Guest of the League
The Legend Est. 2021
Dynasty $125 - FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

Draft Day Winners and Losers

Mon Apr 29 11:53am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

White should be lead back


The draft is always so exciting, seeing where all the players get picked. But after the draft, the big issue is figuring out what it all means for their fantasy value. We thought it would be a good idea to look at some of the biggest fantasy winners and losers from draft day. These are some of the players that were picked but also some of the guys that were already on rosters, seeing their fantasy value get impacted from the draft. Adjust your rankings accordingly!

WINNERS

Bryce Young, QB, Panthers. The Panthers did a great job of getting Young some much needed offensive help. The team took a receiver, running back and tight end in three of the first four rounds of the draft. Carolina already added Diontae Johnson this offseason, so the receiver corps should be much better after getting Xavier Legette in the first round. The receivers got very little separation last year, so it was hard to gauge Young. He needed help and got some this offseason. Carolina also took a possible franchise running back in Jonathon Brooks and hopefully a solid starting tight end in Ja’Tavion Sanders. Things are looking up for Young and this offense.

Xavier Worthy, WR, Chiefs. Worthy could not have landed in a much better spot. He heads to one of the best offenses in football that has some openings at receiver, especially with the status of Rashee Rice a bit up in the air. Worthy has electric speed and the Chiefs should find plenty of ways to utilize that. He could be the new Tyreek Hill for this offense. Look for Worthy to make an impact right away.

Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Cowboys. Maybe one of the biggest surprises of the draft was the Cowboys not addressing their running back spot. Instead, the team signed Elliott after the draft. He is likely to be the starter in this top offense. He might not rack up the yards of past seasons, but has big touchdown potential in this offense. Elliott seems a pretty sure bet to get double-digit touchdowns. He could be a solid No. 2 for fantasy teams.

Jonathon Brooks, RB, Panthers. Brooks is returning from a major knee injury and could be slowed a little early in the season, but once he is back healthy look for him to the three-down back for the Panthers. He lands in a great spot for playing time, having little top talent to compete with for playing time. Brooks could really get the volume in this offense. He is our top rookie fantasy back.

Zamir White, RB, Raiders. Many thought the Raiders were another team that could address their running back spot during the draft, but that didn’t happen. They used a sixth-round pick on Dylan Laube, but he is not expected to challenge White for that starter’s job. It sure seems the Raiders are comfortable with White as their lead back. He has a chance to get a lot of touches in year two. His stock is going up.

Ladd McConkey, WR, Chargers. The Chargers need help at receiver and McConkey helps fill that need. It would not surprise if he quickly became Justin Herbert’s favorite target in the passing game. We really like his chances to rack up the weekly looks in this offense. Someone has to fill the Keenan Allen void and McConkey seems the best bet out of the options at receiver for the Chargers.

Keon Coleman, WR, Bills. Coleman is another rookie receiver that lands in a great spot for playing time. The departure of Stefon Diggs leaves a big opening for the Bills. Coleman could help fill that void. He has great size for the position and could be a top red-zone threat from day one for Buffalo. Coleman should get his chances from the get go, giving him a high ceiling for the coming year.

LOSERS

Raheem Mostert, RB, Dolphins. Mostert had a monster season last year and helped many fantasy teams to championships. He is going to have a very hard time repeating, especially after the Dolphins picked Jaylen Wright in the fourth round. Wright is a speed back similar to Mostert but a lot younger with less wear on his tires. Remember, Mostert is 32 years old. He might end up falling to third on the depth chart after the addition of Wright.

Rome Odunze, WR, Bears. Odunze is a super talented player that could be a star in the NFL. But for his year, you have to worry about him being up and down. He has two really good receivers ahead of him on the depth chart in DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. This is going to limit the ceiling of Odunze. He will be a much better fantasy player in a few more seasons. For now, expect erratic production from the talented rookie.

Kyren Williams, RB, Rams. Williams remains the lead back for the Rams and is coming off a breakout season. But the Rams picked Blake Corum in the third round. He is going to be a factor in the offense. He might get put a huge dent in Williams’ workload but the big concern is the goal-line work. Corum is more of a between the tackles runner that does well on short-yardage work. He could end up stealing some touchdowns from Williams, hurting his fantasy value.

Michael Mayer, TE, Raiders. Mayer was a second-round pick for the Raiders last year and showed well at times his rookie season. The Raiders couldn’t pass on the talented Brock Browers in this year’s draft, though. This move absolutely kills the fantasy value of Mayer. He is going to play second fiddle to Browers, getting few weekly looks. Browers is the clear tight end to own in this offense.

Ricky Pearsall, WR, 49ers. Pearsall is a talented pass catcher that can get in and out of his breaks in a hurry. He is a really good fit for the slot and could fill that role for the 49ers his rookie season. The problem is he has some of the top talent in all of football to compete with for targets. He could really be up and down his rookie season. He will look better in a year or two when he has a more defined role and less to compete with at receiver. His rookie season could be a tough one to gauge for fantasy owners.

Malik Nabers, WR, Giants. Many considered Nabers the top receiver in this year’s draft. He is super talented with a high fantasy ceiling. The problem for Nabers is he got drafted by the Giants, a team that really struggled offensively last year. Plus, he has Daniel Jones throwing him passes. This is not a great landing spot for the talented Nabers. Jones needs to make some big strides this season if Nabers hopes to reach his potential. We aren’t sure that happens.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4

Player Notes
Doug Pederson Sep 30 1:00pm CT
Doug Pederson

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said that linebacker Josh Hines-Allen (concussion) is in the league's concussion protocol after being forced from the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Houston Texans with a head injury. Before getting injured on Sunday in Houston, Hines-Allen had three tackles (two solo). The injury puts the 27-year-old pass-rusher's status for the Week 5 contest against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts firmly in question as the Jaguars seek their first win of 2024. The former seventh overall pick in 2019 out of Kentucky had a career-high 17.5 sacks in 17 games for the Jags in 2023 but has only taken an opposing quarterback down one time through the first four weeks of 2024. Fantasy managers in IDP formats will need to have a backup plan in place this week in case Hines-Allen isn't cleared for Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Haason Reddick Sep 30 12:50pm CT
Haason Reddick

The New York Jets situation with defensive end Haason Reddick still has no resolution in since, and some have wondered if the Jets could just trade him back to the Philadelphia Eagles. However, per NFL rules, that scenario is not possible. Teams cannot trade a player, then reacquire him via trade until two years elapse. The 30-year-old was expecting the Jets to give him a new long-term contract extension after they acquired him in the offseason, but that hasn't been the case, leading to his holdout extended into the 2024 regular season. Reddick has already requested another trade, but the Jets have no plans to accommodate him, although league sources believe eventually that will have to be the solution. An already strong Jets defense would benefit from the presence of Reddick, but it doesn't look like that is going to happen.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Sep 30 12:30pm CT
Rashee Rice

The Kansas City Chiefs are saying that wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) is still undergoing tests on his injured knee on Monday, but he will not be available to play in Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints. Rice injured his knee early in the Week 4 win over the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers and is feared to have suffered a season-ending torn ACL. It hasn't been confirmed yet, but fantasy managers need to be bracing for the announcement that the 24-year-old pass-catcher is indeed out for the year. With Marquise Brown (shoulder) also expected to miss the entire season and with running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) on Injured Reserve with a fractured leg, the Chiefs are running out of playmakers on offense. Rookie Xavier Worthy will now have a much bigger role, as well as receivers Justin Watson, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Skyy Moore, Mecole Hardman and tight end Travis Kelce.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Badie Sep 30 12:20pm CT
Tyler Badie

Denver Broncos promising running back Tyler Badie (back), who left the Week 4 win over the New York Jets on a backboard on Sunday, has full movement of his arms and legs and is back in Denver with the team, according to sources. Badie suffered a back injury that could land him on Injured Reserve, but there's a chance he can return this season. The 24-year-old would be forced to miss at least four games he he's placed on IR. A sixth-rounder in 2022 by the Baltimore Ravens out of Missouri, Badie had 11 carries for 86 yards in three games this year and was potentially going to have a shot at a bigger role with both Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin struggling early on out of the backfield. Before being stretchered off on Sunday, he lost a fumble on his only carry and recorded two catches for minus-four yards receiving against the Jets.

From RotoBaller

Shaq Thompson Sep 30 12:20pm CT
Shaq Thompson

Carolina Panthers standout linebacker Shaq Thompson (Achilles), who was playing his best football early on this year, is believed to have torn his Achilles in the Week 4 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and is out for the season, according to sources. Thompson is undergoing an MRI exam on Monday to confirm the devastating injury. The 30-year-old former 25th overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft out of Washington had recorded 35 tackles (19 solo) in the first four games in 2024 after playing in just two games last year. It's a massive blow the rest of the way for a Panthers defense that already had plenty of question marks. Thompson will eventually be placed on Injured Reserve and will have surgery on his torn Achilles. Fantasy managers will want to target Carolina's defense even more so moving forward in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jacoby Brissett Sep 30 12:10pm CT
Jacoby Brissett

After the New England Patriots' blowout loss on the road to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 4 on Sunday, head coach Jerod Mayo once again reiterated that quarterback Jacoby Brissett is the starter moving forward. "Jacoby is 100% our starter, and that's how we're going to look at this going forward," Mayo said. Brissett went 19-for-32 for 168 yards, one touchdown and a pick-six in the 30-13 loss to the Niners and also fumbled once. A report surfaced before Sunday's game that rookie first-round quarterback Drake Maye isn't exactly close to being ready to take over, so it's more about Maye's progress than Brissett actually earning the gig. Through four weeks, Brissett checks in as the QB32 with 536 passing yards, two touchdowns and a pick in four games while leading New England to a league-worst 13.0 points per game. Even in superflex leagues, fantasy managers should be looking to avoid him in Week 5 against the division-rival Miami Dolphins.

From RotoBaller

Shaq Thompson Sep 30 11:43am CT
Shaq Thompson

Carolina Panthers LB Shaq Thompson (Achilles) suffered a torn Achilles and will miss the remainder of the season, according to sources Monday, Sept. 30.

From TheHuddle

Rome Odunze Sep 30 11:10am CT
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze had a quiet outing in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams, catching just one of his three targets for 10 yards. This performance was a letdown after his breakout game the previous week. The return of veteran receiver Keenan Allen (heel) likely affected Odunze's targets, as he shifted back to a No. 3 role with Allen coming off a two-game absence. Consequently, Odunze saw a notable decline in production. Throughout his rookie season, he has struggled to make a consistent impact, recording two or fewer receptions in three of four games. His target and yardage totals this week marked his lowest yet, leaving him with ample opportunity for improvement in a Week 5 home matchup against the Panthers.

From RotoBaller

Cole Kmet Sep 30 11:10am CT
Cole Kmet

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet had a modest outing against the struggling Los Angeles Rams secondary, finishing with three catches for 34 yards, including a long reception of 22 yards. After a quiet performance in Week 1, Kmet has maintained steady involvement in the offense, registering at least three targets in each of the last three games. However, this game was a disappointment following his breakout performance last week. The return of veteran receiver Keenan Allen (heel) may have affected Kmet's target share, as he experienced a notable reduction in workload compared to his 10-catch game against the Colts in Week 3. Kmet tied for second on the team in receptions and was the runner-up in receiving yards for the day. Nonetheless, his production on Sunday is likely more in line with his typical performance than what he achieved in the loss to Indianapolis.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Sep 30 11:10am CT
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen had a muted return from injury in Week 4 against the Rams. He finished the game with just three receptions for 19 yards on three targets. Coming back from a two-game absence due to a heel injury, Allen played a secondary role in the passing attack as Caleb Williams threw for only 157 yards and one touchdown. However, he may see a more prominent role in a favorable Week 5 home matchup against the Panthers. While Allen is a game-changer, his value for fantasy managers largely depends on the Bears' ability to establish a more consistent offensive rhythm.

From RotoBaller

Jacoby Brissett Sep 30 10:43am CT
Jacoby Brissett

New England Patriots QB Jacoby Brissett is '100% our quarterback going forward,' according to head coach Jerod Mayo.

Fantasy Spin: Brissett is the QB32 after four weeks, and he's maybe a matchup play in two-QB leagues.

From TheHuddle

D.J. Moore Sep 30 10:40am CT
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore capitalized on a favorable matchup against the Los Angeles Rams' struggling secondary in Week 4. He caught three of six targets for 22 yards and a touchdown in the Bears' 24-18 victory. Moore tied with Cole Kmet for second on the team in both receptions and targets. The highlight of his day came when he made a perfectly executed nine-yard touchdown catch from Caleb Williams, extending the Bears' lead to 17-9 late in the third quarter. Although his production was slightly lower this week, it's likely an outlier, considering his consistent involvement in previous games. Moore will look to rebound against a weak Panthers secondary at home in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Sep 30 10:30am CT
D'Andre Swift

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift delivered his best performance of the season in Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams. Swift totaled 165 yards from scrimmage and scored a touchdown, leading the team in rushing and receiving yards. The Bears successfully established a run game by utilizing Swift and getting him into open space. He finished with 16 carries for 93 yards, averaging a solid 5.8 yards per carry, and added seven receptions for 72 yards. Notably, he broke off a 36-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, extending the lead to 24-15. Signed to a three-year, $24 million contract in March, Swift managed 114 total yards through the first three weeks, averaging only 1.8 yards per carry. The Bears combined for 131 rushing yards after only managing 63 against the Colts. Swift also achieved season highs in receptions and receiving yards, making it a successful outing both on the field and for fantasy football owners. With the lead-back role firmly in his hands, he will next face the Panthers' defense in a Week 5 home matchup.

From RotoBaller

Roschon Johnson Sep 30 10:30am CT
Roschon Johnson

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson saw increased usage in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams, serving as a change-of-pace option to help secure tough yards. He scored a one-yard touchdown in the second quarter, capitalizing on a strip-sack by Montez Sweat deep in Rams territory. Johnson's downhill rushing style made him an ideal choice for goal-line situations, while D'Andre Swift, who had struggled early in the season, found his rhythm once the Bears got him into open space. Chicago finished the game with 131 rushing yards, a significant improvement from the 63 they managed against the Colts. After impressing in his first outing of the season in Week 3, Johnson solidified his role as the clear No. 2 running back behind Swift. Although Swift had his best game yet, Johnson may have established himself enough to maintain his change-of-pace role and secure future goal-line opportunities.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Sep 30 10:20am CT
Caleb Williams

This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams had a strong performance against the Los Angeles Rams. Once Williams and the Bears' offense found their rhythm, they began to string together the kind of possessions the team and its fans hope to see regularly. It was Williams' most efficient outing yet, as he posted a quarterback rating of 106.6 and led four scoring drives. He threw for 157 yards and a touchdown, following a Bears rookie record of 363 yards on 52 attempts in a loss to Indianapolis the previous week. Williams described this game as a step forward, completing 17 of 23 passes, including a nine-yard touchdown to DJ Moore in the third quarter. Notably, he did not commit any turnovers after facing issues in the previous game, where he was intercepted twice and lost a fumble. This week, he took care of the football and orchestrated multiple drives that resulted in touchdowns. Williams bounced back from two consecutive games with multiple turnovers, showcasing an encouraging development as he prepares for a favorable Week 5 matchup against the Panthers next Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Wil Lutz Sep 30 10:10am CT
Wil Lutz

Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz came into the Week 4 contest against the New York Jets with a perfect 9-for-9 mark on field goals and 3-for-3 mark on extra-point tries through the first three weeks of the 2024 season. Unfortunately, he was not able to extend his perfect streak in the 10-9 upset win over the Jets on Sunday, going 1-for-2 on his field goals while making his lone extra-point try in a game that featured just one touchdown on the day. The 30-year-old's first miss of the year came from 50 yards out as the Broncos tried to make it a four-point lead late in the contest. In his defense, the field was wet from a steady rain all day. Lutz has been reliable so far in his time in Denver, dating back to last year, but he measures up as a volatile fantasy kicker in an offense that is averaging just 15.5 points per game through four weeks. He will have a little more streaming potential in deep fantasy leagues in Week 5 against the division-rival Raiders in Denver.

From RotoBaller

Josh Reynolds Sep 30 10:00am CT
Josh Reynolds

Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds entered the Week 4 contest against the New York Jets as Denver's leading receiver through the first three games. But in the 10-9 rain-soaked upset victory on Sunday over the Jets in Week 4, rookie quarterback Bo Nix only looked Reynolds' way two times, and he was unable to catch either of the two targets. We warned fantasy managers that Reynolds was an extremely volatile and desperate flex play in an offense that is among the worst in the NFL after four weeks of the 2024 campaign. Reynolds and the Broncos should be able to move the ball much better in a Week 5 divisional matchup versus the Las Vegas Raiders, but expectations should remain low for Broncos pass-catchers not named Courtland Sutton. The 29-year-old caught 11 of his 17 targets for 174 yards and no touchdowns through the first three games.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Likely Sep 30 10:00am CT
Isaiah Likely

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely led the tight end group in receiving again but didn't ultimately make much of a difference in a blowout victory over the Buffalo Bills. The Coastal Carolina product finished with one reception for 26 yards on two targets. His counterpart, Mark Andrews, only received one target and failed to catch it. Likely's Week 1 performance is starting to look like a big outlier, as both tight ends have combined for just eight receptions and 107 yards since then. Likely seems to be the better of the two, as Andrews has posted goose eggs in the last two games, but neither one of them has contributed much towards a fantasy win. The Ravens will go on the road in Week 5 and take on one of their AFC North rivals in the Cincinnati Bengals.

From RotoBaller

Greg Dulcich Sep 30 10:00am CT
Greg Dulcich

Denver Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich failed to haul in his only target of the day in Sunday's 10-9 upset win over the New York Jets on the road on Sunday. Both teams struggled to move the ball on a rain-soaked afternoon in the Big Apple, with Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix throwing for a total of 60 yards. Dulcich had five catches on 11 targets for 28 yards through the first two weeks of the season, but he has zero catches on just one target in the last two weeks as Nix continues to struggle as a passer early in his NFL career. Things are looking up for this lackluster offense with a Week 5 divisional clash at home against the Las Vegas Raiders, but Dulcich shouldn't be anywhere near starting fantasy lineups, even in two-TE leagues. Nix can barely support one receiver in fantasy, let alone an oft-injured tight end.

From RotoBaller

Mark Andrews Sep 30 9:50am CT
Mark Andrews

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews continues his disappointing stretch of play in another winning effort by the team. The veteran especially looked bad after uncharacteristically dropping a wide-open catch that would have gone for a first down. That was his only target of the game as Lamar Jackson only threw the ball 18 times with the ground game cutting up the Bills' defense with ease. Andrews now has a total of six receptions for 65 yards and no touchdowns while putting up goose eggs in two straight weeks. His yards per game total of 16.3 is the worst mark of his career so far with his second-worst coming in at 34.5 during his rookie campaign. Moving forward, Andrews isn't a reliable starter, even in their AFC North matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5.

From RotoBaller