Quarterbacks

QB Derek Carr $5300
Derek Carr plays against the Titans today whom were 29th in the league in fantasy points to opposing QBs last year. Allowing 274.8 YPG through the air, ranking dead last at 32nd this Titans team didn’t do a whole lot to improve their secondary. They are great up front as they were the number 1 defense against the run last year. Carr is my favorite stack play of the day.

QB Justin Herbert $6900
This game has the highest over under of any game on the slate today. Two high powered offenses with a whole lot of talent, and two defenses while boasting many talented players, do give up a lot of points. Dolphins gave up 23.2 PPG while the Chargers gave up 22.7. Herbert could be in line for a QB1 performance as the Dolphins were 30th in the league last year in fantasy points per game allowed to QBs.

Dart Throws at QB
Desmond Ridder/Baker Mayfield $4900
If you’re looking to play a lot of high priced studs, I can see either of these guys throwing for 2 TDs today.

Running Backs

RB JK Dobbins $6600
Finally healthy with a lot more weapons on the outside will mean that Dobbins will be in an excellent position to succeed. He should see less men in the box as there is more attention paid to the pass catchers in this offense. Dobbins also gets a juicy opportunity against the team that allowed the most rushing yards(170.2) and fantasy points(28.5) to RB per game last year in the Houston Texans.

RB Raheem Mostert $5400
The Chargers allowed 144.2 YPG on the ground last year as they were one of three teams to give up over 2000 yards last year. With Jeff Wilson Jr going on IR the only competition he will really have in the backfield will be rookie Devin Achane. He could be in line for a 100 yard game with a TD.

RB Brian Robinson Jr $5100
The Cardinals are going to be bad this year, and not in the good way. They ranked 29th in fantasy points against RBs as they gave up a lot of over 100 receptions to RBs last year. I expect a huge day in check downs on top of his work on the ground.

Dart Throws at RB
Devin Achane $4900
AJ Dillon $5200
Gus Edwards $4500

Wide Receivers

WR Chris Olave $6500
If Derek Carr is going to dice up this defense, I want to stack him with Olave. As bad as the Titans were against the QB last year, they were the worst against the WR in fantasy, ranking 32nd. I expect multiple Saints receivers to be celebrating in the end zone today, Olave has the best chance at topping 100 yards as well.

WR Justin Jefferson $8800
He was the number 1 player drafted in fantasy for a reason, he’s the highest salaried player for a reason. If you’re playing him, you’re going to need a lot of value plays to match him up. Not much else to say here, he’s amazing.

WR Keenan Allen $7300
I’m expecting a huge bounce back season from Allen as he and Herbert continue to grow their connection. Great matchup to start as Allen should see somewhere near 12 targets today, and a few of those in the red zone.

Dart Throws at WR
Drake London $5400
Michael Thomas $5100
Could see either of these guys in the end zone today.

Tight Ends

TE TJ Hockenson $5900
After trading for Hockenson last year, he quickly became one of Kirk Cousin’s favorite targets. The number two to JJ, in a very solid matchup, Buccaneers ranked 29th against TEs last year. I could see a double digit target number with a TD for Hock today.

TE Greg Dulcich $4000
Sean Payton loves his TE in the red zone, but Dulcich is a solid route runner with above average athleticism. He should have a great year in this system and I would look for him to have a solid return on a low price point today.

TE Logan Thomas $3200
These are the kind of values you need to play other than the higher priced studs. The cliche is a young QB needs a good TE to get the ball out quickly, and I believe the cliche will ring true today. I expect a 8 target day for Logan Thomas and wouldn’t be surprised to see him score.

Dart Throw at TE
Taysom Hill $3700
He could throw a pass, run the ball, and catch the ball. Taysom Hill is the Ultimate Dart Throw.

Defense/ST

D/ST Washington $2800
The Commanders are a better defense than they get credit for. They can pressure the QB and create turnovers. Big upside play.

D/ST Baltimore $4000
Highest defense on the slate, if you have the money left over, don’t be afraid to spend it on the Ravens.

D/ST Eagles $3700
Sacks, sacks, sacks, and of course sacks.

Optimal lineup
QB Derek Carr
RB Brian Robinson Jr
RB JK Dobbins
WR Chris Olave
WR Michael Thomas
WR Keenan Allen
Flex Raheem Mostert
TE TJ Hockenson
D/ST Washington Commanders

Good Luck everyone, I’ll see you out there. Let’s make that money.

The post DFS Plays for Week 1 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

The Good

When the Packers drafted AJ Dillon many thought it would lead to the end of Aaron Jones‘s time in Green Bay. Despite the emergence of Dillon, Jones has continued to be the focal point of the Packers backfield. He finished the 2022 season with 1,516 scrimmage yards and 7 total touchdowns. Jones and Dillon have formed a formidable thunder and lightning duo with Jones getting the majority of the touches. Look for Jones to continue that and be relied on more than ever this upcoming season. If you’re a fantasy football player Jones is worth targeting in your drafts.

A big topic this past season was the inability of Aaron Rodgers to gel with his young wide receivers. Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs were drafted by the Packers to help replace the loss of Davante Adams. The rookie duo showed some promise but were never able to produce consistently. I expect both will take a big leap in year 2 and give the Packers extra weapons in the passing game. Love will need all the help he can get as the Packers new starter.

The Bad

The Packers had a choice to make this offseason. They could draft a quarterback, bring in a veteran or stick with Jordan Love. In the end, they chose to stick with Love and I fear that may come back to haunt them. Usually, with young quarterbacks you get a sense in the first couple of years if they can play. This has not been the case with Love. We haven’t heard much or even seen much from him to tell us he is ready to lead this franchise. At the very least the Packers should’ve brought in another veteran quarterback to help mentor Love but they decided not to. If Love is not the answer it will be a long season in Green Bay.

The Prediction

As I stated earlier I really like the talent the Packers have going forward. They also have the benefit of a fairly easy schedule in 2023. Looking ahead, this team will only go as far as Jordan Love will take them and I don’t think he will be the answer for Green Bay.

2023 Record: 7-10 (4th in the Division)

The post Green Bay Packers Record Prediction for 2023 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Christian Esparza

As your fantasy draft begins to wind down and your starting roster is filled, you want to go after players that can play a variety of roles for you. The flex position is unique in that it can generally be filled by a running back, wide receiver, or a tight end. This gives you maximum flexibility when bye weeks and injuries come up, allowing you to generally put the best skill players into your lineup. 

These are the five biggest flex sleepers in 2022:

1. AJ Dillon, running back ”“ Green Bay Packers (ADP 107) 

If you listen to any one thing I have to say this year, it needs to be this. AJ Dillon is one of the best values in all of fantasy football right now. In 2021, Dillon posted over 1,100 yards from scrimmage and seven total touchdowns, and there is reason to believe both of those numbers will be higher this season. 

With the Packers trading away Davante Adams and not having a star receiver for Aaron Rodgers to throw to, it is looking like both Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon will see a lot more work. Jones is likely to see snaps as a slot receiver, which means Dillon will see more time in the backfield. Rodgers even recently said he thinks 50 catches each for Jones and Dillon is “realistic.” 

Additionally, Dillon is the primary redzone and goal line back for the Packers. He and his quads should have plenty of opportunity to plow into the endzone. The Packers love what AJ “Quadzilla” Dillon has to offer, and you should too. Take Dillon in the eighth round and reap the benefits. 

2. Chris Olave, wide receiver ”“ New Orleans Saints (Rookie, ADP 124)

Olave was the 11th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and joins a Saints team that was on the cusp of playoff contention last season. Michael Thomas is a huge unknown at this point, but Olave should still see a lot of targets even if Thomas is healthy. Olave was regarded as one of the best route runners in his draft class and will immediately provide quarterback Jameis Winston with a lethal weapon in the slot. Olave also offers upside as a downfield threat with nice 4.39 speed. He has a chance to be the most productive rookie receiver in 2022. 

3. Chase Edmonds, running back ”“ Miami Dolphins (ADP 120)

Edmonds spent the first four years of his career in Arizona, and will now play in Miami after signing there in free agency. He was one of three running backs that the Dolphins brought in, with Raheem Mostert and Sony Michel joining him. 

The interesting thing is, there is a chance that all three backs have a role cutout for them under new Head Coach Mike McDaniel. Look deeper though and you will realize a few things: First, Edmonds signed a two-year $12 million dollar deal. Even his yearly average of $6 million a year is more than Mostert and Michel combined. Second, Edmonds was one of the first running backs to sign a deal in free agency. It can be implied that the Dolphins clearly have a role cut out for Edmonds. He currently has an average draft position of 120 according to ESPN. That’s a good price for a player that should eclipse 1,000 total yards in 2022. 

4. Jakobi Meyers, wide receiver ”“ New England Patriots (ADP 137) 

Meyers scored double-digit fantasy points in nine of games played in 2021, a season in which he only scored two total touchdowns. His 83 catches on 126 targets for 866 yards were all team-highs for the Patriots. It will be interesting to see how the addition of Davante Parker will impact Meyers’s production, but Meyers has the advantage of already having chemistry with quarterback Mac Jones. Parker will likely take a lot of the red zone targets in New England, which will not really be an issue for Meyers anyways. If you need a solid bench player that can step in and be your flex when needed, Meyers is worth consideration. 

5. George Pickens, wide receiver ”“ Pittsburgh Steelers (Rookie, ADP 154)

Pickens has made waves in recent weeks as one of those dudes that just “has that dawg in him.” Pickens has been making waves across the fantasy community all summer as he has consistently made plays throughout Pittsburgh’s training camp. In the Steelers’ first preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, Pickens caught three balls for 43 yards and a touchdown. 

While at the University of Georgia, Pickens was known for being a big and strong receiver that can win jump balls and physically dominate most corners. Had he not missed most of the 2021 college season due to a torn ACL, Pickens likely would have been one of the first receivers drafted. Instead, he fell to the second round and was the 11th receiver taken in the draft. There is a lot of hype surrounding George Pickens right now, and you should capitalize on it immediately. 

The post Five flex sleepers in 2022 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Rishi Patel

Welcome back to this NFL column where I will be giving my advice about which fantasy players you should pluck off your waiver wire each week during this NFL season. 

During each NFL season, there are usually sleepers that emerge who you should pick up off the waiver wire due to various reasons, such as better performances than expected, injuries, etc. It’s important to make good use of the waiver wire as players from here could sometimes be good depth and even a starter for your team in critical stretches. It’s hard to believe we are at the midpoint of the season. Let’s look at some players you should consider grabbing this week:

A.J. Dillon, RB, Green Bay Packers

Look, Aaron Jones will always be the RB1 in Green Bay as long as he is donning the green and yellow, but the youngster Dillon has quietly been making his mark too as of late. The stocky back has compiled at least 46 rushing yards in three of the last four games along with 44 receiving yards in Week 9. He’s also had double-digit carries in two of the last four games. His value wouldn’t be that high in fantasy, but he’s certainly worth adding as a potential stash. 

Elijah Moore, WR, New York Jets 

The Jets’ offense can usually never be trusted (no matter what year it is), but there are the occasional gems you should definitely consider, like the rookie Moore. The youngster posted his best two games of the season in Weeks 8 and 9, getting at least six receptions, six targets, and 67 yards in both contests. He’s worth a stash at this point and maybe in the flex conversation later on if he keeps it up. 

Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Cleveland Browns

No more Odell, so the Browns’ receiving corps has now opened up and anyone can step into the spotlight. Peoples-Jones made his case in Week 9, with two receptions for 86 yards and a score on three targets. What’s more impressive is the 22-year-old has now posted at least 70 yards in the last three games. Maybe the emergence of a new fantasy stud is awaiting? We’ll see, but make sure you grab Peoples-Jones off the waiver wire ASAP. 

Russell Gage, WR, Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons have a super, super thin WR corps and Kyle Pitts can’t be the only guy catching passes from Matt Ryan. As a result, Gage has stepped up in the last two games, getting 67 and 64 yards, respectively. With Calvin Ridley’s timetable to return uncertain, Gage will fill in as the WR1 and should see the appropriate number of targets for that role, with Pitts being the only real competition for looks. Gage is a solid addition who can be in the flex conversation right now. 

Deonte Harris, WR, New Orleans Saints

The Saints have a QB dilemma now to accompany their already thin WR unit, but Harris has quietly strung together a nice stretch of games recently. He’s seen at least eight targets and 52 yards in three of the past four games. While Marquez Callaway and Tre’Quan Smith are still ahead of him on the depth chart, Harris is still a great addition given his recent consistent production. 

Darnell Mooney, WR, Chicago Bears

Mooney has been a complete jackpot for Justin Fields, as the WR has seen at least five targets in eight of nine games this season while producing modest, but respectable numbers. The 24-year-old has at least 40 yards in three of the last four games and is a highly dependable target for Justin Fields. Mooney is worth stashing for your team as a flex play if needed. 

Cole Kmet, TE, Chicago Bears

The youngster Kmet has finally seemed to emerge as a viable TE option for the Bears. The 22-year-old has seen at least five targets in the last four games while posting at least 43 yards in three of the last four games. While Jimmy Graham remains a presence on the team, Kmet was drafted to be the TE1 for the Bears and he should see a good influx of targets weekly. He’s worth adding and even streaming based on his recent numbers. 

Tyler Conklin, TE, Minnesota Vikings

Conklin is another solid TE add as he has been playing well recently. In five of the past six games, the 26-year-old has seen at least five targets. He also has 45 yards or more in the last three games. Given TE is a hard position in fantasy, Conklin’s consistency makes him a must-add and potential streamer going forward.

The post Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 10 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

What is the outlook of Packers RB AJ Dillon?

 By: Tom Ayling 

Quadzilla, King of Quads, Quad-donis, whatever nickname you want to give him, A.J. Dillon has  raised a lot of eyebrows. Do the Packers need to re-sign Aaron Jones? The answer to that  question is known only to the Packers and Aaron Jones.  

I am here to tell you what I have seen on film from Dillon, and what I think his future holds.  Before breaking down game film, here are some of the relevant data points from the combine.  Measurables:  

”¢ Age: 21 

”¢ Height: 6’ 

”¢ Weight: 250 Lbs 

”¢ Hand size: 9.63”

NFL Combine Scores/Percentile by Size: 

”¢ 40 Yard Dash: 4.53 seconds ( 98 percentile) 

”¢ Bench Press: 23 (52 percentile) 

”¢ Verticle: 41” (100 percentile) 

”¢ Broad Jump: 131” (100 percentile) 

As you may, or may not know, the combine is simply a tool to give teams an idea what type of  athlete the player in question may turn out to be. A one day snap shot does not tell the entire  story, but it does provide a baseline for pre-draft evaluation.  

Ordinarily, teams take a second look at candidates they are interested in at their pro day. Due to  COVID, that was not possible this year. Clearly the Packers were impressed enough with his  performance at the combine, and what they saw in college as they drafted him 62nd overall.  

What does the tape show us? Let’s dive in.  

Downhill Runner 

It should come as no surprise that a man this big, is a punishing runner when he gets a head of  steam. If he can find a seam in the defence to skirt through, he will more often than not break a  tackle or two and gain a couple extra yards.  

The main concern I have with his running style is that he is very much an upright runner. If he  were a little more compact, a la Adrian Peterson, he would be extremely difficult to bring down.  His size carries him over the gain line but he could break many more tackles if he made it more  difficult to get a hold of his waist and upper thighs. 

Vision 

Dillon has decent vision for a rookie running back. He runs with his head up and scans the line  for cutback lanes and potential secondary options should the main gap not open.  

The NFC divisional round game between Green Bay and the LA Rams, was a showcase for his  abilities. Late in the first quarter Dillon was supposed to hit the A gap on the right side of the  line. When the gap failed to open, he quickly recognized that the entire defensive line was  pulling towards that side and cut back to the left for a decent five yard gain. 

Some other backs his size, such as Leonard Fournette often do not see the secondary options as  they tend to run with their head down, plowing forward into contact. The fact that he is a heads  up runner, looking for openings is definitely a positive sign.  

Footwork 

For such a big man, I was pleasantly surprised at his elusiveness, and one cut ability. He is by no  means Saquon Barkley or Joe Mixon, but he is able to change direction without a whole lot of  momentum loss.  

When A.J. is at full speed, he is unable to plant and spring in the opposite direction like some of  the elite backs in the league, but he has very good subtle moves and enough direction change to  make defenders miss. At his size, if a defender does not get in front of him and only touches him  with one arm, he will break the tackle almost every time.  

Speed 

At 4.53, he has good speed for a big, bruising running back. He is in the same category as Eddie  Lacy, Derrick Henry, and Leonard Fournette. He does not have the long speed that Henry  possesses, but his short area quickness is on par with Leonard Fournette.  

Over the last month of the season, Dillon showed decent ability to get to the open lane and turn  up field for decent gains when the blocking was there. The Packers offensive line is very good  and more often than not provided a good lane for the young bull to run through.  

The biggest weakness in his game is burst and ability to hit top speed quick enough to beat  defenders to the edge and turn up field for big gains. More often than not, when he tried to  bounce a run outside the tackles he was met by defenders at the line of scrimmage for minimal or  no positive yardage.  

Potential 

Before I started the film study on A.J. Dillon, I compared the limited game footage I had seen of  him to that of former Packer, Eddie Lacy. Both Players are roughly the same size and speed, and  appeared to have similar running styles.  

After watching his 46 carries and two receptions in his rookie season, I left with the same  opinion I had coming into the film study. A.J. Dillon is a good but not special running back on a  very good team. 

Final Thoughts 

A.J. Dillon is best suited as a complimentary piece in the run game. He is big, talented, with  good vision, and hits the open gap with authority. He is not Derrick Henry, but he is a better  version of Leonard Fournette.  

I like Dillon and think he has a bright future in the NFL, but I just do not see anything special on  film so far. If Green Bay is smart, they will continue to pair him with a quicker back, and use  him in short yardage situations.

The post AJ Dillon: Player Outlook appeared first on Pro Football Mania.