Footballguys #110 - 8/7 - Training Camp Cliff Notes, Week 1 Projections, WR Tiers, Devil's Advocate and MORE

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Plus we've got Week 1 projections and WR Tiers from Sigmund Bloom and Matt Waldman plays Devil's Advocate plus tons more. Let's go. J SITE NEWS A. [FREE CONTENT - Joe's Notes: Week 1 Training Camp Summary]() You know I love the monstrous 40+ page Footballguys Training Camp Updates. But let's be real, that's a lot to read. For this feature, we take the 40 pages and distill them down to the "need to know" level. Enjoy. B. [Wide Receiver Tiers, Targets, and Players to Avoid]( Our Sigmund Bloom with a look at 2019 fantasy wide receiver options through the lens of tiers. C. [The Gut Check No.478: The Devil's Advocate Top 50]( Our Matt Waldman goes to the dark side to test your faith in the top 50 players on the board. D. [How Mark Ingram Could Produce Career Numbers in 2019]() Our Justin Bonnema with a detailed look at the Ravens' offense and how it could help Mark Ingram produce a career season. E. [Survivor Pool Strategy]() Our Jeff Pasquino with a strategy to help you outwit, outplay, and outlast your Survivor pool. F. [Week 1 Detailed Stat Projections Are Live]() I don't advise setting your Week One lineups on August 8, but you can if you want to. Our David Dodds has his Week 1 Detailed Stat Projections live for you. G. [Average Draft Position Data Updated](=) It's not enough to know where you'd draft a player. You need to know where the other people in your league will draft that player. Our Average Draft Position Data is your ticket. H. [Average Draft Position Data For PPR Updated]() It's not enough to know where you'd draft a player. You need to know where the other people in your league will draft that player. Our Average Draft Position Data is your ticket. This one is for PPR scoring. I. [Top 300 Players Updated]() Our David Dodds with his Top 300 Players. J. [Top 300 Players For PPR Updated]() Our David Dodds with his Top 300 Players. This one is for PPR scoring. K. [Draft Lists Updated]() Our David Dodds takes his Top 300 Player list and factors it against Average Draft Position to get a list more like we'd actually draft from. L. [Draft Lists For PPR Updated]() Our David Dodds takes his Top 300 Player list and factors it against Average Draft Position to get a list more like we'd actually draft from. This one is for PPR scoring. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [NYJ - Le'Veon Bell will not play Thursday](#1) 2. [MIA - TE Mike Gesicki struggling](#2) 3. [WAS - RB Derrius Guice may skip preseason game](#3) 4. [PIT - QB Ben Roethlisberger to rest Friday](#4) 5. [NE - QB Tom Brady to sit out preseason game](#5) 6. [HOU - QB AJ McCarron injured](#6) 7. [KC - RB Damien Williams returns to practice](#7) 8. [TB - Ronald Jones to see more targets?](#8) 9. [OAK - WR Hunter Renfrow in line to start?](#9) 10. [PIT - WR Donte Moncrief listed as starter](#10) 11. [CLE - WR Odell Beckham back on field](#11) 12. [SEA - TE Jacob Hollister impressing in camp](#12) 13. [SEA - QB Geno Smith to start despite injury](#13) 14. [TB - RB Peyton Barber to receive start](#14) 15. [ATL - Kurt Benkert undergoes surgery](#15) 16. [HOU - Jordan Ta'amu signs with Houston](#16) 17. [SEA - TE Ed Dickson undergoes surgery](#17) 18. [IND - Aca'Cedric Ware back with Indy](#18) 19. [NYJ - WR Quincy Enunwa update](#19) 20. [TB - Safer approach for QB Jameis Winston?](#20) 21. [MIN - RB Alexander Mattison the No. 2 back?](#21) 22. [MIN - RB Ameer Abdullah slated for return duty](#22) 23. [DEN - TE Jeff Heuerman sidelined Tuesday](#23) 24. [LAC - WR Travis Benjamin may miss preseason game](#24) 25. [IND - WR Deon Cain making progress](#25) 26. [NYJ - RB Trenton Cannon to return kicks?](#26) 27. [NYJ - TE Ryan Griffin in line to start](#27) 28. [GB - TE Jace Sternberger may have concussion](#28) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [NYJ - Le'Veon Bell will not play Thursday]( Source: New York Post - Brian Costello New York Jets RB Le'Veon Bell will not play in the preseason game Thursday, Aug. 8, but will participate in the pregame warmups, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We'll have to wait to see Bell back on the football field. It is not known if Bell will play at all during the preseason. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [MIA - TE Mike Gesicki struggling](=) Source: The Miami Herald - Barry Jackson Miami Dolphins TE [Mike Gesicki]( has had an 'uneven' training camp so far, according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That sounds about right. Gesicki has been uneven during all offseason workouts according to reports. The second-year tight end is competing with Dwayne Allen for the starting job in 2019. Some writers have Nick O'Leary ahead of Gesicki as well. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [WAS - RB Derrius Guice may skip preseason game](=) Source: The Washington Post - Kareem Copeland Washington Redskins RB Derrius Guice may not play in the preseason game Thursday, Aug. 8, according to head coach Jay Gruden. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We're excited to see Guice on the field whenever he's ready for the work. Guice missed all of his rookie season in 2018 due to a knee injury and has had quite a few setbacks over the last year as he recovers. It doesn't seem like Guice has been limited during training camp, but the team wants to be careful with him in the exhibition season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [PIT - QB Ben Roethlisberger to rest Friday]( Source: Steelers.com - Bob Labriola Pittsburgh Steelers QB [Ben Roethlisberger]( will rest and not play in the preseason game Friday, Aug. 9 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] No surprise here. There's no need to get Roethlisberger exposed to danger in an exhibition game. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [NE - QB Tom Brady to sit out preseason game]() Source: Boston Herald - Karen Guregian New England Patriots QB [Tom Brady]( is not expected to play in the preseason game Thursday, Aug. 8, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] No surprise here. We are not going to see much of Brady if at all during the exhibition season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [HOU - QB AJ McCarron injured](=) Source: Houston Chronicle - John McClain Houston Texans QB [AJ McCarron]( (thumb) could miss the rest of the preseason after he injured his right thumb in practice Tuesday, Aug. 6. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] McCarron was set to be the primary backup to Deshaun Watson this year. Joe Webb moves up the depth chart but the Texans will have to sign another quarterback. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [KC - RB Damien Williams returns to practice]( Source: The Kansas City Star - Brooke Pryor Kansas City Chiefs RB [Damien Williams]( (hamstring) returned to practice Wednesday, Aug. 7. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Good news for Williams here. Williams is the top back and set to produce in a big way for Fantasy GMs. However, he needs to stay healthy and not open any sort of opportunity for Carlos Hyde to do more in 2019. Williams has a current ADP of RB12 (2.10) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [TB - Ronald Jones to see more targets?](=) Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Ronald Jones could be more involved in the passing game if QB [Jameis Winston]( sticks to his plan to check the ball down more this season. 'But sometimes checking that ball down is the simple decision,' Winston said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jones had a bad rookie season in 2018. He's competing with Peyton Barber for the top spot in the backfield this season. Perhaps getting used more as a receiver could get him on the field more. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [OAK - WR Hunter Renfrow in line to start?]() Source: The Athletic - Vic Tafur Oakland Raiders WR Hunter Renfrow seems to have 'already won' the starting slot receiver job, according to Vic Tafur of The Athletic. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Renfrow reminds us of a young Brandon Stokley. He can get open on underneath routes with ease but has more speed than some think. Renfrow will work as a slot receiver behind Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams for the Raiders in 2019. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [PIT - WR Donte Moncrief listed as starter]( Source: Steelers.com - Bob Labriola Pittsburgh Steelers WR [Donte Moncrief]( is listed as the starter across from [JuJu Smith-Schuster]( on the initial depth chart ahead of the preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Friday, Aug. 9. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We're watching this No. 2 situation for the Steelers closely in the preseason. Moncrief is the top option right now but guys like James Washington and rookie Diontae Johnson are also competing for that starting job. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [CLE - WR Odell Beckham back on field]() Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot Cleveland Browns WR [Odell Beckham]( Jr. (illness) participated in practice Tuesday, Aug. 6. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We can't wait to see Beckham out there for his new team. He'll be the lead receiver for Baker Mayfield and Fantasy GMs trust him as a WR1 with a current ADP of WR6 (2.01) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [SEA - TE Jacob Hollister impressing in camp](=) Source: The Athletic - Michael-Shawn Dugar Seattle Seahawks TE [Jacob Hollister]( has 'been as impressive as anyone on the roster' in the receiving game so far during training camp, according to beat writer Michael-Shawn Dugar. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hollister has always had talent, and thought the Patriots might have something in him as a dynasty prospect. Then, they traded him to Seattle and now the Seahawks get to see if he can develop into a quality starter. Hollister is competing with guys like Will Dissly and Nick Vannett for snaps in 2019. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [SEA - QB Geno Smith to start despite injury]( Source: Seahawks.com - John Boyle Seattle Seahawks QB [Geno Smith]( (undisclosed) will be the starting quarterback for the preseason game Thursday, Aug. 8, and will be treated for his injury after the game. Per John Boyle, Carroll said Smith has "an issue that we're dealing with that we're going to attend to after the game," and while Carroll didn't elaborate or get into specifics on what Smith's issue is, he did state he expects Smith to be ready to play in the team's second preseason game. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The team wants to see if Geno Smith can beat out Paxton Lynch for the No. 2 job behind Russell Wilson. Smith has more experience and that's why he's getting the nod...in addition to reports out of Seahawks camp say Smith has been the better of the two quarterbacks. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [TB - RB Peyton Barber to receive start]() Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB [Peyton Barber]( will be the starting running back in the preseason game Friday, Aug. 9, but head coach Bruce Arians said he would also like to see RB Ronald Jones play with the first-team offensive line. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Watch this battle as training camp unfolds. The team is looking at Barber and Jones to see who can come out as the starter. Barber has the experience and is a well-rounded back but Jones has electricity and excitement to his game. Jones had a down rookie season in 2018 and is looking to bounce back. We'll see how this shakes out as August rolls on. We expect both backs to be used a good bit. There is talk in camp of a "one-two" punch. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [ATL - Kurt Benkert undergoes surgery](=) Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - D. Orlando Ledbetter Atlanta Falcons QB Kurt Benkert (toe) recently underwent surgery on his injured toe. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Benkert is on Injured Reserve and his 2019 season is done. The Falcons will move on with Matt Schaub as the primary backup to Matt Ryan. Another Matt, Matt Simms, is working as the No. 3 quarterback now that Benkert is out. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [HOU - Jordan Ta'amu signs with Houston]( Source: HoustonTexans.com Undrafted free-agent QB Jordan Ta'amu (Mississippi) signed with the Houston Texans Wednesday, Aug. 7. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. The team also waived C D.J. Coker. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] With A.J. McCarron banged up, the Texans had to add a quarterback behind Joe Webb. Ta'amu is rough around the edges as a passer but he does have arm talent and can scramble. We'll see if he can impress enough to get on the Texans practice squad. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [SEA - TE Ed Dickson undergoes surgery]() Source: The Seattle Times - Bob Condotta Seattle Seahawks TE [Ed Dickson]( (knee) recently underwent knee surgery and is expected to be sidelined for four to five weeks, according to head coach Pete Carroll. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This puts Dickson on track to be available near the start of the regular season. Seattle is going to see guys like Will Dissly, Nick Vannett and Jacob Hollister compete for the snaps in training camp and the preseason. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [IND - Aca'Cedric Ware back with Indy](=) Source: Colts.com Free-agent RB Aca'Cedric Ware (Colts) signed with the Indianapolis Colts Wednesday, Aug. 7. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. The team also placed WR Steve Ishmael (undisclosed) on the Reserve/Injured list. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ware spent time with the Colts earlier in training camp. He was originally picked up as an undrafted free agent out of USC this year. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [NYJ - WR Quincy Enunwa update]( Source: New York Post - Zach Braziller Updating previous reports, New York Jets WR [Quincy Enunwa]( (groin) is expected to be back next week, according to head coach Adam Gase. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Enunwa is going to miss some preseason time but that's okay. He's an experienced veteran who should be ready to go well before Week 1 of the regular season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [TB - Safer approach for QB Jameis Winston?](=) Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB [Jameis Winston]( said he plans to check the ball down more this season. 'It's about moving the chains,' Winston said. 'It's about a completion here and a completion there.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That's an interesting take considering Bruce Arians is his head coach. Arians loves to throw deep...like Winston...but it sounds like maybe they'll pick and choose when to take those type of shots. We're excited about the combination and see Winston as a QB2 with upside in 2019. Winston has a current ADP of QB13 (10.05) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [MIN - RB Alexander Mattison the No. 2 back?]( Source: Vikings PR Minnesota Vikings RB Alexander Mattison is listed as the No. 2 running back behind RB [Dalvin Cook]( on the first unofficial depth chart of the preseason. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Mattison is a great dynasty prospect and Fantasy GMs are handcuffing him to Cook in deeper leagues. The rookie from Boise State is a determined runner with great balance and intent. He's not flashy but Mattison does a good job of taking what's there and grinding for a bit more. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [MIN - RB Ameer Abdullah slated for return duty]( Source: Vikings PR Minnesota Vikings RB [Ameer Abdullah]( is listed as the starter at both kick and punt returner on the first unofficial depth chart of the preseason. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Abdullah has failed to impress as a running back during his pro career. He's got a shot with the Vikings but will need to provide value as a return man if he wants to make the team. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 23. [DEN - TE Jeff Heuerman sidelined Tuesday]() Source: The Denver Post - Ryan O'Halloran Denver Broncos TE [Jeff Heuerman]( (shoulder) did not participate in practice Tuesday, Aug. 6. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Heuerman is a blocker who the Broncos re-signed to a two-year contract this offsason. Rookie Noah Fant and Heuerman are the top two tight ends for the Broncos in 2019. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 24. [LAC - WR Travis Benjamin may miss preseason game](=) Source: ESPN.com - Eric D. Williams Los Angeles Chargers WR [Travis Benjamin]( (undisclosed) is questionable for the preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals Thursday, Aug. 8. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Benjamin is a seasoned veteran and doesn't need a ton of reps in the preseason. He will work as the speed slot No. 3 receiver behind Mike Williams and Keenan Allen in 2019. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 25. [IND - WR Deon Cain making progress](=) Source: 1070 The Fan - Kevin Bowen Indianapolis Colts WR Deon Cain (knee) will play in the preseason opener Thursday, Aug. 8, according to head coach Frank Reich. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Cain has looked good in training camp so far. We love him in deep dynasty formats, and he needs to carve out a spot on the depth chart behind T.Y. Hilton, Devin Funchess and rookie Parris Campbell. Cain was a sixth-round pick out of Clemson in the 2018 NFL draft. He's a smooth route runner with a good size/speed combination. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 26. [NYJ - RB Trenton Cannon to return kicks?]( Source: NewYorkJets.com - Ethan Greenberg New York Jets RB [Trenton Cannon]( is listed as the starting kick returner on the initial depth chart released Monday, Aug. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The ability to stand out as a return man could keep Cannon on the 53-man roster. The Jets have a cramped RB corps and Cannon is near the end of the depth chart behind guys like Le'Veon Bell, Ty Montgomery, Bilal Powell and Eli McGuire. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 27. [NYJ - TE Ryan Griffin in line to start]( Source: NewYorkJets.com - Ethan Greenberg New York Jets TE [Ryan Griffin]( is the favorite to start at tight end while TE [Chris Herndon]( serves his four-game suspension to start the season. 'He's picked it up extremely fast,' head coach Adam Gase said. 'He rolled out here that first day and it was like he knew the offense. I've been impressed by what he's done.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Fantasy GMs have much better options out there. When Herndon returns from his four-game suspension, then he could post TE2 numbers. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 28. [GB - TE Jace Sternberger may have concussion](=) Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky Green Bay Packers TE Jace Sternberger (head, jaw) is being evaluated for a concussion after being hit during practice Monday, Aug. 5. He is also dealing with a jaw injury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bad news here, and we'll see when the rookie tight end can get back on the field. He's going to work as a backup to Jimmy Graham this year but Sternberger could be the future at the position. He's athletic and capable of creating mismatches as a receiving weapon for Aaron Rodgers. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of the Footballguys Family. We'll see you tomorrow with the Update. Peace, J Thank you for subscribing to our Footballguys Daily Update Email! 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