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Hi Folks,
Good Monday to you. I hope you didn't have much else planned for today as we've got a ton of new content for you. And of course, the news and notes for the day. But before we get to that, thought I'd bring back the Quote of the Day for today and throw out the Rob Ryan zinger aimed toward the Eagles. "I don't know if we win the all-hype team, I think that might have gone to somebody else, but we're going to beat their ass when we play them." Man is it good to have football back... Let's get to it. JSITE NEWS
A.
Get Inside With A Footballguys Insider Subscription
We hope you're enjoying these Daily Email Updates. They'll run from now until the season kicks off in Week 1. But these emails just scratch the surface of what we do. To get the real edge for your Fantasy League, the Footballguys Insider Subscription is your ticket. It's everything you need from tools to data to insights to strategy and more to Dominate Your League. For info, click here. And remember we have a money back guarantee so there's zero risk. Let us help you win.
B.
Footballguys Players Championship Contest
Last year's Footballguys Players Championship was a huge success. This year will be even bigger. If you're looking to play in a "mid stakes" ($350 entry fee) online contest with fantastic payouts (first place is $75,000), this contest is for you. To check out the details, click here. We've partnered with our friends from Fantasy Football Players Championships to run the contests and they do incredible work. Drafts are filling fast so grab a spot now.
C.
Updated Detailed Stat Projections
We won't sit still for you here as we've got another set of updated Detailed Stat Projections ready. We take every player that matters and project every stat that matters. Down to the last yard. It's how you'll keep an edge on the other guys in your league that don't care as much as you do.
D.
Updated Player Rankings
You know we won't hold back on our player rankings as we try to keep them as updated for you as possible. Today is no exception as we have new data for you. Roll into your draft with the latest rankings.
E.
What's On My Mind - QB
Our Sigmund Bloom with some general thoughts on what he's thinking about quarterbacks these days.
F.
Eyes Of The Guru - AFC East
Our John Norton is back with his always insightful "Eyes Of The Guru" column breaking down the IDP players and situations you need to stay on top of. In this one, he focuses on the AFC East.
G.
August Injury Report
As you well know, injuries are a huge part of the game. You need the latest on every player whether he's returning from offseason surgery or whether he's healing from a hamstring pull from Friday. Our Mark Wimer catches you up here.
H.
Draft Slots - 12 team pick 1.01
Our Chris Smith takes a look at drafting in a 12 team league from the 1.01 slot.
I.
Dynasty News #5
Our Jeff Tefertiller continues his Dynasty News column taking a look at how the news affects players from a Dynasty perspective.
J.
Player Spotlight: Joe Flacco
You guys know the drill by now - our Footballguys Player Spotlights are some of the most detailed info you'll find on a player anywhere. In this one, we put the focus on Joe Flacco.
K.
Player Spotlight: Tony Romo
You guys know the drill by now - our Footballguys Player Spotlights are some of the most detailed info you'll find on a player anywhere. In this one, we put the focus on Tony Romo.
L.
Player Spotlight: Fred Jackson
You guys know the drill by now - our Footballguys Player Spotlights are some of the most detailed info you'll find on a player anywhere. In this one, we put the focus on Fred Jackson.
M.
Player Spotlight: Maurice Jones-Drew
You guys know the drill by now - our Footballguys Player Spotlights are some of the most detailed info you'll find on a player anywhere. In this one, we put the focus on Maurice Jones-Drew.
N.
Player Spotlight: Ray Rice
You guys know the drill by now - our Footballguys Player Spotlights are some of the most detailed info you'll find on a player anywhere. In this one, we put the focus on Ray Rice.
O.
Player Spotlight: Jonathan Stewart
You guys know the drill by now - our Footballguys Player Spotlights are some of the most detailed info you'll find on a player anywhere. In this one, we put the focus on Jonathan Stewart.
P.
Player Spotlight: Daniel Stewart
You guys know the drill by now - our Footballguys Player Spotlights are some of the most detailed info you'll find on a player anywhere. In this one, we put the focus on Daniel Stewart.
Q.
Player Spotlight: Daniel Thomas
You guys know the drill by now - our Footballguys Player Spotlights are some of the most detailed info you'll find on a player anywhere. In this one, we put the focus on Daniel Thomas.
R.
Player Spotlight: DeAngelo Williams
You guys know the drill by now - our Footballguys Player Spotlights are some of the most detailed info you'll find on a player anywhere. In this one, we put the focus on DeAngelo Williams.
S.
Player Spotlight: Michael Crabtree
You guys know the drill by now - our Footballguys Player Spotlights are some of the most detailed info you'll find on a player anywhere. In this one, we put the focus on Michael Crabtree.
T.
Player Spotlight: Larry Fitzgerald
You guys know the drill by now - our Footballguys Player Spotlights are some of the most detailed info you'll find on a player anywhere. In this one, we put the focus on Larry Fitzgerald.
U.
Player Spotlight: Rob Gronkowski
You guys know the drill by now - our Footballguys Player Spotlights are some of the most detailed info you'll find on a player anywhere. In this one, we put the focus on Rob Gronkowski.
V.
Player Spotlight: Aaron Hernandez
You guys know the drill by now - our Footballguys Player Spotlights are some of the most detailed info you'll find on a player anywhere. In this one, we put the focus on Aaron Hernandez.
W.
Average Draft Position
You know we've been constantly updating our Average Draft Position data. We've done that again here. Know where the guys in your league are likely to be drafting the players you're targeting.
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Average Draft Position - PPR
The same great Average Draft Position data but factored for Point Per Reception (PPR) scoring.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. HOU - WR Andre Johnson practices Sunday2. CAR - WR Steve Smith happy with role in offense
3. HOU - Two RBs sitting out practice
4. JAX - Blaine Gabbert believes he did well in scrimmage
5. ATL - RB Jason Snelling re-signed
6. CHI - WR Earl Bennett will play in slot
7. CHI - WR Johnny Knox, WR Roy Williams to compete for job
8. PIT - WR Hines Ward plans to practice Monday
9. CHI - RB Matt Forte wants new deal before preseason games
10. BAL - WR Anquan Boldin mentoring young receivers
11. BUF - Stevie Johnson impressing
12. DET - RB Jahvid Best aims to stay healthy, play fast
13. SD - RB Ryan Mathews in shape
14. JAX - QB David Garrard may practice Monday
15. PIT - WR Emmanuel Sanders out of boot
16. NYJ - WR Plaxico Burress expected to play in first preseason game
17. BUF - May look to move WR Lee Evans
18. SD - Vincent Brown nursing quadriceps injury
19. DET - Two competing for No. 3 RB job
20. DEN - Ryan Clady says knee 100 percent
21. NYG - TE Travis Beckum, TE Bear Pascoe top depth chart at TE
22. PIT - Expected to have extension talks with S Troy Polamalu
23. TEN - CB Cortland Finnegan says he will return Monday
24. NYG - Prince Amukamara needs foot surgery
HOU - WR Andre Johnson practices Sunday
Source: Houston Chronicle - Dale Robertson
Houston Texans WR Andre Johnson (finger) participated in practice Sunday, Aug. 7, and made several nice catches during practice.
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Andre Johnson is one of the toughest players in the NFL. It's not surprising to see him back at practice after many thought this finger injury could cost him a couple of weeks of practice.
CAR - WR Steve Smith happy with role in offense
Source: Charlotte Observer - Joseph Person
Carolina Panthers WR Steve Smith said he happy with the way he will be used in the new offense this season because he will not be asked to run block as much as he did last season. 'It is nice to have layers, have multiple sets, not to just be stacking to one spot for 70 plays. I get to line up in different spots. It's just refreshing. It's not saying, 'Well, we're going to move you around,' and then never do it. Here they're actually saying it and it's happening. It's not just me. It's other guys as well,' Smith said.
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Smith's talent greatly exceeds his meager production last year, and rookie #1 pick Cam Newton pleaded with him to stay in Carolina. He's a good risk/reward WR3/WR4 in the 7th or 8th round.
HOU - Two RBs sitting out practice
Source: Houston Chronicle - Dale Robertson
Houston Texans RBs Arian Foster (hamstring) and Ben Tate (hamstring) did not participate in practice Sunday, Aug. 7.
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The team will be careful with Foster as he's their lead back. Tate needs to get back on the practice field ASAP. He's buried on the depth chart right now and needs to stay healthy if he's going to play up to his potential.
JAX - Blaine Gabbert believes he did well in scrimmage
Source: Jaguars.com - John Oehser
Jacksonville Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert said he believes he did well during the team's scrimmage Saturday, Aug. 6, after completing 12 of 27 passes for 76 yards and one touchdown. 'I thought I did pretty good. Our offense looked good at times. There are always things you can work on. . . . You just have to work collectively as a group to get those easy yardage plays,' Gabbert said.
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Gabbert may begin the season as the backup QB behind David Garrard. However, if Garrard struggles then we could see the rookie inserted into the starting lineup. He's the QB of the future and may see the field sooner than some people think.
ATL - RB Jason Snelling re-signed
Source: ESPN - John Clayton
The Atlanta Falcons have re-signed free-agent RB Jason Snelling to a one-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Snelling couldn't find a market for his services, which surprises us because he is such a good all-around back. He remains a good handcuff for Michael Turner owners, although fifth-round pick Jacquizz Rodgers would split the work with Snelling if Turner misses time.
CHI - WR Earl Bennett will play in slot
Source: Chicago Sun-Times - Sean Jensen
Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett is the clear-cut slot receiver entering the season.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Bears will run a ton of three-wide sets, so this is pretty much a starting position and it shouldn't deter you from taking Bennett late in your draft as the potential #1 receiver on the Bears.
CHI - WR Johnny Knox, WR Roy Williams to compete for job
Source: Chicago Sun-Times - Sean Jensen
Chicago Bears wide receivers Darryl Drake said WRs Johnny Knox and Roy Williams will be competing for the starting split end position during preseason.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Whether or not Knox holds off Williams, it is clear that the Bears don't see him as their best receiver, even though he had the best fantasy numbers last year. Knox was responsible for multiple interceptions and generally did not compete well for the ball in flight. Even if Knox starts, expect Williams to play a large role and cap Knox's value this year.
PIT - WR Hines Ward plans to practice Monday
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Gerry Dulac and Ed Bouchette
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Hines Ward (thumb) said he plans on coming off the Physically Unable to Perform list Monday, Aug. 8, and participate in practice.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Steelers are looking at Jerricho Cotchery, who is similar to Ward. That could have been designed as a little kick in the pants to Ward to get on the practice field.
CHI - RB Matt Forte wants new deal before preseason games
Source: Chicago Tribune - Brad Biggs
Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte indicated that he is considering sitting out preseason games if he does not receive a new contract. Forte said he has not made a final decision but could also sit out because the turf at Soldier Field is not in good condition.
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Forte took the Bears at their word that he would get a new deal done and reported to camp, so he has really lost all leverage here.
BAL - WR Anquan Boldin mentoring young receivers
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Jamison Hensley
Baltimore Ravens WR Anquan Boldin has to play the role of No. 1 receiver and mentor to the team's younger receivers this year. If you remove Boldin from the equation, the Ravens' receivers combined for just 12 catches last season and the average age of receivers and tight ends is just 24. Boldin has been taking the young receivers to the side and talking to them about technique and plays, he has also lobbied offensive coordinator Cam Cameron for various plays that do not go his direction. 'He's the first receiver I've been around that suggests plays that go to other people,' Cameron said.
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Teams took Boldin away with double teams last year, and that was with Todd Heap and Derrick Mason as proven secondary options for Joe Flacco. This year is going to be a different story. The big question is whether Boldin's numbers will suffer even more for the lack of help, or whether he will still benefit because of the sheer number of targets he should receive.
BUF - Stevie Johnson impressing
Source: BuffaloBills.com - Chris Brown
Buffalo Bills WR Stevie Johnson impressed during workouts Saturday, Aug. 6, and appears to be much bigger and stronger than he was a year ago. He was dominating during red zone drills, where he had a pair of touchdown receptions.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
If Johnson is bigger and stronger than last year, then we can't wait to see what he does for an encore. There is a 'we need to see it again before we believe it' discount to Johnson's price, making him available as late as the sixth round in some leagues.
DET - RB Jahvid Best aims to stay healthy, play fast
Source: MLive.com - Philip Zaroo
Detroit Lions second-year RB Jahvid Best is completely recovered from the turf toe injuries that plagued him during his rookie season and he is showing the quickness and burst he displayed before suffering the injury last season. Best said his goals for 2011 are to stay healthy and to play fast.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Best should benefit from second-round pick Mikel LeShoure absorbing punishment for him on inside and short-yardage runs. He was extremely explosive pre-injury last year, especially on the Ford Field turf. He's a great RB2 to target around the fourth round in PPR leagues.
Source: North County Times - Jay Paris
After doing gassers early during training camp, San Diego Chargers second-year RB Ryan Mathews (toe) has his football legs back under him.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Hopefully he can put that behind him and build some positive momentum. It's still a bit disconcerting that he wasn't chomping at the bit and in top shape for the beginning of camp. Stay tuned.
JAX - QB David Garrard may practice Monday
Source: Jaguars.com - John Oehser
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio said he believes QB David Garrard (back) may be able to participate in practice Monday, Aug. 8.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Del Rio does not know the status of Garrard for the team's first preseason game. If Garrard misses the game then it will open the door for rookie Blaine Gabbert to impress the coaching staff.
PIT - WR Emmanuel Sanders out of boot
Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - Ralph N. Paulk and Mark Kaboly
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Emmanuel Sanders (foot) is no longer in the walking boot after having foot surgery Tuesday, Aug. 2. He is still expected to miss around three weeks.
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Antonio Brown continues to impress in Sanders absence, and he could capture the #3 WR job before Sanders returns.
NYJ - WR Plaxico Burress expected to play in first preseason game
Source: New York Daily News - Manish Mehta
New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan said he expects WR Plaxico Burress (ankle) to see some playing time in the first preseason game. Burress is expected to participate in individual drills during practice Sunday, Aug. 7.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Burress spent two years away from the game as he was incarcerated on gun charges. He needs every opportunity to shake the rust off. Because of his size and leaping ability we feel the Jets will use him extensively as a red zone target.
BUF - May look to move WR Lee Evans
Source: NationalFootballPost.com - Dan Pompei
The Buffalo Bills may look to trade WR Lee Evans during the preseason and could consider releasing him at some point.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Bills really like Brad Smith and Roscoe Parrish and think they have some other good young talents like David Nelson, Marcus Easley and Donald Jones on the roster. Evans is a much better talent than his recent numbers indicate, so a trade to somewhere like Baltimore could be a boost for his fantasy value.
SD - Vincent Brown nursing quadriceps injury
Source: North County Times - Scott Bair
San Diego Chargers WR Vincent Brown (quadriceps) remains sidelined due to a strained quadriceps suffered on the first day of practice. Brown's return date is uncertain.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
With the return of Malcom Floyd, Brown's chance to make an instant impact went way down, but this is still a crucial time for his development. We like Brown's outlook long-term, but in the short-term, he might even have trouble being active on game days early in the season.
DET - Two competing for No. 3 RB job
Source: MLive.com - Tom Kowalski
Detroit Lions RB Maurice Morris and Aaron Brown are competing for the No. 3 running back job during training camp.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Morris is a seasoned veteran and has to be considered the favorite to win the job. He won't see much production behind Jahvid Best and Mikel LeShoure unless injuries hit the depth chart in front of him.
DEN - Ryan Clady says knee 100 percent
Source: The Denver Post - Lindsay Jones
Denver Broncos OT Ryan Clady said the knee injury that hampered his play last season is completely healed and is looking to play like he did in the 2009 season when he made the All-Pro team.
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Our very own Cecil Lammey has been at Broncos practice every day and says that Clady is moving well. He looks like his old self and should play at a high level this year.
NYG - TE Travis Beckum, TE Bear Pascoe top depth chart at TE
Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Mike Mazzeo
New York Giants TEs Travis Beckum and Bear Pascoe top the depth chart at the tight end position.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Keep tabs on Beckum in deep leagues and TE premium leagues. He has good pass-catching skills and the Giants still haven't signed Eli Manning security blanket Steve Smith.
PIT - Expected to have extension talks with S Troy Polamalu
Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - Ralph N. Paulk and Mark Kaboly
The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to work on a contract extension with SS Troy Polamalu during the preseason. Polamalu would not say if the two sides have begun negotiations and said he will let his agent and the Steelers work on an extension.
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The Steelers should do everything in their power to ensure that Polamalu ends his career with Pittsburgh.
TEN - CB Cortland Finnegan says he will return Monday
Source: The Tennessean - John Glennon
Tennessee Titans CB Cortland Finnegan said on his Twitter page that he will be returning to practice Monday, Aug. 8, and that his absence from training camp had nothing to do with money.
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Finnegan is calling a lot of people a liar by saying that. We'll indulge him by putting the whole thing behind us, but it's hard to believe that it wasn't about money.
NYG - Prince Amukamara needs foot surgery
Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Mike Mazzeo
New York Giants CB Prince Amukamara (foot) fractured the fifth metatarsal in his left foot during practice Saturday, Aug. 6, and he'll need surgery, the team announced. Amukamara is out indefinitely. It was just Amukamara's second practice after becoming the last first-round draft choice to sign a contract.
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The Giants have a great depth at corner, but it still hurts to have their first round pick's development set back like this.
That'll do it for today, Folks.
Thanks for reading and letting us be a part of your Fantasy Football season. We'll see you tomorrow with the update. Peace, J