Fantasy News

T.Y. Hilton: “I’m in the best shape of my life.”

Hilton has been working with Colts Director of Sports Performance Russ Jones on a strict diet that’s helping him get in such great shape, and the speedy receiver says he feels like it’s his “first year” in regards to the type of shape he’s in. Hilton says he has relied on fast food in the past but wanted to try something new. 28 is not close to old, but it’s a great idea for Hilton to focus on his diet as he gets older. This change should help 2016’s league-leader in receiving for both this season and in the years to come. With Andrew Luck returning, Hilton has top-five WR1 upside in fantasy drafts this summer, though there could be some more up and down weeks compared to most WR1 options.

Via: Colts.com 4/17/18 - 09:26 PM ET

The Raiders have acquired wide receiver Martavis Bryant from the Steelers.

Pittsburgh just announced the trade, and they will be acquiring the No. 75 pick in the draft (CORRECTION: The Steelers now say they will be receiving the No. 79 pick, not No. 75) in exchange for the talented receiver. Bryant has seemingly been on the trade block for much of the last year, and Jon Gruden decided to make the move for him. A third-round pick is a pretty good get for the Steelers, especially considering Bryant wasn’t a huge part of the offense in 2017 and caused some issues—along with the fact that another slip up with the league’s drug policy would lead to a very lengthy suspension. Bryant will fill the third receiver role behind Amari Cooper and Jordy Nelson in Oakland, and he’ll be a big-time field stretcher to open things up for the entire offense. This acquisition gives Derek Carr a boost, and Bryant has obvious upside late in fantasy drafts this summer on what could be one of the league’s best offenses.

4/26/18 - 10:12 PM ET

Marvin Lewis says John Ross “was not a miss, he got hurt.”

The ninth overall pick in last year’s draft did not catch a pass as a rookie, as he battled injuries and only appeared in three games. There was some disappointment from Lewis in one game during the season when Ross didn’t finish his deep route on a play Dalton threw it to give the speedy receiver a chance to run under it, so it’s good to hear the Bengals head coach does not have Ross in the dog house. The second-year receiver said last week that his body just didn’t respond last year, but that he knows what he must correct heading into 2018. Ross underwent shoulder surgery in December, but he’ll be 100% well ahead of training camp and will have breakout potential in his second NFL season.

Via: ESPN 3/2/18 - 10:27 AM ET

Bears HC Matt Nagy: Jordan Howard will “absolutely” be team’s lead back this year.

This offseason, some concern arose amid fake news stating that Howard was not going to be a fit in Nagy’s offense. Things escalated when Howard apparently deleted/hid all of his Bears photos on Instagram, with many anticipating a trade. However, today Howard said his agent was told that he would not be traded, and Nagy just made it clear that the team’s workhorse over the last two years will remain the feature back. Nagy did say others will be used in the backfield—including the explosive second-year back Tarik Cohen—but this probably won’t be a legit committee. Howard was one of the league’s most productive runners over the last two seasons, and he should be a big part of Chicago’s offense in 2018. And considering the Bears could be on the rise offensively with some added players, along with Nagy and offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich leading the way, Howard should have a lot of scoring upside this year.

Via: Larry Meyer 4/17/18 - 05:09 PM ET

Colts GM Chris Ballard says Andrew Luck doesn’t need surgery.

Ballard is addressing the media after Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels backed out of taking the head coaching job last night, and he said two doctors he checked with after the season said his quarterback doesn’t need another surgery. ESPN’s Chris Mortensen had reported that there was some concern about Indy’s franchise player needing another surgery, but it sounds like that report jumped the gun a bit, as Luck is taking it slow in rehab and has yet to even pick up a football. If throwing the football doesn’t go well when Luck gets to that step, then there should be more cause for concern; but for now, we expect Luck to be 100% for 2018.

2/7/18 - 11:24 AM ET

Trey Burton throws touchdown in Super Bowl LII win.

Burton was a huge part in one of the biggest plays of the game for the Eagles, as they went for it on fourth down at the goal line late in the first half and Burton threw a one-yard touchdown to quarterback Nick Foles on a trick play. The athletic tight end came through on what was an easy throw, placing it right into Foles’ hands. Burton didn’t have any receptions in the game, but it’ll certainly be one to remember. Burton could be headed elsewhere for a bigger role in 2018, and he could be a TE1 option if he does indeed go to another team where he would have a starting role.

2/5/18 - 12:10 AM ET

The Rams have selected Tennessee running back John Kelly with the 176th pick (sixth round) of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Kelly had a lot of supporters in the pre-draft process, with some thinking he should be a Day 2 pick, but this is a better value for him. The Tennessee product is an all-around back that can do damage as a receiver, but there are concerns about his athleticism and long speed at the next level. Still, there is a chance he wins the backup job behind Todd Gurley this season, which would make him a quality handcuff in Sean McVay’s offense.

4/28/18 - 03:39 PM ET