Tuesday, July 22, 2014

FFToolbox - Giants QB Eli Manning 'a little nervous' in new offense plus 20 more

FFToolbox - Giants QB Eli Manning 'a little nervous' in new offense plus 20 more

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Giants QB Eli Manning 'a little nervous' in new offense

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 07:11 AM PDT

The Giants will open the 2014 season with a new offense and new coordinator, Ben McAdoo. Manning expressed his feelings about the changes recently in the New York Post. quot;You come in to the season a little nervous - you just don't have [the same comfort]," Manning said. "We've still got a lot of work to do and a lot to improve on to get comfortable." Manning, who had ankle surgery in April, says he's fully recovered from the operation and ready to devote himself to the task of learning the new scheme. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Manning is coming off one of the worst years of his career, in which he threw 27 intercpetions and just 18 touchdowns. Things went badly awry with the Giants offense last year, so perhaps a reset of the system is warranted. Still, it's not good to hear a veteran QB expressing nervousness about running an offense. While a turnaround isn't out of the question, fantasy owners should be drafting Manning as a backup, not as a starter. He's currently ranked 14th among QBs by FFToolbox.com.

Bills QB EJ Manuel: WR Sammy Watkins 'is special'

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 06:47 AM PDT

The Buffalo Bills opened training camp yesterday, and already first-rounder Watkins is impressing fans and teammates with his ability, including second-year QB Manuel. quot;I don't know if you saw him out there, on a slant, stop on a dime," Manuel said after the workout. "The kid is special. I have thought that way since 2010." Watkins was widely considered the top receiving prospect in the 2014 draft following the combine, where he displayed 4.43 speed and a 34-inch vertical. FANTASY ANALYSIS: It's good to hear this much confidence from Manuel early on. Watkins' fantasy owners will want the two players to develop rapport as quickly as possible, and it would seem that the process is underway already. It looks as though Watkins is one of the rookies best positioned to make a fantasy impact in 2014. He'll get playing time right away, by virtue of his presence on a Bills offense lacking in big-play threats. Still, fantasy players should be careful not to over-draft Watkins based on glowing reports from camp, especially given the depth at the WR position around the NFL this year. Watkins is currently ranked 39th out of all WRs, but is being taken 21st among WRs in drafts, .

More details emerge about Browns WR Josh Gordon's DWI charges

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 06:12 AM PDT

ESPN has more details about Browns receiver Josh Gordon's pending DWI charges. Apparently he blew a .09 when he was pulled over in North Carolina, which is .01 over the state's legal limit. Browns coach Mike Pettine also said he knows a hearing date has been scheduled but does not know exactly when. The league is currently waiting on a ruling from that hearing in order to determine what additional suspension, if any, will be included in his suspension from failing his third drug test in NFL. FANTASY ANALYSIS: I'm no legal expert but this latest news is better than initially thought for Gordon's situation. Some feared he had blown twice the legal limit which is heavily intoxicated. This is obviously not the case although any trouble with the law certainly doesn't help his pending suspension with the NFL. He is likely to be suspended for all of 2014 or more and should not be part of your draft plans.

Falcons WR Julio Jones expected to be limited during training camp

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 05:44 AM PDT

Falcons beat writer D.Orlando Ledbetter says of Julio quot;While his training-camp practice schedule will be limited, Jones plans to be in the starting lineup when the Falcons open the regular season against the New Orleans Saints". There is some concern here as Jones is still recovering from his second surgery on the same foot. Ledbetter mentions both both Jones and WR Roddy White will be well documented in the upcoming HBO "Hard Knocks" series. FANTASY ANALYSIS: It's a situation to monitor but Julio should be good to go come opening day. He can be both your first round pick in redraft and dynasty formats. If you really get nervous about these things, check out Hard Knocks to follow along.

Giants WR Mario Manningham will be limited for start of training camp

Posted: 21 Jul 2014 11:30 PM PDT

Giants Daily News columnist Ralph Vacchiano tweeted thursday that LT Will Beatty, WR Mario Manningham and OL John Jerry will be limited at the start of training camp. This news isn't all that shocking as Manningham missed all of OTAs with a knee injury that has been setting him back since 2012 when he tore his ACL. In 2013 he played only 6 games for the 49ers again having issues with the surgically repaired knee. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Manningham is well off the fantasy radar. He's the fourth option in the Giants offense that will feature receivers Odell Beckham Jr., Rueben Randle, and of course Victor Cruz. The oft-injured Mario has only played one full season in six years he's been in the league. It's best to leave him on the waiver wire at this point.

NFL executive says Packers backfield 'best it's ever looked'

Posted: 21 Jul 2014 10:13 PM PDT

When asked to assess this year's Packers running game compared to those of the past 10 years, one NFL executive told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, quot;It's the best it's ever looked. They're good to go. As long as Eddie Lacy's healthy, I think they're as comfortable as they've ever been." Running back coach Sam Gash agreed. "I'm lucky," Gash said. "From top to bottom, the guys we have, I'm happy to be with a group as solid as this. I'm coming in just hoping not to mess it up. I'll make sure the guys are where they're supposed to be and take it from there." The Packers running back depth chart currently features Eddie Lacy, who ran for 1,178 yards and 11 touchdowns, James Starks, who averaged 5.5 yards per carry, and DuJuan Harris, who figured to be a bigger part ot the run game last season prior to suffering a season-ending patellar tendon injury in August. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Eddie Lacy is a stud. Everyone knows that. He's a feature back on a top five offense and should be a lock for 1,100 to 1,200 yards and double digit touchdowns. If he can improve on his 35 receptions of a year ago and reach 40 to 45 this season, Lacy could easily be a top five fantasy running back in PPR and standard formats alike. We currently have him ranked as the number 4 running back, just ahead of Minnesota's Adrian Peterson. His current ADP is 10.19, as he's the fifth RB coming off draft boards. Not only do the Packers have a stud leading the way, Starks and Harris also are ranked in fftoolbox.com's top 75 running backs. Given that fact, it's in line for the Packers brass to be excited about their backfield. We love Lacy. If he suffers an injury, the Pack are in good shape to keep the train rolling.

Browns will name starting QB before August 23

Posted: 21 Jul 2014 09:37 PM PDT

Browns head coach Mike Pettine said Monday that he doesn't know exactly when he will officially tab either Brian Hoyer or Johnny Manziel as Cleveland's starting quarterback, but he has a firmly established deadline: before the team's third preseason game on August 23. A decision hasn't been made on how the first-team reps will be split between the two quarterbacks in training camp, but Pettine thinks that people who are clamoring for Manziel to start right away should appreciate the veteran more. quot;He's got the respect of the guys in the locker room," he said of Hoyer. "I think he can make all the throws. I think he's got a stronger arm than people think. I love his decision making. He's very decisive. He understands defenses. He knows right where to go with the ball. He anticipates well. ... He's got intangible qualities that you look for in a quarterback. He's got that gym-rat mentality. He loves football. He loves Cleveland. I'm OK with people underestimating him or selling him short because I think they'll be surprised." Pettine also said that it would "ideal" for Manziel to sit and learn from the sidelines instead of being thrown into the fire Week 1. Pettine mentioned the successes of quarterbacks who have had to wait to play such as Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, and Carson Palmer while stating that rookies who have started right away have provided a "mixed bag of results." FANTASY ANALYSIS: Whichever quarterback does start will be asked to hand off to Ben Tate and Terrance West often while trying to make do without Josh Gordon, who Pettine said should not be cut from the team. Tight end Jordan Cameron is the team's No. 1 receiver. Miles Austin and Andrew Hawkins will probably be the top two wideouts, which isn't very appealing for fantasy purposes. Both quarterbacks are well into the QB2 range, but Manziel has more obvious upside due to his running and natural play-making ability. Although it sounds like Hoyer would need to falter greatly to not open the year as the starter, Manziel will be under center at some point this season.

Browns WR Josh Gordon unlikely to be cut

Posted: 21 Jul 2014 09:01 PM PDT

Browns HC Mike Pettine says that the Browns do not plan to cut Gordon after his failed drug test and arrest this offseason, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. quot;We're expecting him to report Friday and be on the field," Pettine said. Gordon faces a potential year-long suspension from the NFL for his violation of the league's substance abuse policy. He was the top fantasy WR in 2013, taking 87 receptions for 1,646 yards and 9 touchdowns. FANTASY ANALYSIS: While this is encouraging news for Gordon's future with the Browns, it doesn't change the fact that he'll likely be suspended by the NFL for most, if not all, of the 2014 season. Gordon's difficulties with substance abuse have plagued him since his college days, and until that changes, he can't be relied upon as a football player or a fantasy option. WRs Miles Austin, Andrew Hawkins and Nate Burleson will seek to fill the void left in Gordon's likely absence. But without Gordon on the field, the Browns passing game looks largely devoid of fantasy value.

Eagles QB Nick Foles knows he may not top last year's stats; he's OK with that

Posted: 21 Jul 2014 08:15 PM PDT

Last season, Nick Foles posted the best touchdown-to-interception ratio by a quarterback who ever threw at least 250 passes in a season. 27:2. Not bad for a quarterback who entered the season as a backup and started just 10 games. Foles doesn't need to worry about a competition this season; he is entrenched as the Eagles' starter. Now the pressure ratchets up for him to prove that 2013 was fluke. He is fully aware of how much pressure is on him -- quot;It probably hurts me more now than it did last year because I did it, so now you've got to do it even better." But Foles says he doesn't have to repeat 27:2 to be validated. There's more to being a good player than good numbers. "In my mind, I want to do even better," Foles told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "But I know in reality some things can happen. There could be a game where I throw two interceptions. I threw two interceptions all last season and it's like, 'Oh, gosh.' But that happens. "Our team isn't measured by my 27:2. Can I be a good-enough leader to where I can make these guys better players around me to where it makes the team better and we win? Now, I might not ever reach those [statistics] again. . . . I hope I do. I want to get better and I want to be a better player. But if you're just looking primarily at statistics, you might not ever." FANTASY ANALYSIS: I like the honest and realistic response. Instead of showing empty bravado like Chris Johnson has in the past and saying something like, "This year, I plan to throw 40 touchdowns and two interceptions," Foles knows that a repeat is likely not in the cards. He can still have a very nice season, but I think too many owners are still paying for 2013 numbers. Foles is currently the sixth QB off of the board in drafts, ahead of Robert Griffin III and Colin Kaepernick. I'd like to have either of those players instead of Foles. While those two quarterbacks saw their teams add quality receivers, Foles lost his No. 1 in DeSean Jackson. That role is ostensibly being filled by injury-prone Jeremy Maclin. Zach Ertz and rookie Jordan Matthews have plenty of upside, but we don't know yet if they can tap into it this year. Foles has more questions surrounding him than I would like to take on, especially at a position where the talent pool is incredibly deep.

Bengals WR Marvin Jones placed on non-football injury list

Posted: 21 Jul 2014 07:31 PM PDT

The Bengals have placed wide receiver Marvin Jones on the active/non-football injury list prior to when their veterans report to training camp Wednesday. A source has told Pro Football Talk that Jones tweaked his ankle while working out with quarterback Andy Dalton following OTAs. Jones is listed with an ankle injury and joined by running back Onterio McCalebb (knee) and quarterback A.J. McCarron (shoulder). FANTASY ANALYSIS: Don't worry. Jones' injury isn't considered serious, and he is expected to be taken off of the list soon and practice this week. The athletic Jones is one of my favorite mid-round picks. His snap count is about to go way up, and a massive spike in production could follow.

Bills WR Sammy Watkins: I won't try to be Superman

Posted: 21 Jul 2014 06:42 PM PDT

Bills rookie wide receiver isn't faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive. And he won't try to be; he's just going to do his job. "With our offense, we've got a lot of explosive guys, so for me it's just about coming in right away and trying to make plays," Watkins said over the weekend. "Don't try and be Superman, but play my role and everything will work out." FANTASY ANALYSIS: Watkins is off to a good start in training camp as he and E.J. Manuel connected on all four of his targets during a Sunday practice. It's nice to hear that their rapport is improving from a month ago. As I've said many times, I think Watkins will be a consistent WR3 in 12-team leagues this season.

Titans beat writer makes his fantasy predictions for WR Kendall Wright, RB Bishop Sankey, etc.

Posted: 21 Jul 2014 06:03 PM PDT

ESPN's John Clayton is already on record with his expectations for the Broncos' Emmanuel Sanders. Now we've got more predictions coming in just before training camps open. The latest are from The Tennessean's Jim Wyatt, and he covers a handful of Titans. Wyatt has wide receiver Kendall Wright catching 88 passes for 1,360 yards and eight touchdowns. Wright is the team's best fantasy player, according to Wyatt. He also says Wright's receptions total will drop from 94 to 88 due to more contributions from other players. Rookie running back Bishop Sankey: 980 rushing yards and five touchdowns to go with 24 receptions for 242 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Wyatt says Sankey will be the Titans' most productive running back, but Dexter McCluster and Shonn Greene quot;will cut into his stats." Tight end Delanie Walker: 62 catches, 646 yards, five touchdowns. Those numbers are similar to the ones Wyatt hinted at last week. Wide receiver Justin Hunter: 44 catches, 690 yards, seven touchdowns. "He will have some monster weeks, and some quiet ones," Wyatt said. FANTASY ANALYSIS: The Wright prediction really jumps out at you. Only seven WRs had more than 1,360 yards last season, and Wright is seen as a top-notch possession receiver more than a big-play deep threat, like many in that group. Those catch and yardage totals compute out to a 15.45 yards-per-catch average. Wright put up a similar average as a senior in college, but that came in Baylor's version of the run and shoot offense. And his QB then was Robert Griffin III, not Jake Locker. For these predictions to hit their mark, Locker needs to make a big improvement, one that I am skeptical he can actually make. And really, the Titans should employ a run-first offense. That's why Sankey is worth being an RB2. I predict he will end up with more than seven touchdowns as Greene is unable to stay healthy.

Patriots WR Aaron Dobson put on PUP list

Posted: 21 Jul 2014 04:28 PM PDT

Aaron Dobson is still suffering from a foot injury suffered last year which required surgery in the offseason. Depending on how much longer it takes for him to heal up, he could miss all of training camp which starts for the Patriots on July 23rd. Being 6'3 with 4.4 speed, Dobson put up a 37/519/4 line his rookie season and was expected to make a sophomore leap. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Dobson, when healthy, has a chance to do big things in New England's offense. He is expected to be their WR3 option behind Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola. With Amendola not being able to stay healthy, Dobson will have plenty of opportunities to shine. He is a sneaky WR3 candidate and is ranked WR55 in FFToolbox rankings.

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce ready to go for training camp

Posted: 21 Jul 2014 04:08 PM PDT

Beat writer Randy Covitz at the Kansas City star is reporting Chiefs TE Travis Kelce is "healthy and eager to play." This is great news as Kelce went down with a knee injury his rookie season which required microfracture surgery. After the Chiefs got rid of Tony Moeaki in the offseason, the only real competition at the tight end position is Anthony Fasano, who also suffered an injury in 2013. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Kelce was much hyped coming into last year as a potential TE1 option in Andy Reid's offense. Obviously he didn't live up to those expectations but he has three things going for him this year to help him rebound - Chiefs GM John Dorsey said he expects a "big year" from Kelce in 2014, the Chiefs offense is expected to use more two TE sets, and finally there isn't much competition from Fasano. With Kelce likely the move tight end this year, he can be expected to be a TE2/bye week fill in option for your fantasy team.

2014 Fantasy Football Breakout Sleepers

Posted: 21 Jul 2014 03:40 PM PDT

Our fantasy football expert highlights ten fantasy football breakout sleepers for 2014. These gems need to be on your roster!. Profiled players include Jay Cutler, Nick Foles, Montee Ball, Christine Michael, and Khiry Robinson.

Broncos QB Peyton Manning is in the best shape of his life

Posted: 21 Jul 2014 03:30 PM PDT

Peyton Manning's numbers last season were simply staggering. He racked up almost 5,500 yards and a 55:10 touchdown-to-interception ratio. They are made even more amazing given Manning's advanced age, and that he was just two years removed from a career-saving neck surgery. You might believe those numbers are unrepeatable from a 38-year-old quarterback, but Broncos head coach John Fox disagrees. He thinks Manning can reach those heights again due in part to how he keeps himself in great condition. quot;He has worked very hard, he is in the best shape he has ever been in, all his numbers in our weight and conditioning program are all up from a year ago, even before that," Fox said of Manning. "There are areas he can improve in and he knows it and he will." FANTASY ANALYSIS: Manning did lose a career-high six fumbles last year, so I guess he can improve in that area. And perhaps the Broncos would like to see his rushing total be higher than minus-31. But as a passer, Manning is the alpha. It's probably going to take a late first-round pick to get Manning on your team. That's a steep price, and I personally don't want to pay for last year's numbers, but even if Manning "regresses" to 2012 levels, he is still one of the top players in fantasy. He is surrounded by the best group of receivers in football -- Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker, Emmanuel Sanders, Julius Thomas. Of course, that group is as good as it is largely due to Manning's mastery.

Steelers WR Martavis Bryant wants to model his game after A.J. Green

Posted: 21 Jul 2014 03:00 PM PDT

In a little Q and A with the Steelers' official website recently, rookie wideout Martavis Bryant pointed to Bengals All-Pro A.J. Green as the player he wants to resemble on the field. quot;How he is a man of the game, he is a dog in the NFL," Bryant said of Green. "I try to watch his highlights and do the stuff he does." A couple other notable responses from Bryant: Career goals: "I want to accomplish everything. I am not trying to be cocky, but I want to be someone that people remember." Football mindset: "To go hard." FANTASY ANALYSIS: Bryant matches up with Green physically as both are 6-foot-4, slender and have a huge catch radius. Bryant is actually a little faster, but that's his game; He can be a deep threat right now, and needs to work diligently on his route-running and other fundamentals. Let's hold off on anointing him as The Next Big Thing. Bryant will have an opportunity to start games this season, but his biggest role will probably be as a huge target in the end zone. He is worth a flyer in deeper leagues.

Vikings QB Matt Cassel is likely starter

Posted: 21 Jul 2014 01:39 PM PDT

Cassel is the quot;heavy favorite" to start over Vikings rookie QB Teddy Bridgewater, USA Today's Tom Pelissero says. The Vikings took Bridgewater in the first round of the 2014 draft, prompting many observers to speculate that he would start for Minnesota this season. For his part, VIkings HC Mike Zimmer has said he won't name either player the starter early in camp. But for now, it seems that Minnesota will begin the season with Cassel under center. FANTASY ANALYSIS: This is slightly disappointing news for fantasy owners, simply because Bridgewater appears to hold such promise, and Cassel is a known quantity - a mediocre one. Still, a Cassel-lead offense might offer the most upside to second-year Vikings WR Cordarrelle Patterson, as the two played together for half of last season and began to show signs of chemistry late in the year. But absent early-season success for the team, the QB situation will remain a hot-button issue. It's easy to envision a scenario in which Bridgewater takes over the starting spot halfway through the year.

Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders to catch at least 80 balls

Posted: 21 Jul 2014 09:59 AM PDT

ESPN's John Clayton says that Sanders receptions will be quot;in the 80s" for the 2014 season. Sanders joined the Broncos this offseason after a career-best year with the Steelers, in which he caught 67 passes for 750 yards and six touchdowns. Clayton says Sanders will do most of his work this season from the outside position, as opposed to the slot, where he lined up in Pittsburgh. Sanders will fill the role vacated by the departure of WR Eric Decker, who signed with the Jets. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Sanders is a candidate for most-improved fantasy player going into this year. The Denver offense is a prolific scoring machine, and holds the promise of huge stats for anybody playing there. While he'll have to battle WRs Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker, and maybe Cody Latimer for targets, Sanders is still in an improved situation from a fantasy perspective. Moreover, the Broncos proved last year that multiple high-level fantasy options can co-exist within the same offense, with Demaryius Thomas, Welker and Decker all finishing in the top 25 at WR. Sanders is currently ranked 31st among receivers by FFToolbox.com

Giants RB David WIlson 'cleared for everything'

Posted: 21 Jul 2014 09:29 AM PDT

Wilson declared via Twitter Monday that he has been quot;cleared for everything." Wilson underwent neck surgery following a Week 5 injury last year versus the Eagles. It was originally feared that Wilson's career might be over. That has not proved to be the case, however, and Wilson will now be set to join fellow RB Rashad Jennings in the Giants backfield this season. FANTASY ANALYSIS: This is encouraging news for David WIlson as a player. However, fantasy owners shouldn't immediately rush out and draft him. The hype went too far on Wilson last year. Before the injury ended his season, he was struggling mightily on the field, averaging just 3.3 yards per carry. Now that Rashad Jennings appears to be in the driver's seat for touches, owners should consider Wilson a shaky handcuff until he proves otherwise. Wilson is currently being drafted 48th among fantasy running backs.

Finding value in San Francisco's crowded backfield

Posted: 21 Jul 2014 09:19 AM PDT

Frank Gore's reign as the 49ers' featured back may be coming to a close. If that's the case, we've got a recommendation for you to boost your fantasy team!
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