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FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

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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Player Notes
Sam LaPorta Sep 28 5:40pm ET
Sam LaPorta

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (ankle) is officially off of the Week 4 injury report and is set to suit up against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night. LaPorta was battling an ankle injury that caused him to leave the team's win over Arizona early last week. The Iowa product has not been as heavily involved this year as he was last year but this is a good sign that he will be back for this game. So far, he has eight catches for 94 yards in three games. Fantasy managers will want to be patient with the talented former second-round pick as one good game could spark his resurgence. LaPorta should be locked and loaded in lineups as a starting tight end this week now that he has shaken off the injury.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Mostert Sep 28 5:30pm ET
Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (chest) is listed as questionable in the final injury report of the week for the team. The Dolphins play on Monday night against the Titans and Mostert has a chance to return after missing the last two games with a chest injury. Even if he does return, the veteran running back would be operating behind De'Von Achane on the depth chart and thus would have limited upside. He was listed as a limited participant on Saturday, making it three straight limited practice sessions. Mostert has the big-play ability to break long runs and do damage on limited carries but if he does return it might be wise to wait and see what his role is upon getting back on the field. A healthy Achane has dominated opportunities in the Dolphins' backfield and the offense in general hasn't been very explosive this season even when Tua Tagovailoa was healthy.

From RotoBaller

Skylar Thompson Sep 28 5:30pm ET
Skylar Thompson

Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson (ribs) is listed as questionable on the team's final injury report. Thompson got a limited practice in on Saturday to make it three straight limited sessions on the practice field. The team has already named Tyler Huntley as the starting quarterback for Week 4 against Tennessee on Monday night. But Thompson has a shot to get back as the backup QB in this game after suffering a rib injury last week. Thompson has struggled since taking over for Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) and the team will look to Huntley for a spark. Thompson could be available and ready to go off the bench if needed.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Sep 28 4:50pm ET
Justin Herbert

Barring a pregame setback, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) is expected to start Sunday's game against the Chiefs according to NFL Network. Herbert is dealing with a high-ankle sprain but is expected to fight through it to play in Week 4. Rashawn Slater (pectoral) has been ruled out and Joe Alt (knee) is doubtful, so the Chargers' offense will not be operating at full-go against the talented Chiefs' defense potentially without two tackles. A slightly hobbled Herbert with a make-shift offensive line is not a good recipe for fantasy success, so managers with other options might want to look elsewhere at the quarterback position.

From RotoBaller

Rachaad White Sep 28 4:40pm ET
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (illness) was added to the injury report as questionable, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. White is in danger of missing Week 4's game against the Eagles on Sunday after a late injury designation. He will likely be a game-time call and should he miss Week 4, Bucky Irving (hamstring) would be in line for a bigger role and would be a must-start fantasy RB. But Irving himself is questionable with a hamstring injury. The Buccaneers running back situation should be monitored closely before Sunday's game against Philadelphia. White has been ceding some work in the backfield to Irving in the past weeks anyway, so this is a very fluid situation.

From RotoBaller

Parris Campbell Sep 28 4:30pm ET
Parris Campbell

The Philadelphia Eagles have elevated wide receivers Parris Campbell and John Ross from the practice squad prior to Sunday's Week 4 game against Tampa Bay. With A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (concussion) ruled out, the Eagles' are looking for depth at the position. Campbell had some promising stints with the Colts and is a former second-round draft pick. Ross has seen time with the Giants and Chiefs since he was drafted by the Bengals as the No. 9 overall pick of the 2017 draft. The duo will join Jahan Dotson and Johnny Wilson as the main healthy receivers for the Eagles.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Sep 28 4:20pm ET
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) is officially out for the team's Week 4 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports. This will be the third straight game that Brown misses with his hamstring injury after going for five catches for 119 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 against Green Bay. With DeVonta Smith (concussion) also out, the Eagles wide receiver corps is depleted. Parris Campbell and John Ross have been elevated from the practice squad to add more receiver depth.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Sep 28 4:10pm ET
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) is expected to play in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Love has missed the past two weeks after suffering an MCL sprain against the Eagles late in their opening game. It was initially feared to be a longer absence for the starting Green Bay signal caller. Love returns to the field in what will be a tough matchup against the surprising Vikings defense but he should elevate the entire Packers' offense in his return. He was 17-of-34 with 260 yards passing and two touchdowns with one interception in the Week 1 loss to the Eagles. With plenty of offensive weapons at his disposal, the Utah State product should immediately be a starting fantasy quarterback despite a challenging matchup.

From RotoBaller

Kirk Cousins Sep 28 3:40pm ET
Kirk Cousins

The Kansas City Chiefs defense will take on the Los Angeles Chargers on the road in Week 4. The Chiefs defense has been disappointing, but there are reasons for optimism. The Kansas City unit gave up 17 points to the Atlanta Falcons last week, their fewest points allowed this season. The Chiefs defense also came down with their first interception of the year against Kirk Cousins. With multiple sacks in back-to-back games, the Chiefs are trending upwards. Kansas City will face off against the Los Angeles Chargers and their rush attack. The Chargers have the seventh-most rushing yards per game this season, but their efficiency will likely drop this week. The Chargers have two injured offensive linemen this week. Rashawn Slater has already been ruled out this week, and Joe Alt is listed as questionable but seems unlikely to suit up. The run game will suffer from the potential loss of both tackles, and the passing game could also be at risk. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is also listed as questionable for this matchup. The Chargers offense is full of injuries, and their defense is also banged up. The Chiefs defense could capitalize if the Chargers run game fails and Herbert misses this contest. The Kansas City defense should be a start-worthy unit this week.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Sep 28 3:40pm ET
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) has been removed from this week's injury report and is set to play on Monday night against the Detroit Lions. This will mark his return after missing the last two games due to an oblique injury he sustained late in his 103-yard rushing performance in Seattle's season opener against Denver on Sept. 8. Walker practiced on a limited basis on Thursday and Friday, indicating he was on track to return. With his comeback, Zach Charbonnet is expected to take on the backup running back role. Walker faces a formidable Lions defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards this season. Nevertheless, he remains a must-start option, even after his injury and in a challenging matchup.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Sep 28 3:30pm ET
Aaron Rodgers

Through the first three games of the 2024 NFL season, the Denver Broncos defense/special teams has been a top-10 fantasy unit on the back of 11 sacks, four total takeaways (two fumbles, two interceptions) and two safeties (both in Week 1). They've allowed 15.3 points per game (sixth-fewest) and only 259.3 yards per game (third-fewest) against Seattle, Pittsburgh and Tampa. Their underrated defense is in for a big test on the road in Week 4 in New York, though, against a Jets offense that has been getting better with each passing week under future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Jets offense got off to a slow start in the season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers, but Rodgers looked much better moving around in last week's convincing win over the division-rival Patriots. Denver's D/ST will be a streaming candidate again in 2024, but this is a week to look for better options.

From RotoBaller

Harrison Butker Sep 28 3:30pm ET
Harrison Butker

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker and will face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4. Butker nailed all three field goal attempts and split his two extra-point attempts in last week's win against the Atlanta Falcons. Butker scored 10 points for Kansas City in Week 3, his highest scoring output this season. Butker has consistently contributed this season, scoring at least eight points in each contest. Butker will look to continue his production on the road in Los Angeles. The Chiefs are considered heavy favorites in this contest, which could make for an uncompetitive second half of play. If the Chiefs run out to an early lead, the Kansas City offense could be less inclined to extend drives and take the points. Butker could match or exceed his scoring output from last week in this contest. Butker is a starting-caliber kicker every week.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Sep 28 3:20pm ET
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy will take on the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4. Worthy had two catches for 17 yards and three carries for 13 yards in last week's win against the Atlanta Falcons. Worthy has had two catches in the team's first three games. The rookie wide receiver has also been involved in the run game every game this season, which bodes well for him since the team is manufacturing touches for him. Worthy has been unable to do much with those touches since his strong Week 1 performance. As the season goes on, the hope is that Worthy will become a more significant part of the offense, but we have not seen a dramatic jump in usage yet. This week's matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers should be a good opportunity for Worthy to capitalize on his touches. The Chargers offense and defense have been decimated with injuries, and this week's matchup should be a non-competitive contest. The Chiefs should be able to have their way on offense, and Worthy could benefit from that. Worthy remains a low-end, high-upside flex option in the Chiefs passing attack.

From RotoBaller

Carson Steele Sep 28 3:20pm ET
Carson Steele

Kansas City Chiefs running back Carson Steele will take on the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4. Steele had 17 carries for 72 yards in last week's win against the Atlanta Falcons. The rookie running back also had one reception for two yards in his first career start. Steele was the unquestioned lead back for the Chiefs, as Samaje Perine only had six carries in the contest. The Chiefs rookie may have more competition for touches this week since Kansas City signed Kareem Hunt to their active roster before their trip to Los Angeles. Hunt figures to be involved on the ground and in the passing game for the Chiefs. Steele should still see the majority of touches out of the backfield, but the split remains to be seen. Steele should be productive with his opportunities since the Chargers are dealing with several significant injuries. The loss of Joey Bosa and Derwin James should downgrade the Chargers unit significantly and open up more opportunities for Steele to succeed. The Chiefs should win this game by a large margin, and Steele should be the primary back draining the clock to end the game. The Chiefs rookie running back should be viewed as a low-end RB2/high-end RB3 in this week's contest.

From RotoBaller

Foyesade Oluokun Sep 28 3:20pm ET
Foyesade Oluokun

The Jacksonville Jaguars have officially ruled safety Darnell Savage (quad) out for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans. Head coach Doug Pederson had indicated earlier this week that Savage would be back on the field after missing the last two contests due to a quadriceps injury. However, it appears he hasn't fully recovered, resulting in his third consecutive game on the sidelines. Savage made an impact in his only game of the season against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1, playing 49 defensive snaps and recording two passes defensed, including a crucial stop on a fourth-down conversion attempt. In Savage's absence, Antonio Johnson is expected to see increased playing time in Jacksonville's first-team secondary. The Jaguars' defense is already thin, with Foyesade Oluokun also placed on IR, which could boost the Texans' offense this week.

From RotoBaller

Ventrell Miller Sep 28 3:10pm ET
Ventrell Miller

The Jacksonville Jaguars have placed standout linebacker Foye Oluokun on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least four games. Oluokun was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, an injury he sustained during the Jaguars' Week 3 loss to the Bills. Although he had already been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Texans, his move to IR will prevent him from playing for the next four regular-season games. Fortunately, Oluokun will not require surgery for the injury. He started all three games this season, recording 22 tackles and a sack. Since joining the Jaguars before the 2022 season, he has started every game and boasts an impressive streak of 69 consecutive starts overall. In his career, Oluokun has played in 100 of a possible 101 games, with his only absence coming in Week 3 of 2020 due to a hamstring injury. The earliest he could return is Week 8 against the Packers on October 27. In his absence, Ventrell Miller will take over the starting outside linebacker role opposite Chad Muma, with Yasir Abdullah providing additional depth.

From RotoBaller

Travis Kelce Sep 28 3:10pm ET
Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will take on the Los Angeles Chargers on the road in Week 4. Kelce had four catches for 30 yards in last week's win against the Atlanta Falcons. Kelce has been one of the most disappointing draft picks this season, accumulating only eight catches for 69 yards in three games. The former TE1 overall is ranked 24th amongst tight ends in PPR points per game. Despite his nightmarish start to the season, the stars are aligning for Kelce's breakout performance. The Chargers defense is missing Joey Bosa, attacking from the edge, and star safety Derwin James, who would likely pick Kelce up in coverage. The Chargers could also be missing key pieces on their offensive line and quarterback. The Chiefs should be able to pick apart the Los Angeles defense in this contest. However, given the likelihood that the Chiefs win, the run game could be heavily involved, limiting Kelce's upside. Nevertheless, the matchup is juicy, and the stage is set for Kelce to perform. The Chiefs tight end should still be considered a TE1 in this matchup.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Sep 28 3:10pm ET
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice will face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4. Rice caught 12 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown in last week's win against the Atlanta Falcons. Rice has far and away been the top target in the Kansas City passing attack, catching more passes in Week 3 than Travis Kelce has caught all season. That trend should continue this week against the Chargers, who are missing several key pieces on offense and defense. The Chargers will show up to play, but it likely won't be a competitive contest. That said, Rice is averaging eight receptions and 96 receiving yards a game through three games, so he is an obvious must-start candidate. The Chargers defense has allowed the 10th-fewest passing yards this season, but they will likely see diminished success while missing some star players. Rice is an easy WR1 regardless of matchup until proven otherwise.

From RotoBaller

Wil Lutz Sep 28 3:00pm ET
Wil Lutz

Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz enters a Week 4 road matchup against the New York Jets on Sunday as the No. 6 fantasy kicker. Lutz has made all nine of his field-goal attempts and all three of his extra-point tries through the first three games. The Jets defense has allowed 9.3 fantasy points per game to opposing kickers so far, which is tied for the fifth-most in the league. However, the Jets defense has also allowed just 17.3 points per game and could be pinning their ears back on Sunday in a matchup against rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who has yet to throw a touchdown pass in 2024. At best, Lutz should probably be viewed as a deep-league streaming option at the kicking position in a Broncos offense that is averaging a below-average 17.3 points per game and 292.7 total yards per game through the first three weeks.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Sep 28 3:00pm ET
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will take on the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4. Mahomes passed for 217 yards and two touchdowns in last week's win over the Atlanta Falcons. Mahomes has been disappointing as a fantasy quarterback, but his team is undefeated, so there is no motivation to change how the offense operates. The Chargers defense has allowed the 10th-fewest passing yards this season, but that could be skewed by their level of competition in the first three weeks. The Los Angeles defense faced Gardner Minshew and the Raiders in Week 1, Bryce Young and the Panthers in Week 2, and Justin Fields and the Steelers in Week 3. Mahomes and the Chiefs will be the first real test for the Chargers defense, who will also be without stars Derwin James due to a suspension and Joey Bosa due to injury. The Chargers are also dealing with three massive offensive injuries. Rashawn Slater has been ruled out, while Justin Herbert and Joe Alt are both questionable for the matchup. The stars are aligning for the Chiefs to breeze through this contest, which could benefit Mahomes in the first half, but the Chiefs may not need to push the envelope on offense in the second half. Mahomes is likely still a QB1, but towards the lower end of that range, considering the run game could salt the game away.

From RotoBaller