📝 News & Notes

• Jerome Ford is reported to be the starter in Cleveland and will “probably start early in the season.” [The Athletic]

  My take: Reports of veterans being the starter are like the Sirens in Homer’s Odyssey — they sound enticing, but do not be tempted. These are traps meant to tank your fantasy team. If Quinshon Judkins or Dylan Sampson fall on this news, I’ll be buying.

• Titans HC Brian Callahan speaking on the usage for Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears: "In a perfect world, it's a healthier division of labor [between Pollard and Spears]. I like really both of those players a lot. I think we can do a better job of managing that load so they both play a little more evenly and allows us to maybe have a spot for a third back” [ESPN]

  My take: I believe Callahan is being honest with this quote. In a perfect world, it would be great to have two equally talented backs to split the load between. But last year showed us when both were available, they still continued to use Tony Pollard as the clear lead back. I like Spears’’ contingency upside but believe Pollard will remain the starter.

• Yesterday I mentioned that the Texans have the worst ranked OL according to PFF. This is likely to lead to quicker releases from Stroud and recent reports are Christian Kirk (nicknamed the “slot demon”) has become “a potential safety blanket” for him. [ESPN]

  My take: Kirk is being drafted in the double digit rounds but might be the veteran breakout no one is seeing coming. I’m not often drafting WR in that range but when I am, he’s become a clear target. Doesn’t hurt I have Evan Silva in my ear shouting praise for Kirk and his ability to play the Tank Dell role for this offense.

❤️‍🩹Injury Updates

• Dak Prescott says he’s “full go” for training camp [ESPN]

  My take: No surprises here but still great to see. The Cowboys are going to be throwing a TON this year with minimal backfield help and the addition of George Pickens. I just took Dak at 40-1 to win MVP.

• Luthur Burden on track for training camp according to HC Ben Johnson [The Athletic]

  My take: I am not waiting for Burden to start practicing to be buying. The floor is rough here but no one provides as much upside at where he’s being drafted, especially at ADP 140.5 on DraftKings. Dynasty players already know but any redraft/keeper leagues yet to draft, Burden should be a priority.

• Theo Johnson says he’s fully healthy and his #1 priority this year is playing all 17 games [Giants Huddle]

  My take: Theo Johnson is one of my post popular last round picks in best ball, as many people have forgotten how absurd of an athlete he is (9.99 RAS)

📊 Poll of the Day

You all really hate the 2nd overall pick and I don’t blame you. Take Saquon or Bijan and you’re pairing with a WR that is a substantial tier below the mid-2nd round wideouts. Take Jefferson or Lamb and they don’t feel that much better than other WRs later in the first, while the second-round RBs come with real concerns. It’s the one spot in the draft that feels like every path has a leak.