The NFL's all-time leader in receiving yardage per game is looking for a new home.
Five time all-pro, Julio Jones, stated on FS1's Undisputed earlier this week that he was "out" of Atlanta and that his only focus on where he wants to play next year includes winning. This corroborates with reports back in April as Ian Rapoport indicated the Falcons were receiving calls for their star receiver prior to the NFL Draft.
It's no surprise that Jones wants out considering the Falcons have only made the playoffs once since their Super Bowl appearance in 2016. Jones is 32 now and coming off a season where nagging injuries kept him off the field for all but nine games in 2020. In those games Jones caught 51 balls for 771 yards while adding three touchdowns. Having only reached double-digit touchdowns once in his career in 2012, the volume and yardage have always been Julio's strengths. A lack of availability would certainly hurt his chances to be a major contributor for any title-contender.
According to SportsLine, the teams with the best odds to land Jones are as follows as of May 28, 2021.
- Patriots +200
- 49ers +300
- Titans +400
- Raiders +600
- Ravens +700
- Chargers +900
- Colts +1000
- Packers +1200
- Dolphins +1400
- Jaguars +1500
- Cowboys +2000
The theoretical talk about where Julio will go has been fun. But as we approach June 1 the situation is going to get real, and most experts believe we'll see a trade sooner than later. If it weren't for the fact that Atlanta is in such a bad salary cap situation, the organization and GM Terry Fontenot, may have tried to salvage the relationship as we're seeing the Packers attempting to do with Aaron Rodgers. But as it stands Atlanta isn't going to be able to sign their own draft class to contracts as they only have around $340K in available cap.
The Atlanta Falcons have discussed several trade offers for Julio Jones, including an offer for a future first roun… https://t.co/wkaP9RPs2O— Dianna Russini (@Dianna Russini) 1622122213.0
By trading Jones after June 1 the Falcons will only take on a dead cap hit of $7.75 million, saving them $15.3 million if dealt before that date. The Patriots (+200) have jumped up the oddsmaker's list and are now sitting as the favorites to land Julio. The check all the boxes you would want checked if you're the Falcons front office.
They have a first round pick they can send, which is something the Falcons have made clear is an important piece. They are coming off a season where it doesn't appear giving them Jones in a trade would be enough to push them to winning the Super Bowl. Finally they're in the AFC, and teams rarely like to trade stars within their own conference.
When Atlanta says no to Julio Jones for N’Keal Harry and two 6th round picks https://t.co/EAN8caa731— Boston Diehards (@Boston Diehards) 1621973206.0
The Patriots are in pseudo-rebuild mode. They're doing a lot of things to set a new foundation for the future (Mac Jones) but have aggressively spent money in free agency this offseason and bringing back Cam Newton means that Bill Belichick saw enough that he liked to run it back. Bringing in Julio to line up outside with Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry in double tight end sets allows the Pats to continue to let Cam take off on designed run calls. Now that I'm thinking this out, maybe trading Julio to the Patriots does make them a Super Bowl contender.
Another great landing spot for Jones would be in San Fran and they have the second best odds (+300) to do so. The selection of Trey Lance indicates the team is ready to move on from Jimmy Garoppolo and they can save $25 million by simply cutting him after June 1. That would mean it would be very easy for them to take on Jones' salary, but the question is whether the Falcons would want to send their disgruntled star to an NFC power house.
Give Julio Jones back to Kyle Shanahan https://t.co/6DWAchs1SZ— PFF (@PFF) 1621954860.0
Although the Ravens (+700) aren't one of the favorites to trade for Julio, they should be making calls to Atlanta. Baltimore drafted Rashod Bateman and Tylan Wallace in the draft to help bolster the group and Sammy Watkins signed with the team in the offseason. Hollywood Brown is an okay B-level Tyreek Hill.
But the team is going to have to pay Lamar Jackson and their championship window on his rookie deal runs out after this season. The fifth year option has already been exercised and while that means that Lamar will still be a Raven in 2022, the $1.8 million cap hit in 2021 jumps to just over $23 million next year. That makes the Ravens cap situation for bringing in Jones murky taking into consideration Lamar's contract increase.
The last team that is just fun to consider before that June date is if the Packers front office actually did something good, and figured out a way to get Julio Jones to Green Bay (+1,200). Now this situation is not only highly unlikely, it's virtually impossible. GM Brian Gutekunst has put the team in a very unfavorable cap situation for next season, and they only boast around $5 million in available cap now while still needing to sign draft picks.
But it's about the only way I see Aaron Rodgers willingly playing football for the Packers next season. It would be pretty tough to walk away from a duo of Davante Adams and Julio Jones, even though it may mean they would be losing an important defensive piece or Aaron Jones in an attempt to match up contracts in a potential deal with Atlanta.
The image of Julio donning the Falcons helmet with the jet black visor will always be the way I'll remember him, but it's apparent that it won't be how we'll see him ending his career. We should have a better idea of who the serious bidders are for the receiver's services by mid next week.
As Ferris Bueller might say: The world of sports moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around at least once a week, you could miss it.Here we'll review what you might have missed in the past week all in one place. Why spend hours scrolling through Twitter to catch up on the news you want? We've already done that for you, so remember to check back every Monday to get your dose of weekly sports review.
MLB
The Astros are about to become the second team in baseball history to force a Game 7 after being down 0-3. Just a r… https://t.co/fFTYgzT8f6— Jared Carrabis (@Jared Carrabis) 1602895849.0
Game 7 of the ALCS saw the Rays jump out to an early lead as Randy Arozarena homered in the first inning and Mike Zunino in the second. Charlie Morton was brilliant over five and two thirds innings pitched, and Pete Fairbanks slammed the door shut on the series and the Astros' season to close out the game. Tampa was able to overcome the Astros momentum to advance to the World Series, but unfortunately for the Braves their outcome was different.
Happy bois https://t.co/anJxD6ufVe— Tampa Bay Rays (@Tampa Bay Rays) 1603060778.0
The Dodgers dropped the first two games of the NLCS and then exploded for 15 runs in Game 3 with multi hit efforts from Joc Pederson, Cody Bellinger, Max Muncy, and Corey Seager who all homered. Atlanta responded in Game 4 however and lit up Clayton Kershaw and Brusdar Graterol breaking the game open in the bottom of the sixth inning to take a 3-1 advantage.
With their grave all but dug with one foot in, the Dodgers got six runs batted in between Corey Seager and Will Smith who each homered in Game 5. Seager homered again in Game 6 in the first inning and Justin Turner went back to back adding another solo shot to begin the game. Max Fried gave up another to make it three first inning runs for LA which was more than enough to carry them to victory behind a stellar performance from Walker Buehler who struck out six batters over six innings while giving up no runs.
The Braves led in four of the first five innings of Game 7 before the Dodgers added a run in the sixth and then the seventh inning to make the game 4-3. The combination of Blake Treinen, Brusdar Graterol, and Julio Urias allowed no hits and one walk from the fourth inning on and didn't allow Atlanta to have a chance to get back into the game.
For the 3rd time in 4 years, the @Dodgers are NL Champs! #CLINCHED https://t.co/0g1GoS9AIa— MLB (@MLB) 1603079582.0
Game 1 of the World Series between the Dodgers and Rays is Tuesday night with first pitch at 8:09 p.m. EST.
Boxing
On Saturday night Teofimo Lopez Jr. (16-0, 12 KOs) upset Vasiliy Lomachenko (14-2, 10 KOs) in a unanimous decision after 12 rounds which unified all four belts at 135 pounds. Lopez was already the IBF lightweight champ heading in, and after defeating Lomachenko, Lopez added the WBA, WBO, and WBC titles to his collection.
At just 23 years old, Lopez has been hailed by some as the future of the division, but with Lomachenko standing in the way it appeared that Teofimo's time was a ways off still. Revered as possibly the best pound for pound fighter alive, Lomachenko was expected to come out of this fight as the unified title holder.
ALL. THE. BELTS. At 23 years old, #TheTakeover is now... 👑 The only 4-belt champ in Lightweight history 👑 The y… https://t.co/xUSaXZc4jd— Top Rank Boxing (@Top Rank Boxing) 1602997715.0
Instead what we saw was Loma being out-boxed and outclassed for most of the fight. Footwork and hand speed are two pillars of Lomachenko's success, and we saw little of either in his fight with Lopez. Teofimo came out and attacked early which caused Lomachenko into a largely defensive position until later in the fight.
Lopez hit hard and with accuracy and won eight of the 12 rounds on the judge's scorecard. There will undoubtedly be a rematch and expect to see Lomachenko ready to reassume his spot at the top of the division. Following a 14 month layoff, Loma looked a little rusty and he may have been underestimating his opponent. Of course we could be wrong and we may have just witnessed the passing of the torch in the lightweight division to Lopez.
NFL
Week 6 of NFL action didn't have a Thursday Night Game on the schedule as the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills game was moved to Monday instead. So like cavemen, we had to wait until Sunday(!) to get some NFL. What we got was a mixed bag of games. It seemed that every game on the slate on Sunday was either a one score game late into the fourth quarter, or a blowout not worth your time.
Here are quick bite takes on each game from Sunday.
Chicago Bears 23 - Carolina Panthers 16 - The Bears defense is really good. They got four sacks, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery in a close game. The Bears are a shaky 5-1 now and need to start figuring out how to get more out of running back David Montgomery. The Panthers on the other hand need to bounce back next week while they're waiting for Christian McCaffrey to return from injury.
Indianapolis Colts 31 - Cincinnati Bengals 27 - Joe Burrow continues to look good against strong competition to start off his career. Unable to get a passing touchdown, Burrow still picked up a rushing touchdown and had his team in position to win late. Philip Rivers pulled out the win and threw for 371 yards and three touchdowns to edge out the young gunslinger.
We found a way. #ForTheShoe https://t.co/aBUGv0qEyb— Indianapolis Colts (@Indianapolis Colts) 1603054039.0
Detroit Lions 34 - Jacksonville Jaguars 16 - D'Andre Swift finally had a breakout game for the Lions going for 116 rushing yards and two touchdowns as Detroit routed the Jags. Kerryon Johnson fantasy owners are waiving the white flag at this point as both Swift and Adrian Peterson appear locked in ahead of Johnson on the depth chart. As for the Jaguars, James Robinson struggled to get anything going on the ground, and Keelan Cole added 143 yards on six catches. Another flat performance from a wavering Jacksonville team.
Atlanta Falcons 40 - Minnesota Vikings 23 - Atlanta finally gets their first win on the season after firing Dan Quinn. Now the Falcons and Vikings both sit at 1-5 going into Week 7. Matt Ryan (371 yards/three touchdowns/zero interceptions) and Julio Jones (eight receptions/137 yards/two touchdowns) shined in the blowout victory over the Vikings. Minnesota missed star running back, Dalvin Cook, as they couldn't get anything going until the second half when Justin Jefferson and Kirk Cousins connected for two scores. Jefferson is developing into a fantasy standout performer.
Congrats on your first win in ATL, Coach! https://t.co/0QNoYg5Yzw— Atlanta Falcons (@Atlanta Falcons) 1603062300.0
New York Giants 20 - Washington Football Team 19 - In a game that somebody had to win, someone did. Games like this make me long for the NFL to add relegation.
Baltimore Ravens 30 - Philadelphia Eagles 28 - As expected the Ravens carried a big lead into the fourth quarter. Unexpectedly, the Eagles scored 22 points in the last quarter and nearly mounted a comeback to send the game to OT. Lamar Jackson needs to run the ball more and it showed again in this game. Jackson finished with 108 yards on the ground and a touchdown, and his 37 yard scoring play was Baltimore's best on the day.
"@Lj_era8 is electrifying when he gets in the open field!" Touchdown ❗️❗️ Tune into the second half on CBS! https://t.co/Vp2d0rXryk— Baltimore Ravens (@Baltimore Ravens) 1603048567.0
Pittsburgh Steelers 38 - Cleveland Browns 7 - Pittsburgh's defense hit Baker Mayfield in the mouth all day until he was replaced by Case Keenum late in the game. The Browns probably weren't as good as their 4-1 record heading into this one, but they aren't a bad team. This result is indicative of how good the Steelers are this year. Pittsburgh continued to involve Chase Claypool this week as he finished with four catches for 74 yards and added a score on a rushing play.
And then there were three. @Seahawks | @Steelers | @Titans https://t.co/wk2libIoYI— Sunday Night Football (@Sunday Night Football) 1603116900.0
Tennessee Titans 42 - Houston Texans 36 - The Texans were almost able to pull off a victory for their interim head coach, Romeo Crennel like Atlanta did but just fell short. The Titans continue to prove doubters wrong as they roll on now sitting at 5-0. Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry combined for 576 yards of offense and six touchdowns! Even though he's gone, the effects of Bill O'Brien's poor management skills will continue to be felt as the cupboard just feels too bare for Deshaun Watson to work with.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 38 - Green Bay Packers 10 - Two things from this game are clear. Tampa Bay's defense is really good and secondly they were ready for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. The Bucs offense wasn't exceptional and there were no standout performers. To win this big just shows you how ineffective the Packers were against this defense.
San Francisco 49ers 24 - Los Angeles Rams 16 - Jimmy Garoppolo got back on track in a big way this week against a good Rams team. He connected with George Kittle for 109 yards and a touchdown, and Raheem Mostert led the team with 65 yards on the ground. Jared Goff threw for two touchdowns for the Rams but wasn't able to surpass 200 yards passing.
Denver Broncos 18 - New England Patriots 12 - In a game that only saw one touchdown on a Cam Newton run, field goals ruled the day and Denver made six of them. Drew Lock returned as starting QB for Denver this game and still looks like he has some rust to shake off.
Miami Dolphins 24 - New York Jets 0 - The Jets probably could've used the recently released running back Le'Veon Bell in this one as they weren't able to score a single point. Adam Gase needs to be fired immediately and the Jets should forfeit the remainder of their games in 2020.
New York Jets 2020 Season Highlights: https://t.co/wBNd0YYPOh— NFL Memes (@NFL Memes) 1603058524.0
Each Friday, FindBet will preview the week's DFS slate, highlighting players that are priced well on FanDuel, as well as some contrarian plays that can push your team to the top of the leader board.
Most NFL FanDuel games have you putting a team together with players from a certain slate of games. It could be just Sunday 1:00 PM games or it could be every game that is slated for the week. Once the last game that has eligible players is over, the final payouts are made according to how many fantasy points each team scored. Each player is worth a certain dollar amount, and you have a cap of $60,000 to build your team with. You have to have 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 FLEX (RB, WR, or TE) and 1 DEF.
The general scoring rules include (6) points for each rushing and receiving touchdown, (4) points for each passing touchdown, (0.1) points for each rushing and receiving yard gained, (0.04) points for each passing yard, and also (0.5) points for each reception. There are other scoring opportunities for defenses. You can see the entire breakdown on FanDuel. Let's dive into players we like and players we advise to avoid in Week 4.
Players to Target:
Kyler Murray (QB) - $8300
Murray gets a depleted Jets defense that allowed Denver's third string QB to throw for 2 TDs. He should have a great day.
Matt Ryan (QB) - $7700
Ryan gets Carolina this week, and without much of a rushing game, he should put up some nice numbers against the Panthers defense.
Mike Davis (RB) - $6800
Count me as a Mike Davis believer now, he's filled in admirably for Christian McCaffrey. He's logged 20+ touches in both games since McCaffrey has been on IR.
Antonio Gibson (RB) - $5800
GIbson gets a new QB this week in Kyle Allen, and we saw what Allen did to McCaffrey's value last year with the Panthers. Gibson should benefit from an uptick in targets in the passing game.
Highest rushing grade (RBs): 1. Austin Ekeler - 84.6 2. Darrell Henderson - 81.0 3. Dalvin Cook - 80.2 4. Antonio… https://t.co/NGICS6Ew61— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF Fantasy Football) 1601521213.0
Cooper Kupp (WR) - $7200
Kupp has quietly had a good fantasy season. He took a slant to the house last week against the Giants. I think he's a solid play for the price.
DJ Moore (WR) - $6600
DJ Moore has produced almost every game this year. He gets a Falcons defense this week that hasn't stopped anyone this year.
Tyler Higbee (TE) - $6000
Mark Andrews had two TD grabs against Washington last week. Higbee gets them this week and is one of the top options in DFS.
Hayden Hurst (TE) - $5700
Hurst has been one of Ryan's go to guys. Julio Jones probably won't play this week which gives Hurst a chance for more targets.
Arizona Cardinals (DEF ) - $4200
Cardinals play the Jets. Flacco is starting. Do you need more convincing.
Los Angeles Rams (DEF) - $5000
Kyle Allen is the new QB in Washington. This is a bit of a risky play because of the unknown change at QB, but the Rams defense seems to have started to right the ship defensively.
Players to Avoid:
Dak Prescott (QB) - $8700
The Giants have one of the best pass defenses in the league, and the stifled a powerful Rams offense last week. I think Dak finally comes back to Earth.
Josh Allen (QB) - $8400
The Bills game was flexed to Tuesday because of the Titans COVID-19 breakout, its tough to trust a QB playing on Tuesday with the potential of postponement.
Jonathan Taylor (RB) - $7100
Taylor gets a tough Browns defense this week. With the Browns firepower on offense, the Colts may need to rely on the pass to win this game.
Every snap that Jordan Wilkins plays over Jonathan Taylor is an egregious and unforgivable misuse of resources.— RosterWatch (@RosterWatch) 1601849713.0
Frank Gore (RB) - $5300
The Jets will look to get Gore involved early this week with Flacco starting, which means Arizona will bottle up the Jets run game.
Julio Jones (WR) - $8100
Jones re-injured his hamstring in the Monday night game last week, he's a risky play this week even if he gets a practice in.
Michael Gallup (WR) - $5700
Gallup has just not been involved much in the Dallas attack so far. With a stingy Giants defense this week, he's tough to trust.
Darren Waller (TE) - $6800
Waller has had one good week, and he KC defense is getting better. I'm looking other places this week.
Austin Hooper (TE) - $5200
The Colts have allowed the least points to TEs this year, Hooper has been a massive disappointment in Cleveland's offense.
San Francisco 49ers (DEF) - $4600
The 49ers get a spunky Dolphins team that can put up respectable offensive numbers. Not worth the price this week.
Denver Broncos (DEF) - $3900
Denver's game has moved to Monday night and they will most likely get Cam Newton returning to the Patriots.
FindBet Free Play for Week 5:
Here's a team you can put right into any of your contests, just remember to buy us a beer when you win big!
The first three weeks have resembled preseasons more than any regular NFL season, as teams have sought to build chemistry after massive roster changes and unexpected injuries.
If you're a fantasy owner, you're learning how to deal with changes on your own team. First-round picks Christian McCaffrey, Davante Adams and Julio Jones were all sidelined in Week 3—and if you had Saquon Barkley, well, you had him.
With all of that in mind, here are some suggestions on who to drop from your roster, who you may want to swap on the trade block, and who you may want to shop in free agency.
Drop
Seahawks D/ST
NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
In three weeks, the Seahawks offense has already had a historic season with an MVP-caliber Russell Wilson at his finest and D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett proving to be one of the best WR duos in the league.
Twittertwitter.com
Meanwhile, the Seahawks defense is also breaking records, but it's for all the wrong reasons: this year's team is the first to allow more than 1,200 yards in three games, with an astounding 497 yards allowed per game.
For that reason alone, it's worth picking up another defense if you can, although pickings are honestly quite slim throughout the NFL. If Seattle can't get it together, it may be worth researching other D/ST options in the weeks to come.
Le'Veon Bell
NFL: New York Jets at Buffalo Bills Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
You probably don't have him anymore, but if you do, it's time to let go.
Yes, I know it's Le'Veon Bell, the former fantasy first-rounder who earned enough points to let you coast into playoffs in the past.
But that was then, and this is now—and now doesn't look so great for Bell. He hasn't been the same since he took a gap year and joined the Jets, and he's sidelined on IR until at least Week 5. I know he's the starting RB for the Jets, but I don't think this is going to be a good season for the Jets. After all, the run game only works if you're ahead, and the Jets look like they'll be pummeled for the remainder of the season. But if you are going to let him go, you may as well trade him to someone in your league who's still willing to give him a shot, because there definitely is someone in your league who still thinks that.
.@damienwoody is absolutely FED UP with New York football. "[The Jets and the Giants] are disgusting to watch on t… https://t.co/FlYj7r2sNi— Get Up (@Get Up) 1601564300.0
Cam Akers
NFL: Los Angeles Rams Scrimmage Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Cam Akers entered the season as the starting back for the LA Rams, but injuries and committees have changed things for him.
Akers has been sidelined since the beginning of Week 2 with a rib injury, and in his place, Malcolm Brown and Darrell Henderson have stepped up. If you got Henderson over Brown, you've probably landed the more productive back, who managed 12 carries for 81 yards and a touchdown, as well as two catches for 40 yards.
Even when Akers does return and inevitably gets some touches, Henderson has been too good to be shoved back down the depth chart.
All I know is if #2 was named Cam Akers Twitter would be unbearable right now. But since he got hurt and sat behin… https://t.co/jjxjnGdZmd— Fantasy Scouts 24/7 (@Fantasy Scouts 24/7) 1601573369.0
If you have to make room, let go of Akers for now—whatever happens this season, he probably won't be the starting Rams back you thought he'd be.
Swap
Rob Gronkowski
NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Denver Broncos Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The legendary tight end has barely made a dent in an improving Bucs offense—that is, until this week. After head coach Bruce Arians claimed that "we're not throwing it 50 times to the tight ends—that's what we have receivers for," Tom Brady sought to make opportunities for Gronkowski with seven targets and six receptions for 48 yards. Although you want any starting player to make at least 10 points in the game, consider the fact that Brady overthrew a wide-open Gronk in the end zone, which easily would have put Gronk around 15 fantasy points in most leagues.
His snap percentage went up to 93 percent in Week 3, meaning that Gronk is likely to be more involved in the passing game.
However, considering his first two weeks, it's still possible that Arians doesn't want to air it out to the tight end. If you're feeling uncertain about Gronk in the weeks to come, or you're nervous about his split usage with O.J. Howard, see if anyone in your league is interested in a trade for this TE2 with room to grow.
Jonnu Smith
Syndication: The Tennessean George Walker IV / Tennessean.com via Imagn Content Services, LLC
I saw Jonnu Smith sitting on someone's bench in Week 3, which is a shameful waste, considering the Titans TE hauled in 5 of 8 targets for 61 yards… and two touchdowns. That's at least 20 fantasy points, depending on your league.
YAC leaders by position this season: RB: Alvin Kamara (145) WR: Terry McLaurin (115) TE: Jonnu Smith/ Darren Walle… https://t.co/CfYTZKJzEq— PFF (@PFF) 1601219823.0
With A.J. Brown out, Jonnu is the star of the Titans passing game, and why not? Tight ends have proven to be capable receivers who can change the game, yet somehow, dependable Travis Kelce is never a first-round fantasy pick.
It's about time we stop overlooking TE production, which means that if you have Jonnu and don't need him, don't let him languish on your bench. He's good enough to score an RB2 or WR2 if you need one, and he may even rise in value in weeks to come. Trade him, or trade for him, just make sure he's on a roster. Tennessee's Week 4 game against the Steelers has been postponed, but Smith is a valuable target for the rest of 2020.
Emmanuel Sanders
NFL: Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Veteran receiver Emmanuel Sanders has been through significant change in the past year: from starting last year as a Bronco, to joining the Super Bowl contending 49ers, to joining the pass-happy Saints in New Orleans.
When cornerstone receiver Michael Thomas got injured in Week 1, it looked like Sanders might get more opportunities in his absence. That hasn't exactly been the case, as Drew Brees has opted for quick tosses to Alvin Kamara and a few lobs to Tre'Quan Smith rather than utilizing the veteran wide out.
With Thomas looking to return in Week 4, it could be time to see what you can get for Sanders now. He's by no means terrible and should definitely be rostered, but he's going to need to see more action if he wants to join a starting lineup. If you can package him along with someone else, it's certainly worth considering.
Shop
Justin Jefferson
NFL: Tennessee Titans at Minnesota Vikings Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Former LSU players have been faring decently so far in the NFL, as Joe Burrow has lost two close games with the Bengals and Clyde Edwards-Helaire has been stunning as the Chief's explosive new feature back. In Week 3, the Vikings WR3 finally had his moment to shine as he hauled in 7 of 9 targets for 175 yards and a touchdown.
Justin Jefferson so far today: 7 Rec 175 Yards 1 TD Breakout game for the rook 💥 (via @Vikings) https://t.co/DvLUaRzXWg— NFL on ESPN (@NFL on ESPN) 1601234261.0
Clearly a replacement for Stefon Diggs, Jefferson is quickly carving out a role on the Vikings offense that is expected to expand in the weeks to come. Let's just hope you're not like me and you dropped him right before Week 3, only to spend a third of your fantasy budget to get him back in Week 4—he's just that worth it.
Sammy Watkins
NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Baltimore Ravens Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Chiefs have been, well, the Chiefs, and while Patrick Mahomes likes to spread it around, there should be enough for Watkins that warrants a pickup.
.@sammywatkins using tempo to sell the post before snapping down and breaking to the out. Watch how he slightly ra… https://t.co/Mkfc7x6JyO— Receiver School (@Receiver School) 1601421312.0
Watkins saw the most snaps on Monday with 65 out of 75, meaning he's expected to be on the field for the remainder of the season. Ignoring a poor Week 2 performance in which Watkins was injured halfway through, he's put up decent numbers with 7 catches for 82 yards and a touchdown in Week 1, and 7 of 8 targets for 62 yards in Week 3.
Watkins is clearly getting snaps and targets, and again, considering the Chiefs offense, he stands to get several receptions and maybe a touchdown most weeks. For now, Watkins could be started as a flex, unless you'd like to wait a week to see if he produces once again.
Ross Dwelley
NFL: San Francisco 49ers at New York Giants Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
George Kittle was the fantasy TE breakout star last year—but this year, things haven't been looking great at the 49ers TE spot. Kittle has been sidelined with a knee injury, and now his replacement, Jordan Reed, is on IR.
While Kittle could start practicing again on Wednesday, for now, Ross Dwelley looks to be his replacement.
With the uncertainty of the Kittle situation, Dwelley is worth picking up for now. He's a start if Kittle is out in Week 4, and if Kittle isn't up to task this week, he may be worth stashing for more work in Week 5.
With George Kittle out and Jordan Reed leaving due to injury, TE Ross Dwelley stepped up big time showcasing that n… https://t.co/WaofihA1NX— OurSF49ers (@OurSF49ers) 1601258743.0
With George Kittle out and Jordan Reed leaving due to injury, TE Ross Dwelley stepped up big time showcasing that n… https://t.co/WaofihA1NX— OurSF49ers (@OurSF49ers) 1601258743.0