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SYTYPP 2023 Est. 2007
FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

Ex-No. 1 pick JaMarcus Russell fired, accused of theft

Sat Jun 29 11:55am ET
Field Level Media

JaMarcus Russell, the first pick of the 2007 NFL Draft, has been fired from his volunteer high school assistant coaching job and accused in a lawsuit of stealing donations meant for the school, according to multiple reports.

The firing apparently came several months ago but was just confirmed by school officials in Mobile County, Ala.

"JaMarcus Russell was relieved of his volunteer coaching duties at Williamson High School during the fall of last year," Mobile County Public Schools said in a statement tod WKRG Sports on Friday.

The former Oakland Raiders quarterback also is facing a lawsuit accusing him of taking a $74,000 check intended as a donation to the school -- his alma mater -- and keeping the money for himself.

According to reports, local business owner Chris Knowles said Russell approached him to help fund new weight room equipment for the school's football team. Knowles alleged Russell deposited the money into a credit union, immediately withdrawing $55,000 for himself.

Russell, 38, has now been ordered to stay away from the campus.

"Earlier this week, it was reiterated to Mr. Russell that he is not permitted to be around the football program or on school campus," the school district said in a statement to WKRG, after Russell reportedly showed up to a school football team event.

Russell played three seasons at LSU, where he threw for 6,625 yards and 52 touchdowns before signing a six-year deal with the Raiders worth close to $68 million.

However, Russell flopped in the NFL and is considered one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history. He appeared in 31 games (25 starts) over three seasons, finishing with a 52.1 percent completion rate, 4,083 yards, 18 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. His record was 7-18.

After he was released before the 2010 season, Russell and the Raiders spent the next several years in disputes over the contract, with the Raiders trying to recoup some of their losses. Ultimately the Raiders paid Russell $3 million in a 2013 settlement, making a total of approximately $40 million for Russell's three years of service.

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The Paur Report

Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 4

Player Notes
Bo Nix Sep 27 9:00pm ET
Bo Nix

The New York Jets defense draws a great matchup at home against the Denver Broncos in Week 4. The Broncos have struggled on offense this season, ranking 23rd in points per game and 26th in yards per game through three weeks. The Jets boast one of the more talented defenses in the league and find themselves in a great spot against rookie quarterback Bo Nix in front of their home crowd. With New York installed as 7.5-point home favorites in a game with a low 39.5 over/under, fantasy gamers should start the Jets defense with confidence heading into Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Conklin Sep 27 8:50pm ET
Tyler Conklin

New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin had his best game of the season in Week 3, catching five passes for 93 yards in a win over the New England Patriots. Conklin will look to stay hot in a home game against the Denver Broncos in Week 4. The Broncos have been vulnerable against tight ends this season, allowing the 11th-most fantasy points per game to the position through three weeks. On the other hand, Denver has been extremely tough on wide receivers, allowing the second-fewest fantasy points per game. As such, the Jets could look to lean on Conklin when they take to the air in Week 4, making him an interesting option as an upside TE2 for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Greg Zuerlein Sep 27 8:50pm ET
Greg Zuerlein

New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein had made two of his three field-goal attempts and all seven of his extra points through the first three games of the season. He will look for more chances to kick in Week 4's home matchup against the Denver Broncos. The Broncos have been stingy against kickers this season, allowing just the 25th-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. Zuerlein hasn't been getting enough field-goal attempts to trust in fantasy this season, leaving him outside of the top 15 at the position for Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Mike Williams Sep 27 8:40pm ET
Mike Williams

New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams has shown moderate improvement in each of his three games this season as he gets further and further removed from a torn ACL that he suffered in 2023. Williams will look to continue his upward trajectory at home in Week 4 against the Denver Broncos. Denver has been tough on opposing wideouts this season, allowing the second-fewest fantasy points per game to the position through three games. That being said, Garrett Wilson should occupy most of lockdown cornerback Patrick Surtain II's attention in Week 4, which would free Williams up for a larger target share. Williams is by no means a safe fantasy play but he's on the board as a boom/bust flex option heading into Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Mostert Sep 27 8:40pm ET
Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (chest) was listed as a limited participant in practice on Friday for the second day in a row. Mostert suffered a chest injury in the Week 1 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and has missed the last two games. However, with two limited showings this week, he could be on his way to returning for a Week 4 tilt on Monday night versus the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium. Pain tolerance is the issue for the 32-year-old veteran, but he is optimistic he'll have a chance to play on Monday. Even if Mostert manages to be active against the Titans, he'll most likely be the No. 2 behind explosive back De'Von Achane, limiting his flex appeal in fantasy lineups, especially if he's eased back in. In the season opener, Mostert played 44% of the snaps (Achane had 52%) and produced just nine yards on six carries while catching two passes for 10 yards. Mostert is shaping up as an extremely volatile flex option in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Allen Lazard Sep 27 8:40pm ET
Allen Lazard

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard has been revitalized in his second year with the team, having caught three touchdowns through three games. He will look to stay hot in Week 4's home matchup against the Denver Broncos. The Broncos have been tough on fantasy wideouts this season, allowing the second-fewest fantasy points per game thus far. That being said, No. 1 receiver Garrett Wilson should draw most of the coverage from star cornerback Patrick Surtain II on Sunday, leaving Lazard to enjoy an easier matchup. Lazard is a boom/bust play in Week 4 but he's worth considering as a flex option, especially for fantasy gamers dealing with injuries to key players.

From RotoBaller

Jahan Dotson Sep 27 8:30pm ET
Jahan Dotson

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jahan Dotson will go on the road to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4. The 24-year-old has been quiet through three weeks, amassing just three receptions for 14 yards. While he has come along slow as he learns the Eagles offensive system, he has increased his snap percentage each week, ending last week with 88%. However, Dotson failed to impress with no A.J. Brown (hamstring) last week, but now has the chance to step up against with DeVonta Smith (concussion) ruled out and Brown questionable. Rookie Johnny Wilson is another name that will see an increase in usage, but Dotson is the one who is expected to be the No. 2 receiver if Brown is active and the top one if Brown sits out again. The matchup shouldn't scare anyone away for fantasy purposes, but because no wide receiver outside of Brown and Smith has done anything this year thus far, the former Washington Commander is tough to trust. If Brown is out, Dotson turns into a risky flex play, while he remains a WR4/5 if Brown is active.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Sep 27 8:30pm ET
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence should be closer to drop consideration than starting consideration for fantasy managers in Week 4 against the Houston Texans. The Houston defense has been solid so far this year, but for the struggling Jaguars offense, that is still a tough matchup. Lawrence has put up around ten fantasy points in each of the first three games, a terrible output for a starting fantasy QB. The former top pick has played far from that level, putting up just two passing touchdowns through three games. After being blown out 47-10 by the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football, it is easy to completely write off Lawrence and the Jaguars offense. However, a matchup with a division rival the week after an embarrassing blowout could mean a more motivated and improved version of the Jacksonville offense. For now though, Lawrence at best should be kept on benches, and at worst be dropped by fantasy managers in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Sep 27 8:30pm ET
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert will go on the road to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4. The 29-year-old had the best receiving performance of his career last weekend, nabbing 10 of 11 targets for 170 yards. The Eagles were without A.J. Brown (hamstring) and lost DeVonta Smith (concussion) later in the contest, leaving the door wide open for Goedert to have a massive performance. The same could happen this week, as Smith was ruled out and Brown is currently listed as questionable. If both miss, the veteran tight end becomes the immediate top target for quarterback Jalen Hurts against a stiff Tampa Bay defense. While the matchup is not favorable, fantasy managers should continue to start Goedert this week with all of the injuries along the Eagles receiving corps.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Sep 27 8:30pm ET
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) put in a second straight day with a limited practice on Friday. Walker has missed the last two games with an oblique injury but has an extra day of rest this week heading into a Week 4 contest on Monday Night Football versus the Detroit Lions on the road. As things stand now, the 23-year-old appears to be on track to return, barring a setback, but he could also go down as questionable on the team's final injury report on Saturday. A questionable tag would make Walker a difficult fantasy decision with his game being on Monday night, unless managers have backfield mate Zach Charbonnet handcuffed to him. Walker is Seattle's clear lead back when healthy. Charbonnet is a plug-and-play option in fantasy without Walker. In the last two games that Walker missed, Charbonnet had a total of 32 carries for 129 yards and three touchdowns while adding eight receptions for 47 yards. Check back Saturday for Walker's official Week 4 designation.

From RotoBaller

Jake Elliott Sep 27 8:30pm ET
Jake Elliott

Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott will go on the road to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4. The 29-year-old had the best season of his career in 2023 but has been off to a slow start in 2024. Last week was a defensive back-and-forth between the Eagles and Saints, leaving Elliott with one failed field goal attempt and only one extra-point conversion. Things should be better this week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the Eagles offense could struggle to move the ball with DeVonta Smith (concussion) out and A.J. Brown (hamstring) questionable. Elliott is shaping up to be a boom-or-bust streaming option in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Braelon Allen Sep 27 8:30pm ET
Braelon Allen

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen has run for at least 55 yards or a touchdown in each of his past two games as he looks to carve out a meaningful role in the running game behind Breece Hall. The rookie running back will look to continue to ascend when he takes on the Denver Broncos at home in Week 4. The Broncos have been mediocre against running backs in 2024, allowing the 15th-most fantasy points per game to the position through three weeks. Allen remains behind Hall but he is getting enough work to merit consideration as a flex option in fantasy moving forward. The Broncos have done an excellent job shutting down opponents' passing attacks this season, so the Jets could skew a bit more run-heavy than usual in Week 4. Treat Allen as an RB3/ flex option this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Johnny Wilson Sep 27 8:20pm ET
Johnny Wilson

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Johnny Wilson will go on the road to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4. The rookie caught the first reception of his young career last week, but did nothing of note past that and even committed a costly penalty. However, with DeVonta Smith (concussion) out this week and no guarantee that A.J. Brown (hamstring) will make his return after being labeled as questionable, Wilson should see an increase in usage. His snap percentage has gone up slowly each week, and Wilson should easily clear the 33% of snaps that he played last weekend. Anyone outside of Smith and Brown have done little to nothing for the Eagles through three weeks, but there is no real choice for quarterback Jalen Hurts and the Eagles coaching staff if those two options are not available. The 23-year-old should be considered on the flex borderline in deep leagues if Brown sits and is closer to a WR4/5 if Brown is active.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Sep 27 8:10pm ET
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. should be considered a serviceable RB2 in Week 4 against the Houston Texans. The Houston defense did well against the run in the first two weeks, limiting the Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears rushing attacks. In Week 3, they got torched by the Minnesota Vikings, led by Aaron Jones, who put up 148 total yards on 24 touches. The Jaguars offense has struggled, coming off a 47-10 smackdown against the Buffalo Bills last Monday. A matchup with a division rival coming off an embarrassment on Monday Night Football could be the motivation needed for a resurgence. However, expectations should be tempered, as especially with Evan Engram out once again, the offense is more likely to continue being unkind to its fantasy assets. Etienne Jr. is still a good starting option for fantasy managers, but until the offense shows signs of life, Etienne Jr. is capped at an RB2 level against the Texans.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Hurts Sep 27 8:10pm ET
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will go on the road to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a rematch of last year's Wild Card Round in Week 4. The 26-year-old struggled last week against a tough New Orleans defense, committing two turnovers and failing to score a touchdown. That was without star receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) and the No. 2 option DeVonta Smith (concussion) left the game early. Brown is currently listed as questionable after putting in a few limited practice sessions to end the week, so Hurts could have his top target back to face off against a Buccaneers defense that will bring the blitz early and often. The rushing touchdowns have not been as plentiful for the dual-threat quarterback, but how he looks when he chooses to run the ball is eerily reminiscent of when he was a front-runner for the league MVP a few weeks ago. Even with weapons missing, fantasy managers should continue to fire up Hurts as a top-12 option this week and expect better numbers after the team's Week 5 bye.

From RotoBaller

Saquon Barkley Sep 27 8:10pm ET
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley will face off against the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay in Week 4. The 27-year-old is coming off of a great game in which he carried the Eagles to victory over the New Orleans Saints, scoring two touchdowns on 21 touches and tallying over 150 yards. The Tampa Bay defense is no slouch against the run and is led by star defensive tackle Vita Vea. With that said, because DeVonta Smith (concussion) has already been ruled out and A.J. Brown (hamstring) is listed as questionable, Barkley is in line for a massive workload and should have heavy involvement in the passing game. Even if Brown suits up, there is no reason to expect a lighter workload than the 21 touches Barkley amassed last week. Consider the former New York Giant a top-three fantasy option in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Sep 27 8:10pm ET
Patrick Mahomes

Los Angeles Chargers outside linebacker Joey Bosa (hip) did not practice all week and has been ruled out for Week 4 against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. The oft-injured Bosa injured his hip on the first play of the Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and will sit out this weekend. The Chargers have their bye coming in Week 5, so the earliest the 29-year-old All-Pro pass-rusher can return to action will be in Week 6 against the division-rival Denver Broncos. It's unclear if he'll be ready to go by then. In addition to Bosa, linebacker Junior Colson (hamstring) is also out, while cornerback Kristian Fulton (knee) and defensive back Deane Leonard (hamstring). All-Pro safety Derwin James Jr. is serving a one-game suspension. It's a bad time to have key defenders sitting out against Patrick Mahomes and company. We're fading the Bolts' defense/special teams unit this week.

From RotoBaller

Cade Otton Sep 27 8:00pm ET
Cade Otton

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton is coming off his best game of the season during last week's loss to the Denver Broncos. Otton hauled in seven of his eight targets for 47 yards in the blowout loss. Before that game, Otton had one reception for five yards entering Week 3. Fantasy managers should view Otton's seven-catch performance as more of a fluke than anything else. He's heading into a tough matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles defense that has been a solid job against the tight end spot. Fantasy managers should view Otton as a low-end TE2 for this Week 4 matchup.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Sep 27 8:00pm ET
Garrett Wilson

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson finally found the end zone in Week 3, finishing with five catches for 33 yards and a score in a win over the New England Patriots. He will look to stay hot in Week 4's home game against the Denver Broncos. The Broncos represent a difficult matchup for Wilson as they are allowing the second-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts through three games. Wilson is expected to draw primary coverage from star corner Patrick Surtain II on Sunday. Surtain is fresh off locking Mike Evans up in Week 3, holding the star veteran to just two catches for 17 yards. The Jets will likely lean on their running game in this one, making Wilson more of a WR2 instead of his typical WR1 projection. That being said, he should still be in starting lineups this weekend, just temper expectations.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Sep 27 8:00pm ET
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) was limited in practice all week and is officially questionable to suit up against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4 on Sunday. In addition to Herbert being questionable, rookie right tackle Joe Alt (knee) is questionable, while left tackle Rashawn Slater (pectoral) has already been ruled out. Herbert aggravated a right high-ankle sprain in the Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers but is "doing everything he can" to play this weekend despite the Chargers having their bye in Week 5. The 26-year-old will surely have his mobility limited against the back-to-back Super Bowl-champion Chiefs if he plays on Sunday, and he could also be under siege with LA's offensive line at less than 100% health. As things stand now, we would expect Herbert to play, but the Chargers could play it safe and start backup Taylor Heinicke instead. Herbert will be a low-end QB2 in fantasy if he's active.

From RotoBaller