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Week 1 Waiver Wire Pickups: Advice for Preseason Sleepers Who May Be Available

Fantasy Football
September 9, 2015

Even after a long fantasy football draft, there are often intriguing players still available on the waiver wire who can help you this season.

Hopefully you stuck around through the late rounds and took some high-upside options like DeVante Parker, Eddie Royal or Charles Sims. If those players are still available, they might be worth an add in standard leagues.

Looking deeper down the list, however, fantasy owners can find some legitimate options hiding on the free-agent list. Here is a look at players who could be still available, as they are owned in fewer than 50 percent of ESPN leagues.

Tyrod Taylor, QB, Buffalo Bills

Despite attempting just 35 passes in his first four years in a league, Tyrod Taylor earned the starting quarterback nod for the Buffalo Bills. Head coach Rex Ryan explained his mindset about the decision, per Joe Buscaglia of WKBW:

Taylor was also clearly the best player at the position during the preseason, completing 77.4 percent of his passes while also rushing for 108 yards on 11 carries. This dual-threat ability is what could make him a valuable fantasy commodity this season.

Quarterbacks who can rack up rushing yards and touchdowns provide an advantage in fantasy football, whether it is one of the elite players like Russell Wilson or even Terrelle Pryor, who was a respectable fantasy option when he was on the field last season.

As Ryan explained, Taylor has a lot of explosiveness with the ball in his hands, and he will likely get a lot of chances to run around this season. Add this to passing targets such as Sammy Watkins and LeSean McCoy, and this could be a respectable year for the quarterback.

Considering the upside, he should be worthy of a roster spot to see what he can do.

Josh Robinson, RB, Indianapolis Colts

Top handcuff options such as Knile Davis, James Starks and Ronnie Hillman could be elite fantasy players in the event of injuries to starters. Not only could Josh Robinson fit in this category, but the chances he’ll get playing time might be better than the others on this list.

The rookie sixth-round pick has ascended to second on the depth chart thanks to injuries to Daniel Herron and Vick Ballard. Of course, he also put together a strong preseason campaign, per Gregg Doyel of the Indianapolis Star:

This place on the depth chart is important because starting running back Frank Gore is 32 years old and has averaged 267.8 carries over the past four seasons. Even if he doesn’t break down, the Colts likely aren’t going to push him too much, providing opportunities for his backup.

The Indianapolis is expected to have one of the most high-powered offenses in the league this season. Robinson has a chance to be a big part of this and provide fantasy value at some point in the year.

James Jones, WR, Green Bay Packers

Few players were likely more excited to be released this past week than James Jones, who quickly went from deep on the New York Giants depth chart to one of the top options for the Green Bay Packers. He was signed by his original team on Monday.

Jones spent seven years with the Packers, most notably catching 14 touchdown passes during the 2012 season. Although his one season with the Oakland Raiders wasn’t nearly as productive, he still came through with a solid 73 catches, 666 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

Based on his comfort level with quarterback Aaron Rodgers—plus the injury to Jordy Nelson—it wouldn’t be surprising to see Jones slide back into his old spot in the Packers offense and once again put up quality numbers.

Randall Cobb and Davante Adams will still be the top options in Green Bay, with Ty Montgomery and Jeff Janis likely getting playing time, but Jones is worth a spot on your roster.

Ben Watson, TE, New Orleans Saints

There was a lot of hype for Josh Hill in the offseason, but New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees left no doubt who was the team’s starting tight end, per Larry Holder of NOLA.com:

Ben Watson is currently 34 years old and isn’t likely to replicate Jimmy Graham‘s stats from the past few years, but he is now the starting tight end in an offense that loves to utilize the position in the passing game. At 6’3″, 255 pounds, he remains a quality option in the red zone and can rack up a bunch of touchdowns this season if he stays healthy.

For those currently unhappy with their tight end situation after the draft, Watson represents a low-risk, high-upside backup.

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for all your fantasy football and daily fantasy needs.

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Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 1: Examining Fringe Fantasy Football Flex Starters

Fantasy Football
September 9, 2015

The first tough part of winning in fantasy football is drafting a good team. The next challenge is getting the right players in your lineup.

You can draft a near-perfect squad of sleepers and top producers, but it won’t help you at all if they sit on your bench. At the same time, even some top picks should be removed from your lineup at times to avoid wasting a spot on a poor performance.

Even in Week 1, it’s important to adjust your roster to get favorable matchups and high-upside plays from top to bottom. This sometimes leads to tough calls, but here is a look at a few fringe starters, with advice for each.

Sit ‘Em: Joseph Randle, RB, Dallas Cowboys

There are some of you who spent an early draft pick on Joseph Randle (current average draft position of 61 after it was much higher most of the preseason), but there is no guarantee he’ll lead the timeshare of carries in the Dallas Cowboys backfield.

Head coach Jason Garrett was vague discussing his four(!) legitimate options in the backfield, per ESPN.com’s Todd Archer:

We feel good about Darren McFadden and how he’s played. We certainly feel good about Joe Randle and what he’s done for us and Lance Dunbar has been a very productive guy for us. We feel like bringing Michael in here will add to the mix and again we’ll compete each and every day for opportunities. […]

We won’t outline anything before the game. We’ll give each of those guys a chance over the course of the week to show us that they’re worthy of opportunities.

The league’s best offensive line provides a great chance for each of these players to have a productive season. Unfortunately, we don’t know who—if anyone—will get enough touches to make it count. This is not an enviable position for fantasy owners.

Start ‘Em: Chris Ivory, RB, New York Jets

Unlike Randle, Chris Ivory seems pretty secure with his role within the New York Jets offense. After battling with Chris Johnson early last season, the veteran finished with team highs of 198 carries, 821 rushing yards and six touchdowns.

This season he is the unquestioned go-to option on the ground for the Jets, with Bilal Powell likely to only make a small impact on a weekly basis.

With this type of certainty against a Cleveland Browns defense that finished worst in the NFL in rushing yards allowed last season, Ivory might be one of the safer bets at running back heading into Week 1.

Sit ‘Em: Melvin Gordon, RB, San Diego Chargers

Week 3 of the preseason usually works as a dress rehearsal for teams, which isn’t a good sign for Melvin Gordon. The rookie can be forgiven for a rough game against the Seattle Seahawks, but his putrid 2.4 yards per carry on 14 attempts does not inspire much confidence going forward.

Of course, the biggest issue was the fact he didn’t even get the majority of playing time in the Chargers backfield, as noted by Mike Clay of Pro Football Focus:

The Chargers like using passing formations on all downs, which could mean a lot of Danny Woodhead throughout the season, especially early in the year. Gordon has a lot of potential, but it might be a while until he is ready to carry the workload in San Diego.

Until he does, it might be better to keep him on your bench.

Start ‘Em: T.J. Yeldon, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Although he wasn’t the first running back taken in the draft, T.J. Yeldon might be the best rookie to start in Week 1. Unlike Gordon or Ameer Abdullah, Yeldon doesn’t seem stuck in a timeshare and could get a heavy dose of touches right out of the gate for a team in need of playmakers.

Yeldon does represent limited upside because of an inconsistent offensive line and a quarterback (Blake Bortles) who hasn’t proved himself to be enough of a threat to back defenses out of the box. This should put the running back lower on season-long lists than other rookies at his position.

That said, he is talented enough to contribute in a big way Sunday.

Sit ‘Em: Michael Floyd, WR, Arizona Cardinals

Despite dealing with a finger injury, it’s possible Michael Floyd could play in Week 1, according to Darren Urban of the Cardinals’ official website. Even if he does, the receiver missed the entire preseason and hasn’t played a game with quarterback Carson Palmer since Week 10 of last season.

Floyd has a chance to bounce back after a disappointing 2014 season, but other options, such as Larry Fitzgerald and John Brown, will take away targets, especially early. Until he proves he is up to speed, keep Floyd on your bench.

Start ‘Em: Jarvis Landry, WR, Miami Dolphins

The Washington Redskins allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing receivers last season, according to ESPN, and despite a few additions in the secondary, that shouldn’t change much this year.

Meanwhile, Jarvis Landry is coming off an underrated rookie season where he finished with 84 catches on 111 targets. With DeVante Parker still on his way back from an injury, Landry should be the go-to target for Ryan Tannehill early.

This could lead to a big showing in Week 1, especially in points-per-reception leagues.

Sit ‘Em: Sammy Watkins, WR, Buffalo Bills

It was hard to stand out as a rookie in last year’s amazing class, but Sammy Watkins still showed flashes of why he was the top player drafted at the position in 2014. The problem has been quarterback play, and that won’t be too much better with Tyrod Taylor under center.

While Taylor does provide excitement as a runner, he hasn’t shown much as a passer in his short career.

Things will be tougher in Week 1, when Watkins will likely match up against Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis—considered by some to be one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL.

This doesn’t equal a recipe for success in the first game of the year.

Start ‘Em: Steve Smith, WR, Baltimore Ravens

Steve Smith is getting up there in age, but he still finished last season with 79 receptions for 1,065 yards on 133 targets, all team highs despite the presence of Torrey Smith. With the younger Smith now out of town, Steve Smith should once again be a top option—and one of the only options until Breshad Perriman returns from injury—for Joe Flacco in the Ravens’ passing attack.

Denver Broncos safety T.J. Ward’s suspension for the game will only make it easier for Smith to come down with a big play.

Even at 36 years old, he has a good chance to come through for fantasy teams in Week 1.

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for all your fantasy football and daily fantasy needs.

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Extra Points: Los Angeles, Moeller, Catapano

NFL News
September 8, 2015

If two teams are to wind up in Los Angeles, it could happen by commissioner Roger Goodell locking Rams owner Stan Kroenke and Chargers owner Dean Spanos in a room and demanding that they work it out, Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times writes. However, if the Rams, Chargers, and Raiders all continue to insist on moving to L.A., then things could get ugly in a hurry. In that scenario, the Rams would push the Inglewood project and the Chargers and Raiders would push their joint venture in Carson in an all-or-nothing vote. These types of NFL decisions require a three-quarters majority (meaning the support of 24 of 32 owners) and it’s generally believed that the Rams and Chargers-Raiders have the requisite nine votes to block the other. If both plans are voted down, that means no one will be moving to Los Angeles for the 2016 season.

Here’s more from around the league..

  • The woman who accused Browns offensive line coach Andy Moeller of assaulting her said he “tried to strangle me and beat me up” in her 911 call, as Evan MacDonald of the Northeast Ohio Media Group writes. The woman also said that Moeller might have been drinking that night. Moeller has been suspended indefinetly by the Browns and he may face assault charges based off of these allegations.
  • Prior to signing with the Jets‘ taxi squad, defensive end Mike Catapano had workouts scheduled with the Bears, Packers, and Vikings, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle tweets. The Long Island native was in heavy demand, according to Wilson.
  • A federal judge has dismissed the NFL Players Association’s claim that the NFL engaged in illegal collusion to hold down player salaries during the uncapped 2010 season, as Michael David Smith of PFT writes. The union had claimed that teams broke labor laws by agreeing to effectively have a cap even though it was an uncapped year, but the judge said that any such claim from the NFLPA was nullified by the fact that both sides signed the 2011 CBA.

Eagles, Andrew Gardner Agree To Extension

NFL News
September 8, 2015

The Eagles and starting right guard Andrew Gardner have agreed to a three-year contract extension, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The interior lineman is now signed through 2018.

Gardner was signed by the Eagles prior to the 2014 season to serve as a backup. Gardner proved to be a very valuable addition, however, as he went on to appear in every regular season game, including eight starts. The Eagles had an open competition for the starting right guard job this summer, but Gardner came away with the gig. Gardner is now with his sixth NFL team after stops with the Dolphins, Ravens, Vikings, Bengals, Texans, and Eagles, but it sounds like the 29-year-old has finally found a home at this late stage in his career.

In June of 2014, the Eagles hammered out an extension with fellow starting guard Allen Barbre, which means that the duo is under contract for at least the next three years.

C.J. Spiller won't play Week 1

Fantasy Football, NFL News
September 8, 2015
InjuryKnee injury sidelines Saints RB

Saints RB CJ Spiller (knee) will not play in Week 1, I’m told, as he recovers from that minor knee surgery. Likely good to go after that. (Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Nerdy Football Analysis: This contradicts reports we heard from various outlets and analysts over the last two weeks, saying Spiller was on track to play Week 1. Spiller had arthroscopic knee surgery on 8/14. His absence from the lineup means Khiry Robinson, Tim Hightower or Marcus Murphy could see a few extra snaps. Mark Ingram is locked in as Week 1 RB1.