2014 Rookie Class Thread

Odell Beckham - WR - Giants
Giants OC Ben McAdoo said whatever they get from Odell Beckham (hamstring) this season "will be a good bonus."
Not exactly what most teams, especially bad ones like the Giants, expect from No. 12 overall picks. Beckham hasn't practiced fully in nearly three months, as he's been painfully slow to recover from a pulled hamstring. When Beckham does return, he's going to have some serious depth chart climbing to do.

[size=13]Jordan Matthews - WR - Eagles
[size=12]Coach Chip Kelly said the team isn't concerned about rookie Jordan Matthews' dropped passes.
"Some of it is just concentration, fingertips, eyes to the catch, make sure you're tucking it away," Kelly said. "Little fundamental things." The Eagles credited Matthews with two, possibly even three, drops against the Colts last week when he secured just 1-of-4 targets. It's not Matthews' first bout with drops as a pro; he dropped two or three balls in the preseason opener. Matthews, who's playing the slot for the Eagles, is more focused on his run blocking

[size=13]Martavis Bryant - WR - Steelers
[size=12]Steelers WR Martavis Bryant (shoulder) is practicing in full for Week 3.
Bryant also practiced in full for Week 2, but was scratched against the Ravens. With Lance Moore (groin) returning for Week 3, Bryant could again find himself inactive.


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[size=32]Jags turn to Blake Bortles at QB
Updated: September 21, 2014, 5:57 PM ET
By Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com[/size]


Colts Dominate Jaguars
Andrew Luck threw for 370 yards and four touchdowns to help the Colts beat the Jaguars 44-17.
Tags: NFL, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Andrew Luck, Coby Fleener, Blake Bortles
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• Saints Get First Win Of Season
  
  

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Blake Bortles era has begun in Jacksonville.

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AP Photo/Phelan M. EbenhackBlake Bortles replaced starting quarterback Chad Henne to begin the second half of the Jaguars' game against Indianapolis on Sunday.

The No. 3 overall pick in the 2014 draft replaced starting quarterback Chad Henne to begin the second half of the Jaguars' 44-17 home loss against Indianapolis at EverBank Field after the offense generated just 42 yards and trailed the Colts 30-0.
Jaguars coach Gus Bradley announced after the game that Bortles would start next Sunday at the San Diego Chargers.
Bortles was the first quarterback taken in the draft after a standout career at Central Florida throwing for 7,598 yards and 56 touchdowns. Jaguars coach Gus Bradley said earlier in the week that there were no discussions among the coaches to bench Henne for Bortles despite the offense's poor performance after a very good first half in the season opener against Philadelphia.
Since scoring 17 points in the first half against the Eagles, the Jaguars have scored just 10 points and Henne has been sacked 15 times, including a franchise-record 10 in last Sunday's loss to Washington.
The run game has generated just 122 yards through two-and-a-half games. Henne has completed 42 of 78 passes for 492 yards and three touchdowns with one interception this season, but he struggled against the Colts, completing only 4 of 7 passes for 33 yards. He also was sacked three times.

[size=32]Matt Cassel has broken foot
Updated: September 21, 2014, 6:30 PM ET
By Ben Goessling | ESPN.com[/size]


Saints Get First Win Of Season
Drew Brees threw for 293 yards and two touchdowns in the Saints' 20-9 win over the Vikings.
Tags: NFL, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Drew Brees, Teddy Bridgewater
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• Bridgewater Comfortable In Starting Role
  
  

NEW ORLEANS -- The Minnesota Vikings got their first look at Teddy Bridgewater on Sunday afternoon after starter Matt Cassel left the game with what was later diagnosed as a broken left foot.

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AP Photo/Bill HaberTeddy Bridgewater replaced Matt Cassel after the veteran injured his foot during the Vikings' drive early in the second quarter Sunday against the Saints.

Cassel injured his foot on a scramble during the Vikings' field-goal drive early in the second quarter. He was carted to the locker room for X-rays after trainer Eric Sugarman examined his foot. It was later confirmed by ESPN.com that Cassel suffered several fractured bones in the foot.
Cassel was seen on crutches in the locker room following the team's 20-9 loss to New Orleans.
Bridgewater completed 12 of 20 passes for 150 yards in relief of Cassel and completed his first NFL pass to Greg Jennings for 10 yards.
The Vikings named Cassel their starting quarterback at the beginning of the season, and had planned not to have a "quick hook" with him, as coach Mike Zimmer put it.
Bridgewater's sudden starter status is the latest twist in a season that's already deviated significantly from the Vikings' plans, given the off-field trouble that forced the team to eventually place star running back Adrian Peterson on the commissioner's exempt list.

Ryan Shazier leaves with knee injury, won’t return

Posted by Darin Gantt on September 21, 2014, 10:26 PM EDT
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One of the bright spots of the Steelers defense had a short night.
Rookie linebacker Ryan Shazier has left the game with a knee injury, and won’t return.
Shazier was caught by one of his own teammates while trying to back away from a pile, and immediately limped to the sidelines, where trainers were looking at his right knee.
The first-round pick from Ohio State has been a revelation, the rare rookie who can start for Dick LeBeau. We’ll probably find out tomorrow whether he will again anytime soon.[/size]

Rookie WR Beckham Jr. nearing debut? 

September, 21, 2014



By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

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As the New York Giants attempted to redesign their offense under offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo, they plunked down a first-round pick on WR Odell Beckham Jr., whom they hoped would excel in their new west-coast system. 

Instead, Beckham battled a hamstring issue during the offseason. The injury was so bad that he hasn't practiced with the team since July 22. When will he make his NFL debut? 

"Good news is on the horizon for the Giants offense... eventually. No Odell Beckham today but he's fully expected for Thursday vs. Skins," tweeted CBSSports.com's Jason La Canfora. 

Considering how little work Beckham has had with his teammates, it's hard to believe that he will come in and make an immediate impact for the Giants and fantasy teams. 

However, the door is wide open for the No. 3 job after Jerrel Jernigan was placed on injured reserve this week. That leaves only Preston Parker, who was out of the league last year, UDFACorey Washington and former practice-squad player Julian Talley as competition for Beckham. 

That makes him worthy of a speculative add for fantasy teams with deeper benches to see if he can flesh out a reliable role in the coming weeks.

Kelvin Benjamin - WR - Panthers
Kelvin Benjamin caught 11 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown in Sunday night's Week 3 loss to the Steelers.
With Jerricho Cotchery sidelined, Benjamin had a team-high 11 targets. His touchdown came on a 35-yard pass from Derek Anderson late in the fourth quarter. Benjamin just missed coming down with a 20-yard touchdown in the first half, or he would have had an even bigger game. He continues to impress with his ability to make catches in traffic and is already one of the best red-zone receivers. Benjamin now has 19 catches, 253 yards, and two touchdowns through three games.

[size=13]Carlos Hyde - RB - 49ers
[size=12]Carlos Hyde rushed three times for 13 yards and a touchdown in San Francisco's Week 3 loss to the Cardinals.
He caught two passes, but lost two yards through the air. Hyde's score was a toss where he found the edge, and delivered punishment to two Cardinals defenders at the goal line. It was his second touchdown in three games, giving him one more than Frank Gore. Gore has out-touched Hyde 37-17, however. Hyde's main value comes as Gore's handcuff. Standalone, he's an RB4.

[size=13]Dri Archer - RB - Steelers
[size=12]Steelers RB/KR Dri Archer (ankle) is inactive for Sunday night's Week 3 game against the Panthers.
Archer practiced on a limited basis this week and could return in Week 4. The rest of the Steelers inactives are QB Landry Jones, LG Ramon Foster, NT Dan McCullers, CB B.W. Weeb, and OL Wesley Johnson. WR Martavis Bryant is a healthy scratch.

Eric Ebron - TE - Lions
Eric Ebron was held without a catch on one target in Detroit's Week 3 win over the Packers.
The No. 10 overall pick of May's draft now has three catches on eight targets through three games. With no signs that he's about to become a bigger part of the Lions' offense, Ebron remains waiver-wire fodder in 12-14 team re-draft leagues.

[size=13]Terrance West - RB - Browns
[size=12]Terrance West rushed 12 times for 36 yards and a touchdown and caught two passes for five yards in Cleveland's Week 3 loss to Baltimore.
He was outplayed by Isaiah Crowell, who averaged 5.0 YPC to West's 3.0. West's fantasy value from a forward-thinking perspective is shaky because the Browns go on a Week 4 bye, and Ben Tate is tentatively due back from his knee injury in Week 5. When Tate is healthy, West is unlikely to operate as more than a change-of-pace back. His value is somewhere between an RB3 and RB4.

[size=13]Davante Adams - WR - Packers
[size=12]Davante Adams played primarily as the No. 4 receiver in the Packers' Week 3 loss to the Lions, catching 2-of-3 targets for 11 yards.
Adams got some run ahead of Jarrett Boykin, but drew the first-half ire of Aaron Rodgers by running the wrong route on a first-quarter play. Adams returned to some three-wide sets in the second half. Boykin drew four looks, but caught only one pass, and committed a brutal drop. All in all, today was a wash for Adams' quest to move ahead of Boykin. He's still the higher-upside stash.

[size=13]Brandin Cooks - WR - Saints
[size=12]Brandin Cooks caught 8-of-10 targets for 74 yards in the Saints' Week 3 win over the Vikings.
Cooks led the Saints in targets on a day where the Vikings did a good job eliminating big plays. Cooks was Drew Brees' primary checkdown target, and is quickly proving versatile for a Saints team learning to live without Darren Sproles. Cooks will enter next week's trip to Dallas with 18 catches for 164 yards on 24 targets. He's added three rushes for 49 yards, and is growing into WR2 value.

[size=13]Sammy Watkins - WR - Bills
[size=12]Sammy Watkins caught only two-of-eight targets for 19 yards against the Chargers.
E.J. Manuel's inaccuracy played the biggest part in Watkins' inefficient day, but Watkins gave up on at least one route as well. Watkins' talent is unquestioned, but he will be an inconsistent fantasy player as long as Manuel is under center. Watkins will be an upside WR3 against the Texans next week.

[size=13]Jordan Matthews - WR - Eagles
[size=12]Jordan Matthews caught eight passes for 59 yards with two touchdowns in Sunday's Week 3 win over the Redskins.
The second-round rookie's breakout performance was highlighted by two red-zone touchdowns in which he simply beat LB Perry Riley up the seam. He also showed incredibly strong hands on a sideline catch. Matthews is a fine WR4 kind of fantasy player, but realize this game was against a really bad Redskins pass defense and expect inconsistency going forward in the Eagles' spread the wealth scheme. Matthews had just three catches for 54 yards and no TDs in the first two weeks, and isn't playing in two-wide sets yet (Riley Cooper and Jeremy Maclin are).

[size=13]Donte Moncrief - WR - Colts
[size=12]Colts rookie Donte Moncrief secured 4-of-5 targets for 55 yards in Sunday's Week 3 win over Jacksonville.
The third-round pick added seven yards on a carry. Moncrief saw extended playing time in three-receiver sets after T.Y. Hilton exited with a second-quarter ankle injury, and never returned. Moncrief is a sensational athlete. He's more of a Dynasty league prospect than fantasy WR3, but could appear on the WR4/5 radar if Hilton misses multiple games.

[size=13]Allen Hurns - WR - Jaguars
[size=12]Jaguars WR Allen Hurns caught a 63-yard touchdown pass in Sunday's Week 3 loss to the Colts.
He was targeted three times, turning his only catch into the score. Hurns played behind Cecil Shorts and Allen Robinson, and could also lose playing time to Marqise Lee when Lee returns from his hamstring injury.

Allen Robinson - WR - Jaguars
Allen Robinson reeled in 7-of-10 targets for 79 yards in the Jaguars' Week 3 loss to the Colts.
Robinson racked up catches in garbage time after drawing the start over Allen Hurns, who scored a 63-yard touchdown on his lone reception against the Colts. A 21-year-old athletic marvel with a 42-inch vertical, Robinson is more of a Dynasty league stash than re-draft starter. Still, he could become a WR3 option during bye-week crunches now that the Jags have installed Blake Bortles at quarterback. The Jaguars head to San Diego next.
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Vikings put Matt Cassel, Brandon Fusco on IR

Posted by Darin Gantt on September 24, 2014, 9:19 AM EDT
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There’s no more mystery about the fact it’s Teddy Time in Minnesota.
The Vikings announced this morning that quarterback Matt Cassel and guard Brandon Fusco were placed on season-ending injured reserve.
That clears the way for Teddy Bridgewater to lay claim to the starting job for the long haul, without the specter of the guy who won the starting job out of training camp lingering in case he messes up.
Frankly, that’s best for Bridgewater, as it gives him an opportunity to play and fail, to succeed and possibly grow into the role he was drafted to play.
Losing Fusco is perhaps the bigger blow of the two. The Vikings had just given him afive-year, $25 million contract this offseason, as the former sixth-round pick had turned into a reliable starter up front.[/size]

Still think he'll be better than Clowney...

[size=36]Chiefs’ Dee Ford eager to capitalize on nice showing against Dolphins

BY TEREZ A. PAYLOR
THE KANSAS CITY STAR
09/23/2014 6:39 PM 
 09/23/2014 6:56 PM
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Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Dee Ford (left) made the motion of incomplete pass on a near sack he made on Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill in the fourth quarter at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. on Sunday.DAVID EULITT/THE KANSAS CITY STAR

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Dee Ford was standing at his locker Sunday evening at Sun Life Stadium, bathing in the afterglow of the Chiefs’ 34-15 win over the Miami Dolphins, when teammate James-Michael Johnson sidled up to a nearby locker.
“Dee Ford — tough!” Johnson said, referring to a slogan Ford repeats oftenin a recent commercial for a car dealership.
Ford, an outside linebacker who was coming off the best outing of his very young career, chuckled. Then team chairman Clark Hunt walked by.
“Hey Dee, congrats,” Hunt said. “Great effort out there.”


[size=18]Related Stories

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Chiefs snap-count observations: Dee Ford doubles his workload



“I appreciate that, yes sir,” Ford said.
Ford, the Chiefs’ first-round pick out of Auburn, cracked a smile. It was the first time Hunt had congratulated him for his play after a game.
“You want more of those,” Ford said. “You don’t get that unless you’re winning. It’s all about winning.”
Ford contributed to this one, too. After logging three plays in the opener against the Tennessee Titans and six plays in the Chiefs’ 24-17 loss to the Broncos the previous week, Ford played 13 snaps against the Dolphins, recording a pass breakup, a quarterback hit and a quarterback hurry.
Entering the game, Ford had yet to record a single stat.
“Yeah, I thought he played well,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “Last week, he was in six plays and most of those plays he was in a drop position. This week, he had an opportunity to rush the passer, and you saw the job that Bob (Sutton) and Gary (Gibbs) did with him putting him in those positions. That’s what he does best right now.
“I thought he was able to put some pressure on the quarterback and he was playing fast, reckless-type football. It was good.”
It was indeed a solid outing for Ford, whose selection at No. 23rd overall initially raised eyebrows around the league.
Most had pegged the Chiefs to go after a receiver at that point, or even a cornerback, but Chiefs general manager John Dorsey — who has maintained that he will take a long-term view when constructing this roster — instead chose to take one of the best pass-rushers in the draft, despite the fact he played a position where the Chiefs already boast two strong starters in Tamba Hali and Justin Houston.
The play of both players has been strong this year, so as expected, Ford — who knows he has to improve his pass-rush repertoire to make it in the NFL — has had to sit and watch more than most first-round picks typically do.
But Ford said this is no surprise.
“That’s the process they want me to go through,” Ford said. “Like I said earlier, they’re kind of easing me into this. This was part of the process, and this is what they knew what would happen — (I’d) slowly start to make plays and say ‘OK, I can do this.’”
Ford, who is listed at 6 feet 2 and 243 pounds, knows he also needs to make strength gains to become the player he wants to be. But Sunday, he showed flashes of the pass-rush ability that intrigued Dorsey, particularly on a second-quarter play when he recorded his pass breakup.
Ford broke out his trademark speed rush and managed to jump into quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s passing lane in time to get his right hand on the pass.
“I got a good get off (there),” Ford said. “I got close — not close enough, but close enough to deflect the pass.”

Ford also recorded a quarterback hit and pressure in the fourth quarter, when he lined up outside — with Houston lined up inside of him, closer to the quarterback — and tried a bull rush against rookie tackle Ja’Wuan James. The move didn’t work, but with Houston looping around him, they managed to team up for a hit on Tannehill, who manage to get the ball out for an incompletion.

It was one of nine times that Ford was allowed to rush the passer Sunday, which — as Reid alluded to Monday — hasn’t been a given. In his nine total snaps against Tennessee and Denver, he wasn’t allowed to rush the passer once.
“All the linebackers were dropping more than pass-rushing,” Ford explained.
But the best way to expand a pass-rush repertoire and develop a feel for how to use it is in a regular-season game, and Ford was definitely excited to test out his favorite move — the dip-and-rip around the edge — on Sunday.
“The problem with that was it was out quick,” Ford said. “I beat him around the edge, clearly, but he was letting it go very quick. But that’s part of it.
“You’ve just got to keep rushing.”
Ford said he even tried a spin move at one time, which didn’t work.
“It was forced,” Ford said. “It wasn’t there. I should have just rushed the edge. They were sitting on a lot of our inside moves.”
Now he can only hope for more learning experiences like the one he had on Sunday, which was highlighted by additional playing time and, most importantly, that winning feeling.
“I’ve got a lot to learn,” Ford said. “I’ve really humbled myself. I’m just trying to learn and play fast when I’m out there.”

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article2220485.html#storylink=cpy
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Titans beginning to rev up Sankey? 

September, 23, 2014



By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider

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Rookie RB Bishop Sankey was on plenty of fantasy breakout lists during the preseason, but he barely even stepped on the field for the Tennessee Titans the first two weeks. However, after taking part in just 14 snaps during those games, Sankey was on the field for 27 of the Titans' 71 snaps Sunday. 

Is this a sign that Sankey's role will continue to increase in the coming weeks? 

“He’s got good vision, and he looks to have good movement skills,” coach Ken Whisenhunt said, per the Tennessean. “What I didn’t like is attention to detail with him. If he can get the attention to detail better, his reps will increase.” 

“There were a couple of handoffs where he’s not doing it the right way and it almost was a fumble,” Whisenhunt added, in reference to Sankey’s Week 3 performance. “When he gets those things correct, then he’ll have the opportunity to get more playing time.” 

Sankey did well Sunday with his increased workload, chipping in 70 yards on 11 touches. Fantasy owners should get him rostered up now before he inevitably becomes a fantasy regular: 



Mike Clay
32 fantasy tips to win in Week 4

"For the first time in his young career, Bishop Sankey paced Tennessee Titans running backs in snaps on Sunday. The rookie was on the field for 27 plays. Dexter McCluster worked 17 andShonn Greene handled 13. Greene and Sankey each had 10 carries, but Sankey was clearly more effective, racking up 61 yards, compared to Greene's 33. It's important to remember that this remains a committee, but Sankey is a must-own in all formats. It's only a matter of time until he emerges as Tennessee's lead back."

Terrance West - RB - Browns
Terrance West appears to be in danger of falling to No. 3 on the Browns' running back depth chart.
Ben Tate (knee) is due back soon, and is tentatively expected to be re-installed as the starter. Isaiah Crowell averaged 5.2 yards per carry with three touchdowns in the Browns' first three games, while West managed a 4.3 YPC average with two scores. It's nothing against West -- he's a solid back -- but Crowell and Tate are better. Owners facing bye-week crunches can consider dropping West over the next two weeks, although we'd try to wait one more to see how things unfold in Cleveland's backfield immediately following the Week 4 bye.

Charlie Whitehurst - QB - Titans
The Nashville Tennessean believes there's a "very real" possibility Jake Locker's strained right (throwing) wrist costs him Week 4.
Locker missed practice Wednesday and his wrist was noticeably swollen. Coach Ken Whisenhunt expressed confidence in Charlie Whitehurst after the practice, confirming the Titans would turn to the 32-year-old journeyman rather than rookie Zach Mettenberger. Whitehurst has appeared in 13 career NFL games, completing an abysmal 54.2 percent of his throws with a 3:4 TD-to-INT ratio and 13 sacks absorbed. If Whitehurst starts in Week 4, the Colts would become an increasingly attractive fantasy defense streamer.

Dri Archer - RB - Steelers
Dri Archer (ankle) is practicing in full this week.
Archer should be available on kick returns against the Bucs. He doesn't have an offensive role behind Le'Veon Bell and LeGarrette Blount after missing the last two games, and isn't on the fantasy radar.

Jordan Matthews - WR - Eagles
Jordan Matthews is listed on the Eagles' injury report with an oblique issue.
Matthews practiced in full Wednesday despite being on the injury report. Coming off a breakout 8/59/2 line, he'll be a WR4 for Sunday's matchup with the 49ers.

Marqise Lee - WR - Jaguars
Marqise Lee (hamstring) is not practicing Wednesday.
Lee is expected to sit out again this week against the Chargers. Allen Robinson and Cecil Shorts will start, with Allen Hurns entering in three-wide sets.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins - TE - Buccaneers
Austin Seferian-Jenkins (foot) is practicing in full this week.
Seferian-Jenkins has missed the past two games. The Bucs could use his big frame back in the passing game, as they're struggling to generate any offense. Brandon Myers, as pedestrian as they come, has a 7-66 line the past two games.

Odell Beckham - WR - Giants
Odell Beckham (hamstring) has been ruled out for Thursday night's game against the Redskins.
As expected. Beckham returned to the practice field this week. He's aiming to make his NFL debut next week against the Falcons.

Louis Nix - DL - Texans
Texans placed NT Louis Nix on injured reserve with a wrist injury, ending his season.
Nix, the 83rd pick in May's draft, was listed as probable on last week's injury report, but didn't play a single snap this season. He missed all of the spring practices and first three weeks of training camp after undergoing a knee scope. The Texans have signed veteran NT Ryan Pickett to take Nix's roster spot.

Jordan Matthews - WR - Eagles
Coach Chip Kelly said Jordan Matthews will remain in the slot-role only, leaving Riley Cooper as the outside receiver opposite Jeremy Maclin.
Kelly said Cooper is playing well, though he's dropped a few passes and is averaging less than four catches and 31 yards per week with no scores. Matthews will continue to play between Maclin and Cooper because Kelly "wants that big, physical" slot presence. The rookie will see his 6-7 targets per game and remains a high-upside WR4. Owners will have to deal with inconsistency.

Teddy Bridgewater - QB - Vikings
Teddy Bridgewater (ankle) was held out of Tuesday's practice.
The "hope" is that Bridgewater will be ready for Wednesday's walk-through, but Bridgewater himself has made it clear that he's no sure thing for Thursday's game against the Packers. The short week couldn't be coming at a worse time for the Vikes, who could be forced to turn to Christian Ponder in an important divisional tilt.

Sammy Watkins - WR - Bills
Sammy Watkins noticed that Kyle Orton "reads it quicker" and the "ball is coming out faster" than it did with E.J. Manuel.
It sounds like Watkins was getting sick of Manuel's shortcomings and is looking forward to the Orton era. "The way he talked, the way he handles business, the way he looks at plays and breaks down defenses, it's kind of different than EJ," the rookie wideout said. Through four games with Manuel, Watkins was on pace for 68-788-8. Orton is a bottom-barrel NFL starter, but he can only help Sammy's box scores.

Odell Beckham - WR - Giants
Odell Beckham (hamstring) said he'd be happy with a limited number of plays in Sunday's game against the Falcons.
Beckham went through a hard practice Wednesday and will do the same Thursday. As long as he emerges without any setbacks, coach Tom Coughlin said the No. 12 overall pick will be part of the gameplan. However, Beckham won't be startable in fantasy until his snap count gets up around the 70-75 percent mark we eventually expect.

Derek Carr - QB - Raiders
Derek Carr (ankle, knee) said he expects to play after the Raiders' Week 5 bye.
Carr suffered a sprained MCL and high-ankle sprain against the Dolphins, so it would take an impressive recovery from him to return in two weeks. The Raiders would be forced to start Matt Schaub or Matt McGloin if Carr misses time.

Teddy Bridgewater - QB - Vikings
Teddy Bridgewater (ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday night's Week 5 game against the Packers.
Bridgewater missed practice Monday and Tuesday before the Vikings went through a walkthrough on Wednesday. The No. 32 pick in May's draft is looking like a full-blown game-time decision for Thursday night. Coach Mike Zimmer said the team has plans in place if Bridgewater can't go. Christian Ponder would start.

Marqise Lee will miss third straight game

Posted by Josh Alper on October 2, 2014, 10:03 AM EDT
Jacksonville Jaguars v Philadelphia Eagles
Getty Images
The Jaguars have been shorthanded at wide receiver all season and that’s not going to change against Pittsburgh in Week Five.

Cecil Shorts aggravated the hamstring injury that kept him out earlier this season against the Chargers last weekend and is expected to be out of the lineup for at least this week’s game as he tries to get things healed up once and for all. If he is on the sideline, he’ll have company from Marqise Lee.

The second-round pick has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury of his own and the team ruled him out for this week on Wednesday. As with Shorts, there’s not much point in playing Lee if there’s a chance of further aggravation to the injury but all the missed time is going to make it hard for Lee to get much out of his rookie year. He missed time during the summer as well and all the injury issues are likely to slow down his transition to the professional game.

Allen Hurns, Allen Robinson and Mike Brown will be joined at receiver by Ace Sanders, whose suspension has come to an end, when they face the Steelers this Sunday.

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Kelvin Benjamin named NFL offensive rookie of month

Posted by Darin Gantt on October 2, 2014, 10:03 AM EDT
Pittsburgh Steelers v Carolina Panthers
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The Panthers are minus one short, angry, bridge-napalming wide receiver.

But they have a young, tall, happy one who is off to a good start.

The NFL announced that Kelvin Benjamin was the league’s offensive rookie of the month for September.

He has 21 catches for 329 yards and three touchdowns, with at least 75 receiving yards in three of his games.

He’s the first Panther to win the award since Cam Newton in 2011, and it’s no accident those two have formed a quick bond.

Benjamin still struggles with routine catches sometimes, but has shown a knack for making big plays.

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Teddy Bridgewater - QB - Vikings
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, signs point to Teddy Bridgewater (ankle) sitting out Thursday night's game at Green Bay.
The short week isn't doing Bridgewater any favors after his ankle awkwardly got bent just four days ago. Nothing is official yet, but it looks like Christian Ponder is going to get the nod here (Matt Cassel is on injured reserve). That would make the Packers D/ST a very attractive streamer, as Ponder has no shot in Lambeau on two days of practice. In nine games last year, Ponder went 2-6-1 while throwing nine interceptions, fumbling seven times and taking 27 sacks.

Kyle Fuller named NFL defensive rookie of month

Posted by Darin Gantt on October 2, 2014, 12:03 PM EDT
Green Bay Packers v Chicago Bears
Getty Images
The best rookies in the NFL in September will get a chance to face each other the first game of October.

Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller was named the league’s defensive rookie of the month Thursday.

Sunday, he gets to try to stop Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin, the offensive rookie of the month.

Fuller has three interceptions and two forced fumbles, stepping into an immediate void in the Bears defense upon the injury to veteran Charles Tillman.

The first-rounder had two of his picks in the comeback win against the 49ers in Week Two, showing he has a flair for the bright lights of prime time as well.

Mike Zimmer: Teddy Bridgewater back next week for Detroit

Posted by Curtis Crabtree on October 3, 2014, 12:13 AM EDT
Teddy Bridgewater
AP
While Teddy Bridgewater apparently wasn’t healthy enough to play against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night after suffering an ankle injury last week against the Atlanta Falcons.

However, Bridgewater’s time on the sidelines will be short.

According to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said after the loss to Green Bay that Bridgewater will start next week’s game at home against the Detroit Lions.

Zimmer said that the decision on Bridgewater wasn’t made until today but he just wasn’t ready to play against the Packers.

Christian Ponder started in Bridgewater’s place against Green Bay and completed just 22 of 44 passes for 222 yards with two interceptions and a rushing touchdown. The Vikings signed Chandler Harnish to their active roster Tuesday as insurance with Bridgewater out.

Odell Beckham finally debuts today

Posted by Michael David Smith on October 5, 2014, 10:22 AM EDT
Odell Beckham
AP
The Giants’ first-round draft pick is finally ready to take the field.

Rookie receiver Odell Beckham, who has missed the entire season up to this point with a hamstring injury, will play today, according to Sal Paolantonio of ESPN.

It’s been a frustrating start to Beckham’s career, as he was also limited for much of the offseason and training camp and didn’t play at all in the preseason. Now Giants fans will finally get a look at him on the field today against the Falcons.

A hamstring injury can be particularly difficult for a player who relies on his speed like Beckham does, and it may still be unrealistic to expect Beckham to be able to play a full game. But any contribution they get from him today is better than what they’ve had so far.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins - TE - Buccaneers
Austin Seferian-Jenkins played on 61-of-64 snaps in Sunday's loss at New Orleans.
It looked like ASJ could have been a big part of the pass game, but he dropped his first two targets and finished with 1-11-0 on three targets. The good news is that the foot doesn't appear to be a major issue. We're not giving up on Seferian-Jenkins as a TE2 with upside as long as Mike Evans (groin) remains sidelined.

Troy Niklas - TE - Cardinals
Cardinals TE Troy Niklas sustained a high ankle sprain in Sunday's Week 5 loss at Denver.
Niklas, a second-round rookie, has one catch for 16 yards through four games. He missed a large chunk of the offseason with a broken hand.

Carlos Hyde - RB - 49ers
Carlos Hyde rushed 10 times for 43 yards in San Francisco's Week 5 win over the Chiefs.
Hyde was running tough all afternoon, but remained firmly behind Frank Gore, who posted 18-107 on the ground. With scores in only 2-of-5 games, Hyde is a touchdown-dependent RB4 who needs to up his touchdown rate.

Marqise Lee - WR - Jaguars
Marqise Lee (hamstring) has resumed running, and "could" return to practice on Wednesday.
The Jags have little reason to push Lee and his troublesome hamstring, so he should still be considered likely to miss Week 6. Lee's status will be updated on Wednesday.

A star is born!

Is Branden Oliver for real?
October, 6, 2014
OCT 6
10:01
AM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider
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We saw a breakout performance Sunday from rookie RB Branden Oliver, who exploded for 114 yards and a score on 19 carries and added another 68 yards and a score on four receptions against the New York Jets. It was a much-needed boost for a San Diego Chargers rushing attack that entered the game ranked dead last in the NFL with 2.4 yards per carry.

What can we expect from Oliver going forward? Much will depend on whether the Chargers O-line can continue to open holes like they did on Sunday.

"San Diego’s offensive line finally provided room for the running backs to run," noted ESPN Chargers reporter Eric D. Williams. "According to ESPN Stats & Information, Oliver had 84 rushing yards before contact on Sunday, the most by a Charger in a game this season.

"Oliver wasn’t hit in the backfield on any of his 19 rushes. Coming into the game, San Diego averaged a league-low 0.98 yards before contact per rush.

"Even more impressive was that Oliver’s performance came against the NFL’s best run defense heading into Week 5. The Jets came into the contest giving up just 63 rushing yards per game. But the Chargers finished with 162 yards on 40 carries, a healthy 4.1 yards per carry."

Oliver's teammates weren't surprised by what they saw from the 5-foot-7, 208-pound undrafted free-agent rookie.

"Whenever you can have a coming-out party for somebody, it’s a great thing,” Dwight Freeney said, per the San Diego Union-Tribune. “He’s a rookie, and we see it all the time in practice. It’s crazy. So we kind of expected it.

“You can’t teach that lean, that leverage, that movement and that height. You can’t see him.”

Oliver carried a heavy workload Sunday because Ryan Mathews and Donald Brown were sidelined by injuries. It's not clear when they will return, but as ESPN Insider Matt Williamson noted prior to Sunday's breakout, Oliver likely will play a significant role going forward, regardless of the status of Mathews:


Matt Williamson
Long-term pickups for Week 5
"With his diminutive stature and wearing No. 43 on his jersey, it is very easy to quickly mistake Oliver for Darren Sproles. That is a lofty comparison for this rookie runner, but they do have similarities to their games and Oliver is capable of creating mismatches as a receiving threat. Donald Brown has been dismal since taking over the lead role from Ryan Mathews, and with Danny Woodhead out for the year, Oliver's role should be increasing. He should remain a major part of the offense even when Mathews returns. San Diego's offensive line has been a huge problem of late, especially at center, but with Oliver's ability as a receiver and in space, he could help Philip Rivers (who is playing outstanding football) control the clock and move the chains."

Odell Beckham - WR - Giants
Giants coach Tom Coughlin confirmed Odell Beckham's hamstring emerged from Week 5 unscathed, and his role will grow moving forward.
Along with Rueben Randle and Victor Cruz, "OBJ" will get favorable matchups with the Eagles and Cowboys over the next two weeks. "He seemed to be fine today, there wasn't an issue," Coughlin said Monday. "We will push him along even further now." Beckham played just over 50 percent of the Giants' Week 5 snaps, registering a 4-44-1 receiving line on five targets with a long PI penalty.

Teddy Bridgewater - QB - Vikings
Teddy Bridgewater (ankle) returned to practice Tuesday.
For what it's worth, coach Mike Zimmer officially characterized Bridgewater as "DNP." The Vikings don't have to officially update Bridgewater's status until Wednesday. Bridgewater's ankle sprain was never considered very severe. If the Vikings didn't have a Thursday game last week, there's a good chance they could have avoided the Christian Ponder meltdown. Teddy should be ready to go as a low-end QB2 for a tough matchup against the Lions Sunday.

Brandin Cooks - WR - Saints
Brandin Cooks led Saints wideouts in snaps Week 5 with 68-of-91.
Cooks' usage has frustrated owners a bit as he's averaging just 8.0 yards per reception. But this is his role -- he's doing Darren Sproles things and letting his YAC skills do the talking. On pace for 102 catches and clearly a major part of the weekly gameplan, Cooks is a excellent weekly PPR bet.

Davante Adams - WR - Packers
Aaron Rodgers says he's noticed rookie Davante Adams creating separation when reviewing the Packers' games on tape.
Adams hasn't quite had a breakthrough game yet, but it's coming. "Davante, he’s open on film a lot," Rodgers said. "He’s run a lot of good routes. He only had one catch last week, but if he stays confident and keeps making plays like he’s doing in practice, the ball is going to keep coming his way." Adams is still a boom-or-bust WR3, but could leap to WR2 status quickly if Rodgers begins trusting him more. Over the last two weeks, Adams has played 74 percent of Green Bay's offensive snaps. Jarrett Boykin (groin/knee) is considered "highly unlikely" to play Sunday against the Dolphins.

Sammy Watkins - WR - Bills
Sammy Watkins has been removed from the Week 6 injury report.
Watkins is fully recovered from his rib injury. He's expected to be shadowed by Darrelle Revis this week, and can't be trusted as more than a low-end WR3. Watkins has a 24/284/2 line through five games.

Derek Carr - QB - Raiders
Derek Carr (knee, ankle) practiced on Wednesday.
Carr is two weeks removed from a sprained MCL and high-ankle sprain. He reportedly looked fine in practice, and is on track to play in Week 6. Carr will be a low-end QB2 for fantasy purposes.

Mike Evans - WR - Buccaneers
Mike Evans (groin) returned to practice Wednesday.
Evans wasn't able to practice at full speed, but has been cleared for individual drills. It's excellent news after he was expected to be held out through the Bucs' Week 7 bye. Evans was coming off a breakout 4/65/1 with Mike Glennon at quarterback prior to going down. He's now on track to return for Sunday's game against Baltimore.

Marqise Lee - WR - Jaguars
Marqise Lee (hamstring) returned to practice Wednesday, getting in a limited session.
Lee ran on Monday and apparently experienced no setbacks. If he can play this week, Lee will likely be the No. 3 receiver behind Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns. The coaching staff has voiced concerns over Lee's ability to pick up the offense. OC Jedd Fisch said Lee needs to "expedite his learning process."

Teddy Bridgewater - QB - Vikings
Teddy Bridgewater (ankle) said he's 100 percent healthy.
Bridgewater suffered a minor sprain. He likely would have played last week if the Vikings hadn't been on a short week and playing on Thursday night. Coach Mike Zimmer fully expects Bridgewater to play Sunday against the Lions. It'll be a nice test after he led the offense through Atlanta's Swiss-cheese defense in Week 4.

Odell Beckham - WR - Giants
Odell Beckham (hamstring) is not on the Week 6 injury report.
He's back to 100 percent and will be all systems go for an increased role against the Eagles after playing just over 50 percent of the snaps in his debut against the Falcons. Beckham should play in all three-wide sets, and that's the Giants' base offense under OC Ben McAdoo. He's in the WR3 conversation. Expect Beckham and Rueben Randle to see plenty of Cary Williams and Bradley Fletcher on the outside, while Victor Cruz works on slot CB Brandon Boykin.

Taylor Lewan can barely hide his excitement

Posted by Darin Gantt on October 9, 2014, 4:59 PM EDT
effda1a4134f4a11af0c47bb4c238a35
Getty Images
Any rookie will be excited about his first NFL start.

Titans tackle Taylor Lewan might be a little too excited.

Lewan will be taking over for Michael Roos at left tackle for the rest of the season, and he can barely contain himself.

“Obviously I’ll be close enough to peeing myself before the game, but that’s how it was in college,” Lewan said, via Jim Wyatt of the Tennesseean. “That’s how it was my senior year [at Michigan] after being a four-year starter. It is the excitement of the game. Having the opportunity to go out there, it is nerve-racking, it has to be. … I am real excited for the opportunity and ready to get nervous.”

The Titans have been able to trust Roos for a decade, but they drafted Lewan to be his long-term replacement.

Now if they can just get him housebroken by the weekend, they can move onto other concerns (like who’s playing quarterback).

Derek Carr - QB - Raiders
Derek Carr (knee, ankle) remained limited in Thursday's practice, but is expected to start Saturday's game against the Chargers.
Per ESPN's Bill Williamson, that's the way "all signs are pointing." Speaking after Thursday's practice, interim coach Tony Sparano said Carr "looked better than yesterday." Carr will be a bottom-three fantasy option against the Chargers' improved defense.

Marqise Lee - WR - Jaguars
Marqise Lee (hamstring) was upgraded to "full" in Thursday's practice.
All of a sudden, it looks like the Jaguars might have a full deck at receiver, as Lee and Cecil Shorts (hamstring) are on pace to rejoin Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns. There's a strong chance Lee will be No. 4 on the depth chart, leaving him off the radar in re-draft leagues for the time being.