Dynasty Player News

Peterson, now 33 years old, will get one more chance to be productive in the NFL. Signed by the Cardinals in 2017, he was surprisingly productive (156/529/2) before his season ended due to a neck injury. It's a good signing for the Redskins as Samaje Perine and Rob Kelley have failed to elicit any excitement thus far in camp and receiving specialist, Chris Thompson, hasn't proven to be able to stand-up to an increased role. AP is well-known for his off-season workouts and keeping his body in top shape and he'll likely immediately command early-down work. Peterson barely remains on the dynasty radar but his ADP (240) is sure to get a bump. Competitive teams can add Peterson as an emergency option only until his workload, and production, suggest something more.

Head Coach Hue Jackson said "No, I think one has nothing to do with the other in my opinion" which no one is buying and doesn't make much sense. Jackson, at least in part due to HBO Hard Knocks, has come under criticism of late for being somewhat "soft" and willing to say just about anything. The Browns' receiving corps. with Gordon across from Jarvis Landry looks potent and with enough young depth to make a Bryant acquisition unnecessary, especially considering that Bryant is looking for a one-year prove-it deal. The Miami Dolphins appear to be a perfect fit for Bryant at this juncture given DeVante Partker's continuing struggles. Bryant is DLF's WR47. Bryant will undoubtedly find a home for 2018 but he's a risk-on acquisition from this point forward.

He secured all four of his targets and has now converted on five of six targets through two preseason games. Before going too crazy here, realize it is one game and Taylor only had a single reception in week one. Half of this game's production and a touchdown came on a wide receiver screen where he scampered 47 yards untouched for the score. His next score came on an uncontested quick-slant near the goal line. The Titans' receiver depth chart is up in the air and there remains opportunities for one of them to secure a full-time WR2 role across from sophomore Corey Davis. At this juncture it may be Taylor's to lose. Taylor is DLF's WR76 and his ADP (160) has begun to rise.

It's very early yet but it's starting to get concerning though he does have a touchdown.. He did have a bad drop on one of his two targets this pre-season as well. Jones has struggled in pass-protection drills and wasn't used as a receiver much at USC meaning that he'd have to establish himself first as an early-down option for the Bucs. That hasn't happened and it hasn't happened in a big way through two games, at least in the YPC. category. Review of each of his carries shows few seams opened up by the offensive line but also some level of indecision on the part of Jones, a combination which won't work in the NFL. With Peyton Barber establishing himself well through two games, and certain to be the day-one starter, it's looking more and more like dynasty owners will need to be patient with Jones and not expect year-one production. Jones is DLF's RB21 and will need to perform well in his final two preseason games to retain that ranking.

He out-carried Devontae Booker six to four and both had a single reception. Neither back was particularly impressive carrying the ball but Booker did have the better YPC. average (4.3 to 3.3). The bigger issue here is that both backs are locked into, what appears to be, a full-fledged committee approach with Freeman the preferred option in short-yardage and goal line situations with Booker preferred on down-and-distance situations including first down. This could well mean an even split of touches for both backs and sub-standard fantasy production until one clearly separates. They appear to complement each other a little too well. Royce Freeman is found as DLF's RB24 to that of Booker's RB47. For dynasty leaguers, Freeman is an intriguing option but carries a premium. He's best drafted and handcuffed with Booker.

Burton was added as a "move" tight end during the off-season and, as expected, has immediately seized the opportunity to be the day-one starter. Sophomore tight end, Adam Shaheen, was carted off with an ankle injury during this same game and, depending on severity, may lead to even more snaps for Burton. Built like a large receiver, Burton has an impressive catch radius and he gives the Bears yet another receiving threat in what is a completely revamped receiving corps. Burton is DLF's TE10 and his ADP (82) is at a career high

Warren now has over 200 yards in his two games and is making a compelling case to make the team. Built like a tank at 6'2/247 lbs., Warren is the epitome of a downhill runner and possesses very little 'wiggle' in his game. The UDFA was called a "battering ram" by announcers during the game and it's an accurate assessment. Warren, the son of former NFL running back Chris Warren, has run mostly through gaping holes thus far in the preseason but has shown he won't be brought down by a single tackler and has enough speed to take advantage of the seams. He possesses almost zero lateral agility and very little vision as he drops his head and pads early in anticipation of first-contact, thus his runs are all of the downhill-with-momentum variety. His speed and power convert to an impressive level of drive and inertia. It's difficult to project Warren making the team as a fifth running back but he's done enough to elicit intrigue as as short yardage back and may not make it through waivers should the Raiders try to sneak him onto the practice squad.

He won't be able to practice until given permission by the league but it seems all tumblers are falling into place for him to not only practice soon but be ready for week one. WIth Josh Gordon, there's always the chance of further slip-ups and drama but for now, at least, his arrow is point up. Gordon is DLF's WR23 and there's no greater risk-reward player in the NFL currently. Dynasty leaguers can add him above his ADP (52) value but will need to hold their breath all season.

Hyde looked ultra-dynamic, fast and powerful with almost every carry. If he turns in a solid week-three performance, the competition for the starting role is over, if it's not already. He possesses true three-down ability as he's as capable in the passing game as he is as a runner Duke Johnson factors more in the passing game as he's moved around the formation. With rookie Nick Chubb also turning in a nice performance with similar stats (11/53/1), the battle isn't over but it would be a surprise if Hyde doesn't garner the lion's share of carries to open the season. A higher-priced acquisition in the off-season on a three year-deal, the soon-to-be 28 year old running back is DLF's RB30 and his ADP (104) is near a career low. Dynasty leaguers shouldn't forget about Hyde on draft day as a ninth-round value pick for competitive rosters looking for front-end RB3 production. He's a player who could well outplay his drafted or acquisition value.

He was in regular season form and active as a runner and a receiver in the tilt versus the Dolphins. His 71 yard jaunt to the end zone involved a quick slide-step followed by classic McCaffrey speed to the sideline and past all defenders. It's what fantasy coaches have come to expect from the Swiss army knife weapon and he'll be featured heavily in 2018 behind an upgraded receiving corps. which should provide more production. He's already DLF's RB11 but this performance is certain to increase his value in drafts to come as fears of touches fall away. McCaffrey's ADP (19) is at a career high and appears to have some upside.

Kirk saw six targets and reeled in a 13 yard touchdown from rookie Josh Rosen. The touchdown was a nifty hands-catch beyond his frame in traffic. Normally, this would be wouldn't be news-worthy if not for the wide open nature of the receiver depth chart in Arizona. Larry Fitzgerald is good for at least one more year but it's Kirk who is the receiver to own in dynasty. The rookie is a savvy route runner with undeniable dynamic with the ball in his hands and it would seem he's in line for no less than a WR3 role for the Cardinals. On DLF's receiver rankings, Kirk is found as the WR33 and his ADP (85) has slipped in the last two months.

Mahomes stepped upped and uncorked the bomb to Hill who ran straight through three Atlanta defenders to make an over-the-shoulder grab for the touchdown. He also tossed an interception, something which continues to plague him him in camp. The fantasy community is down on Tyreek Hill due to the number of mouths to feed but his game isn't dependent on the deep ball and he's likely to remain an active target and safety-blanket for second-year quarterback. Mahomes' arm and Hill's speed could be a very exciting combination this year. He finished 8/12, 138 yards with a touchdown and interception on the day. Mahomes is DLF's QB12.

The three-player competition for the starting quarterback role is likely down to two. This significantly increases the likelihood that the Josh Allen era may begin soon though Nathan Peterman had the better game. It's a tough blow for McCarron, who was the odds-on favorite to ultimately win the job, at least for week one. None of the quarterbacks in this battle are intriguing starters for 2018 and should only be rostered as a QB3 emergency play to start the year though Allen has upside for dynasty leaguers. To wit, McCarron is DLF's QB39.

In the linked article, Darnold receives rare praise from Washington cornerback Josh Norman who was effusive in his praise of the rookie. Mehta goes on to say the Jets understand that Darnold is not only the future but also the present and it would be "an upset if Darnold isn't the week 1 starter". Darnold is known to be mature, intelligent and has the ability to make all the throws and the Jets are, no doubt, tired of playing the quarterback-carousel game. While it's not usually wise to throw your highly drafted rookie into the mix so early into his first year, the organization certainly wants to begin the experience process while planting butts in the seats from week one. Given the state of the quarterback battle, we would agree it seems it's Darnold's job to lose. He's DLF's QB26 and sure to rise once under center. He's best added in dynasty as a developmental QB3 behind two more proven starters.

The Colts don't play their next game until Monday, Aug. 20th, and with injuries to both Marlon Mack and Robert Turbin, Wilkins is getting his chance to shine. He's been drawing almost daily praise in camp and he's well sized (6'1/216) for bell-cow work should he earn the opportunity. Mack still looks to be the shoe-in starter for week one while Nyheim Hines has been said to be struggling and may play a greater role on special teams. Wilkins is an under-the-radar play who possesses solid skills and looks to be poised for a late-rise into week one. As DLF's RB56, there's still an opportunity for a risk-reward acquisition, especially for Marlon Mack owners.

The saga continues. Ominous and hopeful posts, tweets and news leaks continue to emerge but all indications are that Gordon is expected to rejoin the team by game one. Some have guessed the absence is due to the presence of Hard Knocks and the increased media presence while the timing of a new custody battle seems more likely. It's even possible the Browns asked Gordon to stay away during filming of Hard Knocks so as to not be a distraction, but it's all conjecture at this point. Until further notice, expect Gordon's near-term absence to continue as the Browns now court Dez Bryant, with both sides seemingly interested in at least a one-year "prove it" deal. Gordon's WR24 status is in a holding pattern.

Henderson still hasn't reported to camp and this won't help him ascend what looks to be a stacked wide receiver depth chart. The former third round pick endured a lost rookie season due to a thumb injury and has yet to report due to a "personal matter." Henderson is quickly looking like a bust and his dynasty value is currently hanging by a thread.

The roller coaster of an off-season featured Penny being a surprise pick in the first round of the NFL Draft and a subsequent rise into the top three of many dynasty rookie drafts. This was followed by him being thoroughly outplayed by Chris Carson in camp and having his preseason end with just 16 yards on eight carries. It's no time to panic if you drafted Penny highly, but this is clearly not what owners had in mind when they took him in early dynasty drafts. Penny's stock will likely fall a few spots with players like Ronald Jones, Nick Chubb and DJ Moore likely benefitting. This is likely a bump in the road that only zaps Penny's short term value and he remains a highly sought after rookie pick - just one with added risk that wasn't perceived a few months ago.

Rotator cuff surgeries take a long time to heal and it's not out of the question Jeffery will remain on the PUP list and miss the first six games of the 2018 season. The 28 year old receiver had a mixed year in 2017 failing to eclipse 60 receptions for the third straight season but notching nine touchdowns, his second highest total after 2014 when he tallied 10. His 2017 yardage total (789) was his lowest since his rookie season. Any absence would be a boost for Zach Ertz, Nelson Agholor, Mike Wallace and perhaps even sophomore Mack Hollins. Alshon Jeffery is DLF's WR21 and his ADP (44) is near a career-low.

He also said he thought rookie Ronald Jones was "average" following their preseason opener, not wholly unexpected for a rookie who has struggled early in camp. It's still early and the Bucs have plenty of backs to play roles as needed though Koetter also said he believes "Peyton could be a three-down players if we asked him to". It's a strong vote of confidence for a player who has only a single 100 yard performance through two years in the NFL though he didn't draw a start until the second half of 2017. Barber has the size (5'11/225) to take NFL punishment and has plus receiving skills as well so there may be enough fire beneath the smoke to make for an intriguing sleeper candidate for 2018 at the expense of Ronald Jones owners hoping for a big rookie campaign. Barber is DLF's RB75 which makes for a sizable value opportunity as a player who could far outplay his drafted position.