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WR Dez Bryant and Cowboys in contract extension talks?

3/25/14 | According to reports, the Cowboys and Dez Bryant, who is now entering the final year of a five-year, $11.8 million contract, have exchanged some numbers in regards to a contract extension.

Smitty: The Cowboys would be smart to lock-up Bryant, who just dropped 93 receptions for 1,233 yards and 13TDs in 2013. The receiver also had three multiple-TD outings last year, and he finished the season with a touchdown in each of the last five contests. Dez walks into 2014 fully capable of dropping top 1-4 fantasy wide receiver-type numbers.

Source: DallasNews.com

RB Toby Gerhart expected to start Week 1.

3/25/14 | According to reports, Jaguars coach Gus Bradley reiterated that newly-signed Toby Gerhart will likely see starter-type carries in 2014. “He has the ability to play all three downs,” Bradley said. “If he’s a guy that is carrying it 15-16 times and with third down reps, 18 times. That’s feasible. A strong possibility.”

Smitty: His contract ($4.5 million guaranteed) and his coach’s public support both point to Gerhart starting in 2014, but we remain cautiously optimistic. Sure, he could produce RB2-type numbers when all is said and done, I am not ruling anything out, but my advice is to sell-high if at all possible. Trade into a player that has similar value but that might have a touch more upside. Or, buy-low on a solid bounce-back candidate, like Victor Cruz (even if you have to give up a touch more).

Source: ProFootballTalk.com

RB Giovani Bernard: Bengals expect “Ray Rice” type ability to emerge?

3/25/14 | According to reports, Bengals Coach Marvin Lewis envisions Giovani Bernard’s second-year growth to mirror Ray Rice’s second-year growth back in 2009 (in Baltimore).

Smitty: It’s hard not to get excited about Gio Bernard’s upcoming sophomore fantasy season. He absolutely has the upside to produce top 5-10RB numbers in 2014, so considering both his dynasty and redraft ADP lingers around that 2.01-2.06 range, the little guy still has all kinds of upside at his going price tag (draft or trade). Fantasy owners should be thrilled to have Gio as their second-drafted player on draft day, as he has appeal to be anyone’s first-drafted player.

Source:

QB Cam Newton: Panthers to exercise Newt’s 2015 fifth-year option?

3/25/14 | According to reports, the Panthers are expected to exercise Cam Newton’s 2015 fifth-year option.

Smitty: With Cam recently going under the knife, you’re going to see a ton of Cam fantasy owners freaking out — Take advantage in already-existing dynasty leagues! Some believe that this ankle surgery will improve Cam’s explosiveness, as it’s said that his ankle has bothered him since college. Buy-low, though, as there are a grip of strong fantasy QB options heading into 2014!

Source: NFL.com