Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 128 (Tuesday, August 25th)
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Hi Folks,
Good Wednesday to you. Hope your week is rolling along well. If you haven't drafted yet, your draft is probably fast approaching. We're working in overdrive to bring you EVERYTHING you need to smoke the poor guys foolish enough to let you in the league. Show no mercy.
We've got lots of new content for you today plus all the news and notes you'll need to stay on top of everything. Let's get to it.
J
SITE NEWS
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Our New Feature This Year - Rate My Team - 100% FREE
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Top 300 Players (Non-PPR)
Custom cheatsheets for a zillion different league parameters are great. But sometimes you just want a list of the top 300 players. Our David Dodds obliges you here with the most up to date ranking you'll find. Sorted by overall rank as well as broken down by positions.
E.
Top 300 Players (PPR)
Custom cheatsheets for a zillion different league parameters are great. But sometimes you just want a list of the top 300 players. Our David Dodds obliges you here with the most up to date ranking you'll find. Sorted by overall rank as well as broken down by positions. In this one, he looks at a Points Per Reception (PPR) scoring system.
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The Big Picture - Version 6
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G.
Injury Update
Injuries are inextricably tied to training camp battles and playing time. Our Mark Wimer walks you through all the players you need to be watching and keeps you updated on their injury status. Get the good news as well as the bad.
H.
Draft Slot Study - From the #4 Draft Position (8 Team PPR)
Our Chris Smith continues his Draft Position series. In this one, he takes a look at drafting from the #4 spot in an 8 Team PPR league.
I.
Draft Slot Study - From the 11th/12th Draft Positions
Our Chris Smith continues his Draft Position series. In this one, he takes a look at drafting from the #11 and #12 spots.
J.
Updated Detailed Stat Projections
You heard me say it several times by now - our Detailed Stat Projections are the backbone and foundation of all we do. They drive everything. And we also keep them up to the minute current following all the news. Here's a new set of detailed stat projections for every player by my partner David Dodds.
K.
New Draft Dominator App
New projections mean a new Draft Dominator App. It's the premier drafting tool if you're truly looking to dominate your draft. There are several imitators out there but nothing comes close to the Draft Dominator. Check it out and see.
L.
New Projections Dominator Application
New projections means a new Projections Dominator App is ready for you. We have added PPR Average Draft data to assist in your drafts/mocks in this release.
M.
New VBD Excel App
You know the drill - new projections mean a new VBD App. For you guys that like the old school Excel format, knock yourselves out.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. CAR - RB DeAngelo Williams will receive bulk of carries2. SF - Maiocco: Guess of RB Frank Gore 17, RB Glen Coffee 6 for in-game carry split
3. DEN - WR Brandon Marshall listed as starter on newest depth chart
4. TB - RB Cadillac Williams to play Thursday
5. NE - Tight end race still too close to call
6. PHI - RB Brian Westbrook, QB Michael Vick to play Thursday
7. BUF - RB Fred Jackson injured Tuesday
8. NE - QB Tom Brady not concerned over contract
9. PHI - QB Michael Vick to debut Thursday
10. IND - WR Reggie Wayne likely to be moved around
11. NO - RB Reggie Bush to play in next preseason game
12. SD - RB LaDainian Tomlinson holding up
13. SEA - RB T.J. Duckett released
14. TEN - WR Nate Washington to miss remainder of preseason
15. SF - Martz: Alex Smith 'needs to move on, find another team'
16. DEN - WR Brandon Marshall fully practices Tuesday
17. PIT - Steelers do not expect to sign another QB
18. JAX - WR Ernest Wilford signed
19. MIN - Vikings to showcase a quarterback for trade?
20. NYG - QB Eli Manning feels receivers have shown improvement
21. DET - WR Calvin Johnson returns to practice
22. NO - WR Robert Meachem to return kicks in next preseason game
23. PIT - QB Dennis Dixon could miss up to two weeks
24. NYJ - QB Kellen Clemens throws pick, TD pass Monday
25. NYJ - QB Mark Sanchez starts off slow Monday
CAR - RB DeAngelo Williams will receive bulk of carries
Source: Pat Yasinskas - ESPN.com
Pat Yasinskas, of ESPN.com, reports Carolina Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams will receive the bulk of the carries this season, even if RB Jonathan Stewart (Achilles') is healthy for the regular season.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Panthers are certainly concerned about the durability of Jonathan Stewart, and that's why they drafted Mike Goodson to give them more depth at the RB position. Stewart has a nose for the endzone, and should still get some short yardage and goalline work this year, while the rookie Goodson could most effectively be used as a receiver out of the backfield. Fantasy owners are extremely excited about the possibility of an increased workload, and it's amazing to think that we may not have seen the best from DeAngelo Williams.
SF - Maiocco: Guess of RB Frank Gore 17, RB Glen Coffee 6 for in-game carry split
Source: Matt Maiocco - the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat
Matt Maiocco, of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat, reports on his Twitter feed that his guess of the split of carries of Frank Gore and Glen Coffee within a game would be Gore 17, Coffee 6.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
That would still give Gore 272 carries, only 40 less than his standout 2006 campaign, and more than he has had each of the last two years.
DEN - WR Brandon Marshall listed as starter on newest depth chart
Source: Frank Schwab - the Colorado Springs Gazette
Frank Schwab, of the Colorado Springs Gazette, reports Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall is listed as a starter on the team's newest depth chart. Head coach Josh McDaniels said he does not know if Marshall will play in the team's next preseason game.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
A week after running with the scout team Marshall is now back to practicing with the first-team. No word on whether or not he will play in the Broncos preseason game Sunday against the Bears, but this is a positive sign. Those predicting Marshall will no longer be a member of the Broncos by the start of the season may be mistaken if McDaniels and Marshall start to mend their relationship.
TB - RB Cadillac Williams to play Thursday
Source: Jim Flynn - PewterReport.com
Jim Flynn, of PewterReport.com, reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Cadillac Williams (knee) will play in his first preseason game Thursday, Aug. 27. He will see significant playing time and head coach Raheem Morris plans to have RBs Williams, Derrick Ward and Earnest Graham share the workload in a 2-2-1 format, which means Williams and Ward likely will play the first two series of the game while Graham plays for one series. 'I want to go 2-2-1 and I want to keep that rotation if I can throughout the season,' said Morris. 'We'll have some different back situations. I'm going to mix it in, and the person getting the one [series] will make it up in the situational play. I'll try to use that format in the game. [Cadillac is] getting the first two [series] in this game. I'm looking forward to seeing him do that.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Cadillac Williams running again after being up on blocks could rob both Derrick Ward and Earnest Graham of predictable value week-to-week. We're certainly looking forward to seeing how this works out, since it means none of the three backs will be able to get in a rhythm over the course of a game.
NE - Tight end race still too close to call
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports New England Patriots TE Benjamin Watson, TE David Thomas, TE Alex Smith and TE Chris Baker are competing for what could be three slots on the final 53-man roster. There is a chance the team could keep all four on the roster because the Patriots don't have a true fullback on the roster. The Patriots' tight ends could play as lead blockers, as well as being part of two- and three-tight end formations on short-yardage plays.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We think Baker will be the lead in the TEBC, and he could easily have 6-8 TDs if Tom Brady is successful in returning to the offense to its 2007 form. Baker is the best all-around player, and he has had the best training camp. He's worth a pick as one of the last backup fantasy TEs in deep leagues, and in TD heavy leagues.
PHI - RB Brian Westbrook, QB Michael Vick to play Thursday
Source: Adam Caplan - Scout.com
Adam Caplan, of Scout.com, reports on his Twitter feed that Eagles RB Brian Westbrook and QB Michael Vick will play in the team's third preseason game on Thursday, August 27.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Westbrook's ADP is as low as it's going to get before the season starts. Enjoy getting him in the second round of PPR leagues while you can.
BUF - RB Fred Jackson injured Tuesday
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports Buffalo Bills RB Fred Jackson (thumb) aggravated a left thumb injury during practice Tuesday, Aug. 25, and was having tests done on the thumb.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Bills need Jackson to start in the place of Marshawn Lynch for the first three games of the season while Lynch sits out due to suspension. When a RB plays with a hand injury sometimes ball security becomes an issue. No word on the severity of this injury just yet.
NE - QB Tom Brady not concerned over contract
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports New England Patriots QB Tom Brady said Tuesday, Aug. 25, he has thought about the status of his contract, which expires after the 2010 season. Brady said contract negotiations always work out, one way or another.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We like this type of attitude coming from a franchise quarterback. Brady knows that he's going to get paid, barring a catastrophic injury. His focus is on the upcoming season, and winning the Super Bowl.
PHI - QB Michael Vick to debut Thursday
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick will make his preseason debut Thursday, Aug. 27, versus the Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Andy Reid said he is unsure how much Vick will play, however Vick will not see time in the fourth quarter. "Michael will have an opportunity to play Thursday," said Reid at a news conference Tuesday. "It's been two years, we'll see how it works out," Reid stated. "We'll see what he can do. He wants to get in. He's kind of set this as a goal and so did we. I think he's excited to get out there."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
NFL fans and fantasy owners are curious to see what Vick looks like after 2 years away from the game. The Eagles may carry Vick as their 3rd quarterback, but make him active on gameday so he can enter the lineup on certain offensive packages.
IND - WR Reggie Wayne likely to be moved around
Source: Mike Chappell - the Indianapolis Star
Mike Chappell, of the Indianapolis Star, reports Indianapolis Colts WR Reggie Wayne is listed as the team's left-side starting wide receiver, but on any given play Wayne could be split wide right, in the left slot or in the right slot. 'I hope I play a little bit of everything,' Wayne said.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
By moving Reggie Wayne around it becomes more difficult to double-team the talented wide receiver. This is similar to what the Colts did with Wayne back in 2007 and he responded with a career-high 1,510 yards on 104 receptions.
NO - RB Reggie Bush to play in next preseason game
Source: Nakia Hogan - the New Orleans Times-Picayune
Nakia Hogan, of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, reports New Orleans Saints RB Reggie Bush (calf) said he will play in the team's next preseason game and expects to receive a heavy workload. 'It's just precautionary, taking it slow, building back to the season,' Bush said. 'I'm sure I'll play quite a bit this game. I know I'm looking forward to it.' Head coach Sean Payton said Bush likely will be on the field for about 20 plays.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The third preseason game is always used as a "dress rehearsal" for the regular season, and we would not be surprised to see Bush used well into the 2nd quarter.
SD - RB LaDainian Tomlinson holding up
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports San Diego Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson said Monday, Aug. 24, he is feeling fine after playing in the team's first two exhibition games, his first action in a preseason since 2005. 'I'm feeling good,' Tomlinson said. 'I'm feeling really good, actually. I haven't had any problems. I'm healthy. Not even sore at all, either. So I'm pretty encouraged by the way I feel.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Even though it's only the preseason, this is still great news for Tomlinson and his fantasy owners. Tomlinson has rarely played in the preseason that last few years, and it's a good sign that his body is not feeling the punishment he's been taking so far.
SEA - RB T.J. Duckett released
Source: Mike Florio - ProFootballTalk.com
Mike Florio, of ProFootballTalk.com, reports that according to a league source, the Seahawks have released RB T.J. Duckett. Florio writes that Duckett was informed of the decision on Monday night.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Duckett should find another job by the end of the season, but he is clearly on the decline.
TEN - WR Nate Washington to miss remainder of preseason
Source: Jim Wyatt - the Nashville Tennessean
Jim Wyatt, of the Nashville Tennessean, reports that WR Nate Washington will miss the rest of the preseason with a hamstring strain, and his status for the season opener on September 10 against his former team Pittsburgh is unknown.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Washington wasn't looking impressive in the preseason, and his game is predicated on speed, so this injury makes him unattractive as anything but a very late pick.
SF - Martz: Alex Smith 'needs to move on, find another team'
Source: Matt Maiocco - the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat
Matt Maiocco, of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat, reports that former 49ers offensive coordinator Mike Martz said in a conference call that San Francisco QB Alex Smith would be best served by finding a new team. Martz said, "He needs to go, find another team and start over again. And I do think he has a future in the league, and he'll be fine. But I do think he needs to probably move on."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Smith will certainly never win over the 49ers fans and Martz might be right. It doesn't seem like it could hurt anything.
DEN - WR Brandon Marshall fully practices Tuesday
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall practiced in full Tuesday, Aug. 25. Head coach Josh McDaniels said, "He did everything that we were doing there, he did our drills. We didn't get to finish practice obviously, but it was a nice crisp practice today."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Things are trending in the right direction for Marshall, but taking him before the mid-fifth round still feels dicey because there are at least 20 solid WRs with little risk that you can take before you have to take the risk of having Marshall as your WR2.
PIT - Steelers do not expect to sign another QB
Source: Ed Bouchette - the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Ed Bouchette, of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reports the Pittsburgh Steelers are not expected to sign another quarterback with QBs Ben Roethlisberger (Achilles') and Dennis Dixon (shoulder) ailing. Dixon did not practice Tuesday, Aug. 25, because of his separated shoulder.
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The Steelers must not be too concerned with Ben Roethlisberger's injury if they don't plan on bringing in a veteran while Dennis Dixon is out.
JAX - WR Ernest Wilford signed
The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed free-agent TE Ernest Wilford (Dolphins). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Wilford returns to the Jaguars after a disappointing season with the Dolphins last year. However, he comes back with the intention of making the team as a tight end instead of a receiver. The Jags were hopeful about rookie Zach Miller, but he is now lost for the season due to injury. Marcedes Lewis has not lived up to his potential, and the team would like to see what Wilford can do at his new position.
MIN - Vikings to showcase a quarterback for trade?
Source: Judd Zulgad - the Minneapolis Star Tribune
Judd Zulgad, of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, reports the Minnesota Vikings could attempt to showcase QBs Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels in the team's next preseason game. The Vikings could use Jackson's strong performance in the team's last preseason game as a bargaining chip in an attempt to receive compensation for him. Whether the team decides to trade a quarterback could depend on how they feel QB John David Booty is progressing.
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Even with Jackson's strong performance, the most the Vikings would receive for him is likely a fourth-round pick. The team just traded for Sage Rosenfels and he plays a lot like Brett Favre (gunslinger, takes chances), so it would make sense if they kept him around as the primary backup. Teams that could be interested in Jackson include the Rams, and the Jaguars.
NYG - QB Eli Manning feels receivers have shown improvement
Source: Michael Eisen - Giants.com
Michael Eisen, of Giants.com, reports New York Giants QB Eli Manning said Tuesday, Aug. 25, he believes his young receiving corps has grown during the course of training camp. 'I think so,' Manning said. 'I think we have definitely grown in the receiving group. Guys have gotten a lot of reps, gotten a lot of work to continue to learn within the offense. I think we are definitely better off then where we were a few weeks ago, when we got here. There is still definitely room for improvement, but I don't think you ever stop improving and keep working. These guys will continue to learn within this offense, learn about coverages and decisions and that part of preseason and about just experiencing game situations.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Domenik Hixon and Steve Smith are currently listed at the top of the Giants' depth chart, and it's good to hear that Manning is gaining more trust in what his receivers can do. With Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer long gone this Giants WR corps will have a new look in 2009. They drafted two rookies with upside, but both Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden need to develop their pro game before we can expect to see them in the starting lineup.
DET - WR Calvin Johnson returns to practice
Source: Nicholas J. Cotsonika - the Detroit Free Press
Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson (thumb) practiced Monday, Aug. 24, and said his cast is off. Johnson expects to play in the team's next preseason game.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Lions are not going to push Megatron back too quickly from this injury, as he is one of their marquee players. If he feels fine we could see him get some extended action in the game against the Colts.
NO - WR Robert Meachem to return kicks in next preseason game
Source: Brian Allee-Walsh - the New Orleans Times-Picayune
Brian Allee-Walsh, of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, reports New Orleans Saints WR Robert Meachem will return kicks in the team's upcoming preseason game, according to head coach Sean Payton.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Meachem hasn't returned kicks since he was in high school and sharing the backfield with current Cowboys RB Felix Jones. Meachem has good speed, and his size makes him more difficult to bring down than other returners. If he can play a bigger role on special teams it may spell doom for guys like Skyler Green and Courtney Roby, who are seen primarily as return men.
PIT - QB Dennis Dixon could miss up to two weeks
Source: Scott Brown - the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Scott Brown, of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, reports Pittsburgh Steelers QB Dennis Dixon (shoulder) could miss up to the next two weeks of practice after sustaining a mild separation of the A/C joint in his right shoulder Saturday, Aug. 22.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Relatively good news for the Steelers, who might be able to get by with only two healthy QBs in practice until starter Ben Roethlisberger is over his achilles injury.
NYJ - QB Kellen Clemens throws pick, TD pass Monday
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports New York Jets QB Kellen Clemens was 5-for-10 for 60 yards with a touchdown and an interception during the team's preseason game Monday, Aug. 24.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Clemens had a chance to take the lead in the QB battle after Mark Sanchez had a nightmarish start, but he didn't do much better during his stint in the game.
NYJ - QB Mark Sanchez starts off slow Monday
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports New York Jets QB Mark Sanchez's first pass was intercepted for a touchdown during the team's preseason game Monday, Aug. 24. His second pass was also nearly picked off, but he was able to rebound to finish 3-for-8 for 43 yards with a touchdown and interception in the game.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Sanchez almost had his first two passes in his first NFL start turn into pick sixes, but Ray Lewis obliged him with a drop. He showed his mental toughness by hanging in and continuing to pilot the offense to the best of his abilities, instead of shelling up in fear of doing even worse as the game went on.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading.
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We'll see you tomorrow with the update.
J
