Draft Day Winners and Losers
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.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pickem Picks: Week 2
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 2
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Injury Status: Week 2
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Fantasy Preview: Week 2
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender DFS Pickem Plays: Week 2
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 2
- Cardinals QB Kyler Murray (knee) set to play vs. Rams
- 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey ruled out, could be headed to IR
- Bengals WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) doubtful for Chiefs
- Browns star DE Myles Garrett (foot) set to go vs. Jaguars
- Packers say QB Jordan Love (knee) questionable despite no practice
- Buccaneers missing at least three starters vs. Lions
- Vikings rule out WR Jordan Addison (ankle) vs. 49ers
- Steelers QB Russell Wilson (calf) questionable to play vs. Broncos
- Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes has surgery, out vs. Giants
- Ravens rookie CB Nate Wiggins out Sunday after car accident
- Bills LB Terrel Bernard has pec strain, avoids tear
- Chiefs WR Marquise Brown needs shoulder surgery
- Ex-NFL player Kellen Winslow II seeks reduction of prison sentence
- Dolphins 'confident' in Skylar Thompson as QB1
- Former Saint, ALS activist Steve Gleason hospitalized, 'stable'
- Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) exits vs. Bills
- Texans TE Dalton Schultz sidelined by sprained ankle
- Alabama continues NFL opening roster dominance
- C Connor McGovern returns to Jets to 'join something special'
- Giants OC: Daniel Jones’ confidence has never wavered
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Rest of Season Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Players to Stash Week 2 | Tyler Johnson Could Be It
- Fantasy Six Pack: Dynasty Football Early Season Overreactions | Is Caleb Williams Now a QB2?
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Week 2 Preview
- Fantasy Life: A Fantasy Football Hollywood Horror
- Fantasy Life: NFL Week 2 Underdog, PrizePicks, and Sleeper Winning Plays
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Regression Candidates: Rise Up Trey McBride
- Fantasy Life: Is Wan'Dale Robinson a Lock This Weekend?
- Fantasy Life: Anytime Touchdown Bets for Week 2: Trust Zack Moss Again?
The Paur Report
New England Patriots kicker Joey Slye will have his production limited in Week 2 due to the Patriots' reduced scoring impact. For example, DraftKings has the Patriots scoring around 17 points against the Seattle Seahawks, which leaves very few kicking chances for Slye. Given the state of the Patriots' offense, he'd likely need one or two longer field goals in order to even get on the fantasy radar. It's certainly possible Slye exceeds expectations like he did last week when he converted three field goals, but that's true for every kicker. With kickers' fantasy points being so dependent on consistent scoring opportunities, Slye can be left on waivers in most formats.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas should be avoided in most fantasy leagues ahead of the team's home opener against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. Douglas has been one of the Patriots' most reliable pass-catchers since the middle of the 2023 season, but his volume has taken a hit with New England relying on its rushing attack and defense to keep them competitive. Jacoby Brissett isn't being asked to throw a lot, which means Douglas and his fellow receivers should continue to prepare for minimal value. In last week's season opener, for example, he registered just 12 yards on a pair of receptions. Until we see any sort of higher-level production out of Douglas, he can be left on fantasy waivers.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver K.J. Osborn started on offense and led the team's receivers in snaps, targets, and catches last Sunday, but he's still off the fantasy radar heading into Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks. Last week, the Patriots emphasized a reliance on their defense and rushing attack to keep them competitive, and that shouldn't change against Seattle. Therefore, with reduced volume in the passing game, Osborn might not get enough looks to put him even near the fantasy radar. For the time being, it's tough to trust any Patriots receiver in fantasy football, including Osborn.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry has struggled to produce consistent fantasy points during his time with the team, including last week's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Now, in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks, Henry remains far from a lock to see meaningful volume. The Patriots have placed an emphasis on letting their defense and rushing attack carry them, which leads to fewer looks for all receivers in the passing game. At this point, we can't expect Henry to get more than a few catches every game, especially with Austin Cooper seemingly stealing a decent portion of opportunities. Henry is heavily touchdown-dependent and can be avoided in most fantasy leagues this week, even despite injuries at the position necessitating plenty of lineup adjustments.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson is coming off a dominant season-opening performance and has entered must-start territory ahead of Week 2 versus the Seattle Seahawks. Stevenson rushed 25 times for 120 yards last week, with the vast majority of his yardage coming after contact. He also found the end zone and caught three short passes. Stevenson continues to have a very firm grasp on the lead-back role in New England, and he should continue to see significant volume this week, especially in a somewhat favorable matchup against the Seahawks. Seattle doesn't have a great run defense, and New England has shown a clear commitment to pounding the rock on the ground. Stevenson is a high-end RB2 with RB1 upside.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Tyquan Thornton did start on offense in Week 1, but his No. 3 receiver role in an offense with minimal passing volume keeps him off the fantasy radar for the time being. Quite simply, the Patriots will rely on their defense and rushing attack to win games, and their passing attack will merely be a secondary component. There aren't nearly enough targets to go around to support any major fantasy performances from the receivers, and that includes Thornton ahead of Week 2 versus Seattle. He can be left on waivers in all redraft leagues.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker is expected to start in Week 2 after Jake Ferguson (knee) was listed as doubtful to play. There had been some speculation that Ferguson might not miss any games after injuring himself last week, but it looks like he'll end up being held out for at least one contest. On a positive note, he should be able to avoid an IR stint. Ferguson's short-term absence means that Schoonmaker should see additional volume against the New Orleans Saints. He might not take 100 percent of Ferguson's snaps and targets, but he'll definitely get more looks from Dak Prescott. As a result, his fantasy value is slightly elevated this week. He's a low-end TE2 heading into the clash with New Orleans.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett is one week removed from leading his team to a big upset victory on the road. Even after the Patriots' impressive win, Brissett is not a reliable option in fantasy football heading into Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks. New England won last game largely thanks to its defense, Rhamondre Stevenson's production after contact, and Brissett's poise and veteran presence. Unfortunately, you don't get fantasy points for being calm in the pocket, and Brissett didn't exactly produce major yardage or touchdowns. The passing game is expected to remain relatively quiet this Sunday, so while Brissett is always a candidate to notch a touchdown, his role in this low passing volume offense drops him outside the top 24 fantasy quarterbacks for Week 2.
From RotoBaller
The Pittsburgh Steelers have elevated wide receiver Ben Skowronek from the practice squad to the 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. The 27-year-old was elevated last week, too, but only played on special teams. Pittsburgh will rely on its running game and defense to win games this year, so there isn't much room for the Steelers' depth receivers to make a significant impact. Skowronek remains off the fantasy radar heading into Week 2.
From RotoBaller
The New York Giants defense will be facing the Washington Commanders in Week 2, and it's shaping up to be a favorable matchup. After allowing 28 points in Week 1 to the Vikings, the Giants' defense looks like a possible streaming option against rookie QB Jayden Daniels and a Commanders offense that did not score a passing touchdown against the Buccaneers. Washington's offensive line struggled mightily against the rush, allowing two sacks to Tampa Bay. Advanced metrics like the Giants' 20% pressure rate and Washington's bottom-10 ranking in offensive line efficiency make this a prime opportunity for sacks and turnovers.
From RotoBaller
The Kansas City Chiefs defense will face off against the Cincinnati Bengals offense in Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season. The Chiefs defense had a tough test in Week 1, facing the dangerous Baltimore Ravens, but this matchup should be much more manageable. The Bengals are coming off a loss to the New England Patriots, who held them to just 10 points in their season opener. The Bengals will also be without one of the primary weapons of offense, wide receiver Tee Higgins. Higgins will miss their Week 2 matchup with a hamstring injury. The absence of Higgins leaves Ja'Marr Chase as the only star receiver for Cincinnati. With All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie anchoring the Kansas City secondary, the Bengals should have a tough time passing the ball. Things will not be much easier for Cincinnati on the ground, as the Chiefs just held Derrick Henry to 46 rushing yards on 13 carries. The Kansas City Chiefs defense is a strong start this week against the Bengals and should continue to be a strong start most weeks.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker will face off against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. Butker had a productive night against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1. The Chiefs kicker nailed both field goal attempts, nailing a game-long 32-yarder, and went 3/3 on his extra point attempts. Butker only missed two field goals and did not miss a single extra point attempt last season, so he has demonstrated his ability to be one of the most accurate kickers in the league. Being on the Chiefs high-powered offense gives Butker the chance to be a difference-maker for fantasy every week. The Kansas City Chiefs should have many opportunities on offense, and Mahomes should do enough to put the team within field goal range on most drives against the Cincinnati Bengals defense. Butker is one of the most valuable kickers in football and should be a start this week.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy will face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. The Chiefs first-round rookie had a massive game in Week 1, scoring two touchdowns, but that production came on just three touches. Worthy will have an easier opponent this week since he faced the Baltimore Ravens stingy defense in his NFL debut. The Bengals allowed the sixth-most receiving yards in 2023, so the rookie wideout should find success in this contest. News also broke that the Chiefs placed fellow wide receiver Marquise Brown on injured reserve, so Worthy should quickly fill the WR2 role in Kansas City for the foreseeable future. The Chiefs will likely incorporate Worthy into the offensive game plan more as the season progresses, so the sky is the limit for the young speedster. Worthy is a worthy flex play with upside this week against the Cincinnati Bengals.
From RotoBaller
Week 1 of the 2024 season saw several kickers put up extraordinary amounts of points. Five kickers had multiple field goals from 50+ yards out, three of them also hitting two tries from the 40-49-yard range. Nine other kickers also made good from 50 yards or more. Unfortunately, Matt Prater was not one of them. The 40-year-old veteran did convert all of his attempts though, netting field goals from 29 and 31 yards out and banging home two extra points. In Week 2, the Cardinals host the Rams in their home opener in what is expected to be one of the highest-scoring games of the week. Prater may not have had a chance to kick from distance in the season opener but he has a strong leg and the benefit of playing in a dome in Week 2. Fantasy managers looking for a solution at kicker can fire up Prater on Sunday without worry.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas received plenty of hype entering Week 1 against the Patriots due to uncertainty surrounding the availability of Ja'Marr Chase (illness, hold-in) and Tee Higgins (hamstring). Chase was on the field while Higgins was ruled out, leading many to believe Iosivas would still benefit. However, that didn't happen, with the 24-year-old ending the day with three catches for 26 yards. Chase doesn't carry an injury designation ahead of the Week 2 meeting with the Kansas City Chiefs. On the other hand, Higgins will likely remain on the shelf. Unfortunately, too many questions surround the Bengals offense, including the health of Joe Burrow (wrist). As a result, Iosivas shouldn't be considered anything more than a flex option in 12-team fantasy leagues, although nobody can blame anyone for keeping him out of the starting lineup.
From RotoBaller
The Arizona Cardinals recorded two sacks and recovered a fumble in Week 1, but it was DeeJay Dallas' 96-yard kick return touchdown that pushed them a surprising top-10 finish in fantasy points scored despite giving up 34 points to the Buffalo Bills. In Week 2, the Cardinals play their home opener against division-rival Los Angeles Rams. The Rams' offensive line has been hit hard by injuries and against any other team, might make for an enticing streaming option. However, Arizona had one of the worst pressure rates in the league last week, getting to Josh Allen just eight times. Unless the Cardinals' pass rush can take advantage of their opponent's personnel issues, they will have a hard time containing the Rams' offense, led by the dynamic duo of Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp. Forget about Arizona's D/ST in Week 2 as nearly any other team would make for a more promising option.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase wasn't a lock to play in Week 1 against the Patriots for various reasons. While he wasn't fully healthy due to a lingering illness, he still finished the day by compiling a game-high six catches for 62 yards. With a chaotic week behind him, he'll look to get on track on Sunday versus the Chiefs. Without question, it's never easy for any team to play the defending champs, especially those entering GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. However, Chase is one of the best wideouts in the National Football League, so he must be featured in all fantasy lineups for Week 2. On top of that, Tee Higgins (hamstring) is doubtful, meaning Chase could see even more attention from Joe Burrow.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson had as quiet of a debut as they come in the team's season opener last week against the Bills. The third-round pick out of Florida State saw just three rushing attempts to James Conner's 16. Benson gained 13 yards on the ground and caught one pass for another five yards. The rookie didn't take the field until the Cardinals' third drive and was outsnapped by fellow backup Emari Demercado, 14 to eight. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing referred to Conner as the team's "bell cow" in comments to the media ahead of Week 1 and there's little reason to believe they will move away from him in Week 2. Benson is still worth stashing in case the injury bug bites or the team starts utilizing their backs differently, but he should be on fantasy benches on Sunday against the Rams.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson scored the team's first points of the 2024 season last week against the Bills. Unfortunately, the second-year receiver's five-yard touchdown catch was his only reception of the game and he finished with just one other target. Fellow wide receiver Greg Dortch and tight end Trey McBride were Kyler Murray's favorite targets last week and he is likely to go back to the well again in Week 2. Marvin Harrison Jr. disappointed fantasy managers with a one-catch game of his own in the season opener but offensive coordinator Drew Petzing has said that he intends to get the rookie more involved. In other words, Wilson is not a priority target in the Cardinals' pass game and won't be a reliable source of fantasy points in Week 2. Keep him on the bench in all but the deepest of leagues.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown didn't do much in the Week 1 loss to the Patriots, logging only three carries for 11 yards and adding three receptions for 12 yards. On the other hand, Zack Moss was more productive, with the 26-year-old finishing the day with 44 yards and a touchdown off nine touches. He also pulled in two of his four targets for 17 yards. Many had assumed Brown would be the preferred option out of the backfield for the Bengals this season, resulting in a surge in popularity during fantasy drafts in the last few months. Although that still can happen, he can't be trusted in Week 2 against the Chiefs. Keep Brown benched in all fantasy setups.
From RotoBaller
