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FFL: Week 1 | NFL: Week 1

Rams bringing back DB John Johnson III

Thu Jul 4 2:52pm ET
Field Level Media

The Los Angeles Rams have agreed to terms with defensive back John Johnson III, the team announced Thursday.

Johnson, 28, returned to the Rams in 2023 after an initial four-year stint there followed by two seasons with the Cleveland Browns. He played in 17 games last season (eight starts) and made 42 tackles with two interceptions and six pass breakups.

The Rams selected Johnson in the third round of the 2017 draft out of Boston College. He has 392 tackles, 10 interceptions, 38 pass breakups, eight tackles for loss and one forced fumble in 71 career regular-season games (56 starts) for the Rams.

He also has played in seven playoff games (all starts) for Los Angeles and made 42 tackles with one interception.

Johnson signed as a free agent with Cleveland in 2021 and he totaled 162 tackles, four interceptions, nine pass breakups, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and five tackles for loss in 32 games (all starts) from 2021-22.

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Player Notes
Raheem Mostert Sep 5 2:50pm ET
Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday in the team's first home game of the season. He is coming off a career year in which he scored 21 total touchdowns and produced 1,187 scrimmage yards on a Dolphins squad that scored the second-most points in the NFL (496). Mostert is again set to lead a committee in the Dolphins' backfield, splitting time with De'Von Achane and perhaps Jaylen Wright and even Jeff Wilson sprinkling in for touches. The 32-year-old back does not have the same kind of miles as other NFL veterans his age, as he has yet to eclipse 700 career carries (674). Additionally, he is still one of the fastest players in the league -- clocking in as the tenth-fastest ball carrier in any game last season at a scorching 21.62 MPH. Jacksonville was tough against the run last year -- allowing the ninth-fewest yards in the NFL -- though they did let up 15 rushing touchdowns -- tied for ninth-most. Expect a good amount of scoring opportunities for the tenth-year back, as the Dolphins have an implied point total of 26 in their first tilt.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Sep 5 2:50pm ET
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) is dealing with calf tightness and was limited at Thursday's practice, according to Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly. The 35-year-old had a calf injury pop up earlier in the preseason, so the team is likely to be cautious with the aging signal-caller. It would be a surprise if he didn't suit up in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, but fantasy managers should stay up to date with his latest updates. Wilson played the last two seasons with the Denver Broncos, posting 6,594 passing yards, 42 passing touchdowns, and 19 interceptions. He added 618 yards and six scores on the ground. As bad as Wilson looked at times in Denver, he finished as the overall QB16 in 2022 and QB14 in 2023. He's not a viable starter in single-QB formats, but he could have sneaky value in Superflex and two-QB leagues. That said, he carries a QB3 outlook into Week 1, especially considering his calf issue could limit his mobility.

From RotoBaller

Devin Singletary Sep 5 2:40pm ET
Devin Singletary

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary signed with the organization this offseason on a three-year, $16.5 million deal following a solid season with the Houston Texans in 2023. The 27-year-old posted career highs in rushing attempts (216) and rushing yards (898) last season. Although his offensive environment isn't ideal like it was in Houston with C.J. Stroud and a strong offensive line, he could make a significant fantasy impact if he sees a healthy opportunity share. Giants reporter Jordan Raanan said Singletary is going to have "prime usage," and he wouldn't be surprised if he's utilized like Saquon Barkley was in New York. Head coach Brian Daboll hinted at a three-down role for Singletary in a recent media availability. "He's just a good running back. You can use him on all three down," Daboll said. "You don't have to sub him a bunch." It's always tough to trust coaches in the preseason, but it sounds like Singletary could see a dominant opportunity share, which obviously limits the upside of rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. Singletary has an RB3 outlook for Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. His initial usage will tell us more about his role heading into Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Trevon Diggs Sep 5 2:40pm ET
Trevon Diggs

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs suffered a torn ACL in practice leading up to Week 3 of last season, but he is not on the Cowboys injury report leading up to the Week 1 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Head coach Mike McCarthy suggested he will not be on a pitch count or be limited in his return to action. "I see him healthy, ready to go, McCarthy said. "As standing here today, I see him slated as a full-time player. I think Trevon's been right on schedule as far as how much he'll play." Diggs led the league with 11 interceptions in 2021 and has one All-Pro nod and two Pro Bowl selections on his resume. With 2023 breakout cornerback DaRon Bland (foot) on Injured Reserve, the Cowboys will need Diggs to be at full strength heading into a matchup against Amari Cooper.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Sep 5 2:30pm ET
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase was fully dressed and back on the practice field on Thursday leading up to the Week 1 matchup against the New England Patriots. The former first-round pick has been seeking a new contract that would potentially make him the highest-paid wideout in the league, and there has been speculation that he could sit out games if he doesn't reach an extension before the start of the regular season. While his second consecutive day of practice doesn't put those concerns to rest, it certainly doesn't hurt his chances of suiting up. Surely, there will be more updates before Sunday, but if he's active, he's a clear must-start option in leagues of all shapes and sizes. The 24-year-old has WR1 overall upside in any given matchup.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Hurts Sep 5 2:20pm ET
Jalen Hurts

The Green Bay Packers defense/special teams unit heads to Brazil to match up with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Packers do feature a solid D/ST unit overall, but against the Eagles' strong offense with Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith, and others, Green Bay should be left on the bench or on waivers for Week 1. Under the direction of former Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley, the Packers have added to their inside linebacker unit by drafting Edgerrin Cooper in the second round and revamping their safety unit as they brought in former Giant Xavier McKinney and rookie second-rounder Javon Bullard. Add in continued health from Eric Stokes, and Jaire Alexander, plus a formidable pass rush that features Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, and Kenny Clark, and the Packers look like a sleeper defensive/special teams unit for 2024, but one we should err on the side of caution against a potent Eagles defense in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Dillon Johnson Sep 5 2:20pm ET
Dillon Johnson

The Carolina Panthers signed rookie running back Dillon Johnson to the practice squad on Thursday, according to NFL.com. Johnson went unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft following a stellar season at Washington. While playing in a loaded offense featuring Michael Penix Jr., Rome Odunze, Ja'Lynn Polk, and Jalen McMillan, Johnson rushed 233 times for 1,195 yards and 16 touchdowns in 14 games last season. He spent time with the Tennessee Titans this offseason before being let go on July 25. He was signed by Carolina on July 31 but waived on August 19. Carolina won't have Jonathon Brooks (knee) for at least the first four games of the season, and with Miles Sanders (finger) banged up, Johnson adds depth to the practice squad. For now, he's nowhere near the fantasy football radar.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 5 2:20pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will square up against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the team's home opener this Sunday and hopes to begin the year hot as he has the prior two seasons. Tagovailoa began 2022 with a 469-yard six-touchdown performance in Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens and tossed 466 yards and three scores in Week 1 last season against the Los Angeles Chargers. Jacksonville's defense was a stout unit on the ground in 2023, allowing the ninth-fewest rushing yards in the league. However, they were much more porous through the air as opponents threw for the seventh-most yards (4,076) and touchdowns (27) against the unit. Look for Mike McDaniel to cook up some innovative play designs to scheme a few wide-open looks for the fifth-year QB. The Alabama product is a back-end QB1 (QB12) in RotoBaller's Week 1 rankings.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Sep 5 2:10pm ET
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson is the healthiest he's been in a while as the Packers travel south to Brazil to face the Philadelphia Eagles in their Week 1 season opener. Watson's lower-leg injuries have dominated the offseason when talking about the third-year pro from North Dakota St., but those seem to be mostly rectified as testing found Watson had a muscle imbalance in his legs which likely contributed to his constant hamstring issues. Watson participated in every practice during training camp, so he's ready to build off of his first two seasons where he's averaged seven touchdowns and an efficient 1.91 yards per route run combined. Watson does have a lot of competition within his wide receiver room with Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks itching for coveted playing time, but consider Watson a low-end WR3 or solid flex option that can make a fantasy week with a long touchdown against the Eagles and Vic Fangio's two-deep shell defense.

From RotoBaller

Luke Musgrave Sep 5 2:10pm ET
Luke Musgrave

Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave was the clear leader in the tight end room last season until he suffered a kidney laceration that put him on the shelf until Week 18. Whether Musgrave can retain that heavy snap and route utilization in Week 1 remains to be seen, but this week, Musgrave is more of a streaming option at tight end than a locked-in starter for fantasy purposes. Musgrave was just TE22 in fantasy points per game from Weeks 1-10 last season and he wasn't super useful in fantasy with just two weeks as a TE1. Tucker Kraft (back) may miss Week 1 for the Packers, leaving Musgrave as the lone realistic option for the Packers to run the majority of routes. Even then, the expectations for Musgrave should be tempered against an Eagles team that will keep opposing offenses in front of them with Vic Fangio's two-deep shell.

From RotoBaller

Brayden Narveson Sep 5 2:10pm ET
Brayden Narveson

Green Bay Packers kicker Brayden Narveson will put on a Packers uniform for the first time in a very unique way: playing in a regular season opener in Brazil against the Philadelphia Eagles. Narveson spent his preseason with the Tennessee Titans and was released a little over a week ago after losing the kicking competition to veteran Nick Folk. When the Packers' kicking job was still unsettled after the preseason, Narveson was scooped up by the Packers as the team released both second-year kicker Anders Carlson and veteran Greg Joseph. Now the Packers' kicker heading into Week 1, Narveson has a short leash but a booming leg that could help him when the weather turns cold. As a career 78% field goal kicker in college with Iowa State, Western Kentucky, and N.C. State, Narveson should have some solid opportunity in the early going with the Packers but is probably more of a wait-and-see fantasy kicker in Week 1. If he comes out of the gates strong, he's worth a speculative add.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Sep 5 2:00pm ET
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love is a strong fantasy start in your quarterback slot as Love and the Packers head to Brazil to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Friday's Week 1 opener. Love ended the 2023 season incredibly strong as the QB4 from Week 11 to the end of the season as the Packers made the playoffs and scored a win over the Cowboys in the wild-card round. They will face an Eagles team in transition on defense as they will have Vic Fangio coordinating their defense this season. While the Eagles last season were one of the worst teams against the pass, one would assume a sizable improvement for the Eagles' defense is coming under Fangio, who has been one of the more respected defensive coaches in getting the most out of his players. Still, Love should be able to use his deep pool of wide receivers, tight ends, and running back Josh Jacobs to put up solid numbers as a low-end QB1 this week.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Sep 5 2:00pm ET
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs should be considered a solid RB2 in his matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday evening. Jacobs came over from the Raiders after five up-and-down seasons, with his best season coming in 2022. Finishing as RB3 that season, Jacobs put up over 1,600 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in a breakout season, but last season saw Jacobs return to his inefficient ways. Heading to a Packers' offense that is rising with Jordan Love and a bunch of young receivers, Jacobs is expected to carry quite a bit of the rushing workload this season, though he will split some time with rookie MarShawn Lloyd and Emanuel Wilson. Against the Eagles' solid run defense that limited opposing backs to the sixth-lowest yards after contact per attempt last season, Jacobs should be able to put up a usable fantasy stat line predicated by volume in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Sep 5 2:00pm ET
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed looks to build off of his exciting and productive rookie campaign as the Packers travel south to Brazil to face the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday. Reed comes off of a stellar rookie season where he up 10 total touchdowns, 90 targets, and 64 receptions for 793 receiving yards and should improve upon those numbers in his second year with the green and gold. As the primary slot man seeing almost 76% of snaps there last season, Reed may come off the field a little more than we'd like when the formation condenses, but his efficiency was excellent last season with a 2.05 yards per route run. Against the Eagles in Week 1, Reed should have a tougher time than last year's slot receivers did, as the Eagles reinforced their nickel back situation with rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Still, Reed is a low-end WR3 in your fantasy lineups and has all the upside in the world for the Packers in this week's matchup.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Ramsey Sep 5 2:00pm ET
Jalen Ramsey

Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said that he's "hopeful" that cornerback Jalen Ramsey (calf) will be able to play in the Week 1 matchup on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium against the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars. Ramsey has yet to practice with the team this week and has been sidelined since Aug. 12 with his calf injury, so the odds aren't good that the veteran cornerback will be able to play this weekend unless he returns to practice on Friday. The Dolphins face off against the division-rival Buffalo Bills on a short week next Thursday, too, which will most likely very much play into the team's decision to play Ramsey this weekend. Miami's secondary will be much more vulnerable against Trevor Lawrence and company if Ramsey isn't active this Sunday, and it could force rookie corner Storm Duck into meaningful snaps right away.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Sep 5 2:00pm ET
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (hand) travels to Brazil as the team is set to square off with the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday. For Week 1, Doubs is nursing a hand injury and was limited Tuesday as well as on Wednesday's projected injury report as that is the team's travel day to Brazil. In terms of fantasy, Doubs is a low-end flex option where you're hoping he gets into the end zone. 2023 saw Doubs run the most routes on the team but was pretty inefficient with those routes, with the lowest yards per route run and targets per route run of the quartet of Doubs, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks last season. The same target competition exists in 2024 and Doubs has as much of a chance as anybody in this Packers' offense to lead the team in receiving, as evidenced by his postseason where he put up 10 receptions, 234 yards, and a touchdown in two playoff games.

From RotoBaller

Tyjae Spears Sep 5 1:50pm ET
Tyjae Spears

Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Nick Holz said during a press conference on Thursday that the team thinks it will be a near 50-50 split in the backfield between running backs Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears this year. Holz goes on to say that the Titans have some plays earmarked specifically for Pollard or Spears, but the rest of them are interchangeable. We'll get a better look at Tennessee's new backfield combination on Sunday in Week 1 at Soldier Field against the Chicago Bears, but it sounds as though the Titans feel that Pollard and Spears are interchangeable and are basically co-starters to begin the 2024 season. Pollard failed to impress in a lead-back role in Dallas in 2023, and it doesn't look like he's going to have a leg up on backfield touches over Spears in his first year in Tennessee. To open the regular season, both RBs should be considered more of RB3/flex plays.

From RotoBaller

Matt Gay Sep 5 1:50pm ET
Matt Gay

Indianapolis Colts kicker Matt Gay (hernia) missed his second straight day of practice on Thursday after recently undergoing surgery for a sports hernia. The fact that Gay has yet to practice so far this week is a sign that he's not going to be available to kick in the Week 1 regular-season opener this Sunday against the division-rival Houston Texas, so fantasy managers that were planning on using him as a low-end fantasy kicking option to kick off the year should begin to start searching for a streaming replacement. Rookie Spencer Shrader will most likely be called up from the practice squad later this week if Gay is officially ruled out, but fantasy managers should look to avoid the unproven kicker if he makes his first NFL start against the Texans.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Sep 5 1:40pm ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) said he ran some routes on Wednesday and calls himself "real close" to returning. Downs isn't ruling himself out for Sunday's Week 1 regular-season opener against the division-rival Houston Texans despite suffering a high-ankle sprain in training camp. The 23-year-old didn't practice on Wednesday and wasn't seen on the practice field on Thursday, so he'll need to at least be limited on Friday to have a shot at suiting up this weekend. As of right now, he looks to be on the wrong side of questionable, so fantasy managers in deeper leagues should be looking in another direction if they were planning on using Downs in their starting lineups. If Downs misses the season opener on Sunday, rookie Adonai Mitchell and Alec Pierce will be more intriguing DFS plays as starting wideouts alongside WR1 Michael Pittman Jr.

From RotoBaller

Haason Reddick Sep 5 1:40pm ET
Haason Reddick

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh told reporters on Thursday that pass-rusher Haason Reddick has not yet shown up as he continues his contract holdout. Saleh stopped short of ruling Reddick out for the team's Week 1 contest on Monday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers, but each passing day that he remains absent makes it less likely. The 29-year-old edge rusher still has one year left on his current deal but is seeking a new long-term deal from the Jets after they acquired him from the Philadelphia Eagles in the offseason. The former first-rounder by the Arizona Cardinals in 2017 has been a Pro Bowler each of the last two seasons and has had double-digit sacks in each of his last four campaigns. If Reddick eventually reports to the Jets, the talented pass-rusher will make an already strong Jets defense even that much better.

From RotoBaller