New York Jets

Shocking Statements – The Jets Can Make The Playoffs

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Shocking Statements - The Jets Can Make The Playoffs

By Tim Lazenby

“What??” “Are you a Jets fan?”, “Do you actually watch football?” “Are you seeking professional help?”  I’m sure there are tons of these types of questions upon reading the title of the article.  After all, there aren’t too many franchises who have been basement dwellers like the Jets have been as of late.  But before you scold me or flat out stop reading, I swear there are points in my favor to support such a bold claim.  I promise you there are reasons for optimism when cheering for the Gang Green.

Draft Day

It’s hard to name a team with a better 2022 draft than the New York Jets.  It doesn’t hurt, mind you, that they had three first round picks.  But even with such a good chance at success, Joe Douglas hit it out of the park even better than most could have imagined.

With the first pick, Sauce Gardiner fell to them at number four.  Derek Stingley, who was the first cornerback off the board is elite, make no mistake, but for me Gardiner is the better player.  In a bold statement, I’d be tempted to take him first overall in the 2022 draft.  His numbers are elite, but when you consider the man never allowed a touchdown in his entire college career, that’s someone to get excited about.

They also grabbed Garrett Wilson, who many considered the best wide receiver in a loaded wide receiver class.  I don’t need to tell you how good he is.  Even more crazy is edge rusher Jermaine falling to them at 26th overall.  Simply criminal.  And let’s not forget the Jets snatched up the best running back by a country mile in this year’s draft in Breece Hall.  While Michael Carter is a good option on the ground, Hall is a huge upgrade and should inspire fear in the opposition.  The rest of the draft was also very underrated.  

Notably, offensive lineman Max Mitchell, despite going in the fourth round, was one of the best tackles in the draft.  Addressing so many needs that the Jets have, this team is the strongest one we’ve seen in over a decade.  It’s great to have so many high picks, but even greater when they hit so well.

Shifts in the AFC

Logic is a funny thing.  The AFC got way better for so many teams.  For some, logic dictates that this should make things way harder for the Jets to succeed but I think that form of logic is flawed.  The NFL is a division based league, meaning you have to content among your own division above all for success.

So if you think about it, so many of the wins that the Chiefs got last season will not be repeated so easily.  Furthermore, the AFC West is now the most competitive division in the entire league.  This means that every game is truly up for grabs.  Each of the four teams can beat each other on any given night.  There will be less dominant teams for many divisions that are so much more competitive

Let’s not forget that many teams in the playoffs may not retain their level of success.  I see the Patriots, Steelers, Raiders and even Chiefs having a more difficult time playing past 17 games, so a shift is not out of the question.  A nine win Steelers team also made the playoffs last year, so it’s even more possible for the Jets to squeak in there.  

Continued development

After drafting Sam Darnold second overall, the Jets only gave him two years to succeed before shipping him off.  I don’t see them being as impatient with Zach Wilson.  A second overall investment is no easy thing to look past.  I truly believe that Joe Douglas is all in on Zach Wilson and this can be supported firstly by such a draft.

But notably, although Wilson’s lack of success was obvious, the reasons are also just as obvious.  The Jets employed five starting running backs last season, eight wide receivers and five tight ends.  Of those personnel, only Braxton Berrios and Ty Johnson played a full season.  Of the actual “starting” running back, wide receiver and tight end, many games were missed and not many were missed together.  Success is difficult without your best players on the field consistently.

It isn’t all doom and gloom though, at the end of the season, the offensive line was ranked 11th by PFF.  The Jets also had the youngest team in the entire NFL last season, so a year of bumps and bruises goes a long way into seasoning talent to what it will eventually be.  Moving forward, I just don’t see the level of failure repeating itself.

Conclusion

While it’s insane to think the Jets are contenders based off of one good draft, it’s not out of the question to consider the impact these studs will have on the team.  Sure, the Bills will win the division and Miami made its own moves to strengthen itself.  But it won’t be the Jets being taken apart like a dog on a three legged cat.  The same old Jets are simply not the same old Jets.  Of their losses last year, five of them were by a touchdown or less and the losses to Carolina, Atlanta should be wins this year.

I’m not crazy, believe me.  The Jets will not have an easy road to the playoffs, but 

it’s not as crazy as you may think that they could get there.  Crazier things have happened, right?

 

Follow me on Twitter @NFLazenby

AFC East Best Values

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AFC East Best Values

By Tim Lazenby

It’s official.  April is one of the strangest months as a dynasty fantasy football fan.  It’s been long enough after the season to have done tons of start ups and mock drafts, but we’re still a long way away from the NFL Entry Draft.  So even though we’ve done tons of drafts, made many moves and performed our best tricks to improve our squads, we’re at the point where many are pretty much done.  Here’s the rub: if you’re done now, you’re sleeping on primetime to make moves.  With so many managers in neutral gear, now’s the time to rev it up.  Every team offers values for your fantasy squad and the AFC East is no different.  Here are the best values in the AFC East in dynasty.

 

Buffalo Bills: Wide Receiver - Jamison Crowder

It’s no secret that the Buffalo Bills are the team to beat in this division.  Boasting the best quarterback in the league for many doesn’t hurt.  Add in a deep receiving core, throw in an underrated running game and sprinkle in a dominant defense that keeps the Bills offense on the field, everyone should want a piece of this team in fantasy.  Everyone knows Stefon Diggs is good and it’s common news that Gabriel Davis is the “breakout” on so many lists right now, but there’s a name that not many are even talking about.  I didn’t even notice that Jamison Crowder had signed with the Bills at the time, but you should take notice.

Jamison Crowder isn’t the most exciting name in fantasy, but if he was ever on your squad while healthy, you know exactly what he brings to the table.  It is true that he has struggled with injuries, but the talent is fantastic when he’s on the field.  Truthfully, Crowder has never been able to benefit from elite quarterback play up until now.  Despite receiving catches from subpar talent, he’s performed extremely well in the slot.  And now that he’s with one of the best, he’ll shine even more.  You can argue that the slot receiver is undersized, but he’s bigger and younger than Cole Beasley.  Beasley, also a slot receiver, is now gone; vacating his plus 100 targets every season with Josh Allen.  It’s time for Crowder to feast, and he’ll cost you pennies on the dollar.

 

New England Patriots: Wide Receiver - Jakobi Meyers

Bill Belichick is a genius, that much can’t be debated.  His mind is just different from anyone else in the game and his resume is proof of it.  Even though I question his moves sometimes, because I’m just a schlub, he clearly knows more than me.  I wondered why certain players just couldn’t stick or highly drafted talents weren’t given more opportunity, but if it’s my mind versus Bill’s, I have to concede defeat.  It’s for this reason that I continue to buy Jakobi Meyers everywhere I can, as Belichick trusts him on the field.  Some of you may argue that Meyers was a bad buy before Davante Parker came to the Patriots and Meyers should be avoided even more now.  But to that I say, the timing is even better.

Jakobi Meyers is never a name that instills excitement in the fantasy community.  But there is one main reason that he excites me.  Despite playing for a rookie quarterback who took time to learn and grow, Meyers was very consistent.  And while he lacked the touchdowns last season, I have faith this statistic will improve.  We’re also forgetting that Davante Parker, while extremely talented, is incredibly inconsistent.  While this is largely due to injury, I’d rather have a steady player like Meyers.  While others are pawing at the “discount” in Parker, make sure you get the real discount in Jakobi Meyers.

 

Miami Dolphins: Quarterback - Tua Tagovailoa

Amid all the controversy and excitement of this offseason, some names are getting a lot of press.  Real life scandals and big trades have taken the forefront, so it’s even harder to focus on what makes our fantasy squads better.  The Miami Dolphins are a team that I thought would contend last season.  And while I looked very foolish early on, as the season drew to a close, I was looking more intelligent.  There were many players to take the blame for Miami’s losses last year, but I don’t think anyone blamed Tua Tagovailoa more than any other player on the Dolphins.

“So if he’s so terrible, why are you suggesting him as a player to acquire?”, asks the eager reader.  We have to remember that we are looking for values in this article.  If I were looking for a top tier starter, Tua wouldn’t be on this list, but as a discount QB2, he’s right at the top.  If Jaylen Waddle is so good, we have to place a value on Tua.  Miami has made many supporting moves this off season to give Tua his best chance at success.  And, the biggest reason of all, the Dolphins traded for Tyreek Hill.  These moves should have made owner’s salivate at the chance to roster him, but in the backs of most people’s minds, they’ll still say, “but it’s Tua”.  Don’t be one of those fools who can’t see the sure progression of the guy Miami took instead of Justin Herbert.  They’re invested and you’d be foolish to not invest at this price.

 

New York Jets: Running Back - Michael Carter

There are a lot of things that come to mind when you think of the New York Jets.  The real life fans have been through the fire with this franchise.  It must be truly maddening watching such highly touted prospects flop or leave your team in the basement.  But make no mistake, there is still treasure to be dug up on the Jets squad.  The most valuable Jets player is one of two in most people’s eyes.  One being wide receiver Elijah Moore and the other being running back, Michael Carter.  It’s funny in a way, because I see Moore as overpriced in drafts, while Michael Carter is not.  And even though he’s not “cheap”, he offers the best value on this team.

2021 was in many ways a terrible year for Michael Carter.  The Jets were, once again, one of the worst teams in the NFL.  Carter also spent a large portion of his rookie season on the mend.  But while others might see him as an injury risk playing on a horrible team, see him for the talent that he is.  The path for Carter to succeed is clear.  He’s young, has no true competition and is one of the only talented options to lean on.  Finding a starting running back for a discount is not easy, so it’s essential to take advantage when you can.  There are hurdles for sure, but Michael Carter is not one who is being held with tight fists by many managers.  This opens the door for you to make an attempt at gaining Michael Carter for way cheaper than he should be.

 

Follow me on Twitter @NFLazenby

New York Jets Post-Draft Fantasy Analysis

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New York Jets Post-Draft Fantasy Analysis

By Brian Ford

The New York Jets are rebooting their franchise entering the 2021 NFL season, with a new coaching staff and franchise quarterback. They spent their first four picks in the 2021 NFL draft on offensive players, including when they traded up nine spots in the first round to select USC guard Alijah Vera-Tucker. While there are question marks for sure, there is plenty of dynasty fantasy upside in the Jets’ 2021 draft class.

With the second overall pick in the draft, the Jets took BYU quarterback Zach Wilson. For months, Ohio State’s Justin Fields was the consensus QB2 of the draft class, but then Wilson climbed the Jets’ draft board until it was a near certainty he was the pick weeks before the draft. 

There is plenty to like about Wilson. He has elite arm talent and good athleticism that will provide a solid rushing floor for fantasy. He is a good playmaker, improvising and making off-platform plays with regularity. Wilson has also been provided with some decent weapons at wide receiver in 2020 rookie Dezel Mims, free agent addition Corey Davis, and 2021 second round pick Elijah Moore. Should he need to check down to a running back, fellow 2021 rookie Michael Carter is capable of catching passes. With Vera-Tucker and Makhai Becton leading the offensive line, there is hope its play can improve in 2021. Finally, the Jets should be playing from behind a lot, giving Wilson plenty of passing opportunities and “garbage time” production potential.

Like any prospect, there are some things to worry about with Wilson. He has been known to have “happy feet” in the pocket and looks to scramble too quickly at times. WIth that propensity to run, he takes some big hits unnecessarily. There is some concern he will bail on plays and look to run, especially early in his career, and, while that can provide some rushing stats, it will impede his passing production and lead to those frequent big hits. Additionally, the Jets’ running game may not be very productive, limiting the offense’s overall efficiency and inviting defenses to look pass and handcuff Wilson. Finally, there is concern Wilson was a one-year wonder against bad competition in college and will have a steep learning curve in the NFL.

Wilson has been given the keys to the franchise and will look to make good on his high draft capital. If things break right, he can be a very productive quarterback in real life and in fantasy. If things do not break right, Wilson has the potential to be the biggest bust of the five quarterbacks taken in the first round. In superflex rookie drafts, it is not uncommon to see four quarterbacks taken with the first four picks, with Wilson being the last, and he also has slid to the mid-first round as well. Given the positional scarcity at quarterback, that type of draft position is probably justified, but he is far from a sure thing. 

The Jets selected Mississippi wide receiver Elijah Moore with the second pick in the second round, 34th overall. Moore has very good speed (4.35 pro day 40-yard dash time) and burst, runs his routes well, and has very good hands. He amassed 1193 yards in only 8 games against elite SEC competition in 2020 and ended with a breakout age of 19.2. Moore rose up analysts’ rankings as the draft grew closer, and the Jets spent high draft capital on him.

Moore will probably have to run a wider variety of routes to excel in the NFL, and his smaller size (5’9”, 180 lbs.) is not ideal. Moore profiles as a good slot receiver complement to a WR1, but Davis has not yet proven he can be that. Moore also has slot competition as long as Jamison Crowder is still on the roster. 

A typical superflex dynasty rookie draft sees Moore taken in the early second round, often ahead of Rondale Moore, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Kadarius Toney. He likely has a wide range of outcomes given the uncertainty at quarterback and lack of a true alpha on board to grab defenses’ attention more. However, as noted above, the Jets will likely be passing a lot as they play from behind often, and Moore will be a beneficiary of that situation. It is best to be cautiously optimistic about a rookie WR in Moore’s real life and fantasy draft range, but he has a good ceiling moving forward.

The Jets’ 2020 running game featured Le'Veon Bell (before he was released), Frank Gore, La’Mical Perine, Josh Adams, and Ty Johnson. So obviously there was room for improvement entering the 2021 draft. While Johnson and Perine are likely holdovers, the team added free agent Tevin Coleman and drafted UNC’s Michael Carter early in the fourth round (107th overall). Carter has good burst and elusiveness, and produced well in college despite splitting the backfield with fellow 2021 rookie Javonte Williams. The Shanahan-like system likely to be employed in New York fits Carter’s skill set well, and with Coleman as his top competition for touches, he is not impeded by an elite workhorse or bell-cow back. 

Carter never had more than 25 receptions in a season in college and does not have the best hands. He also is not the best pass blocker. If he wants to see the field with consistency in the NFL, he will need to improve in those areas. That said, Coleman is not a renowned pass catching back, so the path to playing time is there if he can hone his skills. 

The mid-second round of superflex rookie drafts is where Carter seems to be going, sometimes ahead of other prospects with higher real life draft capital, likely due at least in part to the lack of options at running back after the big three of Najee Harris, Travis Etienne, and UNC teammate Javonte Williams. Carter was RB4 in many analysts’ pre-draft rankings and he is going in the top five in rookie drafts, so not much has changed. For 2021, Carter could contribute more as the season wears on, and he has a shot at being the lead back for the Jets further down the road. What the lead back in a Jets offense means, though, remains to be seen. 

The Jets also added UDFA tight end Kenny Yeboah after the draft. He has pretty good size and produced fairly well in only eight games at Mississippi in 2020. He could compete with Chris Herndon for playing time, and can be had in the fourth or fifth round of rookie drafts, or even in post-draft waivers.

The Jets are remaking their team and selected a potential franchise quarterback in Zach Wilson and a couple of weapons to put at his disposal. They also improved the offensive line in the draft and added a few free agents on offense. Wilson likely has a better supporting cast and coaching staff than Sam Darnold ever had, but much uncertainty surrounds the Jets’ real life and fantasy outlook. Prospects like Moore and Carter have a path to relevance, but neither is an elite prospect at their position and their fortunes are linked to Wilson’s learning curve at quarterback. Dynasty managers can be cautiously optimistic about Wilson, Moore, and Carter, but should not be banking on anything great, especially early on. 

 

You can follow me on twitter @FFJunkie_

Bob Miller’s 2021 NFL Mock Draft

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by Bob Miller

 

1. Jacksonville Jaguars - Trevor Lawrence (QB - Clemson)

Do I really need to give a reason? He's the best QB prospect since Andrew Luck. Done.

2. NY Jets - Zach Wilson (QB - BYU)

Wilson's athletic ability, accuracy from the pocket and on the run, and leadership makes him a no brainer here for the Jets.

3. San Francisco 49ers - Justin Fields (QB - Ohio State)

The 49ers play Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray twice a year. They know what kind of a problem that type of quarterback is to defend. San Francisco decides that they need one of those QBs as well.

4. Denver Broncos - Trey Lance (QB - North Dakota State) Trade w/ Atlanta

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a trade! Atlanta trades the 4th pick to the Denver Broncos. After Denver failed to trade for Deshaun Watson, they decide that they won't fail again. They move up to get the their man, a mobile quarterback with a big arm for those cold games. Trey Lance fits that perfectly. Teddy Bridgewater is not their future, Trey Lance is.

5. Cincinnati Bengals - Ja’Marr Chase (WR - LSU)

Lots of mock drafts have Oregon LT Penei Sewell going here to the Bengals. Not mine. Ja'Marr Chase is the undisputed #1 wide receiver in this draft. Tackle is deeper is this draft than the past few years. They'll get one in the 2nd or 3rd. Cincinnati just can't pass on the opportunity to reunite Joe Burrow and his favorite WR. 

6. Miami Dolphins - Kyle Pitts (TE - Florida)

The Dolphins are thrilled to get Kyle Pitts. This once in a generation TE talent is just what they need to ensure that Tua Tagovailoa has every opportunity to succeed.

7. New England Patriots - Mac Jones (QB - Alabama) Trade w/ Detroit

We have our 2nd trade of the day! Detroit has been targeting WR Jaylen Waddle here for quite some time, but New England makes an offer that Detroit can't refuse. The Patriots get their guy! Jones needs the right situation to be successful in the NFL. What better situation to be in than being coached by Bill Belichick.

8. Carolina Panthers - Penei Sewell (LT - Oregon)

Sewell has dropped far enough. Carolina is in desperate need of a LT. Sewell starts day one and is the staple of their offensive line for the next decade.

9. Atlanta Falcons - Patrick Surtain II (CB - Alabama)

Defense is the priority for Atlanta. They traded back from pick #4 knowing that they were going to get one of the best corners available. They just happen to land the absolute best corner in this year's draft.

10. Dallas Cowboys - Jaycee Horn (CB - South Carolina)

Dallas fans are left disappointed after Patrick Surtain II gets sniped the pick before them. With cornerback being a major priority they take the best corner available. Horn is fast, physical, and will step in and start day one.

11. NY Giants - Jaelan Phillips (EDGE - Miami)

Phillips is arguably the most talented edge rusher in this class. He has had some injuries but is absolutely worth taking at pick #11. He will fill the void needed since Jason Pierre-Paul left years ago.

12. Philadelphia Eagles - Devonta Smith (WR - Alabama)

A dream come true for Philadelphia Eagles fans. They are in dire need for a WR, so what better than the unstoppable Heisman Trophy Winner. He is a bit undersized, but he's played that way his entire career. Congrats to Jaylen Hurts on getting a shiny new toy.

13. LA Chargers - Rashawn Slater (LT - Northwestern)

Los Angeles failed to land LT Orlando Brown Jr. from the Ravens. They didn't want to give what Baltimore was asking, because they knew they could land their franchise LT in this draft. Slater will be a very good left tackle in the NFL protecting Justin Herbert's blind side for years to come.

14. Minnesota Vikings - Kwity Paye (EDGE - Michigan)

Minnesota doesn’t have a second-round pick this year, so trading back is definitely a possibility. Adding a pass-rusher with this type of agility and strength opposite of Danielle Hunter may be just too hard to pass up.

15. Detroit Lions - Jaylen Waddle (WR - Alabama)

How about that. Detroit trades back with the hopes that Waddle would still be available, and he is. Waddle is a weapon that Detroit will use in many different ways. With the loss of Kenny Golladay via free agency, Waddle will targeted early and often.

16. Arizona Cardinals - Caleb Farley (CB - Virginia Tech)

With a glaring hole in the secondary left by Patrick Peterson, Arizona has to walk out of the first two rounds with a CB. Farley would have been a top-10 pick, but has fallen a bit due to the back injury concerns. Arizona believes that the reward outweighs the risk here.

17. Las Vegas Raiders - Micah Parsons (LB - Penn State)

This just makes too much sense. The Raiders need major help at linebacker, and Parsons is the best LB in this draft. Character issues prevents Parsons from being taken in the top 10, but that's not a concern for GM Mike Mayock. Jon Gruden may hurt himself running to the phone to call in this pick.

18. Miami Dolphins - Azeez Ojulari (EDGE - Georgia)

Azeez Ojulari is an edge defender with incredible speed and explosiveness. His upside is just to good for Miami to pass up.

19.Washington - Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (LB - Notre Dame)

Washington is very thin at LB. JOK is an extremely fast linebacker that can line up against slot receivers and deliver a big pop to outside runs. This combined with his leadership makes this a big get for the Football Team.

20. Chicago Bears - Christian Darrisaw (LT - Virginia Tech)

Chicago considers going with WR Rashod Bateman here, but LT is a bigger need for the Bears. Darrisaw is a top tier OT, and is too good of a value here to pass up. Chicago can grab a WR in the next couple of rounds.

21. Indianapolis Colts - Alijah Vera-Tucker (OT – USC)

Left Tackle is by far the biggest need for the Colts, and Vera-Tucker is a versatile, athletic, and strong lineman that can line up anywhere. That won't matter as the Colts will plug him in at LT immediately.

22. Tennessee Titans - Rashod Bateman (WR - Minnesota)

The Titans "had" 2 major needs: Pass rush and wide receiver. They addressed the pass rushing need via free agency by signing Bud Dupree and Denico Autry. Now they need to replace the hole at WR with Corey Davis leaving for New York. They get a solid replacement in Rashod Bateman.

23. NY Jets - Greg Newsome (CB- Northwestern)

Cornerback is a major weakness for the Jets. Head Coach Robert Saleh is going to be thrilled that he lands a talent such as Newsome here.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers - Gregory Rousseau (EDGE - Miami)

Pittsburgh has to replace EDGE with the loss of Bud Dupree. Rousseau is an absolute freak. He is 6'6/260 and has incredible reach. He has tremendous length for the position, and he's still building out his frame. He is still a little raw, but his upside is amazing.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars - Trevon Moehrig (S - TCU)

The best safety in this draft falls to the team that needs him the most. Jacksonville can use quite a bit of help on defense, and they get it here. Moehrig has great acceleration and closes on the ball quickly. He's a playmaker that Jacksonville desperately needs.

26. Cleveland Browns - Zaven Collins (LB - Tulsa)

Collins is a big, physical, and mobile linebacker that covers the middle of the field. He is fantastic against the run, which Cleveland will need to help them get over the hump against teams like Baltimore. He fills a need for Cleveland.

27. Baltimore Ravens - Joe Tryon (EDGE - Washington)

Baltimore has 3 holes to fill: EDGE, OT, and WR. Joe Tryon has elite upside as a pass rusher and will make an immediate impact for the Ravens. He opted out of the 2020 season, but his 2019 tape is fantastic. He has the potential to produce double digit sacks his rookie year in that Baltimore defense.

28. New Orleans Saints - Asante Samuel Jr. (CB - Florida State)

We all know about the Saints' salary cap situation. I wouldn't be surprised to see New Orleans trade back here, but their secondary is the top priority. They are in bad shape behind Marshon Lattimore, so drafting Samuel here makes all the sense in the world.

29. Green Bay Packers - Terrace Marshall (WR - LSU)

It's no secret that Green Bay needs help at WR behind Davante Adams. Marshall has size, speed, and great hands. He is a big target that is a mismatch for opposing corners. He will be a welcomed addition to the Packers offense.

30. Buffalo Bills - Joseph Ossai (EDGE - Texas)

I almost went with Najee Harris here, but EDGE is a bigger need for this team. They can get a RB in the next rounds. Ossai has a high motor and  high upside. He has great size and a very strong lower body. He is built for the NFL, and should be a solid EDGE defender that the Bills need.

31. Baltimore Ravens - Teven Jenkins (OT - Oklahoma State)

The Ravens were really hoping that Rashod Bateman or Terrace Marshall would fall to them here, but unfortunately that doesn't happen.  Rumor is the Ravens are shopping this pick. I'm 50/50 on the them trading back, because they already have 9 picks. With that being said they draft Teven Jenkins, a big, nasty RT with incredible size and strength. He's an elite pass protector and a fantastic run blocker. He fits right in where Orlando Brown left off.

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jayson Oweh (EDGE - Penn State)

Jason Pierre-Paul isn't getting any younger, and Oweh will be a great replacement when the time comes. He has a ton of talent but has a bit to learn. He lands in the perfect situation in Tampa. He can be a situational player for now and learn from two great pass rushers in JPP and Shaq Barrett.

 

I want to give a special thanks to @McManusDesigns, @SwapKingdom, @SchapDesign, @Golden.GRFX, @SnaggyGFX, and @DesignedbyFranco for the awesome jersey swaps!

You can follow me on twitter at @BaltimoreBobFF

 

 

Contender & Pretender Trade Targets: 

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Contender & Pretender Trade Targets: 

By Matt Kelley

We’re headed into the thick of week 7 this fantasy season, so you have a pretty good idea if you’re trending towards competing for a dynasty title or if you should be planning more for 2021. Here, I’ll look at four players you can target as either a contender, pretender, or possibly both. 

LA Chargers, TE, Hunter Henry:  One of the most difficult positions to lock down in fantasy, generally speaking, is TE. In finding success at the TE position, I look for a few key things: Are they on the field? Are they running routes? Are they connected to a good QB? Is their team utilizing them correctly? 

Hunter Henry is currently on the field for nearly 86% of snaps for the Chargers, ran 148 routes (good for 10th most), averaging nearly seven targets per game, and he’s tied to Justin Herbert who has looked incredible in his limited time taking over at the QB helm. As a nice added bonus, the Chargers are deploying Henry from the slot creating quite the mismatch on almost 29% of Henry’s snaps. Henry has only caught one TD thus far this season, but the arrow is pointing up for Henry in most every category. Henry does need to curtail his drops a bit, but that hasn’t stopped Herbert from targeting him or resulted in him coming off the field. Henry is approaching top 5 territory at the TE position, and you should snag him now before there’s a death grip on him from those that have him rostered already. Henry’s value is at a low enough point that you can target him as both a pretender or contender. 

Baltimore Ravens, RB, J.K. Dobbins: I wrote about Dobbins extensively leading up to the season and how I thought he would usurp Gus Edwards with relative ease and eventually Mark Ingram as well. Well, this taking a bit longer than I expected, and the Ravens are content with dividing up this backfield with all three of these backs. That being said, I lean towards trading Dobbins if you’re a pretender and building towards 2021. As much as we all want to see Dobbins get the bulk of opportunities, it may be later than we all want and if you’re a contender, I’m not sure you can afford to wait unless you can get by with him on your bench. That said, Mark Ingram looks like he’s hit a downturn and maybe a step behind his career pace. Ingram has been on the field 30% of the Ravens snaps, had 36% of the Ravens rush share, and is 32nd in rush yards with 225. He’s had two runs over 15 yards and evaded only 8 tackles. Dobbins has actually been on the field more than Ingram but has had less of the rush opportunities (25.8%). Despite that, Dobbins has three runs over 15 yards, has evaded nine tackles, and is the clearly superior pass catcher. I still believe #DobbinsSZN is a matter of when and not if. If you have the resources as someone shooting for 2021, this may be the best opportunity to trade for Dobbins. Should Ingram be out extended time or reinjure his ankle, the door may well slam shut on the opportunity to trade for J.K. Dobbins at his current value. 

Miami Dolphins, RB, Myles Gaskin: Nope, not Jordan Howard. Nope, not Matt Brieda. Myles Gaskin is the Miami Dolphins running back to roster and the running back to trade for as a contender. Does Gaskin have value past 2020? I’m...not entirely sure. Which is why I’m suggesting him for a win now type team and why you may not have to give up all that much to get him on your roster. Gaskin has been on the field for the Dolphins for 65% of their snaps and had 63% of their carries even after having single digit carries over the first two weeks. Gaskin has seen 29 targets for 27 total catches and 182 receiving yards. Gaskin has a workhorse share of the rushes and targets. The only downside (potentially) is the Dolphins making the shift to rookie QB Tua Tagovailoa this week, and we just don’t know what this offense will look like in terms of Tua running, dumping off passes, and being challenged by defenses. This is definitely a point to consider when trading for Gaskin and possibly creating a bit of value. I still like the potential for Gaskin to provide depth and help nudge a contender to a dynasty title. 

N.Y. Jets, WR, Jamison Crowder: Am I following up with recommending you trade for a Jet right after a Miami Dolphin? Yes, yes I am. It’s 2020, just embrace it. Crowder is an absolute PPR machine though, and much like Robert Woods of the L.A. Rams, he is a constant overlooked value. Even with Adam Gase as the coach, and even with Joe Flacco occasionally throwing him passes, Crowder excels. The Jets have actually used Crowder in the best possible role, the slot. Crowder has seen 73% of his snaps come from the slot this season. Albeit in this offense, his target share is a whopping 31.5% (21.4% in the red zone). This is elite. He has 190 yards after the catch. This is also elite territory.  Crowder probably has the most value not only this season but also going forward from anyone on this list, but he’s worth it. His floor is incredibly safe every week and he finds the endzone, you're golden for the week. If you’re in contention for a dynasty title, go after Crowder. He won’t cost you as much as the Deandre Hopkins or Michael Thomas’ of the world, but he’ll give you a (nearly) bust proof option in your lineup week in and week out. 

What’s Next for Leonard Fournette?

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What's Next for Leonard Fournette?

By Tommy Harvey

Monday morning, it was reported Jacksonville is releasing former 4th overall pick RB Leonard Fournette.  After already declining his 5th year option and not able to work out a trade, the Jaguars have now decided to clear Fournette's $4 million off the books. It's not very often a RB coming off a season with 1,150+ yards rushing and 76 receptions gets released.  By releasing him, any team is now free to place a waiver claim.  Who are the teams best suited to take a chance on the former Pro Bowler?

Chicago Bears

The Bears drafted RB David Montgomery last season out of Iowa State with hopes he would become the workhorse.  After a somewhat disappointing season, Montgomery was looking to prove his worth in 2020.  However, he suffered a groin injury last week and is expected to miss several weeks.  Chicago could use a proven veteran RB like Leonard Fournette to provide Nick Foles or Mitchell Trubisky a backfield threat.  Fournette would help solidify an offense that has lacked productivity in recent years.

Los Angeles Chargers

Austin Ekeler is a fantasy stud, but has never had more than 132 carries in a season.  There are hopes he can be a 3-down back, but bringing in Leonard Fournette would allow the Chargers to utilize Ekeler in a way he can be most productive.  LA drafted RB Joshua Kelley and brings back RB Justin Jackson, but neither Leonard Fournette.  With the departure of Melvin Gordon, Los Angeles could use a proven RB to replace the new Bronco.

New York Jets

Le'Veon Bell...Frank Gore...Kalen Ballage...YIKES!  Bell seems unmotivated, Gore is 80 years old, and Ballage (who failed his physical and is not a Jet yet) has been below average during his career in Miami.  Will Adam Gase go get Leonard Fournette?  He should!  Pairing him with Sam Darnold may keep the young QB from seeing ghosts.

Washington (Insert Name Here)

Washington is pretty much in the same boat as the Jets.  Derrius Guice was released earlier this summer, leaving a RB room of Adrian Peterson (another 80 year old), Antonio Gibson (rookie RB who was a WR in college), Bryce Love (injured since his Heisman worthy junior season at Stanford), and Peyton Barber (meh...).  With a lack of offensive weapons, Washington should go after Fournette.

New England Patriots

The Patriots seem to be in rebuild mode, but in a very mediocre AFC East, they could still make the playoffs.  You would think QB Cam Newton would love to have a RB with Leonard Fournette's ability in the backfield with him.  Sony Michel is injured and has been unproductive, James White is a 3rd down receiving back, Rex Burkhead has had injury problems in the past, and Damien Harris is unproven.  Harris could open the season as the starter, but Fournette would be a definite upgrade.

Other potential landing spots: Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Seattle Seahawks