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FFL: Week 11 | NFL: Week 11

Draft Day Winners and Losers

Mon Apr 29 11:53am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

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.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 11

Player Notes
Dalton Kincaid Nov 13 12:40pm ET
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) will not take part in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Kincaid injured his knee in the Week 10 win over the Indianapolis Colts and is now in danger of missing a huge Week 11 tilt against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs. However, Kincaid still has two more days to return to the practice field to give him a shot at playing this weekend. The second-year tight end has been a bit of a disappointment for fantasy managers that invested in him in 2024, as he currently ranks as the TE22 in half-PPR points per game (6.5). Before getting hurt last Sunday against Indy, he had two catches on five targets for 24 yards. If Kincaid cannot get cleared to face the Chiefs, Dawson Knox would immediately become an intriguing TE2 streamer, especially if receiver Amari Cooper (wrist) misses a third straight game.

From RotoBaller

Younghoe Koo Nov 13 12:40pm ET
Younghoe Koo

The Atlanta Falcons are sticking with kicker Younghoe Koo heading into their Week 11 game on the road against the Denver Broncos after he missed three field-goal tries in the three-point loss to the division-rival New Orleans Saints in Week 10. "We've got history. With Koo, I'm going to ride that thing till the wheels fall off," head coach Raheem Morris said. The 30-year-old missed three of his four field goals on Sunday but made both of his extra-point attempts. Over his last six games, Koo has gone an uncharacteristic 3-for-9 from 40-plus yards and also had one of his kicks blocked by the Saints. He's tied for 10th among all kickers in total fantasy points through 10 weeks but is trending down in fantasy at the moment because of his struggles of late. The Broncos defense has been stingy in terms of points allowed this year, but Koo should still be on the streaming radar at altitude in Denver this Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Amari Cooper Nov 13 12:30pm ET
Amari Cooper

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that wide receiver Amari Cooper (wrist) will be limited during the team's walkthrough practice on Wednesday. It's a good start to the week for Cooper, who has missed each of the team's last two games due to a wrist injury. Rookie Keon Coleman (wrist) has already been ruled out for the Week 11 showdown against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs, so Cooper's status becomes even more important for Buffalo's offense. If Cooper were to miss a third straight game, Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins would start in three-wide sets. The 30-year-old Cooper has been improving, though, making it more likely than not that he'll return to face the Chiefs. If he does return, he should be Buffalo's WR1 after catching four passes for 66 yards and a touchdown in his debut with the team on Oct. 20 in the win over the Tennessee Titans.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Nov 13 12:20pm ET
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said on Wednesday that quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) will not play in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions. However, Pederson is optimistic that Lawrence can play in Week 13 against the division-rival Houston Texans following the team's bye in Week 12. There were reports that Lawrence might miss the rest of the season due to an AC joint sprain in his left (non-throwing) shoulder, but that seems unlikely now as long as he doesn't suffer a setback as he rehabs. Mac Jones will make his second straight start this Sunday after going 14-for-22 for 111 yards, no TDs, two interceptions and a fumble in the Week 10 loss to the Vikings. The Lions defense/special teams unit will be a popular streamer this week against the Jags with Lawrence missing a second straight game. Jones should be considered a low-end, low-upside QB2 in superflex fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Nov 13 12:20pm ET
Davante Adams

New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams (illness, wrist) did not take part in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. It doesn't sound like Adams is in danger of missing the Week 11 contest versus the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday, but we'll keep an eye on Adams' practice status the rest of the week. As long as he's able to return to the practice field in the next two days, he should get cleared to suit up this weekend as the Jets look to get back on track. The 31-year-old three-time All-Pro has underwhelmed with the Jets since they acquired him in a trade from the Las Vegas Raiders, as he's caught 20 of his 39 passes for 206 yards and one touchdown in four games played. Week 11 provides him an opportunity for a strong performance, though, as the Colts' defense has been a top-10 matchup for opposing wideouts in 2024 in terms of fantasy points per game.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Nov 13 12:10pm ET
Anthony Richardson

The Indianapolis Colts are going back to quarterback Anthony Richardson as their starter over Joe Flacco for the Week 11 game this Sunday on the road against the New York Jets. Flacco took over for a struggling Richardson in Week 9 and has led the Colts to two straight losses, so Indy will go back to the fourth overall pick out of Florida from last year. The 22-year-old possesses elite rushing ability with his legs, but he's proven very injury-prone early in his career and has had even bigger issues with his accuracy as a passer. Based on his rushing ability alone, Richardson will have QB1 upside for fantasy managers in his return to the starting role this weekend, although the Jets defense isn't the greatest matchup. If you're in need of QB help in Week 11 and Richardson is available, consider scooping him up. Head coach Shane Steichen said Richardson will be the starter for the rest of the season.

From RotoBaller

Miles Sanders Nov 13 9:30am ET
Miles Sanders

Testing revealed that Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (foot/ankle) avoided a major injury, according to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Penn State product was carted off the field during the Panthers' victory against the New York Giants in Munich, but he appears to have dodged the worst-case scenarios. Rapoport reported that Sanders will be considered "day-to-day" as the team waits for swelling to dissipate. The Panthers are idle this week, but the veteran back has little fantasy relevance even at full health. Chuba Hubbard has been the clear lead running back in Carolina, while second-round rookie Jonathon Brooks (knee) is close to making his NFL debut.

From RotoBaller

Tanner Conner Nov 13 12:50am ET
Tanner Conner

Miami Dolphins tight end Tanner Conner (knee) has been placed on injured reserve. The 26-year-old injured his knee during Monday night's win over the Los Angeles Rams. Conner has primarily played on special teams this season, registering just three catches for 16 yards along the way. Jonnu Smith, Durham Smythe, and Julian Hill remain the top three tight ends on Miami's offensive depth chart.

From RotoBaller

Ke'Shawn Vaughn Nov 13 12:50am ET
Ke'Shawn Vaughn

The San Francisco 49ers released running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn from their practice squad on Tuesday. He'll be replaced by running back Patrick Taylor Jr., who signed to the Niners' practice squad the same day. Vaughn bounced around with the Buccaneers and Patriots from 2020 through 2023, amassing 384 rushing yards, 81 receiving yards, and three total touchdowns. He had not yet registered a stat with the Niners at the time of his release. Moving forward, the 49ers' running back depth chart will feature Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason, Isaac Guerendo, and Taylor (in that order).

From RotoBaller

Jakeem Grant Nov 13 12:40am ET
Jakeem Grant

The Atlanta Falcons signed veteran wide receiver and special teamer Jakeem Grant to their practice squad on Tuesday. Grant spent a portion of 2024 training camp with Atlanta before being cut loose. He hasn't touched the football in a game since 2021, a year in which he made the Pro Bowl as a returner. The 32-year-old could work his way onto the active roster with his special teams experience, but he's not a dependable offensive weapon and therefore should be left untouched in all fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Nov 12 11:53pm ET
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (hamstring) has hamstring irritation and will be monitored throughout the week, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan on Monday, Nov. 11.

Fantasy Spin: Any potential injury issue for the top-scoring fantasy tight end is notable, although none of the team's beat reporters seems overly concerned about it yet. While fantasy managers should not be overly concerned yet, Kittle missed a game earlier this year with a hamstring problem. Assuming he practices this week, he should be considered a strong TE1 option in Week 11 versus the Seattle Seahawks.

From TheHuddle

Desmond Ridder Nov 12 11:20pm ET
Desmond Ridder

The Athletic's Vic Tafur writes that the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to make the change to quarterback Desmond Ridder after Gardner Minshew II was benched for a third time this year in the Week 9 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Nothing is official yet, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Raiders go with Ridder under center coming off their bye to face the Miami Dolphins this Sunday. Aidan O'Connell (finger) is on Injured Reserve. Head coach Antonio Pierce is feeling the pressure after losing five straight games to fall to 2-7 before the Week 10 bye. After Ridder took over for Minshew in the loss to the Bengals, he went 11-for-16 for 74 yards and a touchdown while also losing a fumble. The former Falcons QB won't be anything more than a desperation QB2 in superflex leagues if he gets the start against a Dolphins D that just kept the Rams out of the end zone all game on Monday.

From RotoBaller

Siran Neal Nov 12 10:00pm ET
Siran Neal

Miami Dolphins defensive back Kendall Fuller (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 11 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to head coach Mike McDaniels. Fuller suffered a concussion during Monday's win over the Los Angeles Rams. This is his second concussion of the season and as a result he'll be held out in Week 11 while he works to clear concussion protocol. Either Siran Neal or Cam Smith will take over as the opposite corner to Jalen Ramsey. The loss of Fuller will hurt, but the Dolphins defense should still be fine against a struggling Raiders offense.

From RotoBaller

Will Grier Nov 12 10:00pm ET
Will Grier

The Dallas Cowboys have signed quarterback Will Grier to their practice squad on Tuesday. Grier was recently cut off the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad, but it didn't take him long to find a new home. He figures to join the team as depth with Dak Prescott (hamstring) done for the season. The former third-round pick has done very little since being drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2019. He played in two games as a rookie and hasn't done anything since then. Grier is likely brought in as depth in case Cooper Rush or Trey Lance suffer an injury at some point. The 29-year-old figures to remain on the practice squad going forward.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Taylor Nov 12 9:40pm ET
Patrick Taylor

San Francisco 49ers running back Patrick Taylor Jr. was waived by the team last week to make room for Christian McCaffrey on the active roster. However, Taylor is back with the organization less than a week later. It appears Taylor was decided to rejoin the practice squad after clearing waivers this week. This move doesn't mean much right now considering Taylor has seven carries for 25 yards on the season. He's nice depth to have given the how often running backs get injured in San Francisco. He figures to fall behind Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo in the pecking order for backups, so fantasy managers can ignore Taylor.

From RotoBaller

Austin Seibert Nov 12 9:30pm ET
Austin Seibert

Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert (hip) was unable to participate during Tuesday's practice session. Seibert sat out last week's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a hip issue. It seems that Seibert is still dealing with that problem after missing Tuesday's practice. He's trending in the wrong direction ahead of Thursday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Zane Gonzalez figures to be asked to take over the kicking duties if Seibert sits out during this short week. Gonzalez knocked down both his field goal attempts and three extra point kicks during last week's game. The 29-year-old could be worth streaming if Seibert is unable to play.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slay Nov 12 9:20pm ET
Darius Slay

Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Darius Slay Jr. (ankle) was able to get through a limited practice session on Tuesday. His return to the practice field is a good sign heading into Thursday's game against the Washington Commanders. Slay was forced to exit early during last week's game against the Dallas Cowboys due to an ankle issue. He did return in the second half, but sat out of Monday's practice, which was a bit concerning. However, Slay is back to practicing now which means he should be fine ahead of this Thursday Night matchup. His absence would leave a big hole in this secondary, so fantasy managers planning to stream the Eagles defense should check on Slay's final status before doing that.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Nov 12 7:40pm ET
Daniel Jones

ESPN's senior inside Adam Schefter said on Tuesday that he "would guess Daniel Jones never plays another snap for the New York Giants" after losing to the Carolina Panthers in Week 10 in Munich, Germany. The Giants currently have the worst record in football at 2-8 and would be in line to have the first overall selection in the 2025 NFL draft. Head coach Brian Daboll has stood behind Jones as the starting QB this year, but Schefter notes that Daboll's tone was different after Sunday's loss to Carolina in which Jones missed several open receivers and made questionable decisions. Going into their Week 11 bye, the Giants are evaluating everything and could head into Week 12 with some notable changes. If the G-Men bench Jones, who has a $23 million injury guarantee, to avoid him getting hurt to close things out, Drew Lock would be thrust into the starting role in the Big Apple.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Nov 12 7:30pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) told ESPN's Lisa Salters that he has a torn ligament in his left wrist but has been playing through it. The ligament has bothered Hill since training camp, but it became an issue when he was detained by police and thrown on the ground back in September. The 30-year-old All-Pro pass-catcher was listed as questionable to play in Week 10 on Monday night against the Los Angeles Rams, but he was ultimately active for the 23-15 victory and caught three of his four targets for 16 yards and just his second touchdown of the year. He added two carries for 11 yards. The TD was nice, but the Cheetah had his second-lowest yardage total of the year on Monday night, and his wrist could bother him the rest of the way. Miami's offense has yet to find its stride with QB Tua Tagovailoa back, but that could happen in a juicy Week 11 matchup against the Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Vinny Curry Nov 12 7:23pm ET
Vinny Curry

Free-agent DE Vinny Curry will retire as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, Nov. 12.

From TheHuddle