Key Situations You Need To Know, Planting Flags With QBs and MORE

[Go PRO](=) | [View Online](=) [Unsubscribe]( | [Sign Up]() [Footballguys.com](=)Daily Email Update • Vol. 22, #128 • Aug. 23rd, 2020 --------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks To Our Sponsor, [Footballguys Season Long Pro Game Plan](=) Howdy {NAME}, Good Monday to you and I hope you had a sweet weekend. It was awesome to hear about so many leagues drafting this past weekend and I know there are tons more coming this week and weekend. We've got the goods you need so let's get to it. J --------------------------------------------------------------- Sponsored by [Footballguys Season Long Pro Game Plan](=) Losing Sucks. You Need The [Footballguys Season Long Pro Game Plan Subscription](=) Winning fantasy football can be difficult. And time-consuming. Winning’s rad but losing sucks. With a [Footballguys Season Long Pro Game Plan subscription](=) customized just for you, you’ll make winning decisions, save time, and crush your competition. Matthew Berry of ESPN says, "Footballguys is the best premium fantasy football only site on the planet." And we agree. Let us do the legwork and deliver you the "need to know" info to help you dominate. News, Cheatsheets, Stat Projections, Strategy, Drafting Tools, In-Season Waiver Wire advice, Podcasts, and much much more. Plus, we have a [Money Back Guarantee]() so there’s zero risk. Hop on board and let's crush this season. [Sign Up Here](=) --------------------------------------------------------------- SITE NEWS A. [Beneath the Numbers: 143 Takes from Doing Projections]() David Dodds with insights into the situations impacting his projections. B. [Plant Your Flag: Quarterback](=) There's a lot of wishy washy fantasy football analysis out there in the world. We asked our Footballguys staff for a quarterback they're taking a strong position with this year. This is what they said. C. [5 Late-Round Wide Receivers to Target](=) Who are five late-round wide receivers to target in redraft leagues? Jeff Haseley answers. D. [Principles of Value-Based Drafting]( Many years ago, I laid out my take on what became known as Value-Based Drafting. Here are the details and some of the thinking behind the valuations that drive VBD. E. [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. F. [Retweet For A Chance To Win Free Premium Subscriptions]() We're giving away three Footballguys Premium subscriptions Monday. Just retweet [this tweet]() and I'll draw three winners Monday afternoon. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [SF - Brandon Aiyuk suffers injury](#1) 2. [BAL - S Earl Thomas officially cut](#2) 3. [BAL - QB Lamar Jackson misses another practice](#3) 4. [NE - QB Cam Newton receives most of work Sunday](#4) 5. [NE - N'Keal Harry back on the field](#5) 6. [CIN - WR A.J. Green does not practice](#6) 7. [KC - WR Tyreek Hill remains sidelined](#7) 8. [LVR - More third downs for RB Josh Jacobs?](#8) 9. [SEA - TE Greg Olsen's preparation paying off](#9) 10. [DET - RB Kerryon Johnson comfortable with brace](#10) 11. [WAS - WR Cody Latimer let go](#11) 12. [CIN - WR John Ross activated](#12) 13. [CAR - RB Jordan Scarlett let go](#13) 14. [ARI - CB Dre Kirkpatrick joins AZ](#14) 15. [MIA - OLB Jerome Baker day-to-day](#15) 16. [TEN - Two linebackers leave early](#16) 17. [NO - Tre'Quan Smith to be involved?](#17) 18. [CLE - No practice for TE David Njoku](#18) 19. [CLE - OLB Malcolm Smith joins Browns](#19) 20. [JAX - DT Taven Bryan injured Saturday](#20) 21. [ATL - RB Brian Hill a more complete back](#21) 22. [BAL - S DeShon Elliott on track to start](#22) 23. [DEN - RB Melvin Gordon remains sidelined](#23) 24. [LAC - Shoulder injury for WR Mike Williams](#24) 25. [GB - Solid start for WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling](#25) 26. [LAR - RB Darrell Henderson may be ready for Week 1](#26) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [SF - Brandon Aiyuk suffers injury](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk (hamstring) left practice early Sunday, Aug. 23, after suffering an apparent hamstring injury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Aiyuk loses some appeal as a bench stash now unless this was a minor ding and he's practicing again before camp is over. The 49ers wide receiver group is a mess, so that makes George Kittle look better and better at ADP. Dante Pettis has a wider window to win redemption with Aiyuk ailing. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [BAL - S Earl Thomas officially cut]() Source: BaltimoreRavens.com Baltimore Ravens S Earl Thomas was released Sunday, Aug. 23. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Cowboys are known to have interest in Thomas and just opened up seven million dollars in cap room. DeShon Elliott is the favorite to start in place of Thomas, but the team could also bring back Tony Jefferson or add another veteran. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [BAL - QB Lamar Jackson misses another practice](=) Source: The Athletic - Jeff Zrebiec Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (undisclosed) did not participate in practice Sunday, Aug. 23, because of a soft tissue injury, according to head coach John Harbaugh. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This probably shouldn't change your overall ranking of Jackson - if you were targeting him in the second round because you believe he'll be worth close to as much as he was last year, then this small added risk doesn't make that upside any less attractive. We just want to see Jackson practice in full before the opener vs Cleveland. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [NE - QB Cam Newton receives most of work Sunday]() Source: NBC Sports Boston - Phil Perry New England Patriots QB Cam Newton received 30 repetitions during team drills Sunday, Aug. 23, while QB Brian Hoyer received 12 reps during 11-on-11 drills. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Newton is pulling away in the quarterback competition and he's certainly worth a pick as your upside QB2, but he isn't drawing rave reviews for his practice performances and might have a slow start to the season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [NE - N'Keal Harry back on the field]( Source: NFL Network - Michael Giardi New England Patriots WR N'Keal Harry (undisclosed) participated in practice Sunday, Aug. 28. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Harry has had an underwhelming camp by almost all accounts and might have trouble getting on the field enough to be relevant for fantasy leagues. He shouldn't be prominent on your late round target list. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [CIN - WR A.J. Green does not practice](=) Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Tyler Dragon Cincinnati Bengals WR A.J. Green (hamstring) did not participate in practice Sunday, Aug. 23. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] At this point, it would be a win if Green practices before the end of camp. He will come at a discount from his pre-camp ADP, but his Week 1 status will be in doubt until we see him on the field again. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [KC - WR Tyreek Hill remains sidelined](=) Source: Kansas City Star - Herbie Teope Kansas City Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill (hamstring) did not participate in practice Sunday, Aug. 23. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Even if we don't see Hill for the remainder of camp, his hamstring injury isn't a reason to move him too much on your board. He should be ready to go on the Thursday night opener against the lackluster Texans secondary. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [LVR - More third downs for RB Josh Jacobs?]() Source: ESPN.com - Paul Gutierrez Las Vegas Raiders RB Josh Jacobs needs to be 'more on the field on third down' this year, according to head coach Jon Gruden. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is what you want to hear if you're taking him in the first or early second round. If Jacobs can get 40-50 receptions this year and stay healthy, he should return value on ADP. Don't sweat the Theo Riddick signing. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [SEA - TE Greg Olsen's preparation paying off]() Source: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson Seattle Seahawks TE Greg Olsen's work with QB Russell Wilson this offseason is evident in practice, according to head coach Pete Carroll. 'I'm really, really fired up about Greg,' Carroll said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Olsen will have to share tight end targets with Will Dissly and maybe Jacob Hollister in a lower volume pass offense, but he's still the cheapest tight end who could be a viable start Week 1. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [DET - RB Kerryon Johnson comfortable with brace]() Source: ESPN.com - Michael Rothstein Detroit Lions RB Kerryon Johnson said he has become comfortable playing with a brace on his right knee. 'So that's just the new me,' Johnson said. 'I'm the knee-brace guy, everybody jokes about it. It feels great. I like having the knee brace on. It helps me out a lot.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The brace won't prevent injury, but if it makes Johnson feel better, it still helps, although it's troubling that he would feel like he needs it. D'Andre Swift getting starts at some point due to Johnson missing time remains a compelling reason to target Swift if you believe in him. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [WAS - WR Cody Latimer let go]( Source: NFL.com Washington Football Team WR Cody Latimer was released Sunday, Aug. 23. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Latimer had offseason legal troubles so it's not surprising that he would be released despite the team being inexperienced at wide receiver. Dontrelle Inman remains on track to start Week 1 opposite Terry McLaurin with Steven Sims in the slot. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [CIN - WR John Ross activated]( Source: Bengals.com Cincinnati Bengals WR John Ross was activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list Sunday, Aug. 23. The team also placed DT Renell Wren (quadriceps) on the Reserve/Injured list. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ross is probably next up after AJ Green, but he has had trouble staying on the field too. He's an early season waiver wire watch list player after a hot start last year. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [CAR - RB Jordan Scarlett let go](=) Source: Panthers.com Carolina Panthers RB Jordan Scarlett was waived Sunday, Aug. 23. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Mike Davis and Reggie Bonnafon remain the leaders in the competition to back up Christian McCaffrey. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- FOOTBALLGUYS PICKS Practice Mock Drafting - Practice makes perfect with the Footballguys Draft Dominator app powered by 50+ staffers of Footballguys. [Check it out here](. --------------------------------------------------------------- Looking for even more FF Content? - Matthew Berry's Rotopass bundles Footballguys, Rotowire, Rotoviz apps, and more. [Check it out here](. --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [ARI - CB Dre Kirkpatrick joins AZ](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Free-agent CB Dre Kirkpatrick (Bengals) agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Aug. 23. Financial terms were not disclosed. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] He shouldn't be a downgrade from Robert Alford and has a lot of experience with defensive coordinator Vance Joseph back in Cincinnati to help him get up to speed in the defense quickly. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [MIA - OLB Jerome Baker day-to-day]( Source: Sun-Sentinel - Safid Deen Updating a previous report, Miami Dolphins LB Jerome Baker (undisclosed) is considered day-to-day after sustaining an undisclosed injury at practice Friday, Aug. 21, according to head coach Brian Flores. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This injury doesn't sound too serious and you probably shouldn't move Baker down farther than the end of his tier on your IDP draft board. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [TEN - Two linebackers leave early](=) Source: TennesseeTitans.com - Jim Wyatt Tennessee Titans LB Harold Landry (undisclosed) and LB Rashaan Evans (undisclosed) were not able to finish practice Sunday, Aug. 23. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Titans need Landry's pass rush presence outside and Evans is a key piece in the middle so these are situations to monitor as both of these players have dealt with injuries in the past. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [NO - Tre'Quan Smith to be involved?](=) Source: NewOrleansSaints.com New Orleans Saints WR Tre'Quan Smith is 'an important part' of the team's offensive plans, according to head coach Sean Payton. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Smith is probably the team's best deep threat and could provide another dimension to the pass offense if he can avoid inconsistency and drops. He doesn't have redraft value with the signing of Emmanuel Sanders, but Smith is still worth bench spot in deeper dynasty leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [CLE - No practice for TE David Njoku](=) Source: The Chronicle-Telegram - Scott Petrak Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku (wrist) did not participate in practice Sunday, Aug. 23. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The watch for Harrison Bryant to overtake Njoku is on. The Browns might end up wishing they had dealt Njoku when his camp demanded it. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [CLE - OLB Malcolm Smith joins Browns]() Source: ClevelandBrowns.com Free-agent LB Malcolm Smith (Cowboys) signed with the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Aug. 23. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. The team also waived C Casey Dunn (foot) with an injury designation. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Browns might not lose Mack Wilson for long at linebacker, but they are very inexperienced at linebacker and Smith's presence could help them prepare for Baltimore's offensive juggernaut in Week 1. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [JAX - DT Taven Bryan injured Saturday]() Source: ESPN.com - Michael DiRocco Jacksonville Jaguars DT Taven Bryan (leg) suffered a leg injury during 11-on-11 drills in practice Saturday, Aug. 22. He was treated on the side before leaving the field under his own power. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bryan was a first round pick in 2018 but has failed to make a big impact. He is going to get more snaps this year with Calais Campbell traded, but needs to stay healthy. The injury is a bone bruise and shouldn't affect his Week 1 status vs Indianapolis. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [ATL - RB Brian Hill a more complete back](=) Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Matthew Tabeek Atlanta Falcons RB Brian Hill was praised by head coach Dan Quinn for his performance in practice. 'He is 100 percent a guy on a mission,' Quinn said. 'You see his speed at practice, his ability to catch has certainly improved.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The backup job behind Todd Gurley is a wide open battle between Hill, 2019 fifth-round pick Qadree Ollison and Ito Smith. Ollison can take short yardage work and Smith should get on the field on passing downs if Gurley misses time, but Hill still has the chance to be the most valuable of the trio. It's also possible that the team employs a committee behind Gurley and no one is worth targeting on the waiver wire. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [BAL - S DeShon Elliott on track to start]() Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley Baltimore Ravens S DeShon Elliott is expected to start at free safety this season after the team released FS Earl Thomas. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Ravens like Elliott, but the 2018 sixth rounder has had trouble staying healthy. The Browns could test him with some deep shots off of play action in the season opener. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 23. [DEN - RB Melvin Gordon remains sidelined](=) Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis Denver Broncos RB Melvin Gordon (rib) did not participate in practice Sunday, Aug. 23. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This injury isn't serious, but it would be comforting to see Gordon return to practice next week. In the meantime, Royce Freeman should get more opportunities to show that he deserves some touches. The team also likes UDFA Levante Bellamy at running back. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 24. [LAC - Shoulder injury for WR Mike Williams](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Los Angeles Chargers WR [Mike Williams](=) (shoulder) left practice early Sunday, Aug. 23, because of a shoulder injury and is scheduled to undergo tests. The team did not find any problems with Williams' collarbone and hope that it is a minor injury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is still something to monitor, but as long as the tests don't show damage to the shoulder, Williams will still be a worthy upside pick later in drafts because Tyrod Taylor actually throws a nice deep ball. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 25. [GB - Solid start for WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling](=) Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Tom Silverstein Green Packers Packers WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling has put together two straight strong practices, head coach Matt LaFleur said Saturday, Aug. 22. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Valdes-Scantling isn't going to overtake Allen Lazard, but a good camp can keep him involved in three wide sets and as a deep threat on play action plays. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 26. [LAR - RB Darrell Henderson may be ready for Week 1]() Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero Los Angeles Rams RB Darrell Henderson (hamstring) has been diagnosed with a low-grade hamstring strain and may be available for the start of the regular season, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Henderson still should drop some on boards as a second half of the draft flier and Cam Akers is now set to get the majority of the workload vs Dallas to open the season, with Malcolm Brown lurking at the goal line. If Henderson can get in a full practice in the week before the opener, then perhaps this will end up not changing his outlook, but we have to be cautious with hamstring injuries for speed players like Henderson. [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! You're subscribed as {EMAIL} To unsubscribe, click [here](. * Footballguys.com * PO Box 937 * Cabot, AR 72023-0937 * News Items Powered By: =