Footballguys #115 - 8/15 - Late Round RBs, QB Tiers, Mobile Apps, News & Notes & MORE

To unsubscribe {EMAIL} from these mailings, click [here](. --- [Footballguys.com]( Volume 19, #115 -- Tuesday Night, August 15th, 2017 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email --------------------------------------------------------------- [Get Footballguys Insider PRO Plus for FREE](=) = 2017 marks our 18th year here at Footballguys. You don't make it 18 years in this business (or any business for that matter) without putting in the time and dedication necessary to help make your customers successful. Nobody produces the amount of content we do, because nobody cares more about YOUR league than we do. From Custom Cheatsheets to Advanced Stats and everything in between, we give you all the tools you could possibly want or need to dominate your league. And you can have everything on Footballguys for FREE with a $10 deposit on FanDuel. [Claim Your Free Subscription Now *](=) * Note: Only new FanDuel users are eligible for the offer - users may only establish one account on FanDuel. If you already have a Footballguys Insider PRO Plus subscription for this year, you will receive an extra year added on. --------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Folks, Good Wednesday to you. It's another big day of Content and of course we've got the News and Notes you need. Let's go. J SITE NEWS A. [Mobile Apps - The Draft Dominator]( You've heard us talking about the Draft Dominator App. It's the key to your Perfect Draft and we've got all the info you need right here. Even me with a short video and Simon with a much better longer tutorial video. B. [Mobile Apps - The Lineup Dominator]( A brand new for us this year is the Lineup Dominator. Customized and detailed, if you're looking for the app to help you set the optimal lineup, this is your ticket. C. [Mobile Apps - The Waiver & Trade Dominator]( Our newest app is the Waiver & Trade Dominator. You're in control with a season long view for your team. Don't just live "paycheck to paycheck" managing your team week to week. The Waiver & Trade Dominator gives you the power and tools to see the "long view" and win. D. [Footballguys Players Championship]() The 2017 season brings a mid-stakes $250,000 Grand Prize, $2,000 in league prizes, and championship round payouts all the way down to 700th place. The overall prize pool exceeds $2.0 million. Wednesday's draft times (all times Eastern): 5pm, 7pm, 9pm, 11pm E. [FREE FEATURE - 5 Late-Round Running Backs You Should Be Targeting]( Our Justin Bonnema analyzes five running backs who offer lots of upside for little draft capital. F. [Quarterback Tiers]( We love the detailed stat projections. But another super useful way to view players is seeing how they group by tiers. Our Sigmund Bloom takes a look at the 2017 quarterback rankings and how they sort into tiers. G. [Tight End Tiers]( We love the detailed stat projections. But another super useful way to view players is seeing how they group by tiers. Our Sigmund Bloom takes a look at the 2017 tight end rankings and how they sort into tiers. H. [Predictability, Randomness, and the Space Between]() Our Ryan Hester looks into identifying fantasy-friendly situations and examining "alternative" value plays. I. [Quarterback by Committee]( Our Jeff Pasquino with how to find a starting Quarterback by Committee for 2017. J. [Defending Reality: Team Defense Scoring]() Our Jeff Pasquino takes a deeper look at fantasy scoring for team defenses. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [DAL - RB Ezekiel Elliott appeals suspension](#1) 2. [NYJ - WR Lucky Whitehead has broken foot](#2) 3. [PHI - RB Ryan Mathews released](#3) 4. [MIA - RB Jay Ajayi cleared](#4) 5. [SEA - WR Paul Richardson ready by Week 1](#5) 6. [DAL - Dallas could use committee to replace Ezekiel Elliott?](#6) 7. [TB - TE O.J. Howard to focus mostly on blocking?](#7) 8. [DEN - RB Jamaal Charles won't play Saturday](#8) 9. [MIA - QB Jay Cutler to debut](#9) 10. [MIA - RB Kenyan Drake in concussion protocol](#10) 11. [GB - RB Ty Montgomery misses practice](#11) 12. [MIA - Miami hosting OLB Rey Maualuga](#12) 13. [NYJ - RB Bilal Powell participates in practice](#13) 14. [CAR - OLB Thomas Davis signs extension](#14) 15. [OAK - WR Amari Cooper returns to practice](#15) 16. [ARI - WR John Brown will have full practice](#16) 17. [SEA - WR Doug {NAME} practicing again](#17) 18. [WAS - QB Kirk Cousins wants to stay in Washington](#18) 19. [BAL - WR Breshad Perriman needs more time](#19) 20. [PHI - RB Darren Sproles to be used more in space](#20) 21. [CAR - WR Curtis Samuel nearing return to full practice](#21) 22. [PHI - TE Trey Burton's usage to increase](#22) 23. [PHI - QB Nick Foles won't play Thursday](#23) 24. [TEN - RB DeMarco Murray practices Monday](#24) 25. [LAR - WR Sammy Watkins expected to play Saturday](#25) 26. [JAX - WR Allen Hurns back on the field](#26) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [DAL - RB Ezekiel Elliott appeals suspension](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Dallas Cowboys RB [Ezekiel Elliott](=) has officially appealed his six-game suspension, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This was the next step in the process. Once Elliott was suspended six games by the NFL we all knew this was going to happen. A hearing must be scheduled within 10 days of the appeal. Some people think Elliott could get a reduced sentence but not an eliminated sentence. Stay tuned. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [NYJ - WR Lucky Whitehead has broken foot](=) Source: NewYorkJets.com New York Jets WR [Lucky Whitehead](=) (foot) will be out for an extended period of time with a broken foot, according to head coach Todd Bowles. It is unclear at this point if Whitehead will need surgery. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] He should just start going with Rodney (his first name) instead of Lucky...he's been anything but over the last month. The Cowboys cut him in a case of mistaken identity, the Jets picked him up and now he's broken his foot. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [PHI - RB Ryan Mathews released]( Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Updating an earlier report, Philadelphia Eagles RB [Ryan Mathews](=) was released Tuesday, Aug. 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Mathews only needed to be cleared medically before the team released him. With injury problems and reports about a lack of confidence, we can't imagine Mathews getting a ton of interest on the open market. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [MIA - RB Jay Ajayi cleared]( Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Miami Dolphins RB [Jay Ajayi](=) (concussion) has been cleared from the concussion protocol Tuesday, Aug. 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The team will take it easy on Ajayi so he doesn't get concussed again. We should see his use in the preseason dwindle as the team prepares for the start of the regular season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [SEA - WR Paul Richardson ready by Week 1](=) Source: The Seattle Times - Bob Condotta Seattle Seahawks WR [Paul Richardson](=) (shoulder) will be good to go for Week 1 of the regular season, according to head coach Pete Carroll. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Richardson suffered a shoulder injury in Week 1 of the preseason. There's no denying his talent...or his long injury history. Richardson is competing as a reserve receiver and doesn't have much redraft fantasy value. We like him in dynasty leagues but these injuries keep his long-term outlook low. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [DAL - Dallas could use committee to replace Ezekiel Elliott?]() Source: ESPNDallas.com - Todd Archer Dallas Cowboys RB [Alfred Morris](=) may serve in a committee along with [Darren McFadden](=) during [Ezekiel Elliott](=)'s six-game suspension, according to ESPN.com's Todd Archer. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That makes sense, and it doesn't leave a ton for fantasy owners to get excited about. Behind Elliott, guys like Darren McFadden, Alfred Morris and Ronnie Hillman are competing to establish the pecking order. A two- or three-headed RBBC does not have value for fantasy owners in most every league. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [TB - TE O.J. Howard to focus mostly on blocking?](=) Source: ESPN.com - Jenna Laine Tampa Bay Buccaneers TE O.J. Howard will most likely make his mark as a blocker - and not a receiver - early in the season, according to ESPN.com's Jenna Laine. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This report should put a damper on fantasy owners and their excitement about the rookie from Alabama. He's talented..no doubt..and a big/strong/fast presence that QB Jameis Winston could eventually rely on. However, he didn't do much in his college career unless he was playing Clemson...then he exploded for HUGE games. Howard has natural talent but is going to be splitting time at the position with Cameron Brate...a breakout player for the Bucs last year. We love Howard in dynasty, but are taking a 'wait and see' approach with the rookie in redraft leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [DEN - RB Jamaal Charles won't play Saturday]() Source: The Denver Post - Nicki Jhabvala Denver Broncos RB [Jamaal Charles](=) (knee) will not play Saturday, Aug. 19, against the San Francisco 49ers, according to head coach Vance Joseph. He will play in Week 3 of the preseason, however. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Charles is fully cleared to participate in Broncos camp but he rarely does much of anything in practice. Joseph says the decision to hold him back is on himself and that Charles wanted to play in the first preseason game against the Bears. If Charles can be a shadow of his former self, he could make the team as a reserve runner. If his knees are shot, then Charles might not make the 53-man roster. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [MIA - QB Jay Cutler to debut]( Source: ESPN.com - James Walker Updating previous reports, Miami Dolphins QB [Jay Cutler](=) will make his preseason debut Thursday, Aug. 17. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Get those smokin Jay Cutler memes ready to go. Cutler knows the system and he shouldn't need that many reps in the second preseason game. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [MIA - RB Kenyan Drake in concussion protocol](=) Source: The Miami Herald - Adam H. Beasley Updating previous reports, Miami Dolphins RB [Kenyan Drake](=) (concussion) is in the concussion protocol. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That's the second Dolphins runner to be in the concussion protocol during training camp. Starter Jay Ajayi was just cleared from the protocol after getting banged up earlier in the month. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [GB - RB Ty Montgomery misses practice]( Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky Green Bay Packers RB [Ty Montgomery](=) (leg) missed practice Tuesday, Aug. 15, due to a soft tissue injury on his lower leg. Montgomery added that the ailment is nothing to worry about. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Sounds like some sort of bruise. If Montgomery isn't worried about it, then we aren't either. Montgomery is the top back for the Packers, but rookie Jamaal Williams should push for playing time in 2017. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [MIA - Miami hosting OLB Rey Maualuga]( Source: Palm Beach Post - Joe Schad Free-agent LB Rey Maualuga (Bengals) is working out for the Miami Dolphins Tuesday, Aug. 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Dolphins need help at the position after losing second-round pick Raekwon McMillan to a torn ACL. Maualuga is not the player he used to be, but if added by the Dolphins he'd likely start inside as a run-stuffing linebacker. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [NYJ - RB Bilal Powell participates in practice]() Source: New York Daily News - Manish Mehta New York Jets RB [Bilal Powell](=) (neck) participated in 7-on-7 drills Tuesday, Aug. 15, after being absent from practice for about a week and a half. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Powell is back in action after missing some time, and so long as there are no setbacks he should be ready for Week 1. In fact, Powell could get some time as the Jets lead back during the preseason...perhaps in the third week. From a fantasy perspective, Powell is a low-end RB2 for fantasy purposes as he'll split time with Matt Forte. Right now, Powell is going off the board at RB25 (5.12) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [CAR - OLB Thomas Davis signs extension]( Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Carolina Panthers LB Thomas Davis signed a one-year, $6.75 million contract extension Tuesday, Aug. 15, according to a source. The deal includes $2 million guaranteed in 2017. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] A first-round pick out of Georgia in 2005, this deal likely insures that Davis will retire as a Panther. Many have speculated that former GM Dave Gettleman was fired due to his hesitancy to sign Davis to a new deal. Having played over 1,000 snaps each of the last two years, we could see Davis do that again in 2017. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [OAK - WR Amari Cooper returns to practice]() Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal - Michael Gehlken Oakland Raiders WR [Amari Cooper](=) (leg) was back on the practice field Tuesday, Aug. 15. He had missed six straight practices and seven of the Raiders' last eight practices. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Keep an eye on Cooper as the season draws closer. He's a top-10 fantasy WR if healthy, and Cooper could push for double-digit touchdowns (and over 1,200 yards receiving) in 2017. His current ADP is WR8 (2.06) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [ARI - WR John Brown will have full practice](=) Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban Arizona Cardinals WR [John Brown](=) (quadriceps) will be full go in practice Tuesday, Aug. 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] "Smoke" just needs to stay healthy and he can have plenty of fantasy value. His speed helps him take the top off the defense, and Brown is plenty dangerous after the catch. If healthy, he could outperform his current ADP of WR43 (9.05) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [SEA - WR Doug {NAME} practicing again](=) Source: The Seattle Times - Bob Condotta Seattle Seahawks WR [Doug {NAME}](=) (leg) returned to practice Tuesday, Aug. 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Seahawks are getting a bit healthier at the wide receiver position (Paul Richardson practiced too). {NAME} is underappreciated by some fantasy owners, but he shouldn't be. Grab him at the end of the second round in your draft and watch him push for WR1 numbers once again in 2017. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [WAS - QB Kirk Cousins wants to stay in Washington](=) Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Michael David Smith Washington Redskins QB [Kirk Cousins](=) does not want to sign with another team when he becomes a free agent next offseason. Cousins loves playing for the Redskins and hopes to remain there for the entirety of his career. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Does he REALLY believe that? Or would he love to reunite with Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco? Washington has not shown they are committed long term to Cousins as they keep slapping him with the franchise tag. They can actually do it again for a third season next year, but the price would be over $30 million. Cousins should get plenty of long-term offers if he hits the open market in 2018. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [BAL - WR Breshad Perriman needs more time]( Source: The Baltimore Sun - Jeff Zrebiec Baltimore Ravens WR [Breshad Perriman](=) (hamstring) is dealing with a Grade-2 hamstring strain and will likely be sidelined for at least two more weeks. He has already missed two weeks due to the injury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Perriman's pro career has been set back by injuries. He's a speedy receiver who can fly down the field and track the ball well...at least he was in college at UCF. The 2015 first-round pick has talent but these injuries keep piling up. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [PHI - RB Darren Sproles to be used more in space]( Source: Philadelphia Daily News - Paul Domowitch Philadelphia Eagles RB [Darren Sproles](=) will probably be used less as a runner this season and more as a receiver in 2017 after the team added [LeGarrette Blount](=) in the offseason, according to the Philadelphia Daily News' Paul Domowitch. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Blount is clearly the battering ram for the offense, but he's not useful in passing situations. Sproles is that guy to turn to when it's 3rd down, but he's going to be splitting time with dynamic rookie DJ Pumphrey. From a fantasy perspective, that split of third-down work negatively impacts the value of both. Sproles is still getting drafted at RB51 (12.04) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [CAR - WR Curtis Samuel nearing return to full practice](=) Source: Panthers.com - Bill Voth Carolina Panthers WR Curtis Samuel (hamstring) was able to participate in individual drills Tuesday, Aug. 15. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Samuel needs to get back out there when he's close to full strength. Not only does he need to establish chemistry with his quarterback, the rookie from Ohio State needs to work on becoming a more savvy route runner. Samuel is dangerous and can break ankles in the open field, but he's not setting up defenders with great routes. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [PHI - TE Trey Burton's usage to increase](=) Source: USA TODAY Sports - Turron Davenport Philadelphia Eagles TE [Trey Burton](=) is expected to see more targets out of the slot after the team traded WR [Jordan Matthews](=). Burton and Wentz are close friends, and the two have a rapport on the field. Burton received 36 targets in the last six games last year, and he caught 23 of them. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Burton was a player to emerge at the end of last year. The addition of weapons like WRs Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith mean the targets won't be thick. Add in a reportedly surging Nelson Agholor (and oh yeah, Zach Ertz) and you can see how Burton's path to fantasy relevance is murky...even with more targets out of the slot. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 23. [PHI - QB Nick Foles won't play Thursday]( Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Zach Berman Philadelphia Eagles QB [Nick Foles](=) (elbow) will not suit up for the team's next preseason game Thursday, August 17, against the Buffalo Bills. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's the second preseason game, so starting QB Carson Wentz should be in for a quarter or so. Matt McGloin should get more work with Foles out of action. Foles hopes to play the week after opposite the Miami Dolphins. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 24. [TEN - RB DeMarco Murray practices Monday](=) Source: TitansOnline.com - Jim Wyatt Tennessee Titans RB [DeMarco Murray](=) (hamstring) participated in practice Monday, Aug. 14, and did more than expected. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Murray's fine and fantasy owners should be thrilled about adding him as a RB1 in drafts. Look for him to go off the board near the turn between rounds one and two. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 25. [LAR - WR Sammy Watkins expected to play Saturday]( Source: ESPN.com - Alden Gonzalez Los Angeles Rams WR [Sammy Watkins](=) is expected to play in the preseason game against the Oakland Raiders Saturday, Aug. 14, according to head coach Sean McVay. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Watkins is getting a fresh start with his new team. So long as he is healthy, Watkins can be a primary weapon for second-year QB Jared Goff. He's WR23 (4.11) in 12-team PPR leagues right now. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 26. [JAX - WR Allen Hurns back on the field](=) Source: The Florida Times-Union - Ryan O'Halloran Jacksonville Jaguars WR [Allen Hurns](=) (undisclosed) participated in practice Monday, Aug. 14, and appeared to be a full participant. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] He missed the preseason opener against the Pats and the team is likely to ramp up his participation this week. Their second game of the preseason is on Thursday and the status of Hurns is unclear. [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 are currently subscribed as {EMAIL} To unsubscribe, click [here](. * Footballguys.com * PO Box 937 * Cabot, AR 72023-0937 * News Items Powered By: =