Studs and Duds: Week 3

Mon Sep 26 9:22am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Jackson is carrying teams to wins


The games this week weren’t nearly as high scoring in fantasy land. There were a few players with some really big games, but not nearly as many as last week. And the bad thing was many big-time fantasy players did little. There were some stars that laid eggs, leading to some really low fantasy scores. Hopefully, you were on the right side of things in Week 3. 

Browns 29, Steelers 17

Fantasy Stud: David Njoku. We finally had a Njoku sighting, posting a huge game in this matchup. He had nine receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown. It was good to see the talented tight end get the work at a position that has been a disappointment for a lot of fantasy teams. Njoku had just four receptions all season, so maybe this is the game that gets him going. 

Fantasy Dud: Kareem Hunt. Hunt got the work but wasn’t a help to fantasy teams. He ran 12 times for 47 yards and caught three passes for 14 yards. This was his second straight game with fewer than double-digit fantasy points. He is getting 15 or more touches every game but his fantasy production hasn’t been off the charts despite the work.

Game Notes: Nick Chubb had his second 100-yard rushing game of the season and has 100-plus total yards all three games. He ran 23 times for 113 yards and a touchdown. He didn’t catch a pass in the game, though. 

Amari Cooper has two straight 100-yard games. He caught seven passes for 101 yards and a score on 11 targets. He is quickly heating up in the Browns offense. 

Bears 23, Texans 20

Fantasy Stud: Khalil Herbert. Herbert had the best game of his carer, taking advantage of a chance to be the lead back because of an injury to David Montgomery. Herbert ran 20 times for 157 yards and two touchdowns. He also had two receptions for 12 yards. Herbert is a must add in all formats if Montgomery has to miss any time. He could be huge in this offense if starting. 

Fantasy Dud: Justin Fields. He might have led his team to a win, but Fields did not play well. He struggled throwing the ball once again. He was 8-of-17 for 106 yards with two interceptions. He also fumbled twice, but didn’t lose either one. Fields is yet to throw for more than 150 yards in a game. He has more interceptions (four) than touchdowns (three) for the season. Fields is not a player that fantasy teams can trust. 

Game Notes: There was a Cole Kmet sighting this week. He caught his first passes of the season, catching two passes for 40 yards. 

Dameon Pierce had his best game as a pro. He had 20 carries for 80 yards and a touchdown. He also had two receptions for 21 yards, giving him 101 total yards and a score. 

Colts 20, Chiefs 17

Fantasy Stud: Jelani Woods. Woods had just two receptions but both were touchdowns. He had two receptions for 13 yards and two scores. These were his first catches of the season. Woods could be playing his way into a bigger role in the offense, especially since the Colts tight ends have not been great this year. 

Fantasy Dud: Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes did not have a game that you are accustomed. He was 19-of-33 for 262 yards and a touchdown with an interception. Mahomes has been pretty mediocre the last two weeks, scoring 19.8 points in Week 2 and 20.7 this week. He will be just fine going forward, but his games the last two weeks are disappointing for all the fantasy owners that used very high draft capital on Mahomes. 

Game Notes: Michael Pittman returned from his quad injury and looked just fine this week. He had eight receptions for 72 yards on nine targets. He has 17 receptions in two games. 

Clyde Edwards-Helaire didn’t rush for a yard on seven carries but scored his third touchdowns of the season. He did have five receptions for 39 yards. Edwards has at least 14.9 fantasy points all three games. 

Titans 24, Raiders 22

Fantasy Stud: Mack Hollins. Hollins got more playing time with Hunter Renfrow out and took full advantage. He had the best game of his career, catching eight passes for 158 yards and a touchdown. Hollins has seen his usage increase the last few weeks, though. He has 13 reception his last two and could be playing his way into a little bigger role. 

Fantasy Dud: Darren Waller. You thought that Waller might play a big role this week with Renfrow out, but that didn’t happen. He had three receptions for 21 yards. Waller had two straight games with double-digit fantasy points before this showing with just 5.1 points. Waller remains a solid No. 1 fantasy tight end, but this game was a little bit of a surprise. 

Game Notes: Derrick Henry had a great game, rushing 20 times for 85 yards and a touchdown. He also got a ton of work in the passing game, finishing with five receptions for 58 yards. He had 143 total yards and a score. 

Josh Jacobs was iffy to play because of an illness, but was able to play and led the running backs in playing time. Jacobs had 13 carries for 66 yards and caught five passes for 31 yards. He looked just fine, having 18 total touches for 97 total yards. 

Dolphins 21, Bills 19

Fantasy Stud: Devin Singletary. Singletary got a workout in the passing game, leading the team in receptions and yards. He had nine receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown. He didn’t have as much success running, rushing nine times for 13 yards. This was his first game all season with double-digit fantasy points. He has rushed for just 80 yards in three games, but if he keeps getting the catches, he will have fantasy value. 

Fantasy Dud: Tyreek Hill. The Bills did a great job of holding the explosive Hill in  heck. He had just two receptions for 33 yards. Hill had 90-plus yards each of his first two games, so this showing was a real disappointment for fantasy owners. Hill will be just fine going forward, though. We wouldn’t worry much about this one. 

Game Notes: Tua Tagovailoa took a huge hit and was visibly wobbly on the field, falling over. He was able to return to the game somehow, though, and was 13-of-18 for 186 yards and a touchdowns without a turnover. 

Isaiah McKenzie had seven receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown. Both his reception and yardage totals were season highs. He has found the end zone two of three games. 

Vikings 28, Lions 24

Fantasy Stud: Jamaal Williams. Williams got much of the work at running back with D’Andre Swift still less than 100 percent. Williams produced big, rushing 20 times for 87 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught two passes for 20 yards, finishing with 107 total yards and two scores. This is the second game this season Williams scored multiple touchdowns. He has double-digit carries all three games. 

Fantasy Dud: Justin Jefferson. Jefferson did next to nothing in this one, catching three passes for 14 yards. Kirk Cousins looked at other receivers with the Lions doing a good job of covering Jefferson. This was a really unexpected showing from Jefferson in what looked like a very favorable matchup. His performance might have been the surprise of the entire week.

Game Notes: D’Andre Swift still didn’t get much work as he is slowed by a sprained ankle. He ran seven times for 31 yards and caught three passes for 15 yards. Swift had 10 touches after having seven his previous game. 

Adam Thielen finally got some more work and found the end zone for the first time this season. He had six receptions for 61 yards and a score. 

Dalvin Cook dislocated his shoulder during the game and left early. Cook is hoping to avoid missing any time with this injury, though, and plans to wear a harness going forward. Don’t rule him out for Week 4 just yet. 

Ravens 37, Patriots 26

Fantasy Stud: Lamar Jackson. Jackson had another monster game for all his fantasy owners, doing on the ground and through the air. He was 18-of-29 for 218 yards and four touchdowns with an interception. He also hit the 100-yard mark rushing, running 11 times for 107 yards. Jackson has two straight weeks with 40-plus fantasy points. 

Fantasy Dud: Mac Jones. Jones did score a rushing touchdown but was unable to throw in a score against arguably the worst pass defense in football. He was 22-of-32 for 321 yards with three interceptions. Jones hit the 300-yard passing mark but all the interceptions were very disappointing to his fantasy owners. Jones has just three touchdowns all season. He also suffered the dreaded high ankle sprain on the last play of the game and looked to be in a lot of pain. This is an injury to watch going forward. He is likely going to miss some time. 

Game Notes: DeVante Parker had a huge game, getting more looks with Jakobi Meyers out. Parker had five receptions for 156 yards. 

J.K. Dobbins made his season debut and led the Ravens in rush attempts. He ran seven times for 23 yards and caught two passes for 17 yards. Dobbins should see his touches increase in the coming weeks. 

Bengals 27, Jets 12

Fantasy Stud: Joe Burrow. Burrow looked like the Burrow from last season in this game. He was 23-of-36 for 275 yard and three touchdowns without a turnover. Burrow is not having a huge season but does have 26-plus points two of three games. He is starting to heat up a little. If the line can give Burrow time to throw, he can do plenty damage. 

Fantasy Dud: Joe Mixon. Mixon was unable to get much going on the ground. He ran 12 times for just 24 yards. He also caught three passes for just 14 yards. And to top it off, he suffered an ankle injury in the game and sat late. Mixon is off to a disappointing start to his season. He is yet to find the end zone and his points have decreased each week since the start of the year.  

Game Notes: Joe Flacco failed to score a touchdown and was intercepted twice. He was 28-of-52 for 285 yards. Zach Wilson will return as starter as soon as he his healthy enough. 

Tyler Conklin continues to post big numbers as the starting tight end for the Jets. He had eight receptions for 84 yards. Conklin has double-digit fantasy points every game this season. 

Eagles 24, Commanders 8

Fantasy Stud: DeVonta Smith. Smith had a monster game for the second straight week. He had eight receptions for 169 yards and a touchdown. He didn’t catch a pass in Week 1 but has 15 his last two games, having 15-plus fantasy points each of those games. Smith looks like the real deal and is emerging as a favorite target for Jalen Hurts. 

Fantasy Dud: Carson Wentz. Wentz came back down to earth against a good Eagles defense this week. He did most of his damage late in the game when the Commanders were down big. He finished 25-of-43 for 211 yards without a touchdown. He also lost a fumble in the game. Wentz scored just 11.8 fantasy points after having 30-plus fantasy points each of his first two games. 

Game Notes: Jalen Hurts had his usual big game, finishing 22-of-35 for 340 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover. Hurts had 30-plus fantasy points two straight games. 

Curtis Samuel caught seven passes for 48 yards. He has at least seven receptions all three games this season. 

Panthers 22, Saints 14

Fantasy Stud: Chris Olave. Olave continues to lead the way at receiver for the Saints his rookie season. He had nine receptions for 147 yards. This was his first 100-yard game as a pro. He has 17 receptions this season, including 14 his last two games. Olave is emerging as the go-to target in this offense. 

Fantasy Dud: Alvin Kamara. Kamara returned this week from his rib injury but didn’t do much. He had 15 carries but ran for just 61 yards. He also had just two receptions for 12 yards. He also lost a fumble, hurting his fantasy numbers. Kamara has played just two games this year but is yet to top nine fantasy points in either game. 

Game Notes: Christian McCaffrey continues to get little work in the passing game, but had a 100-yard rushing game this week. He had 25 carries for 108 yards. 

Laviska Shenault made his Panthers debut and scored their only offensive touchdown of the game. He had two receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown. He might have earned a bigger role in the offense after this showing. 

Jaguars 38, Chargers 10

Fantasy Stud: Zay Jones. There were a lot of studs for the Jaguars in this one, but we will give it to Jones. He was great, catching 10 passes for 85 yards and a touchdown. He scored 24.5 fantasy points. This was his second game of the season with 12-plus fantasy points. He has emerged as the No. 3 receiver in this up and coming offense. Jones should continue to get looks on a weekly basis. 

Fantasy Dud: Mike Williams. Williams did score a touchdown but that was his only catch. He had a catch for a 15-yard touchdown. Williams didn’t even score double-digit fantasy points despite scoring a touchdown. He continues to be an up and down fantasy player capable of the huge game any given week. You just expected better from Williams this week with Keenan Allen out of the lineup once again.  

Game Notes: James Robinson found the end zone for the third straight game. He also had his first 100-yard game of the season, rushing 17 times for 100 yards and a touchdown. Robinson has at least 15 fantasy points every game. 

Trevor Lawrence seems to be gaining confidence every week. He was 28-of-39 for 262 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover. He has five touchdowns without a turnover his last two games. 

Falcons 27, Seahawks 23

Fantasy Stud: Cordarralle Patterson. Patterson had a huge game once again as a rusher. He continues to play good football at the running back position, running 17 times for 141 yards and a touchdown. He averaged 8.3 yards per carry. Patterson also caught a pass for 12 yards, giving him 153 total yards. Patterson has 22-plus fantasy points two of three games.

Fantasy Dud: Rashaad Penny. Penny had another disappointing game, rushing 14 times for 66 yards. He caught just a pass for three yards. Penny is yet to have double-digit fantasy points in a game. His season high in rushing yards is just 66. Penny just isn’t doing much for fantasy teams. His lack of work in the passing game doesn’t help matters for Penny, having just three catches for the season. 

Game Notes: Kyle Pitts finally played like a high fantasy draft pick. He had five receptions for 87 yards. Pitts was targeted a season high eight times. 

Drake London continued his strong play, catching three passes for 54 yards and a touchdown. He has at least 12 fantasy points all three games.

Packers 14, Bucs 12

Fantasy Stud: Russell Gage. Gage was the leading receiver for the Bucs, taking advantage of an expanded role in the offense because of injuries and suspension. Gage had 12 receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown. Gage scored 25.7 fantasy points. This was a welcome sight for Gage, who had seven receptions for 41 yards his first two games. Gage showed what he is capable of in this offense. 

Fantasy Dud: Aaron Jones. Jones was kept in check by a great Bucs defense. He had 12 carries for just 36 yards. He had three receptions for 11 yards, giving him just 6.7 fantasy points. Jones had a monster game in Week 2, so this performance was a little bit of a surprise for his fantasy owners. 

Game Notes: Romeo Doubs was the top target for the Packers. He had eight receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown. He seems to be gaining the confidence of Aaron Rodgers and could be in store for more targets going forward.

Allen Lazard found the end zone for the second straight game. He had four receptions for 45 yards and a score. 

Rams 20, Cardinals 12

Fantasy Stud: Marquise Brown. Brown was fabulous in defeat. The Rams secondary had no answers for him. Brown had 14 receptions for 140 yards. Brown has been very consistent for fantasy teams to start the season. He has at least 12 fantasy points all three games. He has been targeted double-digit times two straight games. 

Fantasy Dud: Matthew Stafford. Stafford failed to score a touchdown and finished with just 12.7 fantasy points. He was 18-of-25 for 250 yards without a turnover. Stafford has been a bit of a bust to start the year, having fewer than 15 fantasy points two of three games. 

Game Notes: Just when you thought Cam Akers was working his way into good graces with the coaching staff once again, he fumbled at the goal line late in the game. He had another crucial fumble at a key point of the game. Akers had 12 carries for 60 yards and a touchdown, looking good before the fumble. 

James Conner was able to play on his sore ankle and led the team in carries. He ran 13 times for 39 yards and caught three passes for 18 yards. He seemed to come out of the game healthy, so he should be good to go going forward. 

Broncos 11, 49ers 10

Fantasy Stud: Courtland Sutton. This was one of the ugliest offensive games in recent memory, but Sutton was a bright spot. He had eight receptions for 97 yards. Sutton has been the favorite target of Russell Wilson all season. He has at least 70 yards every game and 15 receptions his last two games. Expect his production to continue to be high as long as Wilson is throwing him passes. 

Fantasy Dud: Javonte Williams. Williams owners continue to be frustrated by his usage, especially after seeing Mike Boone get on the field in passing situations. Yes, you read that right, Mike Boone is taking snaps from Williams. Williams had 15 carries for 58 yards and caught three passes for two yards. Melvin Gordon ran 12 times for 26 yards, averaging just 2.2 yards per carry. He also fumbled twice in the game but the Broncos were able to recover. Even with that said, it was Gordon that got the goal-line carry late in the game for the Broncos, scoring the only touchdown in the game. Williams scored just nine fantasy points and has failed to reach double-digit fantasy points two straight games. 

Game Notes: Jerry Jeudy was able to play despite dealing with a sternum injury. He did little, though, catching two passes for 17 yards. Jeudy has just three receptions his last two games. 

Jimmy Garoppolo did not have a good first start for the 49ers. He was 18-of-29 for 211 yards and a touchdown with an interception. He also lost a fumble and stepped out of the back of the end zone, leading to a safety. 

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
Kerby Joseph Apr 18 9:20pm CT
Kerby Joseph

Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (arm) will not be cleared to practice until training camp this summer while he recovers from an arm injury. Joseph suffered the arm injury during the NFC Championship game loss to the San Francisco 49ers, and it's going to keep him out of workouts this spring. But as long as the 23-year-old doesn't suffer a setback when he gets back on the field in training camp, he should be ready for the start of the 2024 regular season and will operate as Detroit's starting free safety. The former third-rounder in 2022 out of Illinois has recorded 164 tackles (124 solo), eight interceptions, 19 passes defended, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 32 games (29 starts) in his first two years in the NFL. When healthy, Joseph is on the fantasy radar in IDP leagues for depth at the DB position.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Apr 18 9:10pm CT
Russell Wilson

Since releasing quarterback Russell Wilson in March, the Denver Broncos haven't added any other QB behind Jarrett Stidham, so they have a clear need at the position heading into the first round of the NFL draft next Thursday. It's a position that has seen 13 different players make a start since Peyton Manning retired after the Super Bowl-winning 2015 season. The Broncos are open to trading up within the first round to select a rookie signal-caller, but there has to be an actual path to taking a QB that the Broncos think they can drop into their offense in 2024. And it's going to take additional draft capital for the Broncos to move up into the top five, something they don't have much of after using high draft picks to acquire Wilson and head coach Sean Payton. General manager George Paton said "forcing" a pick for a QB could leave the Broncos in a tough situation again next year, but they remain open to all ideas.

From RotoBaller

Darren Waller Apr 18 9:00pm CT
Darren Waller

New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen said on Thursday that he hasn't given tight end Darren Waller a deadline on his retirement decision this offseason. "Hopefully he's going to make a decision in the short term, but we're giving him time and space to make a decision on what he wants to do," Schoen said. Waller said in early March that he'd have a decision soon, but that hasn't come to fruition for the 31-year-old. A hamstring injury limited him to 12 games in 2023, and he finished with 52 catches for 552 yards and one touchdown. Waller is no longer in the prime of his career like he was with the Las Vegas Raiders and will be a pretty big injury risk as a low-end TE1 in fantasy if he decides to return for another season in 2024.

From RotoBaller

J.K. Dobbins Apr 18 8:50pm CT
J.K. Dobbins

Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said that recently signed running back J.K. Dobbins (Achilles), who is coming back from a torn Achilles, "should be" ready for training camp at the end of July. Hortiz also said the Dobbins signing is not likely to change the team's draft approach at running back. "You don't want to turn away from a good player because you've signed someone," Hortiz said. The Bolts lost do-it-all back Austin Ekeler to free agency this offseason, but they also picked up Gus Edwards in free agency, and he should fit new offensive coordinator Greg Roman's and head coach Jim Harbaugh's offensive system extremely well. The 25-year-old Dobbins has played in just nine regular-season games the last two seasons combined due to devastating lower-body injuries, so it's fair to wonder how much he has left moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Apr 18 8:40pm CT
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence said that he and the team continue to work on a long-term contract extension, but he also said "it's not really the focus right now." General manager Trent Baalke confirmed that the team was talking about an extension with Lawrence. "We're working, but you can't force this stuff." Lawrence is entering the final year of his four-year rookie deal and is eligible to have his fifth-year option picked up, with the deadline coming on May 2. If the two sides don't work anything out by then, Jacksonville will surely pick up the option for the 2025 season and continue to work on an extension. The 24-year-old former first overall pick in 2021 out of Clemson took a slight step back from his Pro Bowl season in 2022 but was still a top-10 fantasy QB despite battling through an injury in the second half of 2023.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Apr 18 3:50pm CT
Anthony Richardson

In an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, NFL insider Peter Schrager said the Indianapolis Colts could be active in moving up for a top wide receiver in the 2024 NFL draft. "I think there's a chance the Colts move up for Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, or Rome Odunze," Schrager said. He believes the Cardinals will pick Harrison Jr. if they don't trade down from the No. 4 pick, but he could be in play for the Colts otherwise. While Indianapolis already has stud wideout Michael Pittman Jr. on the roster, they are lacking a true No. 2 wide receiver and need to surround sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson with high-end weapons. Ultimately, the Colts are likely not a great landing spot for a top receiver because Pittman is already there, Richardson's rushing skill set limits the passing volume, and the team is incentivized to use Jonathan Taylor after extending his contract last year. However, it would be a big boost for Richardson, who has top-five QB upside in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Apr 18 3:40pm CT
Drake Maye

Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters said the team is "real close" to finalizing their decision of who they will select on Thursday when the 2024 NFL draft begins and confirmed they will not trade out of the No. 2 overall pick. The Commanders desperately need a franchise quarterback, and they are presumably deciding between LSU's Jayden Daniels and North Carolina's Drake Maye. The 21-year-old Maye is viewed as more of a project with a sky-high ceiling, while Daniels, last year's Heisman Trophy winner, is 23 years old and ready to contribute right away. Either quarterback will have plenty of fantasy football intrigue in Washington, as both have plenty of mobility and could be throwing passes to Terry McLaurin in their rookie season.

From RotoBaller

Shaka Toney Apr 18 3:30pm CT
Shaka Toney

The NFL reinstated Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney and free agents C.J. Moore, Rashod Berry, Quintez Cephus, and Demetrius Taylor on Thursday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The five players were suspended for the entire 2023 campaign for violating the league's gambling policy. Toney is the only player who remained on an NFL roster following the suspension, and it could be tough for the other four players to find landing spots considering their actions from last offseason. With major sports leagues trying to crack down on any suspicious gambling activity, this will be a situation worth monitoring over the next few years.

From RotoBaller

Zay Flowers Apr 18 3:10pm CT
Zay Flowers

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers was allegedly involved in a domestic investigation in February, leading to uncertainty surrounding his status on the field in 2024. On Thursday, the NFL announced there was insufficient evidence that Flowers engaged in any activity that violated the league's personal conduct policy. That said, there will be no action taken by the NFL, and Flowers is free to participate in all team activities. The 23-year-old is on track to contribute in 2024 after a 77-catch, 858-yard, five-touchdown rookie campaign. Although he did a lot of his damage with Mark Andrews (ankle) out of action, the former Boston College star has plenty of ability and should push to compile WR2 numbers in his sophomore campaign.

From RotoBaller

Marcus Mariota Apr 18 2:00pm CT
Marcus Mariota

Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters may not be looking to trade out of the No. 2 overall pick in the first round of next week's NFL draft. "We feel great about staying at No. 2. Don't see a lot of scenarios where we trade down," Peters said. This shouldn't be a big surprise after Washington dealt last year's starter, Sam Howell, to the Seattle Seahawks this offseason. As of right now, veteran Marcus Mariota is atop the QB depth chart in D.C., but the Commanders will most likely take either LSU's Jayden Daniels or North Carolina's Drake Maye with the second overall pick next Thursday night if another club like the Minnesota Vikings doesn't made an offer that the Commanders can't refuse to move up into the No. 2 spot.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Apr 18 1:40pm CT
Jayden Daniels

The Minnesota Vikings brass is scheduled to meet with LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels for dinner on Thursday night in Baton Rouge, according to agent Ron Butler. Daniels is widely expected to come off the board in the top three picks of next week's NFL draft, so if the Vikings are going to land the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, they would need to trade up within the first round. Minnesota acquired the No. 23 overall pick in a trade this spring with the Houston Texans, so they now hold two first-round selections at Nos. 11 and 23. The Vikings are clearly in the market for a signal-caller after Kirk Cousins left in free agency and signed with the Atlanta Falcons, so it wouldn't be surprising to see the team trade up within the first five picks to select Daniels or another QB prospect.

From RotoBaller

Terrel Bernard Apr 18 1:20pm CT
Terrel Bernard

Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard (ankle) said he feels very good health-wise after he missed the team's playoff lost against the Kansas City Chiefs due to an ankle injury. All signs point to Bernard being fully ready for training camp this summer and for the start of the 2024 regular season this fall. The 24-year-old was second in overall IDP fantasy points at the linebacker position in 2023, behind only Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foyesade Oluokun. In 17 regular-season games, Bernard racked up a career-high 143 tackles (84 solo), a career-high 6.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, nine QB hits, three interceptions, five passes defended and three fumble recoveries. As long as he's healthy in 2024, Bernard is going to be in play as a weekly starting linebacker in IDP formats.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Apr 18 1:10pm CT
Drake Maye

New England Patriots director of scouting/lead executive Eliot Wolf said, "we are open for business" on trades in next week's NFL draft, whether it be for moving up or down. Wolf said the team's first pick (No. 3 overall) doesn't have to be a quarterback but believes there will be a QB available that will be worth picking at third overall. The Patriots are keeping things open, but it would be a surprise if they didn't stand pat with the third overall pick to take their next franchise signal-caller after trading Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason. New England has already met with Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix Jr. If they stick at No. 3 and take a QB as everyone expects they will, the rookie QB will compete with veteran Jacoby Brissett for the starting job at training camp this summer.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Apr 18 1:10pm CT
Nick Chubb

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry said that running back Nick Chubb (knee) has started running on land within the last week and is progressing appropriately after he suffered a gruesome season-ending knee injury in Week 2 of last year. The next few weeks and months will be big for Chubb's return in 2024. The 28-year-old is entering the third and final season of his current deal in Cleveland, but there remains no timetable for his return after such a significant injury in 2023. Chubb had multiple surgeries last fall to fix ACL, MCL and meniscus injuries to his left knee. We don't know right now if Chubb will be ready for Week 1, but the best guess is that if he is, he'll be eased back in alongside D'Onta Foreman, Nyheim Hines and Jerome Ford.

From RotoBaller

Gus Edwards Apr 18 12:13am CT
Gus Edwards

Dynasty | The Chargers are signing running back JK Dobbins to a one-year deal. Dynasty Analysis: Once one of the most coveted running backs in all dynasty leagues, Dobbins' career has been shattered by injuries, including a torn Achilles that happened in week one last season. When healthy, Dobbins has been one of the most effective runners in the league. However, since being drafted in 2020, he has been able to suit up in only 24 career games. He'll conceivably pair up with Gus Edwards and could have some dynasty value again should Los Angeles fail to add to the depth chart through the upcoming NFL Draft.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Rashaad Penny Apr 17 11:10pm CT
Rashaad Penny

The Seattle Seahawks reportedly visited with unrestricted free-agent running back Rashaad Penny on Wednesday. Seattle is pretty familiar with Penny after taking him with the 27th overall pick in the 2018 draft out of San Diego State. The 28-year-old flashed moments of brilliance in the first five seasons with the Seahawks but just was never able to stay healthy enough to stay on the field for long stretches. Penny averaged 5.7 yards per carry with 1,918 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on 337 carries in Seattle while also catching 27 passes for 222 yards and another score. He had his smallest role yet with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, carrying the ball 11 times for 33 yards in three regular-season games. A move back to Seattle would have Penny serving as backfield depth behind Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet.

From RotoBaller

Trevon Wesco Apr 17 11:10pm CT
Trevon Wesco

The Cleveland Browns reportedly visited with Tennessee Titans undrafted free-agent tight end Trevon Wesco on Wednesday. Wesco was originally drafted by the New York Jets in the fourth round (121st overall) in 2019 out of West Virginia. The 28-year-old spent the first three years of his NFL career in New York before single-year stints with the Chicago Bears and Titans in each of the last two seasons. He has just nine receptions on 17 targets for 134 yards and no touchdowns in 69 games (23 starts) in his five-year NFL career. Wesco has made a career out of being a blocking-first tight, so he won't even be close to the fantasy radar if he lands in Cleveland as depth in the TE room behind David Njoku and alongside names like Jordan Akins, Giovanni Ricci and Zaire Mitchell-Paden.

From RotoBaller

J.K. Dobbins Apr 17 7:00pm CT
J.K. Dobbins

Free-agent running back J.K. Dobbins (Achilles) plans to sign a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers according to his agent. Dobbins appeared in just one game in 2023 before he tore his Achilles and missed the remainder of the campaign. The veteran runner will be reunited with offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who called plays for the Baltimore Ravens during a portion of Dobbins' stint there. Signs indicate that new head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to operate a run-heavy offensive approach with the Chargers, which would be good news for Dobbins, provided he's healthy. Consider this a good landing spot for Dobbins, who will look to prove his health in hopes of landing a long-term deal next offseason.

From RotoBaller

Rashaad Penny Apr 17 5:33pm CT
Rashaad Penny

Free-agent RB Rashaad Penny (Eagles) recently met with the Seattle Seahawks.

From TheHuddle

Christian Kirksey Apr 17 4:13pm CT
Christian Kirksey

Cleveland Browns OT Justin Murray, WR Rashard Higgins and LB Christian Kirksey were placed on the Reserve/Retired list Wednesday, April 17.

From TheHuddle