Dynasty Player News

That is what we've been waiting for! In the two games prior, Gordon logged 18 snaps a piece leaving fantasy owners to wonder if it was hamstring caution at play or, perhaps, game script. While that answer won't be definitively known, it appears now to be the former as Gordon trailed only Julian Edelman (91%) in snaps at receiver in the big win. Despite the snaps, and leading the Patriots in targets (9), Gordon only managed five receptions for 42 yards. A long pass interference call negated what would have likely been a touchdown otherwise, salvaging the mediocre night. But, a follow-on performance in week seven vs. the Bears would signal "all systems go" for what dynasty owners hope will be a productive Brady-to-Gordon connection. Not getting ahead of ourselves, treat Gordon as an upside WR3 until we see his utilization in week seven.

On the season, Ebron has amassed 26 receptions, 255 yards and five touchdowns on 45 targets. He continues to produce while 2017 starter Jack Doyle remains on the shelf with a hip injury. He's currently the TE3 (PPR) in fantasy and remains a top target of Andrew Luck. How Ebron performs upon Doyle's return is anyone's guess but he's certain to lose some measure of snaps and targets as Doyle remains a capable receiver and viable blocker. That said, Ebron has performed too well to for the 1-4 Colts to consider a material reduction. Eric Ebron is DLF's TE9 but is on the rise.

Moore has logged roughly 45% (62) of total offensive snaps over the past two weeks and his rookie production (6/103/1) has been largely disappointing. He's been outsnapped by Jarius Wright and Torrey Smith in addition to WR1 Devin Funchess. D.J. Moore is found as DLF's WR30. He's not likely to be a consistent producer in 2018 but remains a solid dynasty hold or and acquisition target from disillusioned coaches.

Surprisingly, Mohamed Sanu led all receivers with 82% (59) while Julio Jones is second with 74% (53). Ridley's week five snaps was his second highest on the season after week one. He's been alternating between mid-50s and mid-60s percentage of snaps with week six projected as the former should the trend hold. The trend is far more likely simply a result of three-wide sets based on down, distance and score. Of course, the most noteworthy stat is Ridley's six touchdowns to Julio Jones' 0. It's hard to rank a receiver who receives 60% of snaps as a WR2 but it's all about production. Ridley has well out-produced expectations, especially when considering his snap count and we're most comfortable with him as a high-upside WR3 for 2018. His long term dynasty arrows are pointing directly up!

Cleveland is getting desperate, as evidenced by this signing, for healthy receivers with Rashard Higgins out, Derrick Willies now on injured reserve and Antonio Callaway's inconsistent play. There's always a chance Perriman finally puts it together after three years of disappointing play in Baltimore, but it's unlikely Clevland is that situation. No action needed here, just a note to be aware of.

In his past two games, Coutee has delivered 17 receptions, 160 yards and one touchdown on 22 targets. The slot specialist can feast in between DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller and though he's fighting a hamstring injury, he appears healthy enough to start in week six vs. the Cowboys. We saw Coutee hitting the waiver wire early in the season but savvy coaches added the rookie shortly thereafter and are now being rewarded. Coutee, a fourth round selection in the 2018 NFL Rookie Draft, is 5'11/180 lbs but is a good route runner and a dynamic safety blanked for Deshaun Watson. He's currently found as DLF's WR72, making him a viable acquisition target though his value may be too high given current production. Wait for back-to-back poor showings before attempting to acquire for a reduced cost.

Cohen's snaps, as a percentage of total offensive snaps, has increased every week over his past three games. 32%, 41% and 48% are his snap totals from weeks two through four before Chicago's bye during week five. As would be expected, his increased snaps have come at the expense of Jordan Howard who has logged three games of decreasing snaps. Cohen's performance was non-descript until week four when he totaled seven receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown. He also chipped in with 13 rushes for another 53 yards. Most importantly, Cohen showed the dynamic we saw when he was a rookie in 2017. Cohen doesn't have much value in standard scoring formats but could be a viable flex-start in PPR leagues. He's a risky start due to game script each week but few players carry the quick-twitch traits to score well in fantasy that Cohen does.

Liar! Howard's snap shares have continued their decline from 73% in week two, to 62% in week three, to 54% in week four. The Bears were on bye in week five. Not so coincidentally, Tarik Cohen's snap share has increased over that same three-week span. Head coach Matt Nagy says Howard continues to have a "big-time role" but went on to say that script or situation will continue to be the driving factor dictating how touches will be handed out. For his part, Cohen looked ultra-dynamic and added a dimension that Howard has not shown in 2018. Thus far, Howard has amassed only 203 yards on 64 carries, good for a 3.2 ypc. average and has only a single touchdown. With the Dolphins and the Patriots next up over the next two weeks, Howard has a chance to produce if given the touches to do so. Fantasy coaches should continue to watch his snap count during these next two weeks to determine how the remainder of 2018 will fare.

He's baaaack. The signing comes on the heels of Corey Grant's season ending injury and Leonard Fournette's balky hamstring. T.J. Yeldon will continue to operate as the primary ball-carrier and deep-roster coaches looking to throw the dice can hazard a cheap waiver bid for the 31 year-old Charles, but keep expectations low. Charles is likely not in game shape and his snaps will likely be limited in the near-term unless Yeldon falls to injury himself.

Yeldon rewarded owners, especially those playing within a PPR format, as he converted on 8-of-10 targets for 69 yards and a touchdown as the Jaguars played from behind in week five vs. the Chiefs. He also rushed 10 times for 53 yards. The 2019 free agent is showcasing his skills for potential new teams as he seeks a shot at a starting gig though he may find the Jaguars willing to enter the bidding considering Fournette's injury history. Yeldon has always been capable in the passing game but has never been known to have dynamic ability as a runner. But, in 2018, he's rushed 59 times for 258 yards, a 4.4 ypc. average. The Jags just signed the aging Jamaal Charles who will present no threat to Yeldon's immediate value. Continue to ride Yeldon's hot legs until Fournette returns to full health and, even then, continue to hold for more potential value in 2019.

It was great while it lasted and Coleman disappointed with seven carries, producing 15 yards. He also converted on both targets for another 15 yards. Both he and Freeman split carries and were quickly rendered nearly useless as the Falcons fell behind in the second quarter as the Steelers found their offensive rhythm. For dynasty owners, better days remain ahead as Coleman is a free agent in 2019 and is certain to compete for a starting role for a different team. Coming off a poor game, there's no better time to seek an acquisition of the 25 year old runner.

We all knew it was going to happen soon. He did garner seven targets and is still clearly running as the WR2 across from A.J. Green and fantasy owners shouldn't fear he's going to slip entirely off the radar but it's also true he's much more established now and, thus, will be accounted for in defensive schemes. Boyd did compile two-straight 100 yards games prior to this disappointing outing. Dynasty owners should continue to be excited as Boyd has arrived on the scene out of nowhere and is now DLF's WR53 and is certain to rise into the near future. Until he establishes greater consistency, don't seek to off-load the third-year product as his value is still seen as "risky". He's currently an upside WR3 and week six will be an important one.

He also saw six rushes for 46 yards. Drake seemed to played behind 'old man' Frank Gore as a runner but led all receivers on the field in receptions. It could well be the Dolphins are now beginning to solidify the roles of the two backs, with Drake sharing early-down work but also serving as the primary back on third-down. To wit, Drake out-snapped Gore 41-to-26 and showed the dynamic we all know he possesses, especially out of the backfield as a receiver. Unfortunately, the Dolphins 3-2 record is not an accurate assessment of their offensive prowess and production from both backs is likely to be inconsistent. Drake remains a risky-hold in dynasty but with moderate upside.

He also reeled in three receptions for 16 yards in the loss. Freeman's lackluster numbers were primarily due to playing from behind as he gave way to the more dynamic Phillip Lindsay and even Devontae Booker. Unfortunately for fantasy owners, this looks like Freeman's role for the time being and there doesn't exist much room for improvement in the passing game. Freeman has shown plus-level ability in the run game but his style is far more that of a two-down runner than that of a three-down back. The aforementioned Lindsay has shown to be a capable receiver but, surprisingly, also an adept early-down runner as well. For Freeman owners, it looks like it's going to be a frustrating year disappointing snap counts. Savvy coaches eyeing Freeman for potential acquisition should wait another week or two to capitalize on further disappointment before attempting to pull a trade in hopes of better years to follow.

Johnson ran well and compiled 70 rushing yards on 12 totes but near the goal line gave way to Blount who punched in two touchdowns on 12 carries. Johnson also chipped in with two receptions for 15 yards. It was a frustrating development for owners who could have been sitting on an excellent game but, instead, have to be satisfied with low double digits in fantasy production. The Lions, much like the Patriots, employ multiple backs as role players and shamelessly use them via a script. Few can blame them for their use of Blount who is difficult to keep out of the end zone from two yards out. Until Johnson, who played on 47% of the offensive snaps, proves to be a consistent weapon inside the five yard line, he'll be no more than an upside RB3. All in all, the rookie has looked great and fantasy owners simply need to remain patient.

Gordon turned those snaps into 50 yards and a touchdown on two receptions (four targets). It's fantastic production considering the limited routes and it begs the question just what he could produce with a full complement of snaps. He played 18 snaps in week four as welll. The Patriots are likely easing Gordon back into production as he returns from a hamstring injury, but coach Bill Belichick is as mysterious as any to read and forecasting more work into the near future is a fool's errand. Gordon still has enormous potential and his touchdown catch was reminiscent of Randy Moss as he came back and split two defenders in the end zone to secure the score. Fantasy coaches are drooling at the potential to see Gordon and Brady hook up more often in the future and until we see his snap counts materially rise, he'll remain an upside WR4.

The rookie played 77 snaps in relief of both Randall Cobb and Geronimo Allison and reeled in 7-of-10 targets for 68 yards and a touchdown in a tilt vs. Detroit. The snaps were six more than Davante Adams who was likely given plays off as he returns from injury. The totals are obviously career best numbers and he may be in line for an increased role once again in week six vs. the 49ers. The rookie receiver has great size at 6'4/206 and displayed strong hands on numerous receptions on Sunday. The Packers are one of the best teams at identifying receiver prospects in the draft and Valdes-Scantling has a long runway ahead of him for more production.

Truth be told, we hope he is getting at least a little frustrated. We sure are! The Dolphins picked up Parker's fifth year, $9.5M, option but can rescind it following the season. It's hard to imagine Parker doing something in the next few weeks that we haven't seen yet such that the Dolphins don't rescind the offer, but there's always hope. Following a broken finger, Parker reeled in two receptions for 40 yards and, no doubt, has great size and talent, but is now beset with a troublesome quadriceps injury. It seems likely he'll sit for week five and return in week six, but stay tuned! Until we see a level of consistency from Parker, he's an emergency bye-week fill-in at best and that's only if he's active on game day.

In the linked story, head coach Kyle Shanahan breaks down the play which features Kittle, ultimately resulting in an 82 yard touchdown. Regardless of the play names, which we thought our readers would enjoy reading about here, Kittle is an up-and-coming talent within the tight end position and now has 18 receptions for 316 yards and a single touchdown. At this pace, he should eclipse 1,000 yards though defenses will surely key on him going forward, making reception and yards harder to come by. He's just the most recent tight end to quickly arrive on the scene and climb the ladder to a TE1 ranking. George Kittle is DLF's TE9.

The injury to Rex Burkhead opened further an already cracked door for more snaps and Michel is seizing the opportunity. He and James White combined to give the Patriots a solid short game on Thursday night. While Michel only had a single reception for 12 yards, he rushed 18 times for 98 yards and a nifty touchdown. As a first round pick (31st overall) for the Patriots in 2018, there was a fair amount of confusion as to how to value the Georgia runner, but that is now quickly fading as it's becoming clear Michel will provide a bell-cow option as long as Belichick is content to use him. The Patriots are known for having a deep stable at the position, utilizing role players as needed, but Michel provides a do-it-all option which could give New England another offensive dimension. Michel is DLF's RB17 and looks to be headed higher.