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FFL: Week 7 | NFL: Week 7

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 7

Player Notes
Rashid Shaheed Oct 17 5:10am ET
Rashid Shaheed

The New Orleans Saints suffered an embarrassing defeat at home in Week 6, getting crushed 51-27 by their division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Even though the defense was responsible for 45 of those points, a punt return touchdown by Rashid Shaheed (knee) and the team's three interceptions salvaged the day for fantasy players. The picks made it the sixth consecutive week to start the season with at least one interception and New Orleans now ranks fourth in total takeaways with 12. Things look better in Week 7, as the Saints face the Broncos to start the week's slate on Thursday night. Denver ranks as the eighth-lowest scoring team in 2024 and is tied for the fifth-fewest touchdowns (10). Add to that the Broncos' propensity to give the ball up (nine total turnovers so far in 2024) and there is hope for a solid outcome in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Blake Grupe Oct 17 1:30am ET
Blake Grupe

New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe made the most of the Week 6 defeat at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Grupe had a perfect day, hitting field goals from 29 and 42 yards out and converting all three of his extra point attempts in the 51-27 loss which resulted in his best fantasy score since Week 1. He is 10-for-10 on field goal attempts in 2024 though he has missed two extra points. The Saints open Week 7 with a Thursday night matchup against the Denver Broncos. The game is expected to be a low-scoring affair given Denver's defensive prowess and lack of firepower on offense. As such, Grupe's upside is limited in a game where scoring chances are expected to be few and far between. Grupe has not done enough this season to separate himself from the pack so fantasy managers should have no qualms about streaming another kicker in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Julian Love Oct 17 1:20am ET
Julian Love

The Seattle Seahawks placed starting safety Rayshawn Jenkins (hand) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday and signed safety Ty Okada off the practice squad to the active 53-man roster in a corresponding move. Jenkins, who currently ranks third on the team in tackles with 38, will now be required to miss at least the next four games. The earliest he'll be able to return will be in Week 12 against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals (Seattle is on bye in Week 10). Jenkins has played every snap on defense in 2024, so losing him will be a pretty big blow for the Seahawks' secondary going into their Week 7 game this Sunday versus the Atlanta Falcons. With Jenkins sidelined for the next four games, K'Von Wallace, Coby Bryant and Okada will be options to replace him alongside Julian Love.

From RotoBaller

Juwan Johnson Oct 17 1:20am ET
Juwan Johnson

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson caught all three of his targets in Week 6 for a season-best 48 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He started off the game with a 27-yard gain on a strike from quarterback Spencer Rattler, who was filling in for an injured Derek Carr (oblique) and will likely start again in Week 7. He also had a 30-yard catch-and-run negated by an illegal shift penalty in the third quarter. With Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) ruled out and Taysom Hill (ribs) doubtful for Thursday's game against the Denver Broncos, New Orleans will be short on experienced skill position players. Johnson's usage may very well then skew more towards route running than blocking as it did in Week 6 but even so he will be a risky play so early in the week. Denver has allowed just five passing touchdowns all year (two to tight ends), limiting Johnson's upside. Tight end streamers in deeper leagues might want to take a chance but managers in the typical 10 or 12-team formats can leave Johnson on the wire in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Mike Williams Oct 17 1:10am ET
Mike Williams

New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams (personal) was absent from practice on Wednesday. Over the course of just a few days, Williams was publicly called out by Aaron Rodgers for running the wrong route and then subsequently knocked down a rung on the depth chart after the acquisition of Davante Adams. His relationship with the Jets is likely coming to a close amidst reports that the team will make him available prior to the 2024 NFL trade deadline. The 30-year-old has been relatively quiet this season, catching just 10 passes for 145 yards through six games. He can be avoided in most fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Zamir White Oct 17 1:10am ET
Zamir White

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (groin) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice as the team begins preparation for a Week 7 contest against the Los Angeles Rams. White has missed the team's last two games and has seen his fantasy stock plummet considerably after six weeks of the season. The 25-year-old entered the year as the expected lead back after Josh Jacobs departed in free agency, but it has been Alexander Mattison, and not White, who has become the Raiders' primary ball-carrier. Even if White is able to suit up this Sunday against LA, he might play second fiddle to Mattison in the backfield. The former fourth-rounder is averaging a career-low 3.1 yards per carry for 152 yards and no TDs on 49 carries through four games. White should remain on fantasy benches if he makes his return in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Oct 17 1:00am ET
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (right shoulder) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. The 25-year-old looks like he'll be healthy enough to play against the Buffalo Bills in Week 7, but that doesn't mean a whole lot for fantasy managers or Titans fans. Levis has been one of the worst starting quarterbacks in the NFL this season, completing 66.4 percent of his passes for 699 yards, five touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He has also taken 15 sacks, lost three fumbles, and repeatedly demonstrated poor decision-making. Fantasy managers should continue to avoid Levis in most formats.

From RotoBaller

Cedrick Wilson Oct 17 1:00am ET
Cedrick Wilson

Wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. (ankle) popped up on the New Orleans Saints injury report earlier this week but got a full practice in the day ahead of their Thursday night matchup against the Denver Broncos. Wilson was limited in the team's earlier sessions but carries no injury designation going into Week 7. With Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) both ruled out there is an opportunity for Wilson to see more snaps than usual. That may not result in much fantasy value, though. Olave's early departure in Week 6 afforded Wilson three targets while stand-in quarterback Spencer Rattler gave most of his attention to rookie wideout Bub Means. Even without Patrick Surtain (concussion), Denver still boasts a formidable secondary and their pass rush will give Rattler fits. Wilson is not a viable option in fantasy in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Troy Franklin Oct 17 1:00am ET
Troy Franklin

Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin is looking for an encore in Week 7 on Thursday Night Football against the New Orleans Saints after scoring his first career touchdown in the Week 6 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers. With Josh Reynolds (finger) on Injured Reserve, Franklin played 65% of the offensive snaps -- second-most behind Courtland Sutton -- and caught two of three targets for a season-high 31 yards and the score. The 21-year-old has plenty of familiarity with rookie quarterback Bo Nix from their days playing together at Oregon in college, but so far it's led to just seven catches (15 targets) for 60 yards and a TD in his first five NFL games. The Saints defense has been very friendly for opposing wideouts, so don't be surprised if Franklin makes some noise for the second straight week. For now, he's merely a stash candidate in dynasty/keeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Courtland Sutton Oct 17 12:50am ET
Courtland Sutton

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton is outside the top-50 receivers in terms of average fantasy points per game through six weeks, but he could return some nice value in a Week 7 Thursday night matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Sutton scored his second touchdown of the season in the Week 6 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers and was able to go over 50 receiving yards for the third time this year and third time in the last four games. Although his overall production doesn't jump off the page, Sutton is tied with D.J. Moore for 13th among all wideouts with 47 targets. The 29-year-old is Denver's clear top receiving target, and he seems to be gaining some chemistry with rookie QB Bo Nix. Against a Saints defense that has allowed the sixth-most half-PPR points per game to opposing wideouts in the last three weeks, Sutton is a WR4/flex with upside for more on Thursday night.

From RotoBaller

Jakobi Meyers Oct 17 12:50am ET
Jakobi Meyers

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. However, head coach Antonio Pierce said that he's hopeful Meyers will be able to suit up against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7. It's interesting to see Pierce's optimism given that Meyers missed his first practice of the week, but that certainly doesn't preclude him from progressing and playing on Sunday. There's suddenly extra attention on Meyers, who is the Raiders' No. 1 wide receiver now that Davante Adams has been traded to the New York Jets. Meyers should be evaluated as a mid-to-low WR3/FLEX in most fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Devaughn Vele Oct 17 12:50am ET
Devaughn Vele

Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Devaughn Vele could be heavily involved in the team's Week 7 game on Thursday night against the hosting New Orleans Saints. With Josh Reynolds (finger) on Injured Reserve in the Week 6 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers, Vele played 62% of the offensive snaps and caught four of his six targets for a team-high 78 yards in just his second NFL contest. In the season-opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the seventh-rounder out of Utah caught all eight of his targets for 39 yards. Although he's played in just two games, Vele has been extremely efficient with his opportunities and will have another shot to impress this week against a Saints defense that has allowed the sixth-most half-PPR points per game to pass-catchers in the last three weeks. While it's a stretch to call Vele a realistic starting option in fantasy, he should at least be on the watch list in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Oct 17 12:40am ET
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. The 30-year-old's appearance on the injury report is not surprising given that he was sidelined from Week 2 through Week 5 with a hamstring issue. He did return to the mix last weekend and was one of the Jaguars' lone bright spots, catching all 10 of his targets for 102 yards despite playing just 61 percent of offensive snaps. Engram is a productive, high-volume weapon who ranks as a solid fantasy TE1 going forward.

From RotoBaller

Gabriel Davis Oct 17 12:40am ET
Gabriel Davis

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (knee) was officially listed as a limited participant on Wednesday. The 25-year-old was dealing with a knee issue ahead of Week 6, but it didn't stop him from suiting up against the Chicago Bears in London. He proved to be one of the Jaguars' few bright spots, catching five of eight targets for 45 yards and two touchdowns. It's unclear whether Davis' expanded role and production are here to say, but last Sunday's performance at least provides managers with some reasons to be optimistic. He's back on the fantasy radar as a WR4 or WR5 heading into Week 7 versus the New England Patriots.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Oct 17 12:30am ET
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. The 25-year-old has been on a peculiar stretch of games lately; he saw his rushing workload scaled back in Week 5, and then he only registered three carries last Sunday in London. While his reduced opportunities could be attributed to a new hamstring injury, it's also possible the Jaguars simply preferred Tank Bigsby or D'Ernest Johnson in certain scenarios against the Chicago Bears. As a result, Etienne has become tough to trust in fantasy football, even if the team gives him a clean bill of health. He's merely an RB3/FLEX play for Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Mason Tipton Oct 17 12:30am ET
Mason Tipton

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Mason Tipton could be in for an increased snap share in Week 7 with Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) both out. Tipton logged a season-high 41% share in Week 6 after Olave departed with his injury just three plays into the game. The extra run did not equate to a more productive day, however, and he finished with one catch for 15 yards on two targets. Unfortunately for Tipton, the Saints square off against the Denver Broncos on Thursday night. Denver has one of the stingiest defenses in the league this season and is allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers. Despite the opportunity to see more time on the field, Tipton shouldn't be counted on as a fantasy asset.

From RotoBaller

Jaleel McLaughlin Oct 17 12:30am ET
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin just cannot be trusted in starting fantasy lineups for a Week 7 primetime clash against the hosting New Orleans Saints on Thursday night. McLaughlin checks in as the RB58 in terms of half-PPR points per game through six weeks in his second year in the NFL. The Broncos are averaging just over 100 rushing yards a game in 2024, with neither McLaughlin nor Javonte Williams doing much on the ground. The lone bright spot is that McLaughlin has found the end zone twice (one rushing, one receiving), but he's only seen double-digit carries once (back in Week 1) and is averaging a paltry 3.2 yards per carry on 36 attempts. The volume just isn't there for McLaughlin to be a viable starting option for fantasy managers, especially now that rookie Audric Estime is back in the mix.

From RotoBaller

Ricky Pearsall Oct 17 12:20am ET
Ricky Pearsall

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (chest) was a full participant in practice on Wednesday. Although Pearsall is still on the non-football injury list as a result of being shot during an armed robbery attempt in the preseason, he's one step closer to making his NFL debut after the 49ers opened his 21-day practice window earlier this week. Essentially, the 49ers have three weeks to activate Pearsall from the non-football injury list. During that span, he can practice with the team, but he can't appear in a game until he's activated. If 21 days pass and Pearsall is still not activated, he's done for the season. As of now, it appears as though the rookie is trending in the right direction and will be able to make his NFL debut sooner rather than later. He's presumably competing with Jauan Jennings for the No. 3 role behind Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.

From RotoBaller

Javonte Williams Oct 17 12:20am ET
Javonte Williams

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams, and the Broncos' ground attack in general, have been a big disappointment heading into a Week 7 primetime game against the New Orleans Saints on Thursday night. Williams is averaging a career-low-tying 3.6 yards per carry with 213 rushing yards and no touchdowns on 59 carries through six games. He's caught 20 passes for 143 additional yards. The 24-year-old is averaging just 7.6 half-PPR fantasy points per game, fewer than Dameon Pierce and Jeremy McNichols. The good news is he'll face a Saints defense that has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points per game to the RB position this year, including the fourth-most points in the last three weeks. It's hard to get excited about Williams in starting fantasy lineups based on what he's produced so far, but he has the potential to be a serviceable RB3/flex this week on the road.

From RotoBaller

Bub Means Oct 17 12:10am ET
Bub Means

It took injuries to the New Orleans Saints top two receivers, but rookie Bub Means will likely get his first NFL start on Thursday when Week 7 begins. With Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) declared out, Means has a chance to build off his impressive Week 6 performance. In that game, he tied running back Alvin Kamara for the team lead in both catches (five) and targets (eight), gaining 45 receiving yards and scoring a touchdown after taking over for Olave, who was forced out of the game on the Saints' third offensive play. Unfortunately, Means' opportunity comes against the Denver Broncos, who have held opposing wide receivers in check better than anyone else this season. Over their first six games, they have allowed the fewest fantasy points per game and just one touchdown to the position. The one glimmer of hope for Means is that Denver will be missing the elite play provided by cornerback Patrick Surtain II (concussion). Means projects as a WR5 and is a risky play in the first game of the week.

From RotoBaller