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FFL: Week 8 | NFL: Week 8

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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Player Notes
DeAndre Hopkins Oct 28 4:40am ET
DeAndre Hopkins

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins caught two passes for 29 yards in the 27-20 win against the Las Vegas Raiders. Hopkins joined the Chiefs this week after being traded from the Tennessee Titans. Hopkins was being eased into the offense, considering his lack of knowledge of the Kansas City playbook, but he will be more involved moving forward. The Chiefs traded for the veteran receiver, and Andy Reid is among the best at scheming plays for his playmakers, so fantasy success should be on the horizon. The height of Hopkins' ceiling in this offense is still unknown, but he could be successful as soon as Week 9. The Chiefs face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who rank 28th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. Hopkins could be in for a big game with such a favorable matchup. Hopkins should be viewed as a high-upside flex play until we see a more defined role for him in the Kansas City offense.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Oct 28 4:30am ET
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 27 of 38 pass attempts (71%) for 262 yards and two touchdowns in the 27-20 win against the Las Vegas Raiders. Mahomes also rushed six times for 17 yards in the contest. Mahomes threw at least one interception for the eighth straight regular season game. The Chiefs quarterback continues to lead the league in interceptions this season, with his total up to nine now. Mahomes put together his best game of the season from a fantasy perspective in the win over the Raiders. The Chiefs field general surpassed 17 fantasy points in a four-point per passing touchdown league for the first time this season. Mahomes will look to keep this momentum rolling into next week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs rank 31st in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks this season, making them one of the most favorable matchups for the position. However, with the loss of star wide receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans to injury, the Buccaneers offense may not provide the firepower needed to make this contest a shootout. Nevertheless, Tampa Bay sports a weak secondary, which Mahomes will have the opportunity to exploit in Week 9. Mahomes is still not in the must-start category amongst quarterbacks, but he could be trending in that direction if the Chiefs become more pass-heavy with the addition of DeAndre Hopkins.

From RotoBaller

Kareem Hunt Oct 28 4:30am ET
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt had 21 carries for 59 yards and a touchdown in the 27-20 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Hunt also had one catch for four yards in the contest. Despite being minimally involved in the passing game, Hunt dominated carries out of the backfield for the fourth straight week since rejoining the team. The Chiefs running back now has four touchdowns in his last three games. It remains to be seen how the carries will be split when Isiah Pacheco returns from injured reserve, but it looks like Hunt's job is safe for now. Hunt will try to keep his scoring streak alive in Week 9 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers rank 24th in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season, so Hunt should be able to succeed in the matchup. Tampa Bay's high-powered offense lost their top two options last week, so the Chiefs defense may be able to slow them down significantly. If the Chiefs defense can hold the Buccaneers at bay, Hunt could be in for another healthy workload in Week 9. As long as he is healthy and Pacheco is still out, Hunt should be considered an RB2 most weeks.

From RotoBaller

Travis Kelce Oct 28 4:30am ET
Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had 10 catches for 90 yards and a touchdown in the 27-20 win against the Las Vegas Raiders. Kelce dominated in this contest, leading the Chiefs pass catchers in catches, targets, and receiving yards. The veteran tight end was the only player on either team to earn double-digit targets in this game, as Kelce finished the game with 12 targets. Despite the addition of DeAndre Hopkins, Kelce did not see a reduction in usage. Kelce will look for another strong performance in Week 9 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs rank 23rd in fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends this season, so it will not be a difficult matchup for Mahomes' top target. There is a chance that Kelce's volume will decrease as Hopkins becomes more integrated into the Chiefs passing attack, but Kelce should still be viewed as a set-and-forget TE1 in the foreseeable future.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Oct 28 4:30am ET
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy caught four passes for 37 yards and a touchdown in the 27-20 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Worthy was not involved in the run game in this contest. The Chiefs rookie receiver garnered the second-most targets on the team with eight, just behind Travis Kelce's 12. Worthy found the endzone with a fourth-quarter score to essentially ice the game. Despite being heavily involved in the offensive game plan, Worthy came down with just half of his targets in this game. Worthy will look to build on this performance next week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs rank 28th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season, so Worthy will have an advantageous matchup in Week 9. The arrival of DeAndre Hopkins may negatively impact Worthy's volume, but it could be beneficial for his efficiency. Hopkins should draw the defense's attention, leaving Worthy with lighter coverage. It remains to be seen how the targets will be divided amongst the pass catchers, but Worthy will remain a vital part of the offensive game plan. Worthy should continue to be viewed as a low-end WR3/flex play with upside for now.

From RotoBaller

Taysom Hill Oct 28 4:00am ET
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints "quarterback" Taysom Hill had 20 rushing yards on four carries, caught two of four targets for 21 receiving yards, and connected with Alvin Kamara on his lone pass attempt for a three-yard gain in Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. A jack of all trades for the offense, his biggest contribution in Week 8 came as part of the special teams unit. Chargers punter J.K. Scott mishandled a snap and attempted to scoop it up in his own end zone. Hill raced in and knocked the ball loose, getting credit for the forced fumble which ultimately resulted in a safety. This was Hill's first game back after missing the previous three with a rib injury suffered in Week 4. He should be good to go for Week 9's matchup against the Carolina Panthers.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Oct 28 3:50am ET
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave was targeted 14 times and made eight catches for 107 yards in Sunday's 26-8 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. He led the team in each category in his first action since suffering a concussion just minutes into Week 6's game against the Buccaneers. It was the first time the third-year wideout crossed the century mark this season and tied his season high in receptions. Olave failed to score in Week 8 which leaves his touchdown count for the season stuck on one. That may change in Week 9, though, as the Saints are heading to Carolina to face the Panthers. Olave had just two catches for 11 yards in the teams' lopsided matchup in Week 1 but should be more heavily involved in the next meeting.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Oct 28 3:40am ET
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara rushed for 67 yards on 10 carries and had another 55 yards on six receptions in Sunday's 26-8 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. It was the first time since Week 4 that Kamara had over 100 yards from scrimmage. The efficiency was a welcome change compared to the last three weeks when Kamara was gaining just 2.5 yards per carry. Kamara's first touch of the game was a 23-yard run, his longest of the season until he logged a 24-yarder in the fourth quarter. Kamara was also responsible for the Saints' longest play of the day, taking a screen pass 37 yards and showing great patience in staying behind his blockers along the way. In Week 9, New Orleans will take on the Carolina Panthers. In Week 1's blowout victory of Carolina, Kamara had 83 rushing yards and a touchdown and will again be a focal point for the Saints' offense.

From RotoBaller

Jake Haener Oct 28 3:30am ET
Jake Haener

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener completed 9 of his 17 pass attempts for 122 yards and gained 10 rushing yards on two carries in Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The second-year man out of Fresno State was brought in with just under five minutes left to play in the third quarter. Starter Spencer Rattler's inconsistent play demanded a change be made while the Saints were still in range of a comeback. Unfortunately, Haener was not able to spark the offense as was hoped and the team managed to add just another field goal with him under center. With three weeks of Rattler's struggles in the books and Haener not offering much of an improvement it is unclear who will be under center in Week 9. In postgame comments to the media, head coach Dennis Allen acknowledged Derek Carr (oblique) may be ready to play which would stamp out any brewing quarterback controversy in New Orleans and make both backups obsolete in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Spencer Rattler Oct 28 3:20am ET
Spencer Rattler

New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler completed 12 of 24 pass attempts for 156 yards in Sunday's 26-8 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The rookie's third start in place of Derek Carr (oblique) featured the same inconsistent play as was seen in his other appearances. Rattler avoided big mistakes in the first half and was effective in the two-minute drill, completing five passes for 51 yards to set up a Blake Grupe field goal. After halftime though, Rattler completed just two more passes on his next seven tries. With the offense sputtering he got the hook late in the third quarter in favor of Jake Haener, who closed out the game. When New Orleans first tabbed their fifth-round pick as Carr's replacement they indicated he would get a long leash to acclimate to the NFL. The result has been three weeks of erratic play and inaccurate passing. Carr is getting close to his return but if he needs more time off then the Saints have to decide if they will stand by Rattler or give Haener a shot as the starter in Week 9.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Oct 28 2:20am ET
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle swept all three team receiving categories and caught his 500th career pass in a 30-24 home win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. He was a clear focal point of the offense and finished with six receptions on seven targets for 128 yards and a touchdown. Kittle has been immensely valuable for fantasy managers this year, as he was drafted as the TE6 by ADP, but has a huge lead over all others as the overall TE1 on a per-game basis. He's at 15.2 PPG in Yahoo default scoring while second place is occupied by Las Vegas' Brock Bowers at 10.8. Looking ahead, Kittle's value should remain stable with Brandon Aiyuk (knee) out for the season, even if Kittle loses a few targets when Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) returns. San Francisco has a Week 9 bye upcoming, followed by a Week 10 date at Tampa Bay.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Oct 28 2:13am ET
Christian McCaffrey

Dynasty | 49ers running back Jordan Mason left Sunday night's game early with a shoulder injury. Dynasty Analysis: Mason left the game after posting just 18 rushing yards. This could be the end of a good run in terms of dynasty production as the 49ers may get Christian McCaffrey back after their week nine bye. Mason has the looks of a solid runner, but also one who needs to get better in the passing game to truly unlock his potential. Regardless, he'll remain a very valuable handcuff to McCaffrey with the potential to post a RB1 game at any point when called upon.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Isaac Guerendo Oct 28 2:13am ET
Isaac Guerendo

Dynasty | 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo posted 85 rushing yards, three catches, 17 receiving yards and a touchdown in a win against Dallas. Dynasty Analysis: It;s clear the 49ers have no shortage of talented runners as Guerendo took over for an injured Jordan Mason and the offense didn't miss a beat. While it's been great to see Guerendo productive when he's had the chance, the bye week is going to be critical for his short-term value as Mason and/or Christian McCaffrey could be ready by week ten after the 49ers have a bye. Guerendo is a solid hold in dynasty leagues, regardless.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Ricky Pearsall Oct 28 1:50am ET
Ricky Pearsall

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall contributed to a 30-24 home win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8 on Sunday night. The first-round pick out of Florida got his first bonafide NFL start with Jauan Jennings (hip) and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) out. Pearsall caught all four of his targets for 38 yards and took one carry for 39 yards. While the numbers weren't eye-popping, Pearsall appeared competent in only his second time on an NFL field since he suffered a preseason shoulder injury followed by a gunshot wound. The 49ers have a Week 9 bye before a Week 10 matchup versus the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay. If Jennings returns, he'll have the inside track over Pearsall for fantasy production but it wouldn't be that surprising to see Pearsall start to challenge him for targets as winter approaches.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Pitts Oct 28 1:40am ET
Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts continued his stretch of productivity in Sunday's 31-26 win over the Buccaneers, hauling in four of five targets for 91 yards and two scores. The yardage total was a season-high and it was the first time in his four-year career that the 24-year-old recorded multiple touchdown catches in a game. After failing to catch a pass in Week 4, Pitts has averaged five catches for 79 yards in the four weeks since. In Week 9, the Falcons will take on the Cowboys who had been solid defending TEs prior to Sunday when they allowed George Kittle to log a 6-128-1 line. Regardless, Pitts is still likely a TE1 for fantasy, and he has hopefully put some of the volatility behind him.

From RotoBaller

Isaac Guerendo Oct 28 1:20am ET
Isaac Guerendo

San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo took over for Jordan Mason (shoulder) and performed well in a 30-24 Week 8 home victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. After Mason left in the first half, Guerendo took almost all of the backfield carries, finishing with 14 carries for 85 yards and a touchdown. The performance solidified Guerendo as a viable fantasy starter when given the chance. In two games this year with Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) and Mason out, Guerendo has taken 24 carries for 184 yards and a touchdown with minimal backfield competition from the fourth-string Patrick Taylor Jr. However, Guerendo's fantasy value as a handcuff is likely to crash on the other side of a Week 9 bye as both Mason and McCaffrey could return for a Week 10 trip to Tampa Bay. For as good as Guerendo has looked, San Francisco's rushing game has strictly supported one running back in fantasy dating back to 2023.

From RotoBaller

Darnell Mooney Oct 28 1:10am ET
Darnell Mooney

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney led the team with seven targets in Sunday's 31-26 win over the Buccaneers, hauling in five of them for 92 yards and a touchdown. The 26-year-old recorded six or more targets for the sixth time in eight games, giving him a reliable role in this offense, and now has four touchdowns on the year -- although three of them have now come at the expense of the Tampa secondary. The former fifth-round draft pick will take on a Dallas defense that has had trouble slowing teams down lately, so Mooney likely profiles as a WR3 heading into Week 9.

From RotoBaller

Demario Douglas Oct 28 12:50am ET
Demario Douglas

New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas caught two of three targets for just 12 yards during Sunday's Week 8 win over the New York Jets. The young pass-catcher was unproductive in a matchup against a Jets defense that has struggled against slot receivers this year. Douglas seemed to have fooled fantasy managers with a hot stretch of games from Weeks 3 through 6, a span that makes up just 50 percent of his games this season but a whopping 84.6 percent of his receptions, 85.3 of his receiving yards, and 100 percent of his touchdowns. Until Douglas can get back on track and show that he's consistently startable in fantasy football, managers should leave him on their bench. This advice includes Week 9 despite Douglas' favorable matchup against the Tennessee Titans.

From RotoBaller

Hunter Henry Oct 28 12:50am ET
Hunter Henry

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry converted six targets into five catches for 45 yards during Sunday's Week 8 win over the New York Jets. The veteran pass-catcher has been on an impressive run lately, totaling 16 catches, 178 yards, and one touchdown over his last three games. At first, it seemed like the midseason benching of Jacoby Brissett was the main reason for Henry's sudden success. However, on Sunday, most of his production actually came with the veteran quarterback on the field. Henry caught just one pass before Drake Maye (head) exited the game; his remaining five targets and four catches came from Brissett. His splits suggest that he's a dependable fantasy option against the Tennessee Titans in Week 9 regardless of whether Maye is healthy or Brissett makes the start. Fantasy managers should view Henry as a high-end TE2 who can be justified as a viable replacement for tight ends injured or on bye.

From RotoBaller

Bijan Robinson Oct 28 12:50am ET
Bijan Robinson

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson had a productive day in Sunday's 31-26 win over the Buccaneers, carrying the ball 13 times for 63 yards while adding six catches for 37 yards and a score. The 22-year-old ceded 12 rush attempts to backfield mate Tyler Allgeier but was clearly the preferred option of the two in the passing game. It was the third consecutive game in which the second-year back recorded at least one TD and at least 100 total yards, producing like the fantasy asset he was drafted to be. With the Falcons offense clicking and the Cowboys defense struggling, having allowed 77 points over their last two games alone, Robinson and company look to have a favorable matchup again in Week 9.

From RotoBaller