Fantasy News

The Bears believe Jordan Howard has a lot of potential.

Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune writes, “the Bears believe [Howard] can be a major offensive catalyst.” The second-year back is reportedly working on his speed and acceleration in preparation for this season, and offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains says the young running back “hasn’t scratched the surface of what he can be.” As a rookie, Howard was second in the NFL in rushing last season and averaged 5.2 yards per carry, but everyone has room to improve and it’s great that Howard has a good head on his shoulders and realizes that. Some are scared of a sophomore slump for Howard (basically because of what happened with Todd Gurley last season), but the Bears have a solid offensive line—he should be just fine. Howard is well worth a selection at his current second round ADP.

Via: Chicago Tribune 7/18/17 - 12:25 PM ET

Tevin Coleman could be used more as a receiver this season.

New Falcons offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian told Kelsey Conway of AtlantaFalcons.com that he “challenged” Coleman to add that part to his game. Coleman averaged 13.6 yards per reception last season, the most of any running back in the last 15 years, and whenever he did line up out wide of in the slot he was effective. The game against the Broncos is a great example of Coleman’s ability, as he ran a go route when split out wide for a big gain, he also ran a seam route from the slot for a long touchdown. Head coach Dan Quinn also recently talked about Coleman’s ability to create mismatches against safeties and linebackers because of his speed. The Falcons know they have a great straight-ahead burner at running back in Coleman, and it sounds Sarkisian wants to use him as a split-out receiver more this season. Atlanta’s offense should be scary good again in 2017.

Via: AtlantaFalcons.com 7/29/17 - 10:20 AM ET

Ezekiel Elliott is appealing a conviction for speeding, according to The Dallas Morning News.

The Dallas Morning News reports Elliott was caught going 100mph in his Dodge Challenger on April 4. This is yet another cause for concern for Elliott, who is also being looked into by the NFL for the alleged domestic assault at Ohio State in 2016 and for the club incident on Sunday night. It would be a major shock if Elliott isn’t suspended by the NFL.

Via: The Dallas Morning News 7/18/17 - 09:07 AM ET

Andrew Luck is optimistic about his shoulder.

While Luck and the Colts are taking it slow in his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery, Luck said, “I will be better than I was coming into this, I know that,” again expressing optimism that surgery will be great for him long-term. Remember, Luck was dealing with the shoulder issue for almost two entire seasons. Luck has been rehabbing nearly ten hours per day while taking it one day at a time, not worrying about when exactly he’ll be ready. It’s a good approach for Luck, as he wants to do this thing right to ensure he’s 100% and avoid future issues with his shoulder. The Colts quarterback did say he sees “the light at the end of the tunnel” in his recovery after going through months of rehab and recovery. Missed reps in training camp are obviously a concern, but Luck will still be somewhere among the top ten quarterbacks in fantasy scoring this season.

Via: Colts.com 7/29/17 - 10:11 AM ET

RBBC? Broncos head coach Vance Joseph says there will be "competition" at running back.

Joseph told Denver7 News that there is always competition because it helps you become a good football team. But he notably said that at running back "you need two or three guys that can carry the load." Joseph mentioned Jamaal Charles, C.J. Anderson, Devontae Booker, and rookie De'Angelo Henderson all competing for time. This is looking like a timeshare situation. Charles and Anderson are the likeliest two to emerge as getting the most work this season, with Charles looking like the best fantasy option for 2017 because he averages the most yards per carry in NFL history for running backs, so he doesn't need many touches to do damage. Anderson could be the goal line back and should get a good amount of touches too. The Broncos have a very good backfield, but it could be frustrating for fantasy owners from week to week.

Via: Troy Renck 5/12/17 - 04:34 PM ET

Russell Wilson wants to have a 25-year career, he told ESPN.com.

According to Sheil Kapadia, Wilson said three times in their conversation that he wants to play 25 years. George Blanda played for 26 years, but no quarterback has really come close to that in recent years. Wilson said Tom Brady, who wants to play until he’s about 45+, is a “great example” of longevity and being mobile in the pocket. Obviously Wilson is a great scrambler, but if he could get close to the same pocket presence and ability as Brady (who is probably the best all time at it), it’d help him extend his career. Wilson has played five years so far, so he’d have 20 to go if he does play that long. As for this season, Wilson should be a QB1 again.

Via: ESPN 7/29/17 - 07:49 AM ET

A witness tells the Star-Telegram that Ezekiel Elliott did not throw a punch in last night's alleged incident.

Michael Huffman says that Elliott "didn't do anything" and was not an instigator in the situation. He told the Star-Telgram, "Zeke was just standing there arms folded chilling feeling the crowd. Then I seen DJ getting loud toward the vicinity of Zeke and then I see an overhand right come over the back of Zeke shoulder that landed square in DTrain’s face and he went to sleep." We have this account, then we have others that say they saw Elliott punch the person. No matter what comes of this, the NFL might just group it into Elliott's potential looming suspension. It just doesn't seem likely the Cowboys will have their starting running back to star the season for at least one or two games (and maybe more).

Via: Star-Telegram 7/17/17 - 09:58 PM ET