Heading into your fantasy football drafts, we'll be bringing you a recap of some of the more relevant news across the NFL, and how it could affect your fantasy football team. This news is specifically non-Bengals related, as we have exclusive posts dedicated to our beloved Bengals. So, in the first week of preseason action, what news may play into your fantasy football decisions? Let's take a look.
Tyrod Taylor signs a six-year, $92M contract with the Bills
No, that's not a typo. Clearly the team is ready to move on from their mistake of reaching for E.J. Manuel in the 2013 NFL Draft. Taylor may not be an elite passer, but was one of the top running QBs last season, and if he stays healthy in 2016, his added rushing statistics could make him a low-end QB1.
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Blaine Gabbert wins the 49ers QB "battle"
Not that any 49ers QB is draftable this year (or that any 49ers QB has been draftable since Jeff Garcia over a decade ago), but it would seem that if you are in a large 16-team league and need a backup quarterback in the last round, you would benefit from selecting Gabbert over Colin Kaepernick.
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Mark Sanchez the starting QB in Denver?
Sanchez completed 10 of 13 passes with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Whoever starts for Denver is unlikely to be drafted in FFL drafts, but it would seem the year could possibly begin with Sanchez under center in Denver.
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Jeremy Langford the top RB for the Bears
Langford carried the starter's role in the Bears' first preseason game, and it would seem that any talk the Bears have been suggesting about a committee, is more relevant for Langford's backup, and not for his position. If you draft Langford, it may be difficult to know who his handcuff is, if you go that route.
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Terrance West a goal line vulture in Baltimore?
At this point, West seems to be the third back on the Ravens' depth chart, but could steal some short touchdowns from Justin Forsett. This just makes the Ravens' situation even less enviable from a draft position.
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Panthers WR Kelvin Benjamin out of shape
Benjamin missed all of the 2015 season after emerging with a 1,000 yard, 9 touchdown rookie campaign. Apparently Benjamin isn't quite ready to step onto the field and repeat his rookie numbers because he's getting to tired and isn't doing well with conditioning. So, it may be a few weeks into the season until he starts producing regularly.
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Dorial Green-Beckham still struggling
DGB is receiving hype as a sleeper for the 2016 season, thanks to his size, potential, and a pair of big games late in the 2015 season. But his lack of consistency has failed to win over the Titans' coaches who currently have him listed as the team's fourth receiver at WR2.
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Lardarius Green on PUP
Multiple reports say the Steelers' new tight end is suffering from headaches which could derail, if not end, his NFL career. Although Mike Tomlin is insisting that Green is recovering from an ankle surgery that took place in January. Regardless, Green entered camp as a low end TE1 or high end TE2, expected to pick up the slack left by Heath Miller's retirement. If Green remains out, for whatever reason the Steelers choose to give, his value drops quite a bit, especially since he is already injury prone to begin with. His backup, Jesse James picks up a little interest as a potential TE2, but is more of a blocker than a high production receiver.