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Eric MoodyESPN
Read ESPN’s Fantasy Football Daily Notes every weekday to stay up to date on the news you need to know and get a head start on the fantasy football content coming to ESPN.com today and tomorrow and the ESPN Fantasy app appear.
The news: Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Geno Smith will start the first game of the preseason.
What it means in fantasy: That looks like this is Smith’s job to lose, and let’s face it, that’s not a bad thing for fantasy managers looking to draft DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. In Smith’s three starts in 2021, Metcalf caught 14 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns. In four games with Smith, Lockett had 21 receptions for 246 yards. Metcalf and Lockett are currently underrated in drafts as WR18 and WR31.
The news: Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett mentioned that Albert Okwuegbunam does everything on offense
What it means in fantasy: There are two reasons this is great news. First, Russell Wilson has another big receiver with a big catch radius to turn to after Tim Patrick suffered a season-ending knee injury. Second, this is a sign that Okwuegbunam rookie Greg Dulcich is pulling ahead. Okwuegbunam is currently the TE22 in our draft trends. Don’t overlook him in deep or tight end premium fantasy formats.
go deeper: The Broncos haven’t trimmed for targeting tight ends in vertical downfield this past season under the previous coaching regime, but Okwuegbunam’s yarding ability stood out, with 245 of his 330 yards coming from catches last season.
The news: Marlon Mack and Rex Burkhead are listed as co-starters on Houston’s first unofficial depth chart
What it means in fantasy: When it comes to depth maps, it’s best to approach them with caution. Dameon Pierce is still the boost the Texans running game needs and he should see plenty of action in the preseason. It is best played with in the long game in fantasy leagues. A somber running game by the Texans could be revived by Pierce, who has league-winning potential.
go deeper: The Texans running game can’t get any worse. Houston finished last season with 1,422 rushing yards at 3.4 yards per carry, the league’s worst.
The news: Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury wants Rondale Moore to be used more widely on offense.
What it means in fantasy: After a discussion with the coaching staff about his lack of effort last season, Moore is expected to see plenty of goals early on with DeAndre Hopkins suspended for six games. His abilities are strikingly similar to Deebo Samuel’s, which is why he could be a great asset to the Cardinals if used in a similar way. According to our design trends, Moore is the WR68 and worth a try in double digit rounds.
The news: Carson Wentz had his ups and downs during Commanders training camp
What it means in fantasy: Reporters at Commanders Camp criticize Wentz’s inaccuracies daily, but coach Ron Rivera said over the weekend that he wasn’t “overly concerned”.
go deeper: The same approach should be followed by fantasy managers, but I’m sure Terry McLaurin is weighing you down as he catches passes from Wentz. McLaurin was handed a career-defining payday this offseason and his role in the Commanders’ passing game will be crucial.
Today on ESPN.com and on the ESPN Fantasy App
• Fantasy Focus Podcast, 11:00 am ET: Double trouble with the Broncos and Chargers.
Next Thursday:
• DJ Gallo unveils his list of the best new and classic fantasy football team names
• Fantasy Focus Podcast: Double trouble with the Seahawks and Rams.
In case you missed it:
Matt Bowen identifies players who have the skills but just need the opportunity to become fantasy stars.
• Fantasy Focus Podcast: Double trouble with the Chiefs and Raiders.
