Rumors about Joe Haden's new landing spot after being cut by the Browns, and injury updates for guys such as Jeremy Hill, DeAndre Hopkins, Danny Woodhead and Eric Decker are pivotal to your fantasy football cheat sheets and rankings as your draft (and Week 1) approaches.
We've rounded up the latest news on these players so you're prepared when on the clock.
DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: Ultimate 2017 fantasy football cheat sheet
Do the latest Joe Haden rumors affect fantasy defense rankings?
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Steelers seem to be the front-runner in the Haden sweepstakes, but the Saints and Chiefs still have an outside shot. While Haden would be a boost to any defense he joins, the fantasy value of said D/ST might not see a big jump in our rankings.
If he joins the Saints, it still doesn't make them a fantasy D/ST worth drafting, and if he goes to the Chiefs, they'll simply remain one of the best D/STs. The Steelers, whom we have ranked as the No. 15 D/ST, would improve, but it wouldn't jump them any more than one or two spots. Haden is a two-time Pro-Bowler, but his play has slipped lately. Last season, he recorded three interceptions with the Browns. (Update: Haden will reportedly sign a three-year, $27-million deal with the Steelers.)
Jeremy Hill injury could open door for Joe Mixon as Bengals starting RB
Hill got the start over Mixon for the third time in the preseason last week, but he ended up rolling his ankle in the first quarter. He was ruled out the game by the second quarter, and there's been no update about the severity of the injury. In three preseason games, Hill has 18 carries for 69 yards and a touchdown.
Should Hill miss any regular season games, Mixon would likely slide into the starting role, which most people believe will happen eventually this season anyway. The injury only helps the case of Mixon, though at the moment, it doesn't seem like the injury will be much to worry about. Giovani Bernard will also be involved, which sort of muddles the values of Mixon and Hill. Right now, we have Mixon slotted at No. 25 and Hill is at No. 31 in our RB rankings. Mixon has more value in PPR leagues.
2017 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker | Top 200
Danny Woodhead injury update
Woodhead injured his hamstring in the second preseason game for the Ravens, and he hasn't participated in any practices in training camp since then. He will likely miss the rest of the preseason, and it's possible he may miss some regular season time. However, there's no indication it would be an extended period of time.
Any missed time for Woodhead shouldn't affect his position as the Ravens' primary receiving back. In July, Joe Flacco compared Woodhead's pass-catching ability to Ray Rice, which could mean Flacco leans heavily on him like he did previously with Rice. Woodhead is still a potential RB2 in PPR leagues, but obviously any missed time lowers his overall value. Buck Allen becomes an interesting short-term sleeper if Woodhead misses time.
DeAndre Hopkins injury news
Hopkins has been sidelined since Aug. 9 with a hand injury. At first, it didn't appear to be serious, but he hasn't practiced or played in any preseason games since then. He's still expected to be ready to go for the regular season opener, but it's starting to become a situation to monitor.
With Jaelen Strong suspended for Week 1, Braxton Miller and TE C.J. Fiedorowicz could be heavily leaned upon if Hopkins misses time.
Thomas Rawls injury continues to affect Eddie Lacy's, C.J. Prosise's fantasy rankings
Despite missing the past two preseason games with an ankle injury, Rawls was listed as the No. 1 RB on the Seahawks depth chart. Rawls is expected to return to the practice field sometime this week, and he should be ready for Week 1.
Rawls has battled injuries each of his two years in the league, and last year, he only started seven games due to a broken fibula. Rawls will likely be splitting some early-down reps with Eddie Lacy, and C.J. Prosise seems locked in as the third-down back. We list Rawls as the No. 35 RB in our preseason rankings, but obviously this situation is far from settled. Prosise remains an intriguing sleeper, especially in PPR leagues.
SLEEPERS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | One from each team
Eric Decker injury update
Decker returned to the practice field on Tuesday after missing a week because of an ankle injury. He should be ready to go for the Titans regular season opener.
Decker is our No. 40 WR, right behind teammate Rishard Matthews.