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.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (shoulder) is dealing with some right-shoulder soreness on Monday and is considered day-to-day, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Purdy might be included on the team's Week 12 injury report but he should ultimately be fine to play this upcoming Sunday on the road at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers. The 24-year-old was without tight end George Kittle (hamstring) in the Week 11 loss to the division-rival Seattle Seahawks and went 21-for-28 for a season-low 159 yards, one touchdown and his eighth interception of the year. His shoulder injury is something to watch throughout the week, but ultimately it shouldn't affect his Week 12 status. Purdy could certainly bounce back as more of a QB1 in fantasy against Green Bay, especially if Kittle is back in action.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (hips, obliques) will be evaluated throughout the week after being forced from the Week 11 loss to the division-rival Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Bosa has been dealing with a hip/oblique injury and said he is now dealing with a similar injury on the other side after overcompensating for his previous injury. The Niners defense surely could have used the 27-year-old All-Pro pass-rusher late in Sunday's game against Seattle, and depending on how he recovers this week, they could be without him for a crucial NFC battle with the hosting Green Bay Packers in Week 12. "There's just as good of a chance for him to not play as play," Shanahan said about Bosa playing against Green Bay. It would be a significant downgrade for San Fran's pass rush if Bosa is inactive.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington joined the rest of the offense on Sunday in producing very little in the 52-6 blowout loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 11. Washington was targeted three times by quarterback Mac Jones and hauled in one of the three targets for a pickup of 10 yards. The 22-year-old should have a much bigger role moving forward now that Gabe Davis (knee) has been ruled out for the season, but Washington and the rest of the Jags' offense is desperately hoping that regular QB Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) will be ready to return following the team's Week 12 bye. Washington, a sixth-rounder in 2023, has just one catch for 10 yards in the two games that Mac Jones has started. He has only 10 catches (18 targets) for 118 yards and no TDs in 11 games this year and will primarily be a bench stash in deep leagues the rest of the way.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (hamstring) is expected to return to practice on Wednesday after sitting out the Week 11 divisional loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday due to hamstring irritation that he picked up in the Week 10 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Kittle was "close" to playing on Sunday. Barring a setback once the 31-year-old returns to practice this week, he should be able to return in Week 12 against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday. With elevated playing time against Seattle with Kittle out, Eric Saubert failed to take advantage and caught one pass for seven yards. Despite missing two games this year due to injury, Kittle is the TE2 in half-PPR scoring with 43 receptions, 560 yards and a league-leading seven touchdowns. If he's active in Week 12, he's a must-start in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. was the team's lead back in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions on Sunday with Tank Bigsby (ankle) inactive, but he wasn't able to do much with his 15 touches in the 52-6 blowout loss. Etienne finished with a team-high 12 rushing attempts for only 27 yards (2.3 yards per carry) and caught all three of his targets for just six receiving yards. On the road against a stout Lions defensive front with quarterback Mac Jones filling in for Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) for the second straight week amounted to the Jaguars' offense getting absolutely dominated all day. It was surely a disappointment for Etienne's fantasy managers that were hoping for more with Bigsby out. The 25-year-old has under 50 rushing yards in five straight games now and could be splitting carries again with Bigsby coming out of the team's Week 12 bye.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram hauled in five of his seven targets for only 28 receiving yards in the 52-6 loss to the Detroit Lions on the road on Sunday in Week 11. Outside of rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who had five catches for a team-high 82 yards, nobody in Jacksonville's offense was able to produce much on a day where the team was held out of the end zone and quarterback Mac Jones threw for under 150 yards. The good news for the 30-year-old veteran tight end is that his seven targets and five receptions were both tied for the team lead with Thomas. He's also had three straight games with at least five catches, although it hasn't come with much yardage. Hopefully for Engram's sake, he'll be taking passes from quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) again after the Week 12 bye, which would vault him into firm TE1 range in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
As expected, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (back, shoulder) is officially active on Monday night to face off against the Houston Texans. Lamb came into Week 11 preparation nursing a shoulder injury but then popped up on the injury report on Saturday due to a back injury and was listed as questionable. The Cowboys never seemed terribly worried that Lamb would miss Monday's game, though. Although Lamb's fantasy ceiling and floor have dropped considerably with quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) out for the year, he still belongs in most starting fantasy lineups on a weekly basis. The 25-year-old caught six of his 10 targets for 21 yards in last week's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and will look to do better on Monday with quarterback Cooper Rush throwing him the ball. Dallas will likely have to pass frequently to keep up with Houston.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) is considered a full-go for the Monday night game against the Dallas Cowboys and will not have any playing-time restrictions despite missing the team's last five games due to a hamstring injury. It's excellent news for Collins' fantasy managers that should have already moved him back into their starting lineups for Week 11 action. The 25-year-old pass-catcher hasn't played since getting hurt back on Oct. 6 against the Buffalo Bills, but before his injury, he was the NFL's receiving leader, and he's returning to an offense that won't have receiver Stefon Diggs (knee) for the rest of the year. The Cowboys defense has been around middle of the pack in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing wideouts in 2024, but Collins should be heavily involved in his first game back and has WR1 upside as long as he plays a normal share of offensive snaps.
From RotoBaller
Former New England Patriots wide receiver Tyquan Thornton has signed with the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad on Monday, according to a source. The former second-rounder in 2022 out of Baylor will now get another opportunity with the defending Super Bowl champions after the Patriots waived him on Saturday. The 24-year-old caught 35 of his 68 targets for 338 yards and two touchdowns in 22 games (12 starts) in his first two years in New England before catching just four passes on eight targets for 47 yards in six games with the Patriots this year. Thornton certainly has some more intrigue in KC, but it remains to be seen if he can work his way into a big enough role down the stretch for the Chiefs. As things stand now, the Chiefs have a receiving corps that includes DeAndre Hopkins, JuJu Smith-Schuster, rookie Xavier Worthy, Mecole Hardman and Justin Watson.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants ownership has suggested that head coach Brian Daboll will return in 2025, but according to sources, there's a growing sense that he is now coaching for his job over the final seven games in 2024. The heat on Daboll is partially why the Giants chose quarterback Tommy Devito as the starter under center over Drew Lock after benching Daniel Jones coming out of the Week 10 bye. The team's relationship with Jones has been described as "a bit awkward," according to multiple sources. "It was like flirting with someone new while your date is still at the table," one source said. The G-Men are now 2-8 heading into a Week 12 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and are probably looking at an offseason full of changes, even if they pick things up down the stretch. DeVito has experience in Daboll's system and wasn't terrible in six starts in 2023, but the upside is going to be minimal in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said there are currently no updates on the status of linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring) after he injured his hamstring in the Week 11 loss to the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. "No updates right now. Just monitoring it as we go," Harbaugh said. Smith injured his hamstring early in the fourth quarter and was ruled out for the remainder of the game shortly after. Before leaving, the 27-year-old was busy, collecting 13 tackles (two for loss) against the Steelers. We'll have a better idea on Smith's Week 12 status once the Ravens resume practicing on Wednesday, but if he's unable to play, it will be a big loss for Baltimore's defense next Monday night against the Los Angeles Chargers. Smith currently checks in as the No. 3 fantasy linebacker in IDP leagues in overall points.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Monday that the team's short turnaround this Thursday night against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12 played a role in running back Nick Chubb only playing 22 snaps on offense on Sunday in the Week 11 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Chubb finished with 11 carries for 50 yards and was not targeted through the air for the first time since making his 2024 debut on Oct. 20 in the loss to the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals. The limited workload on Sunday was disappointing with the Browns coming off their bye, but the good news is Chubb should be more involved out of the backfield this Thursday, albeit in a tough matchup against one of the best defenses in the NFL. The 28-year-old has a career-low 3.1 yards per carry on 53 rushing attempts in four games so far in his return from a serious knee injury in 2023.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (concussion) is officially in the league's concussion protocol after suffering a head injury in the Week 11 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Spears was forced to leave the game late in the fourth quarter. He finished with a disappointing three carries for no gain while catching two of his three targets for just eight yards in the 23-13 defeat. The 23-year-old will now have to pass through the NFL's concussion protocol this week in order to gain clearance to play in Week 12 versus the division-rival Houston Texans on Sunday. Already a low-upside, low-floor RB3/flex in deeper fantasy leagues, Spears is shaping up as a depth RB to avoid going into Week 12. If he is unable to clear the concussion protocol, it would give Tony Pollard RB2 upside, while Julius Chestnut's role would expand behind Pollard.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. hauled in 5-of-7 targets for 82 yards in the team's 52-6 loss to the Detroit Lions. The rookie wideout was the only Jaguars player to record more than 28 receiving yards on a day when quarterback Mac Jones tossed for 138 yards. His target and reception total tied tight end Evan Engram for the highest marks on the team. BTJ recorded three receptions of at least 20 yards and could have had an even bigger day if a late 33-yard reception wasn't overturned. Despite the woes of the Jags' offense, the sensational 22-year-old continues to perform, though it's worth noting that he did appear to get injured on the overturned reception. Fortunately, he'll get a bye in Week 12 before a divisional clash against the Houston Texans in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones completed 17-of-29 passes for 138 yards and one interception in Sunday's 52-6 loss to the Detroit Lions. He rushed for seven yards on his two carries. Yikes. The Jags recorded just ten first downs to the Lions' 38 and were overmatched from the start. Jones wasn't much better than his performance against the Vikings the week prior, as he has yet to throw a passing touchdown in either of his starts. In his defense, he's faced quite the gauntlet of defenses in his first taste of action since Week 12 of 2023. Still, he's averaging an abysmal 4.88 yards per attempt in his two outings. With the Jags on bye in Week 12, the door is open for QB Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) to make a return against the Texans in Week 13 if he can heal up enough over the week off.
From RotoBaller
Per head coach Antonio Pierce, the Las Vegas Raiders are sticking with quarterback Gardner Minshew for at least one more week. Paul Gutierrez of ESPN reported the news. The 28-year-old has been fine this season, albeit unspectacular, as the Raiders attempt to figure out their long-term quarterback solution. Las Vegas will line up against the Denver Broncos this Sunday in a divisional clash, and it could be Minshew's last week as the starter, with QB Aidan O'Connell (thumb) eligible to return from IR the following week. It will be interesting to see if AOC slots back in as the team's starter upon his return, but Minshew will get one more crack at the starting job against a stout Denver Broncos defense at home in Week 12.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo was 2-for-2 on field goal attempts in Week 11, hitting from 41 and 51 yards out and restoring some semblance of confidence in his abilities after missing three of four chances in Week 10. Unfortunately for the Falcons, Koo's two field goals were the totality of the scoring for Atlanta, losing 38-6 on the road in Denver. Between missing seven field goals this season and the Falcon offense sputtering as of late, Koo is looking like somewhat of a risky play for the rest of the season. If you're a streamer, look to use him in more favorable matchups, and Week 13 versus the Chargers may be a decent one as L.A. has been fairly good at holding opponents out of the end zone.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Dallas Cowboys have officially placed quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) on injured reserve. The move was merely a formality, as it was expected that he'd miss the remainder of 2024 after suffering an avulsion fracture in his hamstring. In his absence, Dallas will continue to roll with quarterback Cooper Rush as their starter, though for how long remains to be seen. Rush didn't have a particularly encouraging outing last weekend against the Philadelphia Eagles when he completed 13-of-23 passes for 45 yards. With fourth-year player Trey Lance the only other active quarterback on the roster, it might be worth it for the Cowboys to see what they've got in the 24-year-old.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier did not receive a single carry in Sunday's 38-6 loss to the Broncos but caught a pass for the first time in four weeks, although it was for a one-yard loss. The Falcons fell behind quickly and trailed the entire game, so the running game suffered, but even when many of the starters came out of the game in the fourth quarter, it was not Allgeier who entered for Bijan Robinson, but rookie Jase McClellan, who received eight carries in garbage time. Had the game been closer, Allgeier likely would have been more involved, so the 24-year-old will look to get back on track in Week 13 against the Chargers. Los Angeles has been good against the run, though, so the former fifth-round draft pick will likely be in the RB3/4 range for fantasy purposes.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid will decide on running back Isiah Pacheco's (fibula) status for Sunday's matchup against the Carolina Panthers after this week of practice. Reid was discussing Pacheco and defensive end Charles Omenihu (knee) when he noted they'll "just have to see how each player does in practice this week." It's encouraging that the head coach didn't outright rule out the 25-year-old. Still, it would be nice for him to exhibit more confidence regarding the third-year back's status. Pacheco, who has been out since fracturing his fibula in Week 2, would immediately boost the Chiefs' offense and fantasy manager's lineups when he's healthy. Keep an eye on his practice participation over the next few days, as that will likely be telling of his status for Sunday's outing.
From RotoBaller