Mon Apr 29 11:53am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
White should be lead back
The draft is always so exciting, seeing where all the players get picked. But after the draft, the big issue is figuring out what it all means for their fantasy value. We thought it would be a good idea to look at some of the biggest fantasy winners and losers from draft day. These are some of the players that were picked but also some of the guys that were already on rosters, seeing their fantasy value get impacted from the draft. Adjust your rankings accordingly!
WINNERS
Bryce Young, QB, Panthers. The Panthers did a great job of getting Young some much needed offensive help. The team took a receiver, running back and tight end in three of the first four rounds of the draft. Carolina already added Diontae Johnson this offseason, so the receiver corps should be much better after getting Xavier Legette in the first round. The receivers got very little separation last year, so it was hard to gauge Young. He needed help and got some this offseason. Carolina also took a possible franchise running back in Jonathon Brooks and hopefully a solid starting tight end in Ja’Tavion Sanders. Things are looking up for Young and this offense.
Xavier Worthy, WR, Chiefs. Worthy could not have landed in a much better spot. He heads to one of the best offenses in football that has some openings at receiver, especially with the status of Rashee Rice a bit up in the air. Worthy has electric speed and the Chiefs should find plenty of ways to utilize that. He could be the new Tyreek Hill for this offense. Look for Worthy to make an impact right away.
Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Cowboys. Maybe one of the biggest surprises of the draft was the Cowboys not addressing their running back spot. Instead, the team signed Elliott after the draft. He is likely to be the starter in this top offense. He might not rack up the yards of past seasons, but has big touchdown potential in this offense. Elliott seems a pretty sure bet to get double-digit touchdowns. He could be a solid No. 2 for fantasy teams.
Jonathon Brooks, RB, Panthers. Brooks is returning from a major knee injury and could be slowed a little early in the season, but once he is back healthy look for him to the three-down back for the Panthers. He lands in a great spot for playing time, having little top talent to compete with for playing time. Brooks could really get the volume in this offense. He is our top rookie fantasy back.
Zamir White, RB, Raiders. Many thought the Raiders were another team that could address their running back spot during the draft, but that didn’t happen. They used a sixth-round pick on Dylan Laube, but he is not expected to challenge White for that starter’s job. It sure seems the Raiders are comfortable with White as their lead back. He has a chance to get a lot of touches in year two. His stock is going up.
Ladd McConkey, WR, Chargers. The Chargers need help at receiver and McConkey helps fill that need. It would not surprise if he quickly became Justin Herbert’s favorite target in the passing game. We really like his chances to rack up the weekly looks in this offense. Someone has to fill the Keenan Allen void and McConkey seems the best bet out of the options at receiver for the Chargers.
Keon Coleman, WR, Bills. Coleman is another rookie receiver that lands in a great spot for playing time. The departure of Stefon Diggs leaves a big opening for the Bills. Coleman could help fill that void. He has great size for the position and could be a top red-zone threat from day one for Buffalo. Coleman should get his chances from the get go, giving him a high ceiling for the coming year.
LOSERS
Raheem Mostert, RB, Dolphins. Mostert had a monster season last year and helped many fantasy teams to championships. He is going to have a very hard time repeating, especially after the Dolphins picked Jaylen Wright in the fourth round. Wright is a speed back similar to Mostert but a lot younger with less wear on his tires. Remember, Mostert is 32 years old. He might end up falling to third on the depth chart after the addition of Wright.
Rome Odunze, WR, Bears. Odunze is a super talented player that could be a star in the NFL. But for his year, you have to worry about him being up and down. He has two really good receivers ahead of him on the depth chart in DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. This is going to limit the ceiling of Odunze. He will be a much better fantasy player in a few more seasons. For now, expect erratic production from the talented rookie.
Kyren Williams, RB, Rams. Williams remains the lead back for the Rams and is coming off a breakout season. But the Rams picked Blake Corum in the third round. He is going to be a factor in the offense. He might get put a huge dent in Williams’ workload but the big concern is the goal-line work. Corum is more of a between the tackles runner that does well on short-yardage work. He could end up stealing some touchdowns from Williams, hurting his fantasy value.
Michael Mayer, TE, Raiders. Mayer was a second-round pick for the Raiders last year and showed well at times his rookie season. The Raiders couldn’t pass on the talented Brock Browers in this year’s draft, though. This move absolutely kills the fantasy value of Mayer. He is going to play second fiddle to Browers, getting few weekly looks. Browers is the clear tight end to own in this offense.
Ricky Pearsall, WR, 49ers. Pearsall is a talented pass catcher that can get in and out of his breaks in a hurry. He is a really good fit for the slot and could fill that role for the 49ers his rookie season. The problem is he has some of the top talent in all of football to compete with for targets. He could really be up and down his rookie season. He will look better in a year or two when he has a more defined role and less to compete with at receiver. His rookie season could be a tough one to gauge for fantasy owners.
Malik Nabers, WR, Giants. Many considered Nabers the top receiver in this year’s draft. He is super talented with a high fantasy ceiling. The problem for Nabers is he got drafted by the Giants, a team that really struggled offensively last year. Plus, he has Daniel Jones throwing him passes. This is not a great landing spot for the talented Nabers. Jones needs to make some big strides this season if Nabers hopes to reach his potential. We aren’t sure that happens.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 9
New York Giants kicker Greg Joseph (abdomen) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 9 matchup against the Washington Commanders. The Giants are already without Graham Gano (hamstring) who injured himself attempting to make a tackle in Week 1. That being said, Jude McAtamney is likely to be elevated from the practice squad to make his debut this weekend. He looked solid in the preseason, so maybe he can be a viable option for them. Sadly, the Giants offense has struggled to move the ball down the field, which means McAtamney isn't a strong streaming option for Week 9.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys defensive back Trevon Diggs (calf) is reportedly going to be a game-time decision for the Week 9 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The young defensive back reportedly has a tear in his calf, but was able to get through some practice work on Friday. It sounds like the Cowboys are going to wait and see how Diggs feels closer to Sunday. The loss of Diggs would be a significant hit to the Dallas defense that is already without pass rusher Micah Parsons (ankle) and defensive back DaRon Bland (foot) for Sunday's game.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot) has been added to the injury report ahead of Monday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Oh no, Winfield missed four games earlier in the season due to a foot injury. Possibly, Winfield re-aggravated the issue which could be a problem especially this late in the week. The loss of Winfield would be a significant hit to a Bucs secondary that is already struggling. Christian Izien figures to start in his place if Winfield is unable to play. The 24-year-old has 40 tackles and one interception so far this season. The Bucs defense already wasn't an appealing streaming option but the loss of Winfield would only make them worse.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft looks to keep his awesome run of fantasy production going as the Packers host the Detroit Lions in Week 9. Kraft has been awesome for fantasy managers this season, but especially since Week 4, as Kraft has been a top-12 or better fantasy tight end in four of the last five weeks with five touchdowns in that span. He's averaged almost five receptions and 53 receiving yards in that span as well, so despite having the touchdowns propping him up a bit, the volume has been there for him each week in this potent Packers offense. Packers quarterback Jordan Love (groin) was listed as questionable in the team's final practice report and if he doesn't play in Week 9, Malik Willis will start. Willis at quarterback downgrades the pass-catchers across the board, but Kraft should be a near-universal TE1 start in fantasy no matter who is starting at quarterback for the Packers in Week 9.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs has been on a solid run of production and that should continue this week when the Packers host the Detroit Lions in Week 9. Since returning from a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team in Week 6, Doubs has double-digit fantasy points in each of his last three games. Doubs has 18 targets in his last two games and has been the most targeted Packer in the last three weeks. Of course, Doubs remaining heavily targeted in the Packers' offense is contingent on Jordan Love (groin) being able to play. Love was listed as questionable in the team's final practice report and if he doesn't play, Malik Willis will start. Doubs would take a big hit if Willis does play, where he would be a flex play. If Love starts in Week 9, fantasy managers should slot Doubs into lineups as a low-end WR3.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (knee) is currently listed as questionable ahead of the Week 9 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Mitchell has yet to play this season after suffering a significant knee injury last year. However, the Ravens opened his 21-day practice window on October 23. He has been practicing this week and looks to be trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's game. It remains to be seen how Mitchell would be used in the rotation. Derrick Henry has been the workhorse back and that is unlikely to change. Mitchell was fantastic when healthy last season, so he's worth stashing if available on the waiver wire.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of the Week 9 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Bigsby has been limited in practice all week due to a lingering ankle issue. Fellow back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) has been limited in practice as well, but is hopeful to get back on the field this week. If that happens, Bigsby and Etienne would likely split up the workload in the backfield. If one back sits out then the other would see increased snaps and become a viable RB2 for this weekend. Bigsby has done well enough lately that the return of Etienne won't completely destroy his fantasy value.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (knee, back) has been removed from the injury report ahead of the Week 9 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Jackson missed back-to-back practices to open the week due to minor knee and back issues. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried as it seemed like his absence was more for rest purposes. Jackson will officially be ready to go for this weekend for a tough matchup against the Broncos secondary. Despite the tough matchup, Jackson has been playing at an MVP-type level and remains a strong QB1 for this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson has been hit and miss this season but can turn things around with a good game when the Packers host the Detroit Lions in Week 9. Watson has been entirely touchdown-dependent this season as his two best games this season have come when he scored touchdowns in Week 1 and Week 6. He did lead the team in targets last week with six against the Jaguars but could only muster four receptions for 39 yards. While Watson is one of the Packers' most dangerous deep threats, it all comes down to who is playing quarterback for the Packers in Week 9. Jordan Love (groin) was listed as questionable in the team's final practice report and if he doesn't play, Malik Willis will start. Willis at quarterback downgrades the pass-catchers across the board for fantasy, so while Watson with Love at quarterback is a dart-throw flex play, Willis at quarterback makes Watson an avoid in fantasy in Week 9.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed is looking to get off his two-game run of disappointment as the Packers host the Detroit Lions in Week 9. Over the past two games, Reed has just seven targets, four receptions and 65 receiving yards against the Texans and Jaguars. Reed has a glimmer of hope in this matchup against the division-leading Lions, as the Lions are the worst defense in the entire league in giving up fantasy points and receiving yards per game to slot wide receivers. If starting quarterback Jordan Love (questionable, groin) can play against the Lions, Reed should be a locked-in fantasy starter. If the quarterback is Malik Willis, Reed should still be in fantasy lineups but is probably more of a WR3.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts is coming off his best fantasy output of the season with four catches on five targets for 91 yards and two touchdowns, and in Week 9 he'll get a Cowboys defense that just allowed the 49ers' George Kittle to post a 6-128-1 line in Week 8. Since logging a zero-catch performance in Week 4, the 24-year-old has had no less than five targets in the last four games, averaging around 79 yards receiving per game over that time. It feels like he's secured a solid role in this offense now, although, with a 15.95% target share, he's a distant third in the pecking order behind Drake London (26.72%) and Darnell Mooney (22.84%). Dallas has allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to TEs, and while Pitts hasn't yet shed the potential for bust weeks, the former first-round draft pick still ranks as a TE1 in this matchup.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers will look to improve his scoring output in Week 9 when the Seahawks host the Los Angeles Rams. Myers has been accurate when given the chance in 2024. However, the Seahawks offense has been too inconsistent for Myers to provide reliable fantasy output. The Seahawks should be able to move the ball against an average-at-best Rams defense in Week 9. The question is will they be able to finish drives without turning the ball over? The offense could not get out of its own way in Week 8 against the Buffalo Bills. Various penalties and mental errors cost the team several scoring opportunities. If they can eliminate those errors in Week 9 then Myers will be worth starting in fantasy. Still, there are likely more reliable options out there if you need to pivot.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith checks in as a player you can play in a pinch once again in Week 9. The Seahawks will host the Los Angeles Rams who are No. 15 against opposing quarterbacks in fantasy. This matchup is about as middle-of-the-pack as they come. Smith currently leads the NFL in passing yards. Unfortunately, we got a good look at life without wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) in Week 8 against the Buffalo Bills and it was not pretty. Smith was limited to 212 yards and an interception. The Seahawks actually moved the ball relatively well in the first half, but they fell apart in the second half. The Rams should have no problem scoring on the Seahawks defense so Seattle will likely need to put the ball in the air. The volume will be there for Smith, but the question is whether or not the Seahawks will be effective without Metcalf who is slated to miss his second straight game. For those reasons, Smith will be a QB2 with upside this week. However, he has a great chance to throw for over 300 yards and a couple of touchdowns if the offense has adjusted to life without Metcalf.
From RotoBaller
With Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (groin) out in Week 9 against the Los Angeles Rams, rookie tight end AJ Barner is in position to take on the starting tight end role. Barner was a fourth-round pick by the Seahawks in 2024. He has caught all ten of his targets this season for 105 yards and a touchdown. While Barner will likely see a boost in targets with Fant and wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) out, he does not project to be relevant for fantasy. It is worth noting that Barner does have decent big-play ability. In Week 8 Barner caught two passes at 17 yards per catch. It is hard to believe that there would not be more reliable or proven assets on your waiver wire. However, if you are in a very deep league, Barner will at least be a starter in Week 9.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo should be the No. 3 pass catcher in Seattle's offense in Week 9 against the Los Angeles Rams. With both DK Metcalf (knee) and Noah Fant (groin) out, Bobo is next in line. The reality is that the targets will likely be consolidated between wide receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett (oblique), and running back Kenneth Walker III. However, Bobo is a quality young player that we have seen have a solid game or two over the course of his two-year career. Bobo has been buried on the depth chart behind a bevy of high-end pass catchers in Seattle. He is a large receiver who could be active around the red zone with no Metcalf or Fant to occupy that area. He could be worth a flyer in deeper leagues because he should see a handful of targets in a game that projects to have a lot of passing volume on both sides.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (oblique) will look to get back into the double-digit fantasy point range in Week 9. Lockett battled an oblique injury this week, but it appears to be minor as he was a full participant in practice on Thursday and Friday. The Seahawks will host the Los Angeles Rams in a huge intra-divisional matchup. The whole Seahawks offense stalled against a solid Buffalo Bills defense without DK Metcalf (knee) in Week 8. They will draw a much easier matchup against the Rams this week. Additionally, the Seahawks made several mental errors that caused the game to get out of hand. They moved the ball just fine in the first half of Week 8. If they can clean up those errors, they should score points without issue in Week 9. The offense certainly runs through Metcalf, so his absence again in Week 9 will be felt. However, Lockett is going to be in a good position to push for 7 to 10 targets and deliver flex value for your fantasy team.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Jets receiver Garrett Wilson had nine catches for 90 yards and two touchdowns in a win against Houston. Dynasty Analysis: The addition of Davante Adams hasn't affected Wilson much thus far and he had two spectacular touchdown catches on the night. While there are going to be some ups and downs this year with the Jets, Wilson has been a constant contributor. For dynasty managers hoping to buy low after the Adams deal, that window slammed shut after this week's performance.
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III has provided a solid baseline to fantasy managers with his passing game work in 2024. When the Seahawks have a lead, Walker can deliver great rushing output. When the Seahawks trail, it is a different story. Walker has caught four or more passes in four of six games played this season. The Seahawks offense has been bipolar in 2024 so it is difficult to predict how they will perform on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams are the No. 19 defense against opposing running backs in fantasy, so this matchup is not scary. Neither team's defense has played with any consistency. Now that the Rams have a full complement of weapons, this could be a track meet. Look for the Seahawks to try and establish a presence in the running game. If they can ensure that this game remains tight, then Walker should be in good shape to provide a solid rushing and receiving baseline in Week 9.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a great opportunity to have a great game in Week 8 when DK Metcalf (knee) missed the game due to an MCL sprain. The Seahawks offense delivered a total dud as it appeared that they needed Metcalf in order to function at the high level they have all season. The Los Angeles Rams present a much softer matchup in Week 9 than the Buffalo Bills did in Week 8. The Bills defense has been stifling opposing passing offenses all season but the Rams just got shredded by Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8. With Metcalf out again in Week 9, Smith-Njigba should be able to find room to operate in this game. The Rams offense is back to performing at a high-level, and the Seahawks will likely continue their pass-heavy attack. Look for Smith-Njigba to deliver high-end WR3 numbers with the potential for more upside.
From RotoBaller
The Seattle Seahawks D/ST got off to a hot start in 2024. They have had a much harder time over the last few weeks against tougher opponents. The Los Angeles Rams offense is now fully healthy and is coming off a game in which they scored 30 points against an excellent Minnesota Vikings defense. The Seahawks are battling too many injuries on the defensive side of the ball to provide the same challenge as the Vikings. The Rams have a good chance to score more than 30 points once again. The Seahawks should be able to get to Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in the backfield and force a turnover or two. However, that should be offset by the amount of yards and points the Rams project to score. The road does not get any easier for this unit anytime soon. Unless head coach Mike Macdonald can coax more production from his defense then they should be on waivers for the next several weeks.
From RotoBaller