Fantasy News

The Patriots hope to be more balanced on offense this year.

Bill Belichick was on SiriusXM NFL Radio and said this year’s running back group will be a little more versatile this season and hopes to have more run/pass balance. The Patriots actually had the sixth-lowest pass percentage in the league, but some of it came early in the season when Tom Brady was unjustly suspended for four games and LeGarrette Blount rushed 22 times per game. Running the ball more would be great for Mike Gillislee and company, but it wouldn’t hurt the passing stats much at all for Tom Brady and the receivers. In the 2007 season, The Patriots only threw the ball about 56% of the time—about the same as last season. They could still put up huge passing numbers even running the ball more this year. The bottom line is the Patriots offense is going to be an elite one, as usual.

Via: SiriusXM NFL Radio 7/31/17 - 03:55 PM ET

Jordan Matthews (knee) is limited to start training camp.

Matthews battled tendinitis and missed pretty much the entire offseason, and he’s apparently still battling the issue. The Eagles added a lot to the receiving group this offseason, so it’s not great for Matthews to be missing all this time. Nelson Agholor had been manning the slot with Matthews out, but he can easily slide to the outside when Matthews returns. The 25-year-old Matthews is entering a contract year and has 800+ years in each of his first three seasons.

7/24/17 - 11:42 AM ET

Trevor Knight goes 5/14 in Hall of Fame Game.

The undrafted quarterback was 5/14 for 68 yards and had three carries for 12 yards. The athletic Knight, who showed he can sling it, does have some tools that the Cardinals can try to mold.

8/4/17 - 08:41 AM ET

Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff would like to sign Devonta Freeman to an extension by Thursday.

The team reports to camp on Wednesday, and they start training camp practices on Thursday, so Dimitroff would like to lock up his running back before that first practice. Both sides have been open about the situation and wanting to get a deal done, so we’ll see if they can hammer it out over the next few days. Either way, Freeman will be a first or second round pick in most fantasy drafts this summer.

Via: Vaughn McClure 7/24/17 - 11:37 AM ET

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy says Ty Montgomery is a “stud.”

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero talked to McCarthy, who said if Montgomery stays healthy for 16 games and the playoffs “we’ll be saying a lot of great things about him in January.” The Packers head coach called his starting running back “the full threat” and notably said “he’s actually really high in ability for pass protection” and just needs more reps to improve there. Pass protection is thought of as the only thing that might prevent Montgomery from being a near-workhorse back for Green Bay, but because he’s bulked up and McCarthy is talking up his ability to pass block, it might be hard to keep him off the field. Montgomery is clearly one of the best mid-round picks in fantasy drafts.

Via: Tom Pelissero 7/31/17 - 03:04 PM ET

Eric D. Williams of ESPN thinks Keenan Allen “should put up monster numbers” this season.

The Chargers’ number one receiver is coming back from the ACL tear he suffered in the opening game last season, and has looked great according to everyone (including quarterback Philip Rivers). Williams writes, “Allen looks healthy and ready to solidify his status as one of the top receivers in the league” in 2017, adding that he looked “quick and explosive” throughout the offseason. Allen entered the league in 2013 and topped 1,000 receiving yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie but has battled injuries since. If he stays healthy, there isn’t much question he’ll be a 1,000-yard receiver and he could be among the league leaders in receptions.

Via: ESPN 7/24/17 - 11:32 AM ET

Blaine Gabbert looks sharp in Hall of Fame Game.

Gabbert started the game hot, driving his team right down the field for a early couple touchdown drives. He had consistent chunk gains and finished 11/14 for 185 yards. The 27-year-old former first-round pick was very accurate and threw the ball with velocity. Head coach Bruce Arians has to be happy with the play of Gabbert, who will look to continue to progress in practice and preseason games and perhaps put himself in a position to compete for a starting job next season if Carson Palmer retires.

8/4/17 - 08:38 AM ET