Fantasy Soccer Buzz: Daniels, McLaurin dominated out for Sunday

All the pieces that occurs within the NFL has some further context when seen from a fantasy soccer perspective. From place battles to accidents and a lot extra, the information cycle will consistently have an effect on participant values in fantasy soccer.

Our Fantasy Soccer Buzz file, with contributions from our ESPN fantasy writers and our NFL Nation reporters, goals to offer fantasy managers with the intel they want as information breaks across the NFL.

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By Eric Moody

The Washington Commanders will probably be with out Daniels (knee) and McLaurin (quad) towards the Atlanta Falcons in Week 4, a serious blow to each Washington’s offense and fantasy managers. Daniels, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Yr, has been dynamic when wholesome, however the crew will as soon as once more flip to Marcus Mariota, who impressed final week with 20.2 fantasy factors. Mariota’s dual-threat skill makes him a viable streaming choice in fantasy, although Atlanta’s protection has allowed the third-fewest fantasy factors per sport to quarterbacks.

Deebo Samuel is positioned for a heavier workload with McLaurin sidelined. Regardless of ending with simply 29 scrimmage yards in Week 3 as a result of constructive sport circulate, Samuel’s versatility as each a runner and receiver locations him firmly on the WR2 radar. He has averaged 17.4 fantasy factors per sport in contests the place he is seen a minimum of seven targets in his profession. The Commanders’ backfield stays a committee. Chris Rodriguez Jr. led the crew with 11 dashing makes an attempt final week, whereas Jeremy McNichols ripped off a 60-yard landing and Jacory Croskey-Merritt added a brief rating.

Projections counsel all three will stay concerned, capping particular person upside. For fantasy managers, Samuel is the probably to learn from elevated targets, whereas the operating backs stay dangerous flex choices relying on league dimension. If pressured to decide on one, Croskey-Merritt provides essentially the most intrigue.

By Stephania Bell

Xavier Legette, WR, Panthers: Legette has a hamstring harm that’s sidelining him once more this week. He missed Week 3 after he developed hamstring soreness in apply the Wednesday prior, resulting in a restricted session. He remained restricted all through the week, got here into the sport Questionable and in the end was Inactive. This week Legette was held out of shape solely (restricted to aspect subject rehab work) and was dominated out on Friday. Whereas that is thought of a comparatively minor harm, it is the time of 12 months the place groups are involved about one thing escalating to larger severity, particularly in a receiver who will check it when stretching the sector. Legette informed reporters this week that he may solely do what they (they presumably being the medical workers) would let him however he desires to be on the market. One other week off of sport play might permit him the restoration time wanted for the crew to be extra assured in his return.

Chuba Hubbard, RB, Panthers: Hubbard was listed on the harm report Thursday with a calf concern after a restricted session and remained restricted Friday. He comes into the Sunday sport as Questionable. Whereas we all know higher than to underestimate the affect of a severe calf harm on a lead operating again, it is very important keep in mind that there are a variety of levels of any delicate tissue harm. Hubbard was not held out of shape solely which hints at this being minor and coach Dave Canales basically strengthened this telling reporters Friday they have been simply monitoring some “soreness.” After coming off his season-high dashing whole in Week 3 (whereas nonetheless yielding some touches to teammate Rico Dowdle), Hubbard retains the highest again for Carolina even when he shares extra work with Dowdle this week.

Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Panthers: McMillan, like Hubbard, has a calf ailment that resulted in restricted practices Thursday and Friday together with a Questionable tag heading into Sunday. McMillan nonetheless didn’t apply Wednesday but he expressed confidence when talking with reporters that he would be capable of go well with up for Week 4. Coach Dave Canales referred to it as a “daily” scenario, hinting on the risk McMillan may certainly play. On Friday he added that after a deliberate ramp up in apply this week, they need to see how McMillan feels tomorrow to decide about Sunday. The language suggests McMillan will go barring a setback and with Xavier Legette sidelined (and Jalen Coker nonetheless on IR), he’s wanted.

See extra:

Sept. 26: Trey Benson will get No. 1 utilization, RBBC in Seattle

by Eric Moody

Trey Benson led the Cardinals backfield in snaps, routes run, and touches (13), and he tied Emari Demercado in fantasy factors (10.1). The Cardinals fell behind early, forcing them to lean closely on the passing sport, which restricted Benson’s touches. He served because the early-down again, whereas Demercado dealt with third-down duties, ending with simply 4 touches however scoring a receiving landing. Nonetheless, Benson’s utilization is encouraging, and he ought to have extra success in Week 5 towards a Titans protection that has allowed the third-most fantasy factors per sport to operating backs. Savvy managers in want of a operating again ought to think about buying and selling for Benson, since some managers solely take a look at the field rating and miss the context behind it.

Kenneth Walker III had 20 touches towards the Cardinals and completed with 12.0 fantasy factors. Managers have been conserving their fingers crossed for a landing, however the 12 factors are stable. Managing expectations is vital since Zach Charbonnet stays closely concerned. Each backs noticed related snaps and routes, with Charbonnet ending with 14 touches, 12.4 fantasy factors, and a dashing landing, with one other dashing rating known as again on a holding penalty on a unique purple zone possession. This can be a true running-back-by-committee scenario, and the Seahawks are inclined to favor Charbonnet close to the aim line, which may restrict Walker III’s upside in lineups.

Sept. 25: Pearsall added to harm report, mounting McLaurin harm concern

By Stephania Bell

Ricky Pearsall, WR, 49ers (knee): Pearsall landed on the 49ers’ harm report Wednesday, however he eased considerations when talking with reporters after apply. He mentioned it was merely knee soreness and if there had been a sport on Wednesday, he would have performed. Coach Kyle Shanahan mentioned he’s hopeful Pearsall will apply later within the week. Pearsall missed time throughout OTAs with a hamstring harm and commenced coaching camp on the PUP listing. He was cleared for full exercise after the primary week and instantly began turning heads in apply together with his improved on-field rapport with quarterback Brock Purdy. Out of necessity (with broad receivers Brandon Aiyuk on PUP, Jauan Jennings intermittently injured and tight finish George Kittle out since Week 1), Pearsall has been the crew’s prime cross catcher and he has greater than lived as much as it, at the moment rating third within the NFL in receiving yards. Resting him at apply as a result of soreness is the good transfer given the size of the season and the relative well being of the crew.

Terry McLaurin, WR, Commanders (quad): McLaurin was injured within the third quarter of Sunday’s sport with what the crew labeled as a quad (quadriceps, giant muscle on the entrance of the thigh) harm. On Wednesday, coach Dan Quinn mentioned he would have an replace on his standing by Friday however did acknowledge that McLaurin was in search of a second opinion on his harm. He additionally famous that second opinions are a standard prevalence.

That is true, nonetheless the report from NFL Community that McLaurin was consulting with Dr. Invoice Meyers is fascinating on condition that his space of experience is in core muscle accidents. In actual fact, Dr. Meyers is usually thought of the “godfather of the core muscle restore” (initially known as “sports activities hernia” surgical procedure, though that time period has largely fallen out of favor within the medical group as a result of it’s not a real hernia).

Whereas this may increasingly sound like there are two totally different accidents being mentioned with McLaurin, the chance is that they overlap. The “core” muscle groups are usually considered the deep stomach and groin muscle groups, however the core additionally contains a number of the deep spinal muscle groups and hip flexors. The hip flexors are of specific curiosity within the McLaurin case as a result of a portion of the quad contributes to flexing the hip, however the strongest hip flexor (the psoas) may be very deep (attaching to the backbone) and kinds a part of the core. Among the groin muscle groups can even help with flexing the hip.

A delicate tissue harm to those muscle groups can’t solely make that movement tough, however it may well additionally restrict energy and explosiveness. When extreme sufficient, it may well make all operating tough. Differentiating the place the precise supply of the harm is could be tough and that maybe explains the additional time and session McLaurin is in search of.

A gentle soft-tissue pressure generally is a matter of rehab and restoration, however a extreme core harm can lead to surgical procedure (core muscle restore). There is no such thing as a indication as to the severity of the harm but however, as of now, it appears unlikely that McLaurin will probably be obtainable this week, on the very least.

Sept. 23: Giants flip to rookie QB Jaxson Dart

Eric Moody: The Giants are turning the web page on their Russell Wilson period, naming rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart because the Week 4 starter towards the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers. Wilson’s inconsistent play by means of the primary three video games made the transfer inevitable. Wilson accomplished simply 59.1% of his passes for 778 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. Exterior of Week 2’s 450-yard, three-touchdown efficiency (30.3 fantasy factors) towards the Dallas Cowboys, he managed solely 328 yards on 50.7% passing with zero scores and two interceptions, together with vital purple zone errors that restricted manufacturing for key playmakers like Malik Nabers and pissed off Giants followers, who even chanted for Dart late in Sunday’s loss to Kansas Metropolis.

Dart, the Giants’ twenty fifth total select of Ole Miss, impressed within the preseason, finishing 32 of 47 passes for 372 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions, whereas including 52 dashing yards and one other rating on six carries. Dart’s dual-threat skill offers the Giants a dynamic new look that contrasts sharply with Wilson’s type. With a robust supporting solid that features Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson and deep menace Darius Slayton, Dart may instantly revitalize New York’s offense.

For fantasy managers, Dart’s arrival modifications the outlook. Nabers’ managers must be excited, as he posted profession lows in receptions and receiving yards in Week 3 towards the Chiefs. He stays a high-end WR1 towards the Chargers, with upside now {that a} extra aggressive quarterback is beneath heart. Issues are additionally trying up for Cam Skattebo, now the crew’s lead again, who may see extra carries, goal-line alternatives, and a much bigger position within the passing sport, firmly inserting him on the RB2 radar. Dart’s dashing skill provides an additional layer of upside for the offense, which additionally positions Robinson and Slayton as startable choices in deeper leagues. Managers ought to monitor Week 4’s sport towards the Chargers intently, as Dart’s begin could possibly be the spark that each the Giants and fantasy managers with New York gamers on their roster have been ready for.

Sept. 23: Gibbs and Montgomery run free towards the Ravens

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Montgomery and Gibbs put up huge fantasy factors on Monday

Daniel Dopp and Stephania Bell break down huge fantasy performances by David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs in Week 3.

Eric Moody: Jahmyr Gibbs (26.9 PPR fantasy factors) and David Montgomery (29.4) delivered matchup-winning fantasy performances Monday night time towards the Ravens. Gibbs set a season excessive in snaps and dealt with 27 touches, cementing his position because the lead again. Montgomery, in the meantime, performed simply 36% of the offensive snaps however produced the second-highest single-game output of his profession on 13 touches.

The important thing takeaway is that that is Gibbs’ backfield now. He is had a minimum of 19 touches in two of three video games, and within the different sport he had a season-high 104 yards from scrimmage and a landing. That makes this a good time for fantasy managers to think about buying and selling Montgomery.

The Ravens had no solutions, permitting 224 dashing yards, their most since Week 6 of 2017. A lot of the harm got here between the tackles, the place the Lions gained 207 yards, essentially the most they’ve had (and essentially the most Baltimore has allowed) in a sport since ESPN started monitoring the stat in 2006. That is one thing to bear in mind when beginning operating backs towards Baltimore’s protection shifting ahead. Gibbs and Montgomery might not discover as a lot room in Week 4 towards a Browns defensive entrance that leads the league in run cease win charge.

Different notes

Mark Andrews caught all six of his targets for 27.1 fantasy factors, fueled by two touchdowns. That is good, however he was nonetheless sharing snaps and routes with Charlie Kolar and Zaire Mitchell-Paden. Andrews noticed most of his taking part in time in 11 personnel and was used much less typically in 12 personnel. His utilization is predicted to shift once more as soon as Isaiah Seemingly returns.

Sept. 22: Affect of CeeDee Lamb’s excessive ankle sprain

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Will Jake Ferguson’s inventory hold rising with CeeDee Lamb injured?

Area Yates says Jake Ferguson and George Pickens could possibly be lineup locks with CeeDee Lamb nursing an harm.

Tristan H. Cockcroft: ESPN’s Todd Archer studies that Lamb’s harm, which the receiver initially tried to play by means of, may value him three to 4 weeks. Excessive ankle sprains usually lead to multiweek absences, so it is no shock that Lamb may miss that a lot time (or longer).

Following Lamb’s preliminary departure from Sunday’s sport, tight finish Jake Ferguson ran 27 routes and caught 12 of 13 targets despatched his method for a team-leading 19.3 PPR fantasy factors (amongst 21.2 whole for the day), a reminder that it isn’t at all times the broad receivers who profit from an harm to one of many prime names on the depth chart. George Pickens, who had equivalent 17.8-point scores and receiving stat strains up to now two weeks, is essentially the most logical benefactor, shifting as much as be quarterback Dak Prescott’s de facto No. 1 goal. However Ferguson may stand to learn most from a goal increase for nonetheless lengthy Lamb is out. Pickens is a weekly fantasy WR2, whereas Ferguson goes from being a borderline top-10 tight finish to a transparent member of that tier. That is a giant deal for the many people in fantasy leagues who went a budget route when drafting on the place.

With the Dallas Cowboys’ protection performing as poorly because it has, Prescott ought to proceed to deal with hefty workloads, which means Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin, who transfer as much as the Nos. 2 and three roles at broad receiver, may have their moments towards weaker opposing secondaries. In bigger leagues — assume 12-teamers and deeper — both or each may warrant a glance, although neither must be remotely on a normal league radar towards the Inexperienced Bay Packers in Week 4.

Stephania Bell: Lamb was the ball provider on a 1-yard run when he obtained his left ankle caught up beneath a defender, forcing his ankle to rotate outwards relative to his decrease leg whereas it was trapped towards the bottom. That Lamb was identified with a excessive ankle sprain was not stunning given the mechanism of harm described above is usually related to that harm.

The day after an harm like this — when the supportive tape has been eliminated and the adrenaline has evaporated — typically brings the cruel actuality that it’s going to, in reality, take weeks not days to return to motion. On Tuesday, Cowboys proprietor Jerry Jones informed reporters the crew is contemplating an IR transfer for Lamb, which might require him to overlook 4 video games. There are two elements in figuring out time to return for the harm: First, the ligaments must heal to the purpose the place the ankle is steady and the athlete can comfortably advance the physique weight over the foot on the bottom. Second, the athlete has to have the ability to meet the calls for of the place with minimal threat of harm recurrence. With excessive ankle sprains, the athlete typically feels good strolling round however deceleration and rotation, particularly within the course that simulates how the harm occurred, can take longer. Most athletes with an harm of average severity will report not feeling totally recovered till a minimal of 4 to 6 weeks.

Sept. 22: Harm conditions to watch forward of Week 4

By Stephania Bell

The next gamers suffered an harm in Week 3. Be looking out for updates because the week progresses.

James Conner, RB, Arizona Cardinals: Conner obtained his proper leg twisted awkwardly as he was tackled following a 9-yard run early within the third quarter and his foot and ankle gave the impression to be trapped beneath a defender. It was instantly clear the harm was severe, as medical personnel obtained to his aspect rapidly. Finally, Conner was carted off the sector and into the tunnel. Adam Schefter reported the harm was thought of “extreme” and would require surgical procedure, however Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon had no timeline or prognosis to supply.

Najee Harris, RB, Los Angeles Chargers: Harris was lined up within the backfield and because the ball was snapped, Harris took a step again together with his left foot as he ready to push off and run. That kind of again step or lunge place locations the Achilles beneath maximal pressure, particularly if the heel goes to the bottom (or near it). Because the athlete then pushes off, the calf muscle has to contract forcefully to propel the physique ahead. If a participant collapses to the bottom as Harris did, it suggests there was a failure inside that tissue advanced. Harris took the one step again together with his left and as he leaned ahead over his proper leg, he went to the bottom and didn’t transfer. The medical workers got here to the sector instantly to guage him and, shortly thereafter, Harris was taken by cart into the power. The Chargers initially introduced Harris was questionable to return to the sport with an ankle harm. Inside an hour, Harris was dominated out. After the sport, coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed an Achilles harm however supplied no different particulars. When requested by reporters if the harm was season-ending, he indicated that was the “preliminary” thought earlier than Harris undergoes imaging.

CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys: Lamb was the ball provider on a 1-yard run when he obtained his left ankle caught up beneath a defender, forcing his ankle to rotate outwards relative to his decrease leg whereas it was trapped towards the bottom. Lamb then exited the sport to be evaluated. He did attempt to return within the second quarter, however after one snap he left the sport once more and wouldn’t return. After the sport, Lamb downplayed considerations in regards to the severity of the harm and recommended he may be capable of play subsequent week. Count on additional analysis this week to assist decide the plan of action.

Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Evans suffered a hamstring harm and could possibly be seen limping off the sector and on the sidelines. As he exited the sector and walked into the tunnel, Evans threw his helmet, seemingly pissed off by the harm. Coach Todd Bowles mentioned Evans is ready to endure an MRI on Monday. Evans missed three video games final season as a result of a hamstring pressure.

Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington Commanders: McLaurin left Sunday’s sport early with a quad harm. Initially deemed questionable to return, McLaurin remained out for the remainder of the sport.

Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts: Pierce exited the sport early to be evaluated for a concussion. He was subsequently dominated out for the rest of the sport.

Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, New York Giants: Tracy left the Sunday night time sport with a proper shoulder harm that he sustained following a collision with a defender, and he was in the end dominated out for the rest of the sport.

Sept. 22: Who obtained the ball on Sunday?

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Eric Moody: Hunter Henry has cemented himself as a low-end TE1

Eric Moody reacts to Hunter Henry’s good fantasy sport vs. the Steelers.

Pocket book by Eric Moody

• Jaylen Warren completed with a season-high 23 touches towards the Patriots. He additionally led the Steelers in targets and receptions and was tied for the lead in receiving yards. Warren missed only one goal-line snap, the one through which Kenneth Gainwell scored a 1-yard dashing TD. He has scored 13 or extra fantasy factors in three straight video games. The larger takeaway is that Warren performed a career-high 79% of the Steelers’ offensive snaps, making him a robust commerce goal for managers in want of a operating again.

• Jacory Croskey-Merritt did not see an expanded position within the Commanders’ backfield within the first sport with out Austin Ekeler. He completed with 9 touches and 10.1 fantasy factors, due to a dashing landing. Nevertheless, Croskey-Merritt, Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jeremy McNichols all performed on a minimum of 15 snaps and break up touches. If this pattern continues, Croskey-Merritt will probably be tough to belief in fantasy lineups.

• Matthew Golden stepped up for a Packers crew lacking Jayden Reed. He caught all 4 of his targets, led Inexperienced Bay in receiving yards, and even logged three dashing makes an attempt. When Reed left in Week 2, Dontayvion Wicks moved into the slot and Golden shifted outdoors — and the Packers did the identical factor this week. The distinction was that Golden not solely performed extra snaps in three-receiver units but additionally performed the next share of snaps in two-receiver units over Wicks. Golden appears poised to carve out a progressively bigger position within the weeks forward.

• Nick Chubb and Woody Marks had practically equivalent snaps, routes run and targets within the Texans’ backfield towards the Jaguars. Chubb completed with 12 touches and Marks with seven. For the second straight week, Marks averaged extra yards per carry and likewise had extra receiving yards than Chubb. His position within the Texans’ backfield may proceed to develop because the season progresses.

• Kenneth Walker III completed with 17 touches and 50 whole yards within the Seahawks’ rout of the Saints, scoring 18 fantasy factors thanks to 2 dashing touchdowns. The excellent news: Walker was the clear starter and performed a excessive share of snaps earlier than rubbish time. The dangerous information: he averaged simply 2.4 yards per carry, as Seattle’s offensive line, ranked 18th in run block win charge, gave up loads of penetration. Walker nonetheless stays a must-start in Week 4 towards the Cardinals, particularly if Zach Charbonnet is once more out.

• T.J. Hockenson had a quiet begin to the season, however that modified in Week 3 when he posted 15.9 fantasy factors towards the Bengals. He tied for the crew lead in receptions and completed second in each targets and receiving yards. Although he break up time with Josh Oliver and Ben Yurosek, Hockenson nonetheless performed considerably extra snaps and ran extra routes, conserving him locked in as a fantasy starter shifting ahead.

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What to make of Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter in fantasy

Tristan H. Cockcroft explains why Brian Thomas Jr. is extra of a WR2 and why fantasy managers ought to hold Travis Hunter on the bench for now.

• Kyle Pitts Sr. caught 4 of six targets for 7.9 fantasy factors within the Falcons’ loss to the Panthers however continues to pattern upward in utilization. After rotating closely final season, Pitts has seen a giant increase in taking part in time, logging over 90% of snaps earlier than rubbish time in Week 3 and operating routes on over 73% of early-down performs in 11 personnel. Even on a quiet offensive day for the Falcons, he tied for second in receptions and stays a key a part of Atlanta’s passing assault. Pitts appears like a dependable fantasy starter shifting ahead.

• Harold Fannin Jr. caught three of 4 targets for 25 yards within the Browns’ win over the Packers, however the actual story is his rising position. Fannin performed 42 snaps to David Njoku‘s 50, with third-down snaps break up evenly between them. He additionally ran 20 routes in comparison with Njoku’s 29. Whereas Njoku nonetheless led the crew in receiving yards, the hole between the 2 is narrowing. Fannin was a prime waiver add after posting seven receptions and 13.6 fantasy factors in Week 1, and his utilization suggests he may quickly run extra routes than Njoku.

• Jerry Jeudy caught simply one in every of 5 targets for two.7 fantasy factors however nonetheless led all Browns wideouts in snaps, routes and targets. Isaiah Bond, in the meantime, continues to eat into Cedric Tillman‘s snaps and routes run, ending with 4 targets to Tillman’s three — even in a sport through which the Browns’ offense barely confirmed up.

• Luther Burden III‘s 19.8 fantasy factors will flip heads, however context issues. He completed fourth on the Bears’ WR depth chart in snaps, routes and targets, but led the crew in receiving yards. Burden capitalized on all three of his targets, aided by Colston Loveland’s harm and extra four-receiver units. The important thing takeaway: Burden confirmed his potential, however he’ll must overtake Olamide Zaccheaus within the pecking order to be fantasy related.

• Tyrone Tracy Jr. left Week 3 towards the Chiefs with a shoulder harm after taking part in 11 of the primary 15 snaps, ending with 9 touches and 5.6 fantasy factors. Cam Skattebo took over, ending the sport with 16 touches and 24.1 fantasy factors. After this efficiency, Skattebo is firmly on the flex radar, whether or not Tracy misses time or not.