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FFL: Week 2 | NFL: Week 2

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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Fantasy Preview: Week 2

Player Notes
Jordan Love Sep 13 7:30pm ET
Jordan Love

The Green Bay Packers defense/special teams unit is a middling option this week against the Indianapolis Colts and their threat of explosive plays around every corner. Anthony Richardson showed off his talents against the Texans last week with two long touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown tacked on. The Packers' defense will surely be tested against that group of receivers, not to mention Jonathan Taylor at running back. In Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Packers' defense tallied two sacks, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery while giving up 34 points. The Packers will surely need a strong defensive performance to help out likely starting quarterback Malik Willis, after Jordan Love (knee) left Week 1 in the final moments with a knee injury. For fantasy purposes, surely there are better options out there than the Packers, so putting their unit in your lineup is a risky endeavor.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Sep 13 7:30pm ET
Christian McCaffrey

Updating a previous report, the San Francisco 49ers may place running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) on the Injured Reserve on Saturday, which would rule him out for at least the next four games. The Niners ruled McCaffrey out for Week 2 versus the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday after he was unable to practice on Friday. CMC suffered a calf strain early in training camp, but he's also dealing with Achilles tendinitis, which is why he sat out the season-opening win over the New York Jets on Monday night. This is pretty much a worst-case scenario for fantasy managers that took McCaffrey at the top of their drafts, as he's now likely to miss at least the first month of the season. CMC obviously needs to be stashed everywhere. Jordan Mason, who went off as the team's RB1 in Week 1 in place of McCaffrey, now sees his fantasy stock rise even more. He's rostered in 82% of Yahoo leagues right now.

From RotoBaller

Cade Otton Sep 13 7:30pm ET
Cade Otton

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton was quiet during the season opener against the Washington Commanders last week. A majority of the Bucs' offensive weapons enjoyed successful games, but Otton was held in check. He hauled in one of his two targets for five yards in the blowout win. The third-year tight end was supposed to have a bigger role under new offensive coordinator Liam Coen and his two tight end sets. Possibly, Otton's luck does change in Week 2 against the Detroit Lions. However, the Bucs have a handful of other viable options on offense, so Otton is unlikely to be targeted often. He'll be a low-end TE2 and avoidable in most fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Sep 13 7:20pm ET
Kyler Murray

The Los Angeles Rams' secondary is banged up at the moment with cornerback Darious Williams (hamstring) on Injured Reserve and cornerback Cobie Durant (toe) and safety Quinten Lake (hip) questionable for Week 2 at Arizona. That's a scary proposition for the Rams against Kyler Murray and the likes of star tight end Trey McBride and rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison, Jr. The Rams performed well for the most part in Week 1 at Detroit but ran out of gas in overtime as the Lions ran the ball down the field for the winning TD. It's a risky move to start the Rams' defense on the road while there are so many injury question marks. There are better streaming options out there in most fantasy leagues at the position, so it would make sense to look elsewhere.

From RotoBaller

Joshua Karty Sep 13 7:10pm ET
Joshua Karty

Los Angeles Rams rookie kicker Joshua Karty turned in a good performance in Week 1 in a hostile environment at Detroit. He made two field goals with a long of 41 yards and all of his extra points. With another test on the road, this time against a division opponent, the pressure will once again be on the Stanford product. But he looked up to the challenge in Week 1 and was unfazed by the raucous crowd. Fantasy managers can wait and see how Karty backs up his opening performance, but he could emerge later in the season as a viable starting fantasy option at the position.

From RotoBaller

Demarcus Robinson Sep 13 7:00pm ET
Demarcus Robinson

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson could be in line for more usage in Week 2 at Arizona after Puka Nacua (knee) has landed on the IR. Robinson has good size and is a good possession receiver. Matthew Stafford could look to the big target in the red zone against the Cardinals if Arizona shifts its focus to Cooper Kupp in those situations. Tyler Johnson will be Robinson's main threat for targets at the wide receiver position opposite Kupp with Nacua out. Robinson may lack the ability to break a big play like Johnson did against the Lions in Week 1 on his long catch and run in the second half. Robinson, however, may be the better bet to score a touchdown. It remains to be seen how the dynamic will play out between the two popular waiver-wire additions but both make for decent speculative plays in deep leagues.

From RotoBaller

Brayden Narveson Sep 13 7:00pm ET
Brayden Narveson

Green Bay Packers kicker Brayden Narveson was a busy kicker in Brazil against the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil, booting home three of four field goal attempts and knocking in both extra point attempts. With the Packers' offense downgraded as a whole with Jordan Love (knee) likely out and Malik Willis in as the likely starting quarterback, the kicking game could find field position in the opponent's end a bit harder to come by. That said, Narveson did look the part in several pressure kicks, so he will have to make the opportunities he does get count. As far as fantasy goes, Narveson is still very much down in the lowest tier of kickers as many have better situations and are safer options in terms of consistency and opportunity.

From RotoBaller

Colby Parkinson Sep 13 7:00pm ET
Colby Parkinson

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson saw five targets and caught four passes for 47 yards in the team's Week 1 loss at Detroit. Expect more of the same from Parkinson in Week 2 at Arizona with room for more volume and more production. Parkinson is an athletic tight end who was brought in from Seattle to fill in for Tyler Higbee (ACL) until he returns to full health. Expect Matthew Stafford to target Parkinson in the middle of the field and on short and intermediate patterns to the outside. Cooper Kupp should demand a lot of attention as moves throughout the formation so Stafford's secondary progressions could lead him to Parkinson. The reality is the tight-end landscape in fantasy is a bit bleak and Parkinson is a reliable option with some upside for big performances should he find the end zone.

From RotoBaller

Tucker Kraft Sep 13 6:50pm ET
Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft enters Week 2 with some momentum in terms of getting on the field and running routes. Kraft was expected to be the second tight end behind Luke Musgrave, who was drafted a round before him in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, Kraft ran 81% of routes per dropback and took 96% of snaps as well. Per PFF's Nathan Jahnke, Musgrave's only playing time was in 12 personnel where there were two tight ends in the formation, leaving the other snaps with one tight end to Kraft. While this didn't lead to any fantasy production in Week 1, you have to be on the field to produce to begin with. Kraft shouldn't be started in fantasy football when the Packers host the Colts in Week 2, but if starting quarterback Malik Willis uses Kraft as a safety valve option in the passing game, Kraft could find himself on the short list of fantasy options when Week 3 rolls around.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Johnson Sep 13 6:50pm ET
Tyler Johnson

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tyler Johnson has been a popular waiver-wire pickup this week after news that Puka Nacua (knee) has landed on the IR. Opportunity knocks for the former Minnesota Golden Gopher. He will compete for targets with Demarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell opposite Cooper Kupp, but Johnson flashed his big-play ability in Week 1 after Nacua exited. Quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Rams will need to establish another threat outside of Kupp and Johnson could be that guy. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneer is looking like a potential sleeper this week. Johnson probably doesn't profile as a WR3 in fantasy this week, but in deeper leagues, he could be used as a viable flex option.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Sep 13 6:40pm ET
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp is fully healthy and that meant a healthy amount of targets, catches, and fantasy points in Week 1 at the Lions. Kupp was targeted 21 times and caught 14 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown. His massive target total was aided by the fact that Puka Nacua (knee) left the game early and Nacua has been placed on IR, so that figures to continue in Week 2 at Arizona. Everyone knows Kupp is going to get looked for as Matthew Stafford's primary target, but there is often nothing the defense can do because the Rams are so creative with pre-snap motions and lineup configurations to complement Kupp's already superior route-running skills. In other words, expect another large target share against the Cardinals, which usually translates to a big fantasy day for Kupp. While healthy, Kupp is one of the top receivers in the NFL and for fantasy purposes.

From RotoBaller

Kyren Williams Sep 13 6:40pm ET
Kyren Williams

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams found the end zone in Week 1 at the Lions against Detroit's very stout run defense. The touchdown salvaged an otherwise subpar night for the talented running back. Williams rushed 18 times for 50 yards (2.8 yards per carry) and caught three passes for four yards. The Notre Dame product is a very versatile back and the good thing for his fantasy managers is he saw a massive snap share in the backfield compared to Ronnie Rivers and rookie Blake Corum. The Cardinals were gashed on the ground by the Bills in Week 1, making Williams a strong play in Week 2 in the Rams' game at Arizona. Look for Williams to find pay dirt and remain involved in the passing game as well. His upside is extremely high in this matchup and his volume makes his floor pretty high as well.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Sep 13 6:30pm ET
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) popped up on the Week 2 injury report on Friday and was listed as limited practice participant. Mid-week additions are typically never a good sign, but this doesn't necessarily mean that Brown will be forced to miss this week's Monday night contest against the visiting Atlanta Falcons. However, if the 27-year-old is deemed questionable on Saturday's final injury report, fantasy managers may have a tough decision to make in Week 2 as to whether to leave Brown in their starting lineup. We'll continue to keep a close eye on Brown's status this weekend. Brown is a must-start if he's active after catching five of his 10 targets for 119 yards and a touchdown in the season-opening win over the Green Bay Packers last Friday in Brazil. If Brown is out or limited on Monday, Jahan Dotson and rookie Johnny Wilson would both see bigger roles behind DeVonta Smith.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Sep 13 6:30pm ET
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs will enter Week 2 with a much different quarterback situation than he for sure anticipated. With Malik Willis the likely starting quarterback for Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts, the entire pass-catching group for the Packers will be downgraded in fantasy, including Doubs. Running the most routes per dropback, most snaps and targets in Week 1, Doubs' production will be at the whim of how the Packers choose to attack the Colts' defense. That will likely be a heavy dose of the running game to protect Willis, who has not shown much in the way of passing efficiency in his third season as an NFL quarterback. Doubs is a low-end FLEX option for fantasy managers, where you're hoping he can get into the end zone.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Sep 13 6:30pm ET
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was one of just two quarterbacks in the NFL to surpass 300 yards passing in Week 1. Stafford did so against the Lions, going 34-of-49 passing for 317 yards with a touchdown pass and an interception. The first thing that stands out about Stafford's Week 1 line is his 49 attempts. With Puka Nacua (knee) exiting early from that game, Stafford still threw the ball a ton and targeted Cooper Kupp a whopping 21 times. He might not be called upon to pass as much in Week 2 at Arizona, but he should be primed for another efficient afternoon. The Stafford-to-Kupp connection is firing on all cylinders and the veteran quarterback should be able to spread some production around to tight end Colby Parkinson as well as the receiving trio of Tyler Johnson, Demarcus Robinson, and Tutu Atwell. The Cardinals' defense is beatable and while the Rams could lean more on the run game, Stafford should be a borderline QB1 in an exploitable matchup.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Sep 13 6:20pm ET
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs had a solid game in Week 1, with 104 yards from scrimmage and three receptions. He'll look to build on that against the Indianapolis Colts in the Packers' home opener in Week 2. Throughout the week, Jacobs had been limited in practices with a back injury, but Friday's practice report had no designation for Jacobs. He should be good to go against a Colts' defense that was gashed repeatedly by Texans' running back Joe Mixon to the tune of 159 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Packers will need Jacobs as the team is likely to start Malik Willis in the place of Jordan Love (knee). Consider Jacobs a low-end RB1 in fantasy that should get quite a bit of volume, especially if fellow running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) cannot suit up for the team in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Sep 13 6:20pm ET
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (toe) was removed from the team's final injury report on Friday and will suit up for the Week 2 contest versus the New England Patriots. Meanwhile, tight end Pharaoh Brown (foot) has been ruled out. There wasn't much question as to whether Fant would be able to play this weekend, but he shouldn't be in many starting fantasy lineups in the second week of the 2024 season. The 26-year-old played 75 percent of the offensive snaps in the Week 1 win over his former team, the Denver Broncos, but it translated to only two catches on four targets for 11 yards receiving. Although Seattle is running a new offense this year under coordinator Ryan Grubb, not much is expected of Fant after he had career-lows in catches (32), targets (43), receiving yards (414) and touchdowns (zero) in 2023. Fant profiles as a touchdown-dependent, low-end TE2 in fantasy in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Malik Willis Sep 13 6:10pm ET
Malik Willis

Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis will be the team's starting quarterback until Jordan Love (knee) can return from an MCL sprain he suffered at the end of the game in Week 1. However, the team has left the door open a crack as Love was designated as questionable for Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. Perhaps the Packers are playing some mind games with the Colts so they have to leave some preparation for Love on the off chance he is cleared in time to start, but the likely timeline for an MCL sprain is three to six weeks. The Packers also did not put Love on Injured Reserve as well. Willis has been a subpar quarterback option during the sporadic playing time he's gotten in two seasons in Tennessee before coming over to Green Bay after the preseason, but Willis is not a recommended option in fantasy football in Week 2 against the Colts, and in superflex leagues, would only be a desperation QB2 option.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 13 6:10pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said on Friday that he's not putting a timeline on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's (concussion) recovery after he suffered another scary concussion in Thursday night's loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills. McDaniel said he has "zero idea" what any timeline might be and doesn't want to put pressure on Tagovailoa. He was quickly ruled out after leaving the field with team trainers under his own power. Tagovailoa missed five games in 2022, including a playoff contest, due to two separate concussions. Given his concussion history, nobody is pushing for Tagovailoa to return to the field anytime soon. McDaniel declined to speculate if Tagovailoa, who signed a four-year, $212.4 million extension last month, might consider retirement. Unless Miami signs a QB off the street, Skylar Thompson is set to run this offense for the foreseeable future.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Sep 13 6:10pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (thigh) was removed from Friday's final injury report and will play in Week 2 against the New England Patriots. Lockett put in two limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday before being cleared for this weekend's contest. Lockett has been dealing with his thigh injury since the middle of last month and was even questionable for the Week 1 win over the Denver Broncos. The 31-year-old veteran ended up suiting up for that one and finished with six receptions on seven targets for 77 receiving yards despite playing the third-most offensive snaps among the receivers on the team. With Lockett moving further from his thigh injury, he could see more time on the field this weekend against an underrated Patriots defense that shut down the Bengals in Week 1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba's presence will make Lockett a boom/bust WR4/flex play most weeks in fantasy.

From RotoBaller