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.
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert had a quiet night in Friday's win over the Packers. A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Saquon Barkley did most of the heavy lifting on the offensive end. As a result, Goedert finished with only four grabs for 31 yards. Without question, nobody is expecting the veteran to be a top fantasy tight end in 2024-25. However, fantasy managers are still hoping he'll play better than last season, especially under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. At any rate, the Eagles will get some rest before getting ready for the Falcons in Week 2. Goedert isn't a viable starting option outside deep, multi-tight end formats. Yet, the upside is still there for those who may be desperate.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers is poised for a potential fantasy breakout in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. Following an impressive preseason, the rookie has demonstrated his big-play potential and ability to stretch the field, which aligns well with the Vikings' vulnerability to passing yards. Nabers' speed and route-running could exploit this weakness, with the Giants likely to target him frequently to showcase his explosive plays. Nabers is a flex option at the very least, especially in deeper leagues, making him a player to watch this week.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft had a pretty quiet night in the stat sheet in the Packers' 34-29 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Sao Paulo on Friday night. Kraft caught 2-of-3 targets for 37 yards, but the story is that Kraft was the TE1 in snaps and routes well over presumptive starter Luke Musgrave. Per Nathan Jahnke of PFF, Kraft dominated routes per dropback 30-8 and also in snaps as Kraft ran all but three snaps. Even if Kraft's utilization going forward remains as it was in Week 1, Kraft is still a streaming option if you need a tight end, not as somebody you need to plug into fantasy lineups immediately. Of course, there's the Jordan Love aspect, as Love left the game with an undisclosed lower-body injury. If Love plays in Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts, Kraft is a mid-range fantasy TE2 with volume-based upside.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson has a chance to make noise in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. Robinson's versatility and knack for making plays in space as the slot receiver will be crucial for an offense that looks to exploit a vulnerable Vikings secondary. While Robinson is returning from injury, his target share in the Giants' short passing game should give him a decent PPR floor in deeper leagues. With Minnesota's secondary giving up an average of 234 passing yards per game last season, Robinson may be a sneaky flex option.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt has the potential to be a boom-or-bust flex option in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. Hyatt, who showcased his game-breaking speed as a rookie last season, could see a breakout opportunity this week. His deep-threat ability could be a nightmare for Minnesota's shaky cornerbacks, especially with Daniel Jones showing increasing trust in the young wideout downfield. With the Vikings struggling in pass coverage and the Giants' offense poised for more vertical attacks, Hyatt is a sneaky flex option in deeper leagues this week.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton lead the team in receiving yards for the fourth time in five years in 2023. Barring injury, that should change in 2024 as he heads into a Week 1 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday. With rookie phenom Malik Nabers now on the team and recent draft picks Jalin Hyatt and Wan'Dale Robinson pushing for more playing time, Slayton may see the least amount of snaps in his career. That being said, though he posted an inconsistent 2023 season, he still averaged 15.4 yards per catch and is the most veteran presence in the receiver room. Slayton could surprise all of the doubters once again, but at this time, Slayton is better left on the waiver wire.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano enters Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings as a sneaky yet reliable fantasy option. Despite only playing eight games last season, Gano is healthy again and has a career average field goal percentage of 83.7%, including an impressive 43-for-64 from 50+ yards. With the Giants offense projected to struggle to move the ball effectively, Gano could see few field goal opportunities on Sunday. Look elsewhere on the waiver wire until we get more answers about the Giants offense.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is set to exploit a favorable matchup in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings, who ranked 24th in defense against the pass in 2023, allowed an average of 234 passing yards and over 21.3 points per game. This sets the stage for Jones to build on his dual-threat success from 2022. Despite a challenging 2023 season due to injuries, Jones is now healthy and ready to return to fantasy relevance. With the Vikings' secondary still in question, Jones could capitalize on their weaknesses, offering fantasy managers a reliable QB2 option this week.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott overcame the horrid field conditions in Friday's win over the Green Bay Packers. The veteran made both field goal attempts, successfully draining kicks from 38 yards and 21 yards, respectfully. He also made all four extra-point tries. Elliott, who signed a four-year extension this offseason, was one of the best fantasy kickers throughout the 2023-24 campaign. That's not expected to change, meaning he should remain in all fantasy lineups heading into the Eagles Week 2 showdown with the Falcons.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson had a minor impact on the Packers' 34-29 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1, as he caught just 3-of-5 targets for 13 yards, but hauled in a two-yard pass from Jordan Love in the third quarter to salvage his fantasy day. That touchdown was one of three red-zone targets on the night for Watson, but he was regularly involved in the offense throughout the night as he had multiple chances to score. Watson ran the third-most routes of the Packers' receivers and earned the third-most snaps at 63%, per PFF's Nathan Jahnke. As a wide receiver who is dependent on the big play, Watson is going to be more boom or bust as a fantasy asset. He's a low-end WR3 or flex play when the Packers head home to host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2, but that's if Jordan Love is good to go following Love's injury-related exit in Week 1.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary will be the uncontested lead back in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. While Singletary has shown flashes of efficiency, averaging 4.16 yards per carry in 2023, he has struggled to find consistent fantasy relevance as a lead back in his career (he has never hit the 1,000-yard mark in five seasons). This week's matchup against a Vikings defense that allowed the eighth-fewest yards to rushers last season (98.7 per game) doesn't bode well for Singletary's upside. With the Giants likely in a pass-heavy game script, he's a low-ceiling FLEX play in PPR formats at best.
From RotoBaller
The New England Patriots' defense falls outside the top-12 units in fantasy football for Week 1. The Patriots are set to kick off their season against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Cincinnati has an offense with plenty of firepower, but there are real questions about their pass-catching group this week with Ja'Marr Chase (personal) questionable and Tee Higgins (hamstring) doubtful. There's a chance that the Bengals could be without their top two receivers, leaving Joe Burrow with Andrei Iosivas, Jermaine Burton, and Trenton Irwin at his disposal. But even if the Bengals do find themselves short-staffed on Sunday, New England will still be difficult to trust in fantasy football. The Patriots have one of the worst offenses, which means the Bengals should win the time of possession battle and therefore be gifted extra opportunities to score. New England also suffered key losses this offseason, headlined by Matthew Judon being traded to Atlanta and Christian Barmore (blood clots) being sidelined until further notice. With a tough matchup and reduced playmakers, the Patriots' defense lacks fantasy appeal in Week 1. You can probably find better options on the waiver wire.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith looked good in Friday's win over the Green Bay Packers. Although A.J. Brown was more productive, amassing five grabs for 119 yards and a touchdown, Smith still finished the night by pulling in seven catches for 84 yards. Fantasy managers would have loved to see the wideout find the end zone. However, it was an acceptable showing, especially with the sloppy field conditions in Brazil. Nonetheless, the Eagles will head home for a few days off before meeting the Atlanta Falcons for Monday Night Football in Week 2. Managers should keep Smith starting in all fantasy setups.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots kicker Joey Slye should be left on the waiver wire in fantasy football ahead of his Week 1 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. There are a variety of reasons why Slye is avoidable, starting with the poor state of the Patriots' offense. New England is projected to finish with the NFL's worst record and might have the worst offense in the league. They will have trouble moving into scoring position this year, leaving Slye with reduced opportunities to attempt kicks. Furthermore, Slye himself has delivered questionable production in the past. He made just 19 of 24 field goals last year and also missed three extra point attempts. If the Patriots don't score many points and Slye can't be trusted to kick field goals, then he should be avoided in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver K.J. Osborn will make his team debut against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday afternoon. The veteran pass-catcher was signed away from the Minnesota Vikings this offseason and should provide quarterback Jacoby Brissett with an experienced presence downfield. Osborn is known for his big-play potential, but he's capable of producing on shorter passes, too. As of now, his primary competition for targets is rookie Ja'Lynn Polk, as the two were vying for the No. 2 role as the summer wound down. It's still unclear which of the two will start alongside Demario Douglas on Sunday, but it's a moot point for fantasy managers given that neither is worth starting in redraft leagues. Douglas, Rhamondre Stevenson, and Hunter Henry are the only Patriots that warrant even some consideration in most fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed was the offensive star for the Packers in their 34-29 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil on Friday night. Reed took a jet sweep for a 33-yard touchdown early in the second quarter and then caught a 70-yard touchdown just a few minutes later on the next Packers' possession. As the most dynamic playmaker for the Packers, Reed was a menace all over the field and was second on the team in targets next to Romeo Doubs. Reed is off to a great start to his second season in green and gold and is primed to build off of a rookie campaign that saw him score 10 touchdowns and put up over 900 yards from scrimmage. The Packers play the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2 and Reed should be considered a low-end WR2 in fantasy as long as Jordan Love is the starting quarterback, as Love left the game late in Week 1 with a leg injury.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk will make his NFL debut against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. A second-round pick out of the University of Washington, Polk could open the year as New England's No. 2 wide receiver. As the preseason wrapped up, both he and K.J. Osborn were competing for that role with Demario Douglas in line to serve as the No. 1 receiver. It's possible that Osborn draws the start given his experience in the NFL, but there's no denying that Polk flashed real potential this summer and will be on Osborn's heels, at the very least. Polk should be rostered in most dynasty leagues but lacks redraft appeal, especially with the Patriots projected to finish last in the NFL this year.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown looked good in the Week 1 win over the Packers. While the field conditions in Brazil weren't ideal, the wideout still had a stellar outing, leading his team in receiving by amassing five catches for 119 yards and a touchdown. Brown received a lucrative three-year, $96 million contract extension this offseason after piecing together back-to-back 1,400-yard receiving seasons. Without question, fantasy managers were certainly pleased with his performance on Friday night. With a win, Philadelphia will head home to await the Atlanta Falcons for a Week 2, Monday Night Football matchup. Of course, Brown should remain starting in any fantasy format imaginable.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs put together a modest fantasy effort in the Packers' 34-29 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil on Friday night. Doubs led the Packers in targets with seven, catching four of those targets for 50 yards. Of the group of wide receivers, Doubs ran the most routes on the team and also led the receivers with an 87% snap share, per Nathan Jahnke of PFF. Even though Doubs ran the most routes and earned the most snaps, he's still a bit of a risky proposition to start in fantasy, especially with a potential Jordan Love injury at the end of Week 1 to factor in. The utilization for Doubs makes him a bit safer as a player you know will be on the field a ton, but with that safety comes the fact that Doubs was a bit touchdown-dependent last season. Consider Doubs a low-end WR3 for fantasy in Week 2 if Love is the starter at quarterback.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs finished his first game with the Packers in bounce-back fashion in their Week 1 34-29 loss to the Eagles in Brazil. Jacobs had a nightmare first half where he had six carries for just four yards on the ground. Jacobs' second half was excellent as he reeled off a few nice runs including a 32-yard scamper in the fourth quarter as he finished with 84 yards rushing on 16 carries, while catching 2-of-3 targets for 20 yards on the night. Carrying the rushing volume for the Packers to the tune of 80% of the carries in the backfield, Jacobs was relied upon as the workhorse with MarShawn Lloyd ruled inactive and Emanuel Wilson seeing four carries. Against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2, Jacobs should be a high-end RB2, but if Jordan Love's injury at the end of the game forces somebody else other than Love to start at quarterback, Jacobs' fantasy value would take a bit of a tumble.
From RotoBaller