Fantasy News

The Lions want to be around 100 rushing yards per game this season.

According to Jeffri Chadiha of NFL.com, Caldwell said “Every time Ameer (Abdullah) was on the field for us, we were around 100 yards.” Caldwell also added that the additions of guard T.J. Lang and tackle Ricky Wagner should help their running game “become steadier.” He did say they aren’t going to run the ball 40 times and take the ball out of Matthew Stafford’s hands, so it sounds like the team will remain a pass-heavy one. 100 yards per game would have been 25th in the NFL last season (Detroit was at 81.9 yards per game last season, 30th in the NFL).

Via: NFL.com 8/3/17 - 11:41 AM ET

DeMarco Murray is practicing for the Titans tonight.

Murray was dealing with a hamstring issue and missed a few days, but he’s good to go now. We’ll see if he plays in the team’s first preseason game. Murray is currently going in the late 1st or early 2nd round of fantasy drafts.

Via: Jim Wyatt 8/7/17 - 08:03 PM ET

The Packers will use more two-tight end sets this season.

Head coach Mike McCarthy told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero there will be a “definite increase” in the use of two tight ends on offense, which will help create more potential gaps in the running game while keeping the flexibility of having one of the tight ends flex out wide. Free agent additions Martellus Bennett and Lance Kendricks—who could also provide some fantasy value with Aaron Rodgers throwing to him—should provide an upgrade in run blocking at the tight end position, which should be good news for the entire offense. McCarthy also recently talked of the importance of running the football. It looks like the Packers will attempt to be a balanced offense this season, something that should help the defense and help take pressure off Aaron Rodgers.

Via: NFL.com 8/3/17 - 11:35 AM ET

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says he’s been told Carlos Hyde has been a “beast” for the 49ers.

Rapoport says a few months ago when head coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch were hired, it appeared Carlos Hyde would be on his way out; but Hyde has been performing all throughout the spring and training camp. Rapoport says people with the 49ers say Hyde has been a “beast” and will be the “bellcow” for their offense, while noting Hyde is in the best shape of his life. Hyde himself already said he’s in the best shape he’s ever been and is lighter than he’s been since he was in high school. Rookie Joe Williams was hand-picked by Kyle Shanahan in the draft, but Hyde might be too good to even be threatened for work by the rookie. Hyde, who’s been productive when on the field, is entering a contract year, is motivated, and is in the best shape he’s ever been in—don’t be surprised if he has a monster season.

Via: Ian Rapoport 8/7/17 - 06:49 PM ET

Sean Payton says this is the “best camp Mark Ingram’s ever had.”

The Saints head coach told this to NFL Network’s Heath Evans, who played for Payton with the Saints. It sounds like Ingram, while being a good teammate and welcoming Adrian Peterson with open arms, is determined by the signing of the future Hall of Fame running back. Ingram said yesterday that he wants to be the best running back in the NFL, so it’s probably safe to say he put in the work if he’s saying things like that. Ingram is still only 27 and in the prime of his career.

8/3/17 - 11:06 AM ET

Rams WR Mike Thomas passed his physical and has been taken off the PUP.

Last year’s sixth-round receiver still has to serve a four-game suspension to start the regular season, but he’s expected to make the team. Thomas isn’t worth a pick in fantasy drafts, considering he will be out the first four games of the year.

8/7/17 - 06:19 PM ET

LeGarrette Blount misses third straight practice.

He’s out because of personal reasons, but it’s not clear exactly what happened. Hopefully everything is OK with Blount, as he’s been away for a few days now.

8/3/17 - 11:00 AM ET