Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has named rookie quarterback Bo Nix the starter for the regular-season opener on Sept. 8 against the hosting Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. After shining by completing eight of his nine passes for 80 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's preseason win over the Green Bay Packers, Nix has forced the hand of the coaching staff to thrust him right under center for Week 1. The 24-year-old Oregon standout was the No. 12 overall pick in the NFL Draft, and while he's more of a QB2 for fantasy purposes to begin the year, Nix's presence will certainly offer Denver's offense far more upside over Jarrett Stidham or Zach Wilson. There should be plenty of ups and downs for Nix in Year 1, but the Broncos' offense becomes more exciting all around with this decision.
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Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (foot) was back at practice on Monday, which is a good sign, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport believes this injury may linger into the regular season. Herbert is recovering from a plantar fascia problem in his right foot, and there's a chance his mobility will be limited until he's fully healed from the issue at some point later this year. On top of that, the 26-year-old star signal-caller missed nearly three weeks worth of valuable reps in training camp as he acclimates to new head coach Jim Harbaugh's offensive scheme. After seeing most of his previous top targets from last season depart this offseason, Herbert is trending down for fantasy purposes and heading into 2024 as a borderline QB1/2.
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Greg Auman of Fox Sports believes running back Chase Edmonds (undisclosed) is one of the bigger names on the roster bubble for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this summer. Edmonds hasn't been able to practice or play for weeks in training camp because of an undisclosed injury. Lead back Rachaad White, rookie fourth-rounder Bucky Irving, and Sean Tucker seem to be locks now for Tampa Bay's 53-man roster, and the question is whether the team keeps Edmonds as a fourth back. The 28-year-old veteran receiving back bottomed out in 2023 with the Bucs, rushing for just 3.6 yards per carry over 49 attempts and catching only 14 passes in 13 appearances, so Edmonds might need a change of scenery for any real shot at fantasy relevance in 2024.
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New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said that both quarterbacks Drake Maye and Jacoby Brissett will play in Thursday night's preseason finale against the Washington Commanders as they continue their QB battle. Brissett entered training camp as the favorite to win the starting job under center to kick off the 2024 season, but he has struggled in two preseason games, while Maye looked much better last week. How each QB fares this weekend against Washington figures to decide the competition. Brissett has more experience in the NFL, but Maye, the third overall pick in this year's NFL draft, is much more mobile and has a stronger arm for downfield throws. Even if Maye doesn't win the starting job heading into Week 1, the 21-year-old figures to be starting games for New England sooner than later in 2024.
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Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) remains the favorite for second-string duties behind Isiah Pacheco, but the former first-rounder hasn't been on the field much of late in training camp while he deals with ongoing struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder, primarily stemming from what he describes as a "self-defense situation" in 2018. "But it's real, real bad dehydration, dropping weight real fast, but it's really just mentally, just not being there," Edwards-Helaire said. Head coach Andy Reid admitted it's a sensitive situation, but he wouldn't go as far as to say CEH was a candidate to start the regular season on Injure Reserve. With Edwards-Helaire missing some time this summer, both undrafted free agents Deneric Prince and Carson Steele have stood out, and either one of them could leapfrog CEH on KC's RB depth chart this year if more issues arise.
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Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (oblique) is dealing with an oblique injury and is not suiting up for training camp practice on Wednesday. Until we know more, we'll assume the Eagles are playing it safe with Goedert with two weeks to go until the start of the 2024 regular season. The 29-year-old probably will not suit up in Saturday's preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings. Goedert, the team's top pass-catching tight end, missed three games late last season due to a fractured forearm but still had a career-high 59 receptions for 592 yards and three touchdowns in 14 regular-season contests. However, he also had a career-low 10.0 yards per catch as the clear third passing option behind receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. With running back Saquon Barkley taking valuable targets away in the passing game in 2024, Goedert finds himself on the TE1/2 borderline.
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Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (quadriceps) had two good runs during training camp practice on Wednesday to start team drills and looks close to being back to full health, if he wasn't already. Mixon missed the first two-plus weeks of camp with a quadriceps injury, but he returned on Aug. 11 and appears to be fully back up to speed with his new team. In Mixon's absence, Dameon Pierce didn't take advantage of the extra reps and could be in jeopardy of not making the final 53-man roster. Mixon is in another explosive offense under second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud and should see the vast majority of backfield work in Houston. However, the 28-year-old hasn't been as efficient as a ball-carrier in recent seasons with the Bengals and may not be able to make up for it with the high volume of pass-catching work he had in Cincy. Still, he should be used enough by the Texans in 2024 to warrant consideration as an RB2 in fantasy drafts.
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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (back) returned to training camp practice on Wednesday after leaving Tuesday's practice early to have his lower back checked out. Fantasy managers were holding their collective breath on Tuesday when it was announced that Barkley left the practice field and didn't return. It appears that the 27-year-old avoided a serious injury, although there's a good chance he won't suit up in Thursday's preseason finale against the New England Patriots. Injuries are always a concern with the former second overall pick of the New York Giants in 2018 out of Penn State, but when healthy, Barkley could have even more fantasy upside as a high-end RB1 in 2024 in his first year with the Eagles. Kenneth Gainwell and Will Shipley would likely form a two-man committee backfield for the Eagles this year if Barkley misses any time along the way.
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The New York Jets think quarterback Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) will be ready to go for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sept. 9 against the San Francisco 49ers. "I think he's absolutely ready to go," head coach Robert Saleh said. Saleh said Rodgers was "where we needed him when he first walked in. His arm is still 30 and he's got plenty of mobility." It's pretty impressive for a 40-year-old signal-caller that missed all of his first season in New York due to an Achilles tear. However, the two-time MVP had returned to practice at the end of last year and hasn't had any setbacks this offseason. It will be interesting to see how Rodgers rebounds from a lost season at his age, but fantasy managers certainly shouldn't be expecting too much, especially in a tough Week 1 matchup against the 49ers' elite defense. Remember, Rodgers was coming off one of the worst seasons of his career in his final season in Green Bay in 2022.
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Dynasty | Colts tight end Jelani Woods is set to undergo toe surgery. Dynasty Analysis: Woods is going to be out for "a significant amount of time" after missing all of last season due to injury as well. Woods flashed big upside in his 25/312/3 rookie season in 2022 but that now seems like ages ago. This injury is going to push him to droppable status in dynasty leagues as managers are simply not going to be willing to wait for yet another injury to heal.
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Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (thumb) is dealing with a minor right-thumb injury that will keep him out of most, if not all, of Wednesday's joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The odds are near zero that Hill will play in Friday's preseason finale. He was limited in practice on Tuesday and was wearing a brace on his hand/wrist. Head coach Mike McDaniel said the injury isn't expected to impact Hill's availability for the Week 1 regular-season opener. Basically, the Dolphins are playing it safe with the Cheetah this week. If it was already the regular season, Hill would most likely be practicing and playing. Fantasy managers should have no worries selecting the 30-year-old speedster as one of the first wideouts off the board with one of the first picks of the first round in upcoming drafts. Hill led the NFL with 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns in 16 regular-season games in 2023.
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Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (undisclosed) missed two weeks of training camp practice due to an undisclosed injury, but he was back on the practice field on Wednesday and is fully expected to be good for the Week 1 regular-season opener in two weeks. Waddle was taking part in individual drills on Wednesday during their joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tyreek Hill (thumb) is being held out on Wednesday as a precaution, and Odell Beckham Jr. (undisclosed) hasn't practiced all summer, so Miami's receiving corps is banged up, to put it lightly. The 25-year-old Waddle probably won't play in Friday's preseason finale against the Bucs, but fantasy managers shouldn't be worried that he won't be ready for the regular-season opener. Even with Hill soaking up tons of targets, Waddle qualifies as a strong WR2 target in fantasy after his third straight 1,000-yard campaign in 2023.
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Myles Murphy Aug 21 9:10am CT
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Myles Murphy (knee) suffered a non-contact knee injury in Tuesday's joint practice against the Indianapolis Colts, but he appears to have avoided a long-term ailment, and he should only miss a few weeks. The No. 28 overall pick in last year's NFL Draft out of Clemson played in all 17 games as a rookie, collecting 20 total tackles, three sacks, and one run stuff. He only played 305 defensive snaps last season, but his role could expand in Year 2 if he gets back to health. For now, he is nowhere near the fantasy football radar in IDP leagues, but it'll be worth monitoring if he can develop into a pass-rushing threat.
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson struggled mightily during Tuesday's joint practice with the Cincinnati Bengals. According to Nate Adkins of the Indy Star, Richardson faced tremendous pressure against the Bengals' starting defense, and he started 3-of-10 as a passer during team drills. His day didn't get much better, as he finished 10 for 20 and an interception. Richardson has started in just 17 games since high school, and his numerous injuries as a rookie likely slowed down his development. However, he is still just 22 years old, and many believed he'd be a project when entering the NFL as a first-round pick. While the Colts could struggle in the passing game early on, Richardson's elite rushing ceiling keeps him as a potential high-end QB1 in 2024 fantasy football. Head coach Shane Steichen has been vocal about not reducing Richardson's role on the ground, and if that is the case, he could contend to lead the position in rushing yards and touchdowns. Players like Justin Fields and early-career Josh Allen have had success in fantasy football despite looking overwhelmed as a passer. Richardson could fit that bill in his sophomore campaign.
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Detroit Lions wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones was dealt to the organization from the Cleveland Browns for a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft last October. While he played in eight games for the Lions, he only caught five passes for 58 yards. He could be a more significant factor in the offense with a full training camp in Detroit, though he's currently behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Kalif Raymond on the depth chart. Still, the explosive wideout, who has averaged 15.5 yards per reception in his career, could have value as a late-round pick in best ball formats. If one of the starting wideouts goes down, Peoples-Jones will play significant snaps in one of the league's best offenses, and his one-play-touchdown upside could enable him to enter best ball lineups on occasion. Lions senior writer Tim Twentyman suggests Peoples-Jones is in the lead for the WR4 role, so he's at least worth monitoring early in the 2024 campaign. For now, he can be left undrafted in traditional fantasy football leagues.
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Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said wide receiver Tyreek Hill (hand) will not participate in team drills during Wednesday's practice. Hill is dealing with a minor hand injury, so the team is being extra careful with the eight-time Pro Bowler. McDaniel said Hill could practice in full, but it may put him at risk of further injury. While the 30-year-old's injury is somewhat concerning given his steep cost in fantasy football drafts, it's a good sign the organization is not taking any chances. Following two seasons of at least 1,710 receiving yards with Miami, Hill remains in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick in all formats. Hill's age puts him at risk of sudden decline, but his upside remains the highest among all fantasy wideouts.
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New Orleans Saints running back Jordan Mims went undrafted last year out of Fresno State, and after a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers, he landed with the Saints and played in two regular-season games. With Kendre Miller (hamstring) continuing to deal with injuries, Mims has seen extra opportunities this offseason. According to Ross Jackson of LouisianaSports.net, he has made the most of them. "The play began with [Derek] Carr and Mims talking in the backfield, Carr looking to instruct the running back on how to attack the play," Jackson wrote. "The conversation paid off as Mims beat linebacker Demario Davis down the left sideline for what would have been a big gain. It was an impressive catch by the back who continues to catch eyes." It's important not to overreact to a practice highlight, but if Miller can't stay healthy or make an impact, Mims could occupy the RB3 role behind Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams in 2024. This report puts him on the deep-league fantasy football radar, but he can be ignored in traditional drafts.
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Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry joined the team this offseason following an eight-year career with the Tennessee Titans that saw him rack up 9,502 rushing yards and 90 rushing touchdowns. King Henry posted a 2,000-yard rushing season in 2020, and although he has seemingly regressed since then, he's still been productive considering his offensive circumstances in Tennessee. Now in Baltimore, he's set to play with arguably the best rushing quarterback of all time, and Henry says the fit has been perfect. "I'm comfortable now. I'm right at home," he said, "Training camp was good. We got a lot better; [we're] still getting better, but I'm comfortable and right at home." While Henry's efficiency has declined, he could improve on his 4.2 yards-per-carry from last year since defenses have to respect Lamar Jackson in the rushing attack. He'll also run behind Pro Bowl fullback Patrick Ricard, something Henry is excited about. As always, Henry will be more effective in standard and half-PPR formats than in PPR, and he could contend to lead the NFL in touchdowns if he stays healthy. He's reasonably priced around the RB9 spot in 2024 redraft leagues.
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New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk has earned a starting job in the team's crowded WR room. Polk has been a regular contributor in the Patriots' top offensive unit this week. The 22-year-old second-round rookie out of Washington looks to offer New England some help in the receiving corps after the club fielded a historically poor offense in 2023, and his fantasy upside in Year 1 is likely to remain limited largely due to the uncertainty at quarterback. Although Polk doesn't grade out as an overly talented athlete based on workout metrics, and his college production was overshadowed by rookie first-rounder and former teammate Rome Odunze, he could end up seeing a decent amount of volume in 2024 as a WR5/6 fantasy flier at the end of drafts this summer.
Las Vegas Raiders rookie first-round tight end Brock Bowers (foot) missed Tuesday's training camp practice after he sat out of the second preseason game on Saturday against the Dallas Cowboys due to a sore foot. Bowers' foot injury is worth watching with the 2024 regular quickly approaching in several weeks, but as of right now, his injury doesn't appear to be serious enough to make him questionable for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers. The 21-year-old from Georgia was the 13th overall pick in April and figures to immediately serve as Vegas' top pass-catching TE over Michael Mayer. Volume-wise, it's possible that Bowers is the No. 2 pass-catcher behind WR1 Davante Adams, making him worth a fantasy draft selection as a low-end TE1. The 6-foot-4, 265-pounder could be a beast in yards after the catch in his first year in the NFL.
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