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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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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 3

Player Notes
Jakobi Meyers Sep 23 11:10am ET
Jakobi Meyers

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers caught seven passes for 62 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 36-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers. He hauled in his first touchdown of the season on a short route, catching the pass and breaking two tackles to make it into the end zone. Meyers was targeted nine times, tying fellow Raiders WRs Tre Tucker and Davante Adams for the team lead. The former New England Patriot is shaping up to be an inconsistent option based on game script and the whims of QB Gardner Minshew II, though it's encouraging that his targets have increased every game, from three in Week 1 to five in Week 2. Meyers' touchdown was nice for fantasy managers, but it didn't come until the Raiders were down by 26 in the fourth quarter. He also caught a two-point conversion. The 27-year-old then had five targets late in the fourth from Aidan O'Connell. Meyers is a boom-or-bust WR3/FLEX option in deep leagues against the Cleveland Browns in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Tre Tucker Sep 23 11:00am ET
Tre Tucker

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker logged the biggest game of his career and led the team in receiving yards. Tucker caught seven of nine targets for 96 yards and a touchdown. He was involved early, catching a deep shot from QB Gardner Minshew II for 54 yards in the first quarter. Tucker has been an intriguing deep threat and could be on the path to fantasy relevance in deeper leagues. The 23-year-old still has to compete with wide receivers Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, and tight end Brock Bowers for targets, but the Raiders would be well served to get him more involved. Tucker has ridiculous speed, brings a vertical element to the offense, and flashes big-play ability in his rookie season. While Tucker isn't startable outside of deep leagues, he could be worth a bench stash and will look to build on Sunday's performance in the Week 4 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Sep 23 10:50am ET
Davante Adams

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams followed up his massive game in Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens with an absolute dud against the Carolina Panthers in Week 3. Adams was targeted nine times by QB Gardner Minshew II but caught only four passes for 40 yards and no touchdowns. That's an excellent target volume, but Adams could put up some duds without better quarterback play. After three straight seasons of dominance, Adams could be headed for another year similar to 2023, marked equally by big games as it is by inconsistency. Minshew Mania might not be much of an upgrade over backup QB Aidan O'Connell for Adams. He's still a must-start at WR in Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns, but fantasy managers should be prepared for a roller coaster ride.

From RotoBaller

Brock Bowers Sep 23 10:40am ET
Brock Bowers

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers had his least productive game of the 2024 season, being targeted just four times and catching three passes for 41 yards in Sunday's 36-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers. It was a negative game script for Bowers. The wide receivers were much more involved in the passing game, likely due to the score getting out of hand quickly. The Raiders were losing 21-7 at the half, and Bowers hasn't been a serious deep threat yet. In closer games, he's likely to have games more like his Week 1 and 2 efforts, where he logged more targets, receptions, and yards. Bowers is still a must-start. He's a rare bright spot in a dismal tight end landscape and still leads the position group in receptions while being second in yards. The Raiders face the Browns, Broncos, and Steelers in their next three games, which should be closer so Bowers could quickly rebound.

From RotoBaller

Gardner Minshew II Sep 23 10:30am ET
Gardner Minshew II

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II struggled to be a difference-maker for his team in Sunday's 36-22 loss to the Panthers. He completed 18 of 28 passes for 214 yards with a touchdown and an interception in Sunday's defeat. Minshew didn't throw a touchdown pass until the Raiders were down by 26 points. Though the soft Panthers defense presented an opportunity for Minshew Mania to come through again, it just wasn't his day. He was completely outplayed by opposing QB Andy Dalton. Minshew's magic seemed to run out while the Red Rifle was locked, loaded and fired everywhere in what was supposed to be an easy game against a floundering team with a lousy defense. The Raiders were embarrassed, and their signal-caller threw an interception during his comeback attempt and was eventually replaced by QB Aidan O'Connell. Minshew will remain unstartable in single quarterback leagues moving forward. While O'Connell finished the game, Minshew is expected to start in the Week 4 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

From RotoBaller

Brock Wright Sep 23 10:00am ET
Brock Wright

Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright saw some added opportunities on Sunday after his counterpart Sam LaPorta (ankle) suffered an ankle injury. During the Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals, Wright saw the second-most targets with five and posted four receptions for 34 yards. LaPorta was able to return in this game but was noticeably affected by the injury. If LaPorta isn't able to fully recover by the Week 4 slate against the Seattle Seahawks, Wright would be the next in line to get starter's opportunities. He doesn't hold nearly the same potential as LaPorta but could be in line for a spot start. Despite not scoring a touchdown, Wright registered a TE12 finish in half-PPR formats before the Monday Night Football games.

From RotoBaller

Jameson Williams Sep 23 9:30am ET
Jameson Williams

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams posted his worst performance of the young season as he wasn't nearly as involved in the Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals as he was in the first two games. The former 12th-overall pick only saw three targets and one carry which turned into one reception for nine yards and a loss of seven yards on the ground. The ground game was a much bigger focus in this game as they handed the ball off 43 times compared to 23 passing attempts. Detroit was also in the lead for much of this game, so the receivers weren't getting involved as much in general. Williams will look ahead to a primetime matchup against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Jared Goff Sep 23 9:20am ET
Jared Goff

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff hasn't had the greatest start to the season as he continues to hover around the QB2 territory each week. He did, however, lead the Lions to their second win of the season behind 199 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception on 18-for-23 throwing. He also took two sacks on top of three carries for six yards. Right now, Goff has thrown one more interception than touchdowns (4-to-3), and he's averaging 241 yards per game. Detroit's offense has been split almost perfectly down the middle so far as they've had a total of 101 rushing attempts compared to 107 passing attempts. Goff saw a lot of touchdowns come from red zone targets to Sam LaPorta, but there haven't been many of those to start the year. Goff will look to post a big-time performance in a primetime game against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton Sep 23 9:10am ET
Darius Slayton

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (thumb) was forced to leave Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns with a thumb injury but was able to return later on. He underwent some X-rays after the game and they came back negative for any fractures. He finished the game with one reception for seven yards on two targets. Through three games so far, Slayton has accrued 10 targets, seven receptions, and 66 yards with one fumble. He's tied for third on the team in terms of targets with running back Devin Singletary and has significantly fewer targets than both Wan'Dale Robinson and Malik Nabers. The Giants offense is one of the harder units to trust in fantasy, outside of Nabers, even in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Andy Dalton Sep 23 9:08am ET
Andy Dalton

Dynasty | Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton completed 26-of-37 passes for 319 yards, with three touchdowns and no interceptions in Carolina's win over the RaIders. Dynasty Analysis: Oh boy. In just one start, Dalton had more yards, three more touchdowns and three fewer interceptions than Bryce Young had in his first two starts of the year combined. While Carolina may be excited to win this game, it also could have solidified the worst - the problem clearly was Young at the helm. With Dalton making this team more than competitive for at least one week, it's clear we won't see Young next week and may not for a while. Young's dynasty arrow is going to go down even further after this.

Diontae Johnson Sep 23 9:08am ET
Diontae Johnson

Dynasty | Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson had eight catches for 122 yards and a touchdown in Carolina's win against the Raiders. Dynasty Analysis: Andy Dalton ignited the Panthers offense and nobody benefited more than Johnson, who posted a whopping 14 targets on the day. It was a much-needed breakout for Johnson, who was nearly invisible the first two weeks of the season. While we need to see more from Dalton moving forward, Johnson will clearly be in the mix for lineups moving forward.

Jauan Jennings Sep 23 9:08am ET
Jauan Jennings

Dynasty | 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings had 11 catches for 175 yards and three touchdowns in San Francisco's loss to the Rams. Dynasty Analysis: The 49ers can point a lot of fingers as to who to blame for this one, but Jennings clearly did his part. After a couple of solid outings to start the season (he had seven catches for 101 yards in the first two games), Jennings just went nuclear in this one. It's going to be tough to recommend him in lineups with Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk still entrenched as the top two options. However, Jennings has real promise and has now solidified his spot on dynasty rosters permanently.

Kyren Williams Sep 23 9:08am ET
Kyren Williams

Dynasty | Rams running back Kyren Williams had 89 rushing yards, twol catches, 27 receiving yards and three touchdowns in a surprising win against the 49ers. Dynasty Analysis: Williams looked like the 2023 version of himself in this one, consistently churning out tough yards and finding his way into the end zone every chance he had. It's clear the Rams are going to use him as their workhorse with the likes of Ronnie Rivers and Blake Corum simply serving as emergency options moving forward. It's a big development in dynasty leagues as Williams again looks like a solid RB1.

Adonai Mitchell Sep 23 9:07am ET
Adonai Mitchell

Dynasty | Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell was held catchless in a win against the Bears. Dynasty Analysis: Mitchell has just two catches for 32 yards on the season as Anthony Richardson continues to struggle. This is a big-time buzzkill for a rookie many were hoping would break out early. While all hope is not lost (not even close), Mitchell is currently going to need to stay on dynasty benches for the foreseeable future. If you believe in Richardson, he could also be a decent buy-low at the moment.

Sam Darnold Sep 23 9:03am ET
Sam Darnold

Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold (knee) will have an MRI after he suffered a knee injury during the game Sunday, Sept. 22. 'It's good, and that's as much as I'm gonna say about that,' Darnold said.

Fantasy Spin: Darnold took a low hit from former Vikings EDGE Danielle Hunter and only missed one play. He's the QB3 in fantasy right now so stay tuned. Nick Mullens is the Vikings' backup.

From TheHuddle

Miles Sanders Sep 23 9:00am ET
Miles Sanders

Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders received very limited work in the team's first win of the season, but he did find the end zone. The veteran back received seven carries and two targets which he turned into 17 yards and a touchdown on the ground, and 13 yards through the air. This was Sanders' second touchdown since putting on a Panthers uniform. His only score last season came in Week 3 as well. The touchdown turned a dreadful fantasy week into an okay one. Still, he's not likely to see increased opportunities especially after Chuba Hubbard turned in a big performance with 169 total yards and a touchdown of his own. Sanders isn't much more than a depth option moving forward, especially when Jonathon Brooks returns to the field.

From RotoBaller

Colby Parkinson Sep 23 9:00am ET
Colby Parkinson

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson saw five targets and caught three passes for 21 yards in Week 3 against San Francisco. The five targets tied for a team-high in this game with Tutu Atwell. Quarterback Matthew Stafford spread the ball around in this one with Atwell, Demarcus Robinson, Tyler Johnson, and Jordan Whittington all factoring into the game plan. With Copper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) out that is to be expected. On top of that, Kyren Williams had 24 carries and was a focal point of the offense, catching the only TD pass in the game from Stafford. All of that made it tough for Parkinson to get going in this one as he was only able to catch three short passes. Until he shows more involvement in the offense, he should be off the fantasy radar, even at the relatively shallow tight-end position.

From RotoBaller

Kyren Williams Sep 23 8:50am ET
Kyren Williams

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams turned in a huge fantasy performance in Week 3's win over the San Francisco 49ers. The versatile running back rushed 24 times for 89 yards and two touchdowns and caught two passes for 27 yards and a TD. He is fantasy's RB2 on the week behind only Saquon Barkley. Williams dominated the Rams' backfield with Ronnie Rivers getting just two carries as his backup. Against a good 49ers defense, Williams turned his best game of the season and looks like a sure-fire RB1 at the moment. He should continue to dominate touches and be a focal point of the Rams' offensive game plan with Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) sidelined. His touchdown potential and involvement in the passing game make him a good bet to score in each game.

From RotoBaller

Tutu Atwell Sep 23 8:50am ET
Tutu Atwell

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell led all Rams' pass-catchers with 90 receiving yards on four catches in Week 3 against San Francisco. Atwell caught a 50-yard pass to help pad his stats in this one. He saw five targets which tied tight end Colby Parkinson for the team-high as the Rams came back to stun the 49ers. Atwell thrived as the slot receiver with Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) out. There is a lot of uncertainty with the Rams' receiving corps week-to-week as far as who will command the most targets between Atwell, Demarcus Robinson, Tyler Johnson, and Jordan Whittington. Each of the foursome saw 3-plus targets in Week 3 but it was Atwell who was able to do the most damage. The unpredictability makes it tough to rely on any of the group as a fantasy option moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Sep 23 8:40am ET
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was 16-of-25 passing for 221 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions in leading the team to a win over the 49ers on Sunday. The veteran quarterback turned in a pretty efficient outing in helping the team to a comeback win but for fantasy purposes, his 13.84 fantasy points put him at QB18 for the week. With Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) ruled out in Week 3, the Rams not surprisingly leaned on Kyren Williams, who had 24 rushing attempts and caught Stafford's TD pass. That limited Stafford's fantasy output as Tutu Atwell led the pass-catchers with four catches for 93 yards. Until Kupp and/or Nacua return, Stafford's fantasy prospects are hazy at best. He needs one or both of those players to boost his totals and touchdown potential and put him on the fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller