Thursday, August 7, 2014

FFToolbox - Giants WR Rueben Randle continues to impress plus 22 more

FFToolbox - Giants WR Rueben Randle continues to impress plus 22 more

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Giants WR Rueben Randle continues to impress

Posted: 07 Aug 2014 06:45 AM PDT

Rueben Randle has been impressive at Giants training camp, according to the Newark Star-Ledger. One play in particular was singled out, in which Randle beat Giants CB Jayron Hosley by more than a yard on a long route. Randle has been better across the middle, too, using his 6-foot-2 frame to gain separation from defenders. Randle will fill the WR2 role for the Giants this year, behind WR Victor Cruz. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Randle showed flashed of fantasy brilliance in 2013, but struggled with consistency. He'll try to change that this year as he'll have the opportunity to fill the WR2 spot vacatd by Hakeem Nicks' departure to Indianapolis. With his size and speed, Randle could make an excellent complement to Cruz in Giants OC Ben McAdoo's new West Coast passing attack. Randle is being take as the 40th WR in drafts, but has significant upside at that spot.

Patriots QB Tom Brady will sit out preseason opener

Posted: 07 Aug 2014 06:12 AM PDT

Tom Brady will not play in the Patriots' preseason opener against the Redskins tonight, according to the Boston Herald. Backup QB Ryan Mallett will get the starting nod, followed by rookie QB Jimmy Garoppolo. Brady has sat out just three preseason games since 2002. With no injuries reported, it appears he's being benched purely out of caution. FANTASY ANALYSIS: This is too bad for fantasy owners, because it would have been nice to see just a snippet of how things are progressing for Brady and his young receivers. Now we'll have to wait until next week to get a look. Mallett is a well-regarded backup, and there's been some talk that the Patriots might seek to trade the young passer, who's entering the final year of his rookie contract. If Mallett impresses tonight, that talk will gain momentum. As far as fantasy is concerned, Brady is being drafted 10th among quarteracks, a strong value in that spot.

Cardinals RB Stepfan Taylor listed as number two RB

Posted: 07 Aug 2014 05:57 AM PDT

Stepfan Taylor is listed as the Cardinals' second running back behind Andre Ellington in the team's first depth chart of training camp. Taylor has been consistently earning number-two reps in camp as he battles with RB Jonathan Dwyer to become RB Andre Ellington's primary backup. In 2013, Taylor took 36 carries for 115 yards, earning a 3.2 yards-per-carry average. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Taylor's primary value is as a handcuff to Ellington. It's possible he could get some of the goal-line work, but with Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians speaking recently about making Ellington a red-zone threat, nothing is guaranteed for Taylor. In any event, he's well ahead of Dwyer, who's been relegated to third-string duties both in practice and on the depth chart. Consider grabbing Taylor late if you also take Ellington. He's going undrafted in the average fanasy league, so he should be around if you want him.

Steelers RB Bell lighter this season-looking to improve quickness

Posted: 07 Aug 2014 04:28 AM PDT

According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Steelers second-year running back Le'Veon Bell came to camp this season over 10 pounds lighter than he did in 2013. Bell feels that's going to benefit him and the team as a whole as he looks to improve on his solid rookie season of 2013. quot;I wanted to be lighter; I feel like I move a little better," the former Michigan St. Spartan said. "I'm still strong, I'm still a big back -- 230 is still big. So I don't feel like I need to be 240. Looking at my film, when I was lighter, I made cuts a lot quicker, I was faster. I feel better around that weight, so I'm going to stay around that weight." Bell led the Steelers in rushing last season with 860 yards and eight touchdowns. He also added 45 catches and 399 receiving yards. FANTASY ANALYSIS: The NFC North best look out. If a second-year back who's already in prime condition is capable of looking himself in the mirror and saying, "I need to lose weight to be better", the odds of Bell having a monster year in 2014 just increased significantly. In PPR formats, Bell finished last season ranked 8th among RBs with 16.7 fantasy points per game. He was one of only 10 backs who finished the season with over 1,200 combined rushing and receiving yards, 45 or more catches and eight or more TDs. And that was in only 13 games, averaging just 3.5 yards per tote. If the weight loss can help him get to 4.0 ypc and he plays a full season, there is no reason Bell shouldn't approach 1,500 combined rushing and receiving yards and throw in 55 catches and close to 10 touchdowns.

Bills QB E.J. Manuel is struggling

Posted: 06 Aug 2014 10:40 PM PDT

If the Hall of Fame Game was any indication, E.J. Manuel is underperforming as of late. Manuel completed two of seven passes for only 19 yards and had three passes batted down at the line of scrimmage. The word out of training camp is not any better for the sophomore quarterback. According to Joe Buscaglia, quot;Manuel was apprehensive, indecisive and mostly inaccurate," throughout Wednesday's practice, a trend that's developing in camp. In 10 games last year, Manuel recorded 1,972 yards with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also ran the ball for 186 yards and two touchdowns. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Manuel is a very promising quarterback surrounded by a very promising group of young receivers. The offense is young, and that is their biggest issue. Manuel needs to show confidence in the pocket and his receivers to prove he is a valuable fantasy quarterback. If Manuel can build a relationship with rookie wide receiver Sammy Watkins, everything could open up. Manuel can score with his arm and his legs, a valuable combo in fantasy. The Bills' quarterback is currently going undrafted in re-draft leagues, and I see him only as a risky waiver-wire pickup until he develops further.

Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman starting in preseason opener

Posted: 06 Aug 2014 08:43 PM PDT

A backup running back's favorite friend is named opportunity. As reported by Christopher Dempsey, a reporter for The Denver Post, Ronnie Hillman will be starting in place of Montee Ball in the Broncos' preseason opener Thursday night. The Broncos' third-year back has recently impressed Eric Studesville, the Broncos' running back coach. Studesville had nothing but good things to say about Hillman. quot;From when we started this spring in April forward, he has been unbelievable," Studesville said of Hillman. Hillman has been given opportunities in previous years but has had trouble holding onto the ball. Through the past two seasons, he has fumbled four times in 140 carries. FANTASY ANALYSIS: The Broncos' running back race features two backs this year, unlike last year's three. It will be Hillman or Ball. Considering Ball is going in the first round in nearly every format, the decision of Ball or Hillman for the starting position is extremely important. I truly believe Hillman is a great threat to Ball's starting position. Hillman has a chip on his shoulder from the past two years, and if he can hold onto the ball, who knows what could happen? I recommend closely monitoring the situation during Thursday's preseason game. If Hillman plays lights-out, the Broncos' decision for their starting running back could get very interesting.

Scoutlook: Tennessee Titans' Receivers (PREMIUM PREVIEW)

Posted: 06 Aug 2014 08:22 PM PDT

A free preview of one of our Scout Fantasy premium articles.

Jets coach Rex Ryan says backfield will run by committee

Posted: 06 Aug 2014 08:06 PM PDT

Rex Ryan says that his team's backfield will run by committee, according to the New York Post. quot;I definitely think it's going to be a committee approach," Ryan said. "These are guys that are all capable of beings starters themselves, so I think we'll play all of them." The "guys" Ryan is referring to include RBs Chris Johnson, Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell. They will compete for touches and playing time in New York this season. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Out of the three, Johnson is probably the best fantasy option. He had a top-10 finish among running backs last year and still has some burst and play-making ability left in his legs. But he's also 29 years old. If the split is close to even, each one of these guys will struggle for fantasy relevancy. Ivory, who stands to see the short-yardage and goal-line work, may well end up being a better fantasy option than Johnson. Powell stands to see most of the passing-down work but should not be drafted in standard leagues.

Browns QB Brian Hoyer will start first preseason game

Posted: 06 Aug 2014 07:55 PM PDT

As expected, Brian Hoyer will be the Browns' starter in their first preseason game, according to Browns' beat writer Scott Petrak. Coach Mike Pettine given QB Johnny Manziel chances to earn the starting spot, including allowing him to open practice as the starter one day this week. And Manziel will likely get playing time in the second quarter of the game. But it will be Hoyer under center first for Cleveland. FANTASY ANALYSIS: As we've noted before, Manziel is a far more interesting fantasy player than Hoyer. Hoyer's game-management skills are fine in real football, but in fantasy you want playmakers, and Johnny Football might be one of those. WIth Josh Gordon likely suspended at least half the year, Cleveland is pretty bleak territory when it comes to offensive weapons. Manziel might be able to change that. At the very least, it'd be interesting to watch him try. The rookie is being taken as the 18th QB in fantasy drafts, which is a very high valuation considering he may not see playing time for the first several weeks of the season or longer.

Bengals RB Jeremy Hill may see 10 to 15 carries per game

Posted: 06 Aug 2014 07:24 PM PDT

Jeremy Hill may see 10 to 15 carries per game, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer's Paul Dehner. Dehner's comments come after Hill has surpassed RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis in camp, according to many observers. With new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson calling the plays, many expect the Bengals' to show a renewed focus on the running game. FANTASY ANALYSIS: That focus on the running game could help Hill and Giovani Bernard coexist as usable fantasy options within the same offense. Assuming Dehner is correct, and Hill gets 10 to 15 carries per game, he'd get about the same aggregate workload that Bernard did as a rookie. And Bernard would presumably take over Green-Ellis' 220 carries from 2013, plus 60 or 70 catches. A work split like that could result in both Hill and Bernard being viable fantasy plays in 2014. Hill looks like a decent value pick as the 43rd RB selected in fantasy drafts.

Dolphins RB Knowshon Moreno taken off PUP list, ready to practice

Posted: 06 Aug 2014 04:29 PM PDT

Knowshon Moreno has been taken off the Dolphins' Physically Unable to Perform list and is ready to return to practice, the Miami Herald's Armando Salguero said via Twitter. He followed up with a tweet saying there's quot;very little chance" for Moreno to play in the Dolphins' preseason opener on Friday. Moreno was held out of the first two weeks of camp as he recovered from arthroscopic knee surgery performed in the offseason. FANTASY ANALYSIS: The sooner Moreno gets back to the field, the better. His recovery has already run over the projected four-week time frame, so he's currently behind schedule. Lamar Miller has been impressing coaches in camp and appears to have the inside track for the starting job. The backfield will almost certainly run as a committee with Moreno, Miller and Daniel Thomas sharing touches. None of the three backs hold more than RB3/flex value. Moreno is being taken 41st among running backs in fantasy drafts.

Cardinals TE Jake Ballard set to retire

Posted: 06 Aug 2014 02:18 PM PDT

After only playing four years in the NFL, Jake Ballard is retiring. He played 14 games in 2011, totaling 38 receptions for 604 yards and four touchdowns. He tore his ACL that season and although he has played in games since recovering, he's never really looked the same. Arizona will be left with John Carlson, Troy Niklas and Rob Housler competing at the position. FANTASY ANALYSIS: It doesn't really do much at TE for the Cardinals. Ballard was more of a backup option with Carlson and Niklas battling for starting duties. Housler is also in the mix somewhere. It's a competition to monitor throughout camp.

Eagles TE Zach Ertz could 'lead team in receiving TDs

Posted: 06 Aug 2014 01:52 PM PDT

Eagles beat writer Sheil Kapadia said Wednesday that quot;[I]t would not surprise me one bit if [Zach Ertz] led the team in receiving touchdowns" this season. Kapadia goes on to note that he was previously skeptical of the sophomore TE being a "breakout candidate for 2014," but notes that Ertz "attacks the ball in the air, can box defenders out and is a precise route-runner." Depending on preseason performance, Ertz is scheduled to start the season at No. 1 on the Eagles' TE depth chart. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Ertz has always had soft hands and now seems to have improved his blocking skills well enough to beat out fellow TE Brent Celek for starting duties. He was already poised for more playing time and targets once WR DeSean Jackson left to the Redskins. All signs are pointing to Ertz having a breakout season, and he can be considered a high-end TE2 or a low-end TE1 option for your fantasy league.

Redskins WR DeSean Jackson injured in training camp

Posted: 06 Aug 2014 01:27 PM PDT

The Washington Post is reporting WR DeSean Jackson, while being covered by cornerback Darrelle Revis in a joint practice with the Patriots, quot;made a cut to the inside but suddenly started hopping on his right foot and made his way to the sideline unable to put pressure on his left foot." It seems to be a left ankle/foot injury which was wrapped and iced while Jackson missed the rest of practice. The injury doesn't appear to be significant, but he is expected to miss the Redskins' first preseason game. FANTASY ANALYSIS: We'll update with more information as it's released. As long as the injury is not significant, Jackson can be viewed as a solid WR2 option with upside under new pass-heavy head coach Jay Gruden. He will surely blow the top of opposing defenses with his lightning speed and agile frame.

Browns QB Brian Hoyer to start first preseason game

Posted: 06 Aug 2014 01:12 PM PDT

Browns beat writer Scott Petrak is reporting head coach Mike Pettine said Brian Hoyer will get the start over rookie Johnny Manziel in the first preseason game versus the Detroit Lions. Hoyer was part of the revival of the Browns last season until he tore his ACL. Speculation has run rampant as to whom the starter will be after the Browns selected Manziel in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. FANTASY ANALYSIS: It's notable that Hoyer will get the start but not surprising. The general news coming out of Browns camp was that Hoyer would start the first, and Manziel would start the second preseason game. Pettine said he will know who is starting the season by the third preseason game. Whoever wins will be a fantasy QB2 at best. The Browns will run the ball more and have a diminished WR corps while Josh Gordon is suspended this season

Shonn Greene sits atop the Titans RB depth chart

Posted: 06 Aug 2014 12:57 PM PDT

Titans beat writer Terry McCormick has an update on the Titans' roster that indicates RB Shonn Greene is listed as the No. 1 option, with Dexter McCluster as the backup and rookie Bishop Sankey listed as the third-string back. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt said it is due to experience, meaning Greene is the benefactor of being a veteran, but the new information doesn't help clear up who will be starting the season this year in Tennessee. Sankey was the first RB selected in the 2014 NFL Draft and should eventually have lead-back duties. FANTASY ANALYSIS: What is likely to happen is a three-headed RBBC approach with Sankey being the in-space back, Greene being the power and tough-yardage back, and McCluster being the passing back. It's still too early to tell who will have the most value, but if you can find a hint of who may lead this season, you can utilize that knowledge to get great value in your upcoming fantasy draft. I would bet on Sankey.

Giants WR Odell Beckham almost healed up

Posted: 06 Aug 2014 12:38 PM PDT

NJ.com is reporting that Giants rookie WR Odell Beckham has been running, and catching passes off the JUGS machine during practice. quot;Sounds like he's getting close," said coach head coach Tom Coughlin. Beckham was selected in the first round at pick No. 12 of the NFL Draft but has been sidelined since the first day of training camp with a hamstring injury. Once he's fully healthy, he'll be fighting WR Rueben Randle for WR2 duties opposite Victor Cruz. FANTASY ANALYSIS: At this point, Randle has a leg up on the WR2 position. However, he started the first preseason game versus the Bills and wasn't targeted once. If Beckham can get healthy, he could give Randle some competition for the spot. As the Giants move to a more three-wide receiver scheme under OC Ben McAdoo, each will have their moment to prove themselves.

High Stakes Interview: Corey Parson Interview

Posted: 06 Aug 2014 12:38 PM PDT

An inside look and interview with a notable High Stakes Fantasy Football expert.

Browns hoping for suspension settlement for WR Josh Gordon

Posted: 05 Aug 2014 09:15 PM PDT

The Browns are hoping that the NFL will agree to a settlement with WR Josh Gordon that will allow him to return to the team this season, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Gordon had a hearing last Friday to appeal his possible year-long suspension for repeated violations of the NFL's substance abuse policy. The Browns believe the best-case scenario is that Gordon misses just eight games in 2014. A decision on the appeal is expected in one to three weeks. FANTASY ANALYSIS: While it's a long-shot scenario, Gordon being able to see the field this year would shake up fantasy drafts in a big way. When he's able to play, Gordon is one of the best recievers in the NFL. And given the recent backlash to the Ray Rice suspension, the NFL might be in a forgiving mood toward substance-abuse-policy offenders. We'll keep an eye on this situation. Even if he's able to play only eight games, Gordon would likely be a sixth- or seventh-round pick in most drafts because of his massive upside.

Golf Rankings for PGA Championship at DraftKings #DFG

Posted: 05 Aug 2014 09:05 PM PDT

This article is designed to help you win PGA Championship at Draftkings - Daily Fantasy Golf:

Golf Rankings for PGA Championship

Posted: 05 Aug 2014 09:05 PM PDT

Our expert picks the top 30 PGA tour golfers for this week's tournament: 1. Rory McIlroy, 2. Adam Scott, 3. Sergio Garcia, 4. Justin Rose, 5. Rickie Fowler, 6. Keegan Bradley, 7. Jim Furyk, ...

Falcons WR Julio Jones is progressing well, practicing every other day

Posted: 05 Aug 2014 08:50 PM PDT

Julio Jones is making good progress as he returns from foot surgery, according to ESPN's Vaughn McClure. Jones has taken every other day off from practice to rest the foot, but he has not missed any scheduled practice time. Falcons head coach Mike Smith and his staff have not yet made a decision about whether Jones will play in the Falcons' Aug. 8 preseason opener. Smith said that Jones has quot;handled everything that we've asked him to do up to this point in time." FANTASY ANALYSIS: It's very good for Jones and the Falcons that he hasn't had any setbacks with his recovery. But this news is a reminder that he is returning from a major surgery, one in which he had a piece of metal permanently inserted into his foot. The Falcons are being very conservative with Jones, but it will be a relief for his potential owners when he's able to return to the practice field on a daily basis. Jones' current draft status does not reflect any injury concern as he's being taken 13th overall on average.

Podcast: Training Camp Update Show

Posted: 05 Aug 2014 07:55 PM PDT

Special Guests: Matt Williamson and Brad Evans
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