Fantasy News

Redskins head coach Jay Gruden says Rob Kelley is “more confident” this year.

Gruden says that last year Kelley was probably “overwhelmed” and trying hard to take advantage of his reps, but says he did take advantage of them to work his way to being the starter last season. The Redskins head coach says Kelley is “bigger” and “faster” and more confident this year. Confidence goes a long way in a player’s performance, so this is good for hear as the second-year back is trying to fend off rookie Samaje Perine for his starting job. Kelley will give way to Perine, Chris Thompson, and others for some carries, but he probably has an opportunity to seize 20 per game if he keeps performing well.

8/3/17 - 03:59 PM ET

Colts.com’s Kevin Bowen believes Donte Moncrief’s “should definitely see his numbers rise” this season.

Bowen was asked about T.Y. Hilton potentially seeing a drop in production with Moncrief healthy. He believes a healthy Moncrief should have some favorable matchups with Hilton drawing double coverage after he led the league in receiving last season. Moncrief played in nine games last season and had 30 receptions for 307 yards, so his numbers certainly should rise if he’s healthy, but he did have seven touchdowns in 2016. Perhaps Moncrief will be able to stay away from Patrick Peterson, Joe Haden, and Richard Sherman when the Colts play Arizona, Cleveland, and Seattle in Weeks 2-4, which could lead to him being a go-to guy for Luck to open the season. The soon-to-be-24-year-old is entering a contract year in his fourth NFL season.

Via: Colts.com 7/22/17 - 10:42 AM ET

Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com believes Ameer Abdullah will get 200+ carries this season.

200 has been the number we’ve been hearing all throughout the offseason and now for Abdullah. The third-year back has been getting most of the first-team work through training camp, including some in passing game. Theo Riddick is expected to be the primary passing down back, but Abdullah is pretty much locked into an early-down role, but goal line work could determine his upside in 2017. Abdullah is currently going in the middle rounds of fantasy drafts.

Via: DetroitLions.com 7/30/17 - 08:45 PM ET

D’Onta Foreman passed his voluntary drug test.

After the incident over the weekend with one of Foreman’s friends in possession of marijuana, Foreman volunteered to take a urinalysis to show he did not smoke any. He passed the test and this entire situation should be put behind him now. The rookie back will look to be the primary backup behind starter Lamar Miller this season.

Via: Adam Wexler 7/21/17 - 05:42 PM ET

Matt Forte is sitting out of Jets practice with a hamstring injury.

It’s the second straight missed practice for Forte, and he’s day-to-day. The team is not going to rush back their veteran running back, but Bilal Powell will take almost all of the first-team reps in Forte’s absence.

8/3/17 - 02:59 PM ET

Dez Bryant showed up late to Cowboys training camp today, according to Ian Rapoport.

Rapoport says Bryant was buying BBQ for his fans last night in Lufkin, but was three hours late reporting to the team this morning and missed his conditioning test. Dez told Jane Slater he has a “sinus infection and headaches” and took responsibility for being late. This in particular shouldn’t be an issue when the season starts, but the Cowboys have been very lenient with their players and it’s fair to wonder if that’s good for the entire team in the long run.

Via: Ian Rapoport 7/21/17 - 05:22 PM ET

Victor Cruz says receiver Cameron Meredith reminds him of himself.

Like Cruz did early in his career, Meredith seized an opportunity last season and is now looking to be the Bears’ number one receiver. It’s been all positive talk surrounding Meredith, with GM Ryan Pace comparing his emergence to Marques Colston, who Pace was with in New Orleans; and quarterback Mike Glennon saying he thinks Meredith is going to have a “big year.” After he caught 66 receptions for 888 yards and four touchdowns last season, Meredith might continue his ascend and go over 1,000 yards this season.

Via: Chicago Tribune 7/30/17 - 07:33 PM ET