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.
- 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
- 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
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings | Post-NFL Draft Update
The Paur Report
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
In what is the weakest wide receiving corps the Buffalo Bills have had in several seasons, rookie second-round wideout Keon Coleman should start right away in his first NFL season alongside veteran Curtis Samuel and Khalil Shakir. Coleman has a lot of potential, but asking a 21-year-old to produce in a way he never has at a higher level of football seems like asking for too much, too soon, according to The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia. Depth is also an issue for this unit, with journeyman veteran Mack Hollins as their top reserve. Coleman has good size at 6-foot-3, 213 pounds, but his lack of production at Florida State made him a polarizing draft prospect. The good news is that he's going to have his opportunities right away, although that doesn't necessarily mean he'll be a starting fantasy option on a weekly basis right away.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox likely knows a reduced role is on the way again for him in 2024, although he is a favorite of quarterback Josh Allen's in the locker room, so it remains to be seen how much he'll be on the sidelines in favor of second-year tight end Dalton Kincaid. Allen may need to rely on Kincaid more to pick up a big amount of slack to keep the offense moving with an unproven receiver unit this year. Buffalo moved away from heavy usage of 12 personnel early in 2023 and mostly settled into 11 personnel. If that's the plan again in 2024, it will be interesting to see how they divvy up the snaps between Kincaid and Knox. Either way, unless Kincaid misses time with an injury, it's going to be hard to justify starting Knox outside of two-TE leagues.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook bounced back from being benched last year and enters his third season in the NFL in 2024 as the unquestioned lead back with a giant gap between him and either Ty Johnson or rookie Ray Davis. Cook should continue to push toward some of the heaviest involvement the Bills have seen in recent years out of their top back. Johnson's game is similar to Cook's, so he'll likely have a game-day role when Cook needs a breather. The Bills are hoping Davis can add power and short-yardage ability, something the team has been wanting to add for years to the backfield. The 24-year-old Cook had a 1,000-yard rushing season in 2023 but added just two rushing TDs. What Cook lacks in scoring opportunities, he could make up for with his pass-catching abilities and sheer volume in 2024.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's Zac Jackson writes that the Cleveland Browns believe wide receiver Cedric Tillman can make a second-year leap in 2024. Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore figure to start in most three-receiver sets this year, but Tillman should have an opportunity for a bigger role as the No. 4 as the season progresses. The 24-year-old third-round pick last year out of Tennessee caught 21 of his 44 targets for 224 yards and no touchdowns in 14 games (three starts) in 2023 in his rookie season. Behind Tillman, David Bell, rookie Jamari Thrash, James Proche II, Jaelon Darden and Michael Woods II will have to battle for playing time in training camp this summer. Tillman won't be worth drafting in standard-sized leagues this fall, but he could become intriguing as a waiver-wire pickup if one of the three starters goes down with injury at any point.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Rams released wide receiver Ben Skowronek on Thursday, according to a source. The former seventh-round pick in 2021 out of Notre Dame had emerged into a team captain last year but also had a career-low eight receptions on 12 targets for 66 yards and his first career touchdown in 17 regular-season games (zero starts). The 26-year-old has mostly contributed on special teams in his three-year NFL career and will likely continue to do so wherever he winds up next. In his three years in LA, Skowronek caught 58 of his 93 targets for 575 receiving yards and just one touchdown in 45 games played (12 starts). He'll be off the fantasy radar wherever he lands next.
From RotoBaller
There's a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Cleveland Browns' backfield heading into this summer with running back Nick Chubb (knee) months away from having a timetable to return. Nyheim Hines (knee) is also recovering from a torn ACL as well. D'Onta Foreman figures to operate as the team's short-yardage back, while Jerome Ford could go anywhere from first in line to a specialized role while mostly helping in the passing game. Pierre Strong Jr. and John Kelly Jr. round out the RB room. The Browns have nice depth at the position, but the pecking order and specific roles are to be determined based on Chubb's availability and effectiveness. Foreman's fantasy value will hinge on Chubb as well, but in a best-case scenario if Chubb isn't ready for the start of the season, he'll be a touchdown-dependent RB3/flex.
From RotoBaller
The New York Giants signed free-agent wide receiver Allen Robinson on Thursday, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The move to acquire a cheap veteran makes sense considering the weak group of pass-catchers on New York's roster, but Robinson has looked like a shell of his former self over the last three seasons. After two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in 2019 and 2020, Robinson has totaled just 1,029 yards and four touchdowns over the last three campaigns. He tallied 280 yards and no touchdowns with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023. Although he could provide value as an experienced leader in the locker room, it'd be surprising if he made an impact in fantasy football. Rookie first-round pick Malik Nabers is expected to be the No. 1 wide receiver for Daniel Jones right away, while Jalin Hyatt, Wan'Dale Robinson, and Darius Slayon with compete for looks behind him.
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.
Dynasty | The Carolina Panthers are signing running back Rashaad Penny. Dynasty Analysis: Penny is going to compete with rookie Jonathon Brooks, Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders and Raheem Blackshear for a roster spot this Summer as nothing here should be looked at as guaranteed. Penny has had his moments in the league, including a stretch in Seattle where he was the best fantasy football player in the world for about a month. Unfortunately, injuries have always held him back and he wasn't really even able to sniff the field last year in Philadelphia. Penny's value has dropped all the way down to "watch list," but he'd certainly be roster worthy should he make the team this Fall.
Free-agent WR Allen Robinson (Steelers) agreed to an undisclosed deal with the New York Giants Thursday, May 9.
From TheHuddle
Free-agent WR Zay Jones (Jaguars) is scheduled to visit the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday, May 9, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
From TheHuddle
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold could be named the team's Week 1 starter over first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. As Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com writes, "It's only a matter of time before McCarthy becomes the Vikings' starting quarterback [...] but it is not likely to happen as quickly as some fans might hope, and if anything, the Vikings are poised to err on the side of methodical caution." Such a scenario could see Minnesota let Darnold, whom they signed this past offseason when Kirk Cousins left for Atlanta, start a few games before transitioning to McCarthy. Darnold has struggled to support major fantasy production from his playmakers at previous stops, including the Jets and Panthers, so fantasy managers might want to temper expectations with players like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson to start the year. Darnold himself falls to the low-end QB3 tier in fantasy football drafts.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight ends Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft can elevate the offense to the next level, according to tight ends coach John Dunn. "I think in terms of the creativity, it's limitless," Dunn told the media on Wednesday. Musgrave and Kraft were both members of the 2023 draft class and impressed in their own roles throughout last season. Musgrave was the Packers' top tight end for their first 10 games before a lacerated kidney caused him to miss six weeks. With Musgrave sidelined, Kraft emerged as one of Jordan Love's favorite targets, averaging four catches and 47 yards per game. When Musgrave returned in Week 18, he caught one pass for 11 yards while Kraft tallied three receptions for 31 yards. Long story short, Green Bay feels confident that it has two talented, young, impactful playmakers at the tight end position and is prepared to utilize them both in creative ways throughout the 2024 season. Until we get more clarity on their respective roles, they both rank as fringe top-24 options at the tight end position in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs believes he has a chip on his shoulder, according to running backs coach Ben Sirmans. "I think he's coming in with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder because we all have something to prove," Sirmans told the media on Wednesday. "I think he wants to prove we made the right decision in investing in him." Jacobs doesn't necessarily have a whole lot more to prove after tallying 3,154 scrimmage yards and 18 touchdowns over his final two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. However, his signing with Green Bay did surprise many NFL fans, so perhaps he feels a little extra motivation to silence the critics and make sure he lives up to every penny of his four-year, $48 million deal. The Packers parted ways with fellow veteran Aaron Jones this offseason and (barring any unforeseen additions) will enter 2024 with a backfield headlined by Jacobs, AJ Dillon, and rookie MarShawn Lloyd. Given his track record as an every-down back in Vegas, Jacobs easily has the most fantasy appeal of the bunch, ranking as a low-end RB1 heading into drafts.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent wide receiver Zay Jones will visit with the Kansas City Chiefs next, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Jones, who was cut loose by the Jacksonville Jaguars recently, has already visited with the Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, and Dallas Cowboys. All of those teams have varying levels of need for a new wide receiver, but Kansas City could be the most appealing for Jones given that they are competitive year in and year out, offer the opportunity to catch passes from an elite quarterback, and currently have a significant void near the top of their depth chart. It's no secret that second-year receiver Rashee Rice could be facing a lengthy suspension for a pair of off-the-field issues this offseason. Marquise Brown and rookie Xavier Worthy would benefit from playing alongside someone like Jones, especially if Rice does end up missing time. Such a dynamic would give Brown, Worthy, and Jones plenty of opportunities to carve out meaningful volume, though Brown would likely have first dibs on the No. 1 receiver role. Therefore, any free-agent deal for Jones would likely keep him off the fantasy radar in a typical 12-team league, at least for the time being.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills WR Curtis Samuel could be used out of the backfield this season by offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who utilized Samuel as a runner while the two were with the Carolina Panthers.
Fantasy Spin: Samuel saw a career-high 41 carries and ran for 200 yards in 2020 with Brady running the offense in Carolina. Samuel should already have a chance to carve out a solid role in the passing game thanks to Buffalo's overhauled receiving corps, and a few carries a game would only boost his value. He has upside as a flex option.
From TheHuddle
