Lions Beat: Joique Bell still the starter at RB

Aug 16, 2015

Loins beat writer Justin Rogers was asked if RB Joique Bell is still the starter.

Rogers: Yes. Not only that, as long as he's healthy, I expect Bell to get the majority of carries each week.

Ameer Abdullah's start was electric, but that doesn't mean he leaps straight to the top of the depth chart.

Fantasy Impact:

The story continued to say in an ideal world for the Lions, the starter tag won't matter. Bell, Abdullah and even Theo Riddick will form a balanced attack that keeps opponents guessing and the chains moving. That's not the ideal fantasy situation but we can at least conclude Bell gets his share of early down and short yardage carries while Abdullah sees a lot of work in the passing downs and as an electric change of pace. Abdullah's value comes in PPR leagues. The addition of Abdullah puts Riddick's role in question as well as his fantasy value. If there's an injury, Riddick will be a popular waiver pickup.

Apr 17

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

Tom Pelissero

Apr 17 · 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.