🏈 Guess who's back

I’m back baby!!

First - thank you to everyone who reached out to check on me. You are the reason the newsletter is arriving today - and will for the remainder of the NFL season.

Second - please accept this apology: I value you guys a lot, your support is important to me, and my goal is to make this the best fantasy football newsletter in the world. Can’t do it without you. I’m sorry to have left you in the dark for a few days, wondering where I was, worried sick about me.

Third - the explanation. Where was I?

No, Somalian Pirates did not hold me hostage.

The truth is, I started a new job last Tuesday. This led to many nights where I was writing the Huddle until 2 or 3 AM, then waking up a few hours later to start work. I was exhausted, and when I noticed the quality of articles started slipping, I had to stop.

It took a few days, but I was able to bring some people on to help me (shoutout to Eddie (Cowboys fan) and Maciek (The Commish)). I created a work schedule that allows me to write this newsletter and I refocused on making the Morning Huddle the best part of your morning. Or second best part, if your morning starts with waffles. I f***ing love waffles.

Anyways, before this gets too dramatic…

Let’s get back into the Huddle:

Buy Marquez Callaway

In Tre’Quan Smith's ten-day absence, WR Marquez Callaway emerged as the team's top receiver with Michael Thomas (slant-boy) sidelined. Callaway, according to Saints beat writers, is locked in as the WR1 for the Saints.

Week 7 of the 2020 season was a coming-out party for Callaway, where he recorded 8 receptions for 75 yards, despite leaving the game with an injury. You can see how open he was here, a short (1 min) video showing each of Callaway’s receptions.

He’s been the go-to guy for both Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston, with 3 catches for 60 yards on the first drive with Taysom in the Saints preseason game. There’s always a strong Saints WR1 (see Thomas, Michael; see also Colston, Marques) - and this season, at least until MT returns, Callaway looks like the guy.

• College Dominator 33.1% with elite burst, all aboard the hype train!!

• Great article on Callaway

Don’t do me like that Chase

This picture sent fantasy owners into panic mode:

Luckily, it appears Claypool did not suffer a significant injury in practice. Adam Shefter posted: Early diagnosis is that Steelers WR Chase Claypool suffered a “minor ankle sprain” today and “should be fine”, per source. Doubt he plays again this preseason, but Claypool should be fine for Week 1.

Now is a great time to “buy-low” on any panicking owners out there. Claypool is a stud, reminds me of D.K. Metcalf, and this could be the last chance to buy at all.

Speaking of injuries, Cowboys start WR Amari Cooper update:

Panic-Time in Miami?

Dolphins coach Brian Flores said he would use the Dolphins' top three backs "situationally" this season. This is really bad news for Myles Gaskin, especially after Malcolm Brown doubled Gaskin in snaps with the starters….

But, after all, it’s Malcolm Brown we’re talking about here. Sure, Brian Flores did say that the team would use all three backs. But Brian Flores isn’t an idiot. He’ll play the best back on the team, which is Myles Gaskin. That said, Brown could be a thorn in Gaskin’s side all season, stealing short-yardage work (like he did in LA). I’ve dropped Gaskin in my rankings, and you should too.

Running backs going after Gaskin - Mike Davis, Kareem Hunt, Raheem Mostert, and Travis Etienne - have more secure roles in better offenses. 

Tweet of the day:

Stop sleeping on Philly fantasy players

Ok, everyone loves Jalen Hurts as a sleeper QB this year because of his rushing ability. That makes sense. But NO ONE is talking about Miles Sanders or Jalen Reagor this offseason. Maybe for good reason, maybe not.

From an Eagles writer: Jalen Reagor’s catch was pretty insane. He had a one-handed grab earlier in camp, but this was next level. His confidence is growing, allowing his natural ability to shine through more regularly. With Devonta Smith playing the WR1 role, Reagor has a chance to live up to his potential this year.

From an Eagles writer: Not enough is being made of the fact that the offensive line… is getting back to full strength. The right side in particular — Johnson and Brooks — has been opening some monster holes for Miles Sanders.

The Eagles boast a top-10 OL when healthy, which could easily be top 5. This, plus the addition of Hurts, is great news for Miles Sanders YPC.

This article explains the impact rushing QBs have on RBs.

Quick Slants

• Eagles waived/injured RB Kerryon Johnson. I’m not even sure if he’s injured or just got waived, but don’t touch Kerryon in fantasy leagues.

• Seahawks signed S Jamal Adams to a four-year, $70 million extension through 2025. The Seahawks overpaid (giving 2 first-round picks + more), but signing Adams is great news for their rush defense.

• The Tim Tebow experiment is over in Jacksonville. He was released by the Jags yesterday.

• Matthew Berry released his annual Love/Hate article - always an entertaining writer, Berry is the OG in fantasy football and this article is well worth the read.

Boy, it’s great to be back.

Thanks for checking out the Morning Huddle, I’m honored that we are part of your morning.

If you enjoyed this article, feel free to share with people you love! I wouldn’t send such a valuable newsletter to any of your enemies though.

Also - please caption this:

Cheers,

Jacob