 13 passes defended, 68 tackles, and one forced fumble. He's still a starting-caliber defender who could justify holding out for a specific opportunity, perhaps with a contender.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts running back Evan Hull could still earn the backup role despite some speculation suggesting the job belonged to Trey Sermon. According to James Boyd of The Athletic, "it remains unclear" who will operate as the No. 2 option behind Jonathan Taylor in 2024. He notes that while Sermon may be the early favorite, the former 49ers draft pick has just 78 carries for 346 yards and one touchdown in his career. Whoever takes over as Taylor's backup will be filling big shoes. Last season, that role belonged to Zack Moss, who finished the year with 986 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns. Moss is now in Cincinnati, leaving a competition of sorts for Sermon and Hull. As a rookie last year, Hull mustered just one rushing yards and six receiving yards.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's James Boyd has Indianapolis Colts tight end Jelani Woods projected as the team's starting tight end in May because he remains bullish on his potential, despite the fact he was sidelined all of last year due to hamstring injuries. Woods should be healthy for organized team activities, and his next-level athleticism will mesh perfectly with head coach Shane Steichen's play-calling to create mismatches all over the field. He's also big enough to block when needed, and Kylen Granson can continue to use his speed and route-running to help move the chains. Mo Alie-Cox will remain in the mix as a seasoned veteran. While Woods should have a bigger pass-catching role if he can stay on the field, this could once again be a frustrating committee situation at TE for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
The Dallas Cowboys signed rookie offensive tackle Tyler Guyton to his rookie deal on Thursday. In addition to Guyton, Dallas locked up rookies Cooper Beebe, Maris Liufau, Caelen Carson, Ryan Flournoy, Nathan Thomas and Justin Rogers. The only rookie that remains unsigned now is second-rounder Marshawn Kneeland. Guyton was selected 29th overall in the first round after Troy Fautanu and Amarius Mims came off the board earlier in the first round. The 6-foot-8, 322-pounder has excellent physical traits and the potential to play tackle at the next level, but it remains to be seen if he'll eventually develop as a starting-caliber left tackle. When the 22-year-old did enter the starting lineup at Oklahoma, he only played on the right side.
From RotoBaller
The Las Vegas Raiders signed first-round rookie tight end Brock Bowers to a fully guaranteed four-year deal on Thursday that is worth $18.1 million. He'll receive $10 million via a signing bonus and the standard fifth-year team option as a first-round pick. The Raiders held off on reaching for a quarterback in the first round in last month's draft and instead took one of the best players in the entire draft in Bowers at 13th overall. The 21-year-old was the highest-selected tight end since Kyle Pitts in 2021 and is athletic enough as a tight end to play pretty much anywhere on the field. Bowers set a school record at Georgia with 26 touchdowns in his time there and is the complete package. Even with Michael Mayer in town, Bowers should take over as the team's top pass-catching TE in his rookie year.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Rams surprisingly selected Michigan running back Blake Corum in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft despite breakout star Kyren Williams racking up 1,350 total yards and 15 touchdowns in 2023. In a media availability, general manager Les Snead said that the decision to draft Corum was related to keeping Williams fresh. "It's a tough league. It's a 17-game season plus playoffs, so we always felt like we needed to have as many quality runners as possible... so we don't just totally run down Kyren," Snead said. "And we have one or two or even three guys that can contribute... keep everyone fresh." The organization implemented a workhorse backfield approach with 2017 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Todd Gurley, and he ultimately had a short shelf life as a pro due to durability concerns. As most teams shift to a committee backfield, high-end fantasy running back producers are becoming more scarce. Williams missed five games last year on the Injured Reserve list, so the organization is being proactive and adding depth in the backfield. Williams remains an RB1 candidate, but his floor and ceiling take a hit with the addition of Corum.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has vastly exceeded expectations since being traded from the Los Angeles Rams to Detroit ahead of the 2021 season. The former No. 1 overall pick has thrown for 12,258 yards, 78 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions through his first 48 games with the organization. More importantly, he led the team to Detroit's first playoff win since 1991 last year, and he had the San Francisco 49ers on the ropes in the NFC Championship game. He did not sign a contract extension along with right tackle Penei Sewell and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown two weeks ago, but general manager Brad Holmes said the two sides are working on a deal. "He's earned an extension. It's important, it's a high priority for us. Both sides are working really, really hard. These things just take time," Holmes said. "In a perfect world, we would've had all three of them done. Bang, bang, bang. But these things just kind of take a while, especially with the quarterback market, but I do have faith that it's gonna get done." Assuming Goff receives a high-dollar multi-year deal, his dynasty value with be secure over the next three or four years. While his ceiling is capped by a lack of rushing upside, he should remain a fringe QB1 as long as the Lions retain key offensive linemen and pass-catching weapons.
From RotoBaller
Despite the Tennessee Titans signing veteran wide receiver Tyler Boyd this week, head coach Brian Callahan and the organization still have hope for third-year wideout Treylon Burks. "We've made very clear to Treylon that the signing of Tyler is not about him. It's about helping our team get better, adding better players to our team, making us a competitive football team," Callahan said. "What he's done and how he's worked has been great, and I'm anticipating him still being able to play a good role for us." While the Boyd signing almost surely pushes Burks to the WR4 role and destroys any 2024 fantasy football value he had, it sounds like the team is not going to trade him this offseason as many have speculated. Burks was a promising prospect coming out of Arkansas, but he's totaled just 665 receiving yards and one touchdown through his first two NFL seasons. He might be worth holding in deep dynasty leagues, but it'd be surprising if he's on the fantasy radar in redraft formats.
From RotoBaller
The Houston Texans acquired wide receiver Ben Skowronek from the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, according to sources. The Rams were set to waiver Skowronek, but the Texans swooped in before he hit waivers to get something done to add receiving depth behind Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Robert Woods, Noah Brown, John Metchie III and others. The 26-year-old Skowronek was the Rams' seventh-round pick in 2021 and has mostly been limited to a role on special teams in his three years in the NFL. That will likely continue to be the case with his move to Houston, and he won't be on the fantasy radar at all. In his three years in the NFL in LA, Skowronek only had 58 receptions for 575 yards and one touchdown on 93 targets in 45 games (12 starts).
From RotoBaller
