Let's take a moment to catch up on some recent news, which has some important fantasy implications. First, one of my favorite undervalued WRs, Mike Williams, is dealing with a shoulder injury that could keep him out 2-4 weeks. In other words, he's no lock to play Week 1. Rookie Joe Reed could be a sneaky Week 1 flyer in deep leagues.
But no team's receiving corps has had it worse this offseason than the Niners'. They parted with Emmanuel Sanders, lost Jalen Hurd for the year, and now are dealing with injuries to Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. Kendrick Bourne couldn't become fantasy relevant, could he? Probably not. So what would be the more likely shocker? That a somehow healthy Jordan Reed takes the field with George Kittle, giving Jimmy G. another exceptional weapon (when healthy). Probably farfetched. But if Samuel and/or Aiyuk can't go Week 1, don't be surprised if Reed gets the green light. (Or Dante Pettis could sneak in, but I hope Reed makes a comeback.)
The Jets' wideout corps is getting more muddled. An ascending Chris Hogan, paired with an injured Denzel Mims, are giving Jamison Crowder and TE Chris Herndon a boost. I still love the very low-rated Breshad Perriman to surprise. But of course, health is the great equalizer in all this.
Meanwhile, the Texans' wideout situation is gaining clarity. Kenny Stills didn't pass his physical, putting him in the hot seat as the season opener approaches, while Keke Coutee has a stress fracture in his foot. Will Fuller and Brandin Cooks are the biggest beneficiaries at their respective WR-34 and WR-37 ADPs, while Randall Cobb (WR-75) is finally worth a late-round flyer.
Finally, a few days ago Carolina released Jordan Scarlett, reinforcing projections that Mike Davis might be ready to serve as CMC's handcuff. Of course, Davis is on his fourth team in since getting drafted in the fourth round in 2015. He's largely failed to establish himself as an NFL starter, but has shown good receiving skills and could actually be a top-12 handcuff as we head toward September.
But no team's receiving corps has had it worse this offseason than the Niners'. They parted with Emmanuel Sanders, lost Jalen Hurd for the year, and now are dealing with injuries to Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. Kendrick Bourne couldn't become fantasy relevant, could he? Probably not. So what would be the more likely shocker? That a somehow healthy Jordan Reed takes the field with George Kittle, giving Jimmy G. another exceptional weapon (when healthy). Probably farfetched. But if Samuel and/or Aiyuk can't go Week 1, don't be surprised if Reed gets the green light. (Or Dante Pettis could sneak in, but I hope Reed makes a comeback.)
The Jets' wideout corps is getting more muddled. An ascending Chris Hogan, paired with an injured Denzel Mims, are giving Jamison Crowder and TE Chris Herndon a boost. I still love the very low-rated Breshad Perriman to surprise. But of course, health is the great equalizer in all this.
Meanwhile, the Texans' wideout situation is gaining clarity. Kenny Stills didn't pass his physical, putting him in the hot seat as the season opener approaches, while Keke Coutee has a stress fracture in his foot. Will Fuller and Brandin Cooks are the biggest beneficiaries at their respective WR-34 and WR-37 ADPs, while Randall Cobb (WR-75) is finally worth a late-round flyer.
Finally, a few days ago Carolina released Jordan Scarlett, reinforcing projections that Mike Davis might be ready to serve as CMC's handcuff. Of course, Davis is on his fourth team in since getting drafted in the fourth round in 2015. He's largely failed to establish himself as an NFL starter, but has shown good receiving skills and could actually be a top-12 handcuff as we head toward September.