🏈 Feeling Theilen

Good morning everyone. It’s Maciek, The Commish, back for another week. Looks like you guys are stuck with me every Thursday morning from here on out. We’ll have fun together this season.

Let’s get into it:

Don’t tempt me, Chris Herndon

Let’s start with the biggest news of the day: Irv Smith Jr is likely out for the season. The 23-year old TE was a popular sleeper candidate after the Vikings lost TE Kyle Rudolph, leaving a huge opportunity for a new red zone vulture in Minnesota. However, after Irv’s injury, the Vikings traded for former Jets TE Chris Herndon.

You might recognize Chris Herndon as the fantasy “sleeper-of-the-year” from 2019. Smart guys (like me) talked themselves into Herndon as a viable fantasy starter, clearly forgetting he was in an Adam Gase offense. Safe to say, it ended poorly. 🤡

What this signing means:

• Tyler Conklin and Herndon are the Vikings only options left at TE. Avoid both unless in a deep league and desperately need a TE. We can assume Conklin will get the first crack at the job. Both are nowhere near as talented as Irv Smith, so this is an easy pass. This tweet says it all:

The Good News

With another big red-zone threat out of the picture, this drives up the value of Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. Jefferson should easily see 150+ targets (which is making me rethink my prediction of Ceedee > Justin). The biggest beneficiary is Theilen, who is coming off a 14 TD season and should EAT in the red zone this season. He could easily lead WRs in TD.

All aboard the Javonte Williams hype train

That is some high praise from Teddy Bridgewater, who played with Kamara in New Orleans. Javonte led the NCAA in broken tackles: this guy is clearly talented (and Teddy sees that).

Javonte is a guy to draft as often as you can, even with the understanding that it will be split at the start of the year. Don’t worry. Talent always wins out.

Don’t forget, the Broncos traded up to grab Javonte Williams; he will be given every chance to win the job this year. Fantasy titles aren't won in September or October, and Javonte will own this backfield in the fantasy playoffs, so plan accordingly.

I’m sorry, but more Houston Texans News

It’s Nico time.

The Texans cut WR Keke Coutee, leaving Nico Collins as the second WR on the depth chart. Collins has 4.45 speed and at 6'4" 215 pounds, he is the prototypical WR in today’s NFL. 

Just look at how Nico finished this play for a TD:

SIGN ME UP FOR THAT

The Texans will be the worst team in the NFL, leading to plenty of garbage time opportunities for Nico to flash. That, plus the rumors of WR Brandin Cooks getting traded (and do you really trust Brandin Cooks to stay on the field for 17 games?), combine to make Nico Collins a must roster with your last pick.

Another name to remember: WR Anthony Miller. A former Bear, Miller is talented but had issues with the coaching staff in Chicago. Hoping a fresh start does him some good. Unfortunately, Miller might miss the first two weeks of the season (injured) but is someone to keep an eye on. 

Speaking of the Chicago Bears

An article from the Ringer ranking the top 45 Qbs since our 1985 Superbowl dropped yesterday. As a Bears fan, let me tell you something: it was a painful read.

Having been a Bears fan my whole life, re-living all these bums we had playing QB was difficult.

**warning for Bears fans - graphic content**

But if you cheer for any of the other 31 teams, this will be some good comedy for you.

Quick Hits

• Patriots placed WR N'Keal Harry (shoulder) on injured reserve. Who cares. Next.

• Steelers placed RB Anthony McFarland (unknown) on injured reserve. Ok.

• Colts placed T.Y. Hilton (neck surgery) on injured reserve. Michael Pittman will see massive volume to start the season and is a steal in drafts.

• NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the Broncos plan on waiving RB Royce Freeman. Many compare Royce to Mark Ingram (before he turned out decent). Who knows? All I know if that I still haven’t forgiven Mark Ingram. He knows what he’s done.

Well this is crazy:

And this was really dope:

Have an epic day. Signing off - Maciek, The Commish.

The Morning Huddle: an (almost) daily newsletter full of fantasy football news, memes, and stats - giving you the edge to win titles and the laughs to enjoy every minute of it.

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