Tag: Tyler Allgeier

Fantasy football waiver wire: Week 16 free agent forecast

Here are the top waiver wire targets for Week 16 of fantasy football.

For the majority of leagues, the first round of the fantasy football playoffs comes to an end Monday night after a wild weekend of games in Week 15.

Hopefully, you were able to get through the week unscathed with a victory, but there were plenty of injuries that hit managers right in the starting lineup.

Among the players with injuries to monitor enter Week 16 include Ja’Marr Chase, Keenan Allen, Josh Jacobs, Alexander Mattison, Brian Robinson Jr., Michael Pittman Jr., Zack Moss, AJ Dillon and Isiah Pacheco.

The bye weeks also are finally over, so it will be just good old-fashioned fantasy football. With trade deadlines concluded in the majority of leagues as well, the waiver wire becomes the most vital tool for fantasy managers over the three weeks.

We’re also getting to the point of the season in which stashing FAAB isn’t as crucial. Don’t hesitate to spend a bit more on a player who might give your team an edge down the stretch.

We’ll be taking a look at the top available players rostered in Yahoo leagues, using the 75% rostered mark as the threshold. If you have any questions about prioritizing a certain player over another, don’t be afraid to hit me up on X, formerly Twitter, (@KevinHickey11). Your questions and comments are always welcome!

We also will be taking a look at some deeper players to stash and the top streaming options for the upcoming week.

Fantasy football waiver wire recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated.

Check back for any updates throughout Monday and Tuesday as more injury news becomes available.

Biggest storylines for Panthers vs. Falcons in Week 15

Sunday’s forecast may turn a potentially ugly matchup between the Panthers and Falcons even uglier.

We’re not going to try and sugarcoat this Week 15 matchup between the 1-12 Carolina Panthers and the 6-7 Atlanta Falcons. This probably won’t be a memorable game.

But that still doesn’t mean we couldn’t find some intriguing storylines for Sunday . . .

Panthers bracing for bad weather in Week 15 game vs. Falcons

Interim HC Chris Tabor said the Panthers are embracing the possibility of a rainy Sunday against the Falcons.

According to interim head coach Chris Tabor, the Carolina Panthers are not only bracing for bad weather this weekend, but they’re also embracing it.

On Friday, Tabor spoke with reporters for the final time before the team’s Week 15 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. And despite what is likely to be a rainy and windy Sunday afternoon, he said his guys are looking forward to the challenge.

“I’m gonna kinda rely back on my years in the AFC North and NFC North, and hopefully that comes into play there,” he replied. “We’re lookin’ forward to it, we’re gonna embrace it. With regards to the passing game and all those things—I think those are things that you just have to evaluate when you get out there. I don’t wanna misquote here, but sometimes the weather can be projected for one thing and not be the other, or vice versa. So, we’ll play it as we see it.”

Sunday’s forecast for Charlotte currently calls for the possibility of heavy rainfall, with an expected accumulation of one to two inches. Additionally, winds are expected to hit anywhere from 10 to 20 mph.

So, yeah, Tabor and the Panthers are also prepared to run.

“I think the line’s done a nice job the past two weeks in runnin’ the football, and so have the backs,” he later added. “And I think there’s some confidence there that’s takin’ place. If you think about, the Tampa game was a rainy game—and we ran the football. And last week, we ran the football again for 200 yards, 205, whatever it is.

“So, I like the identity of where that’s going. And if they say the weather is gonna be like it is and they run the ball, could be a short game.”

That potentially short game should feature Atlanta’s three-headed running back attack of rookie Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson. But the Panthers are currently packing their own punch with Chuba Hubbard, who has rushed for 191 yards and a pair of touchdowns over the last two games.

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Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard could be a bad matchup for soft Saints run defense

Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard could be a bad matchup for a soft Saints run defense. New Orleans has gotten gashed in recent weeks:

It’s taken some time for the Carolina Panthers to figure out what they have in Chuba Hubbard — the young running back was a non-factor when the New Orleans Saints took down the Panthers back in Week 2, totaling just two carries for 16 yards on the evening. But he should be in line for a heavier workload during Sunday’s rematch, which is bad news for a soft Saints run defense.

Hubbard just put up 104 rushing yards with a pair of touchdown runs on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ top-10 run defense. A week earlier, he ran for 45 yards and another touchdown while gaining 47 receiving yards. He’s emerged as Carolina’s top option in the backfield.

And that could be a problem for New Orleans on Sunday. Look at some of the performances the Saints have allowed to running backs after coming out of their bye week:

  • Jahmyr Gibbs: 8 carries for 60 rushing yards
  • David Montgomery: 18 carries for 56 rushing yards and a touchdown
  • Bijan Robinson: 16 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown; 3 catches for 32 yards and a touchdown
  • Tyler Allgeier: 10 carries for 64 yards

Those are just some of the highlights. Dennis Allen’s defense has gotten pushed off the line of scrimmage far too often, not just in the last two games but in the last few years. Their run defense was once known for strong anchors and quick reaction speed to plug gaps and force teams to pass. But it’s been eroded over time and now opposing offenses don’t have any fear when dialing up a run. It’s a big problem.

While the Saints may be favored to defeat the Panthers this week, Hubbard’s rise to prominence and the porous New Orleans defense in front of him gives Carolina an opportunity to at least keep it close, if not try for an upset on the road. The Panthers may have just one win this season but they aren’t an opponent the Saints can afford to overlook. Watch out for No. 30 on Sunday.

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5 Falcons to watch vs. Commanders in Week 6

The Falcons have talent on both sides of the ball, but, like Washington, is relying on a second-year quarterback.

The Washington Commanders face the Atlanta Falcons for the third consecutive season in Week 6. Can Washington extend its two-game winning streak over Atlanta?

The Commanders enter the game, having lost three in a row. Surprisingly, Washington’s defense has been the biggest issue, as the Commanders rank 31st in scoring defense.

Atlanta presents another challenge for Washington’s struggling defense. The Falcons lean heavily on the running game but also have some excellent weapons in the passing game.

Is this the week the Commanders rebound on defense?

Here are five Falcons whom Washington will need to control to win Sunday’s game.

Fantasy football waiver wire: Week 2 free-agent forecast

Check out the top waiver wire targets in fantasy football for Week 2.

The regular season kicked off with a wild start in Week 1 between surprise performances and injuries making major impacts throughout the fantasy football landscape.

We’ll be taking a look at the top available players rostered in Yahoo leagues, using the 75% rostered mark as the threshold. If you have any questions about prioritizing a certain player over another, don’t be afraid to hit me up on X, formerly Twitter, (@KevinHickey11). Your questions and comments are always welcome!

We also will be taking a look at some deeper players to stash and the top streaming options for the upcoming week.

Fantasy football waiver wire recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated.

Check back for any updates throughout Monday and Tuesday as more injury news becomes available.

Tunnel Vision

Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.

SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks Pass-Rush TD
 Tua Tagovailoa 466-5 3
 Mac Jones 316-15 3
 Jordan Love 245-12 3
 Anthony Richardson 223-40 2
 Deshaun Watson 154-45 2
Running Backs Yards TD
Aaron Jones 9-41 rush
2-86 rcv		 2
Austin Ekeler 16-117 rush
4-47 rcv		 1
Christian McCaffrey 22-152 rush
3-17 rcv		 1
Tyler Allgeier 15-75 rush
3-19 rcv		 2
Tony Pollard  14-70 rush
2-12 rcv		 2
Wide Receivers Yards TD
Tyreek Hill 11-215 2
Brandon Aiyuk 8-129 2
Jakobi Meyers 9-81 2
Kendrick Bourne 6-64 2
Calvin Ridley 8-101 1
Tight Ends Yards TD
Hunter Henry 5-56 1
Hayden Hurst 5-41 1
T.J. Hockenson 8-35 0
Donald Parham 3-21 1
Evan Engram 5-49 0
Placekickers XP FG
Nick Folk 0 5
Jake Elliott 1 4
Brett Maher 3 3
Jake Moody 3 3
Jason Sanders 3 3
Defense Sack – TO TD
Cardinals 6-3 1
49ers 5-2 0
Packers 4-2 1
Eagles 2-2 1
Cowboys 7-3 2

Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts

RB J.K. Dobbins – Torn Achilles
RB Aaron Jones – Hamstring
RB Evan Hull – Knee
TE Greg Dulcich – Leg
TE Pat Freiermuth – Chest
WR Diontae Johnson – Hamstring
WR Tyler Lockett – Concussion
WR Jayden Reed – Leg cramps

Chasing Ambulances

RB J.K. Dobbins – Sadly, the Ravens running back suffered another season-ending injury when he tore his Achilles, and he’s a free agent next year. In his place, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill fill in, but the Ravens have to look to free agency or trade to bulk up the backfield depth. The rookie Keaton Mitchell is on injured reserve with a shoulder issue and won’t possibly be back until three more weeks at the earliest. It’s a great offensive line and opportunity, but for now, Edwards and Hill will share the load until the Ravens acquire another back or get Mitchell back.

RB Aaron Jones – Pulled his hamstring as he scored his second touchdown and was held out of the rest of the game. He told teammates that he wasn’t seriously injured. A.J. Dillon would take over if Jones were to miss any time. But the Packers already had the game in hand, and Jones already totaled 127 yards and two scores. Barring unexpected news, his hamstring may not be an issue this week in Atlanta.

Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables

Week 1 Realities – Opening week featured plenty of sloppy play, low scores and yardage, and more disappointments than delights. That’s what happened the last few years with the preseason turned into just a huge free-again tryout that results in mass firings on the 53-man cutdown. A few players shined on Sunday and won’t be that good again this year. But many flops will come back to life this coming weekend. Don’t give up on anyone by this point.

TE Hayden Hurst (CAR) – The debut of Bryce Young only resulted in 146 passing yards, but 41 went to Hurst, along with the lone receiving touchdown. He led the Panthers with five catches, and as so often happens, a tight end is a rookie quarterback’s best friend.

Falcon running backs – Bijan Robinson debuted to 56 yards on ten carries and scored on his six catches for 27 yards. Tyler Allgeier was just as busy with 15 rushes for 75 yards and three receptions for 19 yards. The Atlanta backfield led both the rushing and receiving for the team. Robinson is sure to take an increasing share of the workload, but Allgeier is much more than just a relief back. And he looked outstanding behind that Atlanta O-line.

WR Robert Woods (HOU) – Nico Collins (6-80) led the Texans receivers, but Woods caught six of his ten targets for 57 yards. The rookie C.J. Stroud threw for 242 yards, and the Texans will likely trail on the scoreboard and need to throw. Collins was expected to be the primary wideout, but Woods is also heavily involved.

WR Zay Flowers (BAL) – He was impressive this summer and that carried into the regular season. He led the Ravens with nine catches for 78 yards in the win over the Texans, while Odell Beckham was the next best with just two catches for 37 yards. Jackson already has chemistry with Flowers. That will change when Mark Andrews returns, but Flowers couldn’t have asked for a better debut on this run-first team. Losing J.K. Dobbins might prompt more passing.

NFL Tight Ends – What a horrible start to the year for the position. Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews were out. T.J. Hockenson was limited to only 35 yards on eight receptions. There were only four tight ends to record more than ten points in a reception-point scoring, and those were Hunter Henry (5-56, TD), Hayden Hurst (5-41, TD), Hockenson, and Donald Parham (3-21, TD). The position accounted for only six touchdowns on the week. That should change next week. Or so we all try to convince ourselves.

NFL Quarterbacks – That whole “it’s a passing league” is being tested. Of the 30 quarterbacks that have played, 14 were held below 200 passing yards. Only six threw for more than 250 yards. Less than half had more than one touchdown and only three managed more than two scores. It felt more like a December when passing declines with the weather than Week 1.

QB Joe Burrow (CIN) – It rained, and they were on the road. And the Browns always play them tough. But Burrows only completed 14 of 31 for 82 yards. Ja’Marr Chase dominated the receiving, but that only meant five catches for 39 yards. Tee Higgins had zero catches from eight targets. Burrow just got paid, so his paycheck is guaranteed. But a quick turnaround is needed, and the Ravens are showing up this week.

WR Calvin Ridley (JAC) – It was like he never left. Almost two years from his previous play, the ex-Falcon logged eight receptions for 101 yards and one score. He’s going to be a major factor all season.

QB Anthony Richardson (IND) – The Colts lost, but Richardson impressed. He ran for 40 yards and rushed in a touchdown, but he also passed for 223 yards and one score. And not to his running backs and tight ends. Michael Pittman caught eight passes for 97 yards and the touchdown. He didn’t look like a running back forced to throw a pass occasionally.

WR Jordan Addison (MIN) – The rookie added what the Vikings needed. He’s a very fast complement to Justin Jefferson and just opened his career with a 39-yard touchdown among his four receptions for 61 yards. Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson are still more targeted, but Addison is already becoming a factor in the offense.

WR DeAndre Hopkins (TEN) – He led the team with seven catches but only gained 65 yards and several of his 13 targets were errant long before they got near him. It is encouraging that he’s already catching seven passes, but he’s not getting very far downfield.

QB Derek Carr (NO) – For a Saints team that shuffled several quarterbacks for the last two Brees-less years, Carr opened his New Orleans tenure with a nice showing of 305 yards and a touchdown. And he relied heavily on his wideouts of Chris Olave (8-112), Rashid Shaheed (5-89, TD), and Michael Thomas (5-61).

RB Brian Robinson (WAS) – The Commanders leaned heavily on Robinson who ran 19 times for 59 yards and scored on his seven-yard reception. The preseason talk about Antonio Gibson reclaiming a bigger role and being more involved as a receiver sounded good, but he only ran three times for nine yards and caught one 10-yard pass.

WR Jakobi Meyers (LV) – The ex-Patriot transitioned to the Raiders quickly. While Davante Adams was held to 66 yards on six catches, Meyers turned in a team-high nine receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns. The duo accounted for 19 of the 26 passes thrown.

RB Samaje Perine (DEN) – Javonte Williams handled 13 carries for 52 yards, but his four catches only totaled five yards. Perine gained 41 yards on eight carries and led the Broncos with 37 yards on four receptions. The backfield was not only split 3:2 between the backs, but Perine was more effective with his carries and catches.

RB Joshua Kelley (LAC) – Austin Ekeler was a top running back this week and ran for 117 yards and a score on 16 carries. But Kelley also handled 16 rushes for 91 yards and a touchdown. And it was in a game that they lost by two points – not just the end of an already-decided game.

Philly backfield – Sure, they traded for D’Andre Swift, who is actually healthy (for now). But he was used for just one three-yard carry and one catch for no gain. The Eagles relied on Kenneth Gainwell (14-54) who also caught four passes for 20 yards which trailed only A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Rashaad Penny was inactive. It’s hard to believe that will persist, but so far, there is nothing reliable about the Eagles’ rushing effort other than they opened the year with their least accomplished rusher.

WR Puka Nacua / TuTu Atwell (LAR) – Cooper Kupp landed on injured reserve and the Rams turned to their two starting wideouts. With Matt Stafford back under center, Puka Nacua (10-119) and TuTu Atwell (6-119) came up with big yardage, even if Van Jefferson was held to only 24 yards on four catches. The Rams schemed to limit Jefferson but couldn’t handle Nacua or Atwell. Nacua carried on after an impressive preseason and would be the better choice in future games.

 Huddle player of the week

Tyreek Hill  – Come on. He boasted that he wanted 2,000 yards this season but currently, he is only on a pace to gain 3,655 yards after logging 11 receptions for 215 yards with two touchdowns in the win over the Chargers. This looks like a long year for defensive backs.

Salute!

Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB Mac Jones 316-15 3 QB Joe Burrow 82 0
RB Tyler Allgeier 94 2 RB Najee Harris 33 0
RB Kyren Williams 57 2 RB Dameon Pierce 47 0
WR Jakobi Meyers 81 2 WR Drake London 0 0
WR Kendrick Bourne 64 2 WR Tee Higgins 0 0
WR Puka Nacua 119 0 WR DJ Moore 25 0
TE Hunter Henry 56 1 TE Dallas Goedert 0 0
PK Nick Folk 5 FG PK Evan McPherson   1 FG
Huddle Fantasy Points = 152 Huddle Fantasy Points = 16

Now get back to work…

The NFL’s All-Underrated Team: One Secret Superstar for all 32 teams

From Matt Milano to Denico Autry to Tyler Lockett to Tony Pollard, here are the NFL’s most underrated players by team.

Why are great players underrated in any sport?

There are all kinds of reasons. In football, it could be that the guy playing your position is even better than you are, and he’s been doing it longer. Maybe we only have the attention span for one great player at your position Maybe you’re on a team that doesn’t get much national praise, or you’re part of a unit that… well, stinks… and you’re one of the few bright spots. Or, you’re just getting started on the ascent, and the world hasn’t quite caught up yet.

No matter the reason, there are many NFL players who ply their trade at an exceedingly high level, and they’re not given their proper due. Here, we look to rectify this in 32 individual instances with the most underrated player for every NFL team. Some of these guys have been doing it the right way in the shade for a long time for their teams; a few are new in their uniforms.

No matter why, all 32 of these NFL players deserve more love than they get, and here’s why. Here is every NFL team’s most underrated player.

(All advanced metrics courtesy of Pro Football Focus and Sports Info Solutions unless otherwise indicated). 

Fan Vote: Who should the Falcons start at RB in Week 1?

#Falcons Fan Poll: Who should start at running back for Atlanta in Week 1 against the Panthers?

There’s no doubt the Atlanta Falcons loved what they saw from running back Tyler Allgeier last season, yet the team still felt Texas star Bijan Robinson was too good to pass on with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

Allgeier, a fifth-round pick out of BYU in 2022, finished his rookie season with 1,035 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 4.9 yards per carry. Obviously, the Falcons have big plans for both backs in the future, but how soon will the team give the lead-back role to Robinson?

Last year, Allgeier was inactive during Week 1, however, the team has not held back when it comes to first-round picks Kyle Pitts and Drake London. Who do you think should start at running back for Atlanta in Week 1?

[polldaddy poll=12316931]

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Tyler Allgeier compliments Falcons rookie Bijan Robinson

Tyler Allgeier is excited about “Thunder and Lightning” dynamic with #Falcons rookie Bijan Robinson set to join the backfield

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When NFL teams take a best-player-available approach to the draft, sometimes it means adding to a position of strength rather than addressing a need.

The Atlanta Falcons could have gone in any number of directions with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 draft, but they chose to add the top running back in the class to one of the league’s top rushing offenses.

Texas star Bijan Robinson was the first running back selected in the top ten since the Giants drafted Saquon Barkley in 2018. But what does Robinson’s presence mean for last year’s leading rusher, Tyler Allgeier?

The former fifth-round pick appears to be embracing Robinson’s arrival. Allgeier told FOX 5 Atlanta’s Kelly Price that he thinks the two can form a  “Thunder and Lightning” dynamic in the Falcons’ backfield.

Allgeier knows better than anyone that there’s enough touches to go around in Arthur Smith’s offense. Despite being inactive for Week 1 of his rookie season, Allgeier still went over 1,000 yards rushing.

We also can’t forget about Cordarrelle Patterson, who deserves a raise for his free-agent recruiting abilities alone. On the field, Patterson’s versatility should help him remain a key part of Atlanta’s offense this season.

The Falcons invested major capital into their offensive line by re-signing Kaleb McGary and extending Chris Lindstrom over the offseason. Plus, the team moved up to select offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron in the second round of the draft.

While it’s clear Atlanta is planning to run the ball down its opponents’ throats, it will be interesting to see how the touches will be distributed in the team’s crowded backfield this season.

In the meantime, Robinson was spotted with Adele at the Lakers game over the weekend. Not bad for a rookie!

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