Why Austin Ekeler is an RB1 Bargain

[Footballguys.com]( Volume 22, #98 -- Friday Night, July 24th, 2020 Why Austin Ekeler is an RB1 Bargain You're subscribed as {EMAIL} - click [HERE]( to unsubscribe. [View in Web Browser]( Thanks To Our Sponsor, [RotoPass]( Howdy {NAME}, Good Saturday to you. I hope you're doing nothing but sitting back this weekend and soaking in the nearly non-stop live sports on television. You've earned it. In the meantime, we've got the NFL content you're here for. Let's go. J SITE NEWS A. [Why Austin Ekeler is an RB1 Bargain](=) Justin Howe with a detailed analysis of Austin Ekeler's fantasy prospects for 2020. B. [Backfield Breakdown: The Philadelphia Eagles](=) The Footballguys staff looks at how the Eagles backfield will shake out. C. [Preseason Landing Page]( Find everything you need to crush your draft on our Preseason Landing Page. D. [Ultimate Strength of Schedule]( Clayton Gray with an overview of the 2020 strength of schedule. E. [Dynasty News Updated](=) Jeff Tefertiller scours the news around the NFL to bring you what matters most to you and your dynasty team. F. [The Audible Live!](=) In this episode: Cecil Lammey, Sigmund Bloom, Matt Waldman and Dr. Jene Bramel discuss the latest from the NFL and fantasy football. bumper: UnderRated - Football Is Back G. [The Audible Preseason Watch List - Steelers](=) In This Episode: Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom discuss every skill position player worth keeping an eye on in fantasy leagues. Topics Include - how much does QB Ben Roethlisberger have left in the tank, do the Steelers limit RB James Conner so they can use more of rookie Anthony McFarland, a debate about the upside of WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, how does TE Eric Ebron fit in with his new team, plus more! H. [The Audible Preseason Watch List - Browns](=) In This Episode: Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom discuss every skill position player worth keeping an eye on in fantasy leagues. Topics Include - does QB Baker Mayfield bounce back with a better performance this year, why both RBs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt could have plenty of fantasy value, with WR Odell Beckham Jr healthy what does that mean for his fantasy prospects, why TE Austin Hooper may not pay off as intended, plus more! I. [The Audible Preseason Watch List - Bengals](=) In This Episode: Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom discuss every skill position player worth keeping an eye on in fantasy leagues. Topics Include - the impact of QB Joe Burrow on the Bengals franchise and what does that mean from a fantasy perspective, will the team lean on RB Joe Mixon more than ever, what to make of the WRs behind A.J. Green especially with a lack of a strong starting tight end, plus more! J. [The Audible Preseason Watch List - Ravens](=) In This Episode: Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom discuss every skill position player worth keeping an eye on in fantasy leagues. Topics Include - does QB Lamar Jackson start running less and the impact on his fantasy value, why RB J.K. Dobbins was a perfect addition for the team, emerging talent at the wide receiver position, does TE Mark Andrews rank up there with George Kittle and Travis Kelce, plus more! K. [The Audible Preseason Watch List - Vikings](=) In This Episode: Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom discuss every skill position player worth keeping an eye on in fantasy leagues. Topics Include - why QB Kirk Cousins is going to be more efficient again this year, what does the team do if RB Dalvin Cook holds out, how does rookie WR Justin Jefferson fit into the gameplan, does TE Irv Smith take another step forwards this year, plus more! L. [The Audible Preseason Watch List - Packers](=) In This Episode: Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom discuss every skill position player worth keeping an eye on in fantasy leagues. Topics Include - why the Packers did not help out Aaron Rodgers more in the draft, does rookie RB A.J. Dillon cut into the touches for RB Aaron Jones, who elevates their game behind WR Davante Adams, is TE Jace Sternberger a sleeper you can believe in, plus more! [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [NFL and NFLPA Reach Agreement On COVID 19 Adjustments To CBA](#1) 2. [NYJ - NYJ willing to move S Jamal Adams](#2) 3. [MIN - Mike Zimmer signs extension](#3) 4. [DEN - KJ Hamler agrees to contract](#4) 5. [PIT - Chase Claypool signs contract](#5) 6. [CIN - Germaine Pratt likely to start](#6) 7. [NFL - RB LeSean McCoy talking with teams](#7) 8. [CIN - S Shawn Williams an option at LB?](#8) 9. [ATL - TE Hayden Hurst relishing opportunity](#9) 10. [BAL - RB Gus Edwards' roster spot in jeopardy?](#10) --------------------------------------------------------------- Sponsored by [RotoPass]( [RotoPass - Many Great Sites For One Low Price]( Our long-time friend Matthew Berry’s idea was simple. Bundle the best premium season long fantasy football sites into one subscription. Then offer them for over 60% off. And when we say the best, we mean the best From Matthew: “I'm putting my name on this because I know the quality of the rankings, analysis, tools, draft software, apps and alerts of these sites for season-long play.” The Footballguys Season Long Pro subscription is proud to be a part of [RotoPass]( and we have been for years. And if you already have a Footballguys subscription, purchasing a RotoPass will just add another year of Footballguys to whatever you have. It’s the way to go if you truly want it all. [Get On Board Here With RotoPass]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [NFL and NFLPA Reach Agreement On COVID 19 Adjustments To CBA]( Source: NFL.com - Nick Shook From NFL.com: "After weeks of discussions and negotiations, the NFL and NFLPA have agreed to the foundation necessary to play amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. "The two sides came to an agreement Friday afternoon following a NFLPA player representative vote, by a count of 29-3, in favor of the proposed changes, the union announced. Thus, the adjusted CBA became official, and training camp will commence in earnest when most veteran players arrive July 28 as originally scheduled. The NFLPA's executive committee voted unanimously to approve the changes proposed by the NFL's owners earlier Friday." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is fantastic news for the league and players and fans looking for NFL football this season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [NYJ - NYJ willing to move S Jamal Adams]( Source: New York Daily News - Manish Mehta New York Jets S Jamal Adams confirmed New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas said the team would move Adams if the right deal were offered. However, Adams doesn't have permission to discuss trades with other teams. Adams said that his problem with head coach Adam Gase is that he doesn't have a relationship with everyone on the team. 'I don't feel like he's the right leader for this organization to reach the Promised Land,' Adams said. 'As a leader, what really bothers me is that he doesn't have a relationship with everybody in the building. He doesn't address the team. If there's a problem in the locker room, he lets another coach address the team. If we're playing (bad) and we're losing, he doesn't address the entire team as a group at halftime. He'll walk out of the locker room and let another coach handle it.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Adams was very candid in this piece and it doesn't paint a pretty picture. The Jets are probably asking too much for Adams in trades unless a team wants to give up something similar to what the Jaguars got for Jalen Ramsey, which included multiple firsts. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [MIN - Mike Zimmer signs extension]( Source: Vikings.com Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer signed a three-year contract extension with the Vikings Friday, July 24. Financial terms were not disclosed. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Zimmer was going into the last year of his deal, and no extension was raising eyebrows and inviting speculation about his future with the Vikings. Now he'll have security and the team will know who their head coach will be for the foreseeable future. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [DEN - KJ Hamler agrees to contract](=) Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis Denver Broncos WR KJ Hamler agreed to terms on his rookie contract Friday, July 24. Terms of the deal were not immediately available. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hamler should be the #1 slot receiver for the Broncos right away, which means the Daesean Hamilton pick didn't work out - substituting one Penn State receiver for another. Hamler provides speed and quickness to make big plays with excellent options at outside receiver and tight end, although his role could be capped by more two tight end sets after the Broncos also drafted Albert Okwuegbunam, Drew Lock's favorite touchdown target at Missouri. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [PIT - Chase Claypool signs contract](=) Source: Steelers.com Pittsburgh Steelers WR Chase Claypool has signed his rookie contract, the team announced Friday, July 24. Terms of the deal were not immediately available. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Claypool will likely play as many snaps on special teams as he does on offense this year with the Steelers set at outside wide receiver thanks to Diontae Johnson and James Washington. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- FOOTBALLGUYS PICKS Know the 2020 Rookies - Our friend Matt Waldman dives deep into NFL Draft Prospects with a Fantasy Football lens. [Get the Rookie Scouting Portfolio here](. --------------------------------------------------------------- Practice Mock Drafting - Practice makes perfect with the Footballguys Draft Dominator app powered by 50+ staffers of Footballguys. [Check it out here](. --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [CIN - Germaine Pratt likely to start]( Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Tyler Dragon Cincinnati Bengals LB Germaine Pratt likely will be one of the starting inside linebackers in the team's base nickel defense. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] IDP leaguers take notice. Pratt had a promising rookie year and could be a three-down linebacker. Rookie third-round pick Logan Wilson could also be a starter and instant hit in IDP leagues if he can beat out Josh Bynes. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [NFL - RB LeSean McCoy talking with teams](=) Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra Free agent RB [LeSean McCoy]( (Chiefs) said Friday, July 24, that he's had recent discussions with a 'few' unnamed teams as he seeks to continue his career. 'But I think the biggest thing is to find the right fit,' McCoy said on NFL Network. 'Find the right fit for me. I think at the point in my career, not just playing football. I want to play for the right team. I want to be able to contribute. I want to be able to win another championship. You can't go from playing with the Chiefs with all that talent and winning a championship to now just trying to play. I'm the type of guy, I want to come in a room, challenge the running backs get them better. Be a veteran leader. All the type of things I want to bring to a team. So, just got to find the right fit for me.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Eagles come to mind immediately as a possible destination considering his history with the team and their desire to add a veteran back. McCoy hurt the ADP of Damien Williams when he signed with the Chiefs after Buffalo released him right before the season, but by the end of the season, McCoy was a healthy scratch, so don't let him affect ADP too much wherever he lands. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [CIN - S Shawn Williams an option at LB?]( Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Tyler Dragon Cincinnati Bengals S Shawn Williams could receive some snaps at linebacker this season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Williams might be the odd man out at safety with Vonn Bell signed in the offseason, but the inexperience at linebacker for the Bengals gives Williams a path to snaps as a lot more teams are putting three safeties on the field by including one in a quasi-linebacker role. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [ATL - TE Hayden Hurst relishing opportunity]() Source: The Athletic - Dan Pompei Atlanta Falcons TE [Hayden Hurst]( was excited for the March trade to Atlanta as he sought a chance to become a featured tight end. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Austin Hooper turned this role into the fantasy TE1 for a stretch last year. Hurst could add more value after the catch and quickly turn into Matt Ryan's favorite target when he can't get the ball to Julio Jones or Calvin Ridley. Hurst is a solid draft target outside of the top 10 tight ends who can still finish well within the top 10 if he stays healthy. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [BAL - RB Gus Edwards' roster spot in jeopardy?]() Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley Baltimore Ravens RB [Gus Edwards]( was forced down the depth chart following the arrival of second-round draft pick J.K. Dobbins. However, ESPN's Jamison Hensley believes his roster spot is safe after rushing for at least 700 yards in consecutive seasons despite the fact Baltimore has yet to carry four running backs on its season-opening roster in 12 seasons under head coach John Harbaugh. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Edwards has gotten better each year and he has shown good burst for a big back that is tough to bring down. He could be a breakout player on his second team, or a good #2 to Dobbins long term if the Ravens re-sign him next year when he hits restricted free agency. Justice Hill could end up being closer to the roster bubble than Edwards. [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're subscribed as {EMAIL} To unsubscribe, click [here](. * Footballguys.com * PO Box 937 * Cabot, AR 72023-0937 * News Items Powered By: =