Guest of the League
Best Ball SCOUT 248
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

Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 4

Player Notes
Bo Nix Sep 28 9:20am CT
Bo Nix

Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix had the best game of his young career in leading the Broncos to their first win of the season in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Nix completed a season-high 69.4% of his passes for 216 yards and didn't throw a pick after throwing four in his first two games. He also ran nine times for 47 yards and a touchdown. It represented progress for the 12th overall pick, mainly because he didn't turn the ball over and wasn't sacked at all. But the 24-year-old averaged only 6.0 yards per attempt and has yet to throw a TD pass through his first three games. It wouldn't be a surprise at all to see Nix take a step back in Week 4 on the road against a New York Jets defense that is allowing 12.4 fantasy points to QBs (lowest in the league) through three weeks. The Jets also allow the eighth fewest points per game. Nix is a QB3 in fantasy in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Kendre Miller Sep 28 8:30am CT
Kendre Miller

New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (hamstring) is expected to return to practice next week, according to insider Nick Underhill. As soon as Miller is eligible to return from injured reserve, Miller will return to practice and be re-evaluated ahead of his eventual activation. As of now, it sounds very possible that Miller could be activated from injured reserve prior to the Saints' Week 5 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The second-year running back has reportedly made a full recovery from the injury that had impacted him since Day 1 of training camp. We've previously heard that Miller hadn't quite earned the favor of head coach Dennis Allen yet, but he'll get another chance to prove himself when he hits the practice field next week. Miller figures to operate as the Saints' No. 3 running back behind Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams when he returns, but there's always a chance he could push for the backup job over Williams.

From RotoBaller

Marshawn Kneeland Sep 28 8:20am CT
Marshawn Kneeland

Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) is expected to miss at least four weeks after being diagnosed with a mid-foot sprain, making him a prime candidate to be placed on injured reserve, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Head coach Mike McCarthy said that Lawrence's injury is even worse than Micah Parsons' high-ankle sprain. Lawrence has been productive throughout four games this year, registering 14 tackles, three sacks, and one forced fumble. Chauncey Golston and Marshawn Kneeland should see an uptick in snaps on the defensive line until Lawrence is healthy enough to return to the fold.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Sep 28 5:10am CT
C.J. Stroud

The Jacksonville Jaguars defense/special teams unit is one of the lowest-ranked options in Week 4 against the Houston Texans. The Texans will be missing Tank Dell and potentially Joe Mixon, but despite that, they still have plenty of weapons to cause problems for the Jaguars defense with C.J. Stroud throwing to Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs. Also, the Jaguars defense has not been great so far, forcing zero turnovers and scoring zero touchdowns. They also are coming off a 47-10 smackdown against the Buffalo Bills where they scored negative fantasy points. The only thing the defense really has going for them is the pass rush, but they didn't even register a sack against the Bills. While the Buffalo offense is one of the best in the NFL, it is discouraging for fantasy managers to see that bad of a performance from an NFL defense. Unless the Jaguars D/ST somehow scores a touchdown, they could be in for a second straight negative fantasy performance in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Sep 28 4:30am CT
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore is a solid WR2 option this week against the vulnerable Los Angeles Rams secondary. Moore has seen consistent target numbers in his last three games, recording eight, ten, and ten targets. This reliable production is crucial for building chemistry with a rookie quarterback. While he has scored double-digit fantasy points in every game, he has yet to have a breakout performance or find the end zone. Interestingly, Rome Odunze became the first Bears receiver to surpass 100 yards in a game and score a touchdown. This week, the Bears may have a full complement of receivers for the first time since Week 1, as veteran Keenan Allen (heel) is listed as questionable. After being limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, Allen returned to full practice on Friday, suggesting he might be ready to play. While the Bears will likely integrate all three receivers into their game plan upon Allen's return, this could dilute their target shares. Nevertheless, the matchup against the Rams looks promising, as they have allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts and were notably exploited last week by Jauan Jennings. Overall, the Rams have given the most PPR points to perimeter receivers. Whether or not Allen plays, Moore deserves a spot in fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

Cole Kmet Sep 28 4:30am CT
Cole Kmet

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet is a recommended starter this week, thanks to a favorable matchup against a struggling Los Angeles Rams secondary. The Rams allow a league-high 11.53 yards per target and a 93.3% catch rate to opposing tight ends this season. In Week 3, with Keenan Allen (heel) sidelined, Kmet had one of his best performances, tying his career-high in receptions and narrowly missing a second 100-yard game. After starting the season behind Gerald Everett, Kmet has out-snapped him in the last two games, although he still isn't on the field as frequently as last year. If Allen cannot play or is less than fully healthy in Week 4, Kmet should have ample opportunities against a Rams defense that struggles to cover the middle of the field. The Bears could have a full array of weapons for the first time since Week 1, as Allen is listed as questionable. After being limited in practice earlier in the week, he returned to full practice on Friday, which could impact Kmet's target share. The Rams have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game and the fourth-most receiving yards to tight ends. Start Kmet as a low-end TE1 this week, and I hope his breakout continues.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Sep 28 4:30am CT
Matthew Stafford

The Chicago Bears defense and special teams aim to build on their recent improvements against the Los Angeles Rams this week. The Rams arrived in Chicago with a roster plagued by injuries, including star receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp and several other key players sidelined. Despite the shifting pieces, Matthew Stafford remains versatile and smart in his play. The Bears' strong secondary will face a challenge, as the Rams are likely to take deep shots, so maintaining discipline in coverage will be crucial to prevent big plays. Fourth-year wideout Tutu Atwell emerged as Stafford's go-to target in their victory over the 49ers last week, recording four catches for 93 yards. Additionally, the Bears have struggled against workhorse running backs this season, and they will face another strong rusher in Kyren Williams. Williams is essential to the Rams' offensive success, and containing him will be key to the Bears' chances of winning in Week 4. Unfortunately, such a formidable Bears defense must contend with a struggling offense, but that's the reality for Chicago this season. Start the Bears' defense this week, hoping they can contain Williams and force Stafford into mistakes.

From RotoBaller

Cairo Santos Sep 28 4:30am CT
Cairo Santos

Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos is a solid fantasy starter for Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams. In the Bears' 21-16 loss to the Colts, Santos made one of two field-goal attempts. After a strong season opener where he scored 10 points, his production has dipped to seven and four points in the following weeks. While the Bears have faced offensive struggles, they have improved since the opener. Crucially for Santos, the Rams' injury issues may hinder their ability to sustain drives, potentially giving the Bears more scoring opportunities. Notably, four of Santos' six field goals this season have been from 50 yards or longer, showcasing his reliability from distance. However, given the Bears' offensive inconsistencies, Santos is likely to remain a low-end fantasy option on a weekly basis.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Sep 28 4:20am CT
D'Andre Swift

The Chicago Bears' running back, D'Andre Swift, is a borderline RB3 for Sunday's matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, which offers a favorable opportunity. Swift has expressed his frustration with the Bears' struggling run game, stating, "It's high," after a Week 3 loss to the Colts. Last week, he saw a season-low 53% of the snaps, managing just 15 touches for a modest total of 42 yards. With backups Roschon Johnson and Khalil Herbert getting more playing time, it is getting harder to keep starting Swift. With the Bears ranking 31st in yards per game and yards per attempt, there's nowhere to go but up. Swift is averaging only 1.8 yards per carry and 1.7 yards after contact, highlighting the difficulties faced by both him and the offensive line this season. However, Sunday's game against a Rams defense that ranks 25th against the run could be a turning point. The Bears missed a chance for a breakout performance against the Colts, raising concerns about Shane Waldron's run scheme and its adaptability to the players available. Given that the Rams are a favorable matchup for running backs, Swift has the potential to emerge from his slump and provide flex-level production. The Rams have the fourth-lowest stuff rate, allow the 12th-highest yards after contact per attempt, and rank among the top for rushing success rate and total rushing yards allowed. Fantasy managers in 12-team leagues or larger can approach this matchup with cautious optimism.

From RotoBaller

Roschon Johnson Sep 28 4:20am CT
Roschon Johnson

The Chicago Bears' running back Roschon Johnson is poised for increased usage in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams. Reports indicate that the Bears want more opportunities for their young back, especially as starter D'Andre Swift has struggled. In recent games, the Bears have experimented with different carry splits among Swift, Khalil Herbert, and Johnson. Given their current ranking of 31st in both yards per game and yards per attempt, there's nowhere to go but up. Sunday's matchup against a Rams run defense that ranks 25th could be the perfect chance for improvement. The Bears missed a good opportunity in Week 3 against a vulnerable Colts defense, raising concerns about Shane Waldron's run scheme and its adaptability to the available talent. Johnson showed promise in Week 3, averaging 3.5 yards per carry with a more physical running style. While Swift led in rushing plays with a 56% snap rate, Johnson carved out a role on passing downs, taking 51% of the snaps compared to Swift's 42%. Johnson also outperformed Swift in the red zone, logging a 47% snap rate versus Swift's 29%. For fantasy managers needing a dart throw at running back, Johnson's recent usage and anticipated uptick in touches make him an intriguing option this week.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Sep 28 4:10am CT
Caleb Williams

This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams presents a high-risk, high-reward option against the Los Angeles Rams. Both teams come into the game with 1-2 records, eager to avoid falling to 1-3. Last week, Williams delivered his best performance yet, throwing 52 passes and completing 33 for 363 yards, along with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He has shown steady improvement each week, and facing a struggling Rams defense, he's poised to have his strongest outing of the season. The Rams have allowed the highest yards per pass attempt in the league, making this matchup particularly favorable for Williams and the Bears. Comparatively, the Titans, Texans, and Colts rank 11th, 14th, and 16th in expected points allowed, while the Rams sit at 31st. With the potential for more scoring, it's worth noting that Brock Purdy threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns against the Rams just last week, following Kyler Murray's 266 yards and three scores the week before. Additionally, Williams might get back his security blanket, Keenan Allen (heel), who has missed the last two games due to plantar fasciitis. While Williams has a friendly schedule ahead, he remains a streaming option until he demonstrates more consistency.

From RotoBaller

Carl Granderson Sep 28 3:40am CT
Carl Granderson

The New Orleans Saints D/ST has gotten off to an impressive start in 2024. They have held each of their first three opponents to less than 20 points and have allowed the sixth-fewest points (44) to date. The team also boasts the second-most total takeaways (seven) and ranks in the top ten in sacks. In Week 4 they will go up against the Atlanta Falcons who have done well to keep quarterback Kirk Cousins safe but recently lost starting linemen Drew Dalman (ankle) and Kaleb McGary (knee) to injury. That puts edge rusher Carl Granderson in a good spot to add to the four sacks he has already recorded this season. Fantasy managers wondering where to turn to fill their D/ST slot in Week 4 could do a lot worse than New Orleans.

From RotoBaller

Jamaal Williams Sep 28 3:30am CT
Jamaal Williams

New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams could be in line for improved production in Week 4. Over the first three weeks of the season, he has not had much to offer from a fantasy standpoint with the Saints dedicated to force-feeding Alvin Kamara (hip/ribs). Kamara popped up on the injury report this week, though, and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. If Kamara ends up getting a week off then Williams will soak up much of that work but would face some competition from a now-healthy Taysom Hill (chest). Williams played in three of the four games Kamara missed in 2023 and logged 41 rushing attempts for 100 yards, and a touchdown on the ground, and nine catches for 28 receiving yards. Modest totals for sure, but this year's version of the Saints offense has been far more dynamic with new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak in charge. Fantasy managers desperate for running back help should monitor pre-game injury reports and only plug Williams into lineups if Kamara is ruled out.

From RotoBaller

Rashid Shaheed Sep 28 3:30am CT
Rashid Shaheed

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed was a main contributor to the team's 91-point explosion over the first two weeks of 2024. Week 3 was an absolute dud, though, as he came up empty on his five targets against the Eagles. In Week 4, the Saints head to Atlanta to take on the Falcons in an NFC South matchup. The Falcons are allowing just 6.04 yards per pass attempt and have given up the fewest deep balls to opposing wide receivers in the league, which does not bode well for Shaheed. Furthermore, Shaheed usually thrives against zone defenses but Atlanta's ranks in the top 10 so far this year. Shaheed's prospects may get a boost depending on the health of fellow wideout Chris Olave (hamstring) who left Friday's practice early and is now listed as questionable. Shaheed would benefit from an uptick in targets if Olave is absent, but otherwise should not be counted on for a boom game in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Taysom Hill Sep 28 3:30am CT
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints utilityman Taysom Hill (chest) is ready to get back to action in Week 4. The notorious jack of all trades missed the Saints' previous outing against the Eagles while dealing with a chest injury suffered in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. Hill was mostly left out of the Saints' prolific offensive output in their first two games of 2024, getting a total of 10 touches and 55 scrimmage yards but that might change when the team takes on the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. With running back Alvin Kamara (hips/ribs) limited in practice all week and wide receiver Chris Olave (hamstring) added to the injury report on Friday, Hill may be in line for his first big game of 2024. The boom-or-bust cycle of Hill's career skews towards the latter but given the health of his teammates, his versatility, and the overall production (or lack thereof) at tight end league-wide, Hill might be a risk worth taking at tight end in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Blake Grupe Sep 28 3:30am CT
Blake Grupe

New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe hit field goals from 34 and 38 yards out in Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles. His second professional season started with a bang in Week 1 when he converted five extra points and had four field goals (including two from over 50 yards away). The two games since produced more modest results, with scores of eight and six fantasy points. In Week 4 he has a good chance of turning in another double-digit effort against the Atlanta Falcons, who have allowed the most fantasy points to kickers thus far in the new season. Fantasy managers looking for options in Week 4 can plug Grupe in with confidence.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Sep 28 3:20am CT
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (groin) popped up on the team's injury report for Week 4, though he was a full participant in practices this week and carries no injury designation going into his next game. After scoring six total touchdowns (five passing, one rushing) in the Saints' back-to-back blowouts to start the season, Carr failed to crack double digits in fantasy points in Week 3. In Week 4, the Saints face the Atlanta Falcons who have allowed a paltry 6.04 yards per attempt to opposing quarterbacks thus far in 2024. Carr has the additional challenge of missing his starting center, Erik McCoy (groin), and possibly Chris Olave (hamstring) who left Friday's practice early and is questionable for the NFC South matchup. Carr might still be a play in two-quarterback formats but in most leagues, streamers should avoid him in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Watt Sep 28 2:10am CT
T.J. Watt

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been stout defensively this season, surrendering the fewest yards and points per contest in the NFL. They are primed for further success at home against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4. Although Indianapolis' offense has scored a respectable amount of points through three weeks, Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson currently leads the league in interceptions thrown. If running back Jonathan Taylor struggles against a Steelers defense allowing the second-fewest rushing yards per game, Richardson could be forced to throw the ball while dealing with immense pressure from DPOY favorite T.J. Watt. Fantasy managers should lock Pittsburgh's DST into lineups of all shapes and sizes on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Chris Boswell Sep 28 2:00am CT
Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell has been very productive to start the 2024 campaign and will look to keep rolling against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4. While Pittsburgh's offense is not necessarily firing on all cylinders, the Steelers' defense has been dominant, often leaving the offense little work to do to get within Boswell's range. He may not offer the same weekly upside as a kicker on a team with a more potent offense, but Boswell is about as steady as they come. For what it's worth, the Colts are tied for the fifth-most fantasy points per game allowed to kickers this season, and with Indianapolis giving up the second-most offensive yards in the league, fantasy managers can start Boswell with confidence on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Isaac Guerendo Sep 28 2:00am CT
Isaac Guerendo

San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo will look to build on a modest increase in usage in Week 4 when the team hosts the New England Patriots. Last week against the Rams in Los Angeles, Guerendo took five carries for 19 yards and zero passing targets. The fourth-round pick saw his offensive snap count grow to 10 after combining for four total in his first two games. It's very unlikely that Guerendo will become usable for fantasy players in mainstream leagues without an injury to Mason, given head coach Kyle Shanahan's tendency to use his main back as a bell cow. In Week 4 Guerendo should remain on fantasy benches. However, he represents nearly as good an injury stash as any in the league, so managers who can afford to hold, should.

From RotoBaller