What’s Happening
Cameron Meredith caught two passes for 72 yards and a touchdown on four targets in the Saints final preseason game. Meredith had not recorded a catch in the preseason prior to this game, making it difficult to believe that he will grow into one of Drew Brees ’ favorite targets. While he will likely start the year as the third wide receiver in New Orleans, he could easily lose his spot to rookie Tre’Quan Smith who has outperformed him all summer.
Alshon Jeffery has been removed from the PUP list by the Eagles. According to head coach Doug Pederson, Jeffery is considered day-to-day. This would contradict an earlier report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter that stated Jeffery will miss at least two weeks of the regular season. Jeffery is a dynamic talent, but has a long history of struggling to stay on the field. Jeffery is going be a risk/reward player early in the season, but the price is dropping. In the last two weeks he has dropped out of the top 25 at wide receiver in MFL10 drafts, so he is becoming a WR3 which is nice value for a player that can be a WR1 when healthy.
Ronald Jones went for 10 yards on four carries in the Buccaneers final preseason game. Jones has been talked about quite a bit as he continues to disappoint. He was never thought of as much of a pass catcher, which he has proven this summer, and so in order to be a productive fantasy player he will need volume in the early downs. However, his inconsistent play and the struggles of the offensive line has him squarely sitting behind Peyton Barber on the depth chart.
Jermaine Kearse will miss at least the first week of the season after undergoing surgery on his abdomen. The Jets will start with Robby Anderson , Quincy Enunwa , and Terrelle Pryor at wide receiver. Pryor is coming off of an awful year with the Redskins and could benefit the most from Kearse missing time as he should gain some playing time that he may not have gotten otherwise. Kearse played well in spurts for the Jets after being traded there by Seattle, but by no means has a hammer lock on the role.
Quick Hits
Jason Sanders has won the kicker’s job in Miami.
Christian Hackenberg has been waived by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Aaron Donald has signed a long term deal with the Rams and will now be the highest paid defender in the NFL. He should be ready for Week 1.
Joe Williams has been waived by the 49ers. Williams struggled with health over the last two years. He should find his way to some team’s practice squad.
The Saints released wide receiver Michael Floyd . Floyd has a ton of talent, but has been plagued by injuries and off the field issues. This may be the end of the road for the 28-year-old.
Aldrick Robinson was released by the San Francisco 49ers. Robinson is a burner that can only run a go route, but he has had big plays over the course of his career. His speed and ability to play special teams means he should find a landing spot relatively quickly.
Jeff Janis was released by the Browns. Janis had previous played for the Packers the last three years and could find himself back in Green Bay if they decide to cut or move some of their unproven wide outs or Randall Cobb .
Burning Questions
Is the writing on the wall for Jameis Winston ? According to ESPN, Winston may not be the starter for the Bucs after his return from suspension Week 4. General manager Jason Licht stated that the team would not commit to Winston being the starter, saying it would be unfair to Ryan Fitzpatrick or Ryan Griffin if they are playing well. This seems a bit silly considering that Winston played well through the preseason and the options behind him aren’t good, but it also is a sign that the organization doesn’t feel tied to Winston and could move on from him in the near future.
How bad will the Raiders defense be? According to ESPN, Daryl Worley will miss the first four games of the season after he is expected to be suspended under the league’s personal conduct policy. The Raiders will now be missing Worley, Khalil Mack , and potentially Mario Edwards , whom they have been shopping in trade talks. While neither Worley nor Edwards are great players, the Raiders now will start the season with a lack of depth which could cause them struggles late in games. The Raiders allowed the 13th most points last season and these things could push them into the top 10.