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FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

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
Marquise Brown Aug 13 3:20pm ET
Marquise Brown

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) is expected to miss four to six weeks with the sternoclavicular injury he suffered in Saturday's preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Opening night for the Chiefs is three weeks from this Thursday night, with KC opening up at home versus the Baltimore Ravens and then facing the Cincinnati Bengals. This timeline likely means Brown won't be available for the regular-season opener in September, dropping his stock in fantasy drafts quite a bit this summer. Although star slot receiver Rashee Rice remains at risk of being suspended at some point this season, his appeal certainly increases with this development. Rookie first-rounder Xavier Worthy is now set to be quarterback Patrick Mahomes' primary deep threat to begin the year, with Justin Watson, Skyy Moore, and Mecole Hardman being in line for an uptick in snaps.

From RotoBaller

Samaje Perine Aug 13 3:20pm ET
Samaje Perine

ESPN's Mike Clay believes that Denver Broncos running back Samaje Perine could become available before the regular season begins. Perine is currently a part of a crowded backfield in Denver alongside starter Javonte Williams and change-of-pace backs Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime. With an expiring contract and no obvious future with the Broncos, Perine is a potential cap casualty for this summer ahead of roster cuts in late August. The veteran power back did quietly make a big impact a year ago, however, turning in the second-most yards per touch (6.7) over 103 touches and most yards per route run (2.04) across 223 routes among qualifiers at his position, so he could be a valuable asset to another team needing backfield reinforcements.

From RotoBaller

MarShawn Lloyd Aug 13 3:00pm ET
MarShawn Lloyd

Green Bay Packers rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) went down in the team's preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns after just a lone carry this weekend, and there isn't a whole lot of clarity regarding a timeline for his hamstring injury. When asked about Lloyd's short-term health on Tuesday, head coach Matt LaFleur responded, "He will not be practicing." When asked about a long-term outlook on Lloyd, LaFleur reiterated, "He will not be practicing." The lack of transparency does dump some cold water on Lloyd's case as a late-round sleeper in fantasy drafts this summer. While there is optimism the third-round pick will be ready to go in time for the regular season, his absence means he's missing out on valuable reps in training camp and exhibition play, while also giving veteran AJ Dillon a chance to take a hold of the RB2 job behind workhorse starter Josh Jacobs.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Herbert Aug 13 3:00pm ET
Khalil Herbert

ESPN's Mike Clay believes that Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert could become available before the regular season begins. Herbert is currently a part of a logjam in Chicago's backfield alongside starter D'Andre Swift and change-of-pace back Roschon Johnson. With an expiring contract and without a clear future with the Bears, Herbert is a trade candidate this offseason or at the deadline later in the year. The 26-year-old former Virginia Tech standout and sixth-round pick demonstrated a decent level of explosiveness over 152 touches in 2023, producing 4.9 yards per touch across 12 appearances. Even in the case of an injury to Swift, Herbert would likely be a part of a timeshare with Johnson as well as pass-catching specialist Travis Homer.

From RotoBaller

Haason Reddick Aug 13 2:40pm ET
Haason Reddick

One day after linebacker Haason Reddick's wish to be traded became public, the New York Jets remain in lockstep regarding the matter. "I'm not gonna elaborate any more than (general manager) Joe (Douglas) did," head coach Robert Saleh said at training camp on Tuesday. "It is what it is. I'm going to focus on the guys who are here." Reddick is an unrestricted free agent in 2025 and is looking for a new deal with New York. The two-time Pro Bowler and former first-round pick is entering his age-30 season in 2024, but he remains an integral member of the Jets' vaunted defense. In 17 appearances last season, Reddick generated 11.5 sacks, 56 quarterback pressures, and 14 tackles for loss.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Aug 13 2:30pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa told reporters on Tuesday at training camp that he hopes to play in Saturday's preseason game versus the visiting Washington Commanders at Hard Rock Stadium. After seeing no action in Friday's preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons, Tagovailoa wants to get some exhibition reps this weekend. If he's active on Saturday against Washington, he's unlikely to play more than a drive or two. The former No. 5 overall pick and first-time Pro Bowler in 2023 led the NFL with 4,624 passing yards a season ago, throwing a career-high 29 touchdowns in 17 appearances for the Dolphins. With little to no rushing upside but featuring a top-tier supporting cast in Miami, Tagovailoa is a low-end QB1 pick in fantasy drafts.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aiyuk Aug 13 2:20pm ET
Brandon Aiyuk

The Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers have a trade framework in place for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk if the Niners sign off on the deal. At the moment, San Francisco is waiting to hear back on a long-term contract offer out to Aiyuk that he hasn't yet accepted. On the other hand, Pittsburgh is reportedly in a good place on a contract for Aiyuk. This saga continues to drag and take various twists and turns, considering it sounded like a trade was close to being finalized last week involving either the Cleveland Browns or New England Patriots. If Aiyuk ends up staying put in San Fran after all, he'll remain a borderline WR1/2 fantasy option in a high-powered offense. While the 26-year-old star wideout would certainly see more opportunities as the Steelers' clear-cut alpha target in the event of a trade, Aiyuk would likely sacrifice efficiency in a run-first attack with uncertainty at quarterback.

From RotoBaller

Martavis Bryant Aug 13 2:13pm ET
Martavis Bryant

Dynasty | The Commanders have signed free agent Martavis Bryant. Dynasty Analysis: The Commanders are giving Marty B a shot after a long and winding journey back to the NFL. Bryant had a promising start to his NFL career but that was derailed quickly by a whole host of suspensions. Bryant will attempt to latch on as a depth piece and possible red zone threat but it's highly unlikely he carves out any real dynasty value. He should stay on waiver wires for the time being as we wait and see if he can crack the final roster.

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Chase Claypool Aug 13 2:13pm ET
Chase Claypool

Dynasty | The Bills have placed wide receiver Chase Claypool on IR. Dynasty Analysis: The Bills haven't decided if they'll choose to keep him on IR for the year with a toe injury or designate him to return. It's also possible they simply cut ties with him since he's been unable to practice since arriving. It's an unfortunate turn of events for Claypool, who was again hoping to re-ignite his career. At this point, he's tough to have on a dynasty roster as his immediate future is cloudy.

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Devin Singletary Aug 13 2:13pm ET
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Dynasty | Giants running back Tyrone Tracy was carted off the field at practice with a non-contact leg injury. Dynasty Analysis: That's not good. Tracy was apparently hurt during a kickoff and was carted off the field with an air cast on his leg. This has the initial look of a season-ending injury but we'll withhold any true evaluation until we see the extent of the injury. Should it prove serious, the values of both Devin Singletary and Eric Gray will get a bit of a boost. Stay tuned.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Taysom Hill Aug 13 2:00pm ET
Taysom Hill

The expectation is that New Orleans Saints super utility man Taysom Hill could play up to five positions this year -- fullback, running back, quarterback, tight end and wide receiver. It doesn't mean he'll play all those positions, but the Saints are keeping their options open. They want to get him traditional tailback/fullback work and they know he can line up out wide as a pass-catcher. The Saints value the unpredictability his versatility lends, and an offensive scheme change shouldn't alter that much. The 33-year-old is tight end-eligible in most fantasy formats, which makes him especially interesting, but mostly for his rushing prowess when the Saints line him up in the backfield. 2024 will likely be more of the same: Hill's boom performances will be extremely hard to predict given the unpredictable nature of his usage, making him more of a TE2 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Nate Peterman Aug 13 1:51pm ET
Nate Peterman

The Las Vegas Raiders signed free-agent quarterback Nathan Peterman to an undisclosed deal on Tuesday. Peterman rejoins the Raiders after recently being cut in training camp by the New Orleans Saints. The 30-year-old former fifth-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2017 spent two years with the Raiders from 2020-21 and went 3-for-5 for 25 yards in just two games played in that span. He has gone 85-for-160 for 712 yards, four touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 15 games (five starts) in his six seasons in the NFL. In Vegas, he'll be competing for the No. 3 role with Anthony Brown Jr. as Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell battle for the starting gig under center to kick off the 2024 regular season in early September.

Alvin Kamara Aug 13 1:50pm ET
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New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamar's contract impasse hasn't affected his preparation for the 2024 season, and the Saints believe he can regain his peak performance. Kamara is still looking for his first 1,000-yard rushing season. "He's really embraced the change in the offense," head coach Dennis Allen said. "Fits his running style." The 29-year-old has two years left on his current deal and includes $22.4 million in non-guaranteed salary in 2025, which is untenable for both sides. Kamara, who was a Pro Bowler in each of his first five seasons in the NFL, averaged a career-low 3.9 yards per carry in a stale Saints offense last year, but he made up for it in fantasy with 75 receptions for 466 yards in 13 games. There could be more efficiency in a new offense, but Kamara is also at the age when RBs typically start to show signs of decline. He's best targeted as an RB2 in PPR leagues.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Aug 13 1:40pm ET
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The New Orleans Saints' goal for offensive Klint Kubiak this year is to play faster and simplify things. A big concern, at least on paper, is an inexperienced offensive line. Offensive tackles Trevor Penning and Taliese Fuaga and left guard Nick Saldiveri have a combined six NFL starts. Quarterback Derek Carr will be asked to make fewer adjustments at the line of scrimmage in order to let him read the defense out and deliver the football accurately. "It's going to be a positive for him," head coach Dennis Allen said. "I'm hoping the ball gets out quicker. Our ability to run the football and play-action off of that is going to help us in terms of offensive line, from a protection standpoint." The 33-year-old played through injuries in 2023 in his first year in New Orleans and didn't show the type of upside he had with the Raiders. A bounce-back could be coming in this new offense, but fantasy managers should treat him as a low-upside, low-end QB2 until further notice.

From RotoBaller

Chase Young Aug 13 1:30pm ET
Chase Young

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that New Orleans Saints edge rusher Chase Young's (neck) enormous skill set has impressed the team in training camp after he signed a one-year, $13 million deal in free agency. Young has been kept on a pitch count coming off offseason neck surgery, but he'll soon be full-go. He was considered a top-10 edge rusher after his rookie year in 2020, but injury problems and a lack of focus in Washington set him back. "He's disruptive -- he's big, he's physical, he's fast, he's motivated," head coach Dennis Allen said. The former second overall pick in 2020 out of Ohio State matched his career-high of 7.5 sacks in 16 combined games with Washington and the San Francisco 49ers last year and could help the Saints' defensive line become a formidable pass-rushing unit in 2024 if he can stay on the field.

From RotoBaller

Trey Lance Aug 13 1:20pm ET
Trey Lance

Dallas Cowboys former first-round quarterback Trey Lance has displayed a mixed bag in training camp and so far in the preseason, and ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that he's currently in the QB3 developmental phase in Dallas. The Cowboys feel good about Cooper Rush as a QB2, and if they needed to try to win a game without Dak Prescott right now, Rush would be in there, not Lance. The 24-year-old went 25-for-41 for 188 yards in the preseason opener on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, adding 44 rushing yards on six carries. Rush made the start and played just one offensive series. Lance still has plenty of rushing ability and a strong arm, but there still accuracy issues. He's going to need to put forth some better performances in the preseason to make the Cowboys consider moving him up to QB2.

From RotoBaller

Trevon Diggs Aug 13 1:20pm ET
Trevon Diggs

The Dallas Cowboys have no reservations about cornerback Trevon Diggs (knee) being ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener. Diggs is tracking positively after his torn left ACL in September, and the Cowboys will work him into individual drills soon enough at training camp. The 25-year-old defensive back has already been activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list. Dallas is going to make sure not to put too much on Digg's plate too soon this summer, but barring a setback with his knee, he should be in the starting lineup on defense to kick off the regular season, which will be a huge boost to Dallas' high-end fantasy defense. The two-time Pro Bowler is one of the best ball hawks in the NFL when healthy, as evidenced by his 18 interceptions in 47 career games in his first four seasons.

From RotoBaller

J.J. McCarthy Aug 13 1:10pm ET
J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota Vikings rookie first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) missed training camp practice on Monday with knee soreness, and tests revealed a meniscus issue that will require surgery. As with most meniscus surgeries, there will be a determination made during the procedure to either trip or repair. A trim would mean out for only a few weeks, but a full repair would mean many months on the sidelines. Regardless of which outcome it is for the 21-year-old 12th overall pick in this year's draft, he will not be opening his rookie campaign as Minnesota's starting QB. Instead, that designation will fall to former first-rounder Sam Darnold, who opened training camp listed as the QB1 on the unofficial depth chart. The Vikings hope McCarthy is their future franchise signal-caller, but they were already slow-playing his development, and this injury will push back his timetable.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Aug 13 12:10pm ET
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (leg) was carted off the practice field on Tuesday following a kickoff drill, team beat reporter Pat Leonard reported on X. Leonard wrote that the injury looked bad, and Tracy had an air cast put on his leg. This is an unfortunate development for the 2024 fifth-round pick, as he has been making waves in training camp thus far. There will surely be further updates on his status, but if he has to miss time, it could clear an easier path for Eric Gray to occupy the RB2 role behind veteran Devin Singletary. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for updates.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Aug 13 11:23am ET
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

ESPN reporter Jordan Raanan is reporting rookie RB Tyrone Tracy just went down untouched on a kickoff return. The cart is out and they are putting his leg in an air cast.