Buzz: How to approach Packers' offense without Love

Everything that happens in the NFL has some additional context when viewed from a fantasy football perspective. From position battles to injuries and so much more, the news cycle will constantly affect player values in fantasy football.

Our fantasy football buzz file, with contributions from our ESPN fantasy writers and our NFL Nation reporters, aims to provide fantasy managers with the intel they need as news breaks around the NFL.

Key links: Draft Guide | Cheat Sheet Central | Fantasy depth charts

Sept 7: Jordan Love suffers leg injury in Friday’s opener

Stephania Bell: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Packers QB Jordan Love is “believed to have injured his MCL, pending further testing.” The Packers hope it is a 3-4 week injury, sources said Saturday.

A realistic prognosis and timeline require an understanding of what structures are involved and the degree of severity of the injury. We now know it was the MCL (medial collateral ligament, which reinforces the inner aspect of the knee) that was injured. Whether or not that was the only structure damaged is unclear, as is the degree of injury, although the timeline hints at a mild to moderate sprain. A second opinion, standard for many NFL athletes, often confirms the initial findings when the injury is straightforward. In some cases, there are specifics about the injury (For example, is bone bruising present?) or associated structures (Are there other small but important soft tissue injuries present?) that might lead to varying opinions about how to proceed or a timeline.

The bottom line, however, is that if these early reports stand, everyone should breathe a sigh of relief since it could have been much worse. Given the position Love’s left leg was in when he was injured, there were multiple possible outcomes. Of note, his left ankle was trapped in an everted (rotated outward) position between the ground and the weight of the defender. With the ankle rotated and unable to move freely, the knee — which is a joint that does not allow for much side to side movement — was forced into a valgus (think: knock-kneed or bowing inward) position as he was being tackled.

Simultaneously, another defender was attempting to tackle Love at shoulder/chest height in the opposite direction, the force of which brought his trunk back to the left, creating an even greater angle through his already vulnerable ankle, knee and potentially even his hip. Tackles and collisions are high energy impacts. The force is dispersed up the chain with the most vulnerable structures at risk of failing. When multiple joints are involved, there are a variety of injuries that can occur depending on the physics of the impact, all of which makes it impossible to definitively and comprehensively diagnose an injury based on video alone. What might appear season-ending can be much milder and vice versa.

It used to be the case that when a player would walk off the field, it served as an indication that a serious injury was avoided. But today’s athletes are stronger and often better able to compensate, particularly in the immediate aftermath of an injury before swelling and stiffness have set in. While the Packers’ medical staff was undoubtedly working off a solid hypothesis as to what the injury picture was for Love based on their visual and manual assessment, along with Love’s report to them of what he felt and where, the imaging and consultation serves to either confirm that hypothesis or provide additional details, or both.

Eric Moody: Here are a few things to consider if Love is your QB1 or if you have Jayden Reed, Josh Jacobs, Christian Watson, or Romeo Doubs on your roster.

The Packers have Malik Willis and Sean Clifford as backup QB options, but neither inspires much confidence. If the Packers explore free agents, Ryan Tannehill would be the most appealing. While his performance dipped late during his time with the Tennessee Titans, he has averaged a solid 16.3 fantasy points per game as a starter over his career.

There are more intriguing options on the waiver wire such as Matthew Stafford (35.8% rostered), Bryce Young (11.1%), Will Levis (10%) and Justin Fields (5.9%). Stafford plays in head coach Sean McVay’s innovative offense with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. He averaged 20.3 points per game from Weeks 12 to 18 last year. Fields, a dual-threat QB, is another intriguing option. Russell Wilson has been dealing with a calf injury since training camp and is questionable, but he’s set to make his first road trip with his new team. Now’s the time to stash Fields in case he starts early.

As for the Packers’ skill players, it’s hard to trust anyone outside of Jacobs or Reed. Jacobs will get most of the backfield touches, but I have concerns about the Packers’ offensive line after how often Jacobs was hit Friday night. Reed remains a high-end flex option thanks to his versatility as a receiver and runner and his dominance from the slot.

Sept. 6: Bengals’ Higgins doubtful for Week 1 with hamstring issue

Tristan H. Cockcroft: Though still strongly favored (giving 7.5 points) for their opening-week home matchup against the New England Patriots, the Cincinnati Bengals‘ chances took a slight hit following Friday’s injury report release designating Tee Higgins (hamstring) doubtful.

Higgins’ absence thrusts Andrei Iosivas, a fantasy sleeper who was already slated to see time in three-receiver sets, into a more prominent Week 1 role, making Iosivas a top pickup and deeper league (12-plus-team) starter for the opening weekend.

Behind him, Trenton Irwin, Charlie Jones and perhaps rookie Jermaine Burton could now see a handful of targets. Quarterback Joe Burrow, who has a history of sluggish Septembers (16.8 fantasy point average compared to 19.0 overall in his career), takes a slight hit as a result of Higgins’ absence but remains a low-end QB1, as Ja’Marr Chase “might play” Sunday while waiting for a new contract to get hammered out.

Sept 5: Russell Wilson limited in Steelers practice

Pittsburgh Steelers starting QB Russell Wilson was limited in practice due to calf tightness, ESPN’s Brooke Pryor reports.

Wilson is the 27th-ranked QB in Week 1’s fantasy projections (PPR), but Justin Fields is the Steelers backup, whom Eric Karabell argues is the more compelling choice to start.

Sept. 4: Bengals’ Chase returns to practice

Cincinnati Bengals wideout Ja’Marr Chase suited up and participated in practice today, according to ESPN’s Ben Baby, after missing all of training camp due to a contract dispute.

Chase is currently the No. 3 WR in ESPN Fantasy Football PPR rankings and seventh overall.

Sept 2: Chiefs place Edwards-Helaire on NFI

The Kansas City Chiefs placed running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire on the non-football illness list, meaning he will miss the first four games of the season. Edwards-Helaire has been the backup to Isiah Pacheco since 2022 and the Chiefs have only two other backs on their active roster. Veteran Samaje Perine, who was recently added to the team after being released by the Denver Broncos and undrafted rookie Carson Steele. Perine will likely serve as the insurance RB to Pacheco while Edwards-Helaire is out.

Aug. 29: Brandon Aiyuk extension boost to Brock Purdy’s stock

Eric Moody: Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a four-year extension worth $120 million that will see him suit up for the NFC favorites.

Aiyuk is ESPN Fantasy’s WR19 and remains a solid midrange WR2 on a San Francisco 49ers team loaded with playmakers. Despite sharing targets with Deebo Samuel Sr., George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey, Aiyuk remains a more than reliable playmaker.

The biggest winner? Quarterback Brock Purdy. The connection between Aiyuk and Purdy last season was elite. Purdy’s QB rating (95) when targeting Aiyuk ranked second among 98 QB/WR combos with 50-plus targets. Aiyuk led the league with 12.9 yards per target last season, posting seven 100+ yard games, and we should expect more of the same in 2024.

Samuel (WR18) remains a strong WR2 option, having averaged 17 fantasy points per game over the past three seasons. Kittle looks like more of a boom-or-bust TE1. He had seven games with 16+ fantasy points in 2023, but he also had six with six points or fewer.

Aug. 29: Patriots choose Brissett over Maye for Week 1

Tristan H. Cockcroft: Jacoby Brissett was named the New England Patriots‘ Week 1 starting quarterback. Note the importance of “Week 1” as to when Brissett has been named the starter, since the Brissett-Drake Maye QB battle will linger throughout the season.

Brissett’s selection comes as no surprise, buying some time for the rookie who made a competitive push to grab the job himself, and it brings a hint more stability in fantasy terms to the Patriots’ receivers — not that you should be jumping at the chance to start them in standard leagues.

Brissett has averaged 14.1 fantasy points over his career as a starter and a September schedule (at CIN, SEA, at NYJ, at SF) with games where he’ll likely be “playing from behind” but against tougher defenses suggests that he’ll hover in that statistical range. New England’s No. 1 WR DeMario Douglas and TE Hunter Henry, though, get ever-so-slight bumps in what could be a target-heavy opening month.

Aug. 28: Steelers name Russell Wilson starting QB

Matt Bowen: Steelers coach Mike Tomlin named Russell Wilson the team’s starting quarterback Wednesday. The play-action pass game will be heavily deployed under new coordinator Arthur Smith, which fits Wilson, as he completed 67.3% of his play-action throws in 2023, with 11 touchdowns. Wilson will have a No.1 target in field stretcher George Pickens, a receiver who can produce breakout weeks. But given Smith’s run-oriented approach in the game plan, which benefits running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, plus Wilson’s declining play speed outside of the pocket, he should be targeted only as a lower-tier QB2.

If Wilson were to struggle early this season, don’t be surprised if the team turned to backup Justin Fields. With his dual-threat ability and playmaking skills, Fields still has potential fantasy upside this year and can be drafted in deeper leagues.

Aug. 28: Cowboys add Cook to practice squad

Moody: The Dallas Cowboys will sign veteran running back Dalvin Cook to their practice squad, sources told ESPN on Wednesday. Cook can be called up to the active roster if he’s ready to contribute, making this a no-risk move for Dallas. But his signing likely dampens the fantasy appeal of Ezekiel Elliott as a flex option and Rico Dowdle as a sleeper.

While Cook is past his physical prime at 29 years old, he has still racked up 5,238 rushing yards over the past five seasons (fourth most in the league over that span). The Cowboys’ backfield was expected to be a committee between Elliott and Dowdle, but with Cook potentially in the mix, it looks like one to avoid in fantasy drafts.

Aug. 28: Williams set to return punts for Rams

Sean McVay announced Tuesday that Rams running back Kyren Williams will return punts this season. Mike Clay offers his thoughts on whether the special teams role impacts Williams’ fantasy value in the video below.

Aug. 28: Mitchell placed on IR, out for season

Tristan H. Cockcroft: Though it might seem unimportant to scrutinize the backup role to fantasy football’s top-scoring running back from 2023, Christian McCaffrey, let’s not forget that McCaffrey does have an injury history. He missed 23 games in 2020 and 2021 combined with ankle (twice), shoulder, thigh and hamstring issues, as well as the calf strain that cost him the entirety of this year’s preseason.

Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) heading to season-ending injured reserve on Wednesday is relevant, even if only for how it upends McCaffrey managers’ insurance-policy strategy. Jordan Mason, who totaled 76 yards and two touchdowns on 14 preseason carries, will be thrust into the primary backup role, and fourth-round rookie Isaac Guerendo, who missed some important preseason time with a hamstring issue, has an increased opportunity to play a meaningful role in the 49ers’ offense.

Mason is now worth a late-round pick in standard formats, especially for those lucky enough to get McCaffrey from the No. 1 draft slot, while Guerendo is a promising dynasty league stash.

Aug. 27: Hockenson to remain on PUP list, out until at least Week 5

Eric Karabell: Minnesota Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson tore the ACL and MCL in his right knee on Christmas Eve, and since we know how long it can take for a knee to heal from this major trauma, there was little chance he would play in Week 1. Now, it is official. Hockenson remains on the team’s PUP list, and he will miss at least the first four games of the 2024 season. Fantasy managers have wisely not made Hockenson a top-10 tight end, as they normally would, and this is smart. It is also smart to continue investing in Hockenson later in drafts, in anticipation of potentially awesome numbers from October onward. Nothing has changed here, and there are no bye weeks in September, anyway. Stash Hockenson in your IR slot, find another tight end for the early portion of the season and be patient. Johnny Mundt is the Vikings TE most likely to be a factor in the pass game while Hockenson is sidelined, but he is not worth drafting in fantasy.

Aug. 27: Jonathon Brooks also will start the season on PUP/NFI list

Eric Moody: The Carolina Panthers are leaving RB Jonathon Brooks on the PUP/NFI list to start the season, making him ineligible for the first four games. The Panthers have Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders in the backfield, with Hubbard expected to handle most of the touches. Hubbard was the featured back for the league’s worst offense last season and was a top-12 fantasy RB over the final seven weeks, leading the league with 134 rushing attempts during that span. Despite this, he’s currently the RB45 in ESPN ADP, which makes him a solid pick in terms of early-season value.

Brooks, meanwhile, can still be considered as an RB4. Before a torn ACL ended his season at Texas in 2023, he had 1,139 rushing yards (sixth in FBS at the time of the injury). The Panthers, who had only nine runs of 20-plus yards and seven rushing touchdowns all of last season, drafted Brooks to help in this area. The offense should improve under new head coach Dave Canales. You can draft Brooks and stash him in your IR slot. Upon his return, the 46th overall pick in the NFL draft should challenge Hubbard for the starting job sooner rather than later and be a key contributor in the second half of the season.

Aug. 27: AJ Dillon placed on season-ending IR

Liz Loza: AJ Dillon, who missed the final three games of last season with a neck injury, was placed on injured reserve after a suffering a similar injury during a joint practice with the Denver Broncos on Tuesday. Dillon had emerged as the early favorite for RB2 duties in Green Bay, working ahead of MarShawn Lloyd, who had been dealing with hip and hamstring issues. Green Bay selected Lloyd in the third round of April’s draft, attempting to provide youth and depth behind Josh Jacobs. The rookie’s Week 1 outlook is still muddy, though he figures to provide eventual value, assuming he can get healthy.

In the meantime, Jacobs will work as the team’s uncontested ball carrier. The vet’s numbers regressed mightily in 2023, after averaging 23 touches per game in 2022. An upgrade in offense, however, should lift Jacobs’ efficiency while his volume keeps him in the high-end RB2 fantasy conversation. Expect the former Raider to begin the season a top-15 FF RB when the Packers take on the Eagles in Brazil on Sept. 6.

Aug. 27: Top-ranked fantasy LB traded to Titans

Ernest Jones IV, who is the No. 1 LB for two of our three IDP rankers, was dealt from the Los Angeles Rams to the Tennessee Titans. Jones, who had at least nine tackles in 10 of his 15 games played in 2023, lands with a Titans team that had a glaring need for an every-down linebacker with his ability. In fantasy, Jones possesses elite tackle potential and also had a career-high 4½ sacks last season. He drops slightly in our LB rankings, as Bobby Okereke of the Giants becomes the unanimous No. 1.

Aug. 26: Nick Chubb to start the season on PUP list

Eric Moody: The Cleveland Browns are leaving RB Nick Chubb on the physically unable to perform list to start the season, meaning he will be ineligible to play for at least the first four games. The Browns have Jerome Ford to handle most of the touches in their backfield. He averaged 12.9 fantasy points per game from Week 3 to Week 17 last season filling in for Chubb as the lead back. Ford is currently RB37 in ESPN ADP, while Chubb should still be considered as an RB4 or RB5 and remains an intriguing late-round target.

Chubb is only 28 years old and, as we saw last year with Alvin Kamara (17.9) and Raheem Mostert (17.8), older running backs can still rank among the performers in fantasy PPG. You can still draft Chubb and stash him in your IR slot. He is positioned to be a key contributor for fantasy teams in the second half of the season.