[h=1]Ravens sign veteran tight end Larry Donnell.[/h]
As injuries pile up in Baltimore, the Ravens added tight end depth.
The team announced Sunday it signed Larry Donnell. Baltimore waived receiver Tim Patrick in a corresponding move.
The Ravens' tight end position has been a mess all offseason. Baltimore lost tight end Dennis Pitta to another hip injury earlier this summer. Crockett Gillmore is dealing with a potentially serious knee injury, and NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reports he will undergo surgery on his meniscus Monday. Darren Waller is suspended for at least a year. Benjamin Watson and Maxx Williams are both coming off injuries.
Donnell spent the past four seasons with the New York Giants, compiling 110 receptions for 969 yards and nine touchdowns. Donnell is an intriguing athlete who has dealt with neck and concussion issues throughout his career.
As injuries pile up in Baltimore, the Ravens added tight end depth.
The team announced Sunday it signed Larry Donnell. Baltimore waived receiver Tim Patrick in a corresponding move.
The Ravens' tight end position has been a mess all offseason. Baltimore lost tight end Dennis Pitta to another hip injury earlier this summer. Crockett Gillmore is dealing with a potentially serious knee injury, and NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reports he will undergo surgery on his meniscus Monday. Darren Waller is suspended for at least a year. Benjamin Watson and Maxx Williams are both coming off injuries.
Donnell spent the past four seasons with the New York Giants, compiling 110 receptions for 969 yards and nine touchdowns. Donnell is an intriguing athlete who has dealt with neck and concussion issues throughout his career.
Vikings CB Xavier Rhodes signs $70 million extension.
The Minnesota Vikings continue to lock down their home-grown talent.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning the Vikings agreed to terms on a five-year contract extension worth $70 million for corner Xavier Rhodes. Rapoport adds the deal includes $41 million in guarantees along with a $12 million signing bonus.
The team later confirmed the signing.
The 2013 first-round pick entered the season set to earn $8.026 million in the final year of his rookie contract.
Rhodes, 27, is coming off his first Pro Bowl season, highlighted by locking up Odell Beckham Jr. and getting into the head of the New York Giants receiver in Week 4.
Rhodes, at 6-foot-1, owns the perfect blend of physicality and speed to play on the outside of Mike Zimmer's aggressive defense.
In 2016, Rhodes led the Vikings with a career-high five interceptions -- most by a Minnesota player since 2003. The corner allowed the second-lowest reception percentage among all players targeted at least 75 times (49.4 percent), per NFL Research.
The deal for Rhodes comes days after the Vikings signed defensive end Everson Griffen to a big-money contract extension, and Rapoport added on Inside Training Camp Live that a new deal for Anthony Barr likely is coming up next. Keeping its talent in Minnesota ensures Zimmer's D will continue its stingy play well beyond 2017.
The Minnesota Vikings continue to lock down their home-grown talent.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning the Vikings agreed to terms on a five-year contract extension worth $70 million for corner Xavier Rhodes. Rapoport adds the deal includes $41 million in guarantees along with a $12 million signing bonus.
The team later confirmed the signing.
The 2013 first-round pick entered the season set to earn $8.026 million in the final year of his rookie contract.
Rhodes, 27, is coming off his first Pro Bowl season, highlighted by locking up Odell Beckham Jr. and getting into the head of the New York Giants receiver in Week 4.
Rhodes, at 6-foot-1, owns the perfect blend of physicality and speed to play on the outside of Mike Zimmer's aggressive defense.
In 2016, Rhodes led the Vikings with a career-high five interceptions -- most by a Minnesota player since 2003. The corner allowed the second-lowest reception percentage among all players targeted at least 75 times (49.4 percent), per NFL Research.
The deal for Rhodes comes days after the Vikings signed defensive end Everson Griffen to a big-money contract extension, and Rapoport added on Inside Training Camp Live that a new deal for Anthony Barr likely is coming up next. Keeping its talent in Minnesota ensures Zimmer's D will continue its stingy play well beyond 2017.
Jaguars OT Branden Albert retires after nine seasons.
Jaguars left tackle Branden Albert is hanging up the spikes. After a bizarre offseason where Albert was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars before skipping offseason workouts in hopes of acquiring a new deal, the former Chiefs first-round pick decided to call it a career.
Albert provided a statement through the Jaguars' official website on Monday.
"After nine seasons playing in the National Football League, I have decided to retire from the game that has given me so much. I would like to thank Mr. Khan and the Jaguars organization, Mr. Ross, Joe Philbin, Dennis Hickey and the Dolphins organization and Mr. Hunt, Carl Peterson, Herm Edwards and the Chiefs organization for providing me with the opportunity of a lifetime. GOD has blessed me with so much through football that I thought would never be attainable. It's been truly a blessing. I cherish all of the relationships and people I have encountered while playing in the NFL! Special thanks to Al Groh and the University of Virginia for giving me the opportunity for a great education and showing faith in me when no one else wanted to take a chance on me. I am truly thankful for my UVA family.
"This is such a special league and it's been an honor and a privilege to play this sport professionally for the past nine years. I wish Coach Marrone and my Jacksonville teammates the best of luck on their journey this season. During my short stint in Jacksonville, I quickly realized that they are working incredibly hard to turn the corner and I truly believe that they will find success in the coming years. I look forward to returning to Miami, the place that I now call 'home,' and running my businesses, while giving back to the community. While this chapter of my life is coming to an end, my story is still going and I hope you'll follow along. I will be furthering and finishing my education. GOD BLESS AND GODSPEED."
The team's website noted Albert was working with the first string throughout most of training camp so far, making the decision all the more strange. Without question, the heaviest burden falls on rookie second-round pick Cam Robinson, who likely will start the season off as the team's left tackle.
The Jaguars' offensive line has been a work in progress throughout the Dave Caldwell era. After watching former first-round pick Luke Joeckel falter, the hope was that Albert could come in and provide a bridge to Robinson, one of the highest-regarded offensive linemen in this year's draft. Should Robinson live up to expectations, quarterback Blake Bortles won't have to worry about anyone crashing down on him from the blindside.
Albert, 32, made two Pro Bowls (2013 and 2015) during his career. He started 118 games over nine seasons with the Chiefs and Dolphins.
Jaguars left tackle Branden Albert is hanging up the spikes. After a bizarre offseason where Albert was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars before skipping offseason workouts in hopes of acquiring a new deal, the former Chiefs first-round pick decided to call it a career.
Albert provided a statement through the Jaguars' official website on Monday.
"After nine seasons playing in the National Football League, I have decided to retire from the game that has given me so much. I would like to thank Mr. Khan and the Jaguars organization, Mr. Ross, Joe Philbin, Dennis Hickey and the Dolphins organization and Mr. Hunt, Carl Peterson, Herm Edwards and the Chiefs organization for providing me with the opportunity of a lifetime. GOD has blessed me with so much through football that I thought would never be attainable. It's been truly a blessing. I cherish all of the relationships and people I have encountered while playing in the NFL! Special thanks to Al Groh and the University of Virginia for giving me the opportunity for a great education and showing faith in me when no one else wanted to take a chance on me. I am truly thankful for my UVA family.
"This is such a special league and it's been an honor and a privilege to play this sport professionally for the past nine years. I wish Coach Marrone and my Jacksonville teammates the best of luck on their journey this season. During my short stint in Jacksonville, I quickly realized that they are working incredibly hard to turn the corner and I truly believe that they will find success in the coming years. I look forward to returning to Miami, the place that I now call 'home,' and running my businesses, while giving back to the community. While this chapter of my life is coming to an end, my story is still going and I hope you'll follow along. I will be furthering and finishing my education. GOD BLESS AND GODSPEED."
The team's website noted Albert was working with the first string throughout most of training camp so far, making the decision all the more strange. Without question, the heaviest burden falls on rookie second-round pick Cam Robinson, who likely will start the season off as the team's left tackle.
The Jaguars' offensive line has been a work in progress throughout the Dave Caldwell era. After watching former first-round pick Luke Joeckel falter, the hope was that Albert could come in and provide a bridge to Robinson, one of the highest-regarded offensive linemen in this year's draft. Should Robinson live up to expectations, quarterback Blake Bortles won't have to worry about anyone crashing down on him from the blindside.
Albert, 32, made two Pro Bowls (2013 and 2015) during his career. He started 118 games over nine seasons with the Chiefs and Dolphins.
[h=1]Mike Williams' back injury 'could be' season ending.[/h]
Los Angeles Chargers first-round pick Mike Williams responded well to a recent epidural shot to help repair a herniated disc in his back, leaving general manager Tom Telesco optimistic that Williams could avoid surgery.
However, head coach Anthony Lynn still isn't sure if Williams will see the field at all in 2017.
"I'm hopeful that it's not [season ending], but who knows?" Lynn said, via ESPN.com. "It could be. I don't know. You'd like to have him out [there], but fortunately we have depth at that position and we're going to be OK."
Lynn's honesty in regards to Williams is a continuation of his Day One mantra. Lynn wants to make clear that he cares about the players on the field and that he won't get caught up in lingering injuries. Back before Williams' back issue was thought of as a serious injury, he wondered if Williams wasn't falling behind by missing workouts.
Obviously losing a massive target and first-round pick is difficult to stomach. By design, Williams was going to take pressure off Philip Rivers' typically over-worked targets and bolster the team's presence inside the 20-yard line. But instead of panicking, Lynn is doing his best to turn the situation into a motivator for the healthier players on the roster.
Should Williams miss the 2017 season, the real measure of Lynn's ability will be how he balances the oversight of his roster with some behind the scenes motivation to keep Williams engaged. There is nothing more difficult for a player than wanting to contribute but being unable to.
Los Angeles Chargers first-round pick Mike Williams responded well to a recent epidural shot to help repair a herniated disc in his back, leaving general manager Tom Telesco optimistic that Williams could avoid surgery.
However, head coach Anthony Lynn still isn't sure if Williams will see the field at all in 2017.
"I'm hopeful that it's not [season ending], but who knows?" Lynn said, via ESPN.com. "It could be. I don't know. You'd like to have him out [there], but fortunately we have depth at that position and we're going to be OK."
Lynn's honesty in regards to Williams is a continuation of his Day One mantra. Lynn wants to make clear that he cares about the players on the field and that he won't get caught up in lingering injuries. Back before Williams' back issue was thought of as a serious injury, he wondered if Williams wasn't falling behind by missing workouts.
Obviously losing a massive target and first-round pick is difficult to stomach. By design, Williams was going to take pressure off Philip Rivers' typically over-worked targets and bolster the team's presence inside the 20-yard line. But instead of panicking, Lynn is doing his best to turn the situation into a motivator for the healthier players on the roster.
Should Williams miss the 2017 season, the real measure of Lynn's ability will be how he balances the oversight of his roster with some behind the scenes motivation to keep Williams engaged. There is nothing more difficult for a player than wanting to contribute but being unable to.
[h=1]Fabiano's 2017 fantasy football projections: QBs.[/h] Fantasy football analysis continues to develop and evolve as we become more and more advanced. No longer is it limited to a simple look at the rank of defenses against the pass and the run to determine starts or sits, as it was back in the late 1990s. (Wow, that seems like so long ago!) Now in the Information Age, the level of statistical projections, algorithms, metrics and research used to project a player's points and fantasy value are almost on the level of an NFL scout. While some information can be paralysis by analysis, a lot of it is useful in our quest to become champions.
In an effort to be a one-stop shop for the most important information as it pertains to your fantasy draft preparation, here's a look at my quarterback projections for the 2017 season. I've also included a few of the more vital team stats from last season, including each team's pass percentage, the number of pass plays and actual quarterback pass attempts. In order to grade offensive line effectiveness as it pertains to quarterbacks, I've also included average pocket time and time allowed to throw (coming via the great team at Next Gen Stats). The difference between the two is that "time to throw" includes only plays that resulted in a pass attempt, whereas "average pocket time" measures the time between the actual snap and a pass attempt or quarterback pressure. And of course, fantasy points against (strength of schedule) information is also included at the end.
Also included are a few nuggets, tidbits and analysis (for those who might be sick of all the numbers) on the most important fantasy players, in addition to the tendencies and trends of their coaches and coordinators. In some cases, you'll even see a quick historical breakdown of how well players have done (based on points) under the coaches and coordinators who'll be calling their plays in 2017.
[h=1][/h]
In an effort to be a one-stop shop for the most important information as it pertains to your fantasy draft preparation, here's a look at my quarterback projections for the 2017 season. I've also included a few of the more vital team stats from last season, including each team's pass percentage, the number of pass plays and actual quarterback pass attempts. In order to grade offensive line effectiveness as it pertains to quarterbacks, I've also included average pocket time and time allowed to throw (coming via the great team at Next Gen Stats). The difference between the two is that "time to throw" includes only plays that resulted in a pass attempt, whereas "average pocket time" measures the time between the actual snap and a pass attempt or quarterback pressure. And of course, fantasy points against (strength of schedule) information is also included at the end.
Also included are a few nuggets, tidbits and analysis (for those who might be sick of all the numbers) on the most important fantasy players, in addition to the tendencies and trends of their coaches and coordinators. In some cases, you'll even see a quick historical breakdown of how well players have done (based on points) under the coaches and coordinators who'll be calling their plays in 2017.
[h=1][/h]
Arizona Cardinals
<tbody>
</tbody> Projections
Carson Palmer: 4,312 yards, 26 TDs, 15 INTs, 42 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 242.7 fantasy points
The Cardinals ranked third in pass plays and pass attempts last season, but Carson Palmer still ranked just 19th in fantasy points among quarterbacks. His 4,150 passing yards were his lowest full-season total since 2012, which was his final season with the Oakland Raiders. The veteran, now 38, has finished outside of the top 15 in fantasy points at the position in all but one of his four seasons in Arizona. ... Bruce Arians was either a head coach or offensive coordinator in six consecutive seasons before taking over as the main man in Arizona. During that time, his system produced three top-eight fantasy quarterback finishes (Andrew Luck - 2012, Ben Roethlisberger - 2007, 2009).
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Carson Palmer: 4,312 yards, 26 TDs, 15 INTs, 42 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 242.7 fantasy points
The Cardinals ranked third in pass plays and pass attempts last season, but Carson Palmer still ranked just 19th in fantasy points among quarterbacks. His 4,150 passing yards were his lowest full-season total since 2012, which was his final season with the Oakland Raiders. The veteran, now 38, has finished outside of the top 15 in fantasy points at the position in all but one of his four seasons in Arizona. ... Bruce Arians was either a head coach or offensive coordinator in six consecutive seasons before taking over as the main man in Arizona. During that time, his system produced three top-eight fantasy quarterback finishes (Andrew Luck - 2012, Ben Roethlisberger - 2007, 2009).
Atlanta Falcons
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</tbody> Projections
Matt Ryan: 4,396 yards, 32 TDs, 12 INTs, 115 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 285.3 fantasy points
The Falcons ranked 27th in pass plays a season ago, but Matt Ryan still finished with career bests almost across the board. His 345.5 fantasy points were 40.6 more than his previous personal best of 304.9 in 2012. Ryan had averaged 254.1 points in his previous three seasons. ... The offense won't change much under new offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, who has never called a single play at the NFL level, so expect their up-tempo attack to continue. Regardless, it's still difficult to envision a scenario where Ryan doesn't see some level of regression compared to his "magical" 2016 campaign and the loss of former coordinator Kyle Shanahan. Don't reach for him in fantasy drafts.
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Matt Ryan: 4,396 yards, 32 TDs, 12 INTs, 115 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 285.3 fantasy points
The Falcons ranked 27th in pass plays a season ago, but Matt Ryan still finished with career bests almost across the board. His 345.5 fantasy points were 40.6 more than his previous personal best of 304.9 in 2012. Ryan had averaged 254.1 points in his previous three seasons. ... The offense won't change much under new offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, who has never called a single play at the NFL level, so expect their up-tempo attack to continue. Regardless, it's still difficult to envision a scenario where Ryan doesn't see some level of regression compared to his "magical" 2016 campaign and the loss of former coordinator Kyle Shanahan. Don't reach for him in fantasy drafts.
Baltimore Ravens
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</tbody> Projections
Joe Flacco: 4,277 yards, 22 TDs, 16 INTs, 53 rush yards, 1 rush TDs, 232.4 fantasy points
No team ran more pass plays or threw more passes last season than the Ravens. While Joe Flacco did finish with a career best 4,317 passing yards, he still ranked a mere 20th in fantasy points among quarterbacks. ... Marty Mornhinweg will continue in his role as the team's offensive coordinator, so Flacco will have no shortage of chances to score fantasy points in "Air Marty's" offense. The system will result in plenty of explosive plays down the field, but it doesn't breed consistent production. Under Mornhinweg's watch (he took over the offense in Week 6), Flacco recorded fewer than 16 fantasy points eight times and threw one interception during each of his final six starts of 2016.
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Joe Flacco: 4,277 yards, 22 TDs, 16 INTs, 53 rush yards, 1 rush TDs, 232.4 fantasy points
No team ran more pass plays or threw more passes last season than the Ravens. While Joe Flacco did finish with a career best 4,317 passing yards, he still ranked a mere 20th in fantasy points among quarterbacks. ... Marty Mornhinweg will continue in his role as the team's offensive coordinator, so Flacco will have no shortage of chances to score fantasy points in "Air Marty's" offense. The system will result in plenty of explosive plays down the field, but it doesn't breed consistent production. Under Mornhinweg's watch (he took over the offense in Week 6), Flacco recorded fewer than 16 fantasy points eight times and threw one interception during each of his final six starts of 2016.
Buffalo Bills
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</tbody> Projections
Tyrod Taylor: 3,105 yards, 21 TDs, 8 INTs, 553 rush yards, 4 rush TDs, 267.5 fantasy points
The Bills ranked 30th in pass plays and dead last in pass attempts last season under former offensive coordinators Greg Roman and Anthony Lynn. New coordinator Rick Dennison's quarterbacks have finished in the top 10 based on fantasy points once (Matt Schaub, 2010), but he has a connection with Tyrod Taylor from their one season together in Baltimore (2014). His offenses have also finished in the top 10 in rushing five times during his nine seasons as an NFL coordinator, which is good news for Buffalo's run-based attack. ... Taylor will be under center more often in Dennison's offense, so don't be surprised to see him run more play action and bootlegs to keep defenses honest.
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Tyrod Taylor: 3,105 yards, 21 TDs, 8 INTs, 553 rush yards, 4 rush TDs, 267.5 fantasy points
The Bills ranked 30th in pass plays and dead last in pass attempts last season under former offensive coordinators Greg Roman and Anthony Lynn. New coordinator Rick Dennison's quarterbacks have finished in the top 10 based on fantasy points once (Matt Schaub, 2010), but he has a connection with Tyrod Taylor from their one season together in Baltimore (2014). His offenses have also finished in the top 10 in rushing five times during his nine seasons as an NFL coordinator, which is good news for Buffalo's run-based attack. ... Taylor will be under center more often in Dennison's offense, so don't be surprised to see him run more play action and bootlegs to keep defenses honest.
Carolina Panthers
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</tbody> Projections
Cam Newton: 3,826 yards, 24 TDs, 13 INTs, 381 rush yards, 5 rush TDs, 285.1 fantasy points
The Panthers ranked 23rd in pass plays and pass attempts a season ago, but will that total increase after the offseason? Offensive coordinator Mike Shula now has a terrific pass catcher in Christian McCaffrey to go along with fellow rookie Curtis Samuel and incumbents Kelvin Benjamin and Greg Olsen, so Cam Newton seems destined to use more short and intermediate passes. That should improve what was a career-worst 52.9 completion percentage from a season ago. Of course, this also means that Newton could run the ball less ... he had a career-low 90 rushes a season ago. That sort of scenario isn't a positive one from a fantasy perspective, making him a mid-to-low No. 1 option.
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Cam Newton: 3,826 yards, 24 TDs, 13 INTs, 381 rush yards, 5 rush TDs, 285.1 fantasy points
The Panthers ranked 23rd in pass plays and pass attempts a season ago, but will that total increase after the offseason? Offensive coordinator Mike Shula now has a terrific pass catcher in Christian McCaffrey to go along with fellow rookie Curtis Samuel and incumbents Kelvin Benjamin and Greg Olsen, so Cam Newton seems destined to use more short and intermediate passes. That should improve what was a career-worst 52.9 completion percentage from a season ago. Of course, this also means that Newton could run the ball less ... he had a career-low 90 rushes a season ago. That sort of scenario isn't a positive one from a fantasy perspective, making him a mid-to-low No. 1 option.
Chicago Bears
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</tbody> Projections
Mike Glennon: 3,399 yards, 16 TDs, 13 INTs, 87 rush yards, 1 rush TDs, 182.7 fantasy points
Mitchell Trubisky: 859 yards, 5 TDs, 3 INTs, 52 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 49.6 fantasy points
The Bears ranked 24th in pass plays and threw the ball 60.7 percent of the time in their first season under offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains. His offenses threw the ball 54 percent of the time during his two seasons as the coordinator in Tennessee. In 2016, the Bears ranked third in the franchise's single-season history in passing yards (net and gross) while starting three different quarterbacks. However, his system still hasn't produced a top-20 fantasy quarterback between Jake Locker (2012), Ryan Fitzpatrick (2013) and Jay Cutler (2016). ... Mike Glennon figures to open the season atop the depth chart, but rookie Mitchell Trubisky should see starts at some point this season.
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Mike Glennon: 3,399 yards, 16 TDs, 13 INTs, 87 rush yards, 1 rush TDs, 182.7 fantasy points
Mitchell Trubisky: 859 yards, 5 TDs, 3 INTs, 52 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 49.6 fantasy points
The Bears ranked 24th in pass plays and threw the ball 60.7 percent of the time in their first season under offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains. His offenses threw the ball 54 percent of the time during his two seasons as the coordinator in Tennessee. In 2016, the Bears ranked third in the franchise's single-season history in passing yards (net and gross) while starting three different quarterbacks. However, his system still hasn't produced a top-20 fantasy quarterback between Jake Locker (2012), Ryan Fitzpatrick (2013) and Jay Cutler (2016). ... Mike Glennon figures to open the season atop the depth chart, but rookie Mitchell Trubisky should see starts at some point this season.
Cincinnati Bengals
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</tbody> Projections
Andy Dalton: 3,940 yards, 23 TDs, 10 INTs, 185 rush yards, 3 rush TDs, 260.1 fantasy points
The Bengals ranked 22nd in pass plays in Ken Zampese's first season as the team's offensive coordinator, but injuries to top receivers like A.J. Green, Tyler Eifert and Giovani Bernard were in part to blame. He is the lone position coach Andy Dalton has played under at the NFL level, and Zampese has overseen the development of both Palmer and Dalton during his 14 seasons in Cincinnati. With question marks on the offensive line, Zampese could look to spread teams out with Green back and the addition of rookie speedster John Ross. An improved ground attack with rookie Joe Mixon would also help Dalton's effort in the pass attack, making the offense far less one dimensional.
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<tbody>
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Andy Dalton: 3,940 yards, 23 TDs, 10 INTs, 185 rush yards, 3 rush TDs, 260.1 fantasy points
The Bengals ranked 22nd in pass plays in Ken Zampese's first season as the team's offensive coordinator, but injuries to top receivers like A.J. Green, Tyler Eifert and Giovani Bernard were in part to blame. He is the lone position coach Andy Dalton has played under at the NFL level, and Zampese has overseen the development of both Palmer and Dalton during his 14 seasons in Cincinnati. With question marks on the offensive line, Zampese could look to spread teams out with Green back and the addition of rookie speedster John Ross. An improved ground attack with rookie Joe Mixon would also help Dalton's effort in the pass attack, making the offense far less one dimensional.
Cleveland Browns
<tbody>
</tbody> Projections
Cody Kessler: 2,590 yards, 12 TDs, 9 INTs, 43 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 131.9 fantasy points
DeShone Kizer: 1,397 yards, 6 TDs, 7 INTs, 56 rush yards, 1 rush TDs, 73.5 fantasy points
The Browns ranked seventh in pass plays a season ago, as the team was forced to throw more often in an attempt to erase deficits. In his last six stints as an offensive play caller, coach Hue Jackson hasn't had a single quarterback finish higher than 18th in fantasy points (Dalton, 2015). In his defense, Dalton was the QB5 through Week 13 that year before fracturing his thumb. Furthermore, the top passers Jackson worked with before his tenure in Cincinnati were Patrick Ramsey (2003), Joey Harrington (2007) and Jason Campbell (2010). ... Cody Kessler is the favorite to open atop the depth chart, but rookie DeShone Kizer will have a lot of long-term appeal under Jackson.
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Cody Kessler: 2,590 yards, 12 TDs, 9 INTs, 43 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 131.9 fantasy points
DeShone Kizer: 1,397 yards, 6 TDs, 7 INTs, 56 rush yards, 1 rush TDs, 73.5 fantasy points
The Browns ranked seventh in pass plays a season ago, as the team was forced to throw more often in an attempt to erase deficits. In his last six stints as an offensive play caller, coach Hue Jackson hasn't had a single quarterback finish higher than 18th in fantasy points (Dalton, 2015). In his defense, Dalton was the QB5 through Week 13 that year before fracturing his thumb. Furthermore, the top passers Jackson worked with before his tenure in Cincinnati were Patrick Ramsey (2003), Joey Harrington (2007) and Jason Campbell (2010). ... Cody Kessler is the favorite to open atop the depth chart, but rookie DeShone Kizer will have a lot of long-term appeal under Jackson.
Dallas Cowboys
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</tbody> Projections
Dak Prescott: 3,879 yards, 24 TDs, 8 INTs, 265 rush yards, 4 rush TDs, 277.7 fantasy points
The Cowboys ranked a mere 30th in pass plays while rookie quarterback Dak Prescott finished 23rd in pass attempts at his position, which isn't a huge surprise when you consider the success of Ezekiel Elliott and the ground attack. ... Prescott still finished an impressive sixth in fantasy points among quarterbacks, due in part to his lack of turnovers and six rushing touchdowns. ... During his five seasons as the offensive coordinator in Detroit, Scott Linehan's quarterbacks ranked 11th or higher in points four times. That includes a pair of top-10 finishes (Matthew Stafford - 2012, 2013), so Prescott's finish has Linehan on a personal hot streak when it comes to fantasy quarterbacks.
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Dak Prescott: 3,879 yards, 24 TDs, 8 INTs, 265 rush yards, 4 rush TDs, 277.7 fantasy points
The Cowboys ranked a mere 30th in pass plays while rookie quarterback Dak Prescott finished 23rd in pass attempts at his position, which isn't a huge surprise when you consider the success of Ezekiel Elliott and the ground attack. ... Prescott still finished an impressive sixth in fantasy points among quarterbacks, due in part to his lack of turnovers and six rushing touchdowns. ... During his five seasons as the offensive coordinator in Detroit, Scott Linehan's quarterbacks ranked 11th or higher in points four times. That includes a pair of top-10 finishes (Matthew Stafford - 2012, 2013), so Prescott's finish has Linehan on a personal hot streak when it comes to fantasy quarterbacks.
Denver Broncos
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</tbody> Projections
Trevor Siemian: 2,819 yards, 17 TDs, 12 INTs, 43 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 155.1 fantasy points
Paxton Lynch: 1,174 yards, 9 TDs, 6 INTs, 37 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 68.7 fantasy points
Denver's offense ranked 20th in pass plays under Dennison last season, but the return of offensive coordinator Mike McCoy should jump start the team across the board. The Broncos had the NFL's highest-scoring offense under his watch in 2012, and McCoy's offenses have finished in the top 10 in total yards in three of the last five seasons. McCoy's quarterbacks have had four top-12 finishes in the last five years between Peyton Manning (2012) and Philip Rivers (2013-2015). He even helped Tim Tebow finish 18th at the position during his 14 starts in 2011. ... The battle between Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch could create a viable sleeper in fantasy football drafts.
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Trevor Siemian: 2,819 yards, 17 TDs, 12 INTs, 43 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 155.1 fantasy points
Paxton Lynch: 1,174 yards, 9 TDs, 6 INTs, 37 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 68.7 fantasy points
Denver's offense ranked 20th in pass plays under Dennison last season, but the return of offensive coordinator Mike McCoy should jump start the team across the board. The Broncos had the NFL's highest-scoring offense under his watch in 2012, and McCoy's offenses have finished in the top 10 in total yards in three of the last five seasons. McCoy's quarterbacks have had four top-12 finishes in the last five years between Peyton Manning (2012) and Philip Rivers (2013-2015). He even helped Tim Tebow finish 18th at the position during his 14 starts in 2011. ... The battle between Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch could create a viable sleeper in fantasy football drafts.
Detroit Lions
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</tbody> Projections
Matthew Stafford: 4,273 yards, 26 TDs, 12 INTs, 171 rush yards, 2 rush TDs, 274.0 fantasy points
The Lions ranked eighth in pass plays and finished 11th in pass attempts a season ago. ... In 25 regular-season games under offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, Matthew Stafford has thrown the football 923 times (36.2 APG) for 6,723 passing yards with 47 total touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Overall, Stafford has averaged better than 17 fantasy points per game over the last two seasons. He also didn't see a major decline when Calvin Johnson retired but instead spread the ball around to all of his receivers including Golden Tate and Marvin Jones. What's more, Stafford still found success despite having the third-lowest time-to-throw average among all NFL quarterbacks in 2016.
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Matthew Stafford: 4,273 yards, 26 TDs, 12 INTs, 171 rush yards, 2 rush TDs, 274.0 fantasy points
The Lions ranked eighth in pass plays and finished 11th in pass attempts a season ago. ... In 25 regular-season games under offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, Matthew Stafford has thrown the football 923 times (36.2 APG) for 6,723 passing yards with 47 total touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Overall, Stafford has averaged better than 17 fantasy points per game over the last two seasons. He also didn't see a major decline when Calvin Johnson retired but instead spread the ball around to all of his receivers including Golden Tate and Marvin Jones. What's more, Stafford still found success despite having the third-lowest time-to-throw average among all NFL quarterbacks in 2016.
