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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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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 6

Player Notes
Roman Wilson Oct 12 1:50pm ET
Roman Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson is expected to be active in Week 6 on Sunday on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to source, which will be his NFL debut. An ankle injury slowed Wilson to start the year, but he'll rejoin them now and give quarterback Justin Fields another option in the passing game moving forward. Despite not being on the injury report, Wilson was a healthy scratch in the last three contests after being out with his ankle injury in the first two weeks of his rookie season. The 23-year-old third-rounder has an opportunity in Pittsburgh's thin receiving corps, but for now he'll likely be mixed in as depth behind George Pickens, Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III. Eventually, Wilson profiles as a medium-volume deep threat for a Steelers offense that doesn't really stretch the field much, at least with Fields under center. At best, Wilson is a watch-list candidate in 12-team fantasy leagues right now. Stash him in dynasty formats.

From RotoBaller

Evan Hull Oct 12 1:30pm ET
Evan Hull

The Indianapolis Colts signed running back Evan Hull from the practice squad to the 53-man active roster on Saturday with Jonathan Taylor (ankle) missing his second straight game due to a high-ankle sprain this Sunday against the division-rival Tennessee Titans. The Colts need extra RB depth this weekend behind Trey Sermon, who will be starting for the second straight week, and Tyler Goodson. The 23-year-old was on the active roster last week as well in the Week 5 loss to the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars but didn't play a single offensive snap. The former fifth-round selection in 2023 out of Northwestern played in just one game in his rookie campaign and had one carry for one yard and caught his only target for a gain of six yards. Hull remains well off the fantasy radar and may only play if one of Sermon or Goodson get injured on Sunday against the Titans.

From RotoBaller

Kayvon Thibodeaux Oct 12 1:30pm ET
Kayvon Thibodeaux

The New York Giants will place linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (wrist) on Injured Reserve on Saturday, according to source. Thibodeaux broke the scaphoid bone in his wrist in last week's win over the Seattle Seahawks and will now miss at least the next four games. A source said Thibodeaux has a four- to six-week timeline. If he only misses the required four games, Thibodeaux could return for a Week 10 date against the Carolina Panthers. But with the Giants having their bye in Week 11, there's a better chance that we don't see him again until Week 12 versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 23-year-old had surgery on his wrist on Wednesday. The former fifth overall pick in 2022 out of Oregon had only 12 tackles (eight solo), two sacks, three tackles for loss and seven QB hits in five games into his third NFL season before getting injured. Azeez Ojulari and Patrick Johnson will be expected to step up with bigger workloads with Thibodeaux out for the G-Men.

From RotoBaller

Cordarrelle Patterson Oct 12 1:20pm ET
Cordarrelle Patterson

Pittsburgh Steelers running back/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) missed practice all week and was ruled out for the Week 6 contest this Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Patterson hurt his ankle in the Week 4 loss to the Indianapolis Colts and missed the Week 5 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The 33-year-old hasn't practiced in the last two weeks, so he could be in danger of missing another game in Week 7 against the New York Jets. His absence will be felt more for Pittsburgh on special teams than it will on offense, and the backfield will be getting a boost with Jaylen Warren (knee) returning after sitting out last week. Patterson, a four-time Pro Bowl kick returner, has seen only 16 carries in four games this season in his first year in Pittsburgh for 92 rushing yards, also catching five passes for 34 yards. He belongs on the waiver wire in most fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

James Cook Oct 12 1:10pm ET
James Cook

Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl running back James Cook (toe) will practice on Saturday despite his toe injury and plans to play on Monday night against the division-rival New York Jets in Week 6, according to his agency LAA. Head coach Sean McDermott said that Cook will be listed as questionable on the final injury report. As long as the 25-year-old doesn't suffer a setback at practice on Saturday, it's looking like fantasy managers will be able to keep him in their starting lineups. Cook didn't practice on Thursday and Friday and was looking more likely to miss the Week 6 contest before this news. It's good news that he's expected to play, but fantasy managers should expect more bust potential from Cook this week, as both Ty Johnson and rookie Ray Davis could spell him more often, and the matchup against a tough Jets defense doesn't help matters.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Shakir Oct 12 1:10pm ET
Khalil Shakir

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) will be listed as questionable for the Week 6 divisional showdown on Monday night against the New York Jets. Shakir was unable to practice on Thursday and Friday, so he's apparently going to return to the practice field on Saturday in order to give himself a shot at suiting up in primetime on Monday. The 24-year-old pass-catcher injured his ankle in the Week 4 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and sat out of the Week 5 loss to the Houston Texans. It's good news that he's made some progress, but he's firmly in danger of missing his second straight game and is an extremely volatile fantasy option this weekend with Buffalo's game being on Monday night. If Shakir misses another game, rookie Keon Coleman, Mack Hollins and Curtis Samuel will be more involved in the passing game, as well as tight end Dalton Kincaid against a stout Jets defense.

From RotoBaller

Younghoe Koo Oct 12 11:20am ET
Younghoe Koo

Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo ranks near the top in fantasy points at the position so far in 2024, with his last seven makes coming from 40 yards or more. The Atlanta offense really got rolling last week and gets another favorable matchup in Week 6 against the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers have been terrible against both the pass and run, so the Falcons should have no problem moving the ball down the field which should provide Koo with plenty of opportunity. The drawback perhaps is that Carolina has been too forgiving, which could lead to touchdowns and only extra points for the 30-year-old kicker, but with one of the higher projected totals on the board (46.5) and beautiful weather conditions projected in Charlotte, this game sets up nicely for the seven-year veteran.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Allgeier Oct 12 11:00am ET
Tyler Allgeier

Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier has yet to accumulate double-digit rush attempts in a game this season, but with Bijan Robinson popping up on Thursday's injury report with a hamstring injury, perhaps this is the week he helps spell Robinson a few extra snaps. The Falcons will square off with the Carolina Panthers in Week 6, a defense that has yielded a league-worst nine touchdowns on the ground through five weeks. In addition to Robinson's injury, albeit minor, Atlanta is favored by six points in this contest, so if the Falcons are playing with a lead late in the game, Allgeier could stand to benefit. The 24-year-old has shown in the past that he's a capable back, and with 5.4 yards per rush on average this season it shows he still is, but while he's a strong handcuff for Robinson managers, without more opportunities the BYU product is merely a low-end FLEX play this week.

From RotoBaller

Mike Williams Oct 12 10:10am ET
Mike Williams

New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams had been trending up in recent weeks but he took a step back in Week 5, catching just two balls for 25 yards in a loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He will look to bounce back at home against the Buffalo Bills in Week 6's Monday night game. It isn't a great matchup for Williams, however, as the Bills are allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers this year. Williams could benefit from the extra defensive attention paid to Garrett Wilson and, to a lesser extent, Allen Lazard, but he is still not a strong fantasy option heading into Week 6. Treat him as a WR5 this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Ray-Ray McCloud Oct 12 10:10am ET
Ray-Ray McCloud

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III corralled six passes for the second consecutive game in last week's clash with Tampa Bay, and in Week 6 he's gifted the Carolina defense that has allowed a league-high 11 scores through the air. McCloud is Atlanta's No. 3 wideout and registers just a 7.5 aDOT but has managed to turn his looks into 229 yards receiving, which is more than higher-rostered players like Courtland Sutton (224) and Amari Cooper (208). The 27-year-old has yet to find the endzone, which limits his production, but he is also somewhat involved in the run game (two rushes for 23 yards), and the Panthers are charitable on the ground as well. The Clemson product can also provide points in the kick return game for leagues that reward those stats. The five-foot-nine receiver should be viewed as a FLEX option this week with WR3 upside, especially in PPR formats.

From RotoBaller

Greg Zuerlein Oct 12 10:10am ET
Greg Zuerlein

New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein has made six of his eight field-goal attempts in 2024, working out to an average of just 1.6 attempts per game. He will look for more work heading into a Week 6 matchup against the Buffalo Bills on Monday night. The Bills have been tough on kickers this season, allowing just the 26th-most fantasy points per game to the position through five games. Zuerlein isn't seeing enough volume to be trusted as a top-15 fantasy option heading into Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Allen Lazard Oct 12 10:00am ET
Allen Lazard

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard has been a pleasant surprise in 2024, catching 20 balls for 240 yards and four touchdowns over five games. He will look to keep it going against the Buffalo Bills in Week 6's Monday night game. The Bills may cool him off, however, as their secondary is allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to receivers this season. This downgrades the entire New York passing attack for Week 6, leaving Lazard as a boom/bust flex option heading into Monday night.

From RotoBaller

Luke Musgrave Oct 12 9:50am ET
Luke Musgrave

Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave (ankle) was placed on the injured reserve according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. As a result, Musgrave will be sidelined for at least the next four games due to an ankle injury. The 24-year-old has had a slow start to the campaign catching only five passes across the first four weeks with just 22 yards. Fantasy managers should expect 23-year-old Tucker Kraft to see the majority of opportunities at the position going forward. Kraft has enjoyed a nice breakout campaign and has caught ten passes for 141 yards and three scores over the past two weeks. Kraft remains a TE1 going forward and has a favorable matchup this weekend against a week Arizona secondary.

From RotoBaller

Trey Palmer Oct 12 9:40am ET
Trey Palmer

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Trey Palmer (concussion) will miss his second straight game this weekend due to a concussion. The sophomore wideout was unable to participate in any team practices this week and will now set his sights on returning in Week 7. After catching only one pass through the first three weeks of the season, Palmer enjoyed a nice bounce-back performance in Week 4 when he caught three passes for 26 yards and a score. Fantasy managers should expect rookie wideout Jalen McMillan (hamstring) to serve as the No.3 option this weekend if he is able to suit up. If not, veteran Sterling Shepard will take that role and could be worth a look as a high-risk option in DFS as he found the end zone last week.

From RotoBaller

Braelon Allen Oct 12 9:40am ET
Braelon Allen

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen has been quiet over the past two games, rushing for 47 scoreless yards while catching just two passes. It isn't just Allen as Breece Hall has also struggled to find room to run over that same span. The Jets and Allen will look to change that in Week 6's Monday night game against the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo can be beaten on the ground as they are allowing the 15th-most fantasy points per game to running backs this season. That is in stark contrast to their lockdown pass defense, which is allows the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to receivers. The Jets could lean heavily on their running backs in Week 6, giving Allen a good shot at seeing double-digit touches for the first time since Week 3. That places him on the map as a solid flex option heading into Monday night.

From RotoBaller

Curtis Samuel Oct 12 9:30am ET
Curtis Samuel

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel (toe) remained a limited participant in Friday's practice. Samuel was limited during Thursday's initial session with a toe injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during Saturday's practice as it should provide clarity on his availability for Monday's game. However, seeing him participate in a limited capacity earlier in the week is a promising sign that he might be able to suit up. No.1 wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) and No.1 running back James Cook (toe) have not participated in a practice session this week which could open the door for Samuel to see more opportunities. If Samuel sees an increase in playing time due to the other injuries, he could be worth a look as a flex option in deeper formats on Monday evening.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Oct 12 9:30am ET
Garrett Wilson

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson turned in his best game of the season against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5, catching 13 of his 23 targets for 101 yards and a touchdown. He will look for another big performance in Week 6's Monday night game against the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo's secondary should provide more resistance for Wilson than Minnesota's as they have been tough against wide receivers, allowing the 26th-most fantasy points per game to the position. Tough matchup aside, Wilson reinforced last week that he is still the top target in New York despite Aaron Rodgers' strong rapport with Allen Lazard. Fantasy gamers should temper expectations for the entire Jets passing game in Week 6 but Wilson can still be started as a mid-range WR2.

From RotoBaller

Chauncey Golston Oct 12 9:20am ET
Chauncey Golston

Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons (ankle) will not suit up this weekend when the Cowboys face the Detroit Lions. Parsons suffered a high-ankle sprain in their Week 4 victory over the New York Giants and will now miss his second consecutive game. Fantasy managers in IDP leagues should continue to monitor his status as the star edge rusher could be eligible to return in Week 8 as the Cowboys are off on a bye in Week 7. This weekend, DeMarvion Overshown and Erik Kendricks should see most of the linebacker snaps while Chauncey Golston and Tyrus Wheat will be deployed on the line. With both DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) and Parsons not playing, the Detroit offense should have much easier time moving down the field.

From RotoBaller

Breece Hall Oct 12 9:20am ET
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall has struggled greatly over the past two weeks, rushing for just 27 yards on 19 carries over that span. He will look to turn things around against the Buffalo Bills in Week 6's Monday night game. The Bills have been average against running backs this season, allowing the 15th-most fantasy points per game to the position through five games. Buffalo is also very tough against the pass, which could lead to a more run-heavy game plan for the Jets heading into Monday night. Hall hasn't been great for fantasy of late but he's still an explosive player who does plenty of damage in the passing game. That keeps him in the conversation as a low-end RB1 in fantasy in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Matt Prater Oct 12 9:10am ET
Matt Prater

Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers. Prater was kept sidelined during last weekend's game with a knee injury. However, he was able to log three consecutive limited practice sessions this week which is a promising sign for his status as he was only able to log one heading into Week 5. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status ahead of kickoff. If Prater is able to suit he should be started in all formats given his offensive situation. If Prater is unable to play, Chad Ryland will likely be activated from the practice squad and is a worth a look as a deep league streamer.

From RotoBaller