🏆 What We Learned From 500 Real Drafts + Local Leagues Rule

[Footballguys Email Updates](=) [Go PRO]( | [View Online](=) [Unsubscribe]( | [Sign Up]() [Footballguys.com](=)Daily Email Update • Vol. 24, #138 • Aug. 25th[,](=) 2022 --------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks To Our Sponsor, [Sleeper]( Howdy {NAME}, Welcome to Friday. As I type this, I'm headed to my local draft for "The League" (which is about 300 feet away in our Graceland Barn and Dancehall). By the time you read this, it'll hopefully be in the books. I'm locked and loaded with the Draft Dominator which is kind of an unfair advantage. Except everyone else in my league will be using the Draft Dominator. Which can be interesting, especially in a salary cap format. Oh well. There's nothing like Draft Night for your local league. It's legitimately one of my favorite days of the year and it's why Footballguys exists. I know the other ways to play are fun. But the local league has always been, and always will be, the backbone of this industry. And it's the heartbeat of Footballguys. We've got a boatload of new content for you today. Too much to list here so let's just get to it. J PS. [Game Face On]( for my local draft. This is about as mean a face as I make. ;) PSS. Make sure to check out our newest sponsor of the Daily Email Update, [Sleeper.com](. They've been long-time friends from way back and their league platform is crushing it. [Check them out here](. It's what we're using for my draft tonight and it's awesome. --------------------------------------------------------------- [Sleeper Podcasts Now Featuring The Audible From Footballguys]( Sponsored by [Sleeper]( Sleeper Podcasts - Now Featuring Footballguys Podcasts! We've partnered up with our friends at [Sleeper](, and you can now find our podcasts directly in their app. Sleeper is the fastest-growing fantasy sports app with over 4M users! Their in-app chat functionality makes it easy to communicate with your league mates throughout the season. What we like best about Sleeper is how they'll take feedback from users and instantly implement it. They are rolling out 22 new features this year alone! Their user-friendliness and customizable features make them a great choice for fantasy newbies and seasoned vets. Highly recommend you get in some mock drafts using their one-of-a-kind mock tool before the season kicks off. [Download today]( and play fantasy sports on the fastest-growing app in the industry. In addition to fantasy sports, they also have a fun O/U game embedded into the fantasy experience. See what everyone is raving about today! [Download Today]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Drafting This Weekend? Time is running out! [Claim Your Footballguys Loyalty Discount Before It's Too Late]() --------------------------------------------------------------- SITE NEWS A. [Lessons Learned From 500 Real Drafts]( After over 500 real drafts against real people for real money this off-season, our Dave Kluge shares his biggest takeaways, player targets, and strategies to help you dominate your draft. B. [Win $10,000 plus $5,000 For A Food Bank In The Footballguys Subscriber Contest]() If you purchase one of our annual [Premium Subscriptions](=). you get an entry into the Subscriber Contest. It's that easy. We have a $35,000 prize pool up for grabs this year. Including, new for this year, $5,000 to be donated in the 1st Place Winner's name to a food bank in the city of their choice. Lots of people tell us the Subscriber Contest is the main reason they buy a premium subscription. I can see why. C. [Dominate Your Friends With A Footballguys Premium Subscription]( Consistently winning at Fantasy Football is hard. And losing sucks. We have the secret weapon you need in a [Footballguys Premium Subscription](. We do the work so you can do the winning. And as always, we have a 30-day Moneyback Guarantee so there's zero risk. D. [The Draft Dominator Is Your Unfair Advantage]() You've seen me talk about how the Footballguys Draft Dominator [is an unfair advantage.]( That's a fact. If you're serious about fantasy football, and I know you are if you're reading this, you owe it to yourself to dominate the other people in your league with this. It's part of the [Footballguys Premium Subscription](. E. [The Gut Check: Bold Predictions]( Our Matt Waldman shares his bold fantasy predictions for the 2022 NFL season. F. [IDP Draft Blueprint: Step-By-Step Plan for Draft-Day Success](=) We made a concerted effort this year to expand our IDP content and we're delivering. Our Gary Davenport with a step-by-step plan for IDP Draft Domination. G. [Cowboys Lose Tyron Smith: What It Means for the Offense]( Our offensive line guru Matt Bitonti breaks down the Tyron Smith injury and other offensive line news. H. [13 Deep Sleepers at Running Back]( We polled the Footballguys Staff asking them for the late-round running backs they were targeting. This is what they said. I. [15 Deep Sleepers at Wide Receiver](=) We polled the Footballguys Staff asking them for the late-round wide receivers they were targeting. This is what they said. J. [5 Opinions on 3 Running Backs]( Five of our Footballguys Projectors offer differing opinions on three RBs. K. [5 Opinions on 3 Wide Receivers](=) Five of our Footballguys Projectors offer differing opinions on three WRs. L. [Draft Dominator Classic Updated]() The Draft Dominator Classic is our original killer Drafting Tool. We know some of the long-time folks love it so we've invested the time and money to keep it going for you. It's updated and ready for you here. M. [Value Based Drafting Excel App Updated]() For the folks that love the power and flexibility of our Value Based Drafting Excel App, it's updated and ready for you here. N. [Projections Dominator Updated]() Make the projections work the way you want them to with our updated Projections Dominator. O. [Updated Salary Cap Cheatsheets](=) Get your Salary Cap draft cheatsheets right here. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [DAL - Tyron Smith out until December](#1) 2. [LAR - DE Aaron Donald Swings Helmet In Practice Brawl](#2) 3. [TEN - Treylon Burks leaves early](#3) 4. [ATL - WR London Remains Sidelined](#4) 5. [WAS - RB Gibson Primary Kick Returner](#5) 6. [PIT - QB Pickett Making Late Push?](#6) 7. [TEN - WR Burks Held out of Practice](#7) 8. [BUF - TE Howard on the Roster Bubble?](#8) 9. [NYJ - RB Michael Carter still the RB1](#9) 10. [TB - QB Brady To Play in Preseason Finale](#10) 11. [IND - Alec Pierce the fifth target in Colts passing game?](#11) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [DAL - Tyron Smith out until December](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Updating previous reports, Dallas Cowboys OT Tyron Smith (hamstring) suffered an avulsion fracture of the hamstring off his knee, and he'll require surgery. Essentially, the hamstring at the back of his knee tore off the bone. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Devastating news for the Cowboys here and for Smith himself. He's struggled with injuries over the last couple of seasons, and now he may be out for the entire 2022 season. The best-case scenario is he returns in December, but he could be out for the duration of the year. The Cowboys will now likely turn to 2022 first-round pick Tyler Smith at left tackle. He's got tremendous upside, but Smith was considered a raw and undisciplined prospect who needed development when he came out of Tulsa. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [LAR - DE Aaron Donald Swings Helmet In Practice Brawl](=) Source: Eric Edholm - NFL.com Eric Edholm reported, "The Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals ended their joint practice early on Thursday after multiple fights broke out. "Reports indicated that Rams All-Pro defensive lineman Aaron Donald wielded and swung around at least one Bengals player's helmet amid one of the skirmishes." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Donald swinging the helmet made for ugly video. But NFL.com's Tom Pelissero reported "teams, not the NFL, are responsible for overseeing conduct of players at practice, including joint practices. So fair to say league discipline for Aaron Donald (or anyone else) in today's brouhaha is unlikely." [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [TEN - Treylon Burks leaves early]() Source: TennesseeTitans.com - Jim Wyatt Tennessee Titans WR Treylon Burks (undisclosed) left practice early Wednesday, Aug. 24. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Burks has had a really bad offseason with very few highlights sprinkled in here and there. After the draft, the Titans' first-round pick had troubles in OTAs and minicamp with drops, conditioning, and injuries. During training camp, Burks has flashed a bit, but he does not look like a player who can yet be trusted as a starter. That's why reports have surfaced indicating Nick Westbrook-Ikhine will start opposite of Robert Woods for the Titans to begin the regular season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [ATL - WR London Remains Sidelined]( Source: Michael Rothstein - ESPN.com Michael Rothstein, from ESPN.com, reports Atlanta Falcons WR Drake London (knee) remains sidelined at practice on Thursday. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] A couple of weeks ago, the knee injury of the rookie receiver was not considered a long-term problem. The Falcons are likely being wisely cautious with their top-10 pick. London has talent, and he can be a red-zone threat due to his size and 'my ball' mentality. Fantasy GMs should consider him a WR3/WR4 in fantasy drafts. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [WAS - RB Gibson Primary Kick Returner]() Source: Sam Fortier - Washington Post Sam Fortier, from the Washington Post, reports Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera expects RB Antonio Gibson to be the team's primary kick returner this season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is not great news if you're Gibson. His fantasy stock has plummeted this summer, and Gibson is clearly in the team's doghouse. Gibson is still listed as the first-team back on the 'unofficial' depth chart on the team's website. We know RB J.D. McKissic is going to get passing game work, and rookie RB Brian Robinson could be cutting into Gibson's workload as a ball carrier. Fantasy GMs should consider Gibson more of a flex play than an RB2 in fantasy drafts. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [PIT - QB Pickett Making Late Push?](=) Source: Mark Kaboly - The Athletic Mark Kaboly, from The Athletic, reports Pittsburgh Steelers rookie QB Kenny Pickett is making a "late push" for starting duties. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Pickett has been excellent in the preseason, and he's seen an increase in first-team reps in practice because of it. The Steelers may begin the season with Mitchell Trubisky as their starter, but we've always believed Pickett would get in as the top man at some point this season. Perhaps that time is sooner than many thought at the beginning of camp. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- FOOTBALLGUYS PICKS DOMINATE YOUR FRIENDS WITH A FOOTBALLGUYS PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION - Consistently winning at Fantasy Football is hard. And losing sucks. We have the secret weapon you need in a Footballguys Premium Subscription. We do the work so you can do the winning. And as always, we have a 30-day Moneyback Guarantee so there's zero risk. [Join Now](=) --------------------------------------------------------------- YOUR QUEST FOR $500K AWAITS - The 2022 FOOTBALLGUYS PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP is filling up fast. The $500,000 grand prize and the $4,395,750 total prize pool are fully guaranteed. Drafts are already underway so you can compete right away. But don't miss out -- this contest has limited space. [Sign Up Now]() --------------------------------------------------------------- LOOKING FOR EVEN MORE FANTASY FOOTBALL CONTENT? - Matthew Berry's RotoPass bundles together premium subscriptions from Footballguys, RotoWire, RotoViz, ESPN+, and more. [Sign Up Now](=) --------------------------------------------------------------- FOOTBALLGUYS GEAR IS HERE! - We're proud of what we put together here for you and we're thankful and appreciative when folks represent. And if you're reading this, it's a safe bet to assume you've dominated your league. Now you can look the part too. [Shop Now]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [TEN - WR Burks Held out of Practice](=) Source: Turron Davenport - ESPN.com Turron Davenport, from ESPN.com, reports Tennesee Titans WR Treylon Burks (undisclosed) was held out of Thursday's practice after departing early on Wednesday. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] More bad news for Burks. The injury is undisclosed, but the 2022 first-round pick just can't catch a break this offseason. He has not had a good time at the pro level since getting drafted, and Burks has struggled with drops, conditioning problems, and multiple injuries over the last few months. The Titans should use Nick Westbrook-Ikhine opposite of Robert Woods to begin the regular season. We'll see if Burks can stay healthy and get worked into the mix as the season rolls on. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [BUF - TE Howard on the Roster Bubble?]() Source: Joe Buscaglia - The Athletic Joe Buscaglia, from The Athletic, reports Buffalo Bills TE O.J. Howard "has allowed the competition to catch up to him with a disappointing camp." That firmly puts Howard on the roster bubble before the start of the regular season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This means Dawson Knox could be in for an every-down role with the Bills. Earlier this offseason, Buffalo signed Howard to a one-year, $3.5 million contract. There's $2 million of dead money in the deal, but Howard has been so unimpressive as a receiving threat that guys like Tommy Sweeney and Quintin Morris are getting snaps ahead of him in the preseason. Stay tuned. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [NYJ - RB Michael Carter still the RB1]( Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Rich Cimini New York Jets RB Michael Carter remains the top running back on the depth chart, according to beat writer Rich Cimini. He had a good day running and receiving Wednesday, Aug. 24. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] An important note for Fantasy GMs here. Carter is a good back who can thrive as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. Even though he's not a big back, Carter keeps his feet after contact and can pick up yards others can't. He will still be splitting time with big-bodied rookie RB Breece Hall in 2022. The ADP for both Jets' RBs seems to be a bit off. Hall is going off the board around RB20-25 while Carter is going in the RB30-40 range. Many Fantasy GMs believe Hall should post RB2 numbers while Carter is seen more as a flex play. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [TB - QB Brady To Play in Preseason Finale](=) Source: Jenna Laine - ESPN.com Jenna Laine, from ESPN.com, reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Tom Brady is expected to play in Saturday's preseason finale against the Indianapolis Colts. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Brady had a famous 11-day absence from the Buccaneers this month. He's 100 percent healthy, and we're sure he'll just be shaking off some rust in the preseason finale against the Colts. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [IND - Alec Pierce the fifth target in Colts passing game?]( Source: Indianapolis Star - Nate Atkins Indianapolis Colts WR Alec Pierce will be the starting 'Z' receiver in the offense but is fifth in the pecking order of the passing game, in the opinion of Nate Atkins of The Indianapolis Star. 'Pierce will be the starting 'Z' receiver this season, meaning his job is often to stretch the field vertically opposite [Michael] Pittman Jr. and to take advantage of No. 2 cornerbacks who aren't likely to be in the same tier as [Stephon] Gilmore. As of now, Pierce is behind Pittman, Nyheim Hines, Parris Campbell and Mo Alie-Cox in his volume with the first team.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We like Pierce in dynasty formats, and the rookie receiver certainly has a developmental upside. With his role this season, Fantasy GMs in deeper leagues could take a flier on him but it sounds like Pierce might only have some splash plays here and there. [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 [Crush Your Draft With A Premium Subscription From Footballguys.com]( [Joe Bryant - Guide - Footballguys.com](=) Thank you for subscribing to our Footballguys Daily Update Email! You're subscribed as {EMAIL} To unsubscribe, click [here](. * Sportsguys * 118 N. Peters Rd., Suite 208 * Knoxville[,]( TN 37923 * News Items Powered By: [USA Today Fantasy Sports](=)