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.
New York Jets backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor entered the game in the fourth quarter for starter Aaron Rodgers in the team's loss to San Francisco on Monday night. Taylor completed 6 of 8 passes for 36 yards and a touchdown. The veteran quarterback found Allen Lazard on a 3-yard TD connection with 25 seconds remaining in the game. If nothing else, Taylor's performance shows he is a worthy backup option for Rodgers, who is now 40 years old and coming off of a significant Achilles injury. Not much to see here fantasy-wise while Rodgers is healthy, however.
From RotoBaller
The Carolina Panthers are set to sign veteran defensive end Charles Harris, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. Harris, a former first-round pick of the Miami Dolphins has 16.5 career sacks. Most recently, Harris recorded 1.5 sacks for the Detroit Lions last season. The Panthers are looking for a spark with Derrick Brown (meniscus) reportedly feared to have a season-ending injury. Harris could provide a veteran presence and still might have some pass-rush juice left in the tank. The Panthers D/ST should still be avoided for fantasy purposes.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk hauled in two of his three targets for 40 yards in the team's Week 1 win over the Jets. Juszczyk was on the field for 40 snaps and ran 17 routes. The versatile back made the most of his three targets in the absence of Christian McCaffrey. However, he did not see any carries out of the backfield. Despite being a fullback, Juszczyk operates as a second tight end in a lot of ways. Until he sees more targets, though, he is not a fantasy-relevant player. He's a great weapon for a loaded 49ers offense and creates mismatches on the field but he just doesn't get the volume necessary for fantasy purposes.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets backup running back Braelon Allen saw limited usage out of the Jets' backfield in the team's Week 1 loss at San Francisco. Allen carried one time for eight yards and caught his lone target for nine yards. All in all, Allen saw eight total snaps compared to 42 for starter Breece Hall. Most of Allen's time on the field came in mop-up duty and he ran seven routes on his eight snaps. The rookie from Wisconsin is just 20 years old and could see his role expand as the team gains more trust in the youngster. However, Hall is one of the most dominant backs in the league and should command a lion's share of the touches. Barring injury to Hall, Allen is not fantasy-relevant at the moment.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is sore after Week 1 but should be good to go in practice this week according to a report from NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Jackson missed Monday's practice to open a long week of preparation for Week 2 against the Raiders after facing the Chiefs in the NFL opener on Thursday night. But the expectation is he will be back practicing the rest of the week. Jackson rushed 16 times for 122 yards in the opener and was 26-of-41 passing for 273 yards and a touchdown. His rushing usage stands out and makes him one of the top quarterbacks in fantasy. He should be locked and loaded as QB1 against Las Vegas after this report.
From RotoBaller
The New York Jets defense struggled to slow down the San Francisco 49ers in a 32-19 loss in Week 1's Monday night game. New York picked up three sacks but was unable to force any turnovers as the 49ers kicked six field goals to down the Jets in the season opener. The Jets got sacks from Sauce Gardner, Micheal Clemons, and Tony Adams but also allowed the 49ers to roll up 401 yards of total offense with Christian McCaffrey inactive. That being said, things should be much easier for New York in Week 2's matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle provided fantasy managers with modest production in the team's 32-19 home-opening victory against the New York Jets. The colorful 30-year-old finished the night in a three-way tie for the team lead in targets with five, which he parlayed into four receptions for 40 yards. In recent memory, Kittle has been the quintessential boom/bust fantasy asset at a boom/bust position but still managed to finish as the TE5 in half-PPR scoring last season. He surely has better -- and worse -- weeks coming. Fantasy players who drafted the "Tight End University" co-founder should keep rolling him out there until further notice, including in Week 2 when the Niners go to Minnesota to take on the Vikings.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin caught one of his two targets for a six-yard gain in a 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1. Conklin was quiet in his season debut, although he was on the field a lot. The 49ers dominated the time of possession battle in this contest, resulting in Aaron Rodgers attempting just 21 passes. Conklin could have bigger games ahead of him but he is not a must-hold in redraft leagues as the Jets prepare to take on the Tennessee Titans in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein made his lone extra-point try and did not attempt any field goals in a 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1. Zuerlein's number was not called often as the Jets were down big after halftime and attempted two-point conversions following both of their second-half touchdowns. Zuerlein will have better days ahead in more favorable matchups. He will now prepare to take on the Tennessee Titans in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson caught six of his 11 targets for 60 yards in a 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1's Monday night game. Wilson got off to an extremely hot start as he hauled in 46 receiving yards on four catches during the Jets' 70-yard touchdown drive in the first quarter. He was mostly quiet for the remainder of the game, however, as he watched Allen Lazard pull down two touchdown catches after halftime. That being said, Wilson's 11 targets were encouraging as he is the clear alpha in the passing attack. Wilson will be a rock-solid WR1 in fantasy heading into Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk disappointed in Monday night's 32-19 victory over the New York Jets in Santa Clara after spending the preseason seeking an extension and asking to be traded while only participating in team meetings. This led to head coach Kyle Shanahan easing the former Sun Devil into game action and limiting his snaps in Week 1. At times during Monday's matchup, Aiyuk looked less-than-sharp, including dropping a sprawling, but catchable ball in the back corner of the end zone. He finished in a three-way tie with Jauan Jennings and George Kittle for the team target lead with five but only caught two for 28 yards. Time will tell how long it will take for Aiyuk to shake off the rust, but it should be sooner than later that he settles into his usual WR2 value. He'll try to get it going against the Vikings in Minnesota in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard caught six of his nine targets for 89 yards and two touchdowns in a 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football in Week 1. The Lazard/Aaron Rodgers connection from Green Bay appears to be alive and well with the Jets as the two hooked up for a 36-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. Lazard's second touchdown came from Tyrod Taylor late in the fourth quarter in garbage time. That being said, Lazard had a career year with Rodgers two years ago with the Packers and he could easily emerge as the No. 2 receiver in New York. He is worth a look on waivers heading into a Week 2 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams was not targeted in a 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1. Williams was on a pitch count after tearing his ACL early last season and he wound up playing just a handful of snaps for the Jets, mostly in the red zone. The goose egg from Williams is concerning but the Jets indicated heading into the game that they would be easing the veteran into action in the early going. Williams should slowly ramp up activity over the next few games but he will also have to contend with Allen Lazard, who caught two touchdowns on Monday night. For now, Williams is just a bench stash in deep fantasy leagues heading into a Week 2 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 13 of his 21 passes for 167 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in a 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1's Monday night game. Rodgers got the Jets off to a fast start, engineering a 70-yard drive punctuated by a Breece Hall three-yard touchdown run in the first quarter but the New York offense struggled after that. It didn't help that the 49ers strung together several long drives that ate up much of the clock. San Francisco ultimately dominated the time of possession as they had the ball on offense for just under 39 minutes in the game. Rodgers' lone touchdown pass went to Allen Lazard in the third quarter. On the bright side, Rodgers looked healthy after tearing his Achilles back in Week 1 last season. He will be a high-end QB2 in Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets running back Breece Hall carried the ball 16 times for 54 yards and a touchdown while hauling in five of his six targets for 39 yards in a 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1. Hall scored the first touchdown of the game on a three-yard run with 3:57 left on the clock in the first quarter. The veteran running back showed why he was a top-five pick in most fantasy leagues as he was busy in the passing attack, finishing third on the team in targets and receiving yards while also dominating the RB touches for the Jets, ceding just two touches to Braelon Allen. Hall will be a locked-in RB1 heading into a Week 2 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings led the team in receiving in Monday night's 32-19 victory over the New York Jets by catching all five of his targets for 64 yards. Jennings, drafted by San Francisco in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL draft, has spent most of his career in relative obscurity but was rewarded with an extension in the offseason through 2025. Jennings has only once surpassed seven targets in a game and Monday's performance was the second-highest total of his career. Jennings did a good job of finding soft spots in New York's zone defense throughout the night. He'll probably never be a standout, but in San Francisco's high-powered offense, he could be useful in fantasy if something were to happen to Deebo Samuel Sr. or Brandon Aiyuk, especially since he appears to be ahead of rookie Jacob Cowing and first-round pick Ricky Pearsall may need some time to get up to speed after suffering a gunshot wound following a banged-up preseason. That said, fantasy managers should look elsewhere for wide receiver help in Week 2 at Minnesota, especially as Aiyuk continues to shake off the rust this week at practice.
From RotoBaller
The San Francisco 49er's defense and special teams were exceptional in their Week 1 matchup against Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets. They forced a turnover on just their fourth snap, with linebacker Fred Warner stripping the ball from Jets running back Breece Hall and defensive lineman Maliek Collins recovering it on New York's 32-yard line. Another critical moment was when Rodgers threw an interception intended for Garrett Wilson, which was deflected by Deommodore Lenoir and caught by linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles. Additionally, Leonard Floyd recorded his first sack as a 49er in the second quarter, evading Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker to bring down Rodgers on third down. Floyd is quickly establishing himself alongside former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa. The 49er's defense is set to be a strong option again next week as they face a Minnesota Vikings team led by Sam Darnold.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody had an exceptional performance in Week 1 against the New York Jets, setting a franchise record by making six field goals. The second-year kicker was perfect on the night, going six-for-six with field goals from 46, 51, 31, 53, 23, and 42 yards in the game. He also converted both of his extra point attempts, contributing 20 of the 49ers' 32 points. Moody's impressive showing highlights his potential as a strong fantasy option, especially with the 49ers' high-powered offense ensuring plenty of scoring opportunities.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason had a standout performance in place of the injured Christian McCaffrey (calf, Achilles) during Monday night's game against the New York Jets. With McCaffrey ruled out before the game, Mason seized the opportunity, rushing 28 times for 147 yards and one touchdown. Although Mason entered the game with only 83 career carries over two seasons, he has consistently shown potential, averaging 6.0 yards per carry as a rookie and 5.2 yards per carry in 2023. Mason exploited openings effectively throughout the game, supported by the robust 49ers offensive line and a strategic game plan from head coach Kyle Shanahan. Mason should be a top priority on the waiver wire this week. If McCaffrey is sidelined again next week, Mason would be a must-start. Even if McCaffrey returns, Mason remains a valuable handcuff for the rest of the season.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. delivered a solid all-around performance in the team's Week 1 win over the New York Jets. Samuel totaled 77 yards from scrimmage and scored a rushing touchdown, with five receptions for 54 yards and eight carries for 23 yards. He also attempted a pass that resulted in a four-yard sack. With star running back Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles) sidelined, Samuel and backup Jordan Mason stepped up to help secure San Francisco's first win of the 2024 season. Samuel remains a top fantasy option, whether as a receiver or a running back, as the 49ers prepare to take on the Vikings in Week 2.
From RotoBaller