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New on Sports Illustrated: Fantasy Football Superflex Draft Review: Evaluating Experts' Picks in Sports Illustrated Invitational League

<a href="https://www.si.com/fantasy/2021/09/01/superflex-si-invitational-expert-draft-review">
<p class="subtitle">Reviewing the best pick and worst pick in the first 10 rounds of a recent superflex fantasy football draft among SI Fantasy staff and industry experts</p>
<p>The season is inching closer and closer, and fantasy managers who have been able to wait this long will be drafting in the next week. To assist you with your draft, we're reviewing a superflex draft and calling out the favorite and least favorite picks of each round to give you an idea of where we land on the value of different players and positions.</p>
<p>The league setup is as follows: one QB, two WRs, two RBs, one TE, three W/R/T flexes, and one superflex QB/WR/RB/TE. Notably, there are no D/STs or kickers — it's all offense here.</p>
<p>Those involved in this draft were my SI colleagues</p>
</a><a href="https://twitter.com/BillEnright">Bill Enright</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Michael_Fabiano">Michael Fabiano</a>; <a href="https://twitter.com/jenpiacenti">Jen Piacenti</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/md_1010xl">Mike Dempsey</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/lindsay_rhodes">Lindsay Rhodes</a> from Sirius XM; <a href="https://twitter.com/andybehrens">Andy Behrens</a> from Yahoo, <a href="https://twitter.com/cwotd">Richard Christy</a> from The Howard Stern Show; <a href="https://twitter.com/footballdiehard">Bob Harris</a> from the Football Diehards; <a href="https://twitter.com/JameyEisenberg">Jamey Eisenberg</a> from CBS; <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffRatcliffe">Jeff Ratcliffe</a> from the FTN Network; <a href="https://twitter.com/howaboutafresca">Jason Smith</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SwollenDome">Mike Harmon</a> from FOX Sports Radio; and <a href="https://twitter.com/rotobuzzguy">Howard Bender</a> from Fantasy Alarm.
<p>(Note: This draft was held before J.K. Dobbins and Travis Etienne's injuries. Also, it was before Mac Jones was named the starter in New England and Cam Newton's release.)</p>
<h3>ROUND 1</h3>
<p>1.1. Jen Piacenti: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Panthers<br />
1.2. Mike Dempsey: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs<br />
1.3. Andy Behrens: Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens<br />
1.4. Lindsay Rhodes: Dalvin Cook, RB, Vikings<br />
1.5. Richard Christy: Josh Allen, QB, Bills<br />
1.6. Bill Enright: Kyler Murray, QB, Cardinals<br />
1.7. Michael Fabiano: Dak Prescott, QB, Michael Fabiano<br />
1.8. Bob Harris: Derrick Henry, RB, Titans<br />
1.9. Jamey Eisenberg: Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks<br />
1.10. Jeff Ratcliffe: Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints<br />
1.11. Smith/Harmon: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Cowboys<br />
1.12. Howard Bender: Nick Chubb, RB, Browns</p>
<p><strong>Favorite pick of Round 1: Alvin Kamara</strong></p>
<p>Once again, Kamara should be a league winner, and he's an absolute steal at the end of the first round. Despite the Saints' turbulent offseason (Drew Brees' retirement, Michael Thomas' injury and beef with the front office, and a QB battle), Kamara came out on top. With Jameis Winston starting, Kamara may see even more volume than when he finished as the overall RB1 last season. The receiver room is decimated by injury and departures, and Latavius Murray is fading. New Orleans' offense is Kamara's.</p>
<p><strong>Least favorite pick of Round 1: Nick Chubb</strong></p>
<p>I'm not in love with Chubb in the first round, and neither is his superflex ADP — he's going at RB10 and 23rd overall in superflex. Grabbing him in the first is a big reach with other backs with pass-catching upside (Austin Ekeler, Aaron Jones) still on the board. I would have preferred one of those RBs, Davante Adams, or even a quarterback at this spot, though Bender grabs Justin Herbert at the start of Round 2, a player I like this season.</p>
<h3>ROUND 2</h3>
<p>2.13. Howard Bender: Justin Herbert, QB, Chargers<br />
2.14. Smith/Harmon: Tom Brady, QB, Buccaneers<br />
2.15. Jeff Ratcliffe: Davante Adams, WR, Packers<br />
2.16. Jamey Eisenberg: Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants<br />
2.17. Bob Harris: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers<br />
2.18. Michael Fabiano: Austin Ekeler, RB, Chargers<br />
2.19. Bill Enright: Aaron Jones, RB, Packers<br />
2.20. Richard Christy: Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs<br />
2.21. Lindsay Rhodes: Matthew Stafford, QB, Rams<br />
2.22. Andy Behrens: Jalen Hurts, QB, Eagles<br />
2.23. Mike Dempsey: Tyreek Hill, WR, Chiefs<br />
2.24. Jen Piacenti: Stefon Diggs, WR, Bills</p>
<p><strong>Favorite pick of Round 2: Aaron Rodgers</strong></p>
<p>Harris was probably ecstatic to land Rodgers near the middle of the second round — I sure would be. He waited on a QB and was rewarded; I would have grabbed the reigning MVP over Herbert and Brady, and both went before Rodgers. There are more weapons in Green Bay this season with the addition of Amari Rodgers and Randall Cobb's return. It's unlikely Rodgers matches 2020's off-the-charts efficiency numbers, but he has the horses to throw for 40 touchdowns again.</p>
<p><strong>Least favorite pick of Round 2: Jalen Hurts</strong></p>
<p>I understand Hurts' upside, but Behrens is already set at quarterback with Lamar Jackson. I would have waited on that second QB and gone for a running back with RB1 potential: Najee Harris, Antonio Gibson or Joe Mixon. Plus, Hurts has much more variance than some quarterbacks going multiple rounds later like Kirk Cousins Matt Ryan. Philadelphia's offense will be ugly once again if DeVonta Smith doesn't produce right away, and any investment in the Eagles is risky.</p>
<figure><img height="349" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTc1NDMzNzg0Mzg3MTg0NDkw/usatsi_14927949-1.jpg" width="620" />
<figcaption>
<p>© Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3>ROUND 3</h3>
<p>3.25. Jen Piacenti: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Colts<br />
3.26. Mike Dempsey: Najee Harris, RB, Steelers<br />
3.27. Andy Behrens: Calvin Ridley, WR, Falcons<br />
3.28. Lindsay Rhodes: Antonio Gibson, RB, Football Team<br />
3.29. Richard Christy: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Chiefs<br />
3.30. Bill Enright: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Cardinals<br />
3.31. Michael Fabiano: Joe Mixon, RB, Bengals<br />
3.32. Bob Harris: Darren Waller, TE, Raiders<br />
3.33. Jamey Eisenberg: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Titans<br />
3.34. Jeff Ratcliffe: DK Metcalf, WR, Seahawks<br />
3.35. Smith/Harmon: Justin Jefferson, WR, Vikings<br />
3.36. Howard Bender: A.J. Brown, WR, Titans</p>
<p><strong>Favorite pick of Round 3: Ryan Tannehill</strong></p>
<p>Tannehill's ADP will catch up to his performance eventually. But until it does, wise fantasy managers will continue stealing one of football's most efficient passers late in drafts. Pairing Tannehill with Wilson makes for one of the best quarterback pairings in this league and allows Eisenberg to focus on stockpiling talent at the skill positions.</p>
<p><strong>Least favorite pick of Round 3: Jonathan Taylor</strong></p>
<p>Piacenti is punting on quarterbacks, a strategy I don't mind. RB1 and WR1 are already covered with McCaffrey and Diggs rostered. Grabbing a QB1 would have made sense here, especially given the gap between picks when drafting in the first slot. Besides, Taylor isn't even the best skill player available. Better players in more desirable situations like Ridley, Hopkins or Gibson are still on the board, and Taylor has competition for touches with Marlon Mack and Nyheim Hines.</p>
<h3>ROUND 4</h3>
<p>4.37. Howard Bender: Keenan Allen, WR, Chargers<br />
4.38. Smith/Harmon: Joe Burrow, QB, Bengals<br />
4.39. Jeff Ratcliffe: Allen Robinson II, WR, Bears<br />
4.40. Jamey Eisenberg: David Montgomery, RB, Bears<br />
4.41. Bob Harris: Chris Carson, RB, Seahawks<br />
4.42. Michael Fabiano: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Cowboys<br />
4.43. Bill Enright: J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ravens<br />
4.44. Richard Christy: Mike Evans, WR, Buccaneers<br />
4.45. Lindsay Rhodes: George Kittle, TE, 49ers<br />
4.46. Andy Behrens: Terry McLaurin, WR, Football Team<br />
4.47. Mike Dempsey: Darrell Henderson Jr., RB, Rams<br />
4.48. Jen Piacenti: Kirk Cousins, QB, Vikings</p>
<p><strong>Favorite pick of Round 4: Keenan Allen</strong></p>
<p>There's a case to be made for some of the other receivers taken in this round here, but I love stacking Allen with Herbert. Allen was one of six receivers to record 100 receptions last season, establishing a strong rapport with his rookie quarterback quickly, and he should be among the league leaders in targets this year once again. If Allen's touchdowns ever catch up to his pass-catching efficiency, watch out.</p>
<p><strong>Least favorite pick of Round 4: Darrell Henderson Jr.</strong></p>
<p>The perpetually dinged-up Henderson now has more competition for touches with the arrival of Sony Michel from New England. The Rams' offense should be among the league's best with Matthew Stafford quarterbacking Sean McVay's scheme, so there's potential for Henderson to get goal-line carries often, but his track record isn't promising after two seasons in the league, and it's unclear how he'll handle the lead role. Bringing in Michel gives the idea that LA doesn't think Henderson can shoulder the load alone.</p>
<h3>ROUND 5</h3>
<p>5.49. Jen Piacenti: Robert Woods, WR, Rams<br />
5.50. Mike Dempsey: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jaguars<br />
5.51. Andy Behrens: D’Andre Swift, RB, Lions<br />
5.52. Lindsay Rhodes: Chris Godwin, WR, Buccaneers<br />
5.53. Richard Christy: Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Football Team<br />
5.54. Bill Enright: Cooper Kupp, WR, Rams<br />
5.55. Michael Fabiano: Trey Lance, QB, 49ers<br />
5.56. Bob Harris: Amari Cooper, WR, Cowboys<br />
5.57. Jamey Eisenberg: Myles Gaskin, RB, Dolphins<br />
5.58. Jeff Ratcliffe: Justin Fields, QB, Bears<br />
5.59. Smith/Harmon: DJ Moore, WR, Panthers<br />
5.60. Howard Bender: Adam Thielen, WR, Vikings</p>
<p><strong>Favorite pick of Round 5: Trey Lance</strong></p>
<p>Lance is looking closer to being the starter in San Francisco by the day, and even if he isn't starting Week 1, it appears he may be getting work in select packages designed for him. The value here is great. Fabiano got his guy in Round 1 in Prescott and came back around four rounds later to snag Lance. Instead of getting a safe option like Kirk Cousins or Matt Ryan, Fabiano went big. I love Lance as a backup in one-quarterback leagues and as a second quarterback in two-QB leagues.</p>
<p><strong>Least favorite pick of Round 5: D’Andre Swift</strong></p>
<p>Swift is dealing with a groin injury that’s putting his Week 1 status in doubt. The Lions’ offense is going to be atrocious. And Jamaal Williams is a more than capable running back. I don’t like Swift here at all. The possibility of conceding touches to Williams, something that coach Dan Campbell has already spoken about, is a threat to Swift’s fantasy relevance even when he is healthy.</p>
<h3>ROUND 6</h3>
<p>6.61. Howard Bender: Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons<br />
6.62. Smith/Harmon: Kyle Pitts, TE, Falcons<br />
6.63. Jeff Ratcliffe: Diontae Johnson, WR, Steelers<br />
6.64. Jamey Eisenberg: Tyler Lockett, WR, Seahawks<br />
6.65. Bob Harris: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, 49ers<br />
6.66. Michael Fabiano: Julio Jones, WR, Titans<br />
6.67. Bill Enright: T.J. Hockensen, TE, Lions<br />
6.68. Richard Christy: Miles Sanders, RB, Eagles<br />
6.69. Lindsay Rhodes: Baker Mayfield, QB, Browns<br />
6.70. Andy Behrens: Travis Etienne, RB, Jaguars<br />
6.71. Mike Dempsey: Mark Andrews, TE, Ravens<br />
6.72. Jen Piacenti: Josh Jacobs, RB, Raiders</p>
<p><strong>Favorite pick of Round 6: Tyler Lockett</strong></p>
<p>I've had a personal bias against drafting Lockett for some time now due to his week-to-week inconsistency. But the end-of-season production is always there — back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and coming off a career-best 100 catch campaign. And though Eisenberg got Lockett as a WR1, pairing him with Russell Wilson is perfect. This is a great pick.</p>
<p><strong>Least favorite pick of Round 6: Kyle Pitts</strong></p>
<p>It pains me to list Pitts as a bad choice, but I can't yet justify him over Hockensen and Andrews, and he's selected over both in this round. Pitts is a huge, athletic target for one of the pass-happiest offenses in the NFL, but he's not what Andrews and Hockensen are — the No. 1 target in their offense. Competition with Ridley and Russell Gage for targets (both were targeted over 100 times in 2020) cap his ceiling.</p>
<figure><img height="349" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTc2NDQ3OTExMjU5ODA4OTQx/steelers-chase-claypool.jpg" width="620" /></figure>
<h3>ROUND 7</h3>
<p>7.73. Jen Piacenti: Robby Anderson, WR, Panthers<br />
7.74. Mike Dempsey: Kareem Hunt, RB, Browns<br />
7.75. Andy Behrens: Mike Davis, RB, Falcons<br />
7.76. Lindsay Rhodes: Chase Claypool, WR, Steelers<br />
7.77. Richard Christy: Tee Higgins, WR, Bengals<br />
7.78. Bill Enright: James Robinson, RB, Jaguars<br />
7.79. Michael Fabiano: Javonte Williams, RB, Broncos<br />
7.80. Bob Harris: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Dolphins<br />
7.81. Jamey Eisenberg: Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers<br />
7.82. Jeff Ratcliffe: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Broncos<br />
7.83. Smith/Harmon: Michael Carter, RB, Jets<br />
7.84. Howard Bender: Raheem Mostert, RB, 49ers</p>
<p><strong>Favorite pick of Round 7: James Robinson</strong></p>
<p>Handcuffing worked out phenomenally for Enright in this draft. He drafted Travis Etienne and J.K. Dobbins, only for both to suffer season-ending injuries. Thankfully, he had James Robinson and Gus Edwards, who ascended to the No. 1 option in their respective backfields with less competition than the former lead backs had. Robinson was a revelation as a rookie, rushing for 1,000 yards, and he should have a similar stranglehold on the share of carries if he can hold off competition from Carlos Hyde.</p>
<p><strong>Least favorite pick of Round 7: Michael Carter</strong></p>
<p>This is less a problem with Carter and more who was still available at this point. I like some of the running backs who went in the following round much more than Carter, especially given their situations, like Damien Harris and Chase Edmonds. The Jets may be much improved with Zach Wilson behind center, but Carter doesn't have the same upside as some RBs taken after him.</p>
<h3>ROUND 8</h3>
<p>8.85. Howard Bender: Logan Thomas, TE, Football Team<br />
8.86. Smith/Harmon: Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Browns<br />
8.87. Jeff Ratcliffe: Derek Carr, QB, Raiders<br />
8.88. Jamey Eisenberg: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Bengals<br />
8.89. Bob Harris: Daniel Jones, QB, Giants<br />
8.90. Michael Fabiano: Carson Wentz, QB, Colts<br />
8.91. Bill Enright: Tyler Boyd, WR, Bengals<br />
8.92. Richard Christy: Damien Harris, RB, Patriots<br />
8.93. Lindsay Rhodes: Chase Edmonds, RB, Cardinals<br />
8.94. Andy Behrens: DeVonta Smith, WR, Eagles<br />
8.95. Mike Dempsey: Sam Darnold, QB, Panthers<br />
8.96. Jen Piacenti: Zach Wilson, QB, Jets</p>
<p><strong>Favorite pick of Round 8: Tyler Boyd</strong></p>
<p>Boyd might end up being the best Bengals receiver this season, and he went last in this draft. Great value. He's a lock for 100 targets for the fourth season in a row. He may be the boring option for Cincinnati's receiver room, but sometimes the boring option can be the best option — I think it is here.</p>
<p><strong>Least favorite pick of Round 8: Ja’Marr Chase</strong></p>
<p>Speaking of Bengals receivers… After a year off from competitive football, Chase has had a very tough time in camp and the preseason. Of course, his connection with Burrow in college makes him a hot commodity, and everyone remembers what he was capable of at LSU. But sometimes, you just have to look at what's in front of you, and right now, Chase is not justifying his ADP.</p>
<h3>ROUND 9</h3>
<p>9.97. Jen Piacenti: Brandin Cooks, WR, Texans<br />
9.98. Mike Dempsey: Marvin Jones Jr., WR, Jaguars<br />
9.99. Andy Behrens: JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Steelers<br />
9.100. Lindsay Rhodes: Courtland Sutton, WR, Broncos<br />
9.101. Richard Christy: Trey Sermon, RB, 49ers<br />
9.102. Bill Enright: Cam Newton, QB, Patriots<br />
9.103. Michael Fabiano: Kenny Golladay, WR, Giants<br />
9.104. Bob Harris: Antonio Brown, WR, Buccaneers<br />
9.105. Jamey Eisenberg: Michael Thomas, WR, Saints<br />
9.106. Jeff Ratcliffe: Leonard Fournette, RB, Buccaneers<br />
9.107. Smith/Harmon: Curtis Samuel, WR, Football Team<br />
9.108. Howard Bender: Jared Goff, QB, Lions</p>
<p><strong>Favorite pick of Round 9: Antonio Brown</strong></p>
<p>Tom Brady loves Antonio Brown, so you should too. What he was able to do in limited time with the Bucs last season should be hugely encouraging for his first full season in Tampa Bay. Of course, he faces competition for targets with Evans and Godwin, but the potential of Brown to go off in Bruce Arians' offense just a few years removed from an overall WR1 season… I'll take that in Round 9 any day.</p>
<p><strong>Least favorite pick of Round 9: Kenny Golladay</strong></p>
<p>Golladay is hurt. Again. Even when he does return from his hamstring injury, it's not like he's walking into the best situation. Daniel Jones is still his quarterback, and there's plenty of pass catchers for Jones to look for and throw the ball five yards over their head — Evan Engram, Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton, and even Saquon Barkley. I'm staying away from Golladay.</p>
<h3>ROUND 10</h3>
<p>10.109. Howard Bender: AJ Dillon, RB, Packers<br />
10.110. Smith/Harmon: Mac Jones, QB, Patriots<br />
10.111. Jeff Ratcliffe: Zack Moss, RB, Bills<br />
10.112. Jamey Eisenberg: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Dolphins<br />
10.113. Bob Harris: Ronald Jones II, RB, Buccaneers<br />
10.114. Michael Fabiano: Dallas Goedert, TE, Eagles<br />
10.115. Bill Enright: Gus Edwards, RB, Ravens<br />
10.116. Richard Christy: David Johnson, RB, Texans<br />
10.117. Lindsay Rhodes: Deebo Samuel, WR, 49ers<br />
10.118. Andy Behrens: Jameis Winston, QB, Saints<br />
10.119. Mike Dempsey: Noah Fant, TE, Broncos<br />
10.120. Jen Piacenti: Michael Gallup, WR, Cowboys<br /></p>
<p><strong>Favorite pick of Round 10: Michael Gallup</strong></p>
<p>Gallup's production dipped with Lamb in the offense and Prescott's injury, but he can produce even as a No. 3 in Dallas' offense. His down year was still 100 targets, 800 yards, and five scores, with a combination of Ben DiNucci, Andy Dalton, and Garret Gilbert getting him the ball. Prescott is back to revive the passing game, and if Cooper or Lamb is injured, Gallup could perform like a WR1.</p>
<p><strong>Least favorite pick of Round 10: David Johnson</strong></p>
<p>I’m not alone in being all the way out on the Texans. I understand selecting Brandin Cooks because he’s the manifestation of “someone has to catch passes in this offense.” And yes, someone also has to run the ball for this offense, but the issue is there’s a four-headed running back monster in Houston’s backfield. Playing in a bad offense with competition for goal-line carries, I don’t want any part of Johnson in 2021.</p>
<p><strong>More Fantasy Football:<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="https://www.si.com/fantasy/2021/08/28/week-1-rankings-projections">Week 1 Rankings & Projections</a><br />
<a href="https://www.si.com/gambling/2021/09/01/wide-receiver-rankings-receiving-yards-player-prop-betting-projections">WR Rankings: Receiving Yards Player Props</a><br />
<a href="https://www.si.com/fantasy/2021/08/31/cam-newton-released-mac-jones-named-starter-impact">Cam Newton Released, Mac Jones Named Starter</a><br />
<a href="https://www.si.com/fantasy/2021/08/30/football-nfl-preseason-hot-takes-reactions">Preseason Hot Takes & Reactions</a></p>

New on Sports Illustrated: Fantasy Football Superflex Draft Review: Evaluating Experts' Picks in Sports Illustrated Invitational League

Reviewing the best pick and worst pick in the first 10 rounds of a recent superflex fantasy football draft among SI Fantasy staff and indus...

New on Sports Illustrated: Jaguars Clarify Meyer's Comments: No Player Released Because of Vaccination Status

<a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/09/01/jaguars-comments-vaccination-status-cut">
<p class="subtitle">According to ESPN, Jacksonville will be in the top five of teams with the most unvaccinated players on its roster.</p>
<div><em>View the</em></div>
original article</a> to see embedded media.
<p>The Jaguars released a statement Wednesday saying that <a href="https://twitter.com/JaguarsPR/status/1433072095911682050">"no player was released because of their vaccination status."</a></p>
<p>The team's comments come after head coach Urban Meyer told reporters on Tuesday that a player's vaccination status was <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/09/01/urban-meyer-jaguars-players-covid-19-vaccination-status-considered-roster-cuts">"certainly in consideration"</a> when deciding on the team's regular season roster, which was released Tuesday.</p>
<p>Meyer said that vaccination status was one of the things considered, not that players were cut only because of their vaccination status. Following Meyer's comments, the NFLPA launched an internal investigation into the matter, <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32121794/jacksonville-jaguars-urban-meyer-says-vaccination-status-factor-roster-cuts">per ESPN. </a></p>
<p>The team re-iterated Wednesday that "availability is one of the many factors taken into account when making roster decisions." Later adding: "Ultimately, decisions are based on a player's ability to help the Jaguars win. We educated our players and respect personal decisions as it pertains to the vaccine. We want to keep our players, staff and families safe as we comply with protocols related to both health and safety and competition on game days."</p>
<p>There are significant differences in the COVID-19 protocols between vaccinated and unvaccinated players. Among the differences, if an unvaccinated player is deemed a high-risk close contact or test positives for COVID-19, they would miss substantial time compared to a vaccinated player. </p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1433073493428609029">According to ESPN's Adam Schefter,</a> Jacksonville will be in the top five of teams with the most unvaccinated players on its roster.</p>
<p><strong>More NFL Coverage:</strong></p>
<p><strong>• <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/08/30/tales-of-tom-brady-forgotten-rookie-year-2000-season-daily-cover">Tom Brady's Forgotten Rookie Year</a></strong><strong><br /></strong><strong>•</strong> <strong><a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/08/26/predicting-every-game-2021-nfl-season">Predicting Every Game of the 2021 Season</a><br /></strong><strong>• <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/08/31/mac-jones-won-patriots-starting-job-cam-newton-cut">Mac Jones Won The Starting Job And It Didn't Make Sense to Keep Cam Newton as a Backup</a><br /></strong> <strong>• <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/08/17/early-look-2022-nfl-qb-carousel">An Early Look at the 2022 NFL Quarterback Carousel</a></strong></p>

New on Sports Illustrated: Jaguars Clarify Meyer's Comments: No Player Released Because of Vaccination Status

According to ESPN, Jacksonville will be in the top five of teams with the most unvaccinated players on its roster. View the original arti...

New on Sports Illustrated: The Favorites, Potential Pitfalls and Features of Concacaf's World Cup Qualifying Octagonal

<a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2021/09/01/concacaf-world-cup-qualifying-2022-octagonal-favorites-format-preview">
<p class="subtitle">The Octagonal will be unlike any qualifying tournament before it. Here's what to watch and expect on Concacaf's road to Qatar 2022.</p>
<div><em>View the</em></div>
original article</a> to see embedded media.
<p>Concacaf's grasp of geometry has evolved due to the pandemic, but the end result is actually quite apropos. </p>
<p>World Cup qualifying in the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football is typically a brutal fight to the finish. It takes brains and brawn, savvy and skill, and those who make it out on the right side typically have to claw their way for it, no holds barred. Style points are fun, but just getting through at all is the aim. The Octagon, where mixed martial arts fighters beat each other senseless, then, is a pretty apt representation of the road to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. What was once a six-team final round of qualifying has expanded to eight, the Hexagonal morphing into the Octagonal and, hence, the ideal geometric figure to use as a symbol for the next seven months.</p>
<p>The big elephant in the eight-sided room is the unpredictability brought on by the pandemic, which forced the rejiggering of the international calendar and thus resulted in the new-look qualification process, and how that directly impacts certain teams and players. Already the Premier League has thrown a wrench into planning by having its clubs refuse to release players who would have to play in countries on Britain's "red list" for travel. Costa Rica, Mexico and Panama are presently the only three Concacaf Octagonal nations impacted on home soil, but that means any other teams slated to play in those countries are then also affected in some way. </p>
<p>As long as that only remains in place for September's window, then the U.S. will not feel the effects of the ruling, but that could change if the guidelines are the same in October, when the U.S. is due to play in Panama. The "red list" itself could also evolve to incorporate more (or fewer) countries.</p>
<p>All things told, every manager is faced with a set of headaches and unpredictable elements like never before. The entire qualifying slate is compressed enough as is, but factoring in everything else that comes into play—and national team managers tend to absolutely hate things they cannot control—and these eight teams find themselves with the most atypical qualifying slog there's ever been.</p>
<p>So managing a way through the Octagonal will take more than just physical strength and endurance. It will be a test of depth and resilience, it will require some good fortune and navigating unprecedented circumstances and it will be a process where the points earned won't all come in the most aesthetically pleasing of manners.</p>
<p>Here's a closer look at how it'll all work and the eight sides entering the ring:</p>
<figure><img height="349" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTgzNTYyMDg2MjMwNTMzNTM4/concacaf-octagonal.jpg" width="620" />
<figcaption>
<p>Illustration by Bryce Wood</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>HOW IT WORKS</h2>
<p>In simplest terms: Eight teams enter and play each other home and away in a 14-match round robin, with three points earned for a win and one for a draw. The final octet was constructed with Concacaf giving the region's top five teams in the July 2020 FIFA ranking (Mexico, U.S., Costa Rica, Jamaica, Honduras) automatic berths, while the region's remaining sides played a group stage and playoff to determine the final three (El Salvador, Canada, Panama).</p>
<p>The top three teams in the single table go straight to the World Cup, with the fourth-place finisher heading to an intercontinental playoff for one more spot in Qatar. The draw for the playoff (the Concacaf entrant will play a team from either the Oceania, Asia or South America regions) hasn't yet been conducted, but the playoff will take place in June 2022.</p>
<p>Teams can call in as many players as they'd like for the international windows, but on match day, they're limited to 23-player squads with five substitutions. Card accumulation for a player (i.e., two yellows) will result in a one-game suspension for the subsequent match. Perhaps most importantly and most influential, VAR will not be implemented by Concacaf during the competition, <a href="https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2021/08/five-things-to-know-about-2022-world-cup-qualifying-in-concacaf">according to U.S. Soccer</a>. That's quite significant in a region known for moments that go awry. Now that most are conditioned to having the luxury of replay on an every-game basis, there will be even more attention paid to the work of the match officials, whose calls in the moment will be the ones that stand.</p>
<p>The entirety of Concacaf's qualifying tournament takes place between September 2021 and March '22, with four of the five windows featuring three matches apiece due to the necessary crunch of the FIFA calendar brought on by the pandemic. It's far more condensed than the previous format. In qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, for example, six teams in the final round each played a 10-match (five home, five away) round robin over the course of 11 months.</p>
<h2>THE FAVORITES</h2>
<p><strong>United States</strong></p>
<p><em>First matches: Sept. 2 at El Salvador; Sept. 5 vs. Canada (Nashville); Sept. 8 at Honduras</em></p>
<figure><img height="349" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTgzNTI3OTY4MDg0MDc1NTU4/usmnt-squad.jpg" width="620" />
<figcaption>
<p>U.S. Soccer</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>What a difference four years makes. The USMNT hit its low point of its modern era in October 2017, when it cemented a fifth-place finish thanks to a confluence of events on the final night of qualifying, including an infamous defeat at Trinidad & Tobago when just a draw would've let the U.S. back its way into Russia 2018. Since then, it's been about rejuvenating and remaking the player pool and rediscovering the U.S. identity, and all of that has been achieved—first under interim coach Dave Sarachan and especially now under manager Gregg Berhalter. </p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2021/08/14/usmnt-americans-abroad-season-2021-22-pulisic-reyna-adams-mckennie">U.S. has more players featuring at top clubs in Europe</a> than ever before, and the core of the side is both young and capable. There's a temptation to project what all the burgeoning talent will be able to do on home soil in 2026, but it can do plenty in 2022 as well—provided qualification is secured.</p>
<p>The U.S. took big steps forward this summer, when two teams with very little crossover beat Mexico in a pair of Concacaf finals. Whatever <a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2021/06/07/usmnt-mexico-nations-league-final-pulisic-horvath-mckennie-reyna-berhalter">the Nations League</a> and <a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2021/08/02/usmnt-mexico-concacaf-gold-cup-final-miles-robinson-berhalter">Gold Cup trophies</a> mean in the grand scheme, the thrilling manner with which they were won made for landmark moments for a team building toward something bigger. The failure of the past squad has little to do with the present and future of this one. That said, failure—or avoiding it—is still top of mind entering the most important seven-month stretch of this cycle.</p>
<p>“It’s nice to win a trophy in Nations League; it’s nice to win a Gold Cup trophy. It’s nice to be ranked 10th in the world in FIFA rankings," Berhalter said last week, <a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2021/08/26/usmnt-world-cup-qualifying-roster-berhalter-pepi-pulisic-september">upon the release of his first qualifying squad</a>. “But it doesn’t really mean anything if you don’t qualify for the World Cup.</p>
<p>“Our mission is not even close to being complete. It would be a failure if we didn’t qualify for the World Cup. All the work would be undone if we didn’t qualify for the World Cup. So this is our next challenge. It’s really simple. Our next challenge is understanding that everything we’ve done until now is only a foundation.”</p>
<p>The opening window does not come without complications. For instance, Christian Pulisic's availability remains uncertain following a recent positive COVID-19 test (he said he is vaccinated and was asymptomatic before arriving at camp in Nashville on Sunday and joining training Monday). Weston McKennie has played in one competitive match since the June international window. <a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2021/08/30/usmnt-world-cup-qualifying-weah-out-pulisic-training">Tim Weah had to withdraw</a> with an injury. One week featuring three games and multiple legs of travel meant that Berhalter was already going to be tapping into his depth, and that will remain a theme throughout this marathon of a sprint of a qualification process. </p>
<p><strong>Mexico</strong></p>
<p><em>First matches: Sept. 2 vs. Jamaica; Sept. 5 at Costa Rica; Sept. 8 at Panama</em></p>
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<p>On paper, Mexico remains at worst a top-two Concacaf team (and according to the flawed-yet-influential FIFA ranking, it's one step above the U.S.). This summer's second-place finishes to the U.S. may have planted some seeds of doubt, though, and they definitely turned up the heat on manager Tata Martino. The margin for error as Mexico coach is razor-thin, and any early slip-ups could open the door to a change.</p>
<p>Some of Mexico's advantage at Estadio Azteca will be compromised, as its first home match, against Jamaica, will be played without fans. It's a direct result of the discriminatory and anti-gay fan chant that has persisted despite the Mexican federation and Concacaf's best efforts to eradicate it from El Tri's match-day experience. (The punishment was supposed to be two such games, but it was halved.)</p>
<p>Rogelio Funes Mori's emergence at the Gold Cup provides an alternative at forward to Raúl Jiménez, the Wolverhampton striker who is still working his way back to top form after a horrifying collision that broke his skull and threatened his life last season. He was initially included in this group, despite the U.K.'s travel restrictions and with Mexico slated to play in three "red list" countries, but it's unlikely he'll wind up featuring. The influential Hector Herrera and Hirving Lozano are also not available for the first window, though, nor is rising star Diego Lainez, whose goal, for a few minutes anyhow, looked to have given Mexico the Nations League final win over the U.S. That margin for error is indeed small, and Martino's Mexico is going to start by facing some significant disadvantages. Despite everything, though, finishing out of the top three would be a shock.</p>
<h2>TOP CHALLENGERS A TIER BELOW</h2>
<p><strong>Canada</strong></p>
<p><em>First matches: Sept. 2 vs Honduras; Sept. 5 at U.S.; Sept. 8 vs. El Salvador</em></p>
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<p>Canada has qualified for one men's World Cup, in 1986, and lost all three games without scoring a goal. It's in the final round of Concacaf qualifying for the first time since its attempt to reach the '98 World Cup. The pedigree, suffice it to say, is not quite there. The talent in this generation, however, most definitely is.</p>
<p>Even shorthanded, Canada pushed Mexico to the brink before falling in the Gold Cup semifinals, and it delivered the U.S. a defeat in Toronto in the Nations League group stage that sure seemed like a statement of intent. An attack led by forwards Jonathan David (Lille) and Cyle Larin (Beşiktaş) and dynamic wing play from the likes of Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich) and Tajon Buchanan (New England Revolution for now, but heading to Belgian champion Club Brugge) have completely transformed what's possible for John Herdman's side. Canada will participate in the 2026 World Cup by virtue of being a cohost, but it has every chance to earn its way into the '22 one and alter its narrative as a side that perpetually comes up short.</p>
<p><strong>Honduras</strong></p>
<p><em>First matches: Sept. 2 at Canada; Sept. 5 at El Salvador; Sept. 8 vs. U.S.</em></p>
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<p>Honduras missed the 2018 World Cup after falling in the intercontinental playoff to Australia, depriving Los Catrachos of a third straight trip to the big dance. They'll be a bit shorthanded in their bid to return, with capable forward Alberth Elis—their lone scorer in the two-legged defeat to the Socceroos—unavailable for the first match window. They'll also be at a disadvantage as the only team to open with consecutive road games (featuring lengthy travel in between, no less), to only return home to face the U.S., which makes for perhaps the toughest opening schedule in the field. </p>
<p>Honduras won its first two matches at the Gold Cup but was well beaten by guest nation Qatar to close the group stage and was then blitzed by Mexico to bow out in the quarterfinals. On one end of the spectrum, it features players with as many as 172 and 132 caps (38-year-old Maynor Figueroa and 37-year-old Boniek García, respectively), and on the other, three uncapped players. In between, there are dangerous players like forward Anthony Lozano, who plies his trade at Cadiz in La Liga; winger Romell Quioto, who has three goals and four assists for CF Montreal in MLS this season and scored upon his return from a hamstring injury just before the international break; and Andy Najar, the D.C. United right back who has just one cap in the last four-plus years but can bring some dynamism to the wing. A finish in the 3-to-5 range in the table should be expected. </p>
<p><strong>Costa Rica</strong></p>
<p><em>First matches: Sept. 2 at Panama; Sept. 5 vs. Mexico; Sept. 8 vs. Jamaica</em></p>
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<p>If there's a knock on Los Ticos, it's that they've yet to develop a new generation to take the baton from the 2014 World Cup's surprise quarterfinalists. Keylor Navas, Joel Campbell and Bryan Ruiz are still very much at the core of what Costa Rica does, for better or for worse. There's probably one more run left in them, and the veteran-laden nature of the squad (seven current players total were on that 2014 team; 11 were on the 2018 World Cup squad) means that there will be ample familiarity with the region's rigors. </p>
<p>But experience alone won't get Costa Rica to a third straight World Cup. This is a team that went winless in one pandemic-interrupted stretch of 10 matches from November 2019 to July '21 and whose only wins since a pair of November '18 friendlies are over Jamaica (twice), Curaçao, Bermuda, Nicaragua, Guadeloupe and Suriname. There's ample work to be done to prove that it still belongs among the region's top teams.</p>
<h2>THE WILD CARD</h2>
<p><strong>Jamaica</strong></p>
<p><em>First matches: Sept. 2 at Mexico; Sept. 5 vs. Panama; Sept. 8 at Costa Rica</em></p>
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<p>The Reggae Boyz have ramped up recruiting efforts considerably with the hopes of luring English players with Jamaican ties who have fallen short of the England national team setup into their ranks. <a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2021/08/23/michail-antonio-west-ham-goal-record-cardboard-cutout-celebration">West Ham striker Michail Antonio</a> is chief among the talent infusion, but the complications brought on by the Premier League's stance and Jamaica's first three games (two of which are in "red" countries), make things far from straightforward—and its federation is not particularly pleased about it.</p>
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<p>Nevertheless, Antonio has been included in an expanded Jamaica squad for the first time and is one of a handful of players who will only be able to face Panama at home (Aston Villa summer signing Leon Bailey and Rangers attacker Kemar Roofe, who, like Antonio, is new to the setup, are among the others). Even if the top squad available is brought together at some point, or available for only spot matches as is the case in the opening window, there remain the issues of chemistry and cohesion. A list of new, talented imports is nice on paper and all, but can they play together? And can they do so in the cauldron of World Cup qualifying without ever having played as much as a friendly together as a unit? </p>
<p>No matter how Jamaica's qualifying campaign turns out, it will be fascinating to watch unfold. In many ways, it's Concacaf's great experiment, and its possible outcomes are all over the map. Jamaica does catch a break for its opener vs. Mexico, given that no fans will be in attendance. It still needs to field a squad capable of taming El Tri, though.</p>
<h2>THE UNDERDOGS</h2>
<p><strong>El Salvador</strong></p>
<p><em>First matches: Sept. 2 vs. U.S.; Sept. 5 vs. Honduras; Sept. 8 at Canada</em></p>
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<p>Coached by former U.S. international (and former U.S. Soccer youth coach and current National Soccer Hall of Famer) Hugo Pérez and featuring a number of players with U.S. ties and citizenship, La Selecta has some wild-card potential as well. There's a fearlessness to the way Pérez's side plays, evidenced by its performance at the Gold Cup, and while conservatism may be a more sound and safe approach in a qualifying campaign, the boldness will test each of its opponents—the first of which is the U.S. in the confines of San Salvador. The 29,000 available tickets at a limited-capacity Estadio Cuscatlán are expected to be fully utilized, and there's a chance of thunderstorms in the forecast, which should be more than enough to make for a proper Concacaf atmosphere.</p>
<p><strong>Panama</strong></p>
<p><em>First matches: Sept. 2 vs. Costa Rica; Sept. 5 at Jamaica; Sept. 8 vs. Mexico</em></p>
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<p>Three years removed from the first World Cup it ever reached, Panama is back to where it had been—good and tough enough to challenge some of the region's top teams on occasion but unlikely to be included in that top tier itself. Like with Costa Rica, there hasn't really been a sound development process or replenishment over the last cycle, and the player with the most international goals on the current squad is 31-year-old Rolando Blackburn—with eight. A pair of veteran midfielders with more than 100 caps apiece, Anibal Godoy and Alberto Quintero, return to provide the leadership and know-how to guide Los Canaleros, but they had to eke by Curação in the playoff round just to make it to the final eight, didn't make it out of their Gold Cup group and are the lowest-ranked side in the field.</p>
<p><strong>More Soccer Coverage:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2021/08/26/usmnt-world-cup-qualifying-roster-berhalter-pepi-pulisic-september">Straus: Summer Champs and a Key New Face Headline USMNT's Squad</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2021/08/31/usmnt-transfer-deadline-day-hoppe-richards-palmer-brown">Creditor: Young U.S. Players Find Transfer Deadline Day Relief</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2021/08/02/usmnt-mexico-concacaf-gold-cup-final-miles-robinson-berhalter">Straus: USMNT Moves Miles Ahead in Its Progression After Gold Cup Title</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2021/07/29/usmnt-costa-rica-world-cup-qualifying-columbus-crew-stadium">Host Sites for First Four USMNT Home World Cup Qualifiers Are Set</a></strong></li>
</ul>

New on Sports Illustrated: The Favorites, Potential Pitfalls and Features of Concacaf's World Cup Qualifying Octagonal

The Octagonal will be unlike any qualifying tournament before it. Here's what to watch and expect on Concacaf's road to Qatar 2022....

New on Sports Illustrated: Josh McCown: Kirk Cousins’s Vaccine Refusal Makes Him Less of a Leader

<a href="https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2021/09/01/vikings-kirk-cousins-josh-mccown-vaccination-status">
<p class="subtitle">“I think that takes away from some of your ability to lead.”</p>
<h2>“I think that takes away from some of your ability to lead”</h2>
<p>Kirk Cousins is the NFL’s most vocal vaccine-hesitant quarterback. While plenty of other QBs (</p>
</a><a href="https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-lamar-jackson-covid-20210809-4vkecohq7jb5nbktktbkjqmxtu-story.html">Lamar Jackson</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/HolderStephen/status/1420420369257844746">Carson Wentz</a> and <a href="https://buffalonews.com/news/local/pandemic-lessons-how-much-should-we-care-what-josh-allen-says-about-vaccines/article_f03521ce-c0a5-11eb-82b8-b70c585b6dad.html">Josh Allen</a> among them) have danced around the vaccine question, Cousins has been clear about his stance: he’s not getting it. Vikings coach Mike Zimmer has repeatedly expressed frustration with his team’s relatively low vaccination rate, even bringing in <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/news/vikings-covid-vaccine-osterholm-epidimiologist-fda-approval-cousins-zimmer">a prominent infectious disease expert to address the team</a>, but Cousins remains unmoved.
<p>Former quarterback Josh McCown, who spent 18 years in the NFL and shares an agent with Cousins, believes Cousins is sending the wrong message to his team by not getting vaccinated.</p>
<p>“Obviously, we have a personal choice, and that’s a freedom that he has,” <a href="https://www.twincities.com/2021/08/31/ex-qb-josh-mccown-says-vikings-kirk-cousins-not-being-vaccinated-takes-away-from-some-of-your-ability-to-lead/">McCown told Chris Tomasson of the <em>Pioneer Press</em></a>. “But I think in the realm of a team and understanding everything we do about the science and the safety of it, I would just say it would be hard week in and week out for a quarterback to say, ‘Hey, I’m all for my team, but I’m not going to do this except for this.’ ”</p>
<p>To McCown, Cousins’s vaccine refusal inhibits his ability to be a leader by signalling to his teammates that he’s not doing everything in his power to make sure he’s on the field for every game.</p>
<p>“Obviously, he has a firm belief in his systems of beliefs that are leading him to say, ‘I don’t want to vaccinate,’ and that’s his business,” McCown continued. “But given the effect and the impact that it can have on a team, we don’t share the same beliefs on that aspect. And I just think you want to lead the way and do everything that allows you to be effective for your team, and so if you don’t (get vaccinated), I guess you have to throw the mask on and be vigilant about that. But even then I think that takes away from some of your ability to lead.’’</p>
<p>Outspoken skeptics like Cousins draw a disproportionate amount of attention but it’s important to recognize that the NFL’s overall vaccination numbers are fantastic. The league’s chief medical officer Allen Sills said last week that <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-says-player-vaccination-rate-at-93-weekly-testing-for-fully-vaccinated-playe">93% of players and 99% of staff members</a> have gotten the shot.</p>
<p>Those numbers are what make Cousins’s stubbornness especially frustrating. The overwhelming majority of his colleagues have decided to dramatically reduce their chances of missing games due to the league’s COVID-19 protocols. Not only are the vaccines scientifically proven to reduce the risk of an infection that would sideline a player, but unvaccinated players are also the only ones who <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-nflpa-agree-to-covid-19-protocols-for-regular-season">can be forced to miss a game without a positive test</a> (due to close contact with a person who tested positive).</p>
<p>If Cousins avoids getting infected this season despite not getting the vaccine and manages to avoid being designated as a close contact (<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2021/8/5/22611802/kirk-cousins-vaccine-covid-quotes-plexiglass">perhaps by sequestering himself in a plexiglass bubble</a>), great. But to McCown’s point, how will his teammates view him if he’s forced to miss one or more games because he’s refused to make a decision that a majority of the league has agreed is the right one?</p>
<h2>The best of SI</h2>
<p>Conor Orr explains why it <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/08/31/mac-jones-won-patriots-starting-job-cam-newton-cut">made no sense for the Patriots to hang onto Cam Newton with Mac Jones starting</a>. ... College football parity <a href="https://www.si.com/college/2021/08/31/ncaa-football-parity-alabama-clemson-daily-cover">is dead. Is there any way to fix it</a>? ... Bill Belichick may have <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/08/31/bill-belichick-outsmarted-everyone-again-mac-jones">outsmarted everyone again with his Mac Jones pick</a>. ... This summer’s <a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2021/08/31/summer-transfer-window-deadline-messi-ronaldo-mbappe-kane-lukaku-griezmann">European soccer transfer window was more hectic than ever</a>.</p>
<h2>Around the sports world</h2>
<p>Bishop Sycamore coach <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/highschool/2021/08/31/bishop-sycamore-football-director-andre-peterson-espn-controversy/5652257001/">Roy Johnson has been fired, the school’s athletic director said</a>. ... South Carolina has named Zeb Noland, who was originally <a href="https://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-football/article253799063.html">hired as a graduate assistant, has been named the Gamecocks’ starting quarterback for their season opener</a>. ... The PGA Tour will <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/golf/news/pga-tour-will-eject-fans-yelling-brooksie-taunt-at-bryson-dechambeau-commissioner-says/">ban fans who yell “Brooksie” at Bryson DeChambeau</a>. ... The NFL is investigating after <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nflpa-reportedly-opens-investigation-of-jags-urban-meyer-who-said-vaccine-statuses-influenced-roster-cuts/">Urban Meyer said players’ vaccination status was considered during roster cuts</a>. </p>
<h3>Blayre Turnbull got hurt in the dog pile after Canada’s overtime win in the World Championships against the U.S. but was all smiles on the stretcher</h3>
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<h3>Mets announcer Gary Cohen had a smart take on this week’s controversy</h3>
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<h3>The Mets earned this</h3>
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<h3>The Mets won, though, and Cohen had a great call as Báez scored the winning run</h3>
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<h3>I’m running out of ways to say how amazed I am by this guy</h3>
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<h3>Imagine if an NFL player did this</h3>
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<h3>It is a great bag</h3>
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<h3>The IMG Academy football team is loving the Bishop Sycamore business</h3>
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<h3>Well said, Dabo</h3>
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<h2>Not sports</h2>
<p>Kanye West reportedly tried to <a href="https://www.nme.com/news/music/kanye-west-move-actual-childhood-home-stadium-donda-listening-event-3034130">move his actual childhood home into Soldier Field for his event there</a>. ... Norway will fine <a href="https://thebarentsobserver.com/en/borders/2021/08/dont-pee-russia-it-will-cost-you">people who pee across its border with Russia</a>. ... Armed robbers trying to <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/thieves-attempt-steal-monet-dutch-museum-drop-it-mid-escape-180978458/">steal a Monet painting from a Dutch museum dropped it while fleeing the scene</a>. </p>
<h3>Time to clock out for the day after this</h3>
<div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/MrPaulBae/status/1432741123785584647"></a></blockquote>
<script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<h2>A good song</h2>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jJCeYEw1s1Y" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<p><em>Email dan.gartland@si.com with any feedback or</em> <a href="https://twitter.com/Dan_Gartland"><em>follow me on Twitter</em></a> <em>for approximately one half-decent baseball joke per week.</em> <a href="https://www.si.com/tag/hot-clicks"><em>Bookmark this page</em></a> <em>to see previous editions of Hot Clicks and find the newest edition every day. By popular request</em> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0KhJJa6nSLoPreU3oJpmMZ?si=jLW6kicrT0e9w5slye4SiA"><em>I’ve made a Spotify playlist of the music featured here</em></a><em>. Visit our</em> <a href="http://si.com/extra-mustard"><em>Extra Mustard page</em></a> <em>throughout each day for more offbeat sports stories.</em></p>

New on Sports Illustrated: Josh McCown: Kirk Cousins’s Vaccine Refusal Makes Him Less of a Leader

“I think that takes away from some of your ability to lead.” “I think that takes away from some of your ability to lead” Kirk Cousins is ...

New on Sports Illustrated: Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings: Receiving Yards Player Prop Betting Projections

<a href="https://www.si.com/gambling/2021/09/01/wide-receiver-rankings-receiving-yards-player-prop-betting-projections">
<p class="subtitle">A sports betting outlook using odds for the NFL receiving yards leader can help you formulate fantasy football wide receiver rankings</p>
<p>With the kickoff to the 2021 NFL season only a few weeks away, sportsbooks around the country are beginning to open up their extensive betting markets. One of the most popular markets involves predicting who will lead the league in rushing yards - a position that dominates the first round of fantasy football drafts.</p>
<p> After bettors cashed on Stefon Diggs as a +4000 longshot in 2020, the question now becomes can he repeat the feat at considerable lower odds? Who is the favorite in the eyes of the oddsmakers in 2021?</p>
<p><strong>Positional Rankings From Yardage Leaders Prop Bets</strong><br /></p>
</a><a href="https://www.si.com/gambling/2021/08/18/passing-yard-projections-successful-fantasy-quarterbacks">Quarterbacks</a> | <a href="https://tempest.saymedia.com/#/content-items/cs024f19a9100026ae/ContentArticle/view/ci028c1ba0e00025a2">Running Backs</a> | <strong>Wide Receivers</strong> | Tight Ends
<p>As one of the top-ranked season-long fantasy football players in the world, I will admit that I incorporate sportsbook betting projections into my successful fantasy rankings. It has become a vital and integral strategy to building my successful investments year-in and year-out.</p>
<h3>RECENT NFL RECEIVING YARD LEADERS</h3>
<figure><img height="349" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTc2OTUyNzExMzgyNTc0NDQ4/bills-stefon-diggs.jpg" width="620" /></figure>
<p>Over the past three seasons, a new leader has emerged with the NFL receiving yardage crown. In 2018, Julio Jones led the NFL with 1,677 receiving yards followed by Michael Thomas in 2019 with 1,725 yards. Last season, Stefon Diggs (1,535) edged out Travis Kelce (1,416), DeAndre Hopkins (1,407) and Justin Jefferson (1,400).</p>
<p>Diggs cashed for bettors at healthy odds of +4000, while all of the top-four overall betting choices: Michael Thomas (+500), Julio Jones (+900), Davante Adams (+1400) and Tyreek Hill (+1400) burned their backers at short odds. Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce, who was listed last summer at +2200, nearly pulled off the big upset finishing second overall - only 119 yards behind Diggs.</p>
<h3>FANTASY WR RANKINGS/TIERS</h3>
<p><strong>TOP WR TIER</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Davante Adams (+900)</strong></li>
<li><strong>Stefon Diggs (+800)</strong></li>
<li><strong>Calvin Ridley (+750)</strong></li>
<li><strong>DeAndre Hopkins (+1000)</strong></li>
<li><strong>Tyreek Hill (+900)</strong></li>
</ul>
<figure><img height="349" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTc4NTI4NDMxODA0MjYxNTk2/green-bay-packers-davante-adams.jpg" width="620" />
<figcaption>
<p>Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Green Bay Packers Davante Adams lands as my top-ranked wide receiver in Fantasy Football in 2021. The star wideout is coming off a prolific 2020 season where he caught 115 receptions for 1,374 and a league-high 18 touchdowns. The volume of 125-plus target expectation easily makes the favorite target of Aaron Rodgers a pure value play to lead the league in receiving yards at +900. Adams, who missed last season's tilt with New Orleans due to an early-season hamstring injury, should feast in Week 1 when <a href="https://www.si.com/fantasy/2021/06/24/green-bay-packers-team-outlook-aaron-rodgers">Green Bay</a> (-3) travels to <a href="https://www.si.com/fantasy/2021/07/07/los-angeles-rams-team-outlook-matthew-stafford">New Orleans</a> with one of the highest totals (50.5) currently on <a href="https://www.sisportsbook.com/football/united-states-of-america/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs-v-cleveland-browns-e-76/">SI Sportsbook</a>.</p>
<p>As we previously alluded to, <a href="https://www.si.com/fantasy/2021/05/06/buffalo-bills-team-outlook-josh-allen">Buffalo's</a> Stefon Diggs took a major step forward in 2020, and the oddsmakers have made quite an adjustment in 2021. Last season, bettors found Diggs in the range of +4000 to lead the league in receiving yards, but after earning the crown, Diggs has been slashed down to odds of +800 in this year's betting market. In 2020, the rising star improved his receiving production by 405 yards over his previous career-best. Thanks to his strong rapport with Josh Allen, Diggs is easily one of the most coveted wideouts in fantasy drafts this season. My projections are again calling for high target volume in 2021 after a league-high 166 last season.</p>
<p>Last season, my top breakout was <a href="https://www.si.com/fantasy/2021/06/28/atlanta-falcons-team-outlook-kyle-pitts-calvin-ridley">Atlanta Falcons</a> Calvin Ridley to emerge as the WR1 over Julio Jones and one of the top wide receivers in fantasy football. Statistically, Ridley (1,374) fell just below the top receiving mark by 161 yards. Oddsmakers, who last season were listing his potential of leading the league in receiving yards with massive +2800 odds, now have Ridley listed as the betting favorite to wrestle the crown away from Diggs in 2021. My No.3 overall ranked fantasy wide receiver, Ridley, who has amassed 26 touchdowns in just three seasons, is a player with a tremendous ceiling with Julio Jones now in Tennessee. Ridley is in line to get off to a solid statistical start as Atlanta is projected to be involved in a high-scoring affair with Philadelphia in a Week 1 home battle set with a total of 48.5 on <a href="https://www.sisportsbook.com/football/united-states-of-america/nfl/tennessee-titans-v-arizona-cardinals-e-72/">SI Sportsbook</a>.</p>
<p>DeAndre Hopkins, who can be found as high as +1000, finds himself outside the top-five in the most receiving yards betting market. <a href="https://www.si.com/fantasy/2021/07/06/arizona-cardinals-team-outlook-kyler-murray">Arizona</a>, which has a season win total set at 8.5, hopes young signal-caller Kyler Murray is ready to take the next step in his third season. Hopkins, who has posted three consecutive seasons of 104-plus receptions, is perhaps the biggest model of consistency. After finishing third overall last season, Hopkins offers immense double-digit betting value (+1000), only 128 yards shy of Diggs.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.si.com/fantasy/2021/06/04/kansas-city-chiefs-team-outlook-patrick-mahomes">Kansas City's</a> speedy Tyreek Hill rounds out the top-five of elite fantasy options at the wideout position in 2021. Playing in arguably the best offense in the NFL, Hill is one of the favorite targets of quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Hill is the fourth overall betting choice at +900, but with Travis Kelce earning plenty of targets, I would shy away from investing in the sixth-year veteran in this betting market. Hill and the Chiefs should get off to a flying start to the season as <a href="https://www.si.com/fantasy/2021/06/04/kansas-city-chiefs-team-outlook-patrick-mahomes">Kansas City</a> (-6) takes on Cleveland at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 1 with the highest total (53) of any game posted currently on <a href="https://www.sisportsbook.com/football/united-states-of-america/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs-v-cleveland-browns-e-76/">SI Sportsbook</a>.</p>
<h3>WR TIER 2</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>DK Metcalf (+1200)</strong></li>
<li><strong>Justin Jefferson (+850)</strong></li>
<li><strong>AJ Brown (+1500)</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.si.com/fantasy/2021/07/08/seattle-seahawks-team-outlook-russell-wilson">Seattle Seahawks'</a> DK Metcalf (+1200) emerged as an elite fantasy football option last season after leading the club with 1,303 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. Russell Wilson has thrown 31-plus touchdowns in four straight seasons, and Metcalf projects to be on the receiving end for 36.4 % of his production in 2021. Perhaps the biggest physical mismatch in the NFL since Calvin Johnson, the former Ole' Miss standout, is in line for a second consecutive top-10 finish in PPR formats and a sleeper at +1200 to cash for bettors in the most receiving yards wagering market.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.si.com/fantasy/2021/06/25/minnesota-vikings-team-outlook-dalvin-cook-justin-jefferson">Minnesota's</a> Justin Jefferson was easily the best rookie wide receiver in 2020. The former LSU star averaged 15.9 yards per reception after hauling in 88 balls for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns playing in the Vikings offense. Jefferson will be hard-pressed to match or exceed last year's production. However, fantasy managers should not shy away from the elite talent who nearly pulled off the monumental upset - finishing fourth in overall receiving yardage at odds of +9500. The oddsmakers have made a huge adjustment in 2021, listing Jefferson as the third overall betting choice at +850.</p>
<figure><img height="349" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTY4OTM3ODYyNDQyNTI2NjM2/aj-brown-titans-raiders.jpg" width="620" />
<figcaption>
<p>Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><a href="https://www.si.com/fantasy/2021/06/02/tennessee-titans-team-outlook-aj-brown-derrick-henry">Tennessee's</a> AJ Brown (+1500), who is coming off a 2020 sophomore campaign that produced 70 receptions for 1,075 yards and 11 touchdowns, is considered a moderate longshot in overall passing yardage betting boards around the country. Brown is being drafted in the top ten of fantasy drafts at the wideout position thanks to the arrival of veteran Julio Jones lining up on the other side of the Titans' offensive sets. Expecting Brown to match or eclipse his receiving output from last season is well within the realm of expectations, and fantasy owners are expecting another leap forward in his third season as defenses will find it difficult to roll coverage to his side with Jones on the opposite end of the formation.</p>
<h3>ROUNDING OUT THE FIELD</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>CeeDee Lamb (+2500)</strong></li>
<li><strong>Terry McLaurin (+1900)</strong></li>
<li><strong>Tee Higgins (+3500)</strong></li>
</ul>
<figure><img height="345" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTY3NjU3NTg1NTczNDM4NjY4/fantasy-football-risky-starts-terry-mclaurin.jpg" width="620" />
<figcaption>
<p>Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>CeeDee Lamb (+2500) is a very attractive betting and fantasy option in 2021 after posting solid production in his rookie season in <a href="https://www.si.com/fantasy/2021/06/11/dallas-cowboys-team-outlook-dak-prescott">Dallas</a>. Lamb is a player my projections are indicating will outproduce veteran Amari Cooper. Lamb is being targeted by fantasy owners at the back-end of the second round of drafts to fill the WR1/WR2 position. In a pass-heavy offense, expect Lamb to double his rookie season touchdown total (5) and approach double-digits running routes with a full season of Dak Prescott at the helm.</p>
<p>Terry McLaurin was reliable in his second season for the <a href="https://www.si.com/fantasy/2021/06/18/washington-football-team-outlook-ryan-fitzpatrick-terry-mclaurin">Washington Football Team</a>, hauling in 87 catches for 1,118 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Despite playing in a Washington offense that lacked consistent quarterback play, the former Ohio State Buckeye is poised to have a career year with gunslinger Ryan Fitzpatrick now under center. McLaurin should battle Lamb for top NFC wideout honors - but a player bettors should avoid backing in this betting market despite his juicy +1900 odds.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.si.com/fantasy/2021/05/18/cincinnati-bengals-team-outlook-jamarr-chase">Cincinnati Bengals</a> wide receiver Tee Higgins is simply an afterthought in the overall receiving leader betting market (+3500) since the club added another elite talent in Ja’Marr Chase in this past April’s NFL Draft. Higgins, who posted a 67/908/6 stat line in his 2020 rookie season, is a player my projections are extremely bullish on in 2021. The former Clemson Tiger is a wideout projected to easily surpassing 1,100 receiving yards running routes for Joe Burrow and finishing as a potential elite wideout in PPR formats.</p>
<hr />
<p><br />
<a href="https://www.twitter.com/Frankie_Fantasy"><em>Frankie Taddeo</em></a> <em>is a successful high-stakes fantasy football player who created the first-ever DFS program ever offered in a Las Vegas sportsbook. Frankie is SI Betting's Senior Analyst and provides his significant experience and resources in the sports betting scene. You can follow Frankie on Twitter</em> <a href="https://www.twitter.com/Frankie_Fantasy"><em>@Frankie_Fantasy</em></a> <em>for his latest betting and fantasy insights from Las Vegas.</em></p>

New on Sports Illustrated: Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings: Receiving Yards Player Prop Betting Projections

A sports betting outlook using odds for the NFL receiving yards leader can help you formulate fantasy football wide receiver rankings With...

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