Fantasy News

Norv Turner says Christian McCaffrey can get a heavy workload this season.

The Panthers offensive coordinator was asked about the second-year back’s expected workload this season, and he said “I read coach Rivera said about 20-25 touches per game, so that’s probably realistic.” Turner is basically just reiterating what the team’s head coach said, while also noting that every game is different. Still, this all but flat-out confirms McCaffrey will be Carolina’s lead ball-carrier this season unless his involvement in the passing game somehow takes a huge jump from his 80 receptions last year. McCaffrey averaged 12.3 touches per game as a rookie.

Via: Panthers.com 8/2/18 - 05:37 PM ET

Pat Shurmur compared Saquon Barkley’s ability as a receiver to Brian Westbrook’s.

“[Saquon]’s got excellent ball skills,” Shurmur said. “In terms of reminding me of backs, we all remember Brian Westbrook and guys like that, they are big time threats when you throw it to them.” Westbrook had 442 career receptions in his nine NFL seasons, topping at least 60 receptions, 600 receiving yards, and four receiving touchdowns each season in a four-year stretch from 2004-2007. After the Giants took Barkley with the second pick in the draft, they’re certainly going to use him a lot, and he could put up those type of receiving numbers as a rookie. Barkley should have a very high floor in 2018.

Via: Giants.com 8/2/18 - 05:18 PM ET

Rob Kelley lost weight from last year.

Kelley was listed at 229 last season, but he says he’s down to 222. He didn’t get much into it at his press conference, but he did say that “of course” he feels faster. Kelley also cut his dreads, but he doesn’t think that helped him with his speed despite them weighing a pound. The “Fat Rob” nickname probably doesn’t fit Kelley anymore, as he’s worked his way into much better shape than when he entered the league. Kelley is competing for backfield touches with Derrius Guice, Samaje Perine, and Chris Thompson.

Via: Redskins.com 8/2/18 - 04:56 PM ET

Marquise Goodwin has had an outstanding training camp, according to Joe Fann of 49ers.com.

Fann tweeted: “I’m amazed by the development of Marquise Goodwin over the past year. His route running & hands are vastly improved. He’s far more than raw athleticism. He looks like a bona fide No. 1 WR, and he’s carrying himself as such.” Goodwin played like a number one receiver at the end of last season, with a pace of over 1,200 yards over the final eight games of the year. The connection with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has seemingly carried over to 2018, and Goodwin might remain his top target despite the return of Pierre Garcon, who didn’t play with Garoppolo because of a season-ending neck injury. Goodwin is looking like the better value of the 49ers receivers.

Via: Joe Fann 8/2/18 - 04:05 PM ET

Derek Carr on veteran wideout Jordy Nelson: “You’d think he’s in his 20s.”

The praise for Nelson has been rolling in all week out of Oakland, and his new quarterback continued with it today. We thought Green Bay made a big mistake by releasing one of their all-time great receivers earlier this year, and it sounds like the Raiders agree so far. Of course, looking good in training camp and playing good once the regular season begins are two different things, but the 33-year-old should shatter his triple-digit ADP if he stays healthy in 2018. Last year, Nelson led the NFL in touchdowns before Aaron Rodgers’ collarbone injury in Week 6.

Via: Michael Gehlken 8/2/18 - 03:49 PM ET

The Patriots are expected to sign wide receiver Eric Decker, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Schefter says it’s a one-year deal for the veteran receiver. This comes a day after the team released wide receiver Jordan Matthews because of a severe hamstring injury, and Decker will join a crowded receiving group that includes Julian Edelman (suspended four games), Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Kenny Britt, and Cordarrelle Patterson. The former Bronco, Jet, and Titan is coming off a 563-yard season with the Titans, but he had a 1,027-yard, 12-touchdown season just a few seasons ago in 2015 with the Jets. Decker is likely to compete for a solid role with New England, but there’s no guarantee he makes the final roster. The Pats receiving corps remains one of the situations to watch the closest this summer.

Via: Adam Schefter 8/2/18 - 12:26 PM ET

The Bengals are releasing wide receiver Brandon LaFell.

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said recently the team’s young receivers, who have gotten rave reviews this summer, were pushing LaFell. According to Mike Garafolo, LaFell’s agent Jonathan Feinsod says they have been “lobbying for his release for some time and appreciate the Bengals granting our request.” With LaFell gone, this opens it up for second-year receiver John Ross to start opposite A.J. Green, though Josh Malone should also have a bigger role, and Tyler Boyd is probably locked into the slot. It’s possible LaFell ends up back in New England with the Patriots, who he won a Super Bowl with a few years ago.

Via: Mike Garafolo 8/2/18 - 09:55 AM ET