Gross Bombs: NFL Props for Week 16
Josh Gross
It can be hard to prep for fantasy football during training camp and the preseason. Things happen every day that might be a huge deal for fantasy … or might be no deal at all.
Sometimes we can figure it out, but sometimes it’s just a matter of paying attention to what happens to know what might matter just so things don’t slip through the cracks.
So each day in this space, we’ll take a trip through the top news and takeaways around the league’s training camps to offer up what fantasy managers need to know as we head through draft season and into the 2023 NFL regular season.
Saquon Barkley Is Back
RB Saquon Barkley and the Giants have agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $11 million. His training camp holdout ended before it even began. For best ball players, a momentary dip in Barkley’s ADP was enjoyed. Now it’s back up draft boards he goes. The contract was only allowed to be one year, because the deadline for multi-year contracts already passed.
Josh Jacobs Is Not
Raiders RB Josh Jacobs apparently won’t report for training camp and doesn’t have any plans to. Barkley coming to terms with the Giants now makes Jacobs the lone RB holdout. No running back handled more of their team’s work than Jacobs did in 2022 (79% rush attempt market share). He’ll slide down draft boards. If he makes it all the way to Round 4, it’s probably the right move to draft him there.
Amari Cooper Misses Practice
Browns WR Amari Cooper missed practice to kick off training camp with a “minor tweak” suffered over the weekend. It doesn’t sound serious, so keep drafting him with confidence.
Rashod Bateman to the PUP
WR Rashod Bateman was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list Monday. Zay Flowers will continue to rise up draft boards as both WRs ahead of him on the depth chart work through injuries.
Kendre Miller Activated, Passes Physical
Saints rookie/TCU product RB Kendre Miller could have a big role early in the season if Alvin Kamara is suspended. A knee injury at the end of his college season prevented him from practicing with the Saints — until now. He’s a worthy dart throw.
Nyheim Hines Suffers ACL Tear
Nyheim Hines will miss the 2023 NFL season. Hines was not likely to have a big fantasy role, but this does nudge James Cook up a smidge.
Chase Claypool Cleared to Practice
Bears WR Chase Claypool is a late-round flier. We know he has athletic ability, but he’s been extremely inconsistent in the NFL. The Bears have plenty of targets up for grabs behind DJ Moore. Getting healthy was the first step for Claypool. There are worse last-round fliers.
