(The Fantasy 5 is a quick-hit wrap-up of some of the biggest news topics of the day for fantasy football players, giving you advice you need to improve your team.)
We’re less than a week away from July 4, which we have crowned the official start of the fantasy season here at PFF. What does that mean for you? For starters, it means you need to start paying more attention to what’s happening in the league. Let us help you out.
1. Andrew Luck’s shoulder is improving, but he’s still not throwing
Not that he’d say anything else at this point of the offseason, but Andrew Luck says his throwing shoulder is feeling better, despite the fact he’s still not throwing.
This headline is both good and bad. The bad is that it serves as a reminder that Luck does have this dark cloud hanging over him with training camp on the horizon. The good is that he appears on track to suit up when the season begins. It’s definitely a situation to monitor.
As of now, we’re not overly concerned with Luck’s rehab process, evidenced by the fact we have him projected to be the No. 3 fantasy quarterback this season.
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2. Latavius Murray isn’t going to roll over for Dalvin Cook
The Minnesota Vikings backfield underwent some serious change this offseason. They parted ways with longtime stud Adrian Peterson and brought in the sometimes great, sometimes bad Latavius Murray through free agency. Then they drafted Dalvin Cook.
Many — including us — are expecting Cook to win the job and handle the majority of carries for the Vikings. But Murray made it clear that he thinks he should be the guy, and when asked for his Week 1 prediction, he said he’s the one on the field getting the ball.
What Murray says and what actually happens could be two entirely different things, but it’s clear that Murray isn’t just going to hand the rookie the job while he settles in for the life of a backup.
3. Leonard Fournette draws praise from new teammates
While I personally think Leonard Fournette is going too early in fantasy drafts, his actual teammates are singing a different tune.
Tight end Marcedes Lewis said Fournette is bigger, faster, and all-around better than expected. He also compared Fournette to Fred Taylor, and seems certain that Fournette’s presence will help Jacksonville control the tempo of games and make Blake Bortles a better player as a result.
4. LeGarrette Blount has a weight incentive with the Eagles
LeGarrette Blount led the league with 18 rushing touchdowns in 2016 — something no other running back had done since Adrian Peterson also scored 18 in 2009 — but that didn’t help his case once free agency hit.
Blount did, however, find a home with the Philadelphia Eagles. But the Eagles want to make sure Blount stays in shape, and he reportedly has a $50,000 weight incentive with his new team.
Assuming he reaches this goal, and assuming he absorbs most of the carries in Philadelphia’s offense, it’s easy to see Blount gaining 1,000 yards and popping off another double-digit touchdown season.
Man, Blount is so underrated each and every year. I also just sent a note to PFF’s HR staff about adding a weight incentive to my contract, but I haven’t heard back yet.
5. LB Zach Orr considering a return to the NFL
Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Zach Orr retired in January at just 24 due to back and neck issues. But he reportedly wants to make a return to the league. He only lasted five months in the land of retirement. Brett Favre wants to know how he did it.
If Orr does return, assuming he’s healthy and in shape, this is noteworthy news for IDP players. Orr was a top-10 IDP linebacker last year in all major scoring formats. His 99 solo tackles ranked 10th in the NFL and his 24 assists were tied for sixth-most.
Orr added three interceptions (tied for third among all linebackers) and three fumble receives (fourth-most). If your leaguemate dropped Orr once he announced his retirement, go scoop him up now.
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