Footballguys #264 - 1/11 - News & Notes From Around The League

To unsubscribe {EMAIL} from these mailings, click [here](. --- [Footballguys.com]( Volume 19, #264 -- Thursday Night, January 11th, 2018 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email --------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Folks, The best NFL Weekend of the year is almost here. Let's get to it. J SITE NEWS A. [Win a FREE Footballguys Insider PRO Plus - Take the FBG Survey]() Let us know what YOU want to see from Footballguys in 2018 with our Footballguys Reader Survey. And we'll randomly draw 75 people who complete the Survey and give them a 2018 Footballguys Insider PRO Plus subscription. Let's hear it. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [PIT - WR Antonio Brown practices in full](#1) 2. [CAR - Carolina reaches agreement with Norv Turner](#2) 3. [PIT - Le'Veon Bell not interested in tag](#3) 4. [ATL - WR Julio Jones puts in limited practice](#4) 5. [DAL - WR Miles Austin a WR coaching candidate](#5) 6. [DAL - WR Brice Butler may not return](#6) 7. [CIN - Cincinnati hires Frank Pollack](#7) 8. [NE - WR Chris Hogan removed from injury report](#8) 9. [NE - RB James White listed as questionable](#9) 10. [NE - Questionable tag for RB Rex Burkhead](#10) 11. [NE - RB Mike Gillislee questionable](#11) 12. [MIN - Full practice for TE Kyle Rudolph](#12) 13. [JAX - QB Blake Bortles takes part in practice](#13) 14. [PHI - RB Jay Ajayi has full practices](#14) 15. [ATL - Atlanta's Thursday practice report](#15) 16. [ATL - Limited practice for WR Mohamed Sanu](#16) 17. [ATL - Devonta Freeman practices fully](#17) 18. [ATL - QB Matt Ryan full go Thursday](#18) 19. [LAR - WR Sammy Watkins could be tagged](#19) 20. [PIT - CB Artie Burns will play](#20) 21. [OAK - Jemal Singleton hired by Oakland](#21) 22. [CIN - WR A.J. Green bows out of Pro Bowl](#22) 23. [CHI - Mark Helfrich hired by Bears](#23) 24. [NYJ - RB Jeremy Langford signs](#24) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [PIT - WR Antonio Brown practices in full](=) Source: Steelers.com Pittsburgh Steelers WR [Antonio Brown]( (calf) fully participated in practice Thursday, Jan. 11. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jacksonville's defense will tamp down Brown's production a little, but not much, especially as they contend with Le'Veon Bell. The ground game's production (primarily Bell) could limit Brown's numbers a bit as well, but not enough to really hurt it overall and Brown should still be considered for WR1 slots, though his price in DFS might be a bit heavy. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [CAR - Carolina reaches agreement with Norv Turner](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Former Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner has agreed to terms with the Carolina Panthers to become the team's new offensive coordinator, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This could be a big help to Cam Newton and the offense, although Turner has struggled at times to adapt to his players. If he can avoid trying to cram Newton into a pocket passer when he just isn't that guy, the team could have success. He usually is good for tight ends and running backs as well, so Greg Olsen and Christian McCaffrey should be happy. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [PIT - Le'Veon Bell not interested in tag]() Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler Pittsburgh Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell said he would consider sitting out the 2018 season or possibility retiring if the Steelers decide to place the franchise tag on him this offseason. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's also worth noting Bell shot down this talk about next year stressing he was only focused on this season. It seems like a no-brainer to pay Bell, who is far and away the best back in the NFL when healthy and not suspended. However, running back value has fallen, even for a special guy like Bell. This should be interesting to watch play out. Also interesting, will be watching Bell go at the Jaguars defense this weekend as the unstoppable force meets the immovable object. Even in a tough matchup, Bell will be one of the top running backs in fantasy this week. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [ATL - WR Julio Jones puts in limited practice]() Source: ESPN.com - Vaughn McClure Atlanta Falcons WR [Julio Jones]( (ankle) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Jan. 11. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Even though the Eagles defense is solid against the pass, Jones is a guy who can overcome that and he'll get his. We know Matt Ryan will lean on him as much as possible as well. There are fewer receiving options again this week, so you want to go with the guys you know will get targets. Jones is one of those guys. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [DAL - WR Miles Austin a WR coaching candidate]() Source: ESPNDallas.com - Todd Archer The Dallas Cowboys have interviewed former NFL WR [Miles Austin]( for their vacant wide receivers coaching position, according to sources. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Good to see the man get a shot to come back "home" to a franchise which loved him for a while. He was never quite able to fulfill his promise consistently, but has plenty of knowledge to share with younger players. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [DAL - WR Brice Butler may not return]( Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Charean Williams Dallas Cowboys impending free-agent WR [Brice Butler]( said he probably will not re-sign with the Cowboys if he is not one of the team's starting receivers next season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Well, that seems like "goodbye" to us. Butler had some success this year, but not consistently, and is a good but not great receiver. He has Dez Bryant, Cole Beasley and Terrance Williams ahead of him and all have had more success than he has. We just see him moving on to a depth role elsewhere. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [CIN - Cincinnati hires Frank Pollack]() Source: Sporting News - Alex Marvez The Cincinnati Bengals have hired former Dallas Cowboys offensive line coach Frank Pollack as their new offensive line coach, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] As bad as their offensive line was, anything would be an improvement for the Bengals. The Cowboys line a top unit during Pollack's three years in the job, but he had multiple first round picks. Maybe he can convince the Bengals to invest the same in their line, because the talent they have was found wanting this year. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [NE - WR Chris Hogan removed from injury report]() Source: Patriots.com New England Patriots WR [Chris Hogan]( (shoulder) fully participated in practice Thursday, Jan. 11, and has been removed from the injury report for the Divisional Round playoff game against the Tennessee Titans. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Great news for a guy who could be in for a very good week. Tennessee is Football Outsiders' 24th ranked pass defense according to their DVOA metric. While Brandon Cooks and Rob Gronkowski are Tom Brady's first and first-adjacent choices, Hogan could be in line for borderline WR1/WR2 numbers this week as the defense shifts its attention to the other two targets, leaving Hogan in single coverage. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [NE - RB James White listed as questionable]() Source: Patriots.com New England Patriots RB [James White]( (ankle) was limited during practice Thursday, Jan. 11, and is listed as questionable for the Divisional Round playoff game against the Tennessee Titans. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We expect White to play. White will be a lesser used option compared to Dion Lewis, but should produce some solid RB2 numbers. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [NE - Questionable tag for RB Rex Burkhead]() Source: Patriots.com New England Patriots RB [Rex Burkhead]( (knee) was limited during practice Thursday, Jan. 11, and is listed as questionable for the Divisional Round playoff game against the Tennessee Titans. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Burkhead may not even play, and if he does there is no way to predict what he will produce. Really, if it's not Dion Lewis, who we are very high on, or James White, who is consistent enough to produce well, we are not putting a Patriots running back in our lineups this week. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [NE - RB Mike Gillislee questionable]() Source: Patriots.com New England Patriots RB [Mike Gillislee]( (knee) was limited during practice Thursday, Jan. 11, and is listed as questionable for the Divisional Round playoff game against the Tennessee Titans. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] While we love Dion Lewis and think James White could be a solid RB2, we would avoid Gillislee even if he plays, which we don't think he will. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [MIN - Full practice for TE Kyle Rudolph]() Source: Vikings.com Minnesota Vikings TE [Kyle Rudolph]( (ankle) fully participated in practice Thursday, Jan. 11. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Rudolph hasn't been that well utilized the last few games, so while we feel like he will see more targets as New Orleans tries to clamp down on Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs, we can't trust him as much as we'd like. He'll have a better game than he's had recently but will be far behind the top options at the position. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [JAX - QB Blake Bortles takes part in practice](=) Source: Jaguars.com Jacksonville Jaguars QB [Blake Bortles]( (wrist) fully participated in practice Thursday, Jan. 11. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bortles may compare his popularity woes with those of LeBron James, but we might take James over him at fantasy quarterback most weeks. OK, maybe not, but we don't trust Bortles, nor do the Jaguars, which is why he won't throw much unless Jacksonville is in real trouble. If they are to beat Pittsburch in Pittsburgh, it will be on the ground, not with Bortles throwing it. Avoid him this week. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [PHI - RB Jay Ajayi has full practices](=) Source: PhiladelphiaEagles.com Philadelphia Eagles RB [Jay Ajayi]( (knee) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Jan. 11. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ajayi will be good to go and with Nick Foles, not Carson Wentz, under center see a lot of carries. While he hasn't been consistently producing big numbers, he should see success against Atlanta, a team which is rated just No. 20 against the run in Football Outsiders' DVOA. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [ATL - Atlanta's Thursday practice report]() Source: ESPN.com - Vaughn McClure Atlanta Falcons TE [Levine Toilolo]( (knee) participated fully in practice Thursday, Jan. 11. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Toilolo isn't expected to be a factor even if he does play this week. We think you want Austin Hooper in terms of Atlanta tight ends. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [ATL - Limited practice for WR Mohamed Sanu]() Source: ESPN.com - Vaughn McClure Atlanta Falcons WR [Mohamed Sanu]( (knee) was limited in practice Thursday, Jan. 11. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Sanu will be a distant second to Julio Jones, and will probably struggle with Philadelphia's secondary in a way Jones won't. Not a bad option overall, we would look at Sanu as a WR2 though, and no more. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [ATL - Devonta Freeman practices fully]() Source: ESPN.com - Vaughn McClure Atlanta Falcons RB [Devonta Freeman]( (knee) had a limited status in practice Thursday, Jan. 11. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Freeman is a little banged up and facing the third best run defense in the NFL according to Football Outsiders' DVOA metric. We feel he may do all right with yards, but not find the end zone, and even with the yards he is unlikely to break 100 combined. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [ATL - QB Matt Ryan full go Thursday]() Source: ESPN.com - Vaughn McClure Atlanta Falcons QB [Matt Ryan]( (non-injury related) participated fully in practice Thursday, Jan. 11. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ryan faces a tough defense this week, but it's not like anyone playing fantasy is spoiled for choice with just eight quarterbacks active. The X-factor for him is playing in Philadelphia and the Eagles know with Nick Foles under center they have to keep the game close. We're a little concerned by Ryan, but he's middle of the pack this week and still should be able to move the ball, though we think he falls short in touchdowns. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [LAR - WR Sammy Watkins could be tagged](=) Source: CBSSports.com - Joel Corry Los Angeles Rams impending free-agent WR [Sammy Watkins]( may be given the franchise tag or a transition tag this offseason. The franchise tag would cost $16.063 million and a transition tag would cost $13.995 million. The Rams possess a $178.1 million salary cap in 2018. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] While Watkins didn't set the league on fire, he seemed to fit better in Los Angeles than he did with the Buffalo Bills. He also said that it "would be a pleasure to come back," so we know he's open. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [PIT - CB Artie Burns will play]() Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - Joe Rutter Pittsburgh Steelers CB Artie Burns (knee) expects to practice Thursday, Jan. 11, and eventually play in the divisional round of the playoffs this weekend. Burns suffered a hyperextended knee in practice Wednesday, Jan. 10. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Since he just hurt himself, this is good news. Burns hasn't been a key part of the defense or anything, but the Steelers will need a lot of defensive players to pitch in the limit Leonard Fournette's impact on the ground. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [OAK - Jemal Singleton hired by Oakland]( Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Former Indianapolis Colts running backs coach Jemal Singleton was hired by the Oakland Raiders Thursday, Jan. 11, as running backs coach. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jon Gruden continues to build his staff, and Singleton is an interesting choice. The one part of the Colts offense which looked OK was the ground game, though there is a question as to how much of that was the ageless Frank Gore, who has run for a combined 1986 yards over the past two seasons while Indy has put up the league's 22nd ranked rushing attack. In Singleton's one season at Arkansas, where he coached Alex Collins to 1,500 plus yards and 20 touchdowns in 2015. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [CIN - WR A.J. Green bows out of Pro Bowl]() Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Jim Owczarski Cincinnati Bengals WR [A.J. Green]( (knee) will not play in the Pro Bowl due to a knee injury. The injury requires rest, and he will not miss any time in spring workouts. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Green had one of this worst seasons since entering the league in 2011, and the other two shakier ones were due largely to injury. This year was due to a mostly incompetent offense, though. We think he will bounce back next season, however that could depend heavily on whether or not the offense - especially the line - gets fixed. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 23. [CHI - Mark Helfrich hired by Bears](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Updating an earlier report, former Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich was hired by the Chicago Bears as offensive coordinator Thursday, Jan. 11, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Helfrich was offensive coordinator under Chip Kelly at Oregon before he became head coach of the Ducks in 2013. He went 37-16 over four seasons, leading Oregon to the first College Football Playoff championship game after the 2014 season. During his time there, Oregon averaged 42.6 points per game and 536.7 yards per game, ranking second and third among FBS schools, respectively. While the leap to the pros from college is as hard for coaches as players, we feel optimistic for his role in Chicago. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 24. [NYJ - RB Jeremy Langford signs]() Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Rich Cimini New York Jets RB [Jeremy Langford]( was signed to a Reserve/Future contract Wednesday, Jan. 10. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Jets are just about done with Matt Forte, or rather, Forte is just about done, period. Langford has shown promise in the past, and perhaps might emerge as a decent reserve back behind Bilal Powell and Elijah McGuire. [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](=). 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