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FFL: Week 6 | NFL: Week 6

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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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 6

Player Notes
Puka Nacua Oct 14 3:10pm ET
Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) will not practice this week, per Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. Week 7 was the earliest possible period of return for Nacua after reaggravating a preseason knee injury in Week 1. Still, it's no surprise seeing him shelved longer after ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that he'd likely be unavailable for 5-to-7 weeks. The Rams have dealt with a litany of injuries on both sides of the ball this year, but things could be looking up for the offense, with wide receiver Cooper Kupp slated to work with trainers today. However, the 23-year-old will have to wait at least one more week for his return -- and likely longer. If Kupp fails to be designated as active again, wideouts Jordan Whittington, Tutu Atwell, Demarcus Robinson, and Tyler Johnson will handle the pass-catching duties in the team's Week 7 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Keaton Mitchell Oct 14 3:10pm ET
Keaton Mitchell

Per Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, Jamison Hensley reports there is "no change" on the status of running back Keaton Mitchell (knee). Harbaugh and the Ravens are "optimistic" about the 22-year-old returning at some point this season. However, he has yet to progress enough to consider being taken off the Physically Unable to Perform list. Mitchell, whose stint on the PUP stems from a knee injury he suffered in Week 15 of last season, was reported on by his head coach two weeks ago to be "right on schedule," and "the schedule is for him to be back this season." They're vague comments from the long-time Ravens head coach, though Baltimore doesn't necessarily need Mitchell right now with the backfield duo of Derrick Henry and Justice Hill performing admirably in a high-powered attack. Still, he'll evidently suit up at some point in 2024. When that will be remains to be seen.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Oct 14 3:00pm ET
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) is scheduled to work on the side with trainers today in LA's first practice since their Week 6 bye, per Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. Currently, no designation has been made about his status for Sunday. It's ideal news for Kupp ahead of the earliest anticipated target date for his return. However, fantasy managers will want to monitor his status over the coming days ahead of the team's Week 7 home tilt against the Las Vegas Raiders. The 31-year-old hasn't appeared in a game since he was forced from the Rams' Week 2 loss to the Cardinals early, and he would be an immediate boost to LA's offense and fantasy lineups upon his return. The Raiders have been one of the stronger matchups against opposing passing attacks, but Kupp would present as a solid WR2/3 in his first game back if he's healthy enough to suit up.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Oct 14 2:30pm ET
Devon Achane

Per David Furones of the Sun Sentinel, Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (concussion) was back at practice on Monday following the team's Week 6 bye. He was listed as a limited participant and wore a red non-contact jersey. Despite the limited session, it's a significant milestone for Achane, who appears to be progressing well through the league's concussion protocol. He still has a hurdle to clear, but it's fantastic news for him and the Dolphins, who are still navigating a period without quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion). It's imperative to monitor his status over the coming days, but he evidently has a good shot at suiting up for a road tilt against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 7. If he's active, the 23-year-old is an intriguing play against a Colts defense that's allowed the most yards in the league opposing rushing attacks.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Oct 14 2:20pm ET
Nick Chubb

Per Tom Withers of the Associated Press, Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee) is trending toward returning to the field in Week 7. Head coach Kevin Stefanski reports Chubb is taking it "day to day" this week. If that's the case, it's excellent news for the team and an incredible feat from the 28-year-old just 13 months removed from a brutal knee injury. It also comes with superb timing, as running back Jerome Ford (hamstring) was forced from Sunday's loss to the Eagles early and did not return. Ford is considered week-to-week, so it's possible that if Chubb is active, he gets more work than he initially would have. However, he would undoubtedly be on a snap count, and D'Onta Foreman and Pierre Strong Jr. would likely handle most of the Browns' backfield work. Logically, the former Georgia Bulldog would need to log at least one full practice before suiting up for the contest against the Bengals -- a feat he has yet to accomplish. For now, it's best to take a wait-and-see approach for fantasy managers who have been holding onto him.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Oct 14 2:00pm ET
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said that the team will continue with quarterback Deshaun Watson as their starter after another loss in Week 6 to the Philadelphia Eagles. "I think Deshaun (Watson) gives us the best chance to win, continues to give us the best chance to win," Stefanski said. Watson has been really bad so far in 2024, although he was able to avoid any turnovers on Sunday against Philly. The 29-year-old went 16-for-23 for 168 yards without a touchdown and has yet to even throw for 200 yards in six games this season. It appears that the surgery on his right shoulder has sapped him of much of his arm strength, but Watson has also made plenty of head-scratching decisions to lead the Browns to a 1-5 record after six weeks. The impending return of running back Nick Chubb (knee) may not be enough to salvage Watson's starting job the rest of the season.

From RotoBaller

Jerome Ford Oct 14 1:50pm ET
Jerome Ford

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said that running back Jerome Ford (hamstring) is week-to-week after injuring his hamstring in the Week 6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Ford suffered his hamstring injury in the first quarter and didn't play at all in the second half, finishing with only two carries for 14 yards to really let his fantasy managers down. Not only is it possible that both Nick Chubb (knee) and Nyheim Hines (knee) could be back for Week 7 against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals, but Ford might not even be available to play in that game. In what has been an atrocious Browns offense this year, Ford's fantasy stock is going to plummet even further heading into Week 7. If Chubb and Hines aren't ready to come off the PUP list and Ford is inactive against Cincy, D'Onta Foreman would likely serve as Cleveland's lead back.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Ridley Oct 14 1:40pm ET
Calvin Ridley

After Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley had zero catches in the Week 6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, head coach Brian Callahan said the team has "to find ways to get him involved, so he can help us win." It wasn't as though the Titans didn't try to get him involved in their 20-17 loss (he was targeted a team-high eight times), but he just wasn't able to connect with struggling quarterback Will Levis at all. The 29-year-old carried the ball once for a nine-yard gain. Along with Tennessee's ugly offense, Ridley's fantasy stock has tanked in the last three games, as he has two catches for 14 yards on 14 targets over that span. The good news for Ridley is that the Titans aren't going to stop trying to get him the ball, but he's going to need to improve his catch rate drastically to get out of his current rut. Fantasy managers need to stick with Ridley for another week against the Buffalo Bills.

From RotoBaller

Tyjae Spears Oct 14 1:30pm ET
Tyjae Spears

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (hamstring) is considered week-to-week due to the hamstring injury he suffered in the Week 6 loss to the division-rival Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, according to head coach Brian Callahan. Spears' injury is significant enough that he'll be in question to play in Week 7 against the Buffalo Bills. Before getting injured against the Colts, Spears saw six carries and picked up 27 yards on the ground. He was not targeted through the air. The 23-year-old has mostly played second fiddle to Tony Pollard in Tennessee's backfield in 2024. Outside of his 15-carry day in Week 4 against the Dolphins, Spears hasn't had more than six carries in five games this year. He's also averaging just 3.5 yards per carry on his 33 rushing attempts. Pollard will benefit with an even higher fantasy ceiling if Spears misses any time. Pollard has three rushing touchdowns and has 16-plus carries in four of five games.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Oct 14 1:20pm ET
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

In the opinion of the North Jersey Bergen Record's Art Stapleton, New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (groin) will serve in the role that Eric Gray had in the Week 6 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday night when he returns from his injury. Stapleton thinks rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. will continue on as the lead back after another impressive performance against Cincy with 17 carries for 50 yards and a touchdown while adding six catches for 57 yards. Tracy had 129 rushing yards against Seattle last week and has earned a bigger role in the backfield. Stapleton thinks Singletary's snap percentage will drop from something like 70% to 30% if he's active in Week 7 against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles. The 24-year-old Tracy, a former receiver in college, looks electric with the ball in his hands and will be a top waiver-wire priority this week. Tracy is rostered in less than half of Yahoo leagues.

From RotoBaller

Dontayvion Wicks Oct 14 1:20pm ET
Dontayvion Wicks

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (shoulder) is considered "week-to-week" after suffering a shoulder that caused him to leave the Week 6 win over the Arizona Cardinals, according to sources. It was a bad day for any fantasy managers that started Wicks on Sunday, as the 23-year-old had just one catch on three targets for nine yards before leaving and not returning. He had two touchdowns in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings and has big-play ability, but he's a boom/bust fantasy option in a crowded receiving corps in Green Bay, especially after both Romeo Doubs (suspension) and Christian Watson (ankle) returned on Sunday. We'll have a better idea of Wicks' status for the Week 7 game against the Houston Texans, but fantasy managers shouldn't be counting on his services this week. In terms of fantasy, Wicks is probably the most volatile out of Doubs, Watson and Jayden Reed in Green Bay.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Oct 14 1:10pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said on Monday that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is expected to play again this season, but it won't come in Week 7 versus the Indianapolis Colts. Tagovailoa suffered yet another scary-looking concussion in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills and remains on Injured Reserve. The left-handed-throwing QB is eligible to resume practicing on Oct. 23, but that doesn't mean the 26-year-old will be able to return shortly after that. While Tagovailoa is worth stashing in two-QB fantasy leagues, managers should temper expectations for his return date and how he performs immediately after he returns. Tagovailoa put up career-best numbers last year and has perhaps the best 1-2 punch in the league at wideout, but he could be one more head injury away from his career being over. Tyler Huntley is expected to make his third straight start at QB for Miami against the Colts.

From RotoBaller

James Conner Oct 14 12:20pm ET
James Conner

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner ran the ball just seven times for 24 yards in Sunday's disappointing 34-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The Cardinals fell behind early and shifted to a pass-first game plan, diminishing Conner's role, though he did catch four passes for 22 yards. The Cardinals didn't adjust well to the weather and struggled to move the ball. Conner also dealt with ankle issues, although he was never on the injury report. With Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) going down with a concussion, the Cardinals could rely more on the rushing attack in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Chargers, and fantasy managers should still trust Conner for that matchup.

From RotoBaller

Greg Dortch Oct 14 12:20pm ET
Greg Dortch

Arizona Cardinals' Greg Dortch saw increased usage in the Week 6 loss, catching three passes for 36 yards, but hindered his production with a costly fumble in the red zone as the Cardinals were trying to come back. The Cardinals were blown out by the Green Bay Packers, losing 34-13, and the offense did not show up. Dortch hasn't found a clear role in the Cardinals' passing game this season but remains their primary slot receiver. With Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) going down with a concussion, more targets will open up in the Cardinals' passing game, creating more opportunities for other receivers. While the potential target increase could make Dortch a streaming option in Week 7, he is a risky waiver wire target ahead of the Cardinals' matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers.

From RotoBaller

Chad Ryland Oct 14 12:20pm ET
Chad Ryland

Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland nailed two field goals (38, 40) and one extra point in the 34-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Ryland has stepped up well, filling in for Matt Prater (knee). Arizona's offense struggled to get into scoring position and keep the ball when doing so, limiting Ryland's opportunities. However, when called upon, he has performed well. It is unclear who the team's kicker will be next week against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night, but there are better options at kicker at the moment for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

DeAndre Hopkins Oct 14 12:20pm ET
DeAndre Hopkins

Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins caught four passes for 54 yards on six targets in a 20-17 loss against Indianapolis. The good news for Hopkins is this marked the third straight game that he has either led or tied for the team lead in receptions, yards, and targets. The bad news is this has led to a total of 12 receptions for 158 yards and one touchdown, with weekly finishes of WR16, WR68, and WR41. The Titans passing offense is in absolute disarray, seemingly getting worse on a week-to-week basis. If one pass-catcher on this team is playable in fantasy it's Hopkins, but the ceiling is extremely limited due to low volume and inconsistency. It does not get any easier from here, as Tennessee travels to Buffalo next week to take on the Bills and their stout secondary.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Ridley Oct 14 12:10pm ET
Calvin Ridley

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley did not record a catch in the loss to Indianapolis on Sunday, rushing one time for nine yards. It was only the third time in Ridley's six-year NFL career that he failed to record a reception. Quarterback Will Levis targeted the veteran eight times in the game, but could not connect even once, setting a new low bar for this already awful passing attack. It was only the 13th time in franchise history that a player recorded eight targets and had zero receptions. The fact that Ridley put up this kind of a dud against arguably the league's worst pass defense is as concerning as it gets for his fantasy prospects. He is unplayable in all formats until Tennessee proves they can move the ball through the air, which may not happen with the current state of the offense. Up next is a stiff test against Buffalo's formidable pass defense in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Oct 14 11:50am ET
Tony Pollard

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard rushed 17 times for 93 yards and a touchdown, adding three receptions for negative five yards in a loss to the Colts on Sunday. On a day in which the Titans passing attack looked the worst it has all season, Pollard was heavily relied upon to move the chains, and did so efficiently with a healthy 5.5 yards per carry mark. It's worth noting that Pollard and his RB teammate Tyjae Spears were splitting work fairly evenly until Spears left the game at halftime and did not return. From then on, Pollard was once again the workhorse, his day highlighted by a 23-yard touchdown scamper on a 3rd-and-19 that game Tennessee the lead. The speedster has been the only consistent part of this offense in 2024, and will likely be the focal point when the Titans head to Buffalo next week to face the Bills, who are allowing a league-low 5.2 yards per carry.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Johnston Oct 14 11:40am ET
Quentin Johnston

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston was forced to miss some time in a Week 6 win over the Denver Broncos due to an ankle injury. Johnston left in the first quarter but was eventually able to return. Still, he didn't end up doing much, as the sophomore wide receiver was targeted just four times, making three catches for 22 yards. He also recorded a rushing attempt, but did not gain any yardage on his run. Johnston has pretty solidly entrenched himself as the WR2 on this offense, but it's a run-first offense that tries to control clock and spreads the ball around plenty when they do throw (Just Herbert targeted nine different pass catchers in this game). Johnston will have more big games like he did earlier this season, but he's unlikely to be a consistent source of WR2/3 production most weeks.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Oct 14 11:40am ET
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had five catches for 72 yards in Sunday's win over the New York Giants. The 24-year-old had five touchdowns in the three previous games leading up to Week 6. He also had 10 catches for 193 yards in the overtime loss to the Ravens. However, Chase wasn't as productive on Sunday night. Of course, he's still one of the best wideouts in the league, so he remains a must-start in Week 7 against the Browns.

From RotoBaller