Showing posts with label nfl. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nfl. Show all posts
15 2017 Fantasy Football Sleepers
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| Carson Wentz is one of the fifteen NFL players you should keep your eyes in the late rounds of your fantasy football drat in 2017. Photo credit: CSN Philly |
2017 Fantasy Football - 15 Sleepers
This is a list of my favorite 2017 fantasy football sleepers - underrated players who are going way later than they should. The Average Draft Position (ADP) is found on FantasyFootballCalculator.com.
The past two years of Fantasy Football Sleepers have been a mixed bag. For 2015, three of my top six sleepers were Dion Lewis, Jordan Reed and Cam Newton. On the flip side, however, I was way wrong on Kendall Wright, Stevie Johnson and Breshad Perriman. As for last season, I nailed Michael Thomas, Spencer Ware, Robert Kelley, Kenneth Dixon. Some whiffs, however, were Tajae Sharpe, DeAndre Washington, Devin Funchess and Devontae Booker.
- Joe Williams was a fourth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, but would've gone earlier had it not been for character concerns. The 49ers love him and think he's a better fit for the offense than Carlos Hyde, so I would definitely target Williams in the middle rounds.
Joe Williams, RB, 49ers. ADP: 12.02.
- C.J. Prosise had two explosive performances against the Patriots and Eagles last year before landing on injured reserve. Durability is obviously an issue with Prosise, but he's worth the risk in the 11th round. The Seahawks will definitely give Prosise plenty of touches when he's healthy.
C.J. Prosise, RB, Seahawks. ADP: 11.02.
- Zach Ertz has been Carson Wentz's favorite target throughout the offseason, so he should be drafted much higher than the 11th round. He and Wentz developed a great rapport toward the end of this past season, so that should carry over into 2017.
Zach Ertz, TE, Eagles. ADP: 11.04.
- Spencer Ware may begin the year as Kansas City's starting running back, but Kareem Hunt will likely finish the season as the primary runner. Hunt is more talented than Ware, who struggled down the stretch last season after a hot start. Unfortunately, Hunt's ADP has risen from the 11th round to the eighth recently.
Kareem Hunt, RB, Chiefs. ADP: 8.05.
- Tyler Lockett is 29th in my Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings, so I don't know why he's being chosen so late. Lockett showed great potential as a rookie in 2015, but was banged up last year. He should be able to rebound with a strong season.
Tyler Lockett, WR, Seahawks. ADP: 14.01.
- Prior to the Jeremy Maclin release, I was pretty confused about why Taylor Gabriel and Tyreek Hill were being drafted nine rounds apart. I didn't even have them nine spots apart in my Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings! Gabriel and Hill are effectively the same player, and Gabriel is in the better offense. Hill's role will increase with Maclin gone, but the fact remains that Gabriel still provides much more value.
Taylor Gabriel, WR, Falcons. ADP: 11.02.
- Carson Wentz is my No. 11 quarterback, yet he's the 19th signal-caller off the board. Wentz has a top-five offensive line and an improved receiving corps to work with. Plus, he has worked very hard on his mechanics this offseason. He seems poised for a great sophomore campaign.
Carson Wentz, QB, Eagles. ADP: 12.08.
- Allen Hurns was a major disappointment in 2016, but he was never 100 percent because of a problematic knee. Now healthy, Hurns can go back to collecting lots of yardage in garbage time.
Allen Hurns, WR, Jaguars. ADP: 14.08.
- Here's another Seattle running back who is well worth his ADP than Eddie Lacy. Thomas Rawls has worked out extremely hard this offseason to make amends for his disappointing 2016 campaign. That should pay off, so I like taking a chance on him at the end of the ninth round.
Thomas Rawls, RB, Seahawks. ADP: 9.12.
- Kenny Golladay has been the star of Lions' training camp. He's only a rookie, but he's a massive receiver who will provide a huge presence in the red zone. He's worth looking into in the final rounds.
Kenny Golladay, WR, Lions. ADP: Undrafted.
- I don't understand why Pierre Garcon is the 36th receiver off the board at his 8.02 ADP. Garcon is a great route runner and can thrive in any system. Sure, his quarterback will be Brian Hoyer, but if Cameron Meredith can be productive with Hoyer, Garcon certainly can, too.
Pierre Garcon, WR, 49ers. ADP: 8.02.
- I had John Brown listed in the Fantasy Football Busts last year, but I like him to rebound from his dreadful 2016 campaign. Brown dealt with a nasty injury all season, but figures to be healthy now. Carson Palmer's regression is still an issue, but with Michael Floyd gone, Palmer will target Brown more often.
John Brown, WR, Cardinals. ADP: 9.04.
- Austin Hooper didn't do much as a rookie, but he's had a great offseason and has earned the praise of Matt Ryan. Hooper is a highly athletic tight end with tremendous upside, so he could post TE1-type numbers this year.
Austin Hooper, TE, Falcons. ADP: 14.02.
- Marlon Mack has been getting some positive press recently. Chuck Pagano said Mack has the potential to be a "special player," citing how Mack has performed well in pass-protection drills. That's key for a young running back, so Mack could get some playing time this year with Frank Gore on the decline.
Marlon Mack, RB, Colts. ADP: 12.06.
- It feels weird to call a fifth-round pick a sleeper, but I think C.J. Anderson provides a ton of value in the early rounds. Anderson is in great shape this year, so he might be able to avoid injury. He's 14th in my Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings, yet he's the 25th player at his position to come off the board, per the ADP.
C.J. Anderson, RB, Broncos. ADP: 5.05.
- The Chargers spent the seventh-overall pick on Mike Williams, but he could miss most of the season with a back injury. Tyrell Williams, as a result, provides quality value at his ninth-round ADP. Williams' ADP has risen recently in the wake of the Williams news, but I liked him beforehand.
Tyrell Williams, WR, Chargers. ADP: 9.05.
- I don't think spending a final non-defense, non-kicker pick on J.J. Nelson is the worst idea. Nelson is Arizona's No. 3 receiver, and he could easily become the second option, given John Brown's injury history. There have been positive reports about Carson Palmer this offseason, so that could help Nelson's fantasy outlook.
J.J. Nelson, WR, Cardinals. ADP: 14.11.
Jerry Jones Hall of Fame Speech
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| Jerry Jones Pro Football Hall of Fame |
Watch Jerry Jones candid Hall of Fame Speech
Cowboys Not First Choice For Jerry
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| Jerry Jones will take his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio this weekend. Photo credit: USA Today |
When oil wildcatter Jerry Jones paid his way into the NFL in 1989 it wasn't his first attempt to own a pro football team.
The new Hall of Fame owner of the richest sports franchise in the world was not always "Mr. Dallas Cowboys". In 1966, after graduating from the University of Arkansas, Jones made a bid to buy the San Diego Chargers for $5.8 million. The team is now #21 on the Forbes NFL list with a valuation just over $2 billion with a "B".
Jones had promises from investors in Missouri to secure the deal with AFL team, but his dad Pat Jones told him not to do it. This was pre-NFL-AFL merger and teams were losing money like crazy to stay afloat. Once the merger went through, the Chargers sold for $10 million.
What if Jerry never listened to his dad's advice?
The speculation was that he would have moved the Chargers to St. Louis although southern California was a premium market.
Cowboy fans should be grateful Jerry took someone's advice early on.
Training Camp Report: Claiborne and Carr Battle It Out (Video)
Dallas Cowboys defensive backs Brandon Carr and Maurice Claiborne battle for the starting position.
Training Camp Report: Cowboys Considering Manziel for Backup?
At the end of the first week of Dallas Cowboys training camp, things seem to have started where they left off at the quarterback position. Tony Romo is not on the field. The projected backup quarterback, Kellen Moore, is out for most of the season. And an untested rookie QB, Dak Prescott, is taking reps with the first team. The uncertainty under center remains a constant.
Plan A was to acquire Nick Foles, but he shunned "offensive guru" Jason Garrett to play under the coach that drafted him, Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs. For a player that forced his way out of the LA Rams because he wants to be a long-term starter, backing up the injury prone Romo would seem to be the better option. But playing in cold KC behind a younger Alex Smith appeared better.
Plan B? Sources within the organization have told us that they are "considering many options." When asked directly if those options including a Dallas resident, former Heisman winner quarterback with a fondness for the dramatic named Johnny Manziel, the reply was "we are considering it."
Truth be told, the Cowboys will need to wait until the NFL finally deals out the expected suspension to Manziel for his off the field criminal behavior. Once that is handed down, do not be surprised to see Johnny Football throwing the ball with the second team.
New Updates:
Stephen Jones has denied that Johnny Manziel will be an option for the Cowboys.
Manziel has been spotting in Los Angeles this week. A few miles south of training camp in Oxnard, California.
We are also being told that the $2 million fine from the NFL for the Cowboys having three current players suspended may deter them from pursuing Manziel.
Stay tuned...
Dallas Cowboys Start OTAs: Inside Look
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| Tony Romo hands off to his new running back Ezekiel Elliott as OTAs begin at Valley Ranch. Photo credit Star-Telegram |
D210TV takes you behind the scenes as the Dallas Cowboys start OTAs before training camp begins.
Jerry Jones Ready To Embrace Life After Romo
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| Jason Garrett, Charlotte Jones, Jerry Jones, and Stephen Jones discuss the 2016 NFL Draft picks. |
Jerry Jones has always stated that Tony Romo will be his quarterback for the next few years, but the recent draft shows his acceptance to prepare to move on.
by Rodney FisherThe Dallas Cowboys started the draft with two main goals:
- Take Ezekiel Elliott with the 4th pick.
- Trade back into the first round and take quarterback Paxton Lynch.
After a proposed trade with the Seattle Seahawks was trumped by the Denver Broncos to draft Lynch with the 26th overall pick, the Cowboys set their sites on Michigan State QB Connor Cook or Mississippi State QB Dak Prescott. The selected Prescott in the fourth round.
When contemplating how to select the potential Romo-replacement, they sought the advice of legend Roger Staubach. His advice was to focus on the intangibles like leadership and self-confidence. Prescott was a team captain for the Bulldogs since he showed up on campus.
Jerry, the ultimate oil wildcatter, has made his bet. Even if Prescott turns out not to be the heir apparent, Jones has committed to begin the search. Romo's multiple injuries took their toll on the entire fan base last year, including the Jones family. The countless camera shots of a depressed luxury box started the process to think about the future.
The belief that Romo will return to action 100% should be taken with a grain of salt. Jones draft choice of Elliott with the 4th pick over Florida State safety Jalen Ramsay signifies that Romo needs help in the backfield. With DeMarco Murray leading the NFL rushing, Romo was able to audible out of the blitz more to protect his fragile frame. The hodge-podge mixture of running backs last year let him over exposed and his injury was inevitable.
Jones openness about pushing hard to get Paxton Lynch and drafting Prescott is the fresh thinking that fans have been craving. The Romo era is almost over.
Is Ezekiel Elliott the New Emmitt Smith?
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| Ezekiel Elliott joins a unique hall-of-fame class of top five running back picks by the Dallas Cowboys. |
The Dallas Cowboys selected Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Now, the comparisons to other first round running back draft picks begin...
by Rodney FisherThe Dallas Cowboys have only drafted a running back with within the first 5 picks twice: Tony Dorsett and Emmitt Smith.
Although Elliott is bigger, faster, and stronger than Smith was coming out of Florida, many fans believe that he will be the needed "triplet" piece to return the franchise to 90's dominance standards. More impressive than his stats is his leadership ability on a high ego team like Ohio State. When he did not feel he was being utilized enough on offense he spoke up. When the team needed someone to carry the load on or off the field, Zeke raised his hand first.That quality alone makes him more Emmitt-like than DeMarco Murray was.
Cowboys Actively Seeking Draft Trade
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| Dallas Cowboys looking to trade out of the fourth spot. |
Sources within the Dallas Cowboys organization say the franchise is actively seeking trade partners to move down out of the #4 spot.
by Rodney FisherThe Cowboys have been busy during the NFL free agency period locking up current players and adding new key position players like Alfred Morris at running back. As much as fans, myself including, have been salivating at the idea of drafting Tony Romo's replacement with the fourth pick, the team brass have been kicking the tires on a trade down to gain more late round picks.
There is no question. Not having Tony Romo and Dez Bryant for the majority of the 2015 season cost them big. There only reward was a high draft pick fueling the fire for Romo's replacement. Coming off yet another clavicle surgery in the offeseason, the team is content starting the season with him, Kellen Moore, and another veteran to be named later.
That leaves the door open for the Cowboys to add more depth in the draft versus the marquee player like Jared Goff, Carson Wentz, Ezekiel Elliott, Jalen Ramsay, or Joey Bosa.
Teams like San Francisco and Los Angeles Rams are speculated to be possible trade partners.
Dallas Cowboys Free Agents - Who Stays Who Goes
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| Dallas Cowboys have a few big free agent decisions to make. |
Dallas Cowboys Free Agents - Who Stays Who Goes
by Da`Vince “Dino” Wright
The Dallas Cowboys has 19 free agents. They have 16 unrestricted free agents and 3 restricted. Now looking at the list of players and their salaries are mind boggling because some of these guys played below league standards not mentioning what the Cowboys thought they were getting. You have to make changes for the better not scrapping the dream of winning a Super Bowl just to rebuild. They have to bring in quality players that want to fit the mold of the philosophy of them team. Here`s the list and their salaries. (UFA Unrestricted Free Agent)
CB Morris Claiborne 5,175,069 UFA Keep him
DE Greg Hardy 3,041,379 UFA Keep him
C Mackenzy Bernadeau 2,824,166 UFA Keep him
ILB Rolando McClain 2,636,029 UFA Trade him
DE Jeremy Mincy 2,250,000 UFA Keep him
QB Matt Cassel 1,764,705 UFA Trade him
RB Lance Dunbar 1,542,000 UFA Trade him
OLB Kyle Wilbur 769,805 UFA Keep him
TE James Hanna 686,213 UFA Trade him
SS Danny McCray 665,000 UFA Keep him
DT Nick Hayden 665,000 UFA Keep him
DE Jack Crawford 660,000 UFA Keep him
FS Jeff Heath 585,668 RFA Keep him
FB Tyler Cluts 585,000 UFA Trade him
G Ron Leary 585,000 RFA Keep him
LT Charles Brown 550,588 UFA Keep him
RB Robert Turbin 271,764 UFA Trade him
CB Joshua Thomas 38,823 UFA Keep him
OLB Cameron Lawrence RFA Keep him
The Dallas Cowboys has decisions to make and free agency is looming. What choices will they make. Saving cap room for draft picks is key but bring in proven players is a must in order to make a Super Bowl run in 2017.
Super Bowl 50: Peyton Mannings Place in NFL History Win or Lose
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Peyton Manning`s Place in History
by Da`Vince “Dino” Wright
Peyton Manning is one of the most intriguing quarterbacks to ever play the game. He`s not flashy, fast or cocky. He`s just a flat out winner!
The football Gods have ordained him a champion, a leader, and a four-time MVP. One might say that he is one of the smartest quarterbacks to play the game. Manning's key to success is the bond he has with his receivers. Every off season he, along with his receivers and tight ends, work out with the play book and develop hand signals. Defenses are too busy listening to “Omaha Omaha Omaha” at the line to every pay attention. The hand signals directs the receivers to certain spots on the field. This is one of the main reasons why Peyton has a spot in history.
Let`s take a look at his accolades and records Peyton obtained in his 18 year career.
- He has the NFL touchdown passing record with 509 and counting.
- Single season passing touchdown record with 55 in 2013.
- Most passing yards with 5477 set in 2013.
- Most games throwing for 300+ yards with 86.
- Most passing touchdowns in a game with 7 in 2013.
- Most games with a passer rating higher than 105.92.
- Most games with a perfect passer rating of 158.3:5.
- Most seasons with 350+ completions with 9.
- Highest yards-per game, season 342.31 in 2013.
- Most seasons with 4,000+ yards with:13.
- First quarterback to beat 31 franchises.
- One of two quarterbacks to beat all 32 teams along with Brett Farve.
He is cemented in history as one of the greatest quarterbacks to play the game. He is a first ballot Hall of Famer and legend. Peyton Manning will always be remember as, “The Sheriff!”
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