Studs and Duds: Week 4

Mon Oct 3 10:17am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Ekeler has huge Week 4 game


It was good to see the running back position have a bit of a resurgence, having several players post some huge games. This hasn’t been the case many weeks for the position, but Week 4 had some big performance. The quarterback spot continues to be a bit of a strange one, though, with Jared Goff and Geno Smith leading all fantasy quarterbacks in scoring this week. Who would have thought? This has been the theme of the season for nearly all the positions out side of receiver, though, seeing players that weren’t drafted very high leading the way. Will this continue all season? That is the big question. 

Bengals 27, Dolphins 15

Fantasy Stud: Tyreek Hill. Hill had a great rebound game after a down showing, carrying the passing game much of the night. He had 10 receptions for 160 yards. He scored 26 fantasy points, giving him 18-plus fantasy points three of four games. Hill is on his way to another huge season, posting just as good of numbers with his new team.

Fantasy Dud: Jaylen Waddle. Waddle lost out on targets with Hill getting so much attention in the passing game. Waddle had just two receptions for 39 yards on five targets. It was his first game all season without at least 15 fantasy points. Waddle will be just fine. He had a down game. It happens.

Game Notes: Tua Tagolvailoa took a scary hit in the game and had to be taken off the field on a stretcher. He was 8-of-14 for 110 yards with an interception before the injury. This one could knock him out for some games, so stay tuned

Tee Higgins had his first 100-yard game of the season, catching seven passes for 124 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. Higgins has at least 70 yards three straight games. 

Vikings 28, Saints 25

Fantasy Stud: Justin Jefferson. Jefferson did a great job of rebounding from two poor performances for his standards. He had 10 receptions for 147 yards and ran once for a 13-yard touchdown. Jefferson showed why many consider him the best fantasy receiver in the game right now. 

Fantasy Dud: Dalvin Cook. The good news is the shoulder didn't seem to be an issue for Cook. The bad news is he didn’t do much with all his work. He ran 20 times for just 76 yards and caught two passes for 10 yards. Cook scored just 10.6 fantasy points. He has been a bit of a bust to date, having failed to stop 15 fantasy points in any game. Cook still has time to get it going but things haven’t been as expected to date. 

Game Notes: Alvin Kamara was a late scratch, missing the game because of his rib injury. Latavius Murray and Mark Ingram pretty much split the work for the Saints. Ingram had 10 carries for 30 yards while Murray ran 11 times for 57 yards and a touchdown. 

Chris Olave scored his first NFL touchdown. He had four receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown. Olave has at least 12 fantasy points three straight games. 

Falcons 23, Browns 20

Fantasy Stud: Nick Chubb. Chubb just keeps getting it done on a weekly basis. He hit the 100-yard mark, rushing 19 times for 118 yards and a touchdown. He also caught two passes for nine yards. Chubb has hit the 100-yard mark three of four games. He is producing as well as any fantasy back in the game through four games.

Fantasy Dud: Kyle Pitts. Pitts was back to his ways from earlier in the season. He had just a catch for 25 yards, really disappointing his fantasy owners once again. He has fewer than 30 yards three of four games and fewer than four fantasy points those three games. Just when you think he can get it going, he reverts back to his bad ways. 

Game Notes: Tyler Allgeier had his best game as a pro, rushing 10 times for 84 yards. Caleb Huntley also got work and played well, coming out of nowhere. Huntley ran 10 times for 56 yards and a touchdown. 

David Njoku had five receptions for 73 yards. He has 14 receptions his last two games and 70-plus yards each of those games. 

Cowboys 25, Commanders 10

Fantasy Stud: CeeDee Lamb. Lamb had six receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown. Lamb has really started to heat up, having 15-plus fantasy points three straight. He has 20-plus points his last two games. Lamb is having a fine season despite being without Dak Prescott for most of it. He just keeps getting it done for fantasy teams. 

Fantasy Dud: Curtis Samuel. Samuel had his first poor showing of the season. He caught just four passes for 38 yards and didn’t have a rush attempt. Samuel had at least seven receptions three straight games before this showing. He still was targeted seven times in the game, which was encouraging for Samuel. He will be just fine. 

Game Notes: Michael Gallup played his first game since tearing his ACL and found the end zone. He had two receptions for 24 yards and a touchdown. 

Cooper Rush keeps playing well in a starting role for the Cowboys. He led the team to another win and was 15-of-27 for 223 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. Rush is yet to throw an interceptions in four games. 

Seahawks 48, Lions 45

Fantasy Stud: T.J. Hockenson. Hockenson took advantage of injures at receiver and led the way in the passing game for the Lions. He had eight receptions for 179 yards and two touchdowns. This was his first game all season with more than 40 yards. He had been a non-factor most weeks for the Lions. Hockenson does have touchdowns two straight games, though. 

Fantasy Dud: Craig Reynolds. Reynolds did not get much work despite serving as the top backup for the Lions this week. He ran two times for 30 yards and caught a pass for 12 yards. He did produce good numbers with his chances but had  just three chances. Reynolds is not a player fantasy teams can trust - even if he keeps serving as the No. 2 back the next few weeks. 

Game Notes: Rashaad Penny finally got it going and in a big way, rushing 17 times for 151 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 8.9 yards per carry. 

Jared Goff produced a great game despite being down his top two receivers and starting running back. Goff was 26-of-39 for 378 yards and four touchdowns with an interception. 

Titans 24, Colts 17

Fantasy Stud: Mo Alie-Cox. Alie-Cox came out of nowhere to lead the Colts in receiving. He had just a catch each of the last two games and failed to top 30 yards all season, but had a monster showing in this one. He had six receptions for 85 yards and two touchdowns. He should remain up and down going forward, but this game showed his potential if getting the chances. 

Fantasy Dud: Jonathan Taylor. Taylor got 20 carries but left the game before it was over because of an ankle sprain. He ran 20 times for just 42 yards. He also caught just a pass for a yard. Just when you thought things couldn’t get worse for Taylor, they might be now with the injury. He has been a real disappointment for fantasy owners. 

Game Notes: Derrick Henry had his first 100-yard game of the season. He ran 22 times for 114 yards and a touchdown. He also had three receptions for 33 yards, giving him eight catches his last two games. 

Giants 20, Bears 12

Fantasy Stud: Saquon Barkley. Barkley keeps churning out the big fantasy numbers. He had 31 rushes for 146 yards. He also caught two passes for 16 yards, giving him 162 total yards. Barkley has 100-yard rushing games two of three and is just 37 yards shy of 500-rushing yards. 

Fantasy Dud: Richie James. James got some play because many thought he would lead the way in targets for the Giants with all the injuries at receiver. That didn’t happen with James getting just a catch for nine yards. He had at least four receptions his first three games, so this game was a surprise, especially with the Giants down so many options in the passing game. 

Game Notes: Daniel Jones was banged up in the game, hurting his ankle, but was able to return. He was 8-of-13 for 71 yards. He scored two rushing touchdowns, running six times for 68 yards and two scores. 

Darnell Mooney had four receptions for 94 yards. This was his first game all season with more than 25 yards. Mooney finally got some chances to make some big plays and produced well. 

Eagles 29, Jaguars 21

Fantasy Stud: Miles Sanders. Sanders had his best game of the season, getting 27 carries for 134 yards and two touchdowns. He also had two receptions for 22 yards, giving him 156 total yards. This was his first 100-yard rushing game, but Sanders has at least 80-rushing yards three of four games. Sanders is off to the best season of his career. 

Fantasy Dud: James Robinson. Robinson had his first dud game of the season, which wasn’t a huge surprise against a good Eagles defense. Robinson ran eight times of 29 yards and didn’t catch a pass. This was his first game all season being held out of the end zone. This also was his first game without a reception. 

Game Notes: Trevor Lawrence had a game to forget, struggling to hold onto the ball in wet conditions. He lost four fumbles in the game. Lawrence also threw an intesrcpeoitn, giving him five total turnovers. Lawrence was 11-of-23 for 174 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. 

A.J. Brown had five receptions for 95 yards. Brown has at least five receptions all four gams and 85 or more yards three of those games. 

Jets 24, Steelers 20

Fantasy Stud: Corey Davis. Davis led the way at receiver for the Jets this week, catching five passes for 74 yards and a touchdown. Davis has 70-plus yards three of four games. He also has touchdowns two of his last three. Davis has been a very pleasant surprise for fantasy owners, having at least 13 fantasy points three of four games. 

Fantasy Dud: Diontae Johnson. Johnson had a rare down showing, having just two receptions for 11 yards. Johnson had least six receptions every game before this game. Johnson remains a steady presence in this offense, so don't get too down on him over a game. He’ll get it going. 

Game Notes: Zach Wilson played pretty well in his first start of the season. He led his team to a win, going 18-of-36 for 252 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions. He ran twice for 15 yards and caught a touchdown pass. 

Mitchell Trubisky was benched for rookie Kenny Pickett. Trubisky was 7-of-13 for 84 yards with an interception. Pickett moved the offense but turned the ball over three times. He was 10-of-13 for 120 yards with three interceptions. He ran six times for 15 yards and two touchdowns. 

Bills 23, Ravens 20

Fantasy Stud: J.K. Dobbins. Dobbins had a multiple touchdown showing. He ran 13 times for 41 yards and a touchdown. He also caught four passes for 22 yards and a touchdown. He had 63 total yards and two scores. Dobbins looks to be rounding into form, leading the Ravens backfield in carries. 

Fantasy Dud: Gabriel Davis. This looked like a good matchup for Davis against a bad Ravens secondary, but that didn’t turn out to be the case. He had just a catch for 13 yards, continuing to be a boom or bust play for fantasy owners. Davis has fewer than seven fantasy points two straight games. 

Game Notes: Lamar Jackson was held in check, going 20-of-29 for 144 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions. His biggest positive was his rushing totals, running 11 times for 73 yards. 

Josh Allen had a similar showing to Jackson, but a rushing touchdown helped push his fantasy totals to a much better place. Allen was 19-of-36 for 213 yards and a touchdown with an interception. He ran 11 times for 70 yards and a touchdown, finishing with 26.6 fantasy points in a down game for his standards. 

Chargers 34, Texans 24

Fantasy Stud: Austin Ekeler. Ekeler carried many fantasy teams to victory this week with a three-touchdown performance. He had 13 carries for 60 yards and two touchdowns. He also had six receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown. Ekeler has at least 11 fantasy points all four games. Ekeler continues to get a bunch of work in the passing game, having at least six receptions three straight. 

Fantasy Dud: Josh Palmer. Palmer caught just a pass for 25 yards. He was coming off a game with six receptions for 99 yards, so you were hoping for better with Keenan Allen still out of the lineup. He had just a target, though. He had 17 targets his previous two games, so this was an outlier of a performance for Palmer. 

Game Notes: Mike Williams had seven receptions 120 yards. He has 100-yard games two of three. Williams has been up and down but a huge ceiling every week. 

Cardinals 26, Panthers 16

Fantasy Stud: Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey looked like the McCaffrey of old in this one, getting a ton of work in the passing game for the first time this season. He was held in cheek on the ground, rushing eight times for just 27 yards. But he had nine receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown. It was great to see McCaffrey so involved in the passing game once again. And he looked healthy in the game despite being questionable because of a quad injury.

Fantasy Dud: Greg Dortch. Dortch caught just a pass for six yards. The rookie had at least 13 fantasy points three straight games before this dud of a game. He had 20 receptions in three games but was an afterthought in Week 4. Dortch had just a target. This was a worrisome performance from the rookie, especially with the Cardinals starting to get healthy at receiver. 

Game Notes: Marquise Brown found the end zone for the second time this season. He had six receptions for 88 yards and a score. Brown has at least six receptions three straight.

D.J. Moore finally got some work in the passing game, catching six passes for 50 yards. Moore did not have more than three receptions in a game before this one.

Packers 27, Patriots 24

Fantasy Stud: Romeo Doubs. Doubs continues to emerge in the Packers offense. He had five receptions for 47 yards and a touchdown. Doubs had scores two straight games. He also has at least 14 fantasy points each of those games. He should continue to produce as a featured receiver in the Pacers passing game. 

Fantasy Dud: Hunter Henry. Henry continues to do next to nothing in the Patriots offense after having a big first season with the Patriots. He caught just two passes for 13 yards. Henry is not a usable fantasy option and could even be dropped in standard leagues. Henry has just five receptions for 41 yards on the season and has failed to score a touchdown. 

Game Notes: Brian Hoyer left the game early because of a head injury. He was just 5-of-6 for 37 yards before the injury. Third stringer Bailey Zappe actually played well in relief, finishing 10-of-15 for 99 yards and a touchdown. 

Allen Lazard had his first 100-yard game, catching six passes for 116 yards. Lazard has 14-plus fantasy points two straight games. 

Raiders 32, Broncos 23

Fantasy Stud: Josh Jacobs. Jacobs got a ton of work and produced great with all his chances. He rushed 28 times for 144 yards and two touchdowns. He also had five receptions for 31 yards. So Jacobs had 175 total yards and two scores. Hopefully, this game gets Jacobs going as a feature piece of this Raiders offense. 

Fantasy Dud: Derek Carr. Carr was held out of the end zone and failed to hit 200-passing yards. He was 21-of-34 for 188 yards without a touchdown or interception. Carr had two touchdowns each of his first three games, so this game was a big disappointment for his fantasy owners. You expected better from the consistent fantasy quarterback. 

Game Notes: Javonte Williams suffered a possible major knee injury. He had 10 carries for 28 yards before the injury. Melvin Gordon should get first crack to start if Williams misses any time. Gordon had three carries for eight yards with a lost fumble in this game. 

Russell Wilson had his best game as a Bronco. He was 17-of-25 for 237 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. He also led the team in rushing, running four times for 29 yards and a touchdown. He had three total scores without a turnover.  

Chiefs 41, Bucs 31

Fantasy Stud: Mike Evans. Evans had a great return to the lineup after his one-game suspension. He had eight receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns. Evans has touchdowns two of three games. This was his first 100-yard game of the season. He has topped 60 yards in every game, though, so he has been pretty consistent in the Bucs top passing attack. 

Fantasy Dud: Russell Gage. The return of both Evans and Chris Godwin to the lineup made Gage almost invisible after his monster performance the previous week. He had just two receptions for 24 yards. Gage showed he could be very erratic going forward as long as Godwin and Evans are playing. 

Game Notes: Clyde Edwards-Helaire just keep producing. He ran 19 times for 92 yards and a touchdown against a very good Bucs rush defense. He also caught a pass for a two-yard score. He has five touchdowns on the season and scores three of four games. 

Chris Godwin looked healthy in his return from a hamstring injury. Godwin had seven receptions for 59 yards on 10 targets. 

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
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

Darius Slay Apr 17 3:50pm CT
Darius Slay

The Philadelphia Eagles concluded pre-draft visits with Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold and Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean this week. Philly is clearly interested in adding defensive back talent to its defense after allowing 252.7 passing yards per game last year (second-worst). The organization holds the No. 22 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, which is right in the range where Arnold and DeJean could be selected. Arnold, a 2023 first-team All-American, racked up 20 pass deflections and six interceptions over the last two seasons. DeJean totaled 13 pass deflections and seven interceptions in his final two collegiate campaigns, and he averaged 13.1 yards per punt return. Both players are considered top cornerback prospects in this cycle, so Philadelphia would make a great landing spot for either one as James Bradberry (30 years old) and Darius Slay (33 years old) have likely seen their best days in the NFL.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton Apr 17 3:40pm CT
Darius Slayton

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton has not yet reported to voluntary offseason workouts this week, according to ESPN's Jordan Raanan. The 27-year-old is seeking a contract extension after posting 50 receptions for 770 yards and four touchdowns last season. He led the team in receiving yards last year, and he has done so in four of the last five campaigns. He's due to make $6.2 million in 2024. Although Slayton is far from a fantasy football superstar, he's been productive at times -- making this a situation worth monitoring. He should be a top wideout target in New York's offense once again, though they might take a wideout in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and second-year receiver Jalin Hyatt could take on a larger role.

From RotoBaller

Cam Brown Apr 17 3:30pm CT
Cam Brown

Free-agent linebacker Cam Brown is signing with the Miami Dolphins, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN. Brown spent the last four seasons with the New York Giants after being selected by the organization in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Penn State. In his first 60 NFL games, the 26-year-old accumulated 35 tackles (24 solo) and two forced fumbles. He posted seven special teams tackles last season, which is where he will likely contribute for the Fins in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan Apr 17 1:50pm CT
Jalen McMillan

Washington wide receiver Jalen McMillan has a pre-draft visit scheduled with the Cincinnati Bengals on Wednesday. McMillan was a three-year starter in college and is projected to be a Day 2 selection in the upcoming NFL draft next week. The 22-year-old ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis in February and also has good size at 6-foot-1, 203 pounds. In his career with the Huskies, McMillan had 164 receptions for 2,143 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns in 38 games played. Even though Cincy still has Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins around, they are expected to take a receiver in this year's draft. They have three Day 3 picks, including two third-round picks at Nos. 80 and 97.

From RotoBaller

Christian Wilkins Apr 17 1:30pm CT
Christian Wilkins

The Miami Dolphins will exercise the fifth-year option for linebacker Jaelan Phillips (Achilles), according to general manager Chris Grier. The former 18th overall pick of the 2021 NFL draft, Phillips has been an integral piece for the Dolphins defense since he entered the league three years ago. He set a Dolphins rookie record with 8.5 sacks in 2021 and had seven sacks in 2022 before playing in only eight games in 2023 because of an Achilles tear. Before his injury, he was on pace for a career-high 14 sacks. The Dolphins expect Phillips to make a full recovery for the start of the 2024 campaign. Miami can't afford for Phillips to regress after his injury after losing Christian Wilkins this offseason. If healthy in 2024, Phillips should be on the IDP fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Apr 17 1:20pm CT
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane has impressed fans after showing up to voluntary offseason workouts this month looking to be in excellent shape physically. Already one of the most impressive offensive rookies in 2023 with the most yards per rush (7.8) with a minimum of 100 attempts, his fantasy stock is soaring heading into his sophomore campaign this fall. Achane stands at only 5-foot-9, 188 pounds, but he packs a punch and is one of the fastest players overall in the NFL already. The only knocks on the 22-year-old are that he missed six games with injury, and that Raheem Mostert, who scored 21 total touchdowns in 2023, is still around. Achane had 103 carries for 800 yards and eight touchdowns in 11 regular-season games (four starts). Even with Mostert around, Achane, when healthy, has some of the most upside of any RB in the league.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Apr 17 1:10pm CT
Bo Nix

The New York Giants visited with Oregon quarterback Bo Nix and South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler this week, according to sources. The Giants continue to do their due diligence on the QB position ahead of this month's NFL draft at all levels of the draft. Nix is a potential first-round pick, but he's not expected to go as early as New York's sixth overall pick. Rattler is seen as a mid-round selection. The G-Men have six picks in this year's draft with one in every round other than the seventh. They continue to say that Daniel Jones (knee), who is coming off a torn ACL, is their starter when healthy, but they are wisely planning to have better depth behind him in 2024 and beyond if he gets hurt again or disappoints this fall.

From RotoBaller

Brock Bowers Apr 17 1:10pm CT
Brock Bowers

Georgia tight end Brock Bowers is visiting with the Los Angeles Chargers on Wednesday. Bowers also has visited with the Chicago Bears and New York Jets this week, so he's making the rounds with interested club's with the NFL draft coming late next week. Even after missing his pro-day workout with a minor hamstring injury, the 21-year-old is projected to be a top-15 pick in this first round next week after dominating as a pass-catching tight end in college with the Bulldogs. Bowers had 2,538 receiving yards and 31 total touchdowns in three seasons, even after missing a big chunk of 2023 due to an ankle injury. It's probably unlikely the Bolts would take Bowers fifth overall, but if he did end up in LA, we could easily see him being fantasy relevant in Year 1 after the team lost pass-catchers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams in the offseason.

From RotoBaller

Deuce Vaughn Apr 17 12:13pm CT
Deuce Vaughn

Dynasty | The Cowboys have signed free agent running back Royce Freeman. Dynasty Analysis: The well-traveled Freeman joins Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis and Snoop Conner in a makeshift backfield for the Cowboys at the moment. While the signing is a little intriguing on paper since Freeman has proven to be capable before, it seems highly likely Dallas takes a running back in the upcoming NFL Draft. At this point, he simply needs to be added to dynasty watch lists in case the Cowboys really do punt on the position and employ some kind of committee with this group,

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Royce Freeman Apr 16 8:10pm CT
Royce Freeman

The Dallas Cowboys signed free-agent running back Royce Freeman to an undisclosed one-year deal on Tuesday, according to a source. The former third-round pick of the Denver Broncos in 2018 out of Oregon spent last year with the Los Angeles Rams and had 77 carries for 319 yards and two rushing touchdowns in 14 regular-season games (zero starts) while adding a 13-yard catch on two targets. Even with Tony Pollard departing via Tennessee in free agency this offseason, it might be tough for Freeman to make a huge impact in Dallas' backfield in 2024 alongside the likes of Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn and Malik Davis. The Cowboys could also add more competition at the position via the upcoming draft. At best, Freeman could be a touchdown-dependent RB3/flex option in fantasy in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Apr 16 7:10pm CT
Nick Chubb

While Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee) has been working hard in the weight room, there's no timetable yet for his return in 2024. "I don't know that we'll go past today and this week at least that's the way I'm looking at it," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "I can promise you he's working very hard early in the morning. He's here, he's attacking his rehab. That's the best way I can put it. When he's ready, he'll be ready." The 28-year-old suffered a gruesome season-ending knee injury in Week 2 of last year. While he'll be sticking around with the team in 2024, it's unclear if he'll be ready by training camp this summer or if the Browns will be forced to ease him into the fold in the opening portion of the 2024 campaign. Because of the uncertainty around how Chubb will bounce back, it will make him an extremely risky RB1 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Trent Taylor Apr 16 7:10pm CT
Trent Taylor

The San Francisco 49ers signed free-agent wide receiver Trent Taylor to an undisclosed one-year deal on Tuesday. It will be a reunion between the two sides after the Niners selected Taylor in the fifth round (177th overall) in 2017 out of Louisiana Tech. The 29-year-old pass-catcher spent the first three years of his NFL career in the Bay Area before two years with the Cincinnati Bengals. He went catchless on two targets in 17 games (zero starts) for the Chicago Bears in 2023. Taylor is most likely to pitch in on special teams for the 49ers after Ray-Ray McCloud left in free agency this offseason. In his six NFL seasons, Taylor has 87 receptions on 137 targets for 834 yards and three touchdowns, with most of the production coming in his first two seasons with the 49ers.

From RotoBaller

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