Can DGB use his physical gifts to fly in Philly? (Getty) Preseason ball is underway… and so are fantasy drafts. But with buzzy nuggets of news emerging on a daily basis it becomes difficult to keep track of what matters and what doesn’t. In an attempt to streamline managers’ FF experience, each Friday I’ll highlight the biggest headlines and explain how they might affect fans of the virtual game.
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HEADLINE:
Tennessee trades Dorial Green-Beckham to Philly for offensive lineman Dennis Kelly.
The Titans’ coaching staff had been clear for months that DGB was on thin ice. Apparently tiring of the 22-year-old’s lack of commitment and “inconsistent” efforts on the field, the team decided to ship him out of town in exchange for a reserve lineman. Considering Green-Beckham was a second-round pick just a year ago, the news is particularly stunning.
FANTASY SPIN:
Boasting 4.5 speed as well as a 6-foot-5 and 237 pound frame, DGB is one heck of a specimen. He also has a reputation for being a knucklehead, dating back to his college career. Whether a new locale (with a more, shall we say fervent, fan base) will motivate the troubled wideout to shape up remains to be seen. Right now, he’s nothing more than a late-round lotto ticket with decidedly more potential value in dynasty formats.
The biggest beneficiary of DBG’s departure is Rishard Matthews. A savvy route runner with sure hands, Matthews flashed in Miami last year, producing two 100+ yard outings and racking up 3 TDs before the Phins’ Week 5 bye. Now lining up as the Titans’ “z” receiver, the Nevada product figures to emerge as Marcus Mariota’s most reliable target. While his ADP has jumped, Matthews remains a solid value in the thirteenth round of 12-team exercises. A projected stat line of 62-856-6 would place Matthews on the WR3/WR4 bubble, giving him sexy flexy appeal on a week-to-week basis.
HEADLINE:
Dion Lewis remains on the PUP list.
After tearing his ACL in Week 9 of last season, the Patriots’ running back has yet to hit the practice field. Nine months into his recovery, Lewis’s availability for Week 1 appears in jeopardy. If he doesn’t come off the PUP list sometime within the next three weeks, then he won’t be eligible to play until Week 7 (@ PIT).
FANTASY SPIN:
The Patriots are a notoriously secretive organization. It’s entirely possible that New England is just easing in their most recent breakout talent. Still, with a player who’s long battled the injury bug (he missed all of 2013 due to a broken leg), a pumping of the brakes seems warranted. While downgrading the PPR stud is prudent, I think his upside is well worth the risk after round eight. Remember, this is an RB who, when healthy, averaged 5 catches and over 55 receiving yards per game.
If, however, you’re a more pragmatic manager… take a look at James White. He’s basically free right now, and playing well in the preseason. He isn’t nearly as electric in the open field as Lewis, but he is on the field and making plays.
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HEADLINE:
Christine Michael shines in the preseason.

Starting in back-to-back contests, Michael looked as explosive as ever. Carrying the ball a total of 17 times for nearly 100 yards, the metrics maven has averaged 5.8 YPC over the first two weeks of preseason action. He was additionally used in the passing game, catching a strike from Russell Wilson for a nine yard gain. The buzz all off season indicates that Seattle’s second-round pick from three years ago has matured substantially.
FANTASY SPIN:
No, this isn’t an NFL Films remake of Groundhog Day. Rather, it’s a chorus of stubborn dynasty leaguers screaming, “told ya so.”
After being cut by Dallas in mid-November of last year, Michael reunited with the Seahawks just a month later. From Weeks 15 through 18, the Texas A&M product averaged 15 carries and 65.5 yards per contest. Stepping up admirably while Thomas Rawls was shelved with an ankle injury, chatter of a humbled and more focused Michael began. From losing weight in order to gain speed, to outplaying rookies supposedly slated to start ahead of him, the CMike hype train has been sleekly refurbished.
Rawls is off the PUP, but whether he’ll play in any of the Seahawks’ remaining preseason contests has yet to be determined. Still, he’s the team’s lead back. What’s interesting, though, is that Michael figures to back up the bruiser and mix in on passing downs. In fact, head coach Pete Carroll said he was looking forward to using the tandem as a “1-2 punch.”
I foresee a committee, in which Rawls receives 13-15 totes per game and Michael carries the rock 6-9 times per outing. Available in the late thirteenth to early fourteenth rounds of fake football drafts, Michael is an intriguing sleeper who could finish as a top-ten talent were Rawls to reinjure himself.
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