Month: September 2020

Fantasy football start/bench list: Week 4

A weekly snapshot of where a notable players group within their respective positions.

Player analysis and projections can be found in our Start/Bench Tool customized to your myHuddle league scoring and rosters. All player listings by groups are in no particular order.

Key: Upgrade / Downgrade

QUARTERBACKS
WIDE RECEIVERS
BEST BETS Opp BEST BETS Opp
Russell Wilson @MIA DeAndre Hopkins @CAR
Dak Prescott CLE Amari Cooper CLE
Kyler Murray @CAR Tyler Lockett @MIA
GREAT STARTS Opp GREAT STARTS Opp
Josh Allen @LVR DeVante Parker SEA
Patrick Mahomes NE Allen Lazard ATL
Aaron Rodgers ATL Stefon Diggs @LVR
R. Fitzpatrick SEA Cooper Kupp NYG
SOLID STARTERS Opp DK Metcalf @MIA
Drew Brees @DET SOLID STARTERS Opp
Cam Newton @KC Adam Thielen @HOU
Deshaun Watson MIN Michael Gallup CLE
M. Stafford NO DJ Chark Jr. @CIN
B. Roethlisberger @TEN Jarvis Landry @DAL
Matt Ryan @GB Julian Edelman @KC
Jared Goff NYG Keenan Allen @TB
Lamar Jackson @WAS Mike Evans LAC
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp Kenny Golladay NO
Gardner Minshew @CIN D.J. Moore ARI
Joe Burrow JAC Tyler Boyd JAC
Baker Mayfield @DAL CeeDee Lamb CLE
Tom Brady LAC Cole Beasley @LVR
Kirk Cousins @HOU Robert Woods NYG
Ryan Tannehill PIT O. Beckham Jr. @DAL
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp Keelan Cole @CIN
Nick Foles IND A. Robinson II IND
T. Bridgewater ARI Michael Thomas @DET
Justin Herbert @TB Tyreek Hill NE
Daniel Jones @LAR J. Smith-Schuster @TEN
Nick Mullens PHI Calvin Ridley @GB
Philip Rivers @CHI Brandin Cooks MIN
Derek Carr BUF Will Fuller MIN
Brett Rypien @NYJ FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp
Dwayne Haskins BAL Jamison Crowder DEN
Sam Darnold DEN Kendrick Bourne PHI
Carson Wentz @SF Mecole Hardman NE
RUNNING BACKS
 Andy Isabella @CAR
BEST BETS Opp Darnell Mooney IND
Alvin Kamara @DET L. Shenault Jr. @CIN
Aaron Jones ATL Corey Davis PIT
GREAT STARTS Opp J. Washington @TEN
D. Singletary @LVR P. Williams SEA
James Conner @TEN Marvin Jones NO
Dalvin Cook @HOU J. Jefferson @HOU
D. Henderson NYG Braxton Berrios DEN
Kenyan Drake @CAR Sammy Watkins NE
SOLID STARTERS Opp R. Gage Jr. @GB
Zack Moss @LVR Tee Higgins JAC
Derrick Henry PIT Scott Miller LAC
Ronald Jones LAC Adam Humphries PIT
D. Montgomery IND Robby Anderson ARI
Myles Gaskin SEA Greg Ward Jr. @SF
Carlos Hyde @MIA L. Fitzgerald @CAR
Todd Gurley II @GB Danny Amendola NO
Joe Mixon JAC Randall Cobb MIN
Nick Chubb @DAL Terry McLaurin BAL
Mike Davis ARI Jerry Jeudy @NYJ
Austin Ekeler @TB T.Y. Hilton @CHI
C. Edwards-Helaire NE Tre’Quan Smith @DET
Jonathan Taylor @CHI Anthony Miller IND
James Robinson @CIN M. Valdes-Scantling ATL
Miles Sanders @SF Hunter Renfrow BUF
David Johnson MIN Marquise Brown @WAS
Josh Jacobs BUF N’Keal Harry @KC
Ezekiel Elliott CLE Darius Slayton @LAR
Jerick McKinnon PHI Brandon Aiyuk PHI
M. Gordon III @NYJ Chase Claypool @TEN
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp A.J. Green JAC
James White @KC SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
Latavius Murray @DET John Brown @LVR
Jamaal Williams ATL Chris Godwin LAC
J.K. Dobbins @WAS Christian Kirk @CAR
L. Fournette LAC Deebo Samuel PHI
Antonio Gibson BAL Diontae Johnson @TEN
Adrian Peterson NO A.J. Brown PIT
Kareem Hunt @DAL Bryan Edwards BUF
Rex Burkhead @KC Henry Ruggs III BUF
Mark Ingram @WAS KJ Hamler @NYJ
Jeff Wilson Jr. PHI E. Sanders @DET
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp Zach Pascal @CHI
D’Andre Swift NO Dontrelle Inman BAL
Philip Lindsay @NYJ Chris Conley @CIN
Dion Lewis @LAR Kalif Raymond PIT
Devonta Freeman @LAR Mike Williams @TB
Darrynton Evans PIT Josh Reynolds NYG
Malcolm Brown NYG Golden Tate @LAR
Kerryon Johnson NO Steven Sims Jr. BAL
Gus Edwards @WAS Julio Jones @GB
Sony Michel @KC Davante Adams ATL
Frank Gore DEN DeSean Jackson @SF
Raheem Mostert PHI Chris Hogan DEN
J.D. McKissic BAL Willie Snead @WAS
Boston Scott @SF Nelson Agholor BUF
A. Mattison @HOU Zay Jones BUF
La’Mical Perine DEN Curtis Samuel ARI
Joshua Kelley @TB Tim Patrick @NYJ
Giovani Bernard JAC
DEFENSIVE TEAMS
Jordan Howard SEA BEST BETS Opp
Nyheim Hines @CHI Buccaneers LAC
TIGHT ENDS
 GREAT STARTS Opp
BEST BETS Opp Rams NYG
T.J. Hockenson NO Ravens @WAS
GREAT STARTS Opp SOLID STARTERS Opp
Travis Kelce NE Colts @CHI
Mark Andrews @WAS Steelers @TEN
Eric Ebron @TEN Jets DEN
SOLID STARTERS Opp Chiefs NE
George Kittle PHI 49ers PHI
Noah Fant @NYJ FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp
Evan Engram @LAR Bills @LVR
Darren Waller BUF Vikings @HOU
Robert Tonyan ATL Cowboys CLE
Mike Gesicki SEA Chargers @TB
Rob Gronkowski LAC Jaguars @CIN
Jonnu Smith PIT Broncos @NYJ
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp Texans MIN
Tyler Higbee NYG Bears IND
Kyle Rudolph @HOU Cardinals @CAR
Jordan Akins MIN Seahawks @MIA
Hunter Henry @TB Saints @DET
Zach Ertz @SF Packers ATL
Hayden Hurst @GB SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
Greg Olsen @MIA Football Team BAL
Dalton Schultz CLE Raiders BUF
Jared Cook @DET Titans PIT
Austin Hooper @DAL Lions NO
Tyler Eifert @CIN Eagles @SF
Mo Alie-Cox @CHI Bengals JAC
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp Giants @LAR
O.J. Howard LAC Patriots @KC
Chris Herndon DEN Dolphins SEA
Drew Sample JAC Panthers ARI
Tyler Kroft @LVR Falcons @GB
Ian Thomas ARI Browns @DAL
Dawson Knox @LVR
Jimmy Graham IND
Logan Thomas BAL

Barack Obama in NBA Finals audience with several former Celtics

Several Boston Celtics alumni could be seen along with former President Barack Obama as virtual and in-the-flesh members of the NBA Finals audience.

While the Boston Celtics didn’t make it to the 2020 NBA Finals, a number of notable Celtics alumni could be seen in the audience of Game 1 — both in-person and especially virtually.

As the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat squared off in pursuit of an NBA championship in the most unusual season in league history, several former Celtics graced the contest’s sidelines, even stealing the show at several points.

In one moment, former U.S. President and well-known basketball aficionado Barack Obama could be seen sitting next to former Celtic center Shaquille O’Neal, and in front of Boston icons Paul Pierce and Ray Allen as virtual fans.

Nearby, NBA legends James Worthy, Dwyane Wade, Pau Gasol and Robert Horry could also be seen virtually, and word was that ex-Celtics Robert Parish and Chauncey Billups were also “present”.

Former Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers was also reportedly in attendance as a guest of the Philadelphia 76ers per KRON 4 News’ Jason Dumas — with a job offer waiting in the wings.

While it’s no fun to be on the outside looking in, at least the team is well-represented in the audience, whether they are there in the flesh or digitally.

And hopefully when we’re talking about the 2021 NBA Finals, it won’t be focused on which Celtics are in the audience because of what they’re up to on the hardwood.

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Memphis vs SMU Prediction, Game Preview

Memphis Tigers vs SMU Mustangs prediction and game preview.

Memphis Tigers vs SMU Mustangs prediction and game preview.

Memphis vs SMU Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 3rd
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Venue: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX
Network: ESPN2

[jwplayer DGnF10py]

– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Memphis (1-0) vs SMU (3-0) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on college football, go to BetMGM

Why Memphis Will Win

It’s been a rough run getting this season going, beating Arkansas State before getting knocked out for the last few weeks with COVID issues.

The team is rested.

Just like it was last year, the offense is explosive, the passing game is sharp – it started out fantastic – and SMU has to be able to keep up.

SMU might have the offense rolling, but the secondary was picked apart by North Texas even though it generates a good pass rush. The defense does a whole lot of things right, but the overall production still isn’t there. Now it has to deal with an offense that’s going to keep the pressure n for a full four quarters.

– CFN Experts Picks: NFL

Why SMU Will Win

The Mustangs are tuned up and playing well.

Yeah, Memphis might be rested after the last few weeks, but SMU has three games under its belt, it’s going to be in better overall shape, and it’s been a whole lot sharper after making too many mistakes early on.

The Mustangs haven’t turned the ball over win the last two games, penalties haven’t been a problem, and the offense has found its groove with Ulysses Bentley – the nation’s leading rusher – ripping off close to 11 yards per carry to go along with TJ McDaniel being more of a workhorse.

All that, and veteran QB Shane Buechele has been terrific.

– CFN Experts Picks: College Football

What’s Going To Happen

It was one of the best games of 2019. Memphis held off SMU in a 54-48 thriller with the two teams combining for well over 1,000 yards with close to 800 through the air.

Memphis has more talent and the better lines, but SMU will be a bit more seasoned and a bit more balanced at home. The Tiger passing game, though, will come through in the second half with a few late scoring drives to get the season back on track.

Memphis vs SMU Prediction, Line

Memphis 41, SMU 38
Bet on Memphis vs SMU with BetMGM
Memphis -2.5, o/u: 74.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 4

5: ANYTHING else
1: THAT debate

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Indians pitcher takes mound with Ricky Vaughn haircut, immediately gives up grand slam

That did not go well.

Indians relief pitcher James Karinchak has been compared to fictional Indians pitcher Ricky “Wild Thing” Vaughn from the movie, Major League. He’s a hard-throwing, right-handed Indians relief pitcher who wears No. 99. Just as the movie character did, he enters the field to “Wild Thing.”

And for the Indians’ Wild Card series matchup with the Yankees, Karinchak went full Ricky Vaughn and got himself the same haircut that Charlie Sheen sported while playing the character. All of this could have been amazing (and somewhat fun), but Gio Urshela had other ideas.

Karinchak entered the game with the bases loaded in the fourth inning of Wednesday’s Game 2, and six pitches into the relief appearance, Vaughn Karinchak gave up a go-ahead grand slam.

Karinchak knew it was gone immediately — as did Gio.

And let’s just say that Yankees fans took delight in seeing a real-life (or fake, actually) Ricky Vaughn melt down against New York.

That’s going to be a tough one to bounce back from for Karinchak. He’ll need the glasses next time.

[jwplayer 6cfv6Gnp-q2aasYxh]

Adam Silver shares the 2020-21 season might start in another bubble

The 2020-21 NBA season may end up playing out in another bubble, according to league commissioner Adam Silver, but advances in testing tech could bring back in-person games.

The NBA bubble 2.0 might just have to happen, according to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

The 2019-20 season will go down in history as the longest season in league history due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a four-month hiatus taken to plan and organize the Disney bubble to finish the season.

Speaking to the media at the league’s NBA Finals media availability session, Siver shared that the league may need to use a bubble format at least to start the 2020-21 NBA season, though he remained hopeful gains in testing technology might make it possible to have fans in home arenas once again.

“I’m hopeful that as we continue to study advancements in testing that, for example, rapid testing could make a big difference in terms of our ability to potentially get fans in buildings,” shared Silver.

As for the start of the next season?

“I’ve said previously that the earliest we would start at this point is Christmas,” related Silver.

“That’s been a traditional tentpole date for the league, but it may come and go. I’ve also said probably the greater likelihood is we’ll start in January. But remember, if we start in January, it means training camps have begun roughly three weeks earlier, and part of the consideration is that for these players, as I said at the open, in the longest season in the history of the NBA, many of them have continued training throughout the break, Finals will end in roughly mid-October, and they need a break physically and mentally.”

“There’s no question about that,” he added.

Whichever way the start of the next season plays out, it’s going to be an absolutely monumental undertaking for the league to pull off.

Thankfully for us, they’ve already showed us it can be done — and while safely delivering a compelling product as well.

[jwplayer QPgAhHQJ]

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Four former Celtics are in the 2020 NBA Finals, even if Boston isn’t

Video: Tyler Herro somehow banked in a corner 3-pointer in Game 1

The bank was open for Tyler Herro on Wednesday night as the Heat and Lakers tipped off the NBA Finals.

[jwplayer QPgAhHQJ]

Tyler Herro became the first player born in the 2000s to play in the NBA Finals as the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers tipped off Game 1 on Wednesday.

Herro checked into the game during the first quarter but wouldn’t score his first points until the next period. The 20-year-old scored eight points in the second quarter as the Heat trailed the Lakers heading into halftime, 65-48.

Herro made two 3-pointers during the first half and had social media talking after he somehow managed to bank in one of those shots from beyond the arc. Herro ran off of a screen set by Bam Adebayo, caught the ball and banked in the 3-pointer from the corner.

Herro was the third-leading scorer for the Heat at halftime but Miami managed to lose a 13-point lead after allowing the Lakers to finish the first quarter on a 19-3 run. They also gave up a 13-0 run midway through the second period as the Lakers’ lead grew to 17 points.

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WATCH: Ohio State practices in pads for first time Wednesday

The Ohio State football Twitter account shared a short video montage of the players practicing in pads for the first time. Watch here.

In case this slipped by you with everything that’s going on in life, the Ohio State football team practiced in pads for the first time Wednesday. And yes, life has no shortage of drama and obstacles right now, so we’ll forgive you.

That means the intensity was ramped up at the practice fields as the season starts to become real now. It sure would have been nice to watch the team’s excitement when the guys got to go all out today but there’s not a whole lot of availability for that right now. We do have some video though, and while it’s not anything extended, the Ohio State Twitter account did share some cut-ups of the boys going at it in pads.

In case you missed it, click on the below tweet and watch the guys go full speed ahead with all the gear on for the very first time. And remember, the first game against Nebraska is just less than a month away now.

And you thought we’d never get here.

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East Carolina vs Georgia State Prediction, Game Preview

East Carolina Pirates vs Georgia State Panther prediction and game preview.

East Carolina Pirates vs Georgia State Panther prediction and game preview.

East Carolina vs Georgia State Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 3rd
Game Time: 12:00 ET
Venue: Center Parc Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Network: ESPNU

[jwplayer DGnF10py]

– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

East Carolina (0-1) vs Georgia State (0-1) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on college football, go to BetMGM

Why East Carolina Will Win

The Pirates should be able to start doing more through the air.

Holton Ahlers struggles in the opening loss to UCF, but the deep plays were there as the offense kept pressing. The Georgia State defense is okay, but the secondary is beatable.

As long as Ahlers gets time – the Panthers didn’t generate a lick of pressure in the tough overtime loss to Louisiana a few weeks ago – he’ll hit the deep plays.

More than anything else, the Pirates have to limit the mistakes. It had a hard enough time against UCF, but the four turnovers were a killer.

– CFN Experts Picks: NFL

Why Georgia State Will Win

The Panthers should be able to run wild.

UCF threw without an issue against the Pirates, but the running game was gashing away, too. Georgia State was balanced against the Ragin’ Cajuns with the 223 yards and three scores on the ground keeping the game tight.

The Panthers have to keep the ECU offense off the field, and while they might not have a grinding attack, they should be able to run as much as they want to against a defensive front without much playmaking ability in the backfield.

– CFN Experts Picks: College Football

What’s Going To Happen

It’s going to be a good game.

Both offense have pop and talent, and both defenses are just shaky enough to keep from taking over. The Panthers will be steadier at home with its running game better than ECU’s.

East Carolina vs Georgia State Prediction, Line

Georgia State 34, East Carolina 30
Bet on East Carolina vs Georgia State with BetMGM
Georgia State -1, o/u: 69
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 2.5

5: ANYTHING else
1: THAT debate

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The Notre Dame representation in the NBA Finals

Notre Dame might not have any players participating in the NBA Finals but they do have one assistant coach.

Notre Dame doesn’t exactly have a plethora of players in the NBA like the school does in the WNBA, but they’re still represented by one proud graduate as the NBA Finals get started this evening.

Chris Quinn, who played for Mike Brey’s Fighting Irish from 2002-06 and averaged over 17 points per game his senior season.

Quinn went on to play in the NBA for the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, New Jersey Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers from 2006-2013 and got into coaching after that.

Quinn joined the Miami Heat coaching staff in 2014 and will be on their bench as they take on the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2020 NBA Finals that start Wednesday night in Orlando.

For the heck of it let’s put it out on the record:

Heat in 7!