Footballguys #152 - 9/21 - News & Notes From Around The League

To unsubscribe {EMAIL} from these mailings, click [here](. --- [Footballguys.com]( Volume 19, #152 -- Thursday Night, September 21st, 2017 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email --------------------------------------------------------------- [FREE Shot at $1 Million]( Just because the season has already started doesn't mean the freebies stop coming. FanDuel is once again running their huge Sunday Million contest for Week 3, and just like last week, when you sign up and make your first deposit, FanDuel will give you a free entry into that Sunday Million. Free shot at $1M. What are you waiting for? Sign up today! [Play Now]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Folks, Welcome to Friday. We've got News and Notes you need so let's get to it. J SITE NEWS A. [Get The Lineup Dominator for Mobile Now!]( If you're looking for a mobile app to help you dominate your league and set the best lineup each week, the Footballguys Lineup Dominator is your ticket. We bring next level projections, value algorithms and analysis to help you Dominate. It's just $4.99 and available in the iTunes and Google Play stores. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [NE - TE Rob Gronkowski limited](#1) 2. [GB - WR Jordy Nelson full go Thursday](#2) 3. [LAC - RB Melvin Gordon added to injury report](#3) 4. [MIA - RB Jay Ajayi should play Week 3](#4) 5. [BUF - RB LeSean McCoy back on the field](#5) 6. [CAR - WR Kelvin Benjamin full go](#6) 7. [CAR - QB Cam Newton still limited](#7) 8. [MIA - WR DeVante Parker should be in uniform](#8) 9. [DEN - WR Demaryius Thomas logs full practice](#9) 10. [DEN - RB Jamaal Charles returns to practice](#10) 11. [NE - WR Danny Amendola a limited participant](#11) 12. [NYJ - Full practice for RB Matt Forte](#12) 13. [MIA - WR Jarvis Landry limited](#13) 14. [WAS - TE Jordan Reed puts in limited practice](#14) 15. [BUF - TE Charles Clay takes part in practice](#15) 16. [CAR - RB Jonathan Stewart given day off](#16) 17. [NYG - TE Evan Engram limited Thursday](#17) 18. [NYG - Odell Beckham remains limited](#18) 19. [NYJ - WR Robby Anderson limited](#19) 20. [NYJ - NYJ will use three running backs](#20) 21. [GB - WR Randall Cobb still sidelined](#21) 22. [BAL - RB Terrance West held out again](#22) 23. [MIA - No practice for WR DeVante Parker](#23) 24. [NE - RB Rex Burkhead still not practicing](#24) 25. [CIN - TE Tyler Eifert out of practice](#25) 26. [BAL - RB Jeremy Langford to IR](#26) 27. [JAX - WR Jaelen Strong won't practice](#27) 28. [GB - GB to lighten RB Ty Montgomery's workload?](#28) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [NE - TE Rob Gronkowski limited](=) Source: Patriots.com New England Patriots TE [Rob Gronkowski](=) (groin) was limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 21. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] He should play on Sunday, while also putting up some good numbers. He dominated the half he played in against the New Orleans Saints, but this is a much better defense against tight ends. We think he'll do well if he plays, and should produce his usual solid numbers, even if Tom Brady doesn't go to him as often as he would against a lesser defense. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [GB - WR Jordy Nelson full go Thursday]() Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky Green Bay Packers WR [Jordy Nelson](=) (quadriceps) participated fully in practice Thursday, Sept. 21. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Great news for a Packers team which, between Randall Cobb's issues and injuries to the offensive line, needs it. Against a vulnerable Cincinnati secondary, Nelson should have a solid game and produce WR2 numbers. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [LAC - RB Melvin Gordon added to injury report]( Source: Chargers.com Los Angeles Chargers RB [Melvin Gordon](=) (knee) was limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 21. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We never like to see a guy added to the injury list later in the week. Stay tuned to see what he's able to do in Friday's practice. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [MIA - RB Jay Ajayi should play Week 3](=) Source: The Miami Herald - Armando Salguero Miami Dolphins RB [Jay Ajayi](=) (knee) likely will be active for the team's Week 3 game even though he is not participating in practice Thursday, Sept. 21, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] As expected, Ajayi is going to hit the soft underbelly of a sad Jets defense. He should put up fantastic numbers this weekend and the only thing which could hold him back would be the inevitable big, early lead. We're still betting he puts up nice numbers in that case, though. Stay tuned to make sure this knee issue doesn't flare up though. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [BUF - RB LeSean McCoy back on the field]( Source: BuffaloBills.com Buffalo Bills RB [LeSean McCoy](=) (wrist) fully participated in practice Thursday, Sept. 21. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is a brutal matchup for the Bills, as Denver will key on McCoy and the run game. That said, he should still put up OK numbers, and produce RB2 value. There is the chance the team tries to change things up and throw more, hoping to catch the Broncos off guard, but really, that isn't a viable option. Expect them to try get McCoy going. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [CAR - WR Kelvin Benjamin full go]( Source: The Associated Press - Steve Reed Carolina Panthers WR [Kelvin Benjamin](=) (knee) participated fully in practice Thursday, Sept. 21. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Good news, as this is a matchup Benjamin should feast on. Cam Newton's shaky play is a bit of a concern but it's the Saints, who have been very giving to Fantasy GMs so far. Also, with Greg Olsen out, Benjamin becomes Newton's most reliable option and should see some nice targets. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [CAR - QB Cam Newton still limited]( Source: The Associated Press - Steve Reed Carolina Panthers QB [Cam Newton](=) (shoulder, ankle) remained limited in practice Thursday, Sept. 21. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We'd be more cautious with this if the Panthers weren't facing the New Orleans Saints, who make it hard not to have a good fantasy day. This is a good week to start Newton, who we feel will be fine by game day. But if he can't flourish this week, there are going to be serious questions about Newton's ability and health. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [MIA - WR DeVante Parker should be in uniform](=) Source: The Miami Herald - Armando Salguero Miami Dolphins WR [DeVante Parker](=) (ankle) likely will be active for the team's Week 3 game even though he is not participating in practice Thursday, Sept. 21, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Parker and Jay Cutler have nearly hooked up deep a few times, and the Jets secondary is asking for that to change this week. Parker should have a field day against this secondary, and will be a high end WR2 play with upside. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. DEN - WR Demaryius Thomas logs full practice Source: NFLMedia.com Denver Broncos WR [Demaryius Thomas](=) (hamstring) was a full participant at practice Thursday, Sept. 21. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Thomas should be good to go this weekend, and we expect him to be a top Flight receiving option in fantasy this week. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. DEN - RB Jamaal Charles returns to practice Source: NFLMedia.com Denver Broncos RB [Jamaal Charles](=) (non-injury related) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Sept. 21, one day after he was held out. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Charles has looked good in limited action, but unless CJ Anderson gets hurt he is unlikely to have much value as more than a handcuff. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [NE - WR Danny Amendola a limited participant](=) Source: Patriots.com New England Patriots WR [Danny Amendola](=) (concussion, knee) was limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 21. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We don't expect a repeat of his Week 1 Performance. He's a guy to throw in if you are shorthanded this week. Stay tuned to see what he's able to do Friday in practice. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [NYJ - Full practice for RB Matt Forte](=) Source: The Miami Herald - Adam H. Beasley New York Jets RB [Matt Forte](=) (knee) fully participated in practice Thursday, Sept. 21. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] With the apparent split between Forte, Bilal Powell and Elijah McGuire, there just won't be a way to know who--if anyone--will produce points. Add to it the woeful Jets offense overall and this is a backfield to avoid until someone gets hurt and it clears up a little. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [MIA - WR Jarvis Landry limited](=) Source: The Miami Herald - Adam H. Beasley Miami Dolphins WR [Jarvis Landry](=) (knee) was limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 21. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The injury will hamper him a bit, but in PPR leagues he should be a nice play. Expect a high volume of throws his way as the Dolphins dismantle the Jets defense. Check to see what he can do in Friday's practice. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [WAS - TE Jordan Reed puts in limited practice]( Source: Redskins.com Washington Redskins TE [Jordan Reed](=) (ribs, sternum) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Sept. 21. Head coach Jay Gruden said Reed's pain is becoming manageable. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] If he's playing we like him as a solid start, especially as Washington is likely to need to come from behind against a rolling Oakland team. The injury will hinder him, but he should put respectable numbers up. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [BUF - TE Charles Clay takes part in practice]( Source: BuffaloBills.com Buffalo Bills TE [Charles Clay](=) (knee) fully participated in practice Thursday, Sept. 21. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Clay isn't exactly setting the fantasy world on fire, though it's not like he ever really has. After a solid Week 1, Clay returned to form and we don't expect more against a stout Denver defense. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [CAR - RB Jonathan Stewart given day off]( Source: The Associated Press - Steve Reed Carolina Panthers RB [Jonathan Stewart](=) (rest) did not practice Thursday, Sept. 21. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We expect him to play and split carries with Christian McCaffrey, who will also get a solid amount of targets that Stewart won't get. That difference will be stark in PPR leagues, but still evident in standard scoring leagues. Consider Stewart a high end RB3 this week, while McCaffrey is a more solid RB2 due to the reception yards he should get. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [NYG - TE Evan Engram limited Thursday](=) Source: Giants.com New York Giants TE [Evan Engram](=) (concussion) was limited in practice Thursday, Sept. 21. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] If Engram plays, he could be a decent start this week, as he was the only thing which looked good in the whole Giants offense against Detroit. That said, his targets only slightly went up, while both his catches and yards stayed static. The difference is the touchdown, which makes him a little boom or bust. He's a decent TE2, with the upside for more. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [NYG - Odell Beckham remains limited](=) Source: Giants.com New York Giants [Odell Beckham Jr](=). (ankle) was limited in practice again Thursday, Sept. 21. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] As we saw last week, just being in the lineup isn't a great guarantee of production. The offensive line and Eli Manning's bad case of jitters are a real problem, as is some shaky offensive playcalling. Beckham is Beckham, so we still like him as a decent WR2 play, but he isn't going to reach his ceiling consistently as long as the Giants offense is a mess like this. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [NYJ - WR Robby Anderson limited]() Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Rich Cimini New York Jets WR [Robby Anderson](=) (knee) was limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 21. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Anderson gets some targets but the situation the Jets passing offense offers isn't conducive to success from either an NFL or fantasy standpoint. We'll take a hard pass on this player. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [NYJ - NYJ will use three running backs]() Source: New York Daily News - Manish Mehta New York Jets RBs [Bilal Powell](=), [Matt Forte](=) and [Elijah McGuire](=) will all receive playing time against the Miami Dolphins in Week 3, according to offensive coordinator John Morton. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] As if this mess wasn't already nearly fantasy useless, this should kill whatever meager value it had. Too many mouths and not enough bread--nobody is likely to get enough carries to be worth a start anytime soon barring injury. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [GB - WR Randall Cobb still sidelined]( Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky Green Bay Packers WR [Randall Cobb](=) (chest) has yet to practice this week after not practicing Thursday, Sept. 21. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Early reports indicated the chest injury was no big deal, but this seems to prove otherwise and every day which passes makes it less likely he will play, or worse, he will but not do anything. Worse, he could be a game time decision for a game which kicks off at 4:25pm EST. You may have to make that decision very early on, but we'll keep you up to date here on the wire and in the Footballguys newsletters. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [BAL - RB Terrance West held out again](=) Source: The Baltimore Sun - Edward Lee Baltimore Ravens RB [Terrance West](=) (calf) was not practicing for the second straight day Thursday, Sept. 21. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It looks like West will not be playing this weekend, and he hasn't looked great to kick things off anyway. That means a combination of Javorius Allen and Alex Collins will carry the rock. Both hover around the RB3 area, and face a stout Jacksonville run defense. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 23. [MIA - No practice for WR DeVante Parker](=) Source: Sun-Sentinel - Omar Kelly Miami Dolphins WR [DeVante Parker](=) (ankle) did not practice Thursday, Sept. 21. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] If Parker plays--and we do expect him to--he should tear up the overmatched corners the Jets bring to bear. Quarterback Jay Cutler has tried to hit Parker on some deep balls and one is going to hit at some point. It stands to reason that Sunday, against a bad defensive secondary, could be the time. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 24. [NE - RB Rex Burkhead still not practicing](=) Source: ESPNBoston.com - Mike Reiss New England Patriots RB [Rex Burkhead](=) (ribs) remained absent from practice Thursday, Sept. 21. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It doesn't look good for Burkhead this weekend, which isn't going to hurt the Patriots at all. It does simplify the backfield a little though, and should make James White the best play--relatively speaking--in a murky situation. Consider White a great RB3 with upside if Burkhead is out. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 25. [CIN - TE Tyler Eifert out of practice](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Cincinnati Bengals TE [Tyler Eifert](=) (knee, back) is out of practice Thursday, Sept. 21, and appears unlikely to play in Week 3, in the opinion of ESPN's Adam Schefter. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Eifert was expected to have a strong season, but that wasn't happening already and the injury doesn't improve the prospects of a turnaround. Third year backup Tyler Kroft will step in but should struggle against the Green Bay Packers, as well as with bad quarterback play. We'd avoid him unless you are desperate. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 26. [BAL - RB Jeremy Langford to IR]( Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Baltimore Ravens RB [Jeremy Langford](=) (undisclosed) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Thursday, Sept. 21. Free-agent RB [John Crockett](=) (Raiders) was signed to the practice squad. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Even if Javorius Allen sees most of the carries, we still don't see Allen as more than an RB3 this week since he faces a strong run defense and the offensive line is missing a guard. While the guard may not be a big deal to an outside runner like Allen, the defense will. Plus he is likely to share carries with Terrance West or Alex Collins if West is out. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 27. [JAX - WR Jaelen Strong won't practice]( Source: ESPN.com - Mike DiRocco Jacksonville Jaguars WR [Jaelen Strong](=) (hamstring) won't practice Thursday, Sept. 21. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] There's a bit of confusion around the receivers since Allen Robinson was lost for the season. Allen Hurns is the guy the Jaguars seem to be looking to for help, but nothing is locked in. So Strong could have some impact later when he is healthy. That said, he's not healthy now and Blake Bortles is a mess. On top of that, this is a Leonard Fournette dominated offense and will remain that way. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 28. [GB - GB to lighten RB Ty Montgomery's workload?]() Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Michael Cohen Green Bay Packers RB [Ty Montgomery](=) figures to receive less work in the weeks ahead, according to Michael Cohen of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Montgomery has played more snaps (139) than any other running back in the NFL -- putting him on pace for 1,112 -- and there have been just four tailbacks who logged more than 900 snaps in a season over the last five years. Head coach Mike McCarthy said he's 'definitely aware of it' and added, 'That's what game plans are for.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] And this was what we feared in preseason - that the team would feel he couldn't hold up or that they would do what the Packers often do, which is decide running the ball isn't a thing football teams do much. While Montgomery has been on the field a lot, he has only touched the ball 39 times and last week he only saw 16 total touches including receptions. This is not a guy who is being overworked right now. So what does this mean? We'll see more Jamaal Williams for sure, and perhaps a little more involvement from tight ends. All this could tamp down Montgomery's overall value, yet we still really like him against a horrible Bengals team. We're optimistic that he will have a solid RB1 day against a very bad team. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of Footballguys. We'll see you tomorrow with the Update. Peace, J = --- Thank you for subscribing to our Footballguys Daily Update Email! Get your 3 Free Downloads [here](=). You are currently subscribed as {EMAIL} To unsubscribe, click [here](. * Footballguys.com * PO Box 937 * Cabot, AR 72023-0937 * News Items Powered By: =