Fantasy News

New Seahawks offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer says the running game is a priority.

Schottenheimer was hired by Pete Carroll to help get the running game back to where it was in year’s past, and he talked about having the “physical mindset” of controlling the line of scrimmage. When asked about the characteristics of his offense, he said “obviously the running game. Being physical. Play action pass.” It sounds like the Seahawks seem intent on establishing the run this season, something they’ve gotten away from a bit the last couple of seasons. Look for Seattle to get back to the top-ten in rushing attempts in 2018 after they were 15th and 21st the last two seasons. The Seahawks drafted running back Rashaad Penny late in the first round and plan to throw a lot at him as a rookie, so he could be given a heavy workload immediately—though second-year running back Chris Carson and receiving backs J.D. McKissic and C.J. Prosise are also in the mix.

Via: SeattleSeahawks.com 6/1/18 - 08:09 AM ET

Bears head coach Matt Nagy says Jordan Howard’s role could be “game-specific.”

Obviously, fantasy owners of Howard would like to hear that he’s going to get 20-25+ carries every single game, but this isn’t the worst news in the world. Nagy talked about how sharp Howard is as a player and said he can’t wait to see him in training camp when the pads get on; but a reporter asked whether Howard will be a “bell-cow” type of runner in his offense, and Nagy responded by saying that the third-year running back has certainly shown he can do that but thinks it’s “more game specific whether or not you need that.” People might blow this out of proportion, but Howard had 19 or less carries 11 times during his rookie season (when he was second in the league in rushing with 1,313 yards) and ten times during last season (when he had 1,122 yards). And overall, with Nagy and offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich now running the offense, Howard and the Bears should have more scoring chances this season. Howard is still a good bet for a very solid workload over the course of the season, and he should still be an early-round selection in all fantasy drafts this summer.

5/31/18 - 05:03 PM ET

New Dolphins receivers coach Ben Johnson says DeVante Parker is a “different guy” this year.

Last season, the hype train full Parker was almost unlike anything we’ve heard, with coaches saying he was going to be invited to the “Monster Bowl” and that he was going to have a “gigantic year” for them. A high-ankle sprain derailed Parker’s season a bit, and the coaches are taking a different approach this year, as Johnson says they are taking a “one-day-at-a-time mentality.” However, Johnson went on to say how Parker has spent about as much time as anyone in the building, which is why he believes the former first-round receiver is a different guy this offseason. Despite the relatively disappointing season in 2017 (thanks in large part to injury), Parker has obvious WR1 upside entering his fourth NFL season.

Via: Miami Herald 5/31/18 - 04:42 PM ET

Logan Thomas is having a knee procedure and will miss the rest of this spring.

It sounds like it’s a minor surgery for Thomas, who should be ready to go for training camp. The former Virginia Tech quarterback is trying to again make the Bills roster as one of their tight ends, so hopefully this won’t affect his chances too much. Thomas is only a fantasy option in dynasty leagues at the moment.

5/31/18 - 11:04 AM ET

Jaguars offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett wants to get Corey Grant the ball more this season.

Jacksonville does have workhorse running back Leonard Fournette, so this could just get some excitement in the spring; but as Hackett says, Grant has seemingly made big plays whenever he’s given the ball. Hackett says Grant is “just a guy we’ve got to get out there” and went on to talk about his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. The Jaguars OC also talked about T.J. Yeldon’s ability, so he’s not to be forgotten in the mix. The bottom line is the Jags have three running backs they feel very comfortable about, and Grant could have a bigger role this season. There’s a chance Grant delivers value in standard leagues, but he’s still more of a deep-league option at the moment.

Via: First Coast News 5/31/18 - 10:08 AM ET

Jordan Reed (toe) is expected to be 100% for training camp.

Redskins head coach Jay Gruden says Reed’s rehab schedule is “on track” and that he thinks he’ll be ready for training camp. Gruden also said Reed’s “upper body strength is great,” indicating that the Pro Bowl tight end has still been working out hard despite not being able to work his lower body like he would if he was 100%. We’ll see what happens, but it would be great if Reed was ready to go when training camp rolls around. Remember, he has a new quarterback (Alex Smith) he must get chemistry with.

Via: Redskins.com 5/30/18 - 09:17 PM ET

Tevin Coleman is expected to be more involved on offense in 2018.

Coleman says the Falcons are “just going to use me more…lining up out wide and stuff. It’s going to be pretty fun.” Meanwhile, head coach Dan Quinn says the team wants to “make sure we are really featuring [Coleman] and [Devonta Freeman] in as many ways as we can.” Last season, the first under offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, Coleman had 156 carries (a career-high) for 628 rushing yards along with 27 receptions for 299 receiving yards. Entering his fourth NFL season and in a contract year, Coleman is a good bet to exceed all those marks this year. He’s an ideal dynasty-league target as a potential full-time starter in 2019, but focusing on 2018, Coleman is one of this year’s best mid-round fantasy selections.

Via: AtlantaFalcons.com 5/30/18 - 07:02 PM ET