Good morning. We're so close. Sooo close. Just two days until Bills v Rams kicks off the NFL season. Two days until everything we expected to happen comes true. Look at how beautiful this is:

A few of you reached out to check on us, appreciate you. Jake was moving into a new apartment (in Toronto, Canada) and the rest of the crew was celebrating labor day. But we're back.

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HYPEBEASTS

Sammy Watkins = Week 1 Superman?

Sammy Watkins. It's time. Packers HC Matt LaFleur said that he's "hopeful" rookie WR Christian Watson will play Sunday and was "non-committal" with Allen Lazard, who was sidelined last week for undisclosed reasons. Sammy's relishing everything about his opportunity to play with Aaron Rodgers and Week 1 has historically been his best performance of the year:

Courtland Sutton has definitely been Russ' favorite WR in practice and it's "not particularly close." Still, my biggest concern with Sutton is Jerry Jeudy:

Mitch Trubisky, who "has been taking first-team QB reps but hasn't officially been announced as the starter, is a [Steelers] captain." A more important Steelers update: Jaylen Warren has officially be named the #2 RB and is the primary handcuff to Najee Harris. Warren should be rostered everywhere.

Bills & Rams updates:

• Isaiah McKenzie (undisclosed) barely missed any time. "Expecting him to be the starting slot for BUF on Thursday night."

• Matthew Stafford's throwing elbow "doesn't appear to be a major concern heading into Week 1."

• Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson Jr. are both good to go against the Bills. Akers drafters after seeing the 50/50 split:

Bill Belichick on Rhamondre Stevenson in the pass game: “It's something that he now has shown that he can do. Or it might even become a strength. … His attention to the details of his route running have certainly shown up in practice, and hopefully they'll show up in the games now.” James White role?

Matthew Berry is confused why Zeke is dropping in drafts. And he makes some great points (video). Elliott was second in the NFL in snaps played (761), 4th among RBs in red zone targets, and prior to his partial PCL tear, Ezekiel Elliott was running well:

Even better news: Dr. Chao states that Zeke's PCL injury "should not carry over to 2022. Expect a bounce back season."

AtlantaFalcons.com's Scott Bair believes RB Damien Williams will "factor heavily" into the Falcons' run game. Currently free in drafts, there's a chance Williams wins the RB1 role here.

Fallers: Javonte & Zach

Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon's split is "like 55/45 with some Mike Boone sprinkled in." Sprinkling in a third RB? What? And it get's worse. "Key note...Melvin is getting the situational work (GL, short yardage, etc)."

"Growing increasingly concerned about Zach Ertz’s calf injury. It’s been over a month and he still hasn’t been able to get completely over it. This is unfortunately classic for calf strains, which are notorious for slow healing & reinjury."

Draft Days

The Best of the Best

This weekend was the busiest in fantasy football, with multiple home league drafts kicking off the season. Here's the best we saw:

TALKING SMACK

Four quotes you need to hear

"Don't be surprised if Khalil Herbert is a factor and maybe even overtakes David Montgomery during the season." There's skepticism over whether Montgomery's running style fits the Bears new-look offense and the team made no move to extend him. Herbert is a great dynasty stash.

"I don't need you anymore" - WR Chris Godwin after taking off the knee brace he's been wearing throughout training camp. Godwin "appears as close to 100% as he has the entire offseason."

“He’s just got it. Every single route he runs is precise, but he also runs every route you need. Everyone thought he was a slot guy, but he played outside most of his rookie yr.” - NFC HC on Elijah Moore, who I'm drafting every chance I get.

And me:

QUICK SLANTS

• Trey Lance "was a little annoyed in the immediate aftermath" of Jimmy Garoppolo restructuring his contract to remain with the team.

• James Robinson, who tore his Achilles in Week 16 of last season, will be active and will play on Sunday vs. Washington

• Logan Thomas will likely make his season debut by Week 2 "at the latest."

• ESPN released their team by team previews breaking down all 32 NFL teams (article).

• Podcast (audio) on recent ADP movers such as Antonio Gibson, Raheem Mostert, Kadarius Toney, Jaylen Waddle, Drake London, David Njoku and more.

Tweet of the Day

People who think fantasy football is easy have no idea.

Remember: Today is a great day to be great. See you tomorrow.

- Jake, Eddie, Matt & Coach Wehler.