Fantasy News

JuJu Smith-Schuster says second-year receiver James Washington will “sneak up on everybody” this year.

Appearing on The Adam Schefter Podcast, Smith-Schuster said his teammate has been “amazing” in summer workouts, and  made it clear that he’s excited to see what the Oklahoma State product does this year. Washington was drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft after being college football’s most prolific downfield threat in 2016 and 2017, and he showed some flashes when he gained Ben Roethlisberger’s trust down the stretch last season. Washington is currently competition with veteran Donte Moncrief to be Pittsburgh’s No. 2 receiver, but we think the youngster should have an edge and could position himself for fantasy success with a strong camp.

Via: Field Yates 7/8/19 - 03:28 PM ET

Matthew Tabeek of AtlantaFalcons.com says Devonta Freeman is the key to the Falcons’ success in 2019.

After an injury-plagued season in which he played in just two games, Freeman was said to be looking good during offseason training. Tabeek writes that “without a doubt, a healthy Freeman will be a difference-maker for this offense in 2019.” The big takeaway is that with Tevin Coleman (signed with the Niners during free agency) gone, Freeman could be set for a heavy workload for what should be one of the league’s best offenses again this season—and an offense that wants to establish the run to make things easier on the passing attack. Freeman is still just 27 years old and was given a long-term contract just a couple of years ago, so Atlanta is going to want to get their money’s worth from him. Health is of course the concern for Freeman (likely the lone concern given the dynamic offense he plays in), but he could easily get back to being a strong fantasy RB1 option if he can stay on the field in 2019.

Via: AtlantaFalcons.com 7/8/19 - 08:38 AM ET

Devin Singletary received first-team reps during offseason training.

Nate Mendelson of BuffaloBills.com writes that veterans LeSean McCoy and Frank Gore split work with the third-round rookie running back, adding to “[e]xpect the competition for snaps to heat up during training camp.” It sounds like Buffalo will have a flat-out running back competition this summer, and the rookie Singletary might have a chance to win the starting role immediately after already getting starter reps during the spring. Singletary was selected with the No. 74 pick in the draft, so the Bills were obviously high on him coming out of FAU. The running back situation of the Bills will be one of the most interesting positions to watch throughout training camp.

Via: BuffaloBills.com 7/7/19 - 07:53 PM ET

Jim Wyatt of the Titans’ official website believes expectations should be tempered for A.J. Brown in 2019.

A reader wrote in that he believes Brown can be a 1,000-yard receiver, and Wyatt wrote in response, “while I like Brown a lot myself, I must admit I’m tempering my expectations for him right out of the gate. He’s a rookie, and there will be some growing pains.” Wyatt went on to state that the growth of the young receivers with time in the system along with the return of tight Delanie Walker from injury and the free-agent signing of Adam Humphries should get Titans fans excited. Basically, just keep in mind that Brown is going to have to earn his playing time on an offense that does have several weapons. However, if Brown is simply too good to leave off the field, he could certainly have a huge Year 1 role for Tennessee. For what it’s worth, we thought Brown (drafted 51st overall) should have been selected early in the first round of this year’s draft, and he has a pro-ready game that should transition nicely to the NFL.

Via: TitansOnline.com 7/6/19 - 01:01 PM ET

Ezekiel Elliott will not be suspended for his Las Vegas incident, according to Ed Werder.

This isn’t a surprise considering the frustration the Cowboys and Elliott showed back in 2017 when he was suspended six games for something they assert he did not do; but Werder says the league office also told the team that Elliott did not violate the league’s personal conduct policy; basically, there’s no fine or any discipline for Zeke. Elliott did come out with a statement yesterday saying he learned from the Vegas incident, and hopefully meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell yesterday opened his eyes about needing to stay out of trouble. Fantasy owners can keep Elliott locked in as a surefire top-five selection in drafts this summer.

Via: Ed Werder 7/3/19 - 02:15 PM ET

Davante Adams thinks Geronimo Allison can be “dangerous” in the Packers’ new offense.

Of Allison, Adams said: “He’s the guy who’s been working a lot in the slot (this offseason), and he’s used to playing a little more outside, but this is making him a little more dynamic. I think [head coach Matt LaFleur] has really tested him or challenged him to widen it out so he can play multiple spots. … Him being able to move around right now and be healthy, be himself and just play, being able to have all those things, it’s going to be dangerous.” Adams also talked up teammate Marquez Valdes-Scantling recently, so this could just be the veteran receiver instilling confidence in his teammates ahead of the season. However, keep in mind that Allison has been working a lot in the slot in the offseason, and he could become a more consistent target of Aaron Rodgers if he spends a lot of time inside during the season. Also note that LaFleur says he wants his receivers to be able to play all positions, so Allison isn’t going to be exclusively in the slot. Valdes-Scantling and Allison appear to be the heavy favorites to be the No. 2 and No. 3 receivers for Green Bay in 2019.

Via: Packers.com 7/2/19 - 04:07 PM ET

Patrick Mahomes has gained muscle this offseason.

Mahomes told Yahoo Sports that his goal in offseason training was to get in the best shape possible, stating that “the big thing for me this offseason going in was, I wanted to gain muscle but at the same time, cut weight.” It appears to have gone as planned, as Mahomes says he weighs the same as he’s always been, but recent Instagram posts show that he’s become more muscular. The reigning NFL MVP is trying to cut out junk foods and spends about two hours per day training, and he has a goal of being under ten precent body fat by the end of training camp. Mahomes’ commitment is not surprising, but it’s just something to keep in mind ahead of fantasy drafts later this summer. Statistically, over 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns will be tough to replicate; but don’t expect Mahomes’ play to fall off in 2019.

Via: Yahoo Sports 7/2/19 - 01:11 PM ET