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.
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said that wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) is making strides in his recovery but deferred to the injury report that will come out later on Wednesday after practice. Higgins tweaked his hamstring in practice last Thursday and was ruled out of the season-opening upset loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday. It sounds like Higgins might be limited in practice on Wednesday, which still puts him up in the air to play in Week 2 versus the defending Super Bowl-champion Kansas City Chiefs. If the 25-year-old makes his season debut this weekend, he could also be on a pitch count, making him a shaky WR3/flex play. With Higgins out in Week 1, Andrei Iosivas played 100% of the offensive snaps but hauled in only three passes for 26 yards on six targets, which tied for the team lead with Ja'Marr Chase.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll said on Wednesday that wide receiver Darius Slayton (concussion) is still in the league's concussion protocol and won't practice. Slayton suffered a concussion in the season-opening blowout loss to the Minnesota Vikings and had only three catches on four targets for 26 yards. Right now, he's on the wrong side of questionable as the team prepares for a Week 2 divisional matchup against the Washington Commanders. Even if Slayton returns to practice later this week and clears the NFL's concussion protocols by Sunday, fantasy managers should look to leave him out of their lineups in deeper leagues. He's currently rostered in only 2% of Yahoo leagues. If Slayton misses this weekend's contest, expect Jalin Hyatt to have the best shot at picking up more snaps in a bad offense behind rookie Malik Nabers and Wan'Dale Robinson.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts kicker Matt Gay (hernia) is "good to go," head coach Shane Steichen said on Wednesday. It's unclear what Gay's practice status is to begin the week, but apparently he will be ready to make his 2024 debut this Sunday at Lambeau Field in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers. Gay recently had surgery to fix a sports hernia and was unable to suit up in the Week 1 loss to the division-rival Houston Texans. With Gay out last weekend, rookie Spencer Shrader made his NFL debut and made all three of his extra-point attempts. The 25-year-old didn't attempt a single field goal. The 30-year-old Gay will be Indy's primary kicker in 2024 when healthy after making 80.5% of his 41 field-goal attempts in 17 games for the Colts a year ago. It's nice that Gay only had to miss one game, but fantasy managers should have better options at the position in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said in his opening statement on Wednesday that wide receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) will be the only player on the team that won't practice. However, Reid said it's still possible for Brown to be in uniform for his Chiefs debut in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals. "He won't be out there today," Reid said. Hollywood suffered a sternoclavicular injury to his shoulder in the preseason opener in August and missed the season-opening win over the Baltimore Ravens last Thursday. The former Arizona Cardinals receiver is trending in the right direction and could play this Sunday if he can get back on the practice field on Thursday or Friday, but right now, consider him to be on the wrong side of questionable. With Brown out in Week 1, both Rashee Rice and rookie first-rounder Xavier Worthy feasted as quarterback Patrick Mahomes' primary weapons.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, released a statement on his client's behalf on Wednesday denying recent allegations of more sexual misconduct against him. "Deshaun strongly denies the allegations in the Jane Doe lawsuit filed Monday. We have asked him not to comment further while this matter works its way through the courts, but are comfortable he will ultimately be vindicated," Hardin wrote in the statement. "We will be ready to defend this case in court at the appropriate time, but don't intend to conduct our defense in the media. We would ask that people be patient while the legal process runs its course." In the meantime, the NFL doesn't plan to put Watson on the commissioner's exempt list, so he will be active as a QB2 in fantasy in Week 2 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars after a poor showing in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) will be limited in practice on Wednesday, according to head coach Shane Steichen. Downs suffered a high-ankle sprain back on Aug. 7 and missed the team's Week 1 loss to the division-rival Houston Texans last weekend. However, the 23-year-old continues to make strong progress and said late last week that he felt he was close to making a return. If he can make more progress in practice on Thursday and Friday, there's a chance he could suit up in Week 2 this Sunday at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers. When healthy, Downs could be the team's No. 2 wideout behind Michael Pittman Jr., which is bad news for those that just plucked Alec Pierce off the waiver wire after he went for over 100 yards and a touchdown in Week 1. Downs is worth scooping up off the waiver wire if he's available.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) will miss Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to an ankle injury. Njoku suffered the ankle injury in Week 1 and is considered week-to-week. The 28-year-old limped off the field after being rolled up on by an opposing defender in Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys and was feared to have a high ankle sprain. He has a history of foot and ankle issues, which is concerning for his future production. However, there aren't many good options for fantasy at tight end, so he's a must-start when he plays. Fellow Browns tight end Jordan Akins is the only other TE on the depth chart, but he logged just three receptions in 2023, so Njoku managers should look elsewhere for a replacement this week.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) feels like a long shot to play in Week 2, per sources on Wednesday, Sept. 11.
Fantasy Spin: It's not entirely surprising the Niners are being cautious with their star player with it being so early in the season, although it's a bummer for fantasy owners. If you have not already, go out and get Jordan Mason immediately. He's a locked-in RB1 as long as McCaffrey is sidelined.
From TheHuddle
Free-agent CB Ahkello Witherspoon is signing with the Los Angeles Rams, per source on Wednesday, Sept. 11. The terms of the contract were not immediately disclosed.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku (ankle) has been ruled out for Week 2, head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Wednesday, Sept. 11.
Fantasy Spin: The next man up on the depth chart is Jordan Akins, who does have some history with Deshaun Watson from their days together in Houston. However, with Watson's struggles, and with it being so early in the season, you can probably find a better option on the waiver wire.
From TheHuddle
Buffalo Bills CB Taron Johnson (forearm) and DE Dawuane Smoot (toe) did not practice on Wednesday, Sept. 11, and were ruled out for Week 2. In addition, DE Javon Solomon (oblique) was limited and is doubtful, and QB Josh Allen (hand), RB Ty Johnson (knee), TE Quintin Morris (shoulder) and QB Mitchell Trubisky (knee) practiced in full and were removed from the injury report.
From TheHuddle
Buffalo Bills CB Taron Johnson (forearm) and DE Dawuane Smoot (toe) have been ruled out for Week 2.
From TheHuddle
Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen (hand) will play Thursday, Sept. 12, against the Miami Dolphins in Week 2.
Fantasy Spin: Allen was the QB1 after Week 1, and while there should be some concern about the short week, he's still a top-flight play.
From TheHuddle
Miami Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert (chest) has been ruled out for Week 2.
Fantasy Spin: De'Von Achane (ankle) is also a game-time decision Thursday night, which means Jeff Wilson Jr. and Jaylen Wright are worth picking up and could both be flex options.
From TheHuddle
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (ankle) will be a game-time decision for Thursday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills. The second-year speedster is dealing with an ankle injury and did not practice on Monday or Tuesday. Veteran running back Raheem Mostert (chest) has already been ruled out. Fantasy managers should pay close attention up until Thursday, as we may not know if Achane will play or not until the team releases its official inactive report 90 minutes before kickoff on Thursday. If Achane is active, he's a risky starter, but the upside outweighs the risk. If he's out, Jeff Wilson Jr. and Jaylen Wright are both intriguing RB3 or flex options. Check your waiver wire now for Wilson Jr. or Wright. Wilson Jr. is likely the "safer" option, but Wright has more upside moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (chest) will not play on Thursday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills, according to head coach Mike McDaniel. The 32-year-old missed practice on Monday and Tuesday with a chest injury. Mostert did not have a promising start to the season in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, rushing six times for nine yards and catching two passes for 10 yards. De'Von Achane (ankle) was also held out on Monday and Tuesday due to an ankle injury, so the injury concerns in this backfield are already coming to life. McDaniel said Achane's status could be up in the air. If Achane plays, he's a must-start option in all leagues. That said, either or both Jeff Wilson Jr. and rookie Jaylen Wright could see work behind him in Mostert's absence, making them low-end flex plays. If Achane can't suit up, both of Miami's backup running backs are flex dice rolls in leagues of 12 teams or more. Wright was a healthy inactive in Week 1, but he could get involved with injuries already piling up.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said this week that Tutu Atwell is ready to get more opportunities with Puka Nacua (knee) sidelined. McVay noted that with Cooper Kupp and Demarcus Robinson as the outside receivers, Atwell, Tyler Johnson, and rookie Jordan Whittington all have similar skill sets that can complement Kupp and Robinson. While Johnson was the standout in Week 1 against the Lions once Nacua exited, McVay's thoughts hint that it could be Atwell who comes through in Week 2 against the Cardinals. It would be speculative to add Atwell because of these comments but it is a situation that is worth monitoring and could fluctuate each week while Nacua misses time. Right now Johnson is the popular waiver-wire add but maybe Atwell will be next week.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson, Jr., was active in Week 1 as the Dolphins' third running back ahead of rookie Jaylen Wright and rushed five times for 26 yards in the team's win over Jacksonville. Wilson ended up being the team's leading rusher in the game. De'Von Achane (ankle) and Raheem Mostert (chest) have each missed practice time this week ahead of Thursday night's Week 2 matchup with Buffalo. It should be noted that Tuesday's practice was a walkthrough for the Dolphins so even though both were listed as DNP, it doesn't necessarily mean they won't play. If both Achane and Mostert miss the game, Wilson could be the featured runner, but there is also the possibility that Miami chooses to feature their rookie in Wright. There is a lot of uncertainty in the Miami backfield this week, but Wilson figures to see an increased workload should one or two of the running backs ahead of his on the depth chart miss the game.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins rookie running back Jaylen Wright was inactive in Week 1 but could make his debut in Week 2 with De'Von Achane (ankle) and Raheem Mostert (chest) banged up ahead of the Week 2 matchup with the Bills on Thursday night. Wright, the talented rookie back out of Tennessee, is likely to make his NFL debut if Achane or Mostert can't suit up. If both are out, Wright could be a fantasy sleeper as most managers might assume Jeff Wilson, Jr., would be the featured back. Wilson is a solid runner, but Wright profiles as a more versatile back who could factor heavily into the game plan without Achane and Mostert available. This all depends on the health of the top two running backs for Miami. Both were listed as DNPs on Tuesday, but it should be noted that the practice was a walkthrough for Miami which doesn't reveal much more about their availability on Thursday. Wright is worth a speculative add for managers who haven't stashed him already for his long-term upside.
From RotoBaller
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles) feels like a long shot to play in Week 2. McCaffrey was a surprise inactive in Week 1 and backup Jordan Mason filled in admirably in the team's runaway win over the Jets on Monday night. Mason could be in line for another big week with McCaffrey likely out based on this report. McCaffrey is dealing with a calf issue as well as Achilles tendinitis and the 49ers may be playing it safe early in the season with their star running back. Mason rushed 28 times for 147 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 and added a catch for five yards so he is clearly capable of filling in for McCaffrey. Fantasy managers of McCaffrey will hope he returns in a full capacity in Week 3.
From RotoBaller