Fantasy News

Mike Triplett of ESPN projects Adrian Peterson to gain 800-1,050 total yards this season.

Triplett has been to a lot of the Saints practices as he covers the Saints for ESPN, so his projections in terms of how the backfield touches will be split should be more accurate than most. Triplett projects Mark Ingram to be the lead back and gain around 1,050-1,300 yards for the Saints this season. Peterson is also projected for 20-30 receptions and 6-8 total touchdowns by Triplett. Of course, Peterson could end up being too good to keep off the field and take more work than anticipated. He’s currently going outside the top 25 running backs in fantasy drafts, about 20 draft slots behind Ingram.

Via: ESPN 8/22/17 - 09:50 AM ET

ESPN’s Mike Triplett projects Mark Ingram to lead the Saints backfield in 2017.

With future Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson in the mix, there’s some question as to how the backfield touches will pan out. Triplett believes Ingram will gain 1,050-1,300 total yards with 40-50 receptions and 6-8 total touchdowns this season. According to various reports, Ingram has had his best offseason and training camp this year—likely motivated by the addition of AD. Triplett has been to many of the Saints practices, so he might have a good idea of where the backfield stands heading into the season. Ingram is currently going in the 4th/5th round of fantasy drafts.

Via: ESPN 8/22/17 - 09:45 AM ET

Corey Coleman catches both targets in exhibition against the Giants.

Coleman had two receptions for 29 yards in the Week 2 preseason game. One catch was a nice leaping grab on a high pass from Brock Osweiler where Coleman was able to get both feet in bounds before he came down. It’s great to see Coleman healthy and on the field, and he has some breakout potential in his second NFL season. He’s a fine pick late in fantasy drafts.

8/22/17 - 09:14 AM ET

Matt Dayes impresses in Week 2 of the preseason.

Dayes carried five times for 15 yards and caught five-of-six targets for 29 yards. While his numbers weren’t overly impressive, Dayes ran hard and flashed his ability. The seventh-round rookie looks like he’ll definitely make the team as the third running back behind Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson. It’s worth noting Crowell is entering a contract year, so keep an eye on Dayes in dynasty leagues.

8/22/17 - 09:11 AM ET

Duke Johnson Jr. works as top back in Week 2 of the preseason.

Starter Isaiah Crowell was out with a groin injury, and Johnson started the game and got almost all of the first-team work. Johnson carries nine times for 28 yards and also had one reception for three yards. He had been working as the lead slot receiver for Cleveland, so we’ll have to see how Johnson is used when Crowell is hopefully back for the third preseason game. Either way, Johnson will be a better option in PPR leagues than standard leagues.

8/22/17 - 09:09 AM ET

Cody Kessler enters second preseason game late.

The second-year quarterback entered after Brock Osweiler and DeShone Kizer, and it doesn’t appear the Browns are interested in starting him. Kessler was 7/7 for 50 yards, throwing the ball accurately and moving the offense while posting a higher yards per attempt than both Osweiler and Kizer. However, Kessler was pulled mid-series for whatever reason. Hue Jackson is set to name a starter before the Browns’ third preseason game, and it appears it’ll be either Osweiler or Kizer.

8/22/17 - 09:05 AM ET

DeShone Kizer runs for touchdown in second preseason game.

The second-round rookie from Notre Dame entered the game after Brock Osweiler and went 8/13 for 74 yards, while also carrying five times for 35 yards with a quarterback sneak for a touchdown. He wasn’t very impressive throwing the ball but neither was Osweiler, who also struggled with ball placement. It kind of seems like Hue Jackson, who will name a starter by Wednesday, has wanted Kizer to win the starting job; so don’t be surprised if the rookie starts for the Browns to open the season.

8/22/17 - 08:58 AM ET