Fantasy football daily notes: Texans’ new RB1, Patriots RBBC, a Dolphins trade rumor

Read ESPN’s fantasy football daily notes every weekday to stay caught up on the news you need to know and get a head start on the fantasy football content coming today and tomorrow to ESPN.com and the ESPN Fantasy App.

The news: Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle believes Dameon Pierce could lead the Texans’ committee in Week 1 after being held out of last week’s preseason game.

What it means in fantasy: Pierce has exceeded the expectations of Texans coaches and reporters, and that momentum has continued into the preseason. He’s the RB39 in our live draft trends but if he becomes the starter, Pierce could be considered a low-end RB2. Last season, the Texans had the worst running game in the league. The trajectory would start trending up with Pierce leading the charge.

The news: Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said that they plan to use Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson on “all three downs.”

What it means in fantasy: This statement is worth paying attention to because the Patriots have historically split running back responsibilities based on the situation. They’ve usually had one back working on early downs and short-yardage scenarios and another who operated on passing downs. Belichick sees Harris, the RB30 in our live draft trends, and Stevenson, the RB33, as every-down backs, so managers looking for viable RBs or flex options should feel confident about drafting either one of them in that range.

The news: Chiefs head coach Andy Reid doesn’t seem concerned about JuJu Smith-Schuster‘s knee injury and believes he’ll be available Week 1.

What it means in fantasy: It’s great news for Smith-Schuster, the WR33 by ADP. He’s among a group of receivers hoping to cover up the loss of Tyreek Hill, who was traded to Miami this offseason. In addition to Smith-Schuster, the Chiefs signed former Packers receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Smith-Schuster is projected to receive the second-most targets on the team behind Travis Kelce. He is a good flex option with potential for much more.

Going deeper: During the last two seasons, Patrick Mahomes has led all quarterbacks in slot wide receiver targets, which is where Smith-Schuster has had most of his NFL success.

The news: The Rams will keep an eye on Matthew Stafford‘s throwing arm throughout the season.

What it means in fantasy: Stafford has an elbow issue that is common among professional pitchers. The concern has arisen among fantasy managers looking to draft Stafford, the QB12 in our live draft trends. He averaged 287.4 passing yards and 20.4 fantasy points per game in 2021. It is expected that Stafford’s workload will be managed throughout the season, which could impact Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson II ‘s fantasy outlook. I would prefer Russell Wilson (QB11), Trey Lance (QB13), Derek Carr (QB14) or Kirk Cousins (QB15) over Stafford at their current ADP.

The news: Sterling Shepard will be activated from the active/PUP list before Week 1.

What it means in fantasy: With Wan’Dale Robinson expected to run routes from the slot, Shepard could see more time on the outside this season. Injuries have derailed Shepard’s career. It’s obvious that he has the potential to be a great receiver, but he can never stay on the field. Shepard has low expectations for 2022, but with Kenny Golladay’s struggles in training camp and the preseason, he might have a bigger role than we currently anticipate.

The news: Josh Jacobs will be in a committee with Ameer Abdullah, Zamir White and Brandon Bolden.

What it means in fantasy: Kenyan Drake‘s release shouldn’t make fantasy football managers feel any better about having Jacobs on their roster. As the RB22 in our live draft trends, Jacobs carries a significant amount of risk.I’d rather target Elijah Mitchell (RB24), Kareem Hunt (RB28), Tony Pollard (RB31), AJ Dillon (RB32), Rhamondre Stevenson (RB33) or Chase Edmonds (RB34).

The news: ESPN Ravens reporter Jamison Hensley believe Mike Davis “could get the most carries early in the season.”

What it means in fantasy: Since Gus Edwards is on the reserve/PUP list and will miss the first four games of the season, Davis will be on the streaming radar early on. J.K. Dobbins is coming back from an ACL injury and is likely to be eased back into the Ravens’ backfield.

Going deeper: Baltimore has averaged 180.5 rushing yards per game (1st) since 2019.

The news: Doug Kyed of PFF reports that Mike Gesicki has been a name brought up in trade discussions.

What it means in fantasy: This news should serve as a reminder to fantasy managers that Gesicki may not be a good fit for new head coach Mike McDaniel’s offensive scheme that demands tight ends block more. Since 2019, Gesicki has averaged 6.0 targets per game. Our projections predict that Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle will each receive 120 or more targets in the Dolphins’ passing game.

The news: Travis Etienne Jr. is expected to lead the Jaguars running back by committee regardless of James Robinson’s status.

What it means in fantasy: After a torn Achilles last season, James Robinson will be brought along slowly. That bodes well for Etienne, who will be used both as a runner and as a receiver in creative ways. Etienne is the RB21 in our live draft trends.

Going deeper: A strong start to the season could make Etienne an early “sell-high” candidate before Robinson’s role increases.

The news: Doug Kyed of PFF wrote believes Darrel Williams could be a “surprise cut or trade.”

What it means in fantasy: The Cardinals could save less than $1 million by cutting Williams. Fantasy managers should take away from this news that Eno Benjamin is likely to open the season as James Conner‘s backup. It is also encouraging that Benjamin has started both preseason games. As Conner has dealt with a variety of injuries over the course of his career, Benjamin is a player worth drafting late in drafts.

Going deeper: While Benjamin is entering his second NFL season, I would be remiss if I failed to mention his collegiate career. Benjamin became the first Arizona State player to have 1,000 or more rushing yards in consecutive seasons since Freddie Williams in 1974 to 1975. Benjamin finished his career at the university ranked in the top-10 in rushing yards, touchdowns, attempts, and 100-yard games.

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Fantasy football daily notes: Texans’ new RB1, Patriots RBBC, a Dolphins trade rumor

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