New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates a touchdown with New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, in Miami Gardens, Fla., Sunday Sept. 7, 2014. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
In this article, we'll be breaking down the top news around the league and provide you with an analysis of what we expect to happen. We will also provide you with an "every lineup guy" section, just like we did for baseball. So let's welcome football back into our lives, and let's get this show on the show on the road!
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A quick heads up - we post an updates article every day in the early afternoon, EST, to catch everyone up on how things are changing as a result of whatever news has come through. We also have great talks in the comments of that article. Hope to see you there!
Devonte Parker (MIA)
Devonte Parker is practicing one day, then out three days, back for two days and then out for four. Do you guys see the trend here? He clearly isn't healthy and has been having hamstring issues on [both] legs, which has not allowed him to practice [at all] this week.
From the looks of it; he'll be out Week 1. He has not been able to log in a single practice and Adam Gase has expressed his frustration with the former 1st-round draft pick. With that being said, this is what we can expect from the Dolphins Week 1:
With Parker out (I'm 95% sure he'll be out), we can expect Kenny Stills and Jarvis Landry to play the majority of WR2 sets. We can also see Jordan Cameron get more involved in the offense, even though he's had a case of the drops this preseason. I wouldn't roster any of these guys this week, as they will be going up against the "Legion of Boom" (Seahawks), unless you're playing a tournament and want to be contrarian.
Justin Forsett (BAL)
Poor guy..... He's had a strange start to the New Year and it just keeps getting worse. He was expected to be the main guy in Baltimore and then was released. Shortly after, he re-signed with them. When he re-signed with them, we again expected him to be the lead-back for the Ravens, but doesn't seem to be the case either. Instead, we will see a three-headed monster (Forsett, Buck Allen and Terrence West).
OC Marc Trestman on Wednesday said, "I expect to see all of these guys playing against the Bills this week." So if you were planning to use Forsett in a tournament, my advice to you is simple: Don't do it! Too much uncertainty this week and this seems to be the trend all season long.
Jimmy Graham (SEA
It looked like it was almost certain that Jimmy Graham wouldn't suit up this Sunday against the Dolphins, but that may not be the case anymore.
Earlier this week, Pete Carroll stated, "The chances are good that Jimmy suits up in Week 1." We can't ignore what the coach says, but the real question is: Has he been practicing? And the answer to that question is YES. He practiced in full on Wednesday and did the same on Thursday. All signs seem to be pointing in the right direction, but any little setback could have him sitting. I'd say he's got a 70% chance to suit up for Week 1. If he does play, he's only a tournament play. His first year in Seattle was not pretty and has not been able to work a ton with Russell Wilson this training camp. We all know he's one of the most gifted tight ends in the game today, but I personally can't pull the trigger (this week).
Rob Gronkowski(NE)
Rob Gronkowski seemed to be perfectly fine, not a worry in the neighborhood and all was good. Then Wednesday hit! And all of a sudden, he's dealing with a hamstring issue that might hold him out of Week 1! What! Where did this come from?! All I have to say is -- welcome to the NFL!
Reporters and beat writers have said, "Gronkowski isn't 100% healthy" and "it will be a coaches decision on weather or not he plays." Well that obviously isn't a good sign... This is truly a 50-50 decision and one that we will have to monitor closely. My guess is that he will play against the Arizona Cardinals. They are already without Brady, so you know they want their other superstar suiting up for Sunday.
(If he does not suit up), we can expect Martellus Bennett to get a huge boost and become an interesting tournament play against this amazing Arizona defense. We will continue to monitor this situation for you.
Rob Gronkowski(NE) is now doubtful for Sunday!
Jamaal Charles(KC)
Charles has been practicing on "limited basis" this week and I'm not sure what to make of it to be honest. Will he play? Will he not play? Will he be limited? I'm not sure. I know that's something no one wants to hear in this industry, but it's the truth. I will do an update tomorrow and hopefully we have some more information by then.
Earlier this week, Andy Reid said, "It would be a stretch for Charles to play this week." So is he out? Other reports say that they will treat this like a [preseason] game for Charles and he will get limited touches. It's one to keep an eye on, but regardless, I'm not going to play Charles. Spencer Ware is a more interesting question, but Jamaal Charles' looming presence makes him more of a tournament play than a cash game consideration. Lets see what happens later today and tomorrow. I'll keep you posted!
Jamaal Charles(KC) is now doubtful for Sunday
Dak Prescott(DAL)
In case you've been glued to baseball, on the beach, or another planet we have breaking news for you: Dak Presscott will be the Week 1 starter for the Cowboys! Tony Romo hurt his back in a preseason game and Dak-Football is now under center! So why exactly is a rookie in the "every guy lineup section?" Here's why:
First, he's dirt-cheap. He will allow you to roster one of those elite WR and/or RB. You have to love that! Another reason why he will be the chalkiest of 'em all is because he had a stellar preseason. He threw for 454 yards with five TD passes, two rushing touchdowns and no INTs. He also completed 78% of his passes. You see why he's going to be the "chalk play" of the week. Everyone is drinking the Dak-Football juice and fell in love with him this preseason. It will be interesting to see how he performs against the Giants.
Latavius Murray(OAK)
Latavius is cheap and has a gorgeous match-up, which is why he's another guy who will be featured in a ton of lineups.
He will be going up against a Saints' defense that struggled last season. They allowed a total of 1,836 on the ground (4th-most in NFL). Not only does Murray have that to his advantage, but the Raiders also improved their offensive line this offseason by signing guard, Kelechi Osemele. How good is Osmele you may be asking? Well in each of the last two seasons, he graded top five among guards in run blocking (via PFF). This is an excellent move and should help Murray even more. He'll be running behind one of the best offensive lines in the game and has a cupcake matchup -- what more could you ask for?
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