🏈 Rachaad White or Mr. Right?

Waller's recovery, Penny's opportunity & more depth chart updates...

Good morning. Today will be a great one, I just know it. Maybe because yesterday, we found our hero:

All facts, from start to finish. Just like this newsletter.

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MARKET

Cordarrelle Patterson: Sure, his first name is too long, but why can't he repeat as last seasons RB9? Kyler Murray was QB1 before shoulder injury in '21. Read on for the rest.

HYPEBEASTS

Up: Penny makes cents

Rashaad Penny said he is "in the best shape of his life." Yes, “they all say that” - but with Kenneth Walker (hernia) sidelined during Tuesday's practice and not expected to play, Penny will be the lead back and see a significant workload in Week 1. Don't forget how he ended 2021. In five games, Penny had:

  • 671 yards

  • 6 TDs

  • over 7 yards per carry

Darren Waller (hamstring/money) plans to play in Sunday's Week 1 game against the Chargers. When asked about his contract status by Raiders beat reporter Vincent Bonsignore, Waller said, "Whether it goes one way or it doesn't, I'll be playing football."

Greg Cosell on how Trey Lance is better and provides more for the 49ers:

1. Can throw the deep ball

2. Can throw outside the numbers

3. Can run the boot action better due to mobility

4. Rushing ability to create when nothing is there

Interesting…

But it might not be great for 49ers pass-catchers. Current Week 1 receiving yards lines on DraftKings:

  • Brandon Aiyuk 50.5

  • Deebo Samuel 48.5

  • George Kittle 48.5

A great read from Warren Sharp:

For all you dynasty fans: read this article by @DynastyZoltanFF that details the true worth of a 2023 1st, and how you should be valuing them in your leagues. He even opened the post to the public for free access for the next few days!

Down: Giants WR Group

With Sterling Shepard cleared to play week 1, Kadarius Toney may not see the targets we initially expected. Shepard has seen at least 6 targets in 31 out of his last 35 games, averaging 8/game. It looks like this will be a full blown WR committee with a below avg QB (on a below avg team). Scary.

Isaiah Spiller was listed as the RB4 on the Chargers unofficial depth chart behind Ekeler, Joshua Kelley and newly signed Sony Michel as well. At this rate, one of you will pass Spiller by midseason. Leave Spiller on waivers.

THEM ROOKIES

Rookie of the Day: Meet Rachaad White

After a relatively quiet offseason, Rachaad White caught the attention of the fantasy world when Tampa Bay released their depth chart. Listed as the Bucs RB2: Rachaad White.

An elite pass-catching back (White held a 21.3% reception share, the only other RB to do this was Christian McCaffrey), White is the perfect fit for the Bucs offence and notorious RB-checkdown king Tom Brady.

With Fournette likely to see a reduced workload, White might contribute immediately as the 3rd down back. He has also has huge handcuff upside w/ only Fournette in his way.

What else they're saying:

  • "He has really good hands, and I know they were looking for a back to come out of the backfield and catch some balls. He’s a terrific ball catcher.” - Herm Edwards, ASU Coach

  • “For a young guy, he is really thorough guy. He’s really aware, he’s really smart, and he plays the game in a physical way." - Byron Leftwich, Tampa Bay HC

TALKING SMACK

Quotes you need to hear

"I don't think any of us know that yet." - Chris Godwin when asked if he's going to play Week 1. He followed that with: "I would love to be there for the entire season, but I think what's more important is being there for the second half of the season." He's talking about the fantasy playoffs. Buy.

"Joe Burrow looks all the way back to full strength" - Tee Higgins (with a smile). I'm smiling with you, Tee.

Cam Akers: "A lot of touchdowns" - when asked about what we can expect from the Rams RBs. The Rams aren’t sharing details, but they could lean on the run game heavily with all three running backs healthy to start the regular season

  • This would be a big concern for Matt Stafford in fantasy early in the season. Rams could rely on run game more to manage any elbow concerns, longevity/durability for whole season+playoffs.

Todd Bowles says former All-Pro Julio Jones has 'returned to his old self'. That old self (WR rank on right side):

QUICK SLANTS

  • Mitch Trubisky was officially named the Pittsburgh Steelers starting QB. For now. Rookie QB Kenny Pickett is the backup. For now.

  • Zach Ertz is still "day to day" with a calf strain. Fantasy doctor Jesse Morse is getting concerned. Have a backup ready.

  • Van Jefferson's status for Thursday is still up in the air after missing practice on Tuesday. Cooper Kupp & Allen Robinson will see all the targets they can handle. Tyler Higbee is an interesting dart throw.

  • If Zach Wilson feels 100% tomorrow and is cleared to play, he will start on Sunday. An announcement will be made today. Sad as the Jets are better with Flacco.

  • Full interview with Stefon Diggs is a must-listen. Diggs talks about the chip on his shoulder that he's never forgot. (audio)

Tweet of the Day

Dameon Pierce's ADP was outside the top 250 at the beginning of June. Today, he's going in the 4th round of high stakes leagues.

Yes, Dameon Pierce was listed as the RB1 on the Texans unofficial depth chart. Good thing you subscribe to this newsletter & saw this coming.

Now, only one more day before the (second)* best day of the year, when the NFL season kicks off!

Jake, Eddie, Matt & Coach Wehler.

*Best day = First Red Zone Sunday. Obviously.

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