Quick decisions, shorter routes helping Rodgers

Jan 08, 2010

After eight games, Aaron Rodgers ranked third in the NFL in yards per attempt (8.67) behind New Orleans' Drew Brees (8.82) and Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger (8.76). The next closest to Rodgers was Dallas' Tony Romo (8.39).

After 16 games, Rodgers ranks fourth (8.2), just ahead of Houston's Matt Schaub (8.18) and Romo (8.15). The second half of the season his yards per attempt was 7.75, down almost a yard from midseason.

Rodgers's completion percentage, meanwhile, improved from 63.1% over the first eight games to 66.2% the last eight. His touchdown-to-interception totals went from 16-5 to 14-2.

Clearly, he's doing a better job of dumping the ball off and checking out of bad running plays at the line of scrimmage to quick completions to his receivers.

"I think it's that and having Jermichael Finley out there," Rodgers said of his pass-catching tight end. "When he's out there, it's more of a spread set. The emphasis is on quick decision-making and shorter routes.

Fantasy Impact:

yesterday

Chargers to sign RB J.K. Dobbins on one-year deal

Tom Pelissero

yesterday · 7:45 PM EDT

Former Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins is planning to sign with the #Chargers on a one-year deal. Electric when healthy, Dobbins — who averages 5.8 yards per carry in his career — reunites with OC Greg Roman and can hit the market again in March.

Related Players: Gus Edwards

Fantasy Impact:

Dobbins has had poor injury luck in his career, but has only managed 234 total rushes since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. This is a low-risk, high-reward move by the Chargers and might give them a runway to wait a little longer in the '24 Draft before they address the position.

Apr 16

Cowboys sign RB Royce Freeman

Todd Archer

Apr 16 · 8:15 PM EDT

The Cowboys have signed running back Royce Freeman to a one-year deal. Freeman had 319 yards on 77 carries with 2 touchdowns last year for the Los Angeles Rams. He was 3rd round pick of Denver in '18.

Related Players: Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn

Fantasy Impact:

Freeman hasn't rushed for 500 yards since 2018, his rookie season. This shouldn't have any impact on the team drafting at the position and/or bringing back Ezekiel Elliott.

Apr 15

Eagles sign WR DeVonta Smith to three-year extension

Ian Rapoport

Apr 15 · 10:45 AM EDT

The Eagles have paid another big-time, rising player. This time, WR DeVonta Smith gets a 3-year, $75M contract extension that includes $51M guaranteed.

Related Players: A.J. Brown, DeVante Parker, Parris Campbell

Fantasy Impact:

Great news for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense as a whole. Smith will continue his 1b role in which he finished the 2023 season as fantasy's WR22.