By: Jake Rajala

The Los Angeles Rams have a head coach named Sean McVay that doesn’t play by the rules. The man that should be sponsored by five-hour energy will always be trigger-happy to make the right NFL trades. With that enunciated, I’m going to untwine five potential trades for the LA Rams in 2022.

Trade for WR Corey Davis

The Allen Robinson experiment doesn’t look promising — as he’s merely unleashed five catches for 65 yards and one touchdown in two games thus far. If the Rams aren’t able to bring in another toy (such as OBJ), I’d love to see them reel in a big-body WR elsewhere. I feel that Corey Davis would be a splendid fit for the Rams. He has ousted 160 yards and a TD in two contests with the mediocre NY Jets offense. I expect him to be a Pro Bowl WR with McVay and Matthew Stafford. Plus, the Jets may be more lenient to shipping him away — as they still have Garrett Wilson, Elijah Moore, and Braxton Berrios.

Trade for CB Paulson Adebo

The Rams secondary clearly hasn’t been talented enough to stop opposing signal-callers. Jalen Ramsey also hasn’t been off to a hot start in 2022. It may be wise to bring in a ferocious, young CB moving forward. I’d love to see them target Paulson Adebo, who is coming back healthy for the Saints. The Saints still have Marshon Lattimore (of course), P.J. Williams, Alontae Taylor, and Bradley Roby at the CB spot.

Trade for WR Scotty Miller

The deep-threat Scotty Miller had a disappointing performance against the Saints in Week 2. With that said, it may be wise for the Rams to throw a late-round pick for him and insert his speed into their offense. The Rams had some success with Desean Jackson last season. Perhaps Miller can be an x-factor with the Rams play-action this season.

Trade for DE Montez Sweat

Montez Sweat may be a hard profile to snag, but his talent and fit would be perfect for Washington. Sweat unveiled 21 sacks, 36 QB hits, 7 QB hits, 7 FFs, in his first 42 games. The Rams weren’t able to bring back Von Miller or ink Jadeveon Clowney. Perhaps they can make a creative move by acquiring the explosive, young DE in Washington.

Trade for TE Robert Tonyan

It may be an underrated move to reel in an underperforming, yet talented, face in TE Robert Tonyan. The Packers TE had a whopping 11 touchdowns in 2020. He hasn’t been able to get into the right rhythm with A-Rod over the past year. The Packers TE could resurrect his career with LA and potentially be a legit red zone threat in the Rams aerial attack.

The post 5 potential trades for the Los Angeles Rams appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala

Week 2 is on the horizon & it’s clear that fantasy football has already been more intense than the Avatar 2 trailer. With that said, I’m going to take a critical angle by untwining seven players to sit in Week 2. Let’s begin.

• Joe Burrow

The Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow may not have shown his true colors in Week 1 (five turnovers), but I don’t foresee him bouncing back against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2. Micah Parsons had two sacks against Tom “GOAT” Brady and the Boys defense didn’t give up more than 20 points to TB12. It would be an understatement to say I’m worried about Burrow and his pass protection in Week 2.

• Mike Evans

The meme with Shila Bleouf shouting “zero” in the classic “Holes” movie could be appropriate for the potential receptions Mike Evans will have against Marshon Lattimore in Week 2. Lattimore has certainly transformed into Deion Sanders when facing Evans by sometimes not allowing him to have a single catch. The gifted Saints CB also had a couple of mental errors in Week 1, so he should be extra motivated to shine in Week 2.

• Leonard Fournette

Don’t take the bait — the Saints definitely don’t have a weak run defense. The Saints were bleeding against Marcus Mariota, but let’s not forget that Jalen Hurts has also constantly found success against the Saints. The Saints have an elite front seven with Cameron Jordan, Marcus Davenport, Pete Werner, and Demario Davis, but they still struggle against dual-threat QBs.

• Corey Davis

The Jets may be heavily relying on Corey Davis (984 yards and 5 TDs in 2020) in their Zach Wilson-less offense, but I don’t love his chances against the very superb CB Denzel Ward (who was voted the 87th best player in 2022) on Sunday. I expect Flacco to look for Garrett Wilson a lot more with his match-ups in Week 2.

• Derrick Henry

The Titans 6’4, 250 lb RB Derrick Henry didn’t look like a Thor-like figure in Week 1 (82 rushing yards, 3.9 YPC) & I don’t believe he’s in line to be an unstoppable force against the mighty Buffalo Bills in Week 2. I honestly don’t feel like the Titans will be able to feed Henry, as they may be down two-three scores early in the game.

• Justin Fields

I’m not sold on Justin Fields being a Pro Bowl-caliber QB in his sophomore year just yet. He will face an angry (after being embarrassed by Justin Jefferson) and talented Green Bay Packers defense that will be licking their chops at dominating in Week 2. The Packers still have a very good secondary and I’d be shocked if Fields has an above-average performance with his less-than-talented WR group next week.

• Tyler Boyd

Tee Higgins may sit out in Week 2 via a concussion, but don’t anticipate Tyler Boyd to go off in the WR2 spot. As previously mentioned, I’m iffy about Burrow having a superb outcome against the Dallas Cowboys. I’m only placing my trust in Ja’Marr Chase (who should have the edge over Trevon Diggs), who has similar gifts as Justin Jefferson, to shine in any circumstance.

The post Fantasy: 7 players to sit in Week 2 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala

The New York Jets have a rebellion-like hope that their 2022 season will be more successful than their 2021 campaign. The Jets are also holding optimism that the second-year QB Zach Wilson, who recently suffered a meniscus tear, can start in Week 1. With that enunciated, I’m going to take a fun angle with the Jets 2022 season outlook and untwine 10 bold predictions for the Jets in 2022.

• Corey Davis makes the Pro Bowl

The former Tennessee Titans WR Corey Davis has been a stud this summer as the Jets WR1, to say the least. The most recent impressive play by Davis was his one-handed catch in the Jets-Falcons joint practice. I expect Wilson’s growth to depend on Davis and he will surely send lots of impressive darts and even prayers to his number one wideout in the upcoming season.

• Breece Hall runs for 1,000+ yards

The Jets 2022 second-round pick RB Breece Hall had a monster 70-yard TD run in camp yesterday. Brian Costello of the New York Post believes that Carter will be the Jets lead RB in 2022. Hall was an unstoppable work-horse for Iowa State in 2021 (1,472 rushing yds and 20 rushing TDs) and in 2020 (1,572 rushing yds and 21 rushing TDs). I foresee Hall continuing to torch defenses as an NFL rookie.

• Quinnen Williams has double-digit sacks

The Jets need former Alabama star Quinnen Williams to perform like he was drafted third overall in the 2019 NFL draft. Williams has been a modest performer with Gregg Williams and Robert Saleh over the past two seasons. Williams notched 7 sacks, 14 QB hits, and three pass deflections in 13 games in 2020 and he then exhibited six sacks, 12 QB hits, and 7 tackles for loss in 15 match-ups last season. I trust that he will slightly up his contest, stay healthy, and unleash double-digit sacks in 2022.

• Sauce Gardner makes second-team All-Pro

I like Aidan Hutchinson’s chances at winning DROY. However, I still believe Sauce Garnder, aka the Jets fourth overall pick in the 2022 draft, will be a nightmare against opposing signal-callers. In fact, I believe he can continue to be an extremely talented shut-down CB and garner second-team AP honors in his rookie campaign. He may be the next legendary CB after Darrelle Revis for Jets fans.

• C.J. Mosley earns a Pro Bowl nod

The Jets LB C.J. Mosley had a bounce-back season in 2021 in my opinion: 168 combined tackles, two sacks, 3 QB hits, and 2 FFs. I expect him to blossom in year two of Saleh’s scheme along an improved DL and garner his fifth-straight PB honors.

• Greg Zuerlein makes 30+ field goals

Greg the Leg still has a strong leg, fascinating ego, and the ability to be consistent in the league. He converted 29 field goals in 2021 and I believe he will be called on to make a lot of kicks for NY in 2022. He’s only converted 30+ FGs in two NFL seasons, but I expect him to crack 30+ FGs in the near future.

• The Jets obtain eight victories

It would be an understatement to say it wouldn’t be easy for the Jets to make the playoffs in the frigid AFC East next season. Nonetheless, I believe they can still take a big step from their four win season in 2021 to eight victories in 2022. The Jets have a talented and ascending QB, an extremely motivated HC in Robert Saleh, even more weaponry than last season, and they have one of the most talented rookies in Sauce Gardner.

• Solomon Thomas has 7+ sacks

Saleh and Solomon Thomas reunited in the Big Apple – as Thomas played under Saleh in SF. The former 49ers DL registered 3.5 sacks, 12 QB hits, and 2 FFs last season. I believe Thomas will have a career season (which will include 7+ sacks) alongside Williams on the DL. Saleh is in NY on a one-year deal worth $2.5 million dollars.

• Denzel Mims has 5+ touchdowns

At this point, I believe that the Jets will hold onto Denzel Mims for another season. He may not be a Top 3 WR on the depth chart, but his physicality should help him excel in the red-zone. I believe he can find unique success in the Jets offense and haul in at least five touchdown receptions in 2022.

• Duane Brown makes the Pro Bowl

The Jets new OT Duane Brown may be 36 years old, but he is absolutely talented football player. Brown made the Pro Bowl last season and notched a modest 71.5 grade by PFF. I believe he will do an admirable job against the likes of Von Miller and punch another ticket to the Pro Bowl.

The post 10 bold predictions for the New York Jets in 2022 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Chris Thomas

The Tennesee Titans prioritize signing defensive playmakers like Bud Dupree and Denico Autry early in free agency. However, in the process of signing those players, they lost two of their top pass catchers from a season ago.

After a breakout season in 2020-21 former fifth overall pick, Corey Davis signed a 3 year $37.5 million deal with the New York Jets. Former Titans starting tight end Jonnu Smith also left the team for the New England Patriots. Smith signed a 4 year $50 million deal making him the richest tight end in NFL history.

When both Corey Davis and Jonnu Smith’s production from a season ago is accounted for the Titan’s offense has lost 106 receptions for 1,432 yards and 13 touchdowns in free agency. Removing that type of production will impact an offense the following season. It will also impact the fantasy values of the players on that offense.

Here is how the removal of Corey Davis and Jonnu Smith from the Titans offense impacts their fantasy-relevant offensive players.

Ryan Tannehill 

Last year was Ryan Tannehill’s first full season as the Titans starting quarterback. Despite a dip in production between weeks 7 and 10 where he only averaged 15.26 points per game against some tough opponents, Tannehill finished the year as the seventh-highest scoring fantasy quarterback. He averaged 21.9 points per game last year. 

Unless the Titans replace Corey Davis and Jonnu Smith with available free agent veterans or early in the draft, it is more than likely that Tannehill’s production will drop. Davis and Smith made up 37.6% of Tannehill’s completions, 43.5% of Tannehill’s passing yards, and 39.4% of his passing touchdowns in 2020-21. 

That production won’t be completely lost. Other pieces in Tennessee should take on a chunk of that production. But the less talented weapons that Tannehill will have this upcoming season won’t be able to replicate the production Davis and Smith have done in this offense the past few seasons. 

From a fantasy standpoint, Ryan Tannehill drops out of the weekly starting territory in standard ten team leagues. Instead, he becomes a bye-week replacement quarterback that is likely on the waiver wire for most of the season like Kirk Cousins, Derek Carr, or Matt Ryan. Tannehill should finish in-between the range of QB12-15.

Derrick Henry

Derrick Henry was one of the only first-round fantasy running backs that did not disappoint last season. Henry was taken in the middle of the first round in most standard leagues and finished the year with 331.1 PPR points which was third among running backs only behind Alvin Kamara and Dalvin Cook. Henry averaged 20.8 points per game and had four performances with over 35 PPR points per game.

Since Corey Davis and Jonnu Smith have left the Titans Henry becomes even more important to the Titan’s success because he is one of their only playmakers. New Titans offensive coordinator Todd Dowling may actually put more of an emphasis on the running game than they did under Arthur Smith. That is crazy to think about considering the Titans were second in the league in team rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and rushing attempts. On top of that, they were also second in the league in rushing yards per carry with 5.2 yards per attempt.

The only downside to Henry having a larger role in the offense is that teams will be able to stack the box against Henry more frequently and could have more success. Due to the lack of playmakers that have surrounded Henry over the last couple of seasons defenses will put more focus on Henry and will stack the box with defenders to limit Henry’s production. Defenses will want to take their chances on leaving Titans playmakers (outside of A.J. Brown) in single coverage on early downs and short-yardage situations in order to try to keep Henry at or behind the line of scrimmage.

So overall the impact of Corey Davis and Jonnu Smith leaving Tennesee on Derrick Henry is that he should receive more carries than he has in previous years. But his yards per carry could go down because defenses now do not have to worry as much about the Titans passing attack beating them if they focus solely on Henry. This leaves Henry in a similar position as he was before Tennesee lost Davis and Smith. Henry should still be drafted in the first round in fantasy drafts and should be an RB1 in all leagues. He will still be in similar fantasy territory as Dalvin Cook, Christian McCaffrey, and Alvin Kamara next season.

A.J. Brown

In his second season, A.J. Brown continued to show the big play ability he showed during his rookie season. However in 2020-21, Brown was more consistent with his production. Fantasy owners felt more comfortable playing Brown every week knowing he would likely put up between 12-21 PPR points per game when he was healthy. Despite playing in only 14 games last year Brown scored the 12th most fantasy points among wide receivers last season. His 17.7 PPR points per game was sixth among wide receivers.

Brown has the most to benefit from former teammates Corey Davis and Jonnu Smith signing elsewhere. Now that Brown is far and away the most dangerous weapon in the Titans passing attack he could be in line for a career year. Secondaries may pay Brown more attention. But it shouldn’t affect his overall production considering the defenses already paid Brown the most attention out of the Titans pass catchers when Davis and Smith were on the team. Brown should definitely see a major increase in targets which should lead to an increase in total production.

It is insane to think about what Brown’s numbers could jump to in 2020-21. He already led the team in targets, catches, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. Now that the Titans second and third highest producing players in each of those categories are gone Brown should receive a large percentage of that production go his way.

If the Titans do not add any other major playmakers and Brown could stay healthy for the 2021-22 NFL season he could easily rise to WR1 conversation in fantasy in standard leagues. It would be hard to imagine Brown not exceeding his 17.7 PPR points per game from a season ago. Last year he was able to put up that type of production with only one game where he reached double-digit targets and receptions. That game was Week 17 against the Houston Texans where he had ten catches on eleven targets for 151 yards and a touchdown.

Next season A.J. Brown could reach the upside and production of other star wide receivers like DeAndre Hopkins, Stefon Diggs, and Calvin Ridley. All of which should be drafted as WR1’s next year in fantasy in all formats.

Josh Reynolds

In order to soften the blow of losing Corey Davis, the Tennesee Titans signed former Los Angeles Rams receiver Josh Reynolds to a one-year $1.75 million deal. For the last couple of seasons, Reynolds has been the fourth wide receiver in Sean McVay’s offense. He was able to fill into any receiver’s role in the Rams offense whether it was being the team’s deep threat or creating plays over the middle in the slot.

His versatility has made him a great insurance policy for when Cooper Kupp was hurt in 2018, Brandin Cooks was hurt in 2019, or 2020 second-round pick Van Jefferson wasn’t ready to become one of the Ram starting receivers. During his eight starts in 2018-19, Reynolds had 29 catches for 402 yards and five touchdowns. This past season Reynolds had career highs with 52 receptions on 81 targets for 618 yards during thirteen starts.

Automatically Reynolds is considered the second receiver on the Titans depth chart. He is not only the team’s second receiver but could also be considered the team’s second option in the passing game. Reynolds has never been more than a team’s third-option offense. It is very possible that Reynolds could have the best season of his career during the 2020-21 season in Tennesee.

Due to the lack of consistent fantasy-relevant production in the past and depth at the wide receiver position, it is hard to expect much out of Reynolds in a standard ten-team league. However, in a 12 team or deeper PPR league’s Reynolds could be a sleeper due to the number of targets he will see. Reynolds shouldn’t be drafted in standard leagues but could be a player to take a flier on in deeper leagues as a sleeper. If Reynolds thrives in his new role in Tennesee he could creep his way into flex territory in deeper leagues. If that was the case Reynolds would be in the same range as wide receivers like Randall Cobb, Denzel Mims, and Allen Lazard.

Anthony Firkser

The Tennessee Titans managed to retain one of their pass-catching tight ends Anthony Firkser on a one-year deal. Now that Jonnu Smith is a member of the New England Patriots, Firkser will likely be the Titans starting tight end last season. Last season when Smith missed Weeks 12 & 13 Firkser became a popular fantasy pick-up. Even though he disappointed in Week 12 against the Colts he showed promise filling in for Smith Week 13 against the Browns. He had five catches on seven targets for 51 yards. That was good for 10.1 PPR points, which many will take from their starting tight end considering the lack of depth and talent at the position.

Firkser has a great relationship with new Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing because Downing has been the Titan’s tight end coach since 2019. Since Downing is so familiar with Firkser he may plan on making him a featured player in the Titans offense next season. Firkser’s only competition for the team’s second option in the passing game is Josh Reynolds.

Even though production from the tight end position in fantasy has been scarce over the last number of years there are still better options than Firkser who should be drafted in standard 10 team fantasy leagues. Firkser should be considered a fringe TE2 in fantasy leagues. He should be valued between TE15-25. Other tight ends within that range include Dan Arnold, Eric Ebron, and Jimmy Graham. However much like the players previously mention Firkser has the upside to finish within the top-10 if he has a breakout season.

When both Corey Davis and Jonnu Smith’s production from a season ago is accounted for the Titans offense has lost 106 receptions for 1,432 yards and 13 touchdowns in free agency. Removing that type of production will impact an offense the following season. It will also impact the fantasy values of the players on that offense.

The post Fantasy Football: Impact of losing Corey Davis and Jonnu Smith on the Tennesee Titans Offense appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Rachel Marie – @rachmariesports

With the entire new coaching staff nearly assembled and the front office bursting with enthusiasm, it’s time to look at free agent wide receivers and running backs that could help take the Detroit Lions to the next level in 2021.

1. Allen Robinson

I wrote about why the Lions should consider Robinson in a previous article for Pro Football Mania, but I feel that here and now is the right time to write about said consideration again. With Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones Jr. and Danny Amendola all set to be free agents, the Lions will be seriously lacking in veteran receiver talent. This, of course, can only be addressed through free agency and Robinson tops most lists at the position.

In 2020, with Mitchell Trubisky at the helm, Robinson notched 120 receptions, 1,250 yards and six touchdowns. Now pair his abilities with those of Jared Goff, who I expect to come into Detroit with a chip on his shoulder and looking to get back to his 2018 numbers, and this could be a QB/WR duo that could set the league on fire.

Plus, the addition of veteran wide receiver talent will be necessary to ensure that Goff’s transition to Detroit is as successful as possible. I expect Lions general manager Brad Holmes to carefully select the pieces that he places around Goff, considering Holmes is credited for drafting Goff in 2016 and seeing his NFL potential. Rumor has it over at Detroit Sports Nation that Robinson may already be on Holmes’ list.

2. Corey Davis

Hailing from Western Michigan, Corey Davis is another intriguing free agent that may want to come “home” and the Lions should certainly be taking a look at making him the offer.

In the 2020 season, Davis caught 65 passes for a career-high 984 yards, averaging 15.1 yards per reception, and scored five touchdowns. At just 26, Davis is set to test the waters of free agency for the first time as he opted out of his 5th year option with the Tennessee Titans.

This move could end up a much more cap friendly deal for the Lions compared to Robinson. According to TitansWire, “As far as his market value goes, Spotrac estimates that Davis will receive a contract worth $39.4 million over four years, which works out to an annual average salary of $9.8 million”.

And then, maybe the Lions will be the team doing the burning in situations like the one below, instead of the other way around:

3. Kenyan Drake

Kenyan Drake is an intriguing prospect with a high ceiling. After being traded to the Arizona Cardinals in week 9 of the 2019 season, Drake led the Cardinals in rushing yards with 643 and rushing touchdowns with eight over the final eight games of the season.

In 2020, Drake totaled 239 carries for 955 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also finished the season with 25 receptions for 137 yards, an average of 5.7 yards per reception. That’s pretty impressive continued productivity for the 2016 third round pick from Alabama.

Now, picture the five year veteran alongside Lion’s young up-and-coming running back D’Andre Swift and that paints a mighty pretty picture for any backfield. Plus, a veteran presence in the locker room, if Detroit does not retain Adrian Peterson, is always an added bonus. From SEC to DET. Sounds good to me.

4. Mike Davis

With Christian McCaffrey’s injury leaving him out the majority of the 2020 season, Mike Davis was able to show us that he is a more than serviceable back. According to SI’s All Panthers site, “Davis didn’t just step up and get the job done, he had a career year. He finished the season with a career-high in carries (165), rushing yards (642), rushing touchdowns (6), receptions (59), receiving yards (373), and receiving touchdowns (2). Had he been “the guy” from start to finish, you’re probably talking about tacking on another 200 or so more rushing yards”.

Bringing in a back like Davis would not only be a nice pairing alongside D’Andre Swift, Detroit’s RB1, but it would end up working out perfectly for the Lions as far as cap space is concerned.

Davis is also familiar with, and comfortable with, splitting touches. He is quoted as saying, “Yeah I mean, that would be nice to have (being a starting RB somewhere) but I’ve been put in that situation before where that was supposed to be the case and it didn’t end up working out being that way. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side’.

That attitude and complementary play style could start brewing big things in Detroit in the backfield.

The post Wide Receiver and Running Back Free Agent Targets for the Detroit Lions appeared first on Pro Football Mania.