📝 News & Notes

• Adam Thielen traded to Vikings [Ian Rapoport]

  My take: The Vikings giving up the equivalent of 4th round draft capital to acquire Thielen suggests he will be a clear starter in that offense, likely as the WR2 during Addison’s suspension and then as the WR3 afterwards. Think it’s a horizontal move for fantasy purposes but the big winners are the Panthers’ pass catchers, particularly Jalen Coker. He continues to be one of my favorite late-round WRs.

• Rashee Rice will serve six-game suspension to start year [Tom Pelissero]

  My take: Given what we knew about the situation, this is one of the better results for Rice’s fantasy value. 6 games is less than the 8 or 10 that was discussed and the suspension hitting during the first six weeks makes it easiest to cover his absence with other healthy players and minimal byes. His 5th round ADP feels accurate.

• Jauan Jennings’ Week 1 availability in doubt as team is hopeful but not sure [Nick Wagoner]

  My take: This appears to be more the calf than the contract negotiations but hard to truly know with certainty. Jennings not being placed on IR is positive news but tbd on when we see him on the field. With Aiyuk starting the year injured, the Niners need Jennings back asap.

• Isaac TeSlaa favorite for WR3 job in Detroit as Tim Patrick is traded to Jacksonville [Mark Long]

  My take: TeSlaa is the 9.97 RAS elite athlete the Lions traded up to draft in the third round. And his path to playing time has been cleared. If you’re looking for a sleeper with substantial upside, particularly with an injury or two ahead of him, TeSlaa is worth a stash. He also continues to be an even better best ball pick.

• Browns claim Raheim Sanders off waivers

  My take: While this doesn’t make Sanders fantasy relevant, it’s telling regarding the rest of the backfield. The Browns likely believe Quinshon Judkins isn’t signing anytime soon or is likely to still be hit with a suspension. Overall very positive news for the fantasy prospects of Dylan Sampson and Jerome Ford.

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📊 Poll of the Day

Yesterday’s poll: You have $100. Who are you betting on to win MVP?

My pick would be Patrick Mahomes. He hasn’t won since 2022 but I expect this year’s team to play a bit different than we’ve recently seen. More explosive, downfield plays and allowing Mahomes to really shine. Likely would need Chiefs to get the #1 seed and Mahomes to be responsible for 4500+ yards and 40+ TDs. A stretch but I think possible.