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Hi Folks,
Welcome to Friday. Lots of good things happening with more content and updated projections and cheatsheets. Plus the news and notes you need.
But first a Friday non Football thought. You may have seen this commercial from Nike during the Olympics.
I couldn't agree more. Get off your butt and pursue greatness. Be a great Husband. A great Father. A great Friend. A great Employee. A great whatever. To use another Nike line, "Just Do It."
Now let's get to the news and notes. Have a great Friday and thank you for letting me be a small part of it.
J
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Some sites give you a rough idea of how they think players will produce this year. We project every stat that matters for every player this season. And they're updated continually as news and situations changes. Check them out.
Our Footballguys Staffers have updated cheatsheet rankings ready for you. They're flexible and sortable to make them work the way you want.
You need to know more than just where you want to draft a guy. You need to know where other owners are likely to draft the guy. Get that information with our Average Draft Position (ADP) data.
The same Average Draft Position (ADP) data but this one is for Point Per Reception (PPR) leagues.
Our Clayton Gray and his Ultimate Strength of Schedule is always a popular feature. In this section we feature the QBs.
Our Clayton Gray and his Ultimate Strength of Schedule is always a popular feature. In this section we feature the RBs.
Our Clayton Gray and his Ultimate Strength of Schedule is always a popular feature. In this section we feature the WRs.
Our Clayton Gray and his Ultimate Strength of Schedule is always a popular feature. In this section we feature the TEs.
Our Clayton Gray and his Ultimate Strength of Schedule is always a popular feature. In this section we feature the Team Defenses.
Our Clayton Gray and his Ultimate Strength of Schedule is always a popular feature. In this section we feature the Kickers.
Our Clayton Gray and his Ultimate Strength of Schedule is always a popular feature. In this section we feature the Defensive Linemen.
Our Clayton Gray and his Ultimate Strength of Schedule is always a popular feature. In this section we feature the Defensive Backs.
Our Clayton Gray and his Ultimate Strength of Schedule is always a popular feature. In this section we feature the Linebackers.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt said the team hopes RB Beanie Wells (knee) will be able to play in the third preseason game but nothing is set is stone at this point. Wells is expected to start practicing next week.
Footballguys' view: Hope is not a word you want to hear associated with a player at this time of year when they aren't on the field yet. Wells is basically not worth taking anywhere near his ADP right now, but Ryan Williams becomes more intriguing in the ninth or later by the day.
Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said RB Jahvid Best (concussion) is not considered day-to-day and is expected to miss several weeks.
Footballguys' view: As if you needed any more evidence to avoid Best this year. There's no reason to take him now. Kevin Smith and Mikel Leshoure are both great gambles in the 10th or later, and get to know the name Joique Bell, the Lions fourth-string running back.
Kansas City Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles (knee) said following practice Wednesday, Aug. 1, that he has his 'mojo' back. 'I feel good," Charles said. 'I feel like I got my mojo back. I feel happy. I feel comfortable out there, and I'm ready to go. My legs feel fresh.' Charles added that he's able to make cuts like normal on zone plays in the team's revised running scheme.
Footballguys' view: This is what you want to hear if you own him in a dynasty/keeper league or want to take him in the second round this year.
Pittsburgh Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall (knee) said he is right on schedule in rehab following surgery to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered seven months ago; however, a return to action remains in the distance. Mendenhall acknowledged that a schedule doesn't really exist at this point. 'No, none at all,' Mendenhall said.
Footballguys' view: The Steelers seem real pleased with Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer, so they won't rush Mendenhall back. He might not be worth a pick in redraft league because of the long wait for questionable value.
Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Gene Smith said he has talked with RB Maurice Jones-Drew since training camp started but is not willing to give him a new contract. Smith said it is important to keep communication lines open with Jones-Drew.
Footballguys' view: We won't be worried for at least another week here. The state of the Jags' offense is a better reason to skip Jones-Drew in the first than this holdout.
New York Jets WR Santonio Holmes, who missed practice with general soreness Thursday, Aug. 2, says he does not know when he will return to the practice field. 'As soon as the trainers say I can get back on the field, that's when I'll be back on the field,' Holmes said.
Footballguys' view: We're waiting for a good reason to take Holmes as anything but a fifth or sixth wide receiver in fantasy this year.
Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said Thursday, Aug. 2, that he's been impressed with WR Brandon LaFell and that he has a strong hold on the team's No.2 receiver role.
Footballguys' view: Lafell has shown growth and should be in consideration as an end-of-the-bench wide receiver sleeper in deep leagues. The number two wide receiver role in Carolina might not have a high ceiling, but LaFell could be good bye week/injury insurance.
Denver Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman (hamstring) left practice Wednesday, Aug. 1, with a hamstring injury.
Footballguys' view: A training camp hamstring injury really slowed Shane Vereen's development last year. He wasn't out for practice this morning. Watch this closely if you are targeting him as a late-round sleeper at running back.
Denver Broncos WR Eric Decker (groin) suffered a groin strain during practice Wednesday, Aug. 1.
Footballguys' view: We won't move Decker down our board unless this lingers into the second or third week of the preseason.
Dallas Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray said the team's five rushing touchdowns last season was unacceptable. As a result, running the football in the red zone will be emphasis in training camp. 'That is definitely unacceptable,' Murray said. 'Five rushing touchdowns in one season is terrible. We had some injuries last year, and a couple of guys were nicked up. But it's no excuse for that. We have to put some rushing touchdowns on the board to help the passing game.'
Footballguys' view: The Cowboys did have a ridiculous run/pass split in the red zone, with the run being neglected. Murray has the opportunity to be a top 10 back this year as long as he stays healthy.
New York Jets RB Bilal Powell has received some reps with the first team in practice Thursday, Aug. 2, and has looked good.
Footballguys' view: Powell continues to climb a depth that offers little resistance in the form of talent. He might have just needed a full offseason to get his feet under him. Consider joining the Powell Movement with a very late round pick in early drafts.
The New York Jets' offense scored on three of four goal-line plays with QB Tim Tebow at quarterback. He ran for two touchdowns and threw for another on a playaction boot.
Footballguys' view: This is another reason to avoid Mark Sanchez even if you think he'll be the starter all season.
San Diego Chargers WR Robert Meachem (knee) left practice early Wednesday, Aug. 1, with a right knee injury; however, head coach Norv Turner said the injury does not appear to be serious. The team plans to give an update on his status Thursday, Aug. 2.
Footballguys' view: It was the knee he had surgically repaired this offseason, but it sounds like there is no reason to worry unless we hear different today.
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Antonio Brown said the perception of offensive coordinator Todd Haley as a confrontational person could not be more wrong to this point. 'Todd's really a cool guy - shaking guy's hands, communicating with guys, putting in that extra time for guys, visiting with guys,' Brown said. 'You can't go off of what you hear about a person until you really get to meet him, and, since I met this guy, he's been first class.'
Footballguys' view: Haley has a reputation for being hard on wide receivers, and Brown had some friction with previous offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, so this is a great piece of news. Brown is a value if you can get him in the fifth round or later.
Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones implied that if WR Dez Bryant doesn't shape up, he will be shipped out of town. 'He's just got to come on, step up and accept responsibility, and I think he can get there,' Jones said. 'I'm demanding that he work through it. He must do it or we can't count on him. We will move on.'
Footballguys' view: This could also be backing up the idea that a second contract from the Cowboys is a shaky proposition right now. All of that off-the-field stuff will be forgiven if Bryant catches 10 touchdowns and eclipses 1200 yards receiving this year.
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Emmanuel Sanders said WR Mike Wallace's holdout has helped him because it has allowed him to build chemistry with QB Ben Roethlisberger by getting more reps during practice.
Footballguys' view: Sanders is one of the highest upside WR3's in the league. The mere possibility that Mike Wallace decides to take his holdout until the 11th game is a good reason to take Sanders as the last wide receiver on your bench.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano likes what he sees out of RB LeGarrette Blount, noting he made some nice runs and is hustling his tail off Thursday, August 2.
Footballguys' view: Blount is still looking more like a backup than committee back, but that's mainly because first-round pick Doug Martin has been so impressive.
Miami Dolphins WR Chad Johnson said he has no doubt he can recapture the form that made him a perennial Pro Bowl receiver with the Cincinnati Bengals. 'Why? Because I'm good,' Johnson said. 'I'm really good. The odds have been stacked against me since 1978. I had a bad year. Finally. I handled my business for a decade straight. I hit an obstacle. I didn't complain. I didn't become a distraction. I took a bullet, worked this offseason, I'm here, still working. I'm not complaining. I'll be back to normal. I don't have a choice.'
Footballguys' view: Let's be honest, at best Johnson will be 60-70 catch wideout with 800-900 yards. He could be a good bye/injury filler in start three wide receiver leagues, but he won't approach the production he had in his prime.
Buffalo Bills WR Derek Hagan continues to draw praise from head coach Chan Gailey. 'He's working his tail off and pushing to be a big part of this offense,' Gailey said Thursday, Aug. 2.
Footballguys' view: Hagan could do more to make it so there is no wide receiver worth rostering other than Stevie Johnson than he can to make himself a fantasy relevant player. Great for his career, but muddying the waters of the Bills receiving corps from a fantasy perspective.
Philadelphia Eagles RB LeSean McCoy (undisclosed) walked off the practice field briskly with trainers and headed to the locker room for more attention Thursday, Aug. 2.
Footballguys' view: It was probably nothing serious, but follow up on this injury with us before taking him top three any drafts tonight.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Josh Freeman feels like he forced a number of passes that resulted in 22 interceptions a year ago. Offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan is preaching smarter throws.
Footballguys' view: It's good that Freeman realizes this now, but if the Bucs are playing from behind a lot again, he'll probably be prone to it again this year.
Buffalo Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick hit WR Stevie Johnson with a long touchdown pass early in practice Thursday, Aug. 2, and the offense is looking sharp.
Footballguys' view: The two have spent a lot of time building chemistry after Johnson missed time in the offseason recovering from groin surgery. He's a high floor WR2 that you can get as a WR3 in the fifth or even sixth round.
Dallas Cowboys C Phil Costa, OG Harland Gunn and OG David Arkin have seen time at center during training camp. All three need time to improve at the position, but the team is not expected to look for a veteran center at this point.
Footballguys' view: This could be a problem for a team that has way too many botched snaps and gaffes at center lately.
San Francisco 49ers RB Brandon Jacobs dropped 15 pounds in the offseason and says he feels faster and more agile.
Footballguys' view: Jacobs is still a role player/third-string running back for the 49ers at best.
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Mike Thomas has struggled during training camp and has fallen behind WR Cecil Shorts on the depth chart. Shorts has been working with the first-team offense but has been filling in for WR Justin Blackmon while he holds out.
Footballguys' view: It's time to drop him in dynasty leagues.
Philadelphia Eagles WR Damaris Johnson is making a good early impression in training camp, especially on special teams. Special teams coach Bobby April said it is possible head coach Andy Reid will keep Johnson on the team because of the role he could play as a punt returner.
Footballguys' view: Johnson is a name to remember in return yardage leagues as he is an NCAA all-time leader in kickoff return and all-purpose yardage.
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Justin Blackmon's holdout is not due to the money involved because he is expected to make about $19.5 million over four years. The Jaguars are looking to add protection language in the contract in case Blackmon get into another off-field incident and Blackmon's agent is deciding whether to accept the language.
Footballguys' view: This no surprise. That Blackmon isn't contrite and willing to go along with the Jaguars terms is. His stock drops by the day.
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Mike Mularkey said he is optimistic that WR Laurent Robinson (head) will be cleared to practice in the near future after suffering a possible concussion.
Footballguys' view: The news just doesn't seem to get better for the Jaguars. Robinson shouldn't miss much time, but this is a "strike" that makes any future concussion this year a much more serious affair. Robinson is pretty much a late-round flyer only at this point with all of the risk in his outlook.
Miami Dolphins QB Matt Moore worked with the first team in practice Wednesday, Aug. 1, with QB David Garrard also getting reps. QB Ryan Tannehill worked with the backups.
Footballguys' view: Tannehill is not a real competitor for the starting job right now. Garrard or Moore will be barely rosterable in a redraft league even after one of them is announced as the winner later this summer.
Updating a previous report, New Orleans Saints CB Jabari Greer (hernia), who is undergoing groin surgery in Philadelphia Thursday, August 2, is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season, according to Saints coach Joe Vitt.
Footballguys' view: A sigh of relief for the defense, which is thinner in the secondary without Tracy Porter, who is now in Denver.
Updating a previous report, Houston Texans DE J.J. Watt (elbow) suffered a dislocated elbow during practice Thursday, Aug. 2, but doctors popped back into position. He is not expected to miss much time because of the injury.
Footballguys' view: Not expected to miss much time with a dislocated elbow that was just popped back into position? Watt is approaching folk hero status.
Oakland Raiders DL Jack Crawford has been a disruptive force early on in training camp, spending a great deal of time in the backfield, frustrating offensive linemen and harassing the quarterback. 'I'm pleased with Jack,' head coach Dennis Allen said. 'Jack, obviously, he's a young player, so he's still learning the game, but he's a big guy that's got athleticism, and he wants to be good. And if you have athleticism and some football instincts and you're willing to work to get there, then he'll, at some point, be a player for us.'
Footballguys' view: The Raiders seem to have made the most of their reduced allotment of picks this year. Kudos to new general manager Reggie McKenzie.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for letting us be a part of it. We'll see you tomorrow with the update.
Peace,
J