Starks to continue to get touches

Jan 11, 2011

After Starks played a key role Sunday by rushing for 123 yards in Green Bay's 21-16 victory over Philadelphia in an NFC wild-card game, it would appear the committee approach has run its course.

Jackson and Kuhn still have a place in certain offensive packages, but McCarthy has found his 20-carry back.

And not a moment too soon, because the Packers (11-6) face the NFC's top-seeded team, the Atlanta Falcons (13-3), at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Georgia Dome.

"Well, he definitely deserves opportunity," McCarthy said at his news conference Monday. "He'll run the ball against Atlanta, if that's what you're asking me. Yeah, he's going to carry the ball in Atlanta. He earned that."

"We've known how good James was the first day he came in," said linebacker A.J. Hawk. "We weren't even wearing pads back in the spring and we knew he could do some great things."

Fantasy Impact:

The reporter Gary D’Amato speculates that the Packers have found their 20 carry back. While Starks looked good against the Eagles & we expect him to be heavily involved against Atlanta, let's not forget his 18 carry games against the 49ers earlier in the year, followed up by a 6 touch performance against the Lions.

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.