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FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

Roger Goodell: NFL to fight Sunday Ticket ruling; open to private equity ownership

Thu Jul 11 4:19pm ET
Field Level Media

Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL plan a renewed fight in a court ruling over the league Sunday Ticket plan that could result in a damages toll over $14 billion.

Goodell underscored the path to further litigation the NFL plans to take in response to the class-action verdict from a Los Angeles jury ordering payment from the NFL of $4.7 billion in damages to the residential class and another $96 million to the commercial class, siding against the league on accusations the NFL violated antitrust laws by making out-of-market Sunday afternoon games available for distribution through the "Sunday Ticket" subscription.

Damages triple under federal antitrust laws, meaning the ruling could cost the NFL nearly a full year of reported profits: $14.39 billion.

"We obviously disagree with the jury verdict. It's a long process and we're aware of that. But we feel very strongly about our position, our policies, particularly on media," Goodell told CNBC in an interview Thursday at the Sun Valley Conference. "We make our sport available to the broadest possible audience. Sunday Ticket is just a complementary product. We're committed to following the litigation all the way and making sure that we get this right."

Goodell was asked if he took notice of the NBA media rights deal, which reportedly jumped nearly $50 billion to $76 billion with primetime games available seven nights per week at the end of the NFL regular season.

"Probably a lot of people in the NFL think they're underpaid. But, we have great relationships with our networks," Goodell said.

He also opened the door to private equity ownership in the NFL's 32 franchises, furthering a discussion he admitted took place in 2023 at the height of the PGA-LIV Golf controversy and financing from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

Based on "tremendous interest" Goodell said the NFL believes allowing private equity ownership could "make sense in a limited fashion."

"We believe that this could make sense for us in a limited fashion, probably no more than 10 percent of a team," he said.

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Player Notes
Kyle Hamilton Aug 11 6:20pm ET
Kyle Hamilton

Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (leg) was forced to exit early during practice on Sunday. The young safety suffered a leg injury, but head coach John Harbaugh said that Hamilton looks stable. The assumption is that the team will run tests to determine the severity of the issue. The hope is that this is a minor injury as Hamilton has been a big part of the Ravens defense.

From RotoBaller

Rashod Bateman Aug 11 6:20pm ET
Rashod Bateman

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman is expected to be back on the practice field soon, according to head coach John Harbaugh. Bateman appeared to have suffered an upper body injury during practice last Monday. Harbaugh said the issue isn't serious, but Bateman sat out of the preseason opener anyway. The Ravens are likely just being cautious with young wideout who missed 12 games in 2022. He hauled in 32 receptions for 367 yards and one touchdown in 16 games last season. We'll see if he's able to build upon that heading into 2024.

From RotoBaller

Courtland Sutton Aug 11 5:10pm ET
Courtland Sutton

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton led the team with 35 receiving yards on two catches (three targets) in the team's 34-30 win over the hosting Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday in the preseason opener. Sutton had a catch apiece from quarterback Jarrett Stidham and rookie first-rounder Bo Nix. Coming off a career-best 10-touchdown season in 2023, Sutton is Denver's clear No. 1 wideout, especially with Jerry Jeudy no longer in town. The 28-year-old former second-round pick in 2018 out of SMU shouldn't lack for target volume in 2024, but he's due some serious touchdown regression and will be at the mercy of how efficient the Broncos' offense is under either Stidham or the rookie Nix. Sutton will have more fantasy upside as a WR4/flex if Nix is able to win the starting gig under center to begin the regular season.

From RotoBaller

Audric Estime Aug 11 5:10pm ET
Audric Estime

Denver Broncos rookie running back Audric Estime's got the most work of any of the team's RBs in the preseason opener on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium against the hosting Indianapolis Colts. Estime led the backfield with 10 carries for 31 yards and a touchdowns while also catching all three of his targets for 13 yards in the passing game. The 20-year-old also lost a fumble, but he currently appears to be Denver's RB3 ahead of veteran Samaje Perine, who didn't see a single carry and dropped his only target, which led to an interception, despite being the fourth RB in the game behind Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and Perine. The fifth-rounder should be part of Denver's opening-day roster and is probably the biggest threat to Williams' early-down touches in 2024. However, it will probably take an injury to Williams for Estime to be worth rostering in standard-sized fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Javonte Williams Aug 11 5:00pm ET
Javonte Williams

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams made the start in Sunday's preseason opener at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday against the hosting Indianapolis Colts and finished with four carries for only 15 yards while catching one of his two targets for a five-yard gain. Despite reports earlier this summer that Williams was potentially battling for a roster spot in 2024, he's the team's clear lead back ahead of Jaleel McLaughlin (seven carries for 30 yards, two catches for 26 yards), Samaje Perine (no catches on one target) and rookie Audric Estime (10 carries for 31 yards and a touchdown, three catches for 13 yards). Based on Sunday's preseason usage, Estime should have the leg up over Perine, whose one target led to an interception for quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Williams underwhelmed in 2023 but was also coming off a season-ending knee injury in 2022. If Denver's offense can take a step forward under either Stidham or rookie Bo Nix, Williams could be a steal as an RB3/flex in fantasy if he's more explosive another year removed from his knee injury.

From RotoBaller

Zach Wilson Aug 11 4:50pm ET
Zach Wilson

Denver Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson, as expected, worked as the clear QB3 in Sunday's preseason opener at Lucas Oil Stadium against the hosting Indianapolis Colts in the team's preseason opener behind Jarrett Stidham and rookie first-rounder Bo Nix. Wilson mostly worked with the third-team offense on Sunday and finished by going 10-for-13 passing for 117 yards without a touchdown or interception. He had three carries for minus-one yard but avoided a sack. The former first-round pick of the New York Jets came to Denver for a new opportunity after flaming out in the Big Apple, but his chances of competing for the starting QB job pretty much evaporated when the Broncos took Nix 12th overall in April's draft. The 25-year-old didn't look very good in spring practices and is well off the fantasy radar in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Aug 11 4:40pm ET
Bo Nix

In relief of Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham on Sunday in the team's preseason opener at Lucas Oil Stadium against the hosting Indianapolis Colts, rookie first-round quarterback Bo Nix saw extensive action and made a statement in the QB competition. The 12th overall pick out of Oregon went 15-for-21 passing for 125 yards and a touchdown while also carrying the ball three times for 17 yards. In total, Nix led the Broncos to two touchdowns in five drives and didn't take a sack, with Stidham throwing a pick in his two series of work. Not only did the 24-year-old signal-caller look to be a good fit with head coach Sean Payton calling plays, but he looked poised running the offense and showed plenty of athleticism. Denver isn't going to name a starting QB until probably after their third preseason contest, but after Sunday's action, Nix already looks like the better option in 2024. His lone TD pass was a one-yarder to Marvin Mims Jr.

From RotoBaller

Jarrett Stidham Aug 11 4:30pm ET
Jarrett Stidham

Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham played in only two offensive series in Sunday's preseason opener at Lucas Oil Stadium against the hosting Indianapolis Colts and went 4-for-7 for 37 yards and one interception. The interception wasn't his fault, as running back Samaje Perine bobbled a catchable pass that led to the turnover. It was a limited sample size for Stidham, who opened the preseason listed as No. 1 on the QB depth chart ahead of rookie first-rounder Bo Nix, but Nix thoroughly impressed following Stidham on Sunday and may have taken one step closer to winning the QB competition in Denver. Stidham has more experience in head coach Sean Payton's offense from 2023, but Nix was the 12th overall pick in this year's NFL draft and looked much more impressive in the preseason opener. The 28-year-old Stidham will need to do more next week against the Green Bay Packers at home if he wants to hold off Nix.

From RotoBaller

Jamal Adams Aug 11 3:20pm ET
Jamal Adams

Tennessee Titans safety Jamal Adams (soreness) is expected to return to practice for joint sessions against Seattle this week. Adams, who previously dealt with a knee injury in Seattle, has been sidelined with soreness, though it's unclear if it's related to his past issue. The Seahawks released him in May after he played just ten regular-season games over the past two seasons. Adams joined the Titans in July and could start the 2024 season as their strong safety. Adams was selected sixth overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, adding significant experience to the Titans' secondary. Current Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson coached him during his time with the New York Jets. The Titans strengthened their secondary this offseason by trading for former Chiefs standout L'Jarius Sneed and signing Chidobe Awuzie from the Cowboys and Bengals. With Adams now on board, the Titans are poised to form one of the NFL's most formidable secondaries.

From RotoBaller

Trey Sermon Aug 11 2:50pm ET
Trey Sermon

The Indianapolis Colts have ruled out running back Trey Sermon (hamstring) due to a hamstring injury sustained during Sunday's preseason game against the Broncos. Sermon, who saw his first action in the game's third series while Jonathan Taylor played the first two, recorded one reception for 12 yards but had no carries. The injury likely occurred during special teams play. The backup running back role behind Taylor was expected to be highly competitive at the Colts' training camp, but Sermon appeared to have secured the position. Head coach Shane Steichen had praised Sermon's performance, particularly his pass protection and vision on runs. With Sermon sidelined, Tyler Goodson has moved ahead of 2023 draft pick Evan Hull as the next running back in line. While no Colts running back is expected to have a significant fantasy impact as long as Jonathan Taylor remains healthy, the backup role can be valuable. Zack Moss demonstrated this last season, finishing as the No. 28 running back in PPR points per game, showing the potential for substantial fantasy value in the No. 2 spot.

From RotoBaller

Drew Lock Aug 11 2:40pm ET
Drew Lock

Due to a sore hip, New York Giants backup quarterback Drew Lock will miss practice this week. Lock was injured late in the first quarter after being hit and going to the ground. Although he remained in for one more play, he eventually had to leave the field in pain. Head coach Brian Daboll has announced that Lock is expected to miss at least three practices and will be unavailable for the Giants' second preseason game against the Houston Texans on Saturday. Before the injury, Lock struggled, completing just 4-of-10 passes for 17 yards and an interception. With Lock sidelined, the Giants will rely on Daniel Jones and Tommy Devito as their only healthy quarterbacks. Lock signed a one-year deal this offseason with $5 million guaranteed and was expected to compete with Jones for the starting role. Given his injury and poor performance before it, Lock is unlikely to challenge Jones significantly for the starting job. No matter who starts, the Giants' quarterback situation offers limited fantasy value, apart from supporting Malik Nabers.

From RotoBaller

Braelon Allen Aug 11 2:20pm ET
Braelon Allen

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh expressed his enthusiasm for the running back room, noting its significant improvement since his first year with the team. He described rookie Braelon Allen as a "very heavy runner," mentioning that it's "painful" for other players to try to tackle him. Allen, starting in place of the sidelined Breece Hall, rushed for 54 yards on six carries in his preseason debut. He also demonstrated his pass-blocking skills and looked promising as a receiver, though his only catch was nullified by an ineligible man downfield. Despite playing only one half, Allen did more to boost his stock than any other player on the roster. Entering the game as the leading candidate for the RB2 role, the Wisconsin product solidified his position as the top contender for that spot this summer. He looks like the ideal handcuff to roster if you select Hall in the first round of fantasy drafts.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Aug 11 2:00pm ET
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said that quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) will get the "vast majority of the reps" against the Minnesota Vikings in joint practices this week, but he won't play in the second preseason contest game next Saturday against the Vikings despite being cleared for full contact. Watson hasn't had any setbacks in his recovery from right-shoulder surgery last year, but the Browns are being careful with the 28-year-old, and it now looks like he won't get any preseason reps until perhaps the final game. The former 12th overall pick by the Houston Texans in 2017 out of Clemson is a three-time Pro Bowler but has played in only 12 games total since joining Cleveland in 2021 due to a suspension and injuries. Draft him as a QB2 with upside as he looks for a bounce-back campaign in 2024.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Aug 11 1:50pm ET
CeeDee Lamb

The Dallas Cowboys consider themselves further long on a new deal with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb than with quarterback Dak Prescott. Multiple sources believe a Lamb extension will get done, possibly soon. The team has been talking to Lamb's agent, Tory Dandy, and Lamb's stance is clear: His numbers and the market speak clearly. The Cowboys know it will have to be $30-plus million annually. Meanwhile, Dallas' conversations with Prescott's agent, Todd France, are ongoing. Although a deal isn't considered close, the Cowboys think they are in a better place than they were this offseason. Owner Jerry Jones made news late this week by saying the team is in no rush to extend Lamb, but the reality is the Cowboys need the 25-year-old pass-catcher on the field sooner than later so that he's in midseason form for the start of the 2024 regular season.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Aug 11 1:40pm ET
Aaron Jones

Based on conversations ESPN's Dan Graziano had with Minnesota Vikings officials, he expects the team to try to get running back Aaron Jones 15 to 18 touches per game and use Ty Chandler as a 1B to Jones' 1A. It's possible some weeks will call for Jones to see upwards of 20 touches, but the Vikings have watched him closely for years and think he has always been at his best when he has had a complementary back such as Jamaal Williams or AJ Dillon. With that said, Jones will offer a more explosive element in the running game than Alexander Mattison did last year, and Minnesota believes the 29-year-old still has plenty left in the tank to be their lead back in 2024. But he's right around the age where RBs start to break down, so the Vikes will be careful with his workload, which makes him more of a low-end RB2 target in his first year in Minnesota.

From RotoBaller

Nate Wiggins Aug 11 1:30pm ET
Nate Wiggins

The Baltimore Ravens are confident that rookie first-round cornerback Nate Wiggins (shoulder) avoided a significant injury when he left the preseason opener on Friday against the Philadelphia Eagles with a shoulder injury. Wiggins could miss some practice time at training camp, but the Ravens are optimistic he'll be ready for the Week 1 season opener on Thursday Night Football against the defending Super Bowl-champion Kansas City Chiefs. The Clemson product looked really good in his NFL debut on Friday night against the Eagles and figures to be a big part of Baltimore's secondary in his first year if he can stay healthy. The 20-year-old was the 30th overall selection back in April and figures to start immediately across from Marlon Humphrey.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Aug 11 1:20pm ET
Malik Nabers

New York Giants rookie first-round wide receiver Malik Nabers (ankle) limped off the practice field at training camp early on Sunday, but the belief is that it's just a minor left-ankle sprain. It appeared that Nabers was stepped on near the end of team drills in practice. It's something to watch for the 21-year-old, but it shouldn't keep him out of action at camp for too long, if at all entering next week. He played just 12 offensive snaps in the team's preseason opener on Thursday night against the Detroit Lions and wasn't targeted at all by quarterback Drew Lock. The sixth overall pick in this year's NFL draft may very well lead the G-Men in targets in his first year in the NFL, which will make him a WR2/3 target for fantasy managers in upcoming drafts. Any missed time by Nabers in camp will open up more opportunities for receivers Jalin Hyatt, Wan'Dale Robinson, Isaiah Hodgins, Darius Slayton and Isaiah McKenzie.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Aug 11 1:20pm ET
Daniel Jones

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones will likely play in the team's second preseason contest against the Houston Texans next Saturday, according to head coach Brian Daboll. Jones is on the mend this offseason after suffering a season-ending torn ACL in 2023. The 27-year-old former first-rounder was medically cleared for all activities to start training camp at the end of July, but the Giants chose to keep him out of the preseason opener this past Thursday night against the Detroit Lions. It's unlikely that Jones will play very much against the Texas, but it will give us a chance to see how he's moving around as he returns from a serious knee injury. Jones got an upgrade in the receiving corps with first-round wideout Malik Nabers this year, but he's in a prove-it season in New York and should be treated as a low-end QB2 in fantasy in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Marquise Brown Aug 11 1:10pm ET
Marquise Brown

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder), who suffered a dislocation of his sternoclavicular shoulder join in Saturday's preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, was discharged from a Jacksonville-area hospital on Sunday morning and has been cleared to return to Kansas City. Tyreek Hill suffered the same injury back in 2019 with KC and ended up missing four weeks in the regular season. So fantasy managers should expect Hollywood to miss some time and be questionable for the regular-season opener in Week 1 to kick off the season against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football. It puts a damper on Brown's fantasy value to open his first year with the Chiefs. Any time missed by Brown will be an opportunity for rookie Xavier Worthy, Justin Watson, Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney to see more snaps. Rashee Rice could also open the year serving a suspension.

From RotoBaller

Braelon Allen Aug 11 11:38am ET
Braelon Allen

Dynasty | Jets rookie running back Braelon Allen rushed for 54 yards on six carries in the Jets preseason opener. Dynasty Analysis: If there were any questions about who the backup is to Breece Hall, those were likely answered today. Allen has reportedly had a solid camp both rushing and receiving and has quickly climbed the depth chart. This performance all but makes him the handcuff to Breece Hall, barring a late surge from someone else late in camp. Allen remains a solid late round rookie pick with upside.