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FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

Waivering: Week 7

Tue Oct 19 8:49am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

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Johnson could start this week


This is going to be a very interesting week. The byes are a killer this week with six teams off. And several of those teams are very good from a fantasy perspective. Plus, the injuries continue to pile up, which is another concern in addition to the byes. This is going to lead to some players getting picked up this week that you normally wouldn’t see on a fantasy roster. But desperate times cause for desperate measures. Below are some players to consider adding to your roster to help fill those voids.

QUARTERBACK

Teddy Bridgewater, Broncos. Bridgewater had his first three-touchdown game of the season last week. He has multiple touchdowns four of six games, though. He has been very consistent, having at least 22.5 fantasy points four games. Bridgewater isn’t flashy but gets the job done on a weekly basis and is a good streaming option for fantasy teams.

Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins. Tagovailoa returned from his rib injury and had his best game of the season. He threw for 329 yards and two touchdowns. He scored 25.7 fantasy points. Tagovailoa has some good matchups in the coming weeks, playing the Falcons and Texans two of his next three games. He is another good streaming option for fantasy teams.

RUNNING BACK

Khalil Herbert, Bears. Herbert isn’t available in many leagues but still out there in about 23 percent. If he is out there in yours, go grab him. He has done well with his expanded chances, rushing 15 times for 97 yards and a touchdown in a starting role last week. He has run for at least 75 yards two straight.

D’Ernest Johnson, Demetric Felton, Browns. The Browns are a mess at running back right now because of injury. Kareem Hunt started this past week but left early with a calf injury. Nick Chubb missed the game because of a calf injury. Both backs might be out this week, especially since the Browns have the Thursday night game. This leaves Johnson and Felton to handle the running back duties. Both guys are worth a look if you need the running back help. We think Johnson is the better bet of the two but nothing is a given because neither have played very much this year.

Mark Ingram, Texans. Ingram has 34 carries his last two games. He had one of his best games of the season last week, rushing 18 times for 73 yards. He doesn’t have a ton of fantasy value in this offense but with all the injuries at running back, Ingram is worth a look to fantasy teams. He does have double-digit fantasy points two games. Ingram remains available in 52 percent of games.

Devonta Freeman, Ravens. Latavius Murray was banged up in the Ravens game, leading to a few more chances for Freeman. And Freeman had his best showing of the season, rushing nine times for 53 yards and a touchdown. If Murray has to miss any time, Freeman is likely the next man up. And any starter in the Ravens offense has very good fantasy value. He is worth a speculative add for any fantasy team needing running back help.

RECEIVER

Donovan Peoples-Jones, Browns. Peoples-Jones is starting to make a name for himself in the Browns passing game. He has nine receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns on 11 targets his last two games. We still think he could be hit or miss in a run-first offense, but his big-play ability gives him a fairly high ceiling on a weekly basis.

Kendrick Bourne, Patriots. Bourne caught just a pass on two targets last week but it went for a 75-yard touchdown. Bourne has double-digit fantasy points three of four games. He has touchdowns two of those games. Bourne should continue to get some weekly chances in this offense and remains available in 88 percent of leagues.

Jamal Agnew, Jaguars. Agnew has started to find the field more after the injury to D.J. Chark. Agnew has 11 receptions on 13 target his last two games. He has reached double-digit fantasy points each of those two games. Agnew is a great kick returner but the Jaguars are finding ways to get his playmaking ability involved in the passing game. This could be a trend gong forward.

Rashod Bateman, Ravens. Bateman played his first game of the season last week and was involved right away. He had four receptions for 29 yards on six targets. He played 65 percent of the snaps, which was the second highest mark for any Ravens receiver. Bateman is very talented and should continue to grow in this explosive offense. He is worth a bench spot for fantasy teams.

TIGHT END

Tyler Conklin, Vikings. Conklin had 70-plus yards for the second time this season in Week 6. He had three receptions for 71 yards on five targets. He has produced some big games as the starter for the Vikings. He is not a consistent fantasy tight end but a good streaming option in the right matchup. He can produce the big game.

Ricky Seals-Jones, Washington. Seals-Jones had four receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown in Week 6. He has nine catches for 99 yards and a score his last two games, getting a chance to start for Washington because of injury. As long as he is starting, Seals-Jones is a good spot starter for fantasy teams.

O.J. Howard, Bucs. Howard finally seems to be rounding into form. He was a lot more involved in the offense this week and took advantage with a great showing. He had six receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown. With Rob Gronkowski still trying to recover from broken ribs, Howard could play a big role in the offense the coming weeks.

Pat Freiermuth, Steelers. Freiermuth had seven receptions for 58 yards on seven targets. All three numbers were season highs for the rookie. He also played a season-high 60 percent of the snaps compared to 45 percent for Eric Ebron. Frieiermuth has moved ahead of Ebron on the depth chart and is becoming a favorite target of Ben Roethlisberger. He seems ready to take off in this offense and is a good addition for any tight end looking for a spark at the position.

ONE WEEK STREAMERS. . . .

Chris Evans, RB, Bengals. Evans got some work last week as the top backup and third-down option for the Bengals. He had four carries for 18 yards and caught three passes for 49 yards and a touchdown. He scored 15.7 fantasy points while playing 22 percent of the snaps. The Bengals play a red-hot Ravens offense this week, meaning they could be playing from behind. This could lead to a few more chances for Evans, making him an option to consider for desperate owners at the running back spot.

Ty Montgomery, RB, Saints. Montgomery has played at least 45 percent of the snaps his last two games. He has been the top backup for the Saints since Tony Jones was hurt. Montgomery didn’t have a touch in Week 5 but had three catches for 42 yards the previous game. He has some potential in the passing game. And we would expect him to get a few touches each week if he continues to play this much. He might be worth a shot for fantasy owners in Week 7.

Demarcus Robinson, WR, Chiefs. Robinson has been all over the map this season, having four games with fewer than five fantasy points. He has two games with 13-plus points, though. And he has played at least 59 percent of the snaps every game. So Robinson is on the field often in one of the best offenses in football. And the Chiefs play the Titans in an expected high-scoring game. Robinson is capable of a big play or two in this matchup. He is owned in just two percent of leagues, so if you need a receiver, Robinson is worth a look.

Kendall Hinton, WR, Broncos. Hinton has seven receptions for 62 yards his last two games. He has been targeted at least three times three straight games. He is getting more playing time because of injuries at receiver for Denver. Hinton has played 63 or more percent of the snaps each of his last two games. He should have a similar role this week against the Browns, a team that allows the sixth most fantasy points to receivers.

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.

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Player Notes
Jordan Travis May 3 8:20pm ET
Jordan Travis

New York Jets rookie quarterback Jordan Travis (ankle), who was drafted by the Jets in the fifth round last week, won't take part in offseason workouts but should be cleared for training camp at the end of July, according to head coach Robert Saleh. The Jets took the Florida State star as a developmental prospect who can learn behind Aaron Rodgers and veteran backup Tyrod Taylor. Travis suffered a gruesome, season-ending ankle injury on Nov. 18 and required surgery. He rode a stationary bike on Friday during part of practice. "He's a tremendously talented young man and extremely gifted, especially athletically. He's got a lot of work to do for sure, especially with tying his lower half to his arm and all that good stuff, but he's a gifted athlete," Saleh said. Travis threw for 8,643 yards and 65 touchdowns while finishing his career with 17 straight wins for the Seminoles.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill May 3 5:13pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Dynasty | The Miami Dolphins have signed wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. Dynasty Analysis: Beckham has been flirting with the Dolphins for weeks and now it's official. It's a one-year deal worth $3 million with incentives that can push its max value to $8.25 million. The incentives are likely going to be very tough for OBJ to meet with the likes of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle around. Still, it's another fresh start for Beckham, who hasn't had a 1,000-yard season 2019. He's still a hold in dynasty leagues but expecting a late-career renaissance seems to be asking a little too much at this point.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Malachi Corley May 3 4:50pm ET
Malachi Corley

The New York Jets traded up to the first pick of the third round (No. 65) in the 2024 NFL Draft to select former Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley. In a recent media availability, Jets general manager Joe Douglas touted the rookie's run-after-catch skills and believes he's a great fit alongside Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams. "He really excels with the ball in his hands. When guys are really good at running after catch in college, it usually translates well in the pros," Douglas said. "If a guy has the ability to make people miss it's because they're really an elusive high-level athlete and if they're wired to compete. Our coaches are going to use that skill to turn him into an elite route runner." Needless to say, the team has high expectations for the 22-year-old -- and for good reason. In his final two collegiate campaigns, he caught 180 passes for 2,277 yards and 22 touchdowns.

From RotoBaller

Dawuane Smoot May 3 4:30pm ET
Dawuane Smoot

The Buffalo Bills signed linebacker Deion Jones and defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot on Friday, according to NFL.com. The team moved on from several veterans on both sides of the ball this offseason, so Jones and Smoot could compete for playing time in 2024. Jones, a former second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, earned Pro Bowl honors in 2017, but he hasn't lived up to his breakout campaign. In 109 games with the Falcons, Browns, and Panthers, he has racked up 731 tackles, 12 sacks, five forced fumbles, and 13 interceptions. Smoot, a former Jaguars third-round pick, spent the first seven seasons of his career with Jacksonville and compiled 23.5 sacks through his first 99 games.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers May 3 3:10pm ET
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh said that there will be no restrictions for quarterback Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) when Phase 3 of the offseason begins in two weeks, which consists of 10 organized team activity practices. "Once phase three hits, we're not anticipating any restrictions from what we can and can't do with him," Saleh said. Meanwhile, rookie QB Jordan Travis (ankle), is expected to be ready for training camp after suffering a devastating injury in November. The 40-year-old Rodgers is coming off a torn left Achilles that he suffered on the first offensive series of the season in 2023. The odds are against him returning to his MVP form with the Jets, but he's not lacking for offensive weapons around him if he can stay healthy in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Tolbert May 3 3:00pm ET
Jalen Tolbert

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert, who worked as the team's No. 4 wideout in his second season in 2023, is expected to have a bigger role in 2024 alongside CeeDee Lamb and veteran Brandin Cooks. Tolbert essentially split offensive snaps with Michael Gallup last year, but Gallup is now in Las Vegas. In 17 regular-season games (six starts) last year, Tolbert caught 22 of his 36 targets for 268 yards and two touchdowns after recording just two receptions in his rookie campaign in 2022. The 25-year-old former third-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft out of South Alabama won't necessarily be worth drafting in standard-sized fantasy leagues this fall, but if Lamb or Cooks go down with an injury at any point, Tolbert would become a popular waiver-wire pickup.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Bellinger May 3 2:30pm ET
Daniel Bellinger

Darren Waller's expected retirement could open the door for Daniel Bellinger to become the New York Giants' No. 1 tight end in 2024 like he was as a rookie. Bellinger's receiving opportunities were limited by Waller's presence last year, but the addition of veteran blocking tight ends this offseason should allow Bellinger to be featured more as a receiver in his third season in the league. The 23-year-old former fourth-round pick in 2022 out of San Diego State has caught 55 of his 63 targets for 523 yards and two touchdowns in his two seasons with the G-Men. If Waller hangs up his cleats as things seem to be trending, Bellinger could be a decent under-the-radar TE2 target in deeper fantasy leagues this fall.

From RotoBaller

Mac Jones May 3 2:30pm ET
Mac Jones

Unsurprisingly, the Jacksonville Jaguars didn't pick up the fifth-year option on new quarterback Mac Jones, who the team acquired in a trade with the New England Patriots this offseason. Jones was New England's first-round pick in 2021 but failed to make an impact as their starter under center. He went to the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2021 but was merely a replacement player. Jones started all 42 games that he played for the Patriots, but the team went 4-13 in 2023 and Jones found himself on the bench for the final six games. The 25-year-old from Alabama regressed in each of his three seasons in Boston, but it didn't help that the Patriots were constantly bringing in new offensive coaches during his time there. Now in Jacksonville, Jones will operate as the clear backup to Trevor Lawrence in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels May 3 2:20pm ET
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who was taken in this year's draft with the second overall pick, has the experience and ability to give him a chance to start immediately in his first season in 2024, according to multiple sources. "When that time comes, when he's ready, then that's when we'll do it. But there's no timeline on that," head coach Dan Quinn said. If Daniels doesn't start right away, the Commanders would go with Marcus Mariota. Both Quinn and general manager Adam Peters have said they want to rely on a strong defense and run game to reduce the burden on the rookie QB. The addition of veteran players like tight end Zach Ertz and running Austin Ekeler should lessen the need for Daniels to be the leader of the offense right away. Numerous NFL coaches think Kliff Kingsbury's offensive scheme will be good for Daniels, and while he has tons of long-term potential, Daniels will be a low-end QB2 with upside in fantasy in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Eric Gray May 3 2:20pm ET
Eric Gray

New York Giants running back Eric Gray has a clear path to a bigger role in New York's backfield in his second season in the league now that Saquon Barkley is no longer in town. The Giants signed Devin Singletary to be their No. 1 back, but he's never been the top dog and there will be room for carries for other backs now that Barkley is out of the picture. The Giants haven't signed any other veterans and didn't take a RB in the draft until selecting Purdue's Tyrone Tracy in the fifth round, which is the same spot Gray was taken in 2023. The 24-year-old had 23 touches for 70 yards in 13 games as a rookie last year, but his production should go up considerably in 2024 as long as he stays healthy. Gray won't necessarily be a draft target in standard 12-team leagues, but he'll surely be a waiver-wire target if Singletary misses time with an injury.

From RotoBaller

Chase Claypool May 3 2:10pm ET
Chase Claypool

The Buffalo Bills signed former Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool to an undisclosed one-year deal on Friday. Even with the departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis this offseason, Claypool could face an uphill battle to crack the top three in Buffalo after the addition of rookie Keon Coleman with the first pick of the second round of this year's draft. The 25-year-old former second-rounder by the Steelers in 2020 out of Notre Dame had a career-low eight receptions on 21 targets for 77 yards and one touchdown in 12 games (two starts) with the Bears and Miami Dolphins in 2023. Claypool could connect on some deep plays down the field with quarterback Josh Allen in 2024, but unless injuries open up a starting spot for Claypool, he's a long shot for consistent fantasy production.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert May 3 1:13pm ET
Justin Herbert

Dynasty | The Chargers have signed wide receiver DJ Chark,. Dynasty Analysis: Chark brings a lot of experience to the Los Angeles receiving corps but we haven't seen much from him in terms of production since 2019. After stints in Jacksonville, Detroit, and Carolina, Chark will now join his fourth team in four years, still looking to rekindle that magic. While this is clearly a "wait and see" kind of moment for Chark, it should put him back on the map now that he's paired with Justin Herbert in a new-look Chargers offense.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Najee Harris May 3 1:13pm ET
Najee Harris

Dynasty | The Steelers have declined the fifth-year option on running back Najee Harris. Dynasty Analysis: Harris will now be in a contract year in 2024 as he attempts to re-establish himself as a starting caliber running back in the NFL. He will again likely be deployed in a committee with Jaylen Warren and look to impress Pittsburgh or another team as he searches for a lucrative second NFL contract. He'll need to be more effective than he was last season to do so but he showed some flashes late in the season after the Steelers threatened to move Warren to the "1A" part of the committee. Regardless, Harris remains a hold in dynasty leagues as we see just what he may have to give now that he's in a contract year.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Josh Allen May 3 1:13pm ET
Josh Allen

Dynasty | The Buffalo Bills have signed wide receiver Chase Claypool. Dynasty Analysis: Claypool flamed out in Pittsburgh and was even worse in his time with the Bears and Dolphins over the past two seasons. Still, we know he has talent and this is a pretty good development in dynasty circles, at least putting him back on the map. While he's far from a trade target, this could make him a decent waiver wire pickup in the hopes he can rekindle his career with Josh Allen and a depth chart pretty void of talent.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Odell Beckham Jr. May 3 11:40am ET
Odell Beckham Jr.

The Miami Dolphins are signing veteran free-agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to a one-year deal worth up to $8.25 million, according to Tom Pelissero. The three-time Pro Bowler has been linked to Miami for much of the offseason, and he finally found his home for the 2024 season on Friday. While this is an exciting signing for the former superstar, fantasy football expectations should be tempered. The 31-year-old has not reached the 600-yard mark in a single season since 2019, and he will now compete with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle for targets. He's a nice depth boost for Mike McDaniel's offense, but he is nothing more than a late-round flyer in 2024 fantasy drafts. Despite playing in 14 games for the Ravens last year, he caught just 35 passes for 565 yards and three touchdowns, finishing as the WR63 in PPR leagues.

From RotoBaller

Eric Stokes May 2 11:50pm ET
Eric Stokes

The Green Bay Packers declined the fifth-year option for cornerback Eric Stokes on Thursday, according to a source. The 29th overall pick in 2021 out of Georgia, Stokes played well in his rookie season but has battled injuries the last two years. He will now be slated for free agency next spring and can make a case for a big payday if he can stay healthy in 2024. The 25-year-old played in 16 games (14 starts) as a rookie in 2021 and had a career-high 55 tackles (43 solo), an interception and 14 passes defended. However, he's played in just 12 games (11 starts) since then and has 26 solo tackles in that time. Stokes played in just three games last season. Despite his injuries the last two years, he's expected to be a starting cornerback for Green Bay in 2024 if he's healthy.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Farley May 2 11:40pm ET
Caleb Farley

The Tennessee Titans plan to decline the fifth-year option on cornerback Caleb Farley (back), according to a source. It was the expected move for the Titans after Farley played in just 12 games (two starts) since 2021. The former 22nd overall pick in 2021 out of Virginia Tech will now hit the free-agent market after the 2024 season. Farley missed all of the 2023 campaign due to a back injury and has a total of 14 tackles (13 solo) and one pass defended in his 12 games with the Titans in 2021 and 2022. The 25-year-old defensive back will be trying to stay on the field in 2024 with Tennessee and be productive in what is now his walk year before hitting the open market next spring.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Chark May 2 11:00pm ET
D.J. Chark

The Los Angeles Chargers have signed free agent wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. to a one-year, $5 million contract, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Chark reportedly visited with the Chargers prior to last week's NFL Draft. He could play a key role in Los Angeles after the team parted with both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams this offseason. Right now, their current depth chart is headlined by Chark, Quentin Johnston, and Joshua Palmer, as well as up-and-coming rookies Ladd McConkey and Brenden Rice. Chark spent last season with the Carolina Panthers, catching 35 passes for 525 yards and five touchdowns over the course of 15 games. While the Chargers lack a true alpha receiver at the moment, they have plenty of raw talent at the position, which could make it difficult for Chark to carve out a role. For now, fantasy managers should monitor his performance throughout training camp before they consider selecting him in drafts later this summer.

From RotoBaller

Rondale Moore May 2 10:50pm ET
Rondale Moore

Atlanta Falcons wide receivers Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore "will be relied on to provide more consistency" throughout the 2024 season, according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic. Notably, the Falcons are expected to deploy numerous three-receiver sets, leaving room for both Mooney and Moore to contribute alongside Drake London. Mooney, a Tulane product, tallied 2,593 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns over his first four pro seasons. His best season came in 2021 when he racked up 1,055 receiving yards and five total touchdowns. If Mooney can return to his 2021 form, he'll be the Falcons' No. 2 wide receiver and a low-end FLEX option in fantasy football. Moore also flashed potential in Arizona prior to his trade from the Cardinals to the Falcons. Over his first three pro seasons, Moore has 1,201 receiving yards, 249 rushing yards, and four touchdowns. He, too, could become a fringe fantasy WR3 in the right situation.

From RotoBaller

Kadarius Toney May 2 10:30pm ET
Kadarius Toney

The Kansas City Chiefs have declined their fifth-year option on wide receiver Kadarius Toney, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. By doing so, the Chiefs will opt against bringing Toney back for $14.345 million in 2025. Instead, he'll finish out his rookie contract in Kansas City this season before hitting free agency next March. Toney had a fifth-year option due to his status as a former first-round pick. He has been a massive disappointment since the Giants selected him in the 2021 NFL Draft. Toney totaled 760 receiving yards, 119 rushing yards, and four total touchdowns through his first three seasons, and he also struggled to stay healthy, playing in just 12 games for the Giants and 20 for the Chiefs. He remains an inferior receiver to Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice, and Xavier Worthy, leaving Toney on waivers in most redraft leagues.

From RotoBaller