Friday, 9 August 2024
Thursday, 8 August 2024
NFL Preseason DFS Lineup Picks & Advice: Thursday (8/8)
Last week provided preseason degenerates with an appetizer that didn’t quite fill us up. The NFL Hall of Fame Game was cut short due to inclement weather. This upcoming weekend will be the main course, however, starting with a two-game slate on Thursday night. Since this isn’t a showdown slate, we are going to have to roster every position. If you’re inclined to stick to showdown during the preseason, remember that defenses and kickers are always good plays, even if last week burned those who went heavy on the defenses. One word of caution: The New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers each have competition at kicker.
As mentioned last week, breaking news and inactives can come at you fast during the preseason. If you’re in the FantasyPros discord channel, we will be doing our best to keep you updated up until kickoff.
Lions vs. Giants NFL Preseason DFS Picks
Before getting into the targets for each team, this game comes with an important caveat: The Giants and Lions had two joint practices this week.
Brian Daboll won’t reveal his plans for playing starters or not Thursday. Dan Campbell says Jared Goff won’t play in the game and he doesn’t see his key guys playing much in preseason if they do #Giants #Lions
– Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) August 6, 2024
A ton of snaps for younger players are likely incoming, particularly for the Lions. “Following joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts in 2022, Detroit subsequently held out 20 of their top players in the game. In 2023, the Lions rested 28 players-including 21 starters-after joint practices with the Giants, then another 27 players after joint practices with the Jacksonville Jaguars.”
Detroit Lions Targets
Hendon Hooker (QB – Lions)
Thursday night’s game will be the first time that Hooker takes a snap in an NFL game. The Lions used the 68th overall pick on Hooker in last year’s draft, however, he was still recovering from an ACL injury he suffered at Tennessee. In the words of Dan Campbell, Hooker needs “reps.” Thus far in camp, Hooker hasn’t supplanted veteran Nate Sudfeld as the primary backup to Jared Goff. His up-and-down camp has partially been attributed to a dislocated ring finger from OTAs.
Kaden Davis (WR – Lions)
Davis’ impressive training camp has raised a lot of eyebrows in Detroit. He’s gotten snaps with the starters on several occasions, including during the joint practices with the Giants. Davis hasn’t taken a snap in a regular season game, however last preseason with the Arizona Cardinals he was targeted 11 times catching 8 passes for 73 yards and a touchdown. Previously he was on the Denver Broncos’ practice squad. He also played in the USFL last season with the Michigan Panthers.
Davis has been impressing the Lions back to their rookie mini-camp where he was a tryout. Listed as a fourth-string wide receiver, Davis is the epitome of a potential preseason hero who plays his way onto a team.
Big contested catch by Kaden Davis #NYGiants #Lions pic.twitter.com/mcisvc150A
– Big Blue In The Bronx ???? Alex Gajovich-Protich (@BBlueintheBronx) August 6, 2024
New York Giants Targets
Tommy DeVito (QB – Giants)
Daniel Jones is not going to play in this game. Last year in the Giants’ first preseason game, Tyrod Taylor played eight snaps and DeVito played the rest of the game, resulting in a whopping 51 snaps. While Drew Lock might get a bit more playing time in this contest (estimating a quarter), DeVito will get the bulk of the work.
Dante Miller (RB – Giants)
Tyrone Tracy Jr. has garnered a lot of buzz in dynasty circles, and this will be our first chance to see him in an NFL game. Currently listed third on the depth chart, Tracy should get some run in this game, but it is another Giants running back that I have my eyes on. Dante “Turbo” Miller has been having a great camp and is in the running to challenge Eric Gray‘s roster spot as the third running back. While he’s on the smaller side, that hasn’t stopped the large buzz around Miller thus far. He’s even earned snaps with the first team lately. It would be unconventional, but there’s a case to be made that both Giants running backs could be on a lineup together.
Theo Johnson (TE – Giants)
Another dynasty darling, Johnson is having a terrific camp thus far and could emerge as the top tight end in the Giants’ offense. Johnson also benefits from a position group that is battling injuries. Lawrence Cager (hamstring) and Jack Stoll (concussion) could miss this game. Daniel Bellinger might see limited snaps. Johnson could ultimately be on the field for a quarter to a half. Tyree Jackson is also available at tight end for the Giants.
John Jiles (WR – Giants)
Mention the words “UDFA” and “Giants” and you’ll likely be inundated with stories of Victor Cruz. While Jiles likely won’t have that big of an impact on the Giants’ season this year, he will get a lot of snaps in this game and has had a connection with DeVito in camp. At 6’3 and 205 lbs., Jiles has a great catch radius but is raw in every other area as a receiver.
Panthers vs. Patriots NFL Preseason DFS Picks
Carolina Panthers Targets
Jack Plummer (QB – Panthers)
Plummer comes as a close second behind DeVito at quarterback on this slate. Bryce Young won’t play and Andy Dalton is injured. The Panthers recently signed Jake Luton but Plummer should still see a lot of snaps. Dave Canales has been praising Plummer thus far in camp as well.
With no Bryce Thursday and Andy Dalton dinged up, Jack Plummer will get a lot of work.
Said he’s been impressed with the rookie so far, saying he was “sharp” with changes at the line and athletic.
– Darin Gantt (@daringantt) August 6, 2024
Ja’Tavion Sanders (TE – Panthers)
Can you say “rookie fever” folks? Sanders, much like Johnson, will benefit from a tight-end group decimated by injuries and starters sitting out. Largely Sanders’ only healthy competition in this game is Jordan Matthews, who hasn’t caught a regular season pass since 2019, and Feleipe Franks.
Ja’Tavion Sanders continues to impress at Panthers training camp ????
The rookie TE came away with a beautiful back shoulder grab during 1on1’s. Sanders will certainly be a player to keep an eye on during the preseason.#KeepPounding | @wyffnews4 pic.twitter.com/48D5WuVCS8
– Chase Justice WYFF News 4 (@ChaseJusticeTV) August 6, 2024
Deven Thompkins (WR – Panthers)
Thompkins played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season under Canales (offensive coordinator). While he’s only been on the team for a short period, beat writers repeatedly mention that he’s making plays in camp. The Panthers wide receiver room has a lot of injuries and a lot of possibilities for young guys to make their mark. A solid performance against live opponents could give Thompkins a shot at the 53-man roster.
Deven Thompkins has been doing this since he got here pic.twitter.com/vX6MNw7gCR
– Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) August 6, 2024
Jalen Coker (WR – Panthers)
Coker is a metric king. He performed well at the combine and the Panthers liked him enough as an undrafted free agent to give him a $25,000 signing bonus and $225,000 in salary guarantees. Expect Coker to see a good amount of playing time Thursday night and to be a popular piece in DFS builds.
Jalen Coker‘s RAS
???? I didn’t realize he recorded a position-best 42.5 Vert at the Combine this year…
So he has hands, is an excellent route runner, and has bunnies. He clearly fell because of his 40 and the fact he played at Holy Cross. pic.twitter.com/K9GUMLvhVc
– Keep Purring Podcast (Ben) (@KeepPurringBen) July 31, 2024
New England Patriots Targets
Drake Maye (QB – Patriots)
I am not going to go crazy here on Maye, but I do think a little bit of exposure to the rookie could be beneficial. The underlying issue with the Patriots is that head coach Jarod Mayo has openly stated he intends to play all four quarterbacks.
A call to arms: Jerod Mayo expects all four Patriots quarterbacks to play in preseason opener vs. the Panthershttps://t.co/OoxC1682sy
– Christopher Price (@cpriceglobe) August 6, 2024
Maye has had his up-and-downs thus far in camp. His supporting cast hasn’t done him any favors either. Whether it’s been a questionable offensive line performance or dropped passes from his receivers, Maye hasn’t been able to string together enough good days to challenge presumed starter Jacoby Brissett. Maye is also adjusting to playing under center in the NFL, as he predominantly was in the shotgun at UNC. Getting Maye adjusted to the NFL is the priority in the preseason for the Patriots.
Kevin Harris and JaMycal Hasty (RB – Patriots)
Choosing the correct Patriots running back will be quite the feat on this slate. As of right now, it appears that both Harris and Hasty will be getting a lot of opportunities in this game. This is Harris’ third season with the Patriots. Hasty meanwhile is in his fifth NFL season. They’re both likely fighting for one spot on the 53-man roster. Neither running back has been consistent enough to pull ahead of the other.
Javon Baker (WR – Patriots)
Baker’s spot on the roster isn’t in question, but if the Patriots are playing their starters, I am playing Baker in my lineups. He has looked like an alpha receiver for the Patriots thus far in camp despite being taken 73 picks after Ja’Lynn Polk. One big play from Baker could be all that is needed to make it into the optimal lineup.
I don’t know how the hell in the world Javon Baker fell to pick 110 https://t.co/OCfvUem0NS pic.twitter.com/kdcPYbbqlq
– Joe O’Leary (@TheHQNerd) August 3, 2024
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Rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. will play Cardinals preseason game vs. Saints
Arizona Cardinals rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. will suit up for the team’s first preseason game Saturday against the New Orleans Saints at State Farm Stadium, head coach Jonathan Gannon said Thursday.
How much will Harrison play? Gannon didn’t say.
The Cardinals have considered starters playing in the preseason to be a “case-by-case” basis. Most notably, Arizona will not roll out starting quarterback Kyler Murray at all in the preseason.
RELATED STORIES
Harrison, the No. 4 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, surpassed 1,200 receiving yards and added 14 touchdowns in each of the past two seasons with the Ohio State Buckeyes.
On the depth chart for the first preseason game, Harrison was listed as a starter alongside receivers Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch.
Expected to be the team’s top receiver, he will be on the receiving end of passes from either Desmond Ridder or Clayton Tune at quarterback. Tune was a fifth-round pick from the 2023 draft, while Ridder was an offseason trade acquisition from the Atlanta Falcons.
Gannon has called the backup quarterback competition a “very healthy one.”
Kickoff for the Cardinals’ preseason Game 1 vs. the Saints is set for 5 p.m. MST Saturday in Glendale and will air on 98.7 FM and the Arizona Sports app.
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France beats Germany to reach Olympic men’s basketball gold medal game
PARIS (AP) — Someone is going to have a very difficult task on Saturday. Someone is going to have to place a medal around the neck of a man who is every bit of 7-foot-4 and looks to still be growing.
Victor Wembanyama — NBA rookie of the year, No. 1 draft pick, already an international phenomenon — has a new accolade. He’s an Olympic medalist. The only question is whether it’ll be gold or silver, something that’ll be determined Saturday night in the final game of the men’s basketball tournament at the Paris Games.
RELATED STORIES
France is headed to its second consecutive Olympic gold-medal contest, after beating Germany 73-69 in the first of two semifinals on Thursday. It could be a title-game rematch; the French lost to the U.S. in the final at the Tokyo Games three years ago, and the Americans were playing Serbia in the second semifinal on Thursday.
Wembanyama was just a kid then, a 17-year-old who was in the early days of becoming known as an NBA prospect. He’s a bigger kid now, a 20-year-old who is already considered a national hero — not to mention one in San Antonio, where he’s been tasked with leading the Spurs back to prominence — and could see his star rise even higher on Saturday night.
His final numbers Thursday, with San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich and team president RC Buford looking on: 11 points, seven rebounds on just 4 of 17 shooting. The numbers didn’t look great, but his impact went well beyond what was on the stat sheet.
Midway through the third quarter, Germany guard Dennis Schroder got by Wembanyama on his way to the rim. All Wembanyama had to do was basically turn around at that point; he stuck out his right arm and stopped Schroder’s shot from getting even the tiniest bit airborne.
In the fourth, he got Schroder again — this time, blocking a 3-point try. That led to a 3-pointer by France’s Frank Ntilikina at the other end, the hosts took a 10-point lead and Wembanyama pumped his fist in celebration. When Germany was chipping away late, Wembanyama made an unreal bounce pass through the lane with the shot clock running down to set up Guerschon Yabuschele for a pair of free throws that pushed the lead back to 69-60 with 4:00 left.
And France held on. Wembanyama’s free throw with 10.9 seconds remaining made it 71-68, Germany never got another shot to tie or take the lead and that was that.
France already has pulled off a rarity: Home-court advantage typically doesn’t amount to much in men’s basketball at the Olympics.
The French will be only the third team to play for Olympic men’s basketball gold on home soil. The U.S. did it at Los Angeles in 1984 and at Atlanta in 1996, winning both times.
The U.S. (with the golds in 1984 and 1996) and the Soviet Union at Moscow in 1980 (bronze) were, until now, the only teams to win a medal of any color in men’s basketball at home; France will join that list Saturday by claiming either gold or silver.
In recent times, most Olympic hosts didn’t even come close to the medals: Japan finished 11th at Tokyo three years ago, Brazil was ninth at Rio de Janeiro in 2016, Britain was ninth at London in 2012, China was eighth at Beijing in 2008, Spain was ninth at Barcelona in 1992 and South Korea was ninth at Seoul in 1988. (The exceptions in those years were the U.S. win in 1996, Australia finishing fourth at Sydney in 2000 and Greece placing fifth at Athens in 2004.)
Of course, those teams didn’t have Wembanyama.
He was a French hope coming into these Games, after his first NBA year in San Antonio saw him become the runaway choice for rookie of the year, a defensive player of the year finalist and someone who garnered plenty of All-NBA consideration.
He’s been great in these Olympics — and now has a chance to win gold.
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Former Arizona Wildcats quarterback Nick Foles announces retirement
Former Arizona Wildcats quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles has decided to hang it up.
“It’s crazy to be in this moment, looking at this camera officially announcing my retirement from the NFL,” Foles said in a video posted to his X account on Thursday.
“From the first day I was born my dad put a football in my hand. He must’ve known something because that became a dream of mine since I’ve been a kid to play in the NFL and I will be forever grateful for that.”
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Foles’ most recent stop was with the Indianapolis Colts (2022) after playing with the Chicago Bears (2020-21), Jacksonville Jaguars (2019), Kansas City Chiefs (2016), St. Louis Rams (2015) and Philadelphia Eagles (2012-14, 2017-18).
In total, he passed for 14,227 yards to go with 82 touchdowns and 47 interceptions across his 11-year career in the NFL.
During his second stint with the Eagles in 2017, he helped lead Philadelphia to its first Super Bowl championship over the New England Patriots and was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.
Foles might be most well-known for his touchdown reception to end the “Philly Special,” a trick play on a pass from then-Eagles tight end Trey Burton in the waning seconds of the first half of that win.
Foles is also one of eight quarterbacks in NFL history to throw for seven touchdown passes in a game, having done so against the Oakland Raiders in 2013.
Prior to being selected by the Eagles with the No. 88 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, Foles spent four seasons, including a redshirt season, at Arizona from 2008-11.
He is the Wildcats all-time leader in passing yards (10,011), completions (933), pass attempts (1,396), and is tied for first in touchdown passes (67) along with Willie Tuitama.
Before transferring to Arizona, Foles spent one year at Michigan State.
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Wednesday, 7 August 2024
Win tickets to see D-backs vs Phillies
Win a family four-pack of tickets to see the D-backs vs the Phillies this Saturday! The first 30,000 fans will receive an exclusive NL Champions Replica Ring.
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Injuries to Know for Your Fantasy Football Draft (2024)
When preparing for your fantasy football drafts, knowing which players to target and others to avoid is important. One factor that can have a huge impact on a player’s value entering the season is whether or not they’re dealing with or recovering from an injury. Injuries can truly derail a fantasy football season. While it’s difficult to predict injuries in fantasy football, you can certainly know who is injured entering your fantasy football drafts. We help you stay up-to-date with NFL injuries and their impact on fantasy football. Let’s take a look at NFL injuries to know as you prepare for your fantasy football drafts.
- 2024 Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2024 Fantasy Football Rankings
- 2024 Dynasty Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator
Injuries to Know for Your Fantasy Football Draft
| Player | Injury Notes |
| Andy Dalton (QB – CAR) | Dealing with quad injury will be sidelined for a couple of weeks (8/5) |
| Jimmy Garoppolo (QB – LAR) | Suspended for performance-enhancing substances; will be available Week 3 (8/5) |
| Justin Herbert (QB – LAC) | Dealing with plantar fascia injury. Expected to return in mid-August. (8/3) |
| Geno Smith (QB – SEA) | Dealing with knee/hip issues (8/3) |
| Russell Wilson (QB – PIT) | Dealing with calf injury; no timetable for return (7/27) |
| Jonathon Brooks (RB – CAR) | Will not play in preseason and may be “close to ready” in Week 3 or 4. (8/3) |
| Nick Chubb (RB – CLE) | Recovering from knee surgery |
| Chase Edmonds (RB – TB) | Dealing with unknown injury that has caused him to miss the first two weeks of camp (8/6) |
| D’Onta Foreman (RB – CLE) | Dealing with neck injury but expected to return to camp soon (8/3) |
| Royce Freeman (RB – DAL) | Dealing with groin injury (8/6) |
| Isaac Guerendo (RB – SF) | Dealing with hamstring injury; will be out multiple weeks (7/29) |
| Nyheim Hines (RB – CLE) | Working his way back from ACL tear (7/27) |
| Ty Johnson (RB – BUF) | Dealing with hamstring injury (7/30) |
| Christian McCaffrey (RB – SF) | Dealing with calf strain and unlikely to suit up for any preseason game. He is also expected to miss “a couple weeks” of practice. (8/6) |
| Kendre Miller (RB – NO) | Dealing with hamstring injury severity unknown and no timetable for return (7/27) |
| Elijah Mitchell (RB – SF) | Dealing with strained hamstring (8/6) |
| Keaton Mitchell (RB – BAL) | Working his way back from ACL tear – currently on PUP list (7/27) |
| Joe Mixon (RB – HOU) | Dealing with hamstring issue (7/27) |
| Cordarrelle Patterson (RB – PIT) | Dealing with hamstring issue; on NFI list (7/27) |
| Deuce Vaughn (RB – DAL) | Dealing with hamstring injury (8/3) |
| Peyton Hendershot (TE – DAL) | Recovering from ankle surgery; should return in mid-August (7/27) |
| Tyler Higbee (TE – LAR) | Recovering ACL/MCL tear; beginning camp on PUP list (7/27) |
| T.J. Hockenson (TE – MIN) |
Recovering from ACL/MCL tear; beginning camp on PUP list (7/27)
|
| Juwan Johnson (TE – NO) |
Dealing with foot injury (7/27)
|
| Tucker Kraft (TE – GB) |
Dealing with pectoral issue; beginning camp on PUP list (7/27)
|
| Sam LaPorta (TE – DET) |
Dealing with hamstring injury (8/6)
|
| Adam Trautman (TE – DEN) |
Abdomen issue (7/30)
|
| Tommy Tremble (TE – CAR) |
Dealing with hamstring tightness (7/27)
|
| Rashod Bateman (WR – BAL) |
Dealing with midsection/rib injury (8/6)
|
| Odell Beckham Jr. (WR – MIA) |
Undisclosed issue; beginning camp on PUP list (7/27)
|
| Kendrick Bourne (WR – NE) |
Recovering from ACL tear; beginning camp on PUP list (7/27)
|
| Parris Campbell (WR – PHI) |
Dealing with groin injury (8/5)
|
| Chase Claypool (WR – BUF) |
Day-to-day with toe issue (7/30)
|
| DeMario Douglas (WR – NE) |
Dealing with a minor hand injury (7/27)
|
| Josh Downs (WR – IND) |
Dealing with ankle injury. No timetable for return. (8/7)
|
| Xavier Gipson (WR – NYJ) |
Dealing with leg injury; expected back mid to late August (7/27)
|
| Jalen Guyton (WR – LV) |
Undisclosed issue currently on active/PUP list (7/30)
|
| DeAndre Hopkins (WR – TEN) |
Strained knee – could miss 4 to 6 weeks. Reports saying he “could” be ready for Week 1.
|
| Xavier Legette (WR – CAR) |
Dealing with lower leg injury but MRI showed no fracture (8/4)
|
| Ladd McConkey (WR – LAC) |
Lower body injury no further information available (8/5)
|
| Rondale Moore (WR – ATL) |
Carted off during practice with an air cast on his leg (8/7)
|
| Puka Nacua (WR – LAR) |
Knee injury – considered week-to-week but described as “not serious” (8/5)
|
| Ricky Pearsall (WR – SF) |
Re-aggravated shoulder in 8/6 practice
|
| Jayden Reed (WR – GB) |
Dealing with calf injury (8/7)
|
| Rashid Shaheed (WR – NO) |
Dealing with hamstring issue (8/3)
|
| Kadarius Toney (WR – KC) |
Dealing with ankle injury (8/5)
|
| Mike Williams (WR – NYJ) |
Recovering from ACL tear; currently on PUP list (7/27)
|
| Roman Wilson (WR – PIT) |
Dealing with ankle injury no timetable for return (7/30)
|
Fantasy Football Draft Rankings
Check out the consensus 2024 fantasy football draft rankings from our experts.
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The post Injuries to Know for Your Fantasy Football Draft (2024) appeared first on FantasyPros.
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