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2 Big Running Back Stories Impacting Fantasy Football
In today's Fantasy Life Newsletter, presented by UNest.
Before yesterday, Josh Jacobs and Bucky Irving represented solid selections in the Top-50 picks, but things change quickly in the NFL and now their outlooks are very much in doubt.
As for Bucky, I honestly didn’t realize there was any reason for concern. I knew he underwent offseason shoulder surgery due to injuries he originally suffered in Week 4 vs. the Eagles, but I was fully expecting him to be healthy for training camp.
That confidence was shattered yesterday, however, after Irving was absent at the start of Bucs OTAs and HC Todd Bowles said that he’d return “during summer or fall.”
Now I know some of you live in areas that are warm year-round, so let me quickly refresh you on what a “season” generally represents.
Pretends like he’s starting a sixth-grade science report
A season is a division of the year marked by specific weather patterns, daylight hours and ecological changes. In the meteorological sense, they are exactly three months long, ranging from 90 to 92 days.
So to quickly put two and two together, Todd Bowles just said the return timeline for Irving is somewhere between 90-184 days.
Considering Irving currently has an ADP in the middle of the fourth round, this is a concerning development.
I don’t know how you can take him at those prices until we get a return timeline window that is tighter than, say, 26 weeks.
Pete’s Pick. There's always a delay in ADP catching up to news, so now is the time to capitalize on the inevitable rise in price for both Kenneth Gainwell and Sean Tucker.
Even if you think Bucky will ultimately be fine, Gainwell and Tucker are locks to get more expensive. Load up now and then sit back and wait for Bowles to start talking in weeks instead of seasons.
For more info on Tucker and Gainwell’s outlooks, check out this instant reaction piece from Joe.
As for Jacobs, last night we learned that he was arrested on five separate domestic violence charges.
There’s no point in speculating on an active and ongoing investigation, though Jacobs and his attorneys are already “vehemently” denying the allegations.
This is clearly a wait-and-see situation, but since fantasy football never sleeps, we put together a list of potential RB targets—both internally and externally—that could be called upon by the Packers if Jacobs were to miss time. We’ll keep you posted as we learn more.
Time to Buy Jeremiyah Love Making The NFL Leap
Few things are as breathtaking and fun to watch as Jeremiyah Love hurdling over defenders during his Notre Dame days. Many of those jumps set him loose on long runs on the way to amassing 3,016 scrimmage yards and 40 TDs for this multi-talented weapon who is taking his talents to Arizona. He’s not yet 21, and appears to have as bright an NFL future as any of the players just drafted. Now it’s time for forward-thinking fantasy managers to act when Love’s available in fantasy drafts in the months ahead.
UNest works the same way. You don't wait until your kid is 16 to start building their financial future. You start now, when time is your single greatest advantage. A tax-advantaged investment account that grows with your child, set up in under 10 minutes. The long game is always the smartest play, on the field and off it.
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Around the Watercooler
Your favorite football nerds are back and bringing you the latest news, content and memes from the NFL universe …
📰 In other news, Nico Collins inked a new deal.
💤 We know DJ Moore will get his looks, but don’t forget this pass catcher.
🤩 Draft Colston Loveland at his current ADP. Then thank us later.
📆 Eleven teams begin OTAs today. “Best shape of his life” szn loading …
🔮 TreVeyon Henderson is not Gibbs 2.0. Here’s why.
🤝 Why the Titans selected Carnell Tate. Checks out.
🙏 The 2027 QB class will be much better … we think.
5 Tips For Rookie Dynasty Players
Come on in, the water’s warm. That’s what dynasty leaguers may as well be saying to potential newbie dynasty players looking to dip their toe in these fantasy waters. Or also, being asked—begged—to join the league to fill the last orphan spot. Cooterdoodle does put up the warning signs for those who might be getting in too deep if they’re not fully aware that the dynasty waters can be choppy if you’re not ready to dive in:
This isn’t a redraft league where last year never really matters. This isn’t some work league that goes dead silent after Week 12. And this isn’t your uncle’s friend’s son’s league that lets people get away with forgetting to set their rosters each week.
Dynasty leagues are about commitment.
If you decide to join one, you need to be prepared for what that truly means. You’ll be committed to the people, to the group chat, to the fees, and to the draft settings for years to come, come hell or high water. ⤵️
Kendall’s Mailbag: A Raven is Flying High
It’s time for the weekly mailbag, and Kendall Valenzuela got some juicy questions from our heady SiriusXM audience. They asked about everything from dynasty rookie drafts to players who could be headliners of the training camp news cycle. One player to keep an eye on is Mark Andrews:
Andrews was fourth among tight ends in end zone targets last season and I'm betting on more touchdowns for the 30-year-old tight end. Andrews scored 5 touchdowns in 2025 and finished as the TE23 finish in fantasy points per game. It's been two down seasons for Andrews, but a new coaching staff and Isaiah Likely leaving are huge. 📬
Crowded Offense? Let’s Play King of the Hill
It’s good to be the king. We’re talking non-Derrick Henry Division. Dwain, Kendall and Ian joined up on the latest Fantasy Life Show to discuss the players who could be the big winners in heated competition for the top fantasy producer on their teams. Don’t miss an episode of the Fantasy Life Show, SUBSCRIBE TODAY.
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