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FFL: Week 5 | NFL: Week 5

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.

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 5

Player Notes
Anthony Richardson Oct 4 12:40pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (abdomen, oblique) is in pads and practicing for the third time this week on Friday. However, The Athletic's James Boyd reports that veteran Joe Flacco is taking most, if not all, of the first-team repetitions in practice as Richardson stands behind Flacco to watch him throw. Richardson was relieved by Flacco in the Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. The 22-year-old's injury isn't believed to be serious, but perhaps they let Flacco make the Week 5 start against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday. Either way, Richardson has fallen to low-end QB1/high-end QB2 territory after a disappointing start to his sophomore season in which he leads the league with six interceptions thrown. Check back for Richardson's final Week 5 status going into Sunday's game. The Colts will also be without star running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) this week.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Oct 4 12:40pm CT
Nick Chubb

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee) has officially been ruled out for the Week 5 contest versus the Washington Commanders as he continues to work his way back from a devastating left-knee injury he suffered in Week 2 of 2023. Chubb returned to practice for the first time this year on Wednesday and is being eased back into action. There really isn't a firm timetable for when the 28-year-old might make his 2024 debut, and the Browns could use the full 21-day window to make sure Chubb is fully up to speed before working him back into the backfield on game days. Fantasy managers should have Chubb stashed in all formats, but there's no guarantee he'll return for a Week 6 tilt against the Philadelphia Eagles. In the meantime, Jerome Ford will continue to operate as Cleveland's lead back, with D'Onta Foreman being sprinkled in as a change-of-pace option.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Oct 4 12:30pm CT
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (thigh) finds himself in the flex conversation once again in Week 5. Lockett has earned at least seven targets in three of four games this season and that volume will keep him fantasy relevant. Unfortunately, Lockett has only cleared 61 yards in one game. He also has yet to score a touchdown after scoring at an incredibly high clip earlier in his career. However, Lockett is still a trusted safety valve for quarterback Geno Smith and will see his fair share of targets even with the emergence of second-year wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Lockett enters a matchup with a New York Giants team that has lost several playmakers in the defensive backfield in recent years. The Seahawks should have no trouble moving up and down the field against this team which could give Lockett his first chance to score this season.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Oct 4 12:30pm CT
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (toe) continues to stay off the fantasy radar. After a big Week 3 in which Fant caught six passes for 60 yards, he was back to his usual two catches per game in Week 4. Fant is far from his days in Denver when he was a high-end fantasy starter. He is far more necessary to the Seahawks offense than he is to fantasy teams. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb focuses more on his talented group of wide receivers than Fant, and rightfully so. If you have an extra roster spot than Fant may be worth a stash, but you should not even think about starting him until he proves any kind of fantasy worth.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Oct 4 12:30pm CT
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is a solid play at quarterback in Week 5. He is coming off a game in which he threw for 395 yards and a touchdown. A late interception dampened the day, but the output was huge. Smith has thrown for exactly one touchdown in all four games this season. This Seahawks offense feels like it is on the cusp of an explosion which could come in Week 5. Smith should have a chance to finally break through with a multiple-touchdown game. He should also push for 250 or more passing yards. Smith has been serviceable all year which is evidenced by his current standing as the QB9 in fantasy. If you need a bye-week fill-in for Jalen Hurts or Jared Goff, or you have an underperforming starter such as Patrick Mahomes, then Smith is a fine option to deploy.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Hockenson Oct 4 12:30pm CT
T.J. Hockenson

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) was limited in his return to practice on Friday, but he has been ruled out for Week 5 against the New York Jets and will not come off the Physically Unable to Perform list just yet. The Vikings opened Hockenson's 21-day practice window on Friday, but he'll have to wait until at least Week 7 against the Detroit Lions -- the Vikings have their bye in Week 6 -- before potentially making his 2024 debut. We'll have a better idea in a few weeks of whether the 27-year-old will be able to return in Week 7 by his practice participation. Hockenson deserves to be stashed in all fantasy formats and should have TE1 utility when he's back in a Vikings offense that has looked great under quarterback Sam Darnold so far in 2024. Until Hockenson returns, fantasy managers can continue to ignore Johnny Mundt.

From RotoBaller

Jason Myers Oct 4 12:30pm CT
Jason Myers

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers had a tough day in Week 4 against the Detroit Lions. Myers missed a long field of 62 yards at the end of the first half and only kicked three extra points to make up for it. It is not every day that kickers attempt career long field goals at the end of the half, so Myers' dud is unlikely to be a trend. Myers should continue his accurate kicking spree in Week 5. Additionally, the Seahawks D/ST should be in plenty of scoring positions all day. Do not be surprised if Myers delivers two to three field goals and two to three extra points. That should be enough for another double-digit fantasy day.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Oct 4 12:30pm CT
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been a two-faced player in 2024. He has two games with 12 or more targets with 13.1 fantasy points in each of those games. He also has two games with three or less targets with 6.9 or less fantasy points in each of those games. His inconsistency makes him difficult to trust but his talent is intriguing. The Seahawks have made it clear that they would like Smith-Njigba to touch the ball far more than he did in 2023. However, whether or not it is by design, the team has not been able to consistently scheme plays for Smith-Njigba. He has a chance to shine against a middle-of-the-road New York Giants defense in Week 5. He should be a flex-play with upside but do not be surprised if he delivers another dud performance.

From RotoBaller

Zach Charbonnet Oct 4 12:30pm CT
Zach Charbonnet

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet finds himself in a secondary role to Kenneth Walker III (oblique) once again. Upon Walker's return from injury in Week 5, Charbonnet was out-touched 16 to seven. With their actions, the Seahawks have made it clear that they heavily prefer Walker over Charbonnet. Charbonnet did see a 42% snap share to Walker's 59%. However, the Seahawks clearly would like Walker to have the ball in his hands over Charbonnet. What is more, five of Charbonnet's touches in Week 4 were receptions on a day in which quarterback Geno Smith threw the ball 56 times. That type of volume will not be available to Charbonnet in every game. He is worth a roster spot, but he is merely a hand cuff for Walker until proven otherwise.

From RotoBaller

Brian Robinson Jr. Oct 4 12:20pm CT
Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said that running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) is "trending in the right direction" to play in Week 5 against the Cleveland Browns despite not practicing on Wednesday or Thursday. Robinson returned to practice on Friday, although his status for Sunday's contest could come down to a game-time decision. Fantasy managers should expect him to be listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report. With Austin Ekeler (concussion) returning to action in Week 5 after sitting out the Week 4 win over the Arizona Cardinals, B-Rob won't have nearly as much upside as he did heading into last week's game with Ekeler ruled out. If the 25-year-old were to be ruled out, Jeremy McNichols, who had two rushing touchdowns last week, would split backfield touches with Ekeler. If B-Rob is active, he'll be an RB2 for fantasy managers against Cleveland.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Oct 4 12:20pm CT
Malik Nabers

The Seattle Seahawks defense/special teams is headed into a matchup against the New York Giants in Week 5. The Giants will be playing without star rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (concussion) who has meant everything to this offense. Running back Devin Singletary (groin) may not play in this game either, however, he did manage to return to practice on Friday. Without either of those players, the Giants are left with very little playmakers on offense and a shaky offensive line. The revamped Seahawks defensive front should have a field day getting to quarterback Daniel Jones in this game. As such, they should have plenty of sacks and could force several turnovers as a result of the pressure. While this squad was annihilated by the Detroit Lions in Week 4, they should absolutely be in your lineup in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Oct 4 12:20pm CT
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) is coming off a huge three-touchdown performance against the Detroit Lions in Week 4. What is even more impressive is that Walker had not played in two weeks and immediately regained his starting job as a workhorse running back. This coaching regime loves Walker, and his stronghold over his workload will continue as long as he is healthy. The Giants are No. 14 against opposing running backs in fantasy. As such, Walker should feast in a game that the Seahawks should win handily. Fire Walker up as an RB1 in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Taylor Oct 4 12:20pm CT
Jonathan Taylor

The Indianapolis Colts officially ruled out running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) for the Week 5 game this weekend against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Things were trending this way after Taylor suffered what was described as a minor right high-ankle sprain in the Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 25-year-old isn't going on Injured Reserve but he's out for this week and could be up in the air to face the division-rival Tennessee Titans in Week 6. It's a big blow for Indy's offense, which could also be without quarterback Anthony Richardson (abdomen, oblique) against Jacksonville. With Taylor out, Trey Sermon is expected to be the Colts' primary back in Week 5, giving him RB2/3 plug-and-play fantasy appeal off the waiver wire if you have Taylor or are desperate for some RB help this week. In addition to Sermon having a bigger role, Tyler Goodson will also see more work as the backup.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Oct 4 12:20pm CT
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (hand) has been nothing short of excellent in 2024. Metcalf has 24 receptions for 366 yards and two touchdowns this season. He has dominated three weeks in a row with over 100 receiving yards. The New York Giants are the No. 14 team against opposing wide receivers but there is no one on their defense who should scare you away from Metcalf at home. It is noteworthy that Metcalf is nursing a hand injury. He was able to practice fully on Wednesday but was downgraded to limited on Thursday. Metcalf's practice participation will need to be closely monitored as we head into the weekend. However, if Metcalf plays then he will be a no-brainer starter in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Oct 4 12:10pm CT
Diontae Johnson

As expected, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) was removed from the final Week 5 injury report on Friday after he put in a second straight limited practice. Johnson was given a DNP in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, but the Panthers all along expected him to play this Sunday against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The 28-year-old needs to be locked into all starting fantasy lineups despite the tough matchup against Chicago's defense on the road. In two games since quarterback Andy Dalton took over for Bryce Young under center, Johnson has caught 15 of his 27 targets for 205 yards and two touchdowns. High volume should be expected yet again with Adam Thielen (hamstring) still on Injured Reserve.

From RotoBaller

Miles Sanders Oct 4 12:10pm CT
Miles Sanders

Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (illness) missed some practice time this week while being under the weather, but he was removed from the final Week 5 injury report on Friday and will suit up on Sunday at Soldier Field to face the Chicago Bears. The 27-year-old was able to practice in full on Friday after missing the sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. Especially against a stout defense on the road, fantasy managers should have better flex options at the RB position than Sanders in Week 5. Through the first four weeks as the backup to starter Chuba Hubbard, Sanders has 25 carries for 91 yards (3.6 yards per carry) and has found the end zone once, adding eight catches for 32 yards. His fantasy stock is going to plummet even further once rookie RB Jonathon Brooks (knee) comes off the Non-Football Injury list soon to make his NFL debut.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Oct 4 12:00pm CT
Justin Fields

The Dallas Cowboys' defense has had a very up-and-down season through the first month. They looked like the unit we were all used to a season ago in Week 1 against Cleveland, but quickly fell off a cliff for Weeks 2 and 3. Week 4 against the Giants was no tough test, and now Dallas will face a conservative Pittsburgh Steelers offense in Week 5. Quarterback Justin Fields has been on a hot streak, accounting for six touchdowns and one turnover in the past three games. There are better streaming options available this week. Dallas is a fringe startable unit, but check free agency first for a better option against a weaker offensive unit.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Oct 4 11:50am CT
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson has been one of the few consistent tight end options this season. With Brandin Cooks (knee) ruled out for Sunday night's game in Pittsburgh, Ferguson should figure to see a consistent target share again. Ferguson has seen 21.6% of passes come his way when in the lineup this season, accounting for the second-highest percentage of targets on the team behind only CeeDee Lamb. The 25-year-old should be thrown into lineups this weekend in all formats despite going up against a tough Pittsburgh secondary. Dallas has leaned on the passing game and should continue to do so in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aubrey Oct 4 11:50am CT
Brandon Aubrey

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey has been the top option at his position this season. The Cowboys play in Pittsburgh on Sunday night in what could be a lower-scoring game. Despite the tough matchup, Aubrey should remain in all lineups. The number one kicker in fantasy cannot be cut from rosters, forcing him into lineups in a tough matchup. Downgrade expectations for Aubrey this week, although he still remains a top-three option at the position.

From RotoBaller

Noah Brown Oct 4 11:50am CT
Noah Brown

Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (groin) was ruled out for Sunday's game, according to JP Finlay of 1067 The Fan. Brown participated in Wednesday's practice in a limited fashion but was unable to practice on Thursday, which suggests the injury was more severe than previously expected. The 28-year-old has begun to emerge as the No.2 wideout opposite of Terry McLaurin, as he has caught three passes in every game and saw a season-high four targets last week. Through this stretch, Brown has averaged 37 yards each game. Fantasy managers should expect Terry McLaurin, tight end Zach Ertz, and running back Austin Ekeler to see a slight uptick in targets with Brown sitting out. Third-round pick Luke McCaffrey could also see an increase in playing time along with Olamide Zaccheaus and Dyami Brown and are worth a look as a flex option in 14+ team leagues.

From RotoBaller