Saturday, August 2, 2014

FFToolbox - Chargers WR Keenan Allen is faster, a 'deep threat now' plus 23 more

FFToolbox - Chargers WR Keenan Allen is faster, a 'deep threat now' plus 23 more

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Chargers WR Keenan Allen is faster, a 'deep threat now'

Posted: 02 Aug 2014 04:23 AM PDT

The San Diego Union Tribune had a chance to watch second year WR Keenan Allen in training camp and came away noticing his increased speed on the field, quot;He trained at Prolific Athletes in Carlsbad with renown speed coach Ryan Flaherty, their results better speed in and out of Allen's breaks and, yes, an albeit subtle increased capacity to go vertical" Allen, as a rookie, was known for his crisp route running ability but his speed wasn't as great, running a 4.71 in the 40-yard dash. Allen now feels faster and noted "I'm a deep threat now." FANTASY ANALYSIS: The report also mentions Allen added some weight to become stronger in the offseason, up about six pounds from 206 to 212. He's poised to build upon one of the best seasons by a rookie WR in recent history, and can be considered a WR1 for fantasy purposes. He is currently ranked WR12 in FFToolbox cheatsheet rankings.

Eagles WR Jordan Matthews having troubles in camp

Posted: 02 Aug 2014 04:03 AM PDT

ESPN is reporting Eagles WR Jordan Matthews hasn't been running with the first-team offense in practice, even with multiple injuries to the Philadelphia WR core. Beat writer Phil Sheridan notes "By the end of Friday's practice, quarterback Nick Foles was working with Ifeanyi Momah, Brad Smith and Arrelious Benn as his starting wide receiver groups" after WRs Jeremy Maclin left practice with an injury and Riley Cooper was in a walking boot for most of the day. He goes on to say, "Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the shuffle was that rookie Jordan Matthews stayed on the second team, in the slot, rather than move up." Matthews was selected 42 overall in the 2014 NFL draft was expected to contribute to the team this season. FANTASY ANALYSIS: It's a situation to monitor for the rookie. Barring an injury, which has not been mentioned nor would he be practicing, there should be some concern as to why Matthews isn't getting any looks in the first-team offense. If you select a WR in the second round, typically he's ready-to-go if given a chance in camp. Plus, what this report would seem to suggest is; Matthews is currently 6th on the depth chart at the very best for the WR core of the Eagles. He's a solid stash for now in dynasty formats and we'll have updates as preseason will tell us more.

Saints backfield to run as three-way committee

Posted: 01 Aug 2014 08:25 PM PDT

The Saints will continue to use a trio of running backs in 2014, according to ESPN's Mike Triplett. Saints RB Pierre Thomas will handle the third-down, pass-catching role vacated by RB Darren Sproles' departure to the Eagles, while Saints RB Mark Ingram and second-year Saints RB Khiry Robinson will handle most of the between-the-tackles running. Triplett expects quot;a pretty even workload" for the three backs. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Those hoping the Saints backfield would get less crowded without Sproles around will be disappointed. The Saints rushing attack will be just as unpredictable as it has always been. Thomas is the best fantasy option of the three RBs, and based on his usage last year, he may do more traditional rushing than Triplett expects. He had ten or more carries in seven games last season, the most of any Saints RB. Ingram was virtually unplayable in fantasy last season, as he scored more than three points in just two games. Four years into his career, Ingram can be pegged as a roundly mediocre NFL back. Robinson is the greatest unknown of the three, but based on what he showed in limited action in 2013, he doesn't have the talent to run away with the lead job. Draft Thomas as a solid flex play, and Ingram and Robinson as RB4/5.

Dolphins RB Knowshon Moreno could miss entire preseason

Posted: 01 Aug 2014 07:57 PM PDT

Moreno, recovering from offseason knee surgery, may be out for the entire Dolphins preseason, according to the Miami Herald. Moreno underwent knee surgery in June, and was originally projected to return to action in four or five weeks. Speaking to reporters Friday, Moreno said he wasn't sure when he'd be cleared to join the team in practice. quot;I don't know," he said. "I just want to take it one day at a time." FANTASY ANALYSIS: Each day that Moreno misses is another day that Dolphins RB Lamar Miller uses to solidify his hold on the starting job. The Dolphins backfield will be a committee whenever Moreno is able to return, but Miller certainly has the upper hand for touches right now. Miller is currently going 32nd among RBs in fantasy drafts, while Moreno is being taken 38th. If healthy, both players should have limited fantasy utility this year as RB3s or low-end flex options.

Blind Bidding & FAAB Guide

Posted: 01 Aug 2014 04:42 PM PDT

Our Fantasy Football Expert walks you through all the important details regarding blind bidding waivers.

Mock Draft World Championship: Winner's Guide

Posted: 01 Aug 2014 02:33 PM PDT

Our Fantasy Football Expert had five Top 20 finishes in last year's Mock Draft World Championship and shares his winning insight.

49ers WR Michael Crabtree to miss 'a week or two' with undisclosed injury

Posted: 01 Aug 2014 02:26 PM PDT

Crabtree will be out quot;a week or two" wtih an undisclosed injury, according to CSNBayArea.com. 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that the injury was not related to Crabtree's foot or Achilles tendon, both of which have caused Crabtree to miss games in the past. Crabtree missed most of the 2013 season following an Achilles tear, but returned to the 49ers for their playoff run. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Any injury news about Crabtree is concerning. And while Harbaugh's assertion that the injury is unrelated to the foot or Achilles injuries that Crabtree has had previously is comforting, the coach's record of honesty about injuries is far from flawless. If Crabtree is back in a week, then worries will be mostly assuaged. But if he misses any extended time with the injury, his value will need to be discounted some. There's simply too much injury history there for missed time to be ignored. Crabtree is currently being taken 19th among wide receivers in fantasy drafts.

Eagles QB Foles looks 'good,' 'not great' in training camp

Posted: 01 Aug 2014 01:32 PM PDT

Jeff McClane of the Philadelphia Inquirer says that Foles quot;has been good in camp" but "not great." McClane points out that Foles has struggled at times with decision making, and says that he needs to improve "in each department" of the game. Foles took over as the Eagles starter in the middle of the 2013 season, passing for 27 touchdowns and just two interceptions. FANTASY ANALYSIS: As McClane points out, the likelihood of Foles repeating the 27-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio is extremely slim. But still, the overall tone of the piece was far from glowing. Plenty of fantasy analysts are expecting regression from Foles this season. He's currently being taken 6th among quarterbacks in fantasy drafts. At that spot, Foles is probably a bit overdrafted.

Giants WR Rueben Randle seeing red zone work in camp

Posted: 01 Aug 2014 09:34 AM PDT

Randle saw quot;a lot of red zone looks" during Thursday's practice at Giants training camp, according to NJ.com's Jordan Raanan. Randle served as the Giants WR3 last year behind Giants WR Victor Cruz and now-Colts WR Hakeem Nicks. With Nicks gone this year, Randle is widely expected to step up to the WR2 position in offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo's new scheme. Last year Randle recorded 41 catches for 611 yards and six touchdowns. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Heading in to his third year, Randle could be poised for a breakout. The 6-foot-2 WR will need to beat out rookie Giants WR Odell Beckham for the second spot. But with Beckham set to miss at least another week of training camp with a hamstring injury, Randle looks to have the inside track for number two duties in New York. At his current ADP of 40th overall, Randle is appropriately valued, but holds some upside.

2014 Fantasy Breakout No. 2 Wide Receivers

Posted: 01 Aug 2014 08:24 AM PDT

Our fantasy football experts lists No. 2 wide receivers who will blow up this season. Profiled players include Mike Evans, Michael Floyd, Brian Hartline, DeAndre Hopkins, and Marvin Jones.

Saints WR Brandin Cooks and WR Nick Toon look 'terrific'

Posted: 01 Aug 2014 08:06 AM PDT

Cooks and Toon quot;have looked terrific throughout camp," according to ESPN's Mike Triplett. With Saints WR Kenny Stills missing time with a quad injury, Cooks and Toon have impressed coaches with the extra reps they're seeing. Saints head coach Sean Payton identified Toon in particular as a player having a "fantastic camp." Second-year WR Stills and third-year man Toon are vying for playing time in a Saints passing attack that has produced 5,000 yards for three straight seasons. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Cooks was the Saints first-round pick in the 2014 draft, and has been talked up quite a bit as a player who could have a fantasy impact in his rookie year. The former former Oregon State WR turned heads with a lightning-fast 4.33 40-yard dash at the draft combine. Toon, on the other hand, is a relative sleeper in fantasy. The Saints 6-foot-4 fourth-rounder from 2012 was placed on injured reserve his first season, then caught just four balls in eight games his second year. But with WR Lance Moore and prolific pass-catching RB Darren Sproles joining other teams this year, Saints QB Drew Brees will be eager to develop new threats to complement veteran WR Marques Colston and stud TE Jimmy Graham in his high-flying passing attack. Don't be surprised to see either or both of Cooks and Toon develop into valuable fantasy commodities this season.

Raiders RB Maurice Jones-Drew and RB Darren McFadden to share touches

Posted: 01 Aug 2014 06:57 AM PDT

Raiders head coach Dennis Allen says that Jones-Drew and McFadden are both quot;going to get an opportunity to play," according to the San Jose Mercury News. "Both of them want to be the starter," Allen said. "They wouldn't be good football players if they didn't want that." FANTASY ANALYSIS: As expected, Oakland's backfield is shaping up as a committee between Jones-Drew and McFadden. Ultimately, the title of starter will matter less than the type and amount of work each back receives. Jones-Drew is more suited to power running between the tackles and will probably handle goal line carries, while in the past McFadden has shown his best stuff on the wings, and is the better bet to break a big play. Neither back looks particularly desirable from a fantasy perspective, as both are coming off very sub-par 2013 seasons. If one misses time with an injury, as McFadden often has, then the other's value would notch up accordingly. Right now both players should be drafted as RB3s or RB4s.

Browns WR Josh Gordon has 'slight chance' of suspension settlement

Posted: 01 Aug 2014 06:29 AM PDT

Following reports this week that Gordon's suspsension appeal would be an quot;all-or-nothing" affair, a source tells ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio that in fact there is a "slight chance" that Gordon's suspension could be mitigated, rather than fully negated or upheld. Gordon and his representation have a meeting with the NFL today to appeal the hearing. Florio says he expects a ruling from the NFL "fairly soon." FANTASY ANALYSIS: Don't get too excited just yet, but there may be a chance for Gordon to see the field this year. Following his July arrest, the third-year WR has made an effort to show remorse and course-correction, including checking into a rehab facility prior to the start of Browns training camp. Given the leniency showed by the NFL towards Ray Rice's recent issues, and the resulting public outcry about the disparity between suspensions for violent offenses versus drug offenses, the league may be in a forgiving mood towards violators of the substance abuse policy. If Gordon is able to play even half of the games in 2014, he should be drafted in almost every league. Gordon was the top-scoring fantasy wideout in 2013 despite missing the first two games of the season due to suspension.

Giants RB Andre Williams taking first-team goal line reps

Posted: 01 Aug 2014 06:17 AM PDT

Williams has been taking the first-team goal line snaps at training camp, according to the New York Daily News. The rookie Williams was drafted by the Giants in the fourth round of the 2014 draft, and looks set to contribute in the goal line package immediately. Williams is currently third in line behind starting Giants RB Rashad Jennings and RB Peyton Hillis. FANTASY ANALYSIS: While Williams is unlikely to have value as a fantasy starter this year, this news does affect the value of Jennings. Jennings has been talked up as a three-down back in the Giants new system. But if he loses the goal line work to another back, his touchdown potential takes a serious hit. Jennings' value was boosted this week with the news that Giants RB David Wilson may not return to the team this season, but the apparent development of a touchdown vulture on the Giants roster should cause fantasy owners to temper their expectations.

Ravens WR Steve Smith will 'catch anything thrown close to him'

Posted: 01 Aug 2014 12:53 AM PDT

ESPN Baltimore beat writer Jamison Hensley is saying after seven days of Ravens camp that WR Steve Smith quot;continues to prove he has the best hands of all the Ravens receivers." Hensley notes that Joe Flacco has built up a solid relationship with the WR, noting "quarterback Joe Flacco has built a trust that Smith will catch anything thrown close to him." This is good news for Smith following his tumultuous release from the Panthers this offseason. He is expected to be the Ravens WR2 opposite WR Torrey Smith. FANTASY ANALYSIS: The Ravens have desperately needed a solid WR2 option after giving away Anquan Boldin to the 49ers. Smith still has some wheels to go with his sure-hands. It's not out of the question he could flirt with WR3 numbers.

Jets QB Michael Vick wants to play until he's 40

Posted: 31 Jul 2014 11:08 PM PDT

Jets quarterback Michael Vick is entering his age-34 season. He hasn't played in 16 games since 2006, and he's done that only once in his career. He has more turnovers than touchdowns since the beginning of 2011. Last season, he completed 54.6 percent of his passes and lost his starting job. This year, he's slated to be the backup quarterback behind a very flawed youngster in a sub-par offense. And Vick wants to play seven more seasons. He said so on Thursday. "I want to play until I'm 40," Vick told Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. FANTASY ANALYSIS: The NFL will let you stick around only if you are A.) healthy; and B.) good. Vick has seldom been either of those things since his monster 2010 campaign. To his credit, many writers have complimented Vick on how understanding he has been about his position as a clear backup while the Jets try to see if they have a future with Geno Smith. However, they don't give out fantasy points for being a good mentor. Vick is playing on a one-year deal in New York. I doubt he's in the league at 36, much less 40. Drew Brees, he is not.

Buccaneers reiterate need for an RBBC attack

Posted: 31 Jul 2014 10:45 PM PDT

The Buccaneers have made it clear that Doug Martin won't be the only person getting carries this season. Head coach Lovie Smith made that even clearer on Thursday. quot;We've made it known that we're going to play more than one (running back)," Smith said. "You need a lot. In order for us to be a good running football team, we need to have more than one good player, and we feel like we have at least about four that we feel like if we went into a game with them, we could have a good running game." FANTASY ANALYSIS: Those four presumably being, in no particular order: Martin, Mike James, Bobby Rainey, and third-round rookie Charles Sims. Martin is at the top of the heap with Sims and James competing to be his direct backup. Sims got a fair amount of buzz in the spring, but he's still a rookie and has plenty to prove during preseason. Even if he is the No. 2, James might see some PT as well. Martin's current ADP is in the late-second or early-third round. He's being taken ahead of, among others, Andre Ellington. While Martin has a better track record and was a bona fide stud in 2012, I don't think I can overlook Ellington's upside in favor of a player who might be sharing his carries with possibly two other pairs of hands.

Colts WR T.Y. Hilton out again with finger injury

Posted: 31 Jul 2014 08:22 PM PDT

Hilton missed practice Thursday with a finger injury he suffered yesterday, according to Colts beat writer Stephen Holder. Very little has been reported about the ailment, other than that Hilton had his hand wrapped during practice yesterday and was icing the finger. If it turns out that Hilton has broken a bone, he could miss three to four weeks, which would take him out of the preseason. FANTASY ANALYSIS: This news isn't too concerning yet. But if Hilton misses serious time in camp, his stock should be downgraded some. With Colts WR Reggie Wayne apparently back in good form, and Colts WR Hakeem Nicks fighting for targets, Hilton's usage already stands to come down from last year. The speedy slot receiver is currently being taken 22nd in drafts, while Wayne is going 43rd. That gap should continue to narrow as the season approaches.

Eagles RB LeSean McCoy says he feels quicker, more effective

Posted: 31 Jul 2014 07:15 PM PDT

Eagles running back LeSean McCoy expects five pounds to make a big difference for him this season. The league's leader in rushing and yards from scrimmage last season said Thursday that he has lost some weight by cutting junk food out of his diet, Specifically, Doritos late at night. He estimates that he is down from 215 pounds to about 210 and is very pleased with the results so far. quot;At a lighter [weight], I feel like I'm so much more effective," McCoy said. "I looked at all my old film and saw how much quicker I was when I was 210 [pounds], 209. It's a big difference. And I'm feeling like that again. I've always made plays. Even last year." FANTASY ANALYSIS: McCoy was already one of most elusive backs in the league, if not the most. His cuts are the stuff of legend. He regularly jukes linebackers out of their shoes. Now he feels like he's better? Man, just take him first or second in your draft and please try not to brag.

Browns expected to go with WR-by-committee approach

Posted: 31 Jul 2014 07:02 PM PDT

The Browns will know in the next day or so if No. 1 wide receiver Josh Gordon will be available to them this season. It's likely that he will be suspended for year. But between the injury-prone Miles Austin, the undersized Andrew Hawkins and a host of unproven youngsters, the Browns really don't have an obvious candidate to fill his shoes. Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan understands this, and he isn't going to force the issue. Any help from anyone will be appreciated. quot;I expect it to be receivers by committee," Shanahan said Thursday. "I rarely go into games and force the ball to a certain player. … I have a lot of confidence in our whole group. We're going to have some moving around. I'm really not worried about who we're going to because I believe all of them can help us." FANTASY ANALYSIS: Fantasy owners don't share that confidence. Hawkins is currently the highest-drafted Browns wideout, but he's being taken in the 15th round on average in 12-team leagues. Gordon is actually being drafted a few rounds before him right now, but I don't expect him to be a part of this team this season. You can't really count that. There's no one in this group worth anything more than a late-round flier at the moment. All of this mediocrity leads to one obvious conclusion: Tight end Jordan Cameron is going to have his number called early and often this season. He's also going to see beaucoup defensive attention.

Colts QB Andrew Luck 'will have plenty of opportunities to throw the ball'

Posted: 31 Jul 2014 06:40 PM PDT

Colts quarterback Andrew Luck finished just outside of the top 10 in pass attempts last season with 570. However, many Indy fans were left frustrated that the number wasn't greater. Instead, offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton decided to stick with an ineffective running game headed by Trent Richardson and his 3.0 yards-per-carry average. However, this season should be a little different, according to ESPN.com's Mike Wells. quot;The Colts will run the ball because they want to have as much of a balanced offense as possible, but I don't think you'll hear them talk about a power-running game as much as last season," Wells wrote earlier this week. "They simply want to put points on the scoreboard whichever way necessary. With that said, and the weapons they have on the outside, Luck will have plenty of opportunities to throw the ball." FANTASY ANALYSIS: We can only hope. With Reggie Wayne, T.Y. Hilton, Hakeem Nicks, Coby Fleener, Dwayne Allen, and Richardson, there is no doubt that Luck has the skill players around him to do whatever asked. All the Colts and Hamilton need to do is ask and keep asking. Demand it. Fantasy owners believe Luck's time is here; he's the fourth QB selected in drafts, according to FFToolbox's ADP chart.

Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater continues climb toward starting job

Posted: 31 Jul 2014 06:06 PM PDT

Matt Cassel was the Vikings' No. 1 quarterback when training camp opened. Yesterday, just four days later, Cassel began splitting first-team reps in practice with rookie Teddy Bridgewater. Today, Chip Scoggins of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, who once considered Cassel starting in Week 1 to be a quot;slam dunk", is rethinking his position. Scoggins wrote Thursday that he "won't be surprised if Bridgewater is the starter in Week 1." Scoggins added that Vikings coaches have confidence in Bridgewater and would gladly hand him the reins if he earns the job during the preseason. "Bridgewater threw two interceptions in practice Thursday, but I like the fact that he's not hesitant when he drops back," Scoggins wrote. "He gets the ball out quickly and has good arm strength. He doesn't look overwhelmed running the first-team offense when he gets the opportunity." FANTASY ANALYSIS: It sounds like the coaches in Minnesota are really pushing for Bridgewater to be their opening-day starter, much like what is happening in Cleveland with Brian Hoyer. Bridgewater's dynasty appeal is undeniable. But in re-draft leagues, a low-end QB2 will be taking the first snaps of the season for this team, no matter if that's Bridgewater or Cassel. As I've said before, either QB has my full support as long as he can connect with Cordarrelle Patterson and Kyle Rudolph at a steady rate and keep defenses from sending nine guys to stop Adrian Peterson.

Jaguars OC Jedd Fisch would prefer RB Toby Gerhart doesn't handle 300 carries

Posted: 31 Jul 2014 05:42 PM PDT

Most of the stuff printed about Jaguars running back Toby Gerhart this offseason has been about how he is going to absolutely dominate the touches out of Jacksonville's backfield. Three hundred carries seemed like a legitimate possibility by at least one beat writer just a few days ago. Today, offensive coordinator Jeff Fisch spoke with the media and came carrying a bucket of cold water. According to Eugene Frenette of the Florida Times-Union, Fisch said he quot;prefers" Gerhart not be a 300-carry player like Maurice Jones-Drew had been for the franchise. He wants backups such as Jordan Todman to pitch in as well. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Certainly, Todman, Denard Robinson, and maybe Storm Johnson will get some work, but Gerhart is still the clear leader here. Don't confuse these comments as Fisch advocating for a timeshare. He's just saying that it's not going to be all Gerhart running with the rock, and that's fine. If he winds up with 250-275 touches, he'll be a stellar RB2 all the same.

Jets WR Stephen Hill is having an 'outstanding' camp

Posted: 31 Jul 2014 05:09 PM PDT

Jets wide receiver Stephen Hill may finally be tapping into his potential after two tremendously disappointing seasons. The former second-round pick has received a lot of praise in the spring and summer, and that continued Thursday when offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg admitted that Hill is having an quot;outstanding" camp. Hill has caught just 45 passes through two injury-shortened seasons. But Hill's knees are reportedly healthy, and he is running with the first-team offense in camp. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Now Hill has to make good on the compliments. He has highly coveted size and speed, but it hasn't translated in the results yet. Some of that is due to the Jets' problems at quarterback, some of that is due to injuries, and some of that is due to his pair of inconsistent hands. But Hill has the physical abilities to be a star wideout. If his body and Geno Smith give him a chance, Hill might have a small breakout season in 2014. He isn't on the re-draft radar right now, but Hill is a name to track during the exhibition season.
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