Lineup Prep: Week 13

Wed Dec 1 9:47am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Mitchell can continue great play


We are in crunch time in fantasy land. It is do or die for a lot of teams. Just remember, go with the guys that got you to this point. Don’t get too cute with those lineup decisions. This can burn you in the end. Just keep this in mind when making your lineups this week and going forward.

Now for my random thoughts for the week. . . . .

I don’t know who will be the starting quarterback for the Steelers next season, but I’m sure looking forward to it because the Steelers have so many top weapons offensively. You would have to think anyone will be an upgrade over Ben Roethlisberger at this points. And that upgrade will be a positive for all those players offensively, improving their fantasy values. I think guys like Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool can be big-time fantasy stars. They just need a better guy throwing them passes. Hopefully, that comes next year. This Steelers offense could be really scary.

Saquon Barkley still doesn’t look quite like himself. He has struggled since his return from an ankle injury, rushing 19 times for 65 yards in two games. Barkley is a huge talent capable of great things, but don’t get enamored with that talent right now. He isn’t that player. Plus, the Giants are a mess offensively, which doesn’t help matters for Barkley. I know it is hard to bench him, but I would consider it if you have some decent options on your bench.

It took a little time but Antonio Gibson is finally living up to his preseason hype. He has been off the charts in recent weeks, getting a huge workload. Washington is almost making Gibson the focal point of the offense. He has a chance for a huge finish to his season. And remember, this guy played mostly receiver in college, so he is still learning the position. Gibson can get better.

Jaylen Waddle is going to be a huge star in the NFL. He is having a big rookie season and just scratching the surface. He is making most of his plays on shorter routes. He is going to start getting more chances down the field, an area he can excel. I love his ceiling going forward. He is currently ranked 15th overall in fantasy receiver scoring and is going to get better.

Mike Williams has to be one of the most frustrating fantasy players this season. He is 14th overall in fantasy receiver scoring despite having six games with fewer than eight fantasy points. He has been the ultimate boom or bust player. You can’t bench him because of his huge weekly ceiling, so you are going to have to live with the stinker games along the way. Not fun.

So Kyle Pitts is not having the season most expected, but even with that said, he is still sixth overall in fantasy tight end scoring. He is on the field every week and gets his targets. The big games just haven’t been there as frequently. I still have high hopes for Pitts. He will be better once his team gets better around him. Things could be worse for Pitts.

Well, I guess the Cam Newton story was good for a week. He sure came back down to earth last week, crashing on the way down. He was a mess, having issues with accuracy and decision making. I know his fantasy floor is usually pretty high because of his rushing ability, but he is going to be a tough player to use going forward. This probably was his last chance to be a starter in the NFL. I would steer clear of him on my fantasy team.

Adam Thielen deserves a lot more fantasy love. This guy is seventh overall in fantasy receiver scoring. He has touchdowns all but three games. But he just isn’t a touchdown dependent player. He has at least five receptions eight of 11 games. His yards might not be off the charts, but he gets his catches and touchdowns. The numbers don’t lie. This guy is a top-10 fantasy receiver.

News and Notes: Washington signed kicker Brian Johnson on Tuesday. He is expected to take over the kicking duties for Washington with Joey Slye injured. . . . .The Saints still haven't officially named a starter at quarterback for this week, but expectations are Taysom Hill will be the starter. Hill has taken the first-team reps at practice most of the week and Trevor Siemian has struggled in recent weeks.

HOT PLAYS

Hunter Renfrow, WR, Raiders. Renfrow is 14th overall in fantasy receiver scoring his last three games. He had his first 100-yard game of the season last week ands touchdowns two of four games. Renfrow also has at least seven receptions four of five games. He has been very consistent and the top target in this offense on a weekly basis. Expect him to get plenty of chances once again this week against Washington, a team that allows the fourth most fantasy points to receivers.

Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys. Prescott got back to his big ways last week, throwing for 375 yards and two touchdowns. He has 28-plus fantasy points five games this season, posting some big numbers throughout the year. Prescott is capable of posting some big numbers down the stretch, especially considering his favorable schedule. And it starts this week against the Saints, a team showing struggles against the pass this year. New Orleans allows the fifth most fantasy points to quarterbacks and rank 23rd overall against the pass.

Antonio Gibson, RB, Washington. Gibson is getting quite the workout in recent weeks for Washington as the team makes it a point to get him touches. He has at least 19 carries three straight and 26-plus touches two of three games. He had his first 100-yard rushing game of the season last week. If Gibson gets that much work again this week, he can have another huge game. He gets a Raiders team that allows the fourth most fantasy points to running backs and are 25th overall against the run. 

Elijah Mitchell, RB, 49ers. It is clear that Mitchell is the go-to back for the 49ers. He has 27 carries each of his last two games. He has 100-yard games three of five games. And what is very encouraging for fantasy owners is an increase in work in the passing game, having five receptions two of three games. Mitchell has become a must-start for fantasy teams, especially this week against the Seahawks. Seattle allows the second most fantasy points to running backs.

Darnell Mooney, WR, Bears. Mooney is sixth overall in fantasy receiver scoring his last three games. He has become a force for fantasy teams, having two straight 100-yard games and scores two of three. Mooney gets consistent work on a weekly basis and his ceiling is very high. He really is a must start right now no matter the matchup. He gets a tough Cardinals defense but his team could be playing from behind, so expect him to get plenty of volume. Keep him in your lineup and expect good things once again.

COLD PLAYS 

Damien Harris, RB, Patriots. Harris found the end zone once against last week, but his rushing totals were pretty ho hum once again. He has fewer than 60-rushing yards three straight games. Rookie Rhamondre Stevenson has emerged and is taking carries from Harris. He is no longer a surefire start for fantasy teams, especially in tough matchups. And a game this week against the Bills is not a good one for Harris. Buffalo is great against the run, allowing the fourth fewest fantasy points to running backs while ranking sixth overall against the run.

Joe Burrow, QB, Bengals. Burrow played a good game last week, helping blow out the Steelers. But he threw for just 190 yards on 24 pass attempts. He has fewer than 20 fantasy points three straight games. The Bengals might be playing well and Burrow is helping the offense, but he is not helping fantasy teams. You can’t ignore the production on the field. Things won’t get any easier for him this week against the Chargers, a team with one of the best secondaries in football. Los Angeles allows the fifth fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks and rank fifth overall against the pass

Elijah Moore, WR, Jets. The return of Zach Wilson to the starting lineup was not a good thing for Moore. He did have eight targets in the game, but caught just four passes for 46 yards. HIs production was down from the last few weeks when Wilson was on the sideline. Moore is going to be a hard player to trust as long as the erratic Wilson is starting for the Jets. Plus, Moore gets the Eagles this week, a team that allows the third fewest fantasy points to receivers.

Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks. We aren’t sure if it is the finger or something else, but Wilson clearly doesn’t look right at the moment. He has really struggled in recent weeks, having two touchdowns his last three games. His overall numbers for the year are down, too, though. He has multiple touchdowns just four games. He is a hard fantasy player to trust at this crucial point of the season. He plays the 49ers team this week, a team that has been playing some great football the last few weeks. San Francisco has allowed fewer than 19 fantasy points four straight games.

Najee Harris, RB, Steelers. You can’t bench Harris. He has too much potential on a weekly basis but his recent play is a little concerning. He has fewer than 40-rushing yards two straight and less than 65-rush yards three of four games. He is might be tiring a bit after getting so much work early in the year. Plus, opposing defenses are looking to shutdown Harris, making Ben Roethlisberger the player to beat them. Harris could have more trouble this week against the Ravens, a team that has allowed fewer than 10 fantasy points to running backs each of their last three games.

SLEEPERS

Russell Gage, WR, Falcons. Gage scored his second touchdown of the season last week. He has at least five receptions three of four games. He is a pretty dependable receiver in the Falcons offense, serving as their top target. Gage is a good streaming play, especially in a favorable matchup. And a game this week against the Bucs might be a good time to use him. The Falcons defense is not going to be able to stop the Bucs, so the offense is going to have to play catch up. Expect plenty of targets for Gage, giving him the potential for maybe his best game of the year.

Mac Jones, QB, Patriots. Jones is 11th overall in fantasy quarterback scoring his last three games and had his second 300-yard game of the season last week. Jones is playing great football as a rookie and seems to make strides every week. Jones hasn’t been asked to carry the offense many weeks, but might get that chance this week in a game against the Bills. This game could be one that Jones is asked to do more, so it will be interesting to see how he reacts. We would not bet against him based on his play this year. With some top quarterbacks on a bye, Jones could be worth a streaming play for fantasy teams.

Ronald Jones, RB, Bucs. Jones is finally showing a few signs of life. He has touchdowns two straight and 15 carries those last two games. He isn’t getting a ton of work with Leonard Fournette playing so well, but he is nearly double-digit touches per week. The Bucs play the Falcons this week and could get up big, leading to a little more work for Jones. With some top running backs on a bye, Jones might be worth a look for those teams. Plus, Atlanta allows the fifth most fantasy points to running backs on the season.

Tre’Quan Smith, WR, Saints. Smith is not flashy but consistent. He has at least four receptions three straight and double-digit fantasy points three of five games. He is another good streaming play for fantasy teams. The Saints get an explosive Cowboys offense this week, so New Orleans might need to throw more to keep up. This is good news for Smith, playing a Cowboys defense that has allowed the ninth most fantasy points to receivers.

Boston Scott, RB, Eagles. Scott led the backfield in playing time last week, playing 51 percent of the snaps. He got more work with Miles Sanders dinged up in the game and Jordan Howard injured. It could be more of the same for Scott this week, leading the way in the backfield. Scott has double-digit carries four of five games and double-digit fantasy points three of those games, so he is more than capable of helping fantasy teams. He plays the Jets in Week 13, a team that allows the most fantasy points to running backs.

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: Cowboys/Saints, Bucs/Falcons, Chargers/Bengals.

Low Scoring Games: Giants/Dolphins, Ravens/Steelers.

Bye Weeks: Panthers, Browns, Packers, Titans.

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.

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Player Notes
Jayden Daniels Mar 28 2:50pm ET
Jayden Daniels

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels had a solid workout during his school's pro day on Wednesday after he chose not to throw at the NFL scouting combine in February. Daniels measured in at 6-foot-3 5/8 and 210 pounds with 9 3/8-inch hands. He didn't run a 40-yard dash or do any other athletic testing, but he completed 52 of his 56 passes. Most of Daniels' misfires came on deeper passes and throws outside the numbers. He appeared to improve as his throwing session went on. "I can't say that it's been an A-plus workout, but it's been solid," NFL Network's Bucky Brooks said. Daniels' pro day session might not have been a game-changer for his outlook, but he was pleased with the results as a whole, and he's still expected to be a top-five pick in the upcoming NFL draft, possibly as early as No. 2 overall to the Washington Commanders.

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Brian Thomas Jr. Mar 28 2:50pm ET
Brian Thomas Jr.

Although LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. stands in the shadow of teammate Malik Nabers for the upcoming NFL draft, the 6-foot-2 7/8, 209-pounder is viewed as a possible top-20 pick in April. "He's about as naturally talented as you can find at the position," NFL Network's Bucky Brooks said. "Big, fast, physical. Runs great routes. Natural catcher. Does a really good job of watching the ball into his hands. He can shine." The biggest question for Thomas is whether he can step outside the shadow of Nabors and be an alpha dog for an NFL team. Because he didn't work out at LSU's pro day on Wednesday, Thomas may not have answered that question completely, but it doesn't mean that a receiver-needy team won't be willing to take him in the first round in 2024.

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Josiah Deguara Mar 28 2:30pm ET
Josiah Deguara

Former Green Bay Packers tight end Josiah Deguara signed an undisclosed one-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday, according to a source. Deguara will head to the AFC after spending the first four years of his NFL career playing for the Packers. Green Bay took him in the third round (94th overall) in 2020 out of Cincinnati. In his four years with the team, he recorded 47 catches on 58 targets for 436 yards and only two touchdowns in 50 games played (10 starts). In 15 regular-season games (four starts) in 2023, the 27-year-old caught just eight passes for 65 yards and no scores. Deguara will mostly be useful to the Jaguars for his blocking skills on offense and on special teams, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to make an impact catching the ball behind Evan Engram, the team's top pass-catching tight end.

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Ed Oliver Mar 28 2:30pm ET
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The Buffalo Bills signed free-agent defensive tackle DeShawn Williams to an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday. Williams will give the Bills continued depth for their defensive tackle room that went into free agency with just Ed Oliver and Eli Ankou under contract. The 31-year-old Williams played in 16 games (10 starts) for the Carolina Panthers last year and finished with 33 tackles (13 solo) and seven QB hits. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2016 with the Cincinnati Bengals out of Clemson, and the Bills will be the fourth different team he's played for in six seasons. In total, Williams has racked up 148 tackles (72 solo), nine sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 30 QB hits, one interception and nine passes defended in 66 games (44 starts). Williams will be off the IDP fantasy radar.

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Michael Hoecht Mar 28 2:10pm ET
Michael Hoecht

The Los Angeles Rams re-signed linebacker Michael Hoecht to an undisclosed deal earlier this week. Hoecht didn't receive any offers from other teams this offseason after the Rams placed a right-of-first-refusal tender on him. The 26-year-old entered the NFL in 2021 with the Rams as an undrafted free agent out of Brown University and he has 124 tackles (74 solo), 10.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 20 QB hits and two forced fumbles in 51 games (26 starts) in his three seasons in the league. Last year he started in all 17 regular-season games for LA and recorded a career-high 81 tackles (45 solo), a career-high six sacks, seven tackles for loss, 11 QB hits and a forced fumble.

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J.K. Dobbins Mar 28 11:00am ET
J.K. Dobbins

Free-agent running back J.K. Dobbins (Achilles) is scheduled to visit with the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The former Baltimore Raven suffered a torn Achilles early in the 2023 campaign, but he was cleared for football activities this week, so he will likely start drawing more interest on the free-agent market. Originally a second-round pick by Baltimore in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, Dobbins posted 805 rushing yards and nine scores on just 134 attempts (6.0 YPC) as a rookie, but he missed the entire 2021 campaign with a torn ACL. He averaged 5.7 yards per carry in 2022 and saw his 2023 season end after just eight rushing attempts with an Achilles injury. Given his injury woes early in his career, it's fair to be concerned about his future production. Regardless of his landing spot, he's likely to be eased into action, meaning his fantasy upside is capped early in 2024.

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Geno Smith Mar 27 8:10pm ET
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The Seattle Seahawks are looking to make some additions to their offensive line this offseason. Recently, Seahawks general manager John Schneider said the team has a lot to figure out on the o-line. This team is without left guard Damien Lewis and right guard Phil Haynes who both left for free agency. Possibly, the Seahawks use the 16th overall pick in the draft to add some offensive line. It appears Seattle is still looking to compete next season with Geno Smith slated to be under center. Most of the Seahawks offensive weapons are back, but this team could be in serious trouble if they don't patch up their o-line soon.

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Nate Sudfeld Mar 27 8:00pm ET
Nate Sudfeld

The Detroit Lions have re-signed quarterback Nate Sudfeld on Wednesday. The 30-year-old served as the backup to Jared Goff during the 2022 season. He was slated to compete with Teddy Bridgewater, but he has retired this offseason. That being said, Sudfeld figures to compete with Hendon Hooker for the backup job in Detroit next season. The former sixth-round pick has played in six games since debuting in 2017. Sudfeld won't offer any fantasy value heading into next season.

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Malik Nabers Mar 27 4:50pm ET
Malik Nabers

Former LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers impressed at the University's Pro Day on Wednesday, running an unofficial 4.35 40-yard dash and excelling in both the vertical jump (42") and broad jump (10'9"). The 20-year-old is coming off a spectacular junior campaign consisting of catching 89 passes for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns. His excellent athletic testing numbers certainly won't hurt his draft stock, and many analysts believe he could be taken ahead of Marvin Harrison Jr. in the 2024 NFL Draft next month. Nabers has visited or will visit with the Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, New York Jets, and New York Giants this week.

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Jadeveon Clowney Mar 27 4:30pm ET
Jadeveon Clowney

Free-agent edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney is signing a two-year, $24 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The 2014 No. 1 overall pick spent last season with the Baltimore Ravens, and it was one of the best campaigns of his career. He tied a career-high with 9.5 sacks and did not miss a game for the first time since 2017. The 31-year-old still has plenty of ability, but his surroundings in Carolina won't be as strong as they were with the Ravens. The South Carolina native is now closer to home, and he'll look to help the struggling franchise accelerate its rebuild in 2024.

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Jalyn Holmes Mar 27 3:20pm ET
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The New York Jets re-signed defensive end Jalyn Holmes to an undisclosed deal on Wednesday. The Minnesota Vikings originally took Holmes with their fourth-round selection (102nd overall) in 2018 out of Ohio State. He spent the first three years of his career in Minnesota before one-year stops with the New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears and Jets each of the last three seasons. In just five games in New York in 2023, the 28-year-old pass-rusher had five tackles (three solo) and one sack. Holmes' first defensive snaps for the Jets last year didn't come until the regular season finale. He will be competing for a depth role once again on the team's defensive line in training camp this summer.

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Neville Hewitt Mar 27 3:10pm ET
Neville Hewitt

The Houston Texans and free-agent linebacker Neville Hewitt, who led the league in 2023 in special teams tackles, reached an agreement on an undisclosed one-year deal on Wednesday, according to a source. In 16 regular-season games (zero starts) last year in his third year with the Texans, Hewitt had 14 tackles (eight solo). The 30-year-old was a standout on special teams but played just four defensive snaps and is unlikely to be a big part of Houston's defense again in 2024. In his nine-year NFL career with the Texans, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets, Hewitt has recorded a total of 440 tackles (284 solo), 7.5 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, 19 QB hits, three interceptions, 13 passes defended, two forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 129 games (44 starts).

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Sam Franklin Mar 27 3:10pm ET
Sam Franklin

The Carolina Panthers re-signed safety and special teams ace Sam Franklin on an undisclosed one-year deal on Wednesday, according to a source. Franklin, a former undrafted free agent out of Temple, began his NFL career in 2020 with the Panthers and has spent all four of his NFL seasons with the organization. The 28-year-old defensive back had a career-high 30 tackles (20 solo) and an interception returned for a touchdown in 17 games (four starts) in his fourth year in Carolina in 2023. Franklin played 310 snaps on special teams and will likely continue in that role in his fifth year with the team in 2024. In his four NFL campaigns, Franklin has just 97 tackles (69 solo), one sack, the interception returned for a score, five passes defended and a force fumble in 64 games (nine starts).

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Jayden Daniels Mar 27 3:00pm ET
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The Las Vegas Raiders may be targeting a quarterback that can escape the pocket and pick up chunk gains with his legs in the upcoming NFL draft. When asked what type of QB gives opposing defenses the most problems from his experience as a former linebacker, head coach Anthony Pierce said, "A damn runner." The Raiders are scheduled to meet with LSU QB and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels on Wednesday after his pro-day workout. Daniels threw for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns for the Tigers last year and also ran for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns. In order to snag Daniels, the Raiders will likely have to move up from 13th overall in the first round, and the team has expressed the willingness to do what it takes to make that happen. Pierce recruited Daniels out of Southern California five years ago to play at Arizona State, so he's very familiar with him.

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Talanoa Hufanga Mar 27 3:00pm ET
Talanoa Hufanga

The San Francisco 49ers expect safety Talanoa Hufanga (knee) to return from his ACL injury "sometime in training camp" this summer, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. The head coach also sounded optimistic about Hufanga's ability to return to 100 percent of his old self. The Niners would like to add a safety, but they told recent visitor Julian Blackmon that a new addition wouldn't necessarily be guaranteed a starting spot in 2024. Hufanga probably won't be ready to go for Day 1 of training camp as he works his way back from a torn ACL that he suffered in Week 11 of 2023. The 24-year-old defensive back is one of the rising young options at his position in IDP fantasy leagues when healthy. Hufanga had 52 tackles and three interceptions last year before suffering his season-ending injury.

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Tank Bigsby Mar 27 2:50pm ET
Tank Bigsby

It's clear that the Jacksonville Jaguars want to keep lead running back Travis Etienne Jr. fresh for the entire season in 2024. In the final six games in 2023, the Jaguars averaged just 79 yards per game on the ground. They finished 23rd overall with 96.8 yards per game on the ground. In an effort to keep Etienne fresher, part of the team's plan in the run game is getting second-year back Tank Bigsby more involved. He played just 141 snaps in his rookie season, carrying the ball 50 times for 132 yards and two touchdowns. A couple of fluky turnovers ensured he didn't see much more time down the stretch. "We have to get Tank going, the bottom line. He is too good, that's why we drafted him. I think early he had some 'what is that' type plays for whatever reason right or wrong. Again, in and out of the lineup," said head coach Doug Pederson.

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Josh Reynolds Mar 27 2:40pm ET
Josh Reynolds

Former Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds signed a two-year deal worth up to $14 million with the Denver Broncos on Wednesday, according to a source. The Broncos have been one of the most quiet teams in free agency this year, with Reynolds being their biggest addition by far. The 29-year-old will help replace Jerry Jeudy, who was traded to the Cleveland Browns. Reynolds caught 40 of his 64 targets last year in Detroit for 608 yards and five touchdowns in 17 regular-season games. Courtland Sutton will remain Denver's unquestioned No. 1 wideout, but Reynolds has a chance to be their No. 2 if he can beat out Tim Patrick (Achilles) and Marvin Mims Jr. in training camp. With either quarterback Jarrett Stidham or a rookie running the Broncos' offense in 2024, there won't be much fantasy upside for Reynolds in his new home.

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Cordarrelle Patterson Mar 27 3:13am ET
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Dynasty | The Steelers have signed utility player Cordarrelle Patterson. Dynasty Analysis: A lightning rod in dynasty leagues seemingly for his entire career, Patterson lands with the Steelers hours after the NFL adopted new kickoff return rules. It's going to be interesting to see just how Pittsburgh employs him as he can obviously return kicks but also help out at running back or receiver. In the end, it's hard to see much value from Patterson, especially in dynasty leagues. However, he's certainly a player to monitor as his role becomes more and more clear.

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Uchenna Nwosu Mar 26 11:20pm ET
Uchenna Nwosu

Seattle Seahawks president of football operations John Schneider said that both offensive tackle Abraham Lucas (knee) and linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (pectoral) are on track to be ready for the start of the 2024 season. Schneider is unsure if safety Jerrick Reed II (knee) will be ready, but he did say that Reed's rehab has gone well. Lucas, 25, had knee surgery at the end of last season, but he should be ready to go as the team's right tackle later this fall. Nwosu, 27, suffered a torn pectoral muscle in 2023 that limited him to six games. Getting the former second-round pick in 2018 out of USC back will be big news for Seattle's pass rush in 2024, as Nwosu picked up career-highs in combined tackles (66), sacks (9.5), tackles for loss (12) and QB hits (26) in 17 starts in 2022 in his first year in Seattle.

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Mazi Smith Mar 26 11:10pm ET
Mazi Smith

Dallas Cowboys nose tackle Mazi Smith (shoulder) carried a four- to six-month timetable after having shoulder surgery shortly after last season, but he is expected to be ready for training camp this summer. As long as Smith doesn't encounter any setbacks as he rehabs his shoulder this offseason, the 22-year-old should be ready for training camp at the end of the July and for the start of the 2024 season. After being taken 26th overall in the first round last year out of Michigan, Smith played in all 17 regular-season games (three starts) and recorded only 13 tackles (nine solo) and one sack in a depth role. He could carve out a bigger role on the interior of Dallas' defensive line in Year 2, but Smith isn't going to be on the fantasy radar in IDP leagues.

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