Running Back Tiers, Targets, and Players to Avoid and MORE

[Go PRO](=) | [View Online](=) [Unsubscribe]( | [Sign Up]() [Footballguys.com](=)Daily Email Update • Vol. 22, #126 • Aug. 21st, 2020 --------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks To Our Sponsor, [The 2020 Footballguys Players Championship]( Howdy {NAME}, Welcome to Saturday. I hope you're drafting this weekend and I hope you crush it. We've got the latest info you need so let's get to it. And also, thank you for the very kind words responding to my email yesterday about playing Fantasy Football. You rock. J --------------------------------------------------------------- Sponsored by [The 2020 Footballguys Players Championship]( [Your Quest For $500K Awaits]( [The 2020 Footballguys Players Championship]( will feature a guaranteed prize pool with a $500,000 grand prize and a $3,100,000 total prize pool. That's right -- we're doubling the grand prize to $500,000! The 2020 FPC contest is capped at 10,800 teams. All prizes are fully guaranteed. Here are all the details on this year's competition:: - Drafts are filling now - $3,100,000 prize pool (Up $800,000 from last year) - Teams are $350 each (or a three-pack of teams for $1,000) It’s THE way to play online Fantasy Football backed by the people you know at Footballguys and the FFPC. [Sign Up Now]( --------------------------------------------------------------- SITE NEWS A. [Running Back Tiers, Targets, and Players to Avoid](=) Sigmund Bloom with a look at the 2020 running backs grouped by tiers with values and overpriced players broken out, plus some schedule notes and favorites for specific strategy and scoring system quirks. B. [15 Overvalued Tight Ends](=) Finding value is the key to winning fantasy football. In the same way, so is avoiding overvalued players. We asked our Footballguys Staff for the tight ends they saw as overvalued and this is what they said. And as always, we also link to our official Footballguys Detailed Stat Projections so you can see our "bottom line" to go along with all the opinions. C. [Drafting in Big Fantasy Leagues]( Jeff Pasquino with some strategies for drafting in 14-16 Team Leagues. D. [Our Newest Feature - Wisdom Of The Crowds Rankings]( I've said for years there's no smarter group of Fantasy Football people than Footballguys Subscribers. And there are a LOT of you. We're up to almost half a million subscribers for the Daily Email Update and that number will continue to go up through August. Anytime you have that many people coupled with the kind of football knowledge you folks have, there are some powerful opportunities. This [Wisdom Of The Crowds Rankings]( is one of those things. The idea is simple. We throw up two players and you click on the one you'd prefer to draft. That's it. You'll then see the results for both your vote compared to other people in the Footballguys Community. And also how it compares to our Footballguys Staff Experts. All the while, behind the scenes our Mathguys are taking all the other votes pouring in to create a complete list for how we rank all the players at that position. Which you can see too if you're logged in at Footballguys. It's pretty rad and we're super excited about it. Check it out and let us know what you think. E. [Draft Dominator Classic For Windows Updated]() The Draft Dominator Classic is our original drafting tool. It's updated here for Windows. F. [Draft Dominator Classic For Mac Updated](=) The Draft Dominator Classic is our original drafting tool. It's updated here for Mac. G. [Value Based Drafting (VBD) Excel App Updated]() If you prefer the flexibility of a spreadsheet, the Value Based Drafting (VBD) Excel app is for you. H. [Projections Dominator Updated]() Make the projections work the way you want them with the Projections Dominator. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [NE - QB Jarrett Stidham update](#1) 2. [NE - RB Sony Michel has shot for opener](#2) 3. [KC - WR Sammy Watkins back on field](#3) 4. [CIN - WR A.J. Green misses scrimmage](#4) 5. [LAC - DE Melvin Ingram's contract adjusted](#5) 6. [PHI - Jalen Reagor idle](#6) 7. [DEN - KJ Hamler to miss a month?](#7) 8. [MIA - QB Ryan Fitzpatrick out Friday](#8) 9. [DEN - RB Melvin Gordon day-to-day](#9) 10. [IND - Mo Alie-Cox activated Friday](#10) 11. [TB - Ke'Shawn Vaughn slated for ST](#11) 12. [BAL - Jaylon Ferguson back on field](#12) 13. [PIT - Competition at RT still going](#13) 14. [BUF - CB Josh Norman injured Thursday](#14) 15. [MIA - OLB Jerome Baker leaves practice](#15) 16. [DEN - ILB Todd Davis sidelined 2-3 weeks](#16) 17. [PIT - WR Diontae Johnson misses practice](#17) 18. [PHI - TE Dallas Goedert has fractured thumb](#18) 19. [CHI - DE Akiem Hicks dealing with quad issue](#19) 20. [PIT - WR James Washington a full participant](#20) 21. [MIA - RB Myles Gaskin making push for No. 3 duties](#21) 22. [LVR - Las Vegas has high hopes for DT Maliek Collins](#22) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [NE - QB Jarrett Stidham update](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Updating an earlier report, New England Patriots QB Jarrett Stidham (hip) is dealing with a hip injury that is unlikely to be 100 percent for a few weeks. He is fighting to play through it, though. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This almost cinches Cam Newton as the Week 1 starter, with Brian Hoyer as his competition now. Expect a bump in Newton's ADP in fantasy leagues where there has been some skepticism as long as the Patriots were splitting camp snaps evenly. That trend changed yesterday and this development should wrap up any perception of a quarterback competition. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [NE - RB Sony Michel has shot for opener](=) Source: BostonSportsJournal.com - Greg A. Bedard New England Patriots RB Sony Michel (foot) remains a possibility to play in Week 1, Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears said Friday, Aug. 21. 'I think he'll be ready when he has a shot to get out there,' Fears said. 'Hopefully we have some time before the first game for him to be out there. If not, we'll take him when we get him.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This should downplay talk of Michel starting the season on the PUP list, but it is still not a strong assurance that he'll be ready for Week 1. He shouldn't be drafted in typical leagues until very late if at all after Lamar Miller was signed and Damien Harris has had a great camp to push Michel when he does return. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [KC - WR Sammy Watkins back on field](=) Source: Kansas City Star - Herbie Teope Kansas City Chiefs WR Sammy Watkins (groin) returned to practice Friday, Aug. 21, after missing time with a groin injury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] If Watkins can stay on the field for the rest of camp, he'll still look attractive at a very cheap double digit round ADP for a starter in Patrick Mahomes pass offense. Mecole Hardman's appeal diminishes a little as long as Watkins is on the field, but Hardman is still one of the highest ceiling players you can get outside of the top 100 players in most drafts. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [CIN - WR A.J. Green misses scrimmage]() Source: Around The NFL Cincinnati Bengals WR A.J. Green (hamstring) was held out of the team's intrasquad scrimmage Friday, Aug. 21, with a hamstring injury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] At this point we're just hoping Green practices in the lead up to Week 1 so we know he'll play vs. the Chargers. His ADP should drop, but if it falls out of the top 7-8 rounds, he'll be a value again. Auden Tate has shined in his absence. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [LAC - DE Melvin Ingram's contract adjusted]() Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo Los Angeles Chargers LB Melvin Ingram signed an adjusted contract Thursday, Aug. 20, which guaranteed his salary for the 2020 season, according to sources. Ingram returned to practice after sitting out, but he is still seeking a contract extension. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] There's no risk of Ingram sitting now, and he'll get to attack the questionable Bengals offensive tackles and go after Joe Burrow Week 1. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [PHI - Jalen Reagor idle](=) Source: Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane Philadelphia Eagles WR Jalen Reagor (illness) is out of practice Friday, Aug. 21, due to illness. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is only thing that could slow down Reagor's torrid camp. He has been playing multiple positions and has the look of a starter. Reagor should be on your target list for upside bench plays. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [DEN - KJ Hamler to miss a month?](=) Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis Denver Broncos WR KJ Hamler (hamstring) could be sidelined for up to a month because of his hamstring injury, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It sounds like Hamler is questionable at best for Week 1 and we can probably assume he'll be eased in when he does return. He's dropping on late round sleeper lists despite a hot start to camp. DaeSean Hamilton or Jerry Jeudy will get the slot snaps while Hamler is out, with Tim Patrick figuring in the outside receiver mix with Jeudy and Courtland Sutton. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [MIA - QB Ryan Fitzpatrick out Friday](=) Source: The Miami Herald - Adam H. Beasley Miami Dolphins QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (personal) is out of practice Friday, Aug. 21, and the team wouldn't comment on why he was gone or when he would return. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Watch to see if the Dolphins sign Jake Rudock, who they had in for a tryout. If they do, it's possible Fitzpatrick's absence will stretch through most or all of the remainder of camp. Fitzpatrick has a lot of experience with new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, so he should be ready to roll as soon as he returns even without practice time. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [DEN - RB Melvin Gordon day-to-day](=) Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis Denver Broncos RB Melvin Gordon (rib) did not participate in practice Friday, Aug. 21, and is considered day-to-day. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This won't be an issue that affects his Week 1 availability, but it will give Phillip Lindsay a continued opportunity to show that he deserves to be in a 50-50 split with Gordon. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [IND - Mo Alie-Cox activated Friday](=) Source: Colts.com Indianapolis Colts TE Mo Alie-Cox (undisclosed) was activated from the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list Friday, Aug. 21. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Colts will still play a lot of multi-tight end sets this year even if Alie-Cox can't stay healthy after they signed Trey Burton, but Alie-Cox adds another dimension with his size and basketball background. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [TB - Ke'Shawn Vaughn slated for ST]() Source: The Athletic - Greg Auman Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Ke'Shawn Vaughn will be used as a kick returner to start the season, according to head coach Bruce Arians. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Vaughn has been vastly overdrafted in redraft and dynasty leagues. He should be on the waiver wire to open the season in typical redraft leagues and will need an injury to Ronald Jones to even get a look in the Bucs offense. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- FOOTBALLGUYS PICKS Crush Your League - The Footballguys Season Long Pro is the Gameplan you need to take home the trophy. [Get it here](=). --------------------------------------------------------------- Looking for even more FF Content? - Matthew Berry's Rotopass bundles Footballguys, Rotowire, Rotoviz apps, and more. [Check it out here](. --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [BAL - Jaylon Ferguson back on field](=) Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley Baltimore Ravens DE Jaylon Ferguson (undisclosed) participated in practice Friday, Aug. 21. He missed the first three practices of training camp because of an undisclosed injury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ferguson is in the mix with Tyus Bowser to get snaps on the edge opposite Matthew Judon. They need their 2019 third round pick to stay on the field and have a good camp. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [PIT - Competition at RT still going]( Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Brian Batko Pittsburgh Steelers OT Zach Banner and Chukwuma Okorafor are competing for the starting right tackle job, and offensive line coach Shaun Sarrett said a starter may not be named until the week before the start of the regular season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Steelers also have Matt Feiler, who started 15 games for the team at right tackle last year, but he can kick inside to left guard if they are satisfied with one of Banner or their 2018 third round pick, Okorafor. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [BUF - CB Josh Norman injured Thursday]() Source: NFL.com Buffalo Bills CB Josh Norman (hamstring) suffered a hamstring injury during practice Thursday, Aug. 20. Head coach Sean McDermott said the team does not know the severity of Norman's injury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Bills have an opening in the starting lineup at corner opposite Tre'Davious White, and there was some hope of a renaissance for Norman under his old coach Sean McDermott. Another contender, E.J. Gaines, opted out of the season, so right now Levi Wallace is in the driver's seat, although teams will test him often. Good thing for the Bills they are facing the Jets to open the season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [MIA - OLB Jerome Baker leaves practice](=) Source: Palm Beach Post - Joe Schad Miami Dolphins LB Jerome Baker (undisclosed) on Friday, Aug. 21, left the team's practice early accompanied by a trainer and did not return. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Baker is a rising IDP star and was on the field for almost all of the Miami defense's snaps last year. The team already lost Vince Biegel to a torn achilles, so the rebuilt defense might have some problems at linebacker if Baker misses significant time. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [DEN - ILB Todd Davis sidelined 2-3 weeks]() Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero Denver Broncos LB Todd Davis (calf) is expected to miss 2-to-3 weeks with the calf injury he suffered in practice Thursday, Aug. 20, according to a source. Davis still has a chance to play in Week 1. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Last year' calf injury cost him about two months, so this is good news. Josey Jewell will fill in until Davis returns. A.J. Johnson is the best Broncos linebacker to target in IDP leagues this year. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [PIT - WR Diontae Johnson misses practice]( Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Brian Batko Pittsburgh Steelers WR Diontae Johnson (undisclosed) did not participate in practice Friday, Aug. 21, and is considered day-to-day. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Johnson is coming back off of hernia surgery, so we want to be sure that this isn't related to that previous issue, but he played through it and played well last year, so it's probably nothing to worry about even if it is in that area of the body. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [PHI - TE Dallas Goedert has fractured thumb]() Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero Philadelphia Eagles TE Dallas Goedert (thumb) suffered a hairline fracture in one of his thumbs during practice this week, according to a source. He could return to practice next week with a splint on his thumb. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It sounds like this isn't serious and he'll avoid surgery. If he doesn't return to practice before the end of camp, Zach Ertz will be a great Week 1 play vs. Washington. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [CHI - DE Akiem Hicks dealing with quad issue]() Source: The Athletic - Adam Jahns Chicago Bears DT Akiem Hicks (quadriceps) on Friday, Aug. 21, was held out of practice due to a quad injury, according to head coach Matt Nagy. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Bears already lost Eddie Goldman to an opt out, so we'll be watching this injury closely. The Lions running game could get a break Week 1 if Hicks is limited or out. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [PIT - WR James Washington a full participant]( Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Brian Batko Pittsburgh Steelers WR James Washington (undisclosed) fully participated in practice Friday, Aug. 21. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Washington is fighting for snaps in an offense that will likely feature a lot of two tight ends and two wide receivers who are more dynamic with the ball in their hands than Washington, who excels at making downfield contested catches. He's on the fringe of draftable players in typical fantasy leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [MIA - RB Myles Gaskin making push for No. 3 duties](=) Source: The Miami Herald - Barry Jackson Miami Dolphins RB Myles Gaskin was singled out by running backs coach Eric Studesville on Thursday, Aug. 20, for the improvements he has made since last season.'Myles has done a great job so far in what we've done; he's head and shoulders above where he was last year. The effort he puts into the game is starting to really show. He's playing more confident, playing faster. We're seeing some of the skill set he's had in the past and we're starting to see what his potential is,' Studesville said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Matt Breida should have a decent-sized role as a pass catcher this year, but if he can't stay healthy again this year, there will be vacancy in the offense on passing downs. Gaskin could be ahead of Patrick Laird for this role with this buzz. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [LVR - Las Vegas has high hopes for DT Maliek Collins](=) Source: The Associated Press Las Vegas Raiders DL Maliek Collins is expected to serve as 'an anchor' for the defense in 2020, according to head coach Jon Gruden.'He'll be the anchor of us. We'll go as far as he takes us,' Gruden said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Collins is a good pass rusher from the interior and he could get enough snaps to put up strong tackle numbers. He should be on your radar in IDP leagues that require defensive tackles in the starting lineup. [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! You're subscribed as {EMAIL} To unsubscribe, click [here](. * Footballguys.com * PO Box 937 * Cabot, AR 72023-0937 * News Items Powered By: =