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.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler is taking Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (Achilles) as his pick as the biggest-name QB coming off an injury in 2024 to have a bounce-back performance. Cousins is recovering from an Achilles tear from last year, but the fact that he's a pure pocket passer will make his recovery from the injury that much more easier in 2024. The Falcons offense also has three former top-10 picks in receiver Drake London, running back Bijan Robinson and tight end Kyle Pitts, and Cousins is fully expected to help take all of their games to the next level in his first year in Atlanta. Cousins is expected to be ready to go for Week 1 on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The former Vikings signal-caller isn't on the QB1 radar in fantasy this year while coming off his Achilles injury, but he has the potential to serve as a high-end backup if he stays healthy.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford could be in line to have a very productive week as he visits his old team in Detroit for an SNF matchup against the Lions. The game is expected to have one of the highest totals of the week and Stafford has his full array of weapons (aside from tight end Tyler Higbee) with Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp both healthy. Throw Kyren Williams and capable backup tight end Colby Parkinson into the fray and Stafford should have plenty of options to throw to against a Lions defense that allowed 19.4 points per game to opposing quarterbacks in fantasy last season. Stafford averaged nearly 20 points per game in games in which Kupp played last season. He should be plenty motivated in his return from Detroit and should be treated as a borderline QB1 in Week 1. He can be started with confidence in the right roster situation.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel (toe) was removed from the Week 1 injury report on Friday and will be active on Sunday in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals. Samuel has been dealing with turf toe but was set for a full practice session earlier this week on Wednesday, so his status for the regular-season opener was never really in much doubt. There is plenty of opportunity for the 28-year-old in Buffalo's receiving corps this year after Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis departed in the offseason, but tight end Dalton Kincaid and receiver Khalil Shakir are expected to be quarterback Josh Allen's top targets in the passing game. It still leaves opportunity for Samuel, but he'll be competing with impressive rookie Keon Coleman for WR3 duties early on. Entering Week 1 on Sunday against Arizona, Samuel is best left on benches as a WR5/flex play.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's Dan Graziano writes that Indianapolis Colts second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson is one of the biggest-name QBs coming off injury that is primed for a big year in 2024. There's nothing but upside for Richardson, but he's still learning and will make questionable decisions. Graziano thinks Richardson's pure ability to make plays other QBs can't, combined with head coach Shane Steichen's feel for how to tailor the offense to Richardson's strengths, will result in a breakout season for the 22-year-old in just his second year in the NFL. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that Steichen loves Richardson's ability and football smarts and is ready to maximize his skill set. If Richardson stays healthy, which is a big if, the Colts and fantasy managers that invested in him as a QB1 will be in great shape with a star on their hands.
From RotoBaller
The Buffalo Bills agreed to a four-year contract extension with right tackle Spencer Brown on Friday, according to sources. Financial terms of the agreement weren't immediately disclosed. The deal was negotiated by Chase Callahan and Ryan Tollner of Excel Football and proves that the Bills value Brown as one of the best right tackles in the game. The 26-year-old offensive lineman had offseason surgery on his shoulder but is ready to rock for Week 1 of the 2024 regular season this Sunday versus the Arizona Cardinals. Despite playing through his shoulder injury late in the 2023 season, Brown didn't miss a single offensive snap for Buffalo. With Brown on the right side and Dion Dawkins on the left side, the Bills have one of the stronger bookend tackle combinations in the NFL, which makes life easier on quarterback Josh Allen.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (toe) was upgraded to a full practice on Friday and was subsequently removed from the final injury report for Week 1 on Sunday at Soldier Field against the visiting Tennessee Titans. Johnson began the week on Wednesday with a limited practice and followed suit on Thursday before being a full-go on Friday. The 23-year-old missed valuable reps in training camp and the preseason with his toe injury, but he's ready for the start of the regular season and should be left on fantasy benches in the vast majority of leagues in Week 1. To open the 2024 campaign, Johnson is lined up as Chicago's RB3 behind D'Andre Swift and Khalil Herbert. The former fourth-rounder last year out of Texas, Johnson played in 15 games (zero starts) and compiled 352 yards on 81 carries (4.3 yards per tote) while scoring two TDs on the ground. He added 34 catches for 209 yards.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears defensive lineman Montez Sweat (toe) was a full participant in practice on Friday but is still considered questionable to play in the Week 1 regular-season opener this Sunday at Soldier Field against the Tennessee Titans. Sweat was limited in practices on both Wednesday and Thursday. After practicing in full on Friday, it would be a surprise if the 28-year-old pass-rusher was inactive on Sunday, but fantasy managers in IDP leagues will need to have a backup plan in place. If Sweat is active, he should be in starting lineups at the defensive-line position against a new offense being led by second-year quarterback Will Levis, who is entering his first full year as the starter under center. Even if Sweat sits the opener out, Chicago's defense/special teams unit should be considered a top-five unit in fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (hamstring) was a full participant in practice on Friday for the second day in a row and is not included on the final injury report for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. There was some panic about Pitts' status this week when he was limited on the first official injury report back on Wednesday, but that concern is now gone and he'll suit up this weekend. The 23-year-old former first-rounder had high expectations coming into the NFL as fourth overall pick in 2021 out of Florida. He responded immediately with a 1,000-yard season in his rookie year, but it came with just one touchdown. Pitts underwhelmed the last two years, but he also hasn't worked with great QBs. Many folks are expecting his fourth season to be his best in 2024 now that QB Kirk Cousins is leading the offense. Pitts should be locked into fantasy lineups in Week 1.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is questionable to play against the New England Patriots due to ongoing contract disputes. Speaking to reporters after practice, Chase said he'd play without his sought-after extension but he feels a deal is close. Coach Zac Taylor said "We'll see" in regards to his star receiver suiting up. Chase sat out of training camp and admitted that he'll be limited if he is active on Sunday. The Bengals' number two receiver, Tee Higgins, is listed as doubtful after tweaking his hamstring in practice. A lack of top options could spell trouble for Joe Burrow's Week 1 projections, but it will mean more opportunities for WR Andrei Iosivas and TE Mike Gesicki. Chase is still a WR1 if he's active but fantasy managers should temper expectations.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (hip) said his hip responded well during Friday's practice session, and he's optimistic he'll be ready to go for the Week 1 regular-season opener this Sunday versus the Cincinnati Bengals, barring an unexpected turn of events. Gibson was added to the injury report on Thursday and was limited in practice with his hip injury. The 26-year-old could be questionable on Friday's final injury report, but Gibson appears to be on the right side of questionable right now. If he's active for his Patriots debut, Gibson will be the backup to starter Rhamondre Stevenson in an offense that isn't expected to be very dynamic while being run by either QB Jacoby Brissett or rookie Drake Maye. Gibson should be on fantasy benches if he's active in Week 1, while JaMycal Hasty could rise to a backup role behind Stevenson if Gibson is held out.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) is officially listed as doubtful for the team's season opener on Sunday. Higgins tweaked his hamstring during Thursday's practice and missed practice on Friday, despite saying he felt "amazing" on Thursday. Higgins has a lengthy history of hamstring issues and it now appears that he'll miss his first game of 2024. Fellow wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is listed as questionable due to ongoing contract disputes. Andrei Iosivas is in line for more playing time and could be the team's de-facto top wide receiver against the Patriots if Higgins and Chase don't suit up.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) is no longer on the team's injury report and is cleared to suit up against the New York Giants on Sunday. The second-year wideout was carted off the practice field in mid-August with a high-ankle sprain but returned to practice in full on Friday. After taking advantage of Justin Jefferson's extended absence in 2023 (70 catches for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns), Addison's production is expected to take a dip in 2024 with Sam Darnold quarterbacking the team. Addison should be viewed as a boom/bust WR4 against the Giants.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) is hopeful about his chances of playing against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1. Speaking to reporters after participating in practice, Wilson said he's taking his injury day by day and he wants to play on Sunday if he's available. The calf issue has been bothering the veteran quarterback throughout training camp and any aggravation or setback this close to the season doesn't bode well. The Steelers didn't rule Wilson out on Sunday. However, beat reporters who cover the Steelers seem to believe the team is inching closer to starting Justin Fields against the Falcons. Fields would be a fantasy football upgrade at quarterback, but a downgrade for the pass catchers in the offense.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) is questionable ahead of the team's matchup against the Tennessee Titans. In what was initially described as a cleat issue by GM Ryan Poles, the veteran receiver was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. His status was upgraded to a full participant on Friday. While officially listed as questionable, Allen appears to be trending in the right direction to make his debut as a Chicago Bear. There are a lot of mouths to feed in the Chicago passing game, but top wide receiver DJ Moore may get shadowed by star cornerback L'Jarius Sneed on Sunday. That could open up more opportunities for Allen. He's a low-end WR3 for the matchup against the Titans.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (finger) is not carrying an injury designation into the team's divisional matchup against the New Orleans Saints. While limited in practice earlier in the week, Sanders practiced in full on Thursday and Friday. Although rookie Jonathon Brooks (knee) is on the PUP list and will miss four games, there still isn't a fantasy-worthy role for Sanders on the Panthers. He'll be the direct backup to Chuba Hubbard on a low-powered offense. The former Eagle averaged a career-low 3.3 yards per carry in his first season in Carolina in 2023.
From RotoBaller
The Pittsburgh Steelers and tight end Pat Freiermuth have agreed to a four-year, $48.4 million contract extension. The 25-year-old secured 60+ receptions in his first two professional seasons before his production declined in 2023. Still, there's optimism surrounding the former Penn State Nittany Lion in 2024. With an unproven wide receiver corps behind George Pickens and Arthur Smith's utilization of tight ends, Freiermuth could be the team's second-leading target earner. However, Smith does also tend to deploy multiple tight ends. Freiermuth is ranked right on the TE1/2 line against the Atlanta Falcons.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans kicker Nick Folk will start the season in Chicago taking on the Bears in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season. Folk was the #19 kicker last year but the ranking wasn't emblematic of his effectiveness. It was a career-year for the 39-year old veteran, who finished first in the NFL with a 96.7% conversion rate. The Titans have a completely revamped offense which should score more than 17.9 points per game (26th overall), meaning Folk will have many more opportunities to score fantasy points. However, Chicago has one of the best defenses in the league and is playing on their home turf in Week 1. With the Titans offense still unproven, Folk is probably better left on waivers for opening weekend.
From RotoBaller
The Carolina Panthers have ruled out tight ends Tommy Tremble (hamstring, back) and Ian Thomas (calf) for the team's season opener against the New Orleans Saints. Both players did not participate in any practices this week. Rookie fourth-round pick Ja'Tavion Sanders is now in line to start in his NFL debut. Converted veteran wide receiver Jordan Matthews and Messiah Swinson will back up the rookie. Bryce Young and the Carolina offense aren't expected to pick up a lot of yards through the air. Sanders should only be rostered in Dynasty formats.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears takes on the stout Chicago Bears defense in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season. Spears played second-fiddle to future Hall-of-Famer Derrick Henry last season who bolted for the Ravens in free agency. Even with Henry receiving the lion's share of the work, Spears was able to snag 52 passes, tied for ninth among RBs in 2023. Tony Pollard came over from the Cowboys on a fairly lucrative deal, but Spears should still have a major role in this new-look versatile offense. The Bears in return basically all of their stud defensive line from a unit that ranked #1 in the league in rushing yards allowed per game. It will be very tough to run on this front, but with Spears' passing game chops he should see enough work to warrant deeper league flex value, with a slight upgrade in full-PPR formats.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard heads to Chicago to face the Bears on NFL opening weekend. Pollard came to Nashville by way of Dallas on a 3-year, $21.75M deal this offseason after an underwhelming year as the Cowboys lead back. He now takes over a Titans backfield that is without superstar workhorse Derrick Henry, but retains the shifty Tyjae Spears who flashed quite a bit last season and should get a sizable workload. Titans Offensive Coordinator Nick Holz recently said the backfield will likely be a 50/50 split which brings Pollard's value down some, but he should still be the 1A to Spears' 1B in the backfield at least to begin the year. Week 1 will be anything but easy traveling to the Chicago and their #1 rushing defense from last year, which should be elite once again in 2024. Consider him a low-end flex for Week 1.
From RotoBaller