Lineup Prep: Week 4

Wed Sep 28 9:09am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

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Olave is producing big numbers


It sure has been an interesting first three weeks of the season. The quarterback and running back positions have been a bust outside of a handful of players. Those positions are a lot more top heavy than usual. And the tight end spot is a mess with just a couple players producing, but that isn’t as surprising as the others. I do think things will start to even out at running back and quarterback. Don’t get too down over some of these slow starts. Remember, it is a long season with plenty of ups and downs. Sometimes having patience is as important as anything when it comes to being a good fantasy owner.

With that said, here are my random thoughts for the week. . . . .

I’m like the rest of you and have no idea what the Broncos coaching staff is doing. I mean Mike Boone started working into the rotation more at running back, playing 19 percent of the snaps. Yes, Mike Boone. This is a guy that has been in the league since 2018 and has topped 100-rushing yards in a season once. He is stealing work from Javonte Williams, one of the most talented backs in the game. So I’m still holding out hope for a Williams breakout, though. The coaching staff has to see that Williams should be on the field more. Melvin Gordon has been alright, but he isn’t on the same level as Williams right now. Let’s hope it starts this week. 

Trevor Lawrence seems to have turned the corner. He has really looked good the last two games. It helps that the coaching staff is competent this year and he has some good pieces around him to work with. The more confidence he gets, the better he is going to continue to play. He is currently 10th overall in fantasy quarterback scoring. I don’t think that is a fluke. He could keep that ranking all season. 

So D’Andre Swift is hurt again. I guess I shouldn’t have gotten my hopes up with him. You just see the talent on the field and want that in your lineup. The problem is he can’t seem to avoid injury at this stage of his career. Let’s just hope he gets on the field sooner than later. He can be a difference maker for fantasy teams. I will be waiting patiently for his return. 

Selling high on Cordarrelle Patterson might not be a bad idea. Remember, he had a phenomenal start to his season last year before fading in the second half. The worrisome for me right now is his lack of work in the passing game, having four catches in three games. I just don’t see him cracking 100-plus rushing yards every week. He is going to need to get his reception totals up if he hopes to sustain his current production. 

I think it might be time to just say Mark Andrews is the best fantasy tight end in the game right now. He finished that way last year, but Travis Kelce still had a higher ADP this year. It is early, but after three games, Andrews sits atop the rankings once again at tight end. He has 31 targets in three games and at least five catches every game. The Ravens might not throw a lot, but when they do, it normally goes to Andrews. Plus, Lamar Jackson is playing at an MVP level this year, which helps Andrews even more. 

You have to wonder if Baker Mayfield was the problem all along in Cleveland. That offense was a mess the last few years and struggled to connect with his top playmakers. Well, it seems to be the same in Carolina with D.J. Moore disappearing in the offense right now. And meanwhile in Cleveland, that offense is looking awfully good with Jacoby Brissett leading the way. I think Mayfield might be running out of time as a starter in the NFL. 

Nick Chubb might have just four receptions for 28 yards this year, but he still is second overall in fantasy running back scoring. He has two 100-yard gams and finding the end zone on a regular basis. Maybe he will put up a Derrick Henry in his prime season, meaning he will still be a top fantasy back despite a lack of catches. It might happen with the state of the running back position right now. I would not sell high on Chubb. 

News and Notes: The Chargers claimed defensive end Derrek Tuszka off waivers from the Titans. He gives the Chargers some depth at the position with Joey Bosa injured. . . . .The Chiefs released kicker Matt Ammendola, which is a pretty good sign Harrison Butker will be ready to take over the kicking duties once again. 

HOT PLAYS

Javonte Williams, RB, Broncos. The usage of Williams has been baffling this year, especially last week. Melvin Gordon struggled much of the game and even fumbled twice (didn’t lose them), but got the key goal-line carries late in the game. Williams played a season low 45 percent of the snaps. Mike Boone even got in the mix somehow, playing 19 percent of the snaps. We don’t get it. But even with that said, don’t give up hope on a breakout season from Williams. He can do damage as long as he keeps getting 16 or more touches per game. If he gets that workload again this week, look for him to post big numbers against the Raiders. Las Vegas has been terrible against the run, allowing the third most fantasy points to running backs. 

David Njoku, TE, Browns. Njoku broke out last eek, catching nine passes for 89 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets. This has been building, though, after three catches on five targets the previous game. Njoku is becoming a favorite target of Jacoby Brissett in an offense that is starting to gel. He should keep up his hot ways this week against the Falcons, a team that has struggled to stop opposing tight ends. Atlanta allows the second most fantasy points to tight ends and are 27th overall against the pass.

Chris Olave, WR, Saints. Olave has 13 targets each of his last two games. He had career highs in receptions (nine) and yards (147) last week. He has emerged as the top target in the passing game in a hurry. Olave is a super talented player that is going to keep getting better. His future is so bright. Olave should keep his hot ways going this week against a Vikings team that allows 275.7-passing yards per game. 

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers. Rodgers is starting to heat up. He has multiple touchdowns two straight games and seems to be getting on the same page with his receivers once again. It seemed like just a matter of time before Rodgers got going. We would expect him to maybe have his best game of the season this week. Remember, he played well last week against a really good Bucs defense. He gets the Patriots this week, a team that allows the seventh most fantasy points to quarterbacks. New England has allowed six passing touchdowns this season. 

Brandon Aiyuk, WR, 49ers. The addition of Jimmy Garoppolo to the lineup was a positive for Aiyuk, scoring his first touchdown of the season last week. He was targeted eight times, giving him eight targets each of his last two games. He has eight receptions during that stretch and seems to be hitting his stride after a disappointing Week 1. Look for him to rack up the targets this week against the Rams, a team that has allowed the second most fantasy points to receivers. Aiyuk had a 100-yard game against the Rams last week, getting six receptions for 107 yards in Week 18. 

COLD PLAYS 

Matthew Stafford, QB, Rams. Stafford is off to a slow start to his season. He has fewer than 14 fantasy points two of three games. He is yet to have a 300-yard game and one or no scores two of three. He actually has more interceptions (five) than touchdowns (four) on the season. Even though he plays in an explosive offense, he is a little hard to trust right now, especially this week against the 49ers. San Francisco allows the second fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks and are first overall against the pass, allowing 148.3-passing yards per game. If you have better options, go with them.

Jerry Jeudy, WR, Broncos. Jeudy was able to play this week despite dealing with a couple different injuries. He didn’t do much, though, catching two passes for 17 yards despite playing 59 percent of the snaps. Jeudy had a big Week 1 but done nothing outside of that. And Courtland Sutton is dominating the targets from Russell Wilson right now, which doesn’t bode well for Jeudy. He probably isn’t worth using right now. Plus, he has a tough matchup against the Raiders, a team that can’t stop the run but does pretty well against the pass. Las Vegas allows the eighth fewest fantasy points to receivers. 

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Chiefs. Edwards-Helaire did score a touchdown last week, but ran seven times for no yards. The only thing that saved his fantasy day was the score and his five receptions. His yardage total was terrible. Edwards-Helaire is fourth in running back scoring right now, but that can’t sustain at his current pace. His season high in touches is just 12 and he averages 11.3 touches per game. He isn’t getting enough work to be an elite fantasy back. Don’t be surprised if he is held out of the end zone this week, playing a great Bucs defense. Tampa allows the fewest fantasy points to running backs and have yet to allow a rushing touchdown this season. 

D.J. Chark, WR, Lions. Chark is shaping up to be a boom or bust play for fantasy teams. He has been bust two straight games, though. He has three catches his last two games after scoring 15.2 fantasy points in Week 1. He is going to be a hard player to trust in an offense that has a lot of competition for targets. Chark has value in the right matchup, but Week 4 might not be a time to use him. Seattle can’t stop the run, but do alright against the pass. Seattle allows the third fewest fantasy points to receivers and given up just three passing touchdowns all season. 

J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ravens. Dobbins returned from his torn ACL last week and played 43 percent of the snaps. The good news is he looked healthy and got some work. The bad news is he played fewer snaps than Justice Hill and didn’t do much with his chances. Dobbins had seven carries for 23 yards. We do think Dobbins will be a fantasy factor before the year is out, but he is going to be eased into action. Until he gets a big workload and starts producing on the field, we think it is best to leave Dobbins on fantasy benches. And this makes even more sense this week against a very good Bills defense. Buffalo allows the fourth fewest fantasy points to running backs and are second overall against the run, allowing just 57.7-rushing yards per game. 

SLEEPERS

Craig Reynolds, RB, Lions. Reynolds is set to serve as the top backup for the Lions the next few weeks with D’Andre Swift expected out. This gives Reynolds some good value in an offense that likes to rotate backs. The top backup for the Lions has played at 33 percent of the snaps the first three games. Reynolds showed well during the preseason, earning a roster spot with the team. He has some upside if getting the touches. He should get double-digit touches this week against the Seahawks, a team that allows the sixth most fantasy points to running backs. Seattle is 31st overall against the run, allowing 157-rushing yards per game. 

Isaiah McKenzie, WR, Bills. McKenzie had his best game of the season last week and has touchdown two of three games. He had season highs in receptions (seven) and yards (76) last week and that was even a game that Gabe Davis returned to the lineup. It is clear that McKenzie is here to stay in a good Bills passing game. He will keep getting the targets. And he is a solid play this week against a bad Ravens pass defense. Baltimore is dead last against the pass and allows the most fantasy points to receivers.

Geno Smith, QB, Seahawks. Smith has been a pleasant surprise for the Seahawks. He is completing passes at a high level and making good decisions. He has at least 19 fantasy points two of three games. The Seahawks told him to take more chances last week and he did, leading to his best numbers of the season. Smith was 32-of-44 for 325 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. He could post similar numbers this week against the Lions. Detroit allows the third most fantasy points to quarterbacks and allow a league high 31 points per game. 

Alec Pierce, WR, Colts. Pierce had his best game as a pro last week, catching three passes for 61 yards on five targets. And the kicker is he played just 45 percent of the snaps, so he was targeted often when on the field. His play likely earned him more playing time and targets going forward. And with Michael Pittman drawing so much attention in coverage, this might bode well for Pierce to get more looks. He might be worth a shot this week against the Titans, a team that allows the fifth most fantasy points to receivers. Tennessee has allowed eight passing touchdowns this year. Don’t be surprised if Pierce scores his first NFL touchdown in Week 4. 

Cooper Rush, QB, Cowboys. Rush has been a pleasant surprise for the Cowboys, showing well as the starter while Dak Prescott is out. He led his team to a road victory against a division rival last week. And he did it against a pretty good pass defense, going 21-of-31 for 215 yards and a touchdown without a turnover. He hasn’t really had a favorable matchup, but that changes this week, getting the Commanders. Washington allows the fifth most fantasy points to quarterbacks and rank 28th overall against the pass, allowing 274-passing yards per game. 

High/Low Scoring Games

Each week we will take a look at some of the high and low scoring games for the coming week. In high scoring affairs, get your marginal players on those teams in your lineup to take advantage of the possible points barrage. And in the low scoring games, keep those marginal players on the bench and make sure to have your defenses involved in those contests.

High Scoring Games: Seahawks/Lions, Jaguars/Eagles, Bills/Ravens, Chiefs/Bucs

Low Scoring Games: Titans/Colts, Bears/Giants, Jets/Steelers. 

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

Player Notes
Trevor Lawrence Apr 16 3:50pm CT
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence missed just one game last season, but he dealt with multiple injuries to his lower and upper body that could have affected his play in 2023. In a media availability on Tuesday, the former No. 1 overall pick said he did not feel 100% healthy until March. "When March hit, I felt really good, like lifting and doing everything like totally normal," Lawrence said. "But until March, I'd say that's when I started to feel like 100%, do stuff that I normally do." The 24-year-old threw for 4,016 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, and the Jaguars lost a Week 18 game against the struggling Tennessee Titans that would have sent them to the playoffs. Ultimately, it was a disappointing season for Lawrence and the Jaguars alike, but a healthy Lawrence could yield better results in 2024. The team has uncertainty at the wide receiver position after the departure of Calvin Ridley, but they are likely to add weapons in the upcoming NFL Draft. Lawrence figures to have a low-end QB1 upside, though he's likely to produce mid-range QB2 numbers in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Rashard Higgins Apr 16 3:40pm CT
Rashard Higgins

Veteran wide receiver Rashard Higgins and linebacker Christian Kirksey are signing one-day contracts with the Cleveland Browns to retire with the organization, the team announced on Tuesday. Higgins was selected by Cleveland in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft and racked up 137 receptions for 1,890 yards and 12 touchdowns in 82 games from 2016 to 2021. He spent the 2022 season with the Carolina Panthers but did not log a snap. Kirkey was a 2014 third-round pick by the Browns and played for the team until 2019 before brief stints with the Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, and Buffalo Bills. Overall, he secured 779 tackles, 16.5 sacks, seven interceptions, and 34 passes defended in 114 career games.

From RotoBaller

Nyheim Hines Apr 16 3:40pm CT
Nyheim Hines

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said he is "not sure" when running back Nyheim Hines (knee) will practice with the team for the first time. The 27-year-old is rehabbing from a torn ACL that he suffered off the field last offseason as a member of the Buffalo Bills. Despite that, the Browns signed him to a one-year, $1.15 million deal after free agency began. Since being traded to the Bills in the middle of the 2022 campaign, Hines has rushed for negative three yards and caught five passes for 53 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Cleveland has Nick Chubb (knee), D'Onta Foreman, and Jerome Ford on the roster. That said, it'd be surprising if Hines has a role in the offense this season, but he could be a factor in the kick return game if he can work his way back from the unfortunate injury.

From RotoBaller

Matt Ryan Apr 16 3:20pm CT
Matt Ryan

The Atlanta Falcons secured quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason on a four-year, $180 million deal, setting them up to have above-average quarterback play for the first time since Matt Ryan parted ways with the organization. However, the team is not done adding to the quarterback room. "We're definitely gonna add a quarterback," Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot said. "We're not going to into the season with two arms." The team has Cousins and Taylor Heinicke on the roster, but most teams carry between three and five quarterbacks in the offseason. It's unlikely that Atlanta will consider a first-round quarterback in this year's class, but they could begin to take fliers on signal-callers as soon as Round 2 begins. Cousins will turn 36 years old before the start of the 2024 season, so throwing a dart on players like Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix would make sense if they fall to the second round. On Day 3 of the draft, Spencer Rattler, Michael Pratt, and Joe Milton III are potential project options to consider. Although any quarterback Atlanta adds can be safely ignored in single-quarterback formats, they might be worth rostering in deep superflex and two-QB setups considering Cousins' age and the major Achilles injury he is coming off of.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Apr 16 3:13pm CT
Tyreek Hill

Dynasty | Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle is having his fifth-year option exercised. Dynasty Analysis: Waddle has strung together three straight 1,000-yard seasons to start his career, so this is hardly a surprise. While his 72/1,014/4 year was a bit of a disappointment in 2023, Waddle has still shown a lot of ability and could be a player who excels later in his career when Tyreek Hill moves on. While not in the elite level of receivers, Waddle still makes for a solid WR2 target in dynasty leagues and this move ensures we'll have at least two more seasons of him in Miami.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Deshaun Watson Apr 16 3:10pm CT
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) told reporters on Tuesday that he is "throwing full speed" with no limitations on motion or velocity. The 28-year-old said he's making 40-yard and 60-yard throws while following his doctor's lead, and the plan is for him to participate in OTAs in late May or early June in some capacity. However, the former Pro Bowl quarterback and the organization are likely to be careful with him during that time and focus on getting him 100% ready for training camp. Watson was limited to just six games last year before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, and he has only played in 12 total games over the last three years. Although it's been a long time since he has delivered strong fantasy numbers, his QB21 price tag in early FFPC drafts makes him worth taking a flier on for the 2024 campaign.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Apr 16 2:13pm CT
CeeDee Lamb

Dynasty | Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb is not attending the latest series of voluntary workouts. Dynasty Analysis: This really isn't much of a story as few expected Lamb to be around until he gets a contract extension. He's entering the last year of his deal and is inevitably going to be one of the league's highest paid players after a 135/1,749/12 season. Lamb is quickly putting some heat on players like Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson to be the overall WR1. Dynasty managers shouldn't be concerned until the season draws closer.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

DeVonta Smith Apr 16 2:13pm CT
DeVonta Smith

Dynasty | The Eagles and wide receiver DeVonta Smith have agreed to a $75 million contract extension. Dynasty Analysis: Smith is now under team control through the 2028 season and Smth gets $51 million in guaranteed money as part of the deal. It's a hefty price to pay for a WR2 but Smith is clearly one of the best receivers in the game and is coming off back-to-back seasons featuring more than 1,000 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in each year. While AJ Brown gets a lot of the attention, Smith could hold more true value as our WR13.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Davante Adams Apr 16 2:13pm CT
Davante Adams

Dynasty | Las Vegas wide receiver Davante Adams has recently indicated he wants to stay with the Raiders. Dynasty Analysis: Adams is coming off a decent 103-1,144-8 season but also one that saw his production come in peaks and valleys. As the article indicates, Adams is basically saying he'd already be gone if he wanted to be. The Jets have reportedly made some overtures but those were quickly extinguished. At this point, it would be a surprise to see Adams anywhere other than Vegas next season. However, finding a decent quarterback to keep his stats where they should be is another challenge altogether. Adams has dropped to our WR26 but is still a solid trade target for a contending team.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jordan Addison Apr 16 2:13pm CT
Jordan Addison

Dynasty | Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is not attending voluntary workouts. Dynasty Analysis: Jefferson is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is in line to possibly be the highest paid receiver of all-time. Minnesota has Jordan Addison as well but Jefferson is clearly one of the biggest difference makers in the league so it would be shocking to see him hit free agency. Regardless, Jefferson is playing it safe here and dynasty managers don't need to be too concerned at this point in the off-season. He remains our WR1 at this point in time.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Louis Rees-Zammit Apr 16 1:40pm CT
Louis Rees-Zammit

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that former rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit will be started off as a running back in his transition to the NFL game in 2024. Reid said it's "not an easy transition, but he seems to be wired" for the professional game due to his experience in rugby. Rees-Zammit is getting acclimated to the team by working with quarterback Patrick Mahomes and company in Texas during in-person work. "We'll start him off at the running back position, get him to feel comfortable with that going forward here," Reid said. The head coach also said Rees-Zammit will get looks from special teams coordinator Dave Toub in the return game once the team gets into offseason work. The signing of the rugby star was interesting this offseason, but Rees-Zammit will be a long shot to become fantasy relevant in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Apr 16 1:30pm CT
Tua Tagovailoa

NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe threw cold water on the idea that the Miami Dolphins could take a quarterback in Round 1 of the upcoming NFL draft. Instead, Wolfe thinks the team will go after either an offensive or defensive lineman at pick No. 21 overall. Wolfe said he'd "be shocked" if the Dolphins took a signal-caller in the first or second round this year. In addition to their offensive and defensive-line needs, the Dolphins could also use help at tight end. Don't forget that the Dolphins have only two picks in the top 150 this year, so spending a luxury pick on a QB seems like a reach if they plan on eventually extending Tagovailoa for the long term. Although nothing is official with an extension for Tagovailoa yet, all signs point to him staying in Miami long-term, so it would make sense for the Dolphins to hone in on more protection for him early in this year's draft.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Apr 16 1:20pm CT
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier told reporters on Tuesday that the team plans to pick up the fifth-year options for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and pass-rusher Jaelan Phillips prior to the deadline. These moves don't come as much of a surprise, especially for Waddle, after he put up his third straight 1,000-yard season in 2023 to begin his NFL career. The 25-year-old is the first pass-catcher to do that in franchise history, and it's even more impressive doing it alongside All-Pro wideout Tyreek Hill the last two years. Hill's presence limits Waddle's overall fantasy upside, but he's proven these last two seasons that there's still plenty to go around for Waddle in Miami's high-octane offense. Waddle will now be guaranteed to stick in Miami for the next two seasons.

From RotoBaller

Odell Beckham Jr. Apr 16 1:20pm CT
Odell Beckham Jr.

There is "nothing imminent" on an agreement between the Miami Dolphins and free-agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., according to general manager Chris Grier. Beckham was in the facilities a few weeks ago to meet with the Dolphins and an offer was made, but it doesn't sound like the two sides are particularly close to getting anything done. OBJ would offer some more receiving depth for the Dolphins behind one of the best one-two receiver punches in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle if he were to sign with Miami. The 31-year-old former 12th overall pick of the New York Giants in 2014 out of LSU is clearly past his prime due to several significant lower-body injuries, but he can still splash for some big games as a deep threat. Beckham had 35 catches for 565 yards and three touchdowns in 14 regular-season games (six starts) in Baltimore in 2023.

From RotoBaller

Courtland Sutton Apr 16 1:10pm CT
Courtland Sutton

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton did not report on Monday for the start of voluntary offseason workouts as he seeks a new contract, according to a source. Sutton is going on his 10th starting quarterback in seven seasons in Denver and has only $2 million guaranteed left on his current deal. He had 10 touchdowns in 2023 while ranking 56th in the league in targets (90). The former second-round pick in 2018 out of SMU also had 59 receptions for 772 yards last year, but now that Russell Wilson is in Pittsburgh and the Broncos currently have Jarrett Stidham as their starter under center, Sutton is due for some big regression (mainly in the TD department) in 2024 if he sticks around in Denver. Even with Jerry Jeudy also gone, the 28-year-old Sutton could struggle to come close to another 1,000-yard season with more questions at QB.

From RotoBaller

Jared Goff Apr 16 1:10pm CT
Jared Goff

Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker (ankle, foot) said on Tuesday that he underwent surgery on his ankle and foot this offseason. The surgery was related to an injury that he's been dealing with since college. Decker said he feels great walking around now. He'll be limited this spring but should be fine for the start of the 2024 regular season this fall. Despite not being 100 percent healthy last year, the 29-year-old only missed two regular-season games for the Lions and played in all three of their playoff contests. The former 16th overall pick by Detroit in the 2016 NFL draft out of Ohio State is one of the big reasons why the Lions' offense has soared in recent seasons as he's protected quarterback Jared Goff's blind side.

From RotoBaller

Nick McCloud Apr 15 8:30pm CT
Nick McCloud

New York Giants restricted free-agent cornerback Nick McCloud signed his free-agent tender offer on Monday to officially return to the team for the 2024 season. McCloud played in all 17 regular-season games (three starts) but was injured in the regular-season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles. The 25-year-old finished his third year in the NFL with 28 tackles (20 solo), his first career interception, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He entered the NFL in 2021 with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame. In his three years in the league, McCloud has picked up 71 tackles (55 solo), 1.5 sacks, one interception, nine passes defended, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 33 games (11 starts).

From RotoBaller

Shemar Jean-Charles Apr 15 8:30pm CT
Shemar Jean-Charles

The New Orleans Saints re-signed cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles on Monday after not tendering him as a restricted free agent. Jean-Charles spent the 2023 campaign with the San Francisco 49ers and Saints and will now return to the Big Easy in 2024 after finishing last year with a combined four tackles (three solo) in eight games (zero starts) with both teams. The 25-year-old Florida native was originally a fifth-round selection by the Green Bay Packers in 2021 out of Appalachian State and spent the first two seasons of his NFL career in Green Bay, recording just seven solo tackles in 20 games played (zero starts). Jean-Charles will merely be hoping to make New Orleans' active roster this summer out of training camp.

From RotoBaller

Emanuel Wilson Apr 15 8:20pm CT
Emanuel Wilson

The Green Bay Packers re-signed exclusive-rights free-agent running back Emanuel Wilson to an undisclosed deal on Monday. Wilson entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Fort Valley State in 2023 with the Packers and had 14 carries for 85 yards and caught four of five targets for 23 additional yards in seven regular-season games (zero starts) in his rookie campaign. Barring injuries to the team's running back room, the 24-year-old should be in line for a similar depth role behind backs Josh Jacobs and AJ Dillon in 2024, making him pretty useless to begin the year in fantasy circles. Wilson is currently the team's No. 3 RB, but that could change, depending on what the Packers do at the position in the upcoming NFL draft.

From RotoBaller

Ronnie Rivers Apr 15 8:20pm CT
Ronnie Rivers

Los Angeles Rams running back Ronnie Rivers and offensive lineman Alaric Jackson both signed their free-agent tender offers on Monday. Rivers will be heading into his third year with the Rams in 2024 after entering the NFL in 2022 with LA as an undrafted free agent out of Fresno State. The 25-year-old had 32 carries last year for 129 yards and caught all five of his targets for 22 additional yards in nine regular-season games (one start) in his second year. Depending on what the Rams do in the upcoming NFL draft, Rivers could be battling with Zach Evans for the No. 2 backfield role in training camp this summer behind starter Kyren Williams. At best, Rivers will be a handcuff option in deeper leagues for fantasy managers that take Williams.

From RotoBaller