Can the Bulls find a star and break through, or do they have a hard ceiling? Zach Lowe looks at the future in Chicago.
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Lowe: Just how good can these young Bulls become?
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Christian McCaffrey is taking over as the Panthers’ No. 1 running back, and coach Ron Rivera says he’d like to see the second-year player get 25-30 touches per game, more than doubling his load from last season..
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Richard Sherman says his injured Achilles is now “100 percent” and plans to be a participant when the 49ers open up training camp on Thursday.
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Niners’ Sherman says Achilles is at ‘100 percent’
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PHILADELPHIA (AP) — With one of the club’s icons taking perhaps his final bow in Philadelphia, it was easy to recall the Phillies’ recent glory years. A new era of celebration may be near. Scott Kingery homered and Carlos Santana hit a three-run triple in Philadelphia’s five-run fifth inning, leading the Phillies to a 7-3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday. Rhys Hoskins also went deep for the Phillies, who increased their lead in the NL East to 1½ games over the idle Atlanta Braves by taking two of three in the series. “That was really huge for us,” right-hander Jake Arrieta said. Fans cheered Chase Utley for the final time here before each at-bat, unless the Dodgers face the Phillies in the postseason. Utley, the beloved former Phillie and six-time All-Star who recently announced his retirement at season’s end, helped lead Philadelphia to the 2008 World Series championship and five straight division titles. Citizens Bank Park was a raucous place to be during those high-water seasons and could be again if the Phillies continue winning. “I know what it was like and we all anticipate it being similar to how it was,” Arrieta said. “Fans are hungry. This series was nice. Fans were out in full force.” Arrieta (8-6) allowed two earned runs on five hits in six innings for the victory. Max Muncy homered and Joc Pederson and Alex Verdugo had a pair of hits for Los Angeles. “They beat us,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “We just got beat this series.” The game started less than 11½ hours after the final out of the Phillies’ 7-4, 16-inning win that started Tuesday night and lasted 5 hours, 55 minutes, ending at 1:14 a.m. Wednesday. Seranthony Dominguez recorded the final four outs for his 10th save in 11 chances. Philadelphia broke the game open in the fifth. Kingery pulled out of a slump with a one-out homer to right off Walker Buehler (4-3) to break a 1-all tie. He had 3 hits in his previous 18 at-bats. After a Jesmuel Valentin single and strikeout, Roberts intentionally walked Hoskins and replaced Buehler with left-hander Scott Alexander. Alexander walked Odubel Herrera to load the bases before Santana’s bases-clearing triple to the wall in right-center made it 6-1. “We get one out there, it’s a different ballgame,” Roberts said. “Didn’t work out for us.” Buehler was charged with five runs on five hits in 4 2/3 innings. He had five strikeouts and one walk. The Dodgers pulled within 6-3 in the sixth on Muncy’s two-run shot to the opposite field. After both teams failed to score in extra innings until Trevor Plouffe’s three-run homer off position player Kike Hernandez in the previous game, both promptly scored a run in the opening inning Wednesday. Matt Kemp’s sacrifice fly scored Pederson, who went to third on one of two throwing errors in the frame by catcher Andrew Knapp. Philadelphia tied it in the bottom half on Hoskins’ one-out homer to deep left, giving the slugger long balls in four of five contests. UTLEY UPDATE Utley went 0 for 3 with a strikeout. He finished the series 1 for 8. Following the game, Phillies owner John Middleton embraced Utley in front of the Dodgers’ dugout and the second baseball got one final standing ovation while doffing his cap in every direction of the ballpark. HOT JOC Pederson batted .533 with three doubles, a homer and two RBIs in the three-game series. HOME SWEET HOME The Phillies have won 10 of 13 at home to increase their NL-best mark to 34-18 in their ballpark. TRAINER’S ROOM Dodgers: Los Angeles recalled right-handed reliever Pedro Baez (bicep) and placed lefty reliever Zac Rosscup (left middle finger inflammation) on the 10-day DL. Baez gave up a run in the eighth. UP NEXT Dodgers: LHP Rich Hill (3-4, 4.26 ERA) starts for Los Angeles on Thursday night against Braves RHP Anibal Sanchez (5-2, 2.76). Phillies: Will start a left-hander for the first time since Sept. 28, 2016, ending a streak of 267 straight starts by a righty, when Ranger Suarez makes his MLB debut on Thursday night at Cincinnati. RHP Tyler Mahle (7-8, 4.32) goes for the Reds. (@Copyright 2018. The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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Phillies Erupt For 5 In Fifth Inning To Beat Dodgers, 7-3
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PHILADELPHIA (AP) — With one of the club’s icons taking perhaps his final bow in Philadelphia, it was easy to recall the Phillies’ recent glory years. A new era of celebration may be near. Scott Kingery homered and Carlos Santana hit a three-run triple in Philadelphia’s five-run fifth inning, leading the Phillies to a 7-3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday. Rhys Hoskins also went deep for the Phillies, who increased their lead in the NL East to 1½ games over the idle Atlanta Braves by taking two of three in the series. “That was really huge for us,” right-hander Jake Arrieta said. Fans cheered Chase Utley for the final time here before each at-bat, unless the Dodgers face the Phillies in the postseason. Utley, the beloved former Phillie and six-time All-Star who recently announced his retirement at season’s end, helped lead Philadelphia to the 2008 World Series championship and five straight division titles. Citizens Bank Park was a raucous place to be during those high-water seasons and could be again if the Phillies continue winning. “I know what it was like and we all anticipate it being similar to how it was,” Arrieta said. “Fans are hungry. This series was nice. Fans were out in full force.” Arrieta (8-6) allowed two earned runs on five hits in six innings for the victory. Max Muncy homered and Joc Pederson and Alex Verdugo had a pair of hits for Los Angeles. “They beat us,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “We just got beat this series.” The game started less than 11½ hours after the final out of the Phillies’ 7-4, 16-inning win that started Tuesday night and lasted 5 hours, 55 minutes, ending at 1:14 a.m. Wednesday. Seranthony Dominguez recorded the final four outs for his 10th save in 11 chances. Philadelphia broke the game open in the fifth. Kingery pulled out of a slump with a one-out homer to right off Walker Buehler (4-3) to break a 1-all tie. He had 3 hits in his previous 18 at-bats. After a Jesmuel Valentin single and strikeout, Roberts intentionally walked Hoskins and replaced Buehler with left-hander Scott Alexander. Alexander walked Odubel Herrera to load the bases before Santana’s bases-clearing triple to the wall in right-center made it 6-1. “We get one out there, it’s a different ballgame,” Roberts said. “Didn’t work out for us.” Buehler was charged with five runs on five hits in 4 2/3 innings. He had five strikeouts and one walk. The Dodgers pulled within 6-3 in the sixth on Muncy’s two-run shot to the opposite field. After both teams failed to score in extra innings until Trevor Plouffe’s three-run homer off position player Kike Hernandez in the previous game, both promptly scored a run in the opening inning Wednesday. Matt Kemp’s sacrifice fly scored Pederson, who went to third on one of two throwing errors in the frame by catcher Andrew Knapp. Philadelphia tied it in the bottom half on Hoskins’ one-out homer to deep left, giving the slugger long balls in four of five contests. UTLEY UPDATE Utley went 0 for 3 with a strikeout. He finished the series 1 for 8. Following the game, Phillies owner John Middleton embraced Utley in front of the Dodgers’ dugout and the second baseball got one final standing ovation while doffing his cap in every direction of the ballpark. HOT JOC Pederson batted .533 with three doubles, a homer and two RBIs in the three-game series. HOME SWEET HOME The Phillies have won 10 of 13 at home to increase their NL-best mark to 34-18 in their ballpark. TRAINER’S ROOM Dodgers: Los Angeles recalled right-handed reliever Pedro Baez (bicep) and placed lefty reliever Zac Rosscup (left middle finger inflammation) on the 10-day DL. Baez gave up a run in the eighth. UP NEXT Dodgers: LHP Rich Hill (3-4, 4.26 ERA) starts for Los Angeles on Thursday night against Braves RHP Anibal Sanchez (5-2, 2.76). Phillies: Will start a left-hander for the first time since Sept. 28, 2016, ending a streak of 267 straight starts by a righty, when Ranger Suarez makes his MLB debut on Thursday night at Cincinnati. RHP Tyler Mahle (7-8, 4.32) goes for the Reds. (@Copyright 2018. The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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Phillies Erupt For 5 In Fifth Inning To Beat Dodgers, 7-3
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Cowboys owner Jerry Jones says President Trump’s continued interest in the NFL’s anthem policy is “problematic,” but “that’s the way it is, and we’ll deal with it.”
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The Vikings have begun the process of moving forward as the team opens up training camp less than a week after the death of offensive line coach Tony Sparano.
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Vikings open up training camp with heavy hearts
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New York Jets CB Rashard Robinson has been suspended for four games by the NFL for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
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New York Jets CB Rashard Robinson has been suspended for four games by the NFL for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
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Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack will continue to stay away from the team and new coach Jon Gruden as he awaits a contract extension, a source told ESPN.
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Source: DE Mack to skip start of Raiders camp
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DT Aaron Donald, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, was not present as Rams players reported to training camp Wednesday, a source told ESPN.
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DT Aaron Donald, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, was not present as Rams players reported to training camp Wednesday, a source told ESPN.
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Source: Rams’ Donald again to be camp holdout
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Telvin Smith on Wednesday became the latest Jaguars player to state big expectations for his team, saying it was the best in the NFL.
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Ryan Mayer Fantasy football season is nearly upon us. So, if you’re like me, and were focused on other things over the last few months, you probably need a quick refresher before your league holds its draft. That’s what we’re here for, to take you through the projections of the top 10 rankings for each position while also pointing you to where you can find overall projections for all off the players heading into this season. We already did quarterbacks , now it’s time to focus on the real backbone of any fantasy team: running backs. For as devalued as running backs have become in today’s NFL, at least from a contract perspective, a top-tier guy or breakout star could make your fantasy season. So, as you prepare your draft strategy, here’s a look at who CBS Sports is projecting to be the top guys headed into this season. Once again, we note that this is based on standard scoring projections. For PPR, go here . Positions | QB | 1) Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams Owner of the new highest-paying contract for a running back, Gurley flourished last season under the offensive system of new head coach Sean McVay. CBSSports.com is expecting more of the same this year, as the Rams brought everybody back and added wide receiver Brandin Cooks. CBSSports.com Projections- 291 Fantasy Points (18.2 FPPG) 1,392 rushing yards 12 TDs & 694 receiving yards with 5 TDs 2) Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers Bell has consistently been one of the most productive backs for fantasy owners over the past several years. Heading into this season, Bell will be even more motivated to produce, as his contract dispute with the Steelers has ended with him playing on the franchise tag once more. To prove he’s worth a big contract, Bell will likely want to put up big numbers and CBSSports.com is projecting him to finish with 20 more fantasy points than he did last season. CBSSports.com Projections- 260 Fantasy Points (16.25 FPPG) 1,350 rushing yards with 10 TDs & 728 receiving yards with 2 TDs Credit: Adam Bettcher/Getty Images 3) Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints A breakout star in 2017, Kamara proved to be effective both in the running game and in the passing game, exactly the kind of dual-threat back that proves to be the most useful in fantasy football and actual football these days. He won’t get as many carries as the two guys above him, since he’s splitting the backfield with Mark Ingram. But Kamara still promises to be an effective fantasy option regardless. CBSSports.com Projections- 231 Fantasy Points (14.4 FPPG) 933 rushing yards with 9 TDs & 732 receiving yards with 5 TDs 4) Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys Elliott missed time last year due to the NFL’s suspension for some of his off-field antics, and he couldn’t replicate his dominant rookie campaign because of it. With no suspension looming over him this time around, Elliott should once again be the focal point of the offense. When you consider the unsettled nature of the passing game due to a questionable receiving corps, Elliott should see even more of the ball in 2018. CBSSports.com Projections- 213 Fantasy Points (13.3 FPPG) 1,348 rushing yards with 8 TDs & 388 receiving yards with 2 TDs 5) Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs Hunt, like Kamara, was a middle-round pick who became a star once the season began. He tailed off down the stretch, so did the Chiefs really, but this year he’s likely to be a bit more of a security blanket, as K.C. will trot out first-time starter Patrick Mahomes. After showing dual-threat capability last year, Hunt will look to build on his debut year. CBSSports.com Projections- 200 Fantasy Points (12.5 FPPG) 1,118 rushing yards with 8 TDs & 402 receiving yards with 3 TDs 6) David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals Johnson was the number one overall pick in many leagues last year after proving to be a workhorse running and catching the football in 2016. Then he dislocated his wrist in the opener, ending his season before it got started, much to the frustration of fantasy owners. Because of that, the projection systems aren’t quite as high on him this season. But there’s a pretty good chance that with Sam Bradford at QB and a depleted receiving corps outside of Larry Fitzgerald, Johnson will be asked to pick up the slack on offense. CBSSports.com Projections- 197 Fantasy Points (12.3 FPPG) 818 rushing yards with 6 TDs & 883 receiving yards with 3 TDs Credit: Tom Pennington/Getty Images 7) Saquon Barkley, New York Giants The rookie running back out of Penn State may be the most hyped RB we’ve seen since Adrian Peterson coming out of Oklahoma. However, Barkley is hyped for a different reason. Barkley is in the same mold as most of the guys on this list, outside of Zeke Elliott. He can catch out of the backfield and also provides a dominant presence in the ground game. People are expecting big things from Barkley, CBSSports.com’s projection system included. CBSSports.com Projections- 192 Fantasy Points (12 FPPG) 1,123 rushing yards with 8 TDs & 425 receiving yards with 2 TDs 8) Melvin Gordon, Los Angeles Chargers Did you know Gordon ended last season as the running back with the fifth-most fantasy points? I certainly didn’t. He was productive for the Chargers, but purely by playing for the Chargers, the ‘other’ team in L.A., he didn’t get much notoriety. But he’s a solid fantasy option, and CBSSports.com expects more of the same this season. CBSSports.com Projections- 188 Fantasy Points (11.7 FPPG) 1,030 rushing yards with 8 TDs & 406 receiving yards with 3 TDs Credit: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images 9) Leonard Fournette, Jacksonville Jaguars The Jaguars battering ram of a running back had a solid rookie season, as Jacksonville tried to beat their opponents into the ground with the running game and a ferocious defense. This year is likely to be more of the same, as Blake Bortles is still the QB for the Jags, and he lost receivers Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson. While Bortles finds chemistry with the new guys, Fournette will chug along on the ground. CBSSports.com Projections- 183 Fantasy Points (11.4 FPPG) 1,148 rushing yards with 9 TDs & 290 receiving yards with 1 TD 10) Jerick McKinnon, San Francisco 49ers This is the biggest surprise of the projection system to me. McKinnon has never started more than seven games in his career, so it’s unclear what he’ll do with a full-time role. But, based on his part-time stats, it’s understandable to see this kind of projection with a full 16-game load. CBS Sports Projection- 176 Fantasy Points (11 FPPG) 885 rushing yards with 7 TDs & 552 receiving yards with 2 TDs
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Fantasy Football Preview: Top 10 Running Backs
Fantasy Football Preview: Top 10 Running Backs was last modified: July 25th, 2018 by JoshuaFslaotkk
Ryan Mayer Fantasy football season is nearly upon us. So, if you’re like me, and were focused on other things over the last few months, you probably need a quick refresher before your league holds its draft. That’s what we’re here for, to take you through the projections of the top 10 rankings for each position while also pointing you to where you can find overall projections for all off the players heading into this season. We already did quarterbacks , now it’s time to focus on the real backbone of any fantasy team: running backs. For as devalued as running backs have become in today’s NFL, at least from a contract perspective, a top-tier guy or breakout star could make your fantasy season. So, as you prepare your draft strategy, here’s a look at who CBS Sports is projecting to be the top guys headed into this season. Once again, we note that this is based on standard scoring projections. For PPR, go here . Positions | QB | 1) Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams Owner of the new highest-paying contract for a running back, Gurley flourished last season under the offensive system of new head coach Sean McVay. CBSSports.com is expecting more of the same this year, as the Rams brought everybody back and added wide receiver Brandin Cooks. CBSSports.com Projections- 291 Fantasy Points (18.2 FPPG) 1,392 rushing yards 12 TDs & 694 receiving yards with 5 TDs 2) Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers Bell has consistently been one of the most productive backs for fantasy owners over the past several years. Heading into this season, Bell will be even more motivated to produce, as his contract dispute with the Steelers has ended with him playing on the franchise tag once more. To prove he’s worth a big contract, Bell will likely want to put up big numbers and CBSSports.com is projecting him to finish with 20 more fantasy points than he did last season. CBSSports.com Projections- 260 Fantasy Points (16.25 FPPG) 1,350 rushing yards with 10 TDs & 728 receiving yards with 2 TDs Credit: Adam Bettcher/Getty Images 3) Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints A breakout star in 2017, Kamara proved to be effective both in the running game and in the passing game, exactly the kind of dual-threat back that proves to be the most useful in fantasy football and actual football these days. He won’t get as many carries as the two guys above him, since he’s splitting the backfield with Mark Ingram. But Kamara still promises to be an effective fantasy option regardless. CBSSports.com Projections- 231 Fantasy Points (14.4 FPPG) 933 rushing yards with 9 TDs & 732 receiving yards with 5 TDs 4) Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys Elliott missed time last year due to the NFL’s suspension for some of his off-field antics, and he couldn’t replicate his dominant rookie campaign because of it. With no suspension looming over him this time around, Elliott should once again be the focal point of the offense. When you consider the unsettled nature of the passing game due to a questionable receiving corps, Elliott should see even more of the ball in 2018. CBSSports.com Projections- 213 Fantasy Points (13.3 FPPG) 1,348 rushing yards with 8 TDs & 388 receiving yards with 2 TDs 5) Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs Hunt, like Kamara, was a middle-round pick who became a star once the season began. He tailed off down the stretch, so did the Chiefs really, but this year he’s likely to be a bit more of a security blanket, as K.C. will trot out first-time starter Patrick Mahomes. After showing dual-threat capability last year, Hunt will look to build on his debut year. CBSSports.com Projections- 200 Fantasy Points (12.5 FPPG) 1,118 rushing yards with 8 TDs & 402 receiving yards with 3 TDs 6) David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals Johnson was the number one overall pick in many leagues last year after proving to be a workhorse running and catching the football in 2016. Then he dislocated his wrist in the opener, ending his season before it got started, much to the frustration of fantasy owners. Because of that, the projection systems aren’t quite as high on him this season. But there’s a pretty good chance that with Sam Bradford at QB and a depleted receiving corps outside of Larry Fitzgerald, Johnson will be asked to pick up the slack on offense. CBSSports.com Projections- 197 Fantasy Points (12.3 FPPG) 818 rushing yards with 6 TDs & 883 receiving yards with 3 TDs Credit: Tom Pennington/Getty Images 7) Saquon Barkley, New York Giants The rookie running back out of Penn State may be the most hyped RB we’ve seen since Adrian Peterson coming out of Oklahoma. However, Barkley is hyped for a different reason. Barkley is in the same mold as most of the guys on this list, outside of Zeke Elliott. He can catch out of the backfield and also provides a dominant presence in the ground game. People are expecting big things from Barkley, CBSSports.com’s projection system included. CBSSports.com Projections- 192 Fantasy Points (12 FPPG) 1,123 rushing yards with 8 TDs & 425 receiving yards with 2 TDs 8) Melvin Gordon, Los Angeles Chargers Did you know Gordon ended last season as the running back with the fifth-most fantasy points? I certainly didn’t. He was productive for the Chargers, but purely by playing for the Chargers, the ‘other’ team in L.A., he didn’t get much notoriety. But he’s a solid fantasy option, and CBSSports.com expects more of the same this season. CBSSports.com Projections- 188 Fantasy Points (11.7 FPPG) 1,030 rushing yards with 8 TDs & 406 receiving yards with 3 TDs Credit: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images 9) Leonard Fournette, Jacksonville Jaguars The Jaguars battering ram of a running back had a solid rookie season, as Jacksonville tried to beat their opponents into the ground with the running game and a ferocious defense. This year is likely to be more of the same, as Blake Bortles is still the QB for the Jags, and he lost receivers Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson. While Bortles finds chemistry with the new guys, Fournette will chug along on the ground. CBSSports.com Projections- 183 Fantasy Points (11.4 FPPG) 1,148 rushing yards with 9 TDs & 290 receiving yards with 1 TD 10) Jerick McKinnon, San Francisco 49ers This is the biggest surprise of the projection system to me. McKinnon has never started more than seven games in his career, so it’s unclear what he’ll do with a full-time role. But, based on his part-time stats, it’s understandable to see this kind of projection with a full 16-game load. CBS Sports Projection- 176 Fantasy Points (11 FPPG) 885 rushing yards with 7 TDs & 552 receiving yards with 2 TDs
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Fantasy Football Preview: Top 10 Running Backs
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