Training Camp Daily Dose: Dose: New York Backfield News
The backfield of the New York Giants was largely written off for fantasy purposes in 2015, as the team sprinkled in frustratingly unpredictable amounts of Rashad Jennings, Shane Vereen, Andre Williams, and Orleans Darkwa throughout the season’s first 13 weeks. Starting in Week 14 however, offensive coordinator (now head coach) Ben McAdoo gave the lead rushing role in his backfield to Rashad Jennings, who averaged 19.8 carries for 108 yards per game over the season’s final four weeks. On Tuesday, the New York Daily News stated that they believe it is “clear” that the team will continue to ride Jennings at running back and will scrap the unsuccessful four-man committee.
While no fantasy tears will be shed for Darkwa and the sluggish Andre Williams, this news does begin to shape expectations for a backfield that could provide solid fantasy production with Jennings leading the way on early downs and Shane Vereen settling into his familiar role in the passing game. Jennings is looking like a solid investment in fantasy drafts for owners that load up at wide receiver early.
Not to be outdone, the Jets backfield was also in the news on Tuesday. Darryl Slater of NJ Advance Media made an appearance with Mike Clay on Sirius XM’s Next Level Fantasy and told Clay to expect a near “even carry split” between Matt Forte and Bilal Powell this season. The disparity between the ADPs of Forte and Powell make this situation easy to gauge for fantasy purposes right now, as Powell is a far greater value in later rounds of fantasy drafts. Powell was productive in the Jets’ offense in 2015, and the coaching staff believed in his talent enough to re-sign him despite adding Forte over the offseason. Running back-hungry fantasy owners will continue to be sucked in by Forte’s name value in drafts while Powell pumps out fantastic value many rounds later.
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In Other News…
San Diego quickly made an addition at wide receiver after Stevie Johnson suffered a knee injury on Sunday, signing former Green Bay receiver James Jones. Philip Rivers has a bevy of receiving weapons at his disposal, but Jones did surprise the fantasy world in 2015 when he blew up for 50 catches and eight touchdowns. Expectations should remain low for Jones at the moment, as he will likely need another break on the Chargers depth chart to nudge his way into fantasy relevance.
Pittsburgh wide receiver Sammie Coates got some praise on Tuesday from Steelers OC Todd Haley, who said Coates is “night and day” ahead of where he was in 2015. The Steelers chuck the ball at a serious clip and with Heath Miller (81 targets in ‘15) retired and Martavis Bryant (92 targets in ‘15) suspended, there is room for a breakout in this passing game. Keep Coates on your short list of late-round draft targets as the preseason kicks off.
Tennessee coach Mike Mularkey stated that Marcus Mariota will run more in 2016, which is good news for the second-year quarterback’s fantasy prospects. The speedy Mariota recorded just 34 rushing attempts in 2015, good for 16th among NFL quarterbacks. A boost from increased rushing totals would help Mariota this season in the fantasy world, but Tennessee’s expected reliance on their running backs will likely cap his ceiling.
Jay Ajayi (knee) missed practice again on Tuesday and is somehow making Arian Foster look durable so far in Dolphins training camp. Foster’s fantasy stock will continue its ascent the longer Ajayi sits out, with only rookie Kenyan Drake and other scraps lingering on the Miami backfield depth chart.
Depth Chart Quick Slants
Green Bay released an initial depth chart on Tuesday, providing a glimpse into the murky waters of the Packers wide receiver group. Jared Abbrederis and Davante Adams were both listed with the second-team while Jeff Janis was labeled as a third-team receiver. These three players will continue to battle for depth chart rank right up until Week 1. … Demaryius Thomas has slimmed down to 222 pounds after rumbling through the 2015 season at 232 pounds. Thomas hopes the weight loss will help him get through the upcoming season in good health. … Jordan Matthews will reportedly see the “bulk” of his work in the slot this season, as the Eagles begin life after Chip Kelly. The slot role will cause less of an issue for Matthews’ fantasy stock than the Philadelphia quarterback puzzle and a new offense led by coach Doug Pederson, but this is worth monitoring over the preseason. … Karlos Williams has been dealing with weight issues over the offseason and is now staring at a four-game suspension, but Buffalo coach Rex Ryan stated that his roster spot is safe. Williams will slide back into the second spot in the Buffalo backfield in Week 5. … James White’s place on the New England depth chart is not set in stone, according to the Boston Globe. Dion Lewis’ recovery from a knee injury will likely impact his chances of sticking in his pass catching role for the Patriots.… Robert Turbin was listed as Frank Gore’s backup on the initial depth chart from Indianapolis. Rookie Josh Ferguson will get a chance to show off in front of the Colts coaching staff in coming weeks, so Turbin may lose this role shortly. … Terrance West has reportedly looked explosive so far in camp, although the Baltimore backfield is extremely crowded with options at the moment. A bit of additional space was carved out on Tuesday however, when the Ravens released Trent Richardson. … Knile Davis believes he has improved his pass catching skills over the offseason, but too many better options remain above him in the Kansas City backfield.
Injury Quick Slants
Andrew Hawkins injured a hamstring at practice on Tuesday and will likely miss time in camp. … Chris Hogan will be receiving treatment on an injured shoulder in coming days after an incident at practice on Tuesday. The injury is not deemed serious, so the New England wide receiver will likely be back on the field with his new squad in coming days. … Dallas backup quarterback Kellen Moore broke his right ankle on Tuesday, thinning out the Cowboys depth chart behind the brittle collarbone of Tony Romo. Dallas is likely out shopping for a veteran backup at this very moment. … Sammy Watkins (foot) is targeting next Monday for a return date to Buffalo practice, making Tyrod Taylor’s top target a solid grab in drafts if he can evade the injury bug for the next month. … Tyler Kroft suffered a knee injury at Bengals practice on Tuesday, but appears to have escaped major damage. Kroft will pick up the slack at tight end for the Bengals to begin the season while Tyler Eifert nurses a bum ankle.
