Ricky Pearsall Injury And More Training Camp News Prompt Projection Changes

Ricky Pearsall Injury And More Training Camp News Prompt Projection Changes

In today's Fantasy Life Newsletter, presented by Blackwood for Men.

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Folks, we finally have actionable news flooding our timelines.

How do I know it’s actionable? Well, because our very own Dwain McFarland has been quickly adjusting his rankings and projections based on news (largely injury-related).

Here are 11 players he recently adjusted, along with some quick commentary from me.

Malik Nabers: Removed docked games.

We hit on the Nabers stuff yesterday, but it’s impossible not to be excited about this development. With no early-season dock, it’s time to start aggressively targeting Nabers while this discount still exists. His ADP is on a rocket ship into Round 2.

Deebo Samuel: Now the WR2 on 49ers depth chart. 70% routes. 4% rush share.
Ricky Pearsall: Extremely bearish news. Slashed everything (will monitor news). Undraftable at the moment.
De'Zhaun Stribling: Now the WR3. 45% routes.

The Pearsall stuff went from “concerning” to devastating pretty quickly. Do not draft Pearsall right now, and feel free to chase Stribling up the board. He’ll likely settle in the Stefon Diggs/Jalen Coker range at this rate, but don’t get too carried away, because …

The Niners also brought us more news as the midnight oil burned, bringing back Deebo Samuel—who had previously spent six seasons in San Fran—to the team on a one-year deal.

Jordan James: Brought down attempts/routes (cracked ribs)
Kaelon Black: Moved up attempts/routes. (James injured)

We said from the beginning that if we can get clarity on who the 49ers’ RB2 is, they will become a screaming target. We’ll see how long these cracked ribs linger for James, but Black is a viable selection in the meantime.

Chris Brazzell: Out for the year due to LCL (moved up Legette)

This is such a buzzkill, although I don’t think there’s really any actionable fantasy fallout here other than removing Brazzell from all deep-sleeper lists.

Zach Charbonnet: changed docked games from 10 to 6. Will continue to monitor.
Jadarian Price: down in attempts/routes. (same for Holani/Wilson)

We hit on this yesterday, too, so it’s good to see Dwain is in lockstep with me on being more open to drafting Charbs as a late-round sleeper. We can survive 6 games (byes have barely hit yet), but 10 is tougher.

Cyrus Allen: bumped up to No. 5 on depth chart. Increased routes/targets
Tyquan Thornton/Jalen Royals: brought down slightly to put Allen in the mix.

I’m more skeptical of this one due to the Chiefs MO to slow play rookies, but I’ll keep tabs on the Allen drumbeat.


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Around the Watercooler

The latest fantasy and NFL gossip, news, memes and more from your favorite football nerds …

🙌 This Saint will keep marching in NOLA. Four more years!

🏈 Matthew Stafford or Malik Willis? The answer could be YES.

🏃🏽‍♂️ Fastest 40-yard dash gets first pick? Get training to get the 1.01.

🥵 Want the best sweat in fantasy football? Get on the chopping block in Guillotine LeaguesTM.

🤩 Myles Garrett repeat at DPOY? Maybe Aaron Donald can help.

💰 Elite TE can get pricey in auction drafts. All options on the table.

👀 Buckeyes or Longhorns? The field is looking pretty good, too.

💪 A second QB from a Super Bowl contender made it to Freedman’s Fades.

⚠️ Be careful when trading for B. Robinson. Especially in dynasty.

🤔 Tetairoa McMillan, Jaylen Waddle, Terry McLaurin … Trust the rankings?

🤩 Josh Allen with DJ Moore … ’s son.

🚀 WRs to eclipse 3.0 yards per route vs. man and zone since 2016. Good list.

🤑 The most expensive offenses in 2026. Panthers?!



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Matthew Berry Answers Rankings Questions

Did you know that Matthew Berry’s rankings are now exclusively on Fantasy Life? Just had to make sure you had that info. And because he wanted to go a step further, he took questions from our Fantasy Life faithful about those rankings. This is on the heels of his fantastic Draft Day Manifesto, which, if you’ve missed it, you know what to do.

Is he too high on Kyren Williams? Who are the potential league winners and duds in a crowded WR tier featuring Malik Nabers, Jaylen Waddle and Davante Adams, among others? Too low on Rome Odunze? Matthew answers those and other questions focused on his rankings.

PSA: Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry returns Aug. 3. ⤵️


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What Matters For Wide Receivers: Points Taken

We made it to the Wide Receivers! Actually, it’s Dwain McFarland who has completed his deep dive into what matters most in the success of the WR position. He looks at fantasy points, receiving YPG and target share (and many more), and delves into age ranges, scheme, even the playcallers. That’s really only the beginning.

Dwain pulls all this information together as he prepares his WR Tiers—like even seeing if WRs from subpar passing games are worth drafting—and even has some “Players to Watch” at the end of the feature. Just so you keep them in mind when you’re on the clock and might be deciding between a couple players. Lastly, ICYMI, here are the other positions that were recently published.


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