Below are the bye weeks for the 2024 NFL season. There are no byes in Week 8 or Week 13.
2024 NFL schedule bye weeks
2024 NFL schedule bye weeks
Category: General Fantasy Football Analysis
Trade alert: Stefon Diggs dealt to Houston Texans
A long time in the making, Diggs finally has been traded.
After swirling traded rumors for the past year and news reports to the contrary in the last few weeks, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been sent to the Houston Texans. The deal includes Buffalo shipping a sixth-round selection this year and a 2025 fifth-rounder in exchange for a 2025 second-round choice that, funnily enough, also once belonged to the Minnesota Vikings.
In short, Buffalo gets cheaper but has a glaring talent void to fill. The pool of remaining free agents has some familiar names but no one remotely as dangerous for defenses as Diggs, highlighted by the likes of Tyler Boyd, Michael Thomas, Michael Gallup, Odell Beckham Jr., Hunter Renfrow, Chase Claypool, and DJ Chark Jr.
[lawrence-related id=487538]
Internally, the Bills aren’t looking any prettier with just Curtis Samuel — a newcomer to the team — as the only established veteran on the roster. Khalil Shakir has flashed some talent, and Mack Hollins has done the same, but no one on the globe is expecting major contributions for either one, or both combined for that matter. Andy Isabella and KJ Hamler are the only other rostered names of note. Buffalo has two capable tight ends in Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid, plus running back James Cook is a plus receiver.
Expect at least one veteran to be signed, but this is a deep draft class for wideouts, and Buffalo could invest multiple early picks in the position. This team’s championship window seemingly has closed, and the regime may feel pressure to win now, which suggests a possible draft-day trade to acquire one of the top players. Don’t rule out a deal for another veteran … Brandon Aiyuk, Tee Higgins or Justin Jefferson, anyone?
Fantasy football takeaway
Diggs, who turns 31 in late November, is coming off his worst fantasy season since leaving the Vikings in 2019, and he still managed to catch 107 passes for 1,183 yards and eight touchdowns! In the first half of last year, all looked like business as usual for the veteran, but the wheels came off down the stretch, and he failed to score 20-plus PPR points even once in the final 10 appearances (including playoffs) after doing so five times through the first nine contests.
Diggs will be the focal point of a blossoming offense in Houston with second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud coming off a marvelous rookie campaign. The move dampens the outlook of WR Nico Collins, who broke out in 2023, though he’ll remain relevant in fake football given the attention Diggs demands. Promising 2023 rookie Tank Dell is coming off a fractured fibula but will be 100% well ahead of Week 1. The retooled offense, which added veteran Joe Mixon to the backfield, is poised to be lethal.
Gamers shouldn’t automatically expect Diggs to top 100 catches, but there’s no reason he won’t cross the 85 mark through 17 appearances. Given his advancing age in WR years and the loaded weaponry around him, Diggs is a fringe No. 1 PPR receiver in the upcoming fantasy draft season.
Calvin Ridley joins the revamped Titans offense
The Titans add Calvin Ridley for their new commitment to the pass
The Tennessee Titans signed Calvin Ridley to a four-year, $92 million contract that includes $50 million in guarantees. The Jaguars added Gabe Davis to cushion the blow but the Titans acquired another wideout that has an elite ceiling. Derrick Henry just moved on to the Ravens, and the Titans offense will be all new this season under head coach Brian Callahan.
The Titans have long been a run-heavy offense and the rookie Will Levis took over midway through the season. They ranked No. 32 in pass attempts (490) and completions (302) and only No. 31 in pass touchdowns (12) last season. That’s sure to change with the addition of Ridley who joins DeAndre Hopkins and Treylon Burks in the new offensive scheme that Callahan is importing from his years as the Bengals offensive coordinator.
Ridley had a breakout 2020 season when he caught 90 passes for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns to end as the No. 5 fantasy wideout that year. He would step away from football in 2021 due to mental health reasons and then was suspended for the 2022 season, due to betting on NFL games.
Ridley reclaimed his career in 2023 when he led the Jaguars with 76 catches for 1,106 yards and eight scores – double that of any other team mate. He has a chance to supply the No. 1 role in Tennessee with the 31-year-old Hopkins on the downside of his career.
The Titans also added Mason Rudolph to back-up Levis, and the passing scheme will not be the league’s worst again this year. With the backfield no longer the center of the offense, Ridley has a chance to keep his career on track.
2024 NFL Combine results
2023 NFL Combine measurements
The 2024 NFL combine is in the books for the fantasy positions of quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends. The below results have highlighted players that are considered at the top of their position entering the combine. This draft class is expected to be wideout-rich, but a weaker set of running backs and tight ends, and with the typical handful of quarterbacks that may show up as a rookie.
The talk of the combine wasn’t quarterbacks as many opted out of the 40-yard dash and other drills. Audric Estime from Notre Dame did himself no favors running a position worse 4.72 40-time that will carry weight into the draft process, regardless of his success in college.
More than any other single player, the Texas Longhorn Xavier Worthy turned in a all-time combine record of 4.21 in the 40-yard dash that should propel him into the first round. In the end, drill timings are interesting but not a predictor of future success. This is the first time that reliable, objective measurements have been made for these rookies.
2024 NFL Combine fantasy preview
Time to get a first look at the 2024 NFL rookies measurables – the real ones, not the ones that their college PR machine publish.
Spring is not far off and neither is the NFL draft. The NFL Combine is that stopping place between college play and an NFL team submitting that player name in Detroit sometime between Thu, Apr 25, 2024 – Sat, Apr 27. This is the first time college players get officially measured, where quarterbacks may get shorter, running backs weigh less, and receivers slow down from what their college bios may have claimed.
This is where fantasy football starts for the new year. There are always rookie surprises and plenty of reasons to take the chance on a new player, hoping you landed a big value (cough-cough-Puka Nacua-cough). This is the official start of the hype machine stoked by player agents and highlight films, bought into by franchises trying to appease the fan base and the source of tremendous optimism. Many will not measure up in the long-run, but many will. And it all starts here.
NFL Combine schedule
Thursday, February 29th, 3 PM ET – Defensive Linemen/Linebackers
Friday, March 1st, 3 PM ET – Defensive Backs, Tight Ends
Saturday, March 2, 1 PM – Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Wide Receivers
Sunday, March 3, 1 PM – Offensive Linemen
Saturday is the day when you get a first look at players that will likely show up in nearly every round in your fantasy drafts. Tight ends test on Friday but have historically been minor contributors in their first season, at least until last year when Sam LaPorta shattered that concept when he ended as the No. 1 fantasy tight end.
Invited Players
Here’s the list of players that will appear, and a quick breakdown of the top players in their positions so you’ll know who to pay extra attention.
QUARTERBACKS
Top prospects
Caleb Williams, USC – Widely expected to be the 1.01 pick of the draft by the Bears. Two years starting at USC totaled 8,170 pass yards, 72 pass TDs, 524 rush yards and 22 rush TDs. Highly coveted franchise quarterback.
Drake Maye, North Carolina – Can run well but the 2-year starter in North Carolina is a deadly passer who peaked with 4,321 pass yards and 38 TDs in 2022. Huge at 6-4, 230 pounds and can make any throw, and ran for up to 698 yards in a season. Expected to be a Top-5 pick.
Jayden Daniels, LSU – Heisman Trophy winner. Mature, experienced, dual-threat fifth-year quarterback who peaked in 2023 with 3,812 pass yards, 40 pass TDs, 1,134 rush yards and ten rush TDs. Top-5 pick likened to Lamar Jackson but maybe even a better passer.
Rest of field
- Sam Hartman, Notre Dame
- Devin Leary, Kentucky
- J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
- Joe Milton III, Tennessee
- Bo Nix, Oregon
- Michael Penix Jr., Washington
- Michael Pratt, Tulane
- Spencer Rattler, South Carolina
- Austin Reed, Western Kentucky
- Kedon Slovis, BYU
- Jordan Travis, Florida State
RUNNING BACKS
Top prospects
Jonathon Brooks, Texas – Tore his ACL late last year and will not participate in combine drills. Three-down back that can offer dynasty league value that pays off in 2025. May have been the first RB selected prior to injury.
Trey Benson, Florida State – Two-year starter for FSU, averaged 6.1 YPC as a rusher and scored 24 TDs total with two 900+ yard seasons as a rusher. Downhill runner may be first back selected and can offer two-down skillset while upgrading his role as a receiver.
Braelon Allen, Wisconsin – Another bruising runner at 6-2, 238 yards who offers two-down rushing at first and can grow into a better receiver. Three-year starter for Badgers who may end up as the Thunder in a committee backfield but can play all roles. Only 20 years old.
Audric Estimé, Notre Dame – Took over as the primary back in 2023 and ran for 1,341 yards and a school-record 18 TDs while catching 17 passes for 142 yards. Tough to tackle combination of speed and power should be a Top-5 pick for the position.
Blake Corum, Michigan – Team captain of the National Champs is smaller at 5-8, 200 pounds but four-year back started the last three with 2023 serving up 1,245 rush yards and 27 TDs after tearing meniscus at the end of 2022. Elite back that played behind an elite O-line. Will be 24 in November.
Rest of field
- Rasheen Ali, Marshall
- Emani Bailey, TCU
- Isaiah Davis, South Dakota State
- Ray Davis, Kentucky
- Daijun Edwards, Georgia
- Frank Gore Jr., Southern Mississippi
- Isaac Guerendo, Louisville
- George Holani, Boise State
- Bucky Irving, Oregon
- Dillon Johnson, Washington
- Jawhar Jordan, Louisville
- Dylan Laube, New Hampshire
- MarShawn Lloyd, USC
- Jase McClellan, Alabama
- Kendall Milton, Georgia
- Keilan Robinson, Texas
- Cody Schrader, Missouri
- Will Shipley, Clemson
- Jaden Shirden, Monmouth
- Tyrone Tracy Jr., Purdue
- Kimani Vidal, Troy
- Michael Wiley, Arizona
- Miyan Williams, Ohio State
- Jaylen Wright, Tennessee
WIDE RECEIVERS
Top prospects
Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State – As hyped as any rookie wideout in recent history. Will be the first wideout taken. Big, fast, elusive, and won the Biletnikoff Award as best receiver. Two years at Ohio State both ended over 1,200 yards and 14 TDs. Considered a tier above all other college wideouts.
Rome Odunze, Washington – Led the nation with 1,640 receiving yards on 92 catches with 13 TDs. Expected to go in first half of Round 1. Great size at 6-3, 215 pounds with elite hands and a quarterback’s best friend with catch radius and ability to get open.
Malik Nabers, LSU – Junior season exploded for 89-1,569-14 stat line playing with QB Jayden Daniels. May be the No. 2 WR selected. Only 20 years old and likely a Top-10 overall pick. Tough to tackle and a speedster that averaged 17.6 YPC last year. Expected to provide Year 1 fantasy starter production.
Brian Thomas Jr., LSU – The other half of LSU’s deadly wideouts led team with 17 TDs on his 68 catches for 1,177 yards and averaged 17.3 YPC in his breakout season. Solid speed with 6-5 frame will be a difference-maker at the next level and should be a Round 1 pick with immediate fantasy value.
Keon Coleman, Florida State – Transferred to FSU as a Junior and ended with 50 catches for 658 yards and 11 TDs as their leading receiver. Plenty fast enough with a 6-4, 215 pound frame. Projects as a productive No. 2 NFL wideout for a team that needs a possession receiver and end-zone target.
Troy Franklin, Oregon – Improved all three seasons with the Ducks and ended with 81 catches for 1,383 yards and 14 scores in 2023. The 6-3 speedster was timed at a 4.35 40-time and expects a Day 1 call as a premier deep threat that can still play the middle.
Xavier Worthy, Texas – Another potential field-stretcher who topped out at 75 catches for 1,014 yards last year and scored 26 times in his career as a third-year Longhorn. The 6-1 receiver has his 172-pound weight work against him but he’s expected to run a 4.3-ish 40-time and can offer a valuable role as a returner that may see him sneak into Day 1.
Ladd McConkey, Georgia – Struggled with injury last year but turned in 58 catches for 762 yards and seven scores for the Bulldogs as a sophomore and projects as a slot receiver at 6-0 and 185 pounds. Precise route runner that shined at the Senior Bowl and should be called on Day 2.
Rest of field
- Javon Baker, UCF
- Jermaine Burton, Alabama
- Jalen Coker, Holy Cross
- Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky
- Jacob Cowing, Arizona
- Ryan Flournoy, Southeast Missouri State
- Anthony Gould, Oregon State
- Lideatrick Griffin, Mississippi State
- Jha’Quan Jackson, Tulane
- Cornelius Johnson, Michigan
- Xavier Legette, South Carolina
- Luke McCaffrey, Rice
- Jalen McMillan, Washington
- Bub Means, Pittsburgh
- Adonai Mitchell, Texas
- Ricky Pearsall, Florida
- Ja’Lynn Polk, Washington
- Brenden Rice, USC
- Tayvion Robinson, Kentucky
- Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, Georgia
- Ainias Smith, Texas A&M
- Jamari Thrash, Louisville
- Devaughn Vele, Utah
- Devontez Walker, North Carolina
- Malik Washington, Virginia
- Tahj Washington, USC
- Xavier Weaver, Colorado
- Jordan Whittington, Texas
- Isaiah Williams, Illinois
- Johnny Wilson, Florida State
- Roman Wilson, Michigan
TIGHT ENDS
Top prospects
Brock Bowers, Georgia – If there is another Sam LaPorta in this draft (and there had never been before), then it would clearly be Bowers who led the Bulldogs in catches, yards, and receiving TDs in all three of his seasons. As a freshman he scored 13 times. As a sophomore, he caught 63 passes for 942 yards. He’s expected to be a Top-10 pick and offer fantasy value even as a rookie. He’s in a tier all by himself for college tight ends.
Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas – He may be the second tight end drafted, but is considered a significant drop from Brock Bowers. Sanders is a 6-4, 256-pound receiving tight end who turned in around 50 catches for 650 yards for the last two years. He’ll be more of a development player than a Year 1 contributor.
Rest of field
- Erick All, Iowa
- AJ Barner, Michigan
- Jaheim Bell, Florida State
- Devin Culp, Washington
- Dallin Holker, Colorado State
- Theo Johnson, Penn State
- Trey Knox, South Carolina
- Tanner McLachlan, Arizona
- Tip Reiman, Illinois
- Ben Sinnott, Kansas State
- Brevyn Spann-Ford, Minnesota
- Cade Stover, Ohio State
- Jack Westover, Washington
- Jared Wiley, TCU
Combine drills and tests
Players are allowed to participate or opt out of any activity. Below are the seven tests used and their current record holders.
40-yard dash – WR John Ross, Washington (4.22, 2017)
Bench press (225 pounds) – DT Stephen Pea, Oregon State (49 reps, 2011)
Vertical jump – Tie WR Chris Conley, Georgia (45″, 2015) and CB Donald Washington, Ohio State (45″, 2009)
Broad Jump – CB Byron Jones, U. Conn. (12’3″, 2015)
3-cone drill – WR Jeff Maehl, Oregon (6.42, 2011)
Shuttle run – WR Brandin Cooks, Oregon State (3.81, 2014)
S2 eval testing – The NFL relied on the Wonderlic Test but the results were not made available to the public and the test ceased to be used starting in 2022. The test did no favors to QB Vince Young and RB Frank Gore, who both scored a “6” on the 0 to 50 scale. Ryan Fitzpatrick was the top quarterback with a score of 48.
The new S2 evaluation measures visual learning, instinctive learning, impulse control, and improvisation. The results are not made public either and came under scrutiny after the NFL released the scores of three rookie quarterbacks – Bryce Young (98%), Anthony Richardson (79%), and C.J. Stroud (18%). Stroud was the second pick of the draft behind Young, and easily outperformed the others despite the rating.
Poll: Which team will win Super Bowl LVIII?
Share your thoughts on which team will win Super Bowl LVIII.
We want to hear from you! Sound-off and tell us which team you think will hoist the Lombardi Trophy following Super Bowl LVIII.
And then there were two …
Tunnel Vision – Final
Tunnel Vision – Huddle awards!
| SUNDAY SALUTES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Quarterbacks | Pass-Rush | TD |
| Josh Allen | 359-67 | 2 |
| Carson Wentz | 163-56 | 3 |
| Dak Prescott | 279-0 | 4 |
| Derek Carr | 264-6 | 4 |
| Nick Mullens | 396-8 | 2 |
| Running Backs | Yards | TD |
| James Conner | 27-150 4-54 |
1 |
| Breece Hall | 37-178 2-12 |
1 |
| Jonathan Taylor | 30-188 2-8 |
1 |
| Bijan Robinson | 11-28 7-103 |
1 |
| Joe Mixon | 14-111 1-6 |
2 |
| Wide Receivers | Yards | TD |
| Justin Jefferson | 12-192 | 1 |
| CeeDee Lamb | 13-98 | 2 |
| Nico Collins | 9-195 | 1 |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | 7-144 | 1 |
| Dontayvion Wicks | 6-61 | 2 |
| Tight Ends | Yards | TD |
| Evan Engram | 10-79 | 1 |
| Dalton Kincaid | 7-84 | 0 |
| Sam LaPorta | 5-29 | 1 |
| Will Dissly | 3-46 | 1 |
| Donald Parham | 5-83 | 0 |
| Placekickers | XP | FG |
| Cameron Dicker | 0 | 4 |
| Blake Grupe | 6 | 2 |
| Mason Crosby | 3 | 2 |
| Daniel Carlson | 3 | 2 |
| Cairo Santos | 0 | 3 |
| Defense | Sack – TO | TD |
| Jets | 7-2 | 0 |
| Buccaneers | 3-2 | 0 |
| Giants | 3-1 | 0 |
| Cowboys | 4-3 | 0 |
| Chiefs | 0 | 1 |
Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts
Players with 3+ missed games
Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow
Kirk Cousins
Kyler Murray
Deshaun Watson
Jimmy Garoppolo
Justin Herbert
Daniel Jones
Aaron Rodgers
Running Backs
Nick Chubb
J.K. Dobbins
Saquon Barkley
David Montgomery
Josh Jacobs
Austin Ekeler
James Conner
Kyren Williams
Rhamondre Stevenson
Khalil Herbert
De’Von Achane
Jonathon Taylor
Aaron Jones
Cam Akers
Wide Receivers
Justin Jefferson
Diontae Johnson
Marquise Brown
DJ Chark
Robert Woods
Kadarius Toney
Cooper Kupp
Christian Kirk
Tee Higgins
JuJu Smith-Schuster
Tank Dell
Michael Thomas
Christian Watson
Mike Williams
Tight Ends
Mark Andrews
T.J. Hockenson
Dallas Goedert
Hunter Henry
Darren Waller
Pat Freiermuth
The Huddle Awards
Best Player
QB – Josh Allen
RB – Christian McCaffrey
WR – CeeDee Lamb
TE – Travis Kelce
PK – Brandon Aubrey
DEF – Ravens
Best Rookie
QB – C.J. Stroud
RB – Jahmyr Gibbs
WR – Puka Nacua
TE – Sam LaPorta
Best Free Agent
QB – C.J. Stroud: Actual QB10
RB – Kyren Williams: Actual RB6
WR – Puka Nacua: Actual WR5
TE – Trey McBride: Actual TE8
Best Game
QB – 45.05 pts Josh Allen -Week 12 (rush 9-81-2 + pass 339-2)
RB – 51.3 pts De’Von Achane Week 3 (rush 18-203-2 + rec. 4-30-2)
WR – 52.2 pts Ja’Marr Chase Week 5 (rec. 15-192-3)
TE – 35.9 pts Travis Kelce Week 7 (rec. 12-179-1)
Best Fantasy Draft Pick
QB – Brock Purdy: ADP QB20 – Actual QB5
RB – Raheem Mostert: ADP RB40 – Actual RB5
WR – Mike Evans: ADP WR31 – actual WR7
TE – Sam LaPorta: ADP TE18 – Actual TE1
Worst Fantasy Draft Pick
QB – Aaron Rodgers: ADP QB 12, Actual QB72
RB – Nick Chubb: ADP RB5, Actual RB88
WR – Justin Jefferson: ADP WR1, Actual WR31
TE – Darren Waller: ADP TE5, Actual TE24
Huddle player of the year
Christian McCaffrey – I had five teams make the playoffs in a large contest and the only league champion that didn’t have McCaffrey was me in one league. CeeDee Lamb delivered the goods for the last month to be sure and was also well represented in all fantasy playoffs, but McCaffrey remained healthy and was the top running back by a huge margin. He took the last game off and still outscored all other running backs by over 100 fantasy points.
Salute!
2023-2024 NFL Playoffs
Saturday
Browns vs. Texans, 3:30 PM
Dolphins vs. Chiefs, 7:00 PM
Sunday
Steelers vs. Bills, 12:00 PM
Packers vs. Cowboys, 3:30 PM
Rams vs. Lions, 7:00 PM
Monday
Eagles vs. Buccaneers, 7:00 PM
all times Central Time
Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry
| Comedy | Yards | TDs | Tragedy | Yards | TDs | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QB | Carson Wentz | 163-56 | 3 | QB | Patrick Mahomes | 0 | 0 |
| RB | Kendre Miller | 13-73 1-6 |
1 | RB | Christian McCaffrey | 0 | 0 |
| RB | Tyjae Spears | 3-25 3-41 |
2 | RB | Raheem Mostert | 0 | 0 |
| WR | Quez Watkins | 8-93 | 1 | WR | Keenan Allen | 0 | 0 |
| WR | David Bell | 4-68 | 2 | WR | Cooper Kupp | 0 | 0 |
| WR | A.T. Perry | 3-53 | 2 | WR | DeVonta Smith | 0 | 0 |
| TE | Will Dissly | 3-46 | 1 | TE | Travis Kelce | 0 | 0 |
| PK | Blake Grupe | 6 XP 2 FG | PK | Matt Wright | 0 | ||
| Huddle Fantasy Points = 158 | Huddle Fantasy Points = 0 | ||||||
Now get back to work… and thanks for everything!
Six points with David Dorey – 2023 surprises
Who were the biggest surprises and what can we learn from them?
And so 2023 ends.
The magic players for the year end up to be Christian McCaffrey, Raheem Mostert, CeeDee Lamb, Tyreek Hill, and Sam LaPorta. If you owned more than one of them, you probably made the league playoffs, two or three and you won it.
The reality in the summer is that most fantasy team owners draft as if the previous season will repeat. It’s certainly the best measuring stick for players but your fantasy team will score the most if you can draft players that have the greatest difference between what you paid for them, and what they actually did. It’s like getting extra earlier picks.
Here’s a look at my top six surprises from the 2023 season and a quick take on why it happened and what they might teach us.
- TE Sam LaPorta (DET) ADP=TE18, Actual = TE2
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports I’ve ranked every single NFL player for the last 27 years. What Sam LaPorta has done is without precedent. I’ve long said that rookie tight ends are never worth drafting as a fantasy starter, if even as depth. Kyle Pitts changed that entering the NFL with massive expectations as the 1.04 pick. But he ended with 177 fantasy points while LaPorta already totaled 221. The Lions parted ways with T.J. Hockenson last year and now have a better version.
Why? – Great question, no good answer other than his talent matched perfectly with the scheme and quarterback. The lack of a No. 2 receiver in a pass-first offense was an opening, but Jahmyr Gibbs was expected to limit the tight end. LaPorta wasn’t even the first tight end drafted. Dalton Kincaid with 136 fantasy points was taken first and he followed the normal rookie script. - WR Puka Nacua (LAR) ADP = WR90, Actual=WR5
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Puka Nacua has been a rookie for the ages. He’s setting all-time NFL records and yet was the 5.42 pick as the 20th wideout selected. He hit a lull at midseason but heated back up for the last month and totaled seven 100-yard performances and has a record 101 catches entering Week 18. He was undrafted in nearly every league but 10 catches for 119 yards in Week 1 took care of his availability. This is why you spend big with free-agent dollars at the start of the season.
Why? – Every NFL team missed on him five times in the NFL draft. He went to Washington for two years as a non-starter. Then to BYU for two years where he peaked at 48 catches for 625 yards and five scores. So yeah, go for the unproven ones with minimal experience. Maybe just pick the marginal guys out of BYU because they apparently do not know what they have.
- RB Kyren Williams (LAR) ADP = RB71, Actual=RB6
Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports The Rams’ running back started the year as the No.2 back behind Cam Akers. Zach Evans was assumed to be the No. 2 since he was just drafted and Williams had 35 rushes for 139 yards over ten games as a rookie third-stringer. Williams missed four games but already gained 1,144 rush yards and scored 15 times. He is the No. 5 running back despite the missing games. His pace would have resulted in 323 carries for 1,620 yards and 21 touchdowns over a full 17-game season. He moved up the depth chart over the summer but was still the No. 2 back behind the worst O-line. And often undrafted.
Why? – He was noted as looking better in the summer. But the Rams backfield had been a mess for years and the O-line was terrible. But the passing success made the rushing easier, the offensive line has vastly improved over expectations, and Williams emerged once given the chance. He entered the NFL with two years at Notre Dame as the starter with around 200 carries. The former fifth-rounder needed a full year to get a chance. - WR Mike Evans (TB) ADP=WR33, Actual = WR7
Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports Mike Evans fell in drafts and was taken around the fifth round in most leagues, despite stringing out nine straight 1,000-yard seasons, second only to Jerry Rice. But losing Tom Brady scared drafters away. Evans currently has 76 catches for 1,233 yards for his best season in five years. His 13 touchdowns are one short of a personal best.
Why? – Drafters underrated Baker Mayfield based on his time with Cleveland, Carolina, and the Rams the last two seasons. He played as well as he had earlier in his career and Evans’ talent alone has been a guarantee of 1,000 yards regardless of the litany of quarterbacks over the previous nine years. - QB Brock Purdy (SF), ADP = QB20, Actual = QB5
Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports The 49ers quarterback impressed in the final nine games last season as the fourth quarterback. But he injured his elbow and his status to start the season wasn’t clear until right before Week 1. Sam Darnold had minor hype (really) in the summer. The bigger concern was what his arm was like and how durable he would be. He’s remained healthy all season and currently totals 4,280 yards and 33 touchdowns.
Why? – While he had health concerns and tougher schedule this year, Purdy plays behind an elite O-line in an offense stocked with top-level weapons. He’s in arguably the most advantageous offense to succeed of any NFL quarterback. - RB Rachaad White (TB) ADP = RB25, Actual = RB5
Green Bay Gazette – USAToday This surprise followed Mike Evans. Everyone downgraded the Tampa Bay offense with Tom Brady and Leonard Fournette gone, and a new offense installed. The Buccaneers had one of the worst offensive lines in 2022 and it looked no better. White only had 3.7 yards per carry and 129 runs and 50 catches behind Fournette. But he’s been given a much higher volume – 253 rushes and 60 receptions. He ranks No. 4 in RB catches and No. 2 in touches (319).
Why? – It’s all volume. They dumped Fournette but the new offense did not use the rookie Sean Tucker, Ke’Shawn Vaughn or Chase Edmonds as much as expected. White was good through Week 12 and then has been turned into a 20-carry rusher with up to six catches weekly. He still only has a 3.6 yard-per-carry average. The Bucs O-line has also shown improvement but more than anything, White has no challengers in the backfield. There was speculation that they would add someone significant but never did.
Tunnel Vision – Injuries, free agents and Sunday stars
Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.
| SUNDAY SALUTES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Quarterbacks | Pass-Rush | TD |
| Lamar Jackson | 321-35 | 5 |
| Kyler Murray | 232-24 | 3 |
| Justin Fields | 268-45 | 2 |
| Joe Flacco | 309-3 | 3 |
| Jordan Love | 256-2 | 4 |
| Running Backs | Yards | TD |
| Kyren Williams | 20-87 2-14 |
3 |
| Isiah Pacheco | 18-130 7-35 |
1 |
| Breece Hall | 13-84 9-42 |
1 |
| James Conner | 26-128 1-5 |
2 |
| Jerome Ford | 12-64 2-57 |
2 |
| Wide Receivers | Yards | TD |
| CeeDee Lamb | 13-227 | 1 |
| Davante Adams | 13-126 | 2 |
| D.J. Moore | 9-159 | 1 |
| Brandon Aiyuk | 7-114 | 1 |
| Jayden Reed | 6-89 | 2 |
| Tight Ends | Yards | TD |
| Juwan Johnson | 8-90 | 1 |
| David Njoku | 6-134 | 0 |
| Isaiah Likely | 2-42 | 2 |
| Dallas Goedert | 5-41 | 1 |
| Sam LaPorta | 7-84 | 0 |
| Placekickers | XP | FG |
| Harrison Butker | 1 | 6 |
| Brandon McManus | 2 | 4 |
| Ka’imi Fairbairn | 2 | 4 |
| Cairo Santos | 4 | 3 |
| Chris Boswell | 4 | 3 |
| Defense | Sack – TO | TD |
| Houston | 6-1 | 1 |
| Jacksonville | 6-1 | 0 |
| Buffalo | 3-4 | 1 |
| NY Giants | 6-1 | 1 |
| Cleveland | 2-2 | 1 |
Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts
QB Will Levis – Foot
QB Tua Tagovailoa – Shoulder
RB Christian McCaffrey – Calf
RB Alvin Kamara – Ankle
RB AJ Dillon – Neck
WR Tee Higgins – Hamstring
WR Devonta Smith – Leg
WR Robert Woods – Hip
WR DeVante Parker – Ribs
WR Jayden Reed – Chest
TE Dawson Knox – Head
Chasing Ambulances
QB Will Levis – Injured his foot and was carted to the locker room. Test results will be known later in the week but the final game doesn’t matter much. Ryan Tannehill will replace him if needed.
QB Tua Tagovailoa – Left the blowout loss to the Ravens with an injury to his throwing shoulder. He was ruled out since the game was already out of hand but he said after the game that he was “good, just sore.”
RB Christian McCaffrey – Left early in the second half because of a calf injury and never returned. HC Kyle Shanahan said that he thought that McCaffrey would be “alright”, but he didn’t know if McCaffrey would be available next week. The 49ers have sewn up the No. 1 seed and will likely rest several players. McCaffrey is unlikely to be seen until the 49ers first game in the Divisional Round.
RB Alvin Kamara – He was already questionable to play with an illness, but Kamara was active and effective until he injured his ankle in the first quarter after ten rushes. It was not known if he had a high ankle sprain or not. The Saints are the current No. 9 seed and would need help to reach the playoffs next week.
WR Tee Higgins – Left the game with a hamstring injury but managed to return in the third quarter.
WR Devonta Smith – Was injured while blocking near the end of the game. He was on crutches with a walking boot after the game. The prognosis wasn’t released but there should be more information early in the week. The injury was serious enough for the boot and crutches which throws a shadow onto Week 18 when they finish up at the Giants.
WR Jayden Reed – He had already caught two touchdowns when he injured his chest during the second quarter in the win over the Vikings. He underwent CT scans after the game but his prognosis has not been disclosed. The Packers host the Bears next week and need all hands on deck since the Packers are currently the No. 7 seed.
Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables
QB Jordan Love – He was likely on many benches if his fantasy owner even made the playoffs, but the Packers quarterback is looking better and erasing some of the early season fears. He threw for 256 yards and three touchdowns at the Vikings and rushed in a touchdown as well.
RB Kyren Williams – Taken as just running back depth in summer drafts, the Rams tailback has become an elite producer and fantasy team owners in large contests did very well in Week 17 when he ran for 87 yards, gained 14 yards on two catches and totaled three touchdowns.
RB James Conner – Playing at the Eagles meant lowering expectations against the No. 1 defense against running backs. Except Conner rushed for 128 yards on 26 carries with two touchdowns as a visitor.
RB Justice Hill – The Ravens lost Keaton Mitchell, so they just switched back to Hill as the RB2. The third-down back ran for 48 yards on three carries and caught five passes for 64 yards and one score. Any back on that powerhouse team carries fantasy value.
WR Julio Jones – The Eagles receiver caught two passes for 34 yards in the loss to the Cardinals. But he scored on each and Philly may be without DeVonta Smith.
TE Isaiah Likely – The replacement for Mark Anderson is becoming a factor in games thanks to playing in an offense that likes to throw to tight ends. Likely made a one-handed catch on a reception and while he only caught two passes for 42 yards, he caught two of the eight touchdowns by a tight end this week.
TE David Njoku – Since Joe Flacco showed up, Njoku was a scoring machine with a touchdown in four straight games. He failed to score this week, but led the position with 134 yards on six catches.
WR Bo Melton – The Packers wideout was called up from the practice squad to help cover for all the wideout injuries in Week 17. He responded by leading the Packers with nine targets for six catches and 105 yards with a touchdown. It was the first 100-yard performance by any Packer receiver this year.
RB Najee Harris – He lost his job as a receiver out of the backfield, and was listed below Jaylen Warren on the depth chart. He never had a 100-yard game and scored just once in the last month. So right when you need him the most and trust him the least, Harris turned in a season-best 122 yards on 27 carries with two touchdowns.
Huddle player of the week
CeeDee Lamb – He was already well represented on fantasy playoff teams and then helped to deliver the trophy for many when he caught 13 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown. 41.7 fantasy points is a difference-maker.
Salute!
Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry
| Comedy | Yards | TDs | Tragedy | Yards | TDs | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QB | Joe Flacco | 309-2 | 3 | QB | Patrick Mahomes | 245-2 | 1 |
| RB | Justice Hill | 3-48 5-64 |
1 | RB | Derrick Henry | 12-42 | 0 |
| RB | Khalil Herbert | 18-124 2-5 |
1 | RB | Jahmyr Gibbs | 15-43 | 0 |
| WR | Darius Slayton | 4-106 | 1 | WR | Tee Higgins | 1-19 | 0 |
| WR | Wan’Dale Robinson | 6-55 1-24 |
1 | WR | Stefon Diggs | 4-26 | 0 |
| WR | Julio Jones | 2-34 | 2 | WR | DeVonta Smith | 3-30 | 0 |
| TE | Juwan Johnson | 8-90 | 1 | TE | George Kittle | 3-29 | 0 |
| PK | Harrison Butker | 1 XP 6 FG | PK | Chase McLaughlin | 1 XP | ||
| Huddle Fantasy Points = 166 | Huddle Fantasy Points = 41 | ||||||
Now get back to work…
Six points with David Dorey
Looking at the 2024 free agent running backs
So here we are on the brink of fantasy championships for one person in every league. But next year should already be in your head. The changes from season to the next can be dramatic, even if we draft like the previous season is going to repeat.
Like every year, plenty of fantasy starters were left behind during the season. Here are my top six injured players and what to think about them entering next season. I have excluded quarterbacks who all appear likely to return healthy for next year. Those include Justin Herbert, Kirk Cousins, Joe Burrow, and Deshaun Watson.
- TE Mark Andrews (BAL) 2023 ADP = No. 2 TE, Pick 4.03
Suffered a cracked fibula and ankle ligament injury in Week 11 thanks to a hip-drop tackle. He is expected to be healed early enough to potentially join the Ravens in the playoffs. He is not returning for the regular season but will be assessed later for a potential return in late January. That’s great news for a tight end that’s become Top-2 when healthy. - RB Nick Chubb (CLE) 2023 ADP = No. 5 TE , Pick 1.11
The star running back suffered a gruesome knee injury in Week 2. He tore his ACL , MCL, and meniscus. He needed surgery for the MCL and meniscus and a separate procedure to repair the ACL. He is expected to return “during the 2024 season.” Doctors say that he has extensive rehab to go through, but so far, the surgeries are over, and he’s progressing according to play. He was injured so early in the season, that he’ll have plenty of rehab by the opening of the 2024 NFL season. He’ll likely open the year on IR and be a high risk/high reward draft pick. - TE T.J. Hockenson (MIN) 2023 ADP = No. 3 TE, Pick 4.12
He just tore his MCL and ACL last week when he was hit low by a defender. The injury is fresh enough that his prognosis and recovery are still in progress but the injury was severe enough that it’s reasonable to assume he will not be ready for the start of the 2024 season with only about eight months to heal. He’ll be another elite player who won’t show up until later in the season and present a risky pick that can win – or lose – your league. - Christian Kirk (JAC) 2023 ADP = No. 28 WR, Pick 4.09
The Jaguars wideout was lost in Week 13 when he suffered a core muscle injury in Week 13. He was placed on injured reserve and required surgery, which will keep him out even if the Jaguars made a deep run in the playoffs. Kirk’s situation becomes further complicated because he’s owed $24 million next year, but the Jags have an out they can take in the offseason. He may end up re-signing on a restructured deal or could be released. - WR Mike Williams (LAC) 2023 ADP= No. 26 WR, Pick 5.03
The Chargers wideout tore his ACL in Week 3 after rolling up 110 yards and a score on the Vikings. He was placed on injured reserve and underwent surgery to repair the knee. He is expected back next season, but he, too, has his situation complicated by his contract. He’ll turn 30 next year and has been often dinged up in his seven-year career. He is due $20 million next year, but the Chargers have an out they can use in the offseason. He is another player that will either restructure his contract or be released. - WR Tank Dell (HOU) 2023 ADP = NA, Free Agent
The Texan’s third-round pick was just a 5-10, 165-pound wideout who carried minimal expectations as a rookie, but he was on a pace to end with a stat line of 80-1205-12 but broke his fibula while blocking in Week 12. He underwent surgery but is expected to return sometime during the Texans’ offseason program. He should rebound 100% from the injury and merit drafting as a fantasy starter.
About Last Night…
New York Jets 20, Cleveland 37
As we all know, Thursday night games are sloppy and low-scoring. Two of the best defenses were meeting and both teams were on their third quarterback of the year. So naturally, they throw down 57 total points.
Trevor Siemian passed for 261 yards and one touchdown to Breece Hall who caught nine passes for 42 yards. Garrett Wilson (5-50) and Tyler Conklin (5-45) were the top receivers. Hall rushed for 84 yards on 13 rushes but the Jets had to abandon the run when they trailed 34-17 at halftime.
Joe Flacco was without Amari Cooper, so expectations were even lower going against the No. 2 defense versus quarterbacks. And so he threw for 309 yards and three touchdowns. David Njoku (6-134) had a monster performance and Elijah Moore (5-61, TD) scored before leaving with a concussion. Jerome Ford blew up with 12 runs for 64 yards and two catches for 57 yards – both touchdowns. Kareem Hunt (10-31, TD) took the rushing score.
Both teams returned an interception for a touchdown. But this game only furthers the question – why was Joe Flacco sitting at home until Week 13?